Oklahoma Magazine August 2019 by Oklahoma Magazine

AUGUST 2019

Tribal Impact

Native Americans

changing the game

A Tour of

HIGHER

Plus

ARTS

PREVIEW

EDUCATION Diversity, evolution, innovation OUTSTANDING

SENIORS

Adult Eating Disorders Program offers real hope and real results.

The first thing Dr. Katherine Godwin wants people with eating disorders to know is that there is hope. “At Laureate, we believe recovery is possible, and we see it again and again,” said Dr. Godwin. “Our goal is to get to know our patients as individuals, as members of their family and their community, and get them back to functioning in those roles.” As a part of Saint Francis Health System, the Laureate Eating Disorders Program provides personalized treatment for adult and adolescent females. Offering acute, residential and outpatient care, the comprehensive program includes Magnolia House, a unique transitional living home that helps adults regain their independence and resume responsibilities at their own pace. “I love working with patients across all levels of care—acute, residential and partial residential,” she said. “We get to know them, and customize a treatment program that is just for them.” For more information on the Laureate Eating Disorders Program, please call 918-491-5775.

Katherine Godwin, M.D. MEDICAL DIRECTOR AND ATTENDING PHYSICIAN ADULT PROGRAM LAUREATE EATING DISORDERS PROGRAM

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Features AUGUST

2019 Oklahoma Magazine Vol. XXIII, No. 8

36 Oklahoma’s Tribal Impact

Some of our most celebrated public ﬁgures, creators, intellectuals and sports ﬁgures embrace their Native American heritage and bring their traditions to bear on making our world better through art, entertainment, service and philanthropy. In eight vignettes, we see how Native Americans from Oklahoma have made a positive, enduring impact on the world.

45 A Tour of Higher Education

The beauty of higher education lies in its diversity, evolution, innovation and technological advances. We run this gamut by looking at the value of small liberal-arts colleges; how some schools address the high percentage of students who need remediation; a movement to establish “common read” programs across campuses; the busting of the myth that university libraries are silent, staid environments; and how artiﬁcial intelligence improves the skills of students and teachers.

WANT SOME MORE?

Native Americans

changing the game

A Tour of

HIGHER

Plus

ARTS

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Read expanded articles and stories that don’t appear in the print edition. ON THE COVER:

Tribal Impact

PREVIEW

Visit us online. MORE ARTICLES

AUGUST 2019

Fourteen Oklahoma students represent the optimistic future of our state and beyond. This bunch includes an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an investor, a researcher and an adventurer. While their aspirations and goals are ambitious, they all connect their desires to improving the world one day at a time.

Arts Preview

AUGUST 2019

54 Destined for Distinction

60 EDUCATION

Diversity, evolution, innovation OUTSTANDING

SENIORS

CLOTHING DESIGNER, ACTOR AND MODEL JAKE TIGER OF THE SEMINOLE, OJIBWE AND SAC AND FOX NATIONS IS ONE OF EIGHT NATIVE AMERICANS PROFILED IN THE OKLAHOMA’S TRIBAL IMPACT FEATURE, STARTING ON PAGE 36. PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

MORE PHOTOS

View expanded Scene, Style, Taste and Entertainment galleries.

MORE EVENTS

The online calendar includes more Oklahoma events.

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Departments

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

11 State 14 15 16 18 20

For those in search of a thrill – or just something out of the ordinary – unique outdoor activities abound in Oklahoma.

Agritourism Activities People Sports Insider

23 Life and Style 24 28 30 31 32 34

Interiors A sleek, unfettered home in northwest Oklahoma City caters to the needs of a bustling family. Destinations Health Outside the Metro Style August is the perfect

time to spice up your school or work wardrobe.

Scene

67 Taste 68 70 71

Three sons and their father celebrate a half-century at Mondo’s Ristorante Italian with authentic cuisine and greetings.

Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits Two iconic

Tulsa eateries see major changes in 2019.

73 Where and When 74 78

Erin Clemons, from Lawton, plays a leading role in Hamilton, the smash Broadway musical coming to Tulsa this month.

In Tulsa/In OKC Film and Cinema

80 Closing Thoughts

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Oklahoma’s Premier Commercial Bank You might know us as Bank of Oklahoma or perhaps BOK Financial. Either way, we’re the premier commercial bank in Oklahoma and ready to serve you. Bank of Oklahoma, is part of BOK Financial, a top 25 U.S. Based Bank1, and we welcome you to experience the Bank of Oklahoma difference firsthand.

WE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO LEND WITH A FULL SUITE OF PRODUCTS You might be familiar with our everyday banking capabilities, but you can count on Bank of Oklahoma for your business needs as well. We deliver financial services like business loans, treasury services, investment management and wealth management and serve a wide variety of industries.

100 YEARS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES We trace our roots back to 1910 when Harry Sinclair and other noted oilmen founded Exchange National Bank of Tulsa during the oil boom. With more than a century of experience, we’re still helping businesses find the solutions they need to reach their goals and grow their businesses.

WE VALUE THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE Community is important to us and we continually give back to the communities we serve through grants, nonprofit partnerships, volunteerism, financial literacy tutoring and more. BOK Financial received an “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating in 2017 – the highest rating possible and only achieved by 8% of banks rated during that year.

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OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA™ PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

OKLAHOMA

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PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K . SCHUMAN

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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January, alongside the

WEDDING ISSUE of Oklahoma Magazine.

JOHN WOOLEY, TARA MALONE

GRAPHICS MANAGER MARK ALLEN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER GARRET T GREEN

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

NATALIE GREEN, BRENT FUCHS, NATHAN HARMON, JOSH NEW, SCOTT MILLER, DAN MORGAN, DAVID COBB, SCOTT JOHNSON

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Y EARS

Welcome to the August issue! We’ve got features galore for you this month, starting with the education spotlight, just in time for Oklahoma teachers, professors and students getting back to the grind. Explore a round-up of liberal arts schools in the area, the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom and new approaches for students in remediation, starting on page 45. Speaking of students, we’ve profiled 14 of them in our Outstanding Seniors feature (page 54). These young adults, now on their way to universities that include Ivy Leagues, the U.S. Military Academy and our top-tier in-state schools, represent the optimistic future of our state. August also brings with it our highlight of Native American tribes within Oklahoma (page 36). This year, we spotlight tribal members making a difference in their communities and beyond – from a chairman and health-care expert to an actor, designer and certain United States poet laureate. With September just around the corner, arts and entertainment companies are excited to premiere their 2019-2020 seasons. Whether you’re gunning to see a musical, art exhibition or symphonic showcase, we have it all listed for you in our Arts Preview, starting on page 60. Other treats this month include a story on unusual sports and activities to try (page 11); a profile on an LA-based writer and comedian with Oklahoma roots who pens gems for the big and small screen (page 16); and an update on two beloved Tulsa restaurants – Bill and Ruth’s and Queenie’s (page 71). Feel free to shoot me a line at editor@okmag.com. Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

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ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Adventure Awaits For those in search of a thrill – or just something out of the ordinary – unique outdoor activities abound in Oklahoma.

SCUBA DIVING AT BLUEWATER DIVERS TAKES PARTICIPANTS FROM POOLS TO OPEN WATERS AND IS A SPORT OPEN TO JUST ABOUT ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN.

PHOTO COURTESY BLUEWATER DIVERS

ayley Moser, manager at Sail Grand Waterfront in Afton, describes parasailing as “a unique combination of exhilaration and relaxation.” Allen Aboujeib, owner of Bluewater Divers in Norman, uses similar terms as he raves about scuba diving. Whether it’s a bucket-list item, a weekend adventure or a way to jazz up a vacation, Oklahoma offers a range of experiences that vendors and guides say are almost always more fun and less scary than visitors envision. Plus, most are available to nearly any age or

ability level. “Most of the time, people are surprised at how quiet and peaceful the ride is,” Moser says of parasailing. “Once a first-time flyer gets past the initial nervousness, they truly relax and take it all in.” Flyers are launched from the back of a boat and reach a height of about 300 feet with a parachute. “It provides a view of Grand Lake that is indescribable,” says Moser, who also enjoys the inclusiveness of the activity. “Our oldest flyer came on his 90th birthday a couple of years ago. We have also had several people with

disabilities ﬂy throughout the years.” Parasailers must be at least 5 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds to ﬂy solo, Moser says. Lighter-weight adventurers can go tandem with an adult. The season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursdays through Sundays. Rides are $75 each, or $125 for tandem passengers. For reservations, go to sailgrand.com or call 918-257-6000. Scuba diving, itself an adventure, is “incredibly relaxed, not competitive in any way,” Aboujeib says. “Couples can hold hands while they are exploring” beautiful sights underwater. AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State

at a time. It requires constant light kicking. If you use proper kicking techniques and invest in better fins, you are going to use less energy.” Bluewater Divers often leads newly certified divers on trips to the Caribbean or South Pacific. For those on a budget, several Oklahoma lakes are great for the sport. “Lake Tenkiller is a popular scuba diving park,” Aboujeib says. “It is one of the few freshwater lakes in the world that has freshwater jellyfish. It also has freshwater sponges.” Tanks, regulators and a buoyancy compensator “are necessary to explore the underwater world pretty much effortlessly,” Aboujeib says. “Everything is computerized now.” Bluewater’s beginner certification is offered year-round and costs less than $400. A full set of quality equipment costs about $1,000 or can be rented. Call 405-6314433 for information. “We sell lifestyle upgrades here,” Aboujeib says. “People who are overweight or their joints hurt, they feel completely weightless underwater. All the weight of the world is lifted off of you.” Spelunking might be a fun word to say, but wild caving is the term used by Nicole Denham, tour Aboujeib says he “kind of had to guide and naturalist at be talked into it” before he learned to Alabaster Caverns State scuba dive in his late 20s. Park outside Freedom. “I couldn’t believe I had been The park has four wild missing this my whole life,” he says. caves, which Denham “We hear that every single day – that says are primitive and people can’t believe what they had undeveloped, in addition been missing. They come back from to the main cave, which ABOVE: PARASAILING IS their first trip blown away.” EXHILARATING, RELAXING offers a guided walking Aboujeib says scuba certification AND OPEN TO ALMOST tour. includes fi ve hours of classroom ANYONE. PHOTO COURTESY SAIL GRAND The wild caves can be training, a weekend of instruction in WATERFRONT a swimming pool and a second week- explored by permit only, RIGHT: ALTHOUGH THERE ARE April 1 through Sept. MANY RULES TO PROTECT end in open water; 10 is the minimum 30, and for safety’s sake, PARTICIPANTS’ SAFETY, WILD age. CAVING PROVIDES RESPITE there’s a long list of rules. “Scuba diving is very easy,” FROM THE OKLAHOMA HEAT Each caver must wear AND THE ABILITY TO EXPLORE Aboujeib says. “There are very few PLACES MOST HAVE NOT GONE. people who can’t do it. For the most a hard hat (or bicycle PHOTO BY LORI DUCKWORTH/ part, divers are underwater for an hour helmet), long sleeves, OKLAHOMA TOURISM gloves, long pants and sturdy shoes, and carry three light sources, a first-aid kit and a water Free Spirit Balloons: Year-round hot air balloon rides in bottle. Elbow and knee Piedmont. Text 405-698-2350 or visit freespiritballoons.com. pads are recommended. iFLY Oklahoma City: Indoor sky diving. Call 405-300-4359 or “There are lots of tight visit iflyworld.com/oklahoma-city. spaces,” Denham says. Great Salt Plains State Park: Swim, trek, fish or dig for crystals outside Jet. Call 580-626-4731 or visit travelok.com/state-parks/3204. “Each cave will have wa-

OTHER ADVENTURES

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

ter. They are mostly crawling on their hands and knees. They might see bats, or a snake closer to the entrances.” Caving, Denham says, “is not a sport for everyone. You can’t be afraid of water or dark, tight spaces.” She says people like that they are going somewhere not many have been. The caves also offer respite from the summer heat with temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees. Alabaster is a compact form of gypsum, and the main cave, which Denham calls a show cave, is the only gypsum cave open for touring in the United States. It’s also the largest gypsum show cave in the world. Permits are $8 and all four caves can be explored in one day. It’s not recommended for children younger than 6. Call 580-621-3381 for information. KIMBERLY BURK

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The State AGRITOURISM

Gelatinous Sweetness

Generations come together to make jams, jellies, marmelades and preserves from the bounty of an Oklahoma summer.

PHOTOS COURTESY OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FORESTRY AGRITOURISM PROGRAM

ugust in brims with chances to pick your own fruit … and, as in generations past, to make your own jams, jellies, marmelades and preserves from summer’s bounty. Not everyone has a family member or friend versed in the art of jellymaking, but the agritourism program within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry can help people ﬁnd, pick and can fruit. Fruit and berries aren’t the only options; herbs, tea, wine, liqueurs, vegetables and ﬂowers can also be transformed into gelatinous goodness. Agritourism coordinator Michaela Danker, who works with wineries and farms across the state, says strawberry and blueberry seasons usually end by July, but harvests in and after August include grapes and peaches. (For instance, peaches usually last through early autumn at Livesay Orchards in Porter.) You can stock up on those fruits at farmers markets, pickyour-own fruit farms and wineries,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

many of which offer on-site canning lessons. The Jelly Making Trail map (at oklahomaagritourism.com/trails/jellymaking-trails) breaks the state into regions and offers harvest and class details. On the Sweet-n-Sticky Trail in Northeastern Oklahoma, you can head to the hamlet of Osage and ﬁnd Tchinina Rayburn and her family’s organic Three Fruits and a Veggie Farm, with its variety of heirloom vegetables and fruit, including elderberries, blackberries and oldfashioned currants. “We do the jam and jelly classes here at the farm and we produce it to sell as well,” Rayburn says. “We pick our own fruit, but, if not in season, we go to other Oklahoma farmers and make jelly from their fruits and give them credit as growers on our label.” Recent years have seen a resurgence in preserving food, especially jams and jellies, she says. “The age group with the most interest are the later millennials – people in their 30s and 40s,” Rayburn

says. “I think it’s because they remember their grandparents doing it. A lot of my generation, above age 40 … we went to work instead of preserving food. Now many people are wanting to reconnect with nature and their family history, and we teach them how to take food and preserve it and do it in a fun way.” Farms on the Jelly Making Trail offer a variety of features; the Rayburn farm has classrooms, a commercial kitchen and facilities for reunions and farm-to-table events, and campsites for visitors. “We encourage people to check out our demonstration plots so they can see how to grow food, how to pick the harvest in season,” Rayburn says. “We can show how to cook it or you can take it with you. We just love showing how to homestead and how some things last. “This is a family affair for us, as three generations live here, and we’re so blessed to share our focus on community, sustainability and health.” TRACY LEGRAND

mertime campers in Oklahoma find them in abundance. Repellent with at least 25 percent DEET (diethyltoluamide) is preferred, Creider says. As for camping gear, it’s best to be prepared, but not to go overboard, says Glen Brewington, a longtime camper and employee at Backwoods in Tulsa. “You need the basics like a tent and a sleeping bag, but you don’t really need a full-blown sleeping bag in the summer,” he says. “You can get away with a liner or 50or 55-degree rated bag. A lighter bag saves space.” Water filtration, including purificaACTIVITIES tion tablets and a hand-held pump, cleanses water from streams, rivers and lakes to make it suitable for human consumption. Brewington says having such a system is essential in the wildnerness. Three-season tents, rated for spring, summer and fall, are fine for Oklahoma’s climate, Brewington says. Hikers, climbers and campers braving the August heat Clothes also make a difference. should follow a few guidelines for optimum enjoyment. Cotton absorbs sweat, dries slowly trees more than 300 years old.” klahoma’s varied toand should be avoided. Synthetic Experiencing the outdoors safely pography lends itself fabrics that wick moisture away from to an array of outdoor requires planning. Adventurers must the skin are the best choices. activities, but it’s hard stay hydrated during these summerFootwear is another critical element. to get more primative time excursions; you should drink wa“Most of Oklahoma’s trails are ter hours before hikes and climbs, not pretty easy, so you don’t need heavythan simply throwing on a backpack, just during and after them. Campfires, duty boots,” Brewington says, “but outfitting yourself with only a tent stoked with native wood, should be and a few necessities, and hitting the it’s always a good idea to have a pair trail … or at least driving to one of the fully extinguished before leaving. of shoes or light boots that are broken many campgrounds through the state. “We request people use only wood in and you know fit. It’s no fun to get Summertime camping is a challenge purchased from the area where they’re out there and have blisters.” camping,” Creider says. “Wood purbecause of the heat, but, for those Brewington suggests bringing chased elsewhere can come from as far along lightweight creature comforts; willing to brave it, the satisfaction of away as China and can have invasive communing with nature awaits. collapsible stools and compact pillows insects that can devastate forests.” “A lot of people may not realize can make roughing it a little more He also advises keeping a clean the natural diversity we have in our pleasant. campsite to discourage insects and critstate,” says Tom Creider, an Okla“There are basics that you need and ters like raccoons and skunks. In some things you can add to bring a little homa State Parks program manager. parts of the state where black bears CANOEING AT GREENLEAF “We have so many different landbit of home with you, but the most STATE PARK CAN BE A scapes – Black Mesa in the Panhandle roam, food in a campsite is attractive, important thing is not to overdo it,” RELAXING PASTIME WHILE but ursine-human encounters are rare. to tall-grass prairies to the ancient Brewington says. CAMPING THIS SUMMER. Insects, however, are not. SumPHOTO BY JOSH NEW forests in eastern Oklahoma that have MATT PATTERSON

Into the Wild … with Caution

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The State PEOPLE

Longings from LA

Comedian Julia Wolov reflects on her upbringing in Tulsa and her successful writing and acting career in California.

JULIA WOLOV, A TULSA NATIVE, IS A SUCCESSFUL TELEVISION WRITER BASED IN LOS ANGELES. PHOTO COURTESY JULIA WOLOV

ne of Julia Wolov’s first childhood dreams was to become an Oral Roberts University cheerleader. By junior high, that dream was over. “I was too busy taking break-dancing lessons at the Jewish Community Center,” she says. What she has grown up to be is a successful comedy writer in Los Angeles for the past 19 years. As a kid, she had no idea that entertainment was an option. Around her senior year of college, Wolov thought about comedy as a real job but didn’t know how to get there. She figured she would start by taking a class at The Second City in Chicago, the legendary, 60-year-old organization with a comedy club, improvisation courses and a live theater. Like Joan Rivers, John Belushi and Gilda Radner before her, Wolov fell in love with improv and joined Second City’s touring troupe. During her time there, she met Dana Min Goodman, and the comedy duo was born. “It just snowballed from there. I’ve been working heterosexually with Dana for 24 years,” Wolov says with a laugh. “It’s the most successful relationship I’ve ever had.” Most recently, the pair wrote scripts for – and appeared in – a newly acclaimed comedy series, American Princess, airing on Lifetime. “It’s a really funny, raunchy, wild show about the Renaissance faire,” she says. “This is definitely not your mother’s Lifetime show.” Wolov and Goodman signed with Glass Literary Management in New York to write a book about their comedy experiences over the years. The scripts also keep coming non-stop. The roots of Wolov’s humor come from her own family, a logical extension of her upbringing in Tulsa. “They might not admit this, but my parents are really

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

funny,” she says. “They’re East Coast Jews, so it was always a kind of ﬁsh-out-of-water scenario.” Wolov, who attended Edison High School, says she was rarely able to skip class undetected. “For me, Tulsa always had a small-town feel to it. I remember you couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone you knew or who knew your parents,” she says. “So, if you were supposed to be in school, you better hide. It was hard to get away with anything.” Wolov enjoys returning home and is pleasantly surprised each time. “The city has grown so much. Downtown is, dare I say, cool. So much has changed,” she says. “My parents now live within walking distance to the Gathering Place, which is awesome. You can’t really even explain it. You just have to see it.” Life in LA ﬁts her, but Wolov says she misses a couple of Tulsa staples: QuikTrip and grilled cheese sandwiches from Queenie’s. “Oklahoma is such an easy-going place to live,” she says. “Of course, everyone is friendly. What do they have to be mad about? Well, I guess tornadoes.” KIM ARCHER

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SPORTS

Simply Unshakable

Owasso product Malik Milton gets praise from his NBA coach after splitting time between the top tier and the G-League.

MALIK MILTON PAUSES DURING A GAME AGAINST THE SACRAMENTO KINGS .

PHOTO COURTESY NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

hen Malik “Shake” Milton left Southern Methodist University for the NBA after his junior year, the Owasso High School graduate knew exactly what to expect. Selected in the second round of last year’s NBA Draft by Dallas, Milton, 22, was quickly traded to Philadelphia on draft night. Before the season, he signed a two-way contract, meaning he would play most of his rookie season in the second-tier G-League and could only spend a maximum of 45 days with the Sixers. In 27 games with the Delaware Blue Coats, Philadelphia’s afﬁliate in nearby Wilmington, Milton averaged 24.9 points (fourthbest in the GLeague), 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Milton also appeared in 20 games for the Sixers and averaged 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. “Yeah, I knew there would be a lot of ups and downs, and that’s kind of what it was,” Milton says. “But that makes the ups that much sweeter. Just being around good people and people who want to see you succeed as much as you want to succeed yourself has been a blessing.”

Despite playing a small number of NBA games as a rookie ineligible for the playoffs, Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown complimented Milton during the Sixers’ late-season trip to Dallas. “Unﬂappable,” Brown says. “The game comes easy [to him]. He’s not intimidated by the moment. He really can make plays and make shots.” Keeping an even keel is something Milton has excelled at since his days in Owasso and in his three seasons at SMU. This year, he stayed calm during commutes between Wilmington and Philadelphia because it’s a 45-minute drive … provided he hits the road at the right time of day. “Yeah, thankfully it wasn’t too far,” Milton says. “I know some teams [where] you have to get on a plane each time you want to go back and forth. It’s a smooth transition, and we kind of did the same things the Sixers were doing, even when we were down in the G-League. So that made it pretty easy.” Milton says people still give him the “Where’s that?” stare when he states that he hails from Owasso. After explaining his hometown is near Tulsa, the light bulb comes on. Milton found a taste of home during his trips back and forth between Philadelphia and Wilmington. “We’ve got this spot out there called Wings to Go, which I used to think was only in Owasso,” Milton says. “But what’s crazy enough is when I was in Delaware, they actually had a Wings to Go. I like it better than Wingstop.” Between the NBA Summer League and taking classes in Dallas, Milton has a busy off-season. However, he plans “on being back a little bit” for some rest and relaxation in Oklahoma. STEPHEN HUNT

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The State INSIDER

‘A Black Hole… in a Good Way’

The Red Dirt Rangers have endured for 31 years because of camaraderie and collaboration, typical of their musical genre.

THE CORE MEMBERS OF THE RED DIRT RANGERS ARE JOHN COOPER, BEN HAN AND BRAD PICCOLO, WHO HOLDS A PHOTO OF THE LATE BOB CHILDERS, THEIR MUSICAL ‘GODFATHER.’ PHOTO BY KELLY KERR

t happened in the early ’90s in an Oklahoma music store. John Cooper of the Red Dirt Rangers was chatting with the proprietor when the latter, who was both a musician and music historian, asked him how long the band had been together. “At that time, I think it was ﬁve or six years,” Cooper says. “And I said: ‘We’re having a great time. We’re going to keep this thing going for a long time.’ “He said: ‘Well, it won’t last that long. All bands break up.’ “‘Man,’ I said, ‘I don’t think ours will.’” A quarter of a century later, it hasn’t. Pioneers of the earthy, intelligent and unmistakably Oklahoman amalgam of country, blues, folk and rock ’n’ roll known as Red Dirt, mandolinist Cooper and two of the band’s other founding members, guitarists Ben Han and Brad Piccolo, have faced the vagaries of the music business together for more than three decades while traveling the country and playing from coast to coast – and occasionally beyond. In addition to dealing with the

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

sometimes jarring personnel changes one might expect in a group with this kind of longevity, Han, Piccolo and Cooper also suffered through a horrendous 2004 helicopter crash that injured them all and took the lives of the pilot and a fellow passenger. Add to that 30-plus years’ worth of the usual bedevilments all bands face, from broken promises of gigs to shifty venue owners, and the Red Dirt Rangers’ longevity becomes even more impressive. Surely, in all those years, especially given the ups and downs of making a living with music, there has to have been at least one or two times that the Rangers came close to disbanding. Hasn’t there? “Actually, no,” Piccolo says with a laugh. “I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m pretty sure no one has said, ‘Let’s throw in the towel.’ We’ve said, ‘Let’s take a little time off,’ but we’ve never uttered the word quitting. And that even melds over to our side guys. They’ve been with us for over a decade at the minimum. “There’s something that happens when people get into our thing. It’s sort of like a black hole – but in a good way.”

He laughs again. “It’s a good sort of black hole.” That spirit of camaraderie and collaboration – another characteristic of their musical genre – is why the Red Dirt Rangers became a band in the ﬁrst place. “The ﬁrst time we really made an appearance together was on the [Oklahoma State University] campus,” Piccolo says. “Bob Wiles and I signed up to do a talent show at a place called Aunt Molly’s Rent-Free Music House. It was an open-mic kind of thing at the student union. We invited Coop up, and he sang ‘Mannish Boy.’” That was in 1982, and the three, including guitarist-bassist Wiles, continued to play together regularly and informally. Meanwhile, at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Han had arrived to take a position as a cell photographer. In his native Borneo, he’d seen some success as a lead guitarist with a number of bands, and, thanks to a coworker, he was soon jamming with the folks who’d eventually coalesce into the Red Dirt Rangers. “I met a guy at the Health Sciences Center named Dave Clark,” Han says. “He played a little guitar, and he said, ‘I’ve got some friends I want you to meet. We hang out at college.’ I said, ‘Sure. I’d love to meet those guys.’” Cooper adds: “Dave was a guy we jammed with a lot and who was an early guy with the band and pre-band. They got to talking, Ben told him he played guitar, Dave told him we had a jam, and Ben showed up at my house in Oklahoma City. Even in a real informal setting, we immediately recognized Ben for the great talent he is and said, ‘Oh, boy – let’s play with

this guy.’” friends to this day. (Wiles now has It would still be another few the band Cowboy Jones.) years before the band played its Following Wiles’ departure, first official engagement. And Don Morris – a recording artist when the gig came, it was courand solo act in his own right – tesy of Red Dirt pioneer Jimmy came aboard to play bass and LaFave, who put together one of became the first of the “side guys” his musicians’ reunion shows at mentioned by Piccolo. For several Willie’s in Stillwater. years now, the other two sidemen “He came by, heard us, and playing with the Rangers have said, ‘You guys sound great. also been well-known veteran Come play,’” talents: Cooper says. “We’re having a great multi-in“And we were strumentaltime. We’re going to ist Randy like, ‘Nah, we don’t think we keep this thing going Crouch and want to do it.’ drumfor a long time.” But we did do mer Rick it, and it went Gomez. pretty well – as well as it could The Red Dirt Rangers continue for an eight-piece mariachi band to bring their music to the world that had never been on stage.” via recordings and personal That show was in fall 1987; the appearances. Their career has next March, the group played its amassed any number of memofirst-ever booking as the Red Dirt rable high spots, from playing in Rangers, appearing at the Paseo Switzerland or opening for Willie Arts Festival in Oklahoma City. Nelson to recording with Augie At that time, as Cooper’s mariachi Meyers (organist with the rock reference suggests, the group band the Sir Douglas Quintet – a included two accordion players. huge influence on the Rangers) or Early press releases describe their having the late studio whiz Steve repertoire as “folk-rock/Tex-Mex Ripley produce several of their music.” discs. (“He was our hero,” says As the band picked up steam, Piccolo of Ripley, their friend for changes affected its style and many years.) sound, beginning with the Cooper cites the band’s apdeparture of the accordionists. pearance at Buck Owens’ Crystal Other instruments and players Palace in Bakersfield, California, were added and subtracted, even as a personal highlight, while as the Rangers found themselves Piccolo mentions the Rangers’ recording albums full of original 2017 induction into the Oklahoma material and performing for an Music Hall of Fame. expanding market. As the ’90s For Han, the term high point rolled along and the demands of has a different meaning, one that the group began taking more time goes a long way toward explainand energy, Piccolo, Han, Cooper ing why the Rangers endure. and Wiles decided to become full“First and foremost, I think time musicians. friendship is the high point. “Back then,” Han says, “it was We’ve known each other so long, just music, music, music. Play they might as well issue a marthis. Play that. And sometimes riage certificate for the three of someone would ask, ‘What day is us,” says Han, laughing. “The first this? I can’t remember.’” 10 or 15 years we were playing He laughs. together, we saw each other a lot. “We were pretty much road And now that we’re not seeing warriors, and it was so good.” each other as much, the relationBut, as any working performer ship lingers. The less we see of can tell you, the road can be each other, the more we love each tough as well. In 2002, afflicted other. with both weariness and a case “For me right now, every time of carpal-tunnel syndrome so we go play music, every time we severe it required operations on do a gig, it’s the best day of my both hands, Wiles left the group. life.” The four have, however, remained JOHN WOOLEY 23871 Tulsa Symphony.indd 1

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Life & Style

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

Who Does It Be er?

White eggs and brown eggs ... what’s the difference?

any an eater has a preference when it comes to the color of eggs. Some claim brown eggs are more natural, or that white eggs taste better. The truth is the difference in hue doesn’t significantly affect what is actually eaten. Most eggs have roughly the same amount of calories (around 80), with similar vitamin and mineral contents; the color of the shell just reflects the breed of the hen. Elements that can affect the overall nutrition of eggs include the hen’s environment and diet. According to a 2014 study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, hens allowed to roam in sunshine produce three to four times more vitamin D in their eggs than hens raised in cramped coops. Another study by the same group in 2017 concluded that hens fed a diet rich in fat produced more flavorful eggs than those fed a low-fat diet. Proper storage of eggs is the final key to a delicious meal; keep them in a consistently cool place and eat them soon after buying or collecting. AUGUST 2019| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life & Style

LEFT: THE HOME MAKES A REGAL FIRST IMPRESSION. BEIGE STUCCO AND STONE ARE ACCENTED WITH WINDOWS TRIMMED IN BLACK. SPIRES ADD ANOTHER ELEGANT TOUCH.

INTERIORS

Worth the Wait

A sleek, unfettered home in northwest Oklahoma City caters to the needs of a bustling family.

By M.J. Van Deventer

t took time for architect Brian Jaggers and his clients to find just the right location in Oklahoma City to build a dream home. What the couple found in Cobblestone Park, the city’s upscale northwest district, is perfect for their lifestyle. “It took a year to find the property and a year to complete the design process,” Jaggers says. With a lake at the back of the property, the location, in a gated community, is ideal for the grand home that Jaggers designed. The home’s exterior exudes a formal, old world ambiance and a welcoming first impression for frequent guests. For contrast, the windows’ exteriors have black frames – a teaser for the pleasing surprises inside. The pastoral landscape is 8,900 square feet; the 5,700-square-foot, twostory home includes two garages. Stepping across the threshold, guests view a sweeping, dramatic entry. The staircase, which separates and leads to the home’s east and west wings, is elegant. A balcony overlooks the entrance and main living area. With three children, the couple have varied needs and wants, which Jaggers considered in his distinct design. The teenage daughter’s bedroom has a charming Juliet balcony; the teenage son’s room and bathroom have an

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

ABOVE: HIGH CEILINGS ADD TO THE DRAMATIC FIRST IMPRESSION TO THE HOMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIVING ROOM. THE RECURRING ARCHED THEME IS REFLECTED IN THE FIREPLACE, ENTERTAINMENT AREA AND THE DOORWAYS. FAR LEFT: THE ARCHED DOORWAYS LEADING INTO THE KITCHEN REPEAT THIS ARCHITECTURAL THEME FEATURED THROUGHOUT THE HOME. LEFT: THE UPSTAIRS BAR FOLLOWS THE GRAY, BLACK AND WHITE COLOR THEME, ESPECIALLY EVIDENT IN THE TILE. PHOTOS BY RYAN WELLS, FLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life & Style A PEACEFUL DESIGN STYLE IS EVIDENT IN THE MASTER BEDROOM, ON THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE HOME, ADJACENT TO THE POOL AND OUTDOOR LIVING AND ENTERTAINING AREAS.

ABOVE: THE MASTER BATHROOM FALLS IN LINE WITH THE SCHEME OF THE MASTER BEDROOM, WITH AN ALL-WHITE DESIGN AND A STREAMLINED, CALMING AMBIANCE. RIGHT: THE OUTDOOR LIVING AREA OVERLOOKS THE LAKE AND IS AS GRAND AS THE INTERIOR OF THE HOME. THIS AREA FEATURES AN INFINITYEDGE POOL, GENEROUS SEATING AND DINING AREAS AND A FULL KITCHEN.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

upbeat, contemporary vibe with quirky accents. The all-white master bedroom downstairs harbors a serene feeling and is adjacent to the luxurious outdoor living area and pool. Jaggers designed the home so the lake is visible from almost every room; three separate balconies, all designed for entertaining, are bonus features of an upper level that captures engaging sunrise and sunset vistas. The interior design is contemporary modern at its ﬁnest – sleek and unfettered, especially in the soft gray, black and white color palette evident throughout the home. Arches in doorways and other accents add a soft rhythm to the concept. The well-appointed outdoor area is perfect for watching nature. Ample poolside seating is comfortable and near a full outdoor kitchen and a ﬁre pit. The family can entertain in any season. The home caters to the children’s needs. Some parents may see the attic as unworthy of design time or money, but not in this case. Jaggers created a cozy, wood-lined loft where the children have their own area for entertaining. Jaggers says the parents often host a poolside gathering while the children engage their friends in their attic hideaway … or the adjacent theater, replete with authentic, reclining seating. Jaggers, who studied design at Oklahoma State University, treasures his experience from this project. “The owners love this house,” he says. “And it makes me feel good to help people bring their dreams to reality.” The best part, he says, is that he “became close friends with the family.” The homeowners, Salim and Asmita Panjwani, add, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

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Life & Style

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Ayuh, Get the Lobstah

Claw your way to the top of seafood fare when you’re in Maine … and take in some historic sites along the way.

et some fresh Maine lobster, straight from the cold waters of the North Atlantic, add melted butter and you have the recognized king of seafood. Just as we go to New Orleans for gumbo and Philadelphia for cheesesteak, it’s only right to go to Maine for lobster. And when GetMaineLobster.com offers a tour of Portland and its environs at a good price, you grab it with both claws.

Portland

During most of the year, half a million hearty souls call greater Portland home. In the summer, that number doubles because the weather is delightful; the city is clean and litter-free; the people are friendly; the scenery is charmingly picturesque; and the lighthouses are iconic – particularly wind-swept Portland Head with its whitewashed tower and red-roofed residence, ﬁve miles southeast on Casco Bay. Portland has its own brand of hospitality, offered by residents who have survived the long, cold winter and are eager to pull out all the stops to welcome visitors. Then there’s the food. Restaurants don’t make it in Portland if they’re not good, and Becky’s Diner, J’s Oyster, the Highroller, Scales and the Saltwater Grille are excellent. Most eateries feature seafood, but a multitude of other cuisines can be found. Two joints are noteworthy. Allagash Brewing Co., whose Belgian-inspired wheat beer (the White) is outstanding, has a food truck serving some of the best lobster rolls in town. Outdoor picnic tables, surrounded by

ABOVE: THE PORTLAND HEAD LIGHTHOUSE CONTRASTS THE BLUE OCEAN AND SKY. FAR LEFT: ALWAYS TREAT YOURSELF TO LOBSTER WHEN YOU’RE IN MAINE. LEFT: KAYAKERS NAVIGATE THE WHITEWATER THROUGH TOWN. PHOTOS COURTESY VISITPORTLAND.COM

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

a deep forest, add to the ambiance. The other, the Lobster Shack at Two Lights (lighthouse), is a quick drive southeast of Portland on Cape Elizabeth, about as lovely a spot as you can ﬁnd, right on the rocks by the ocean and enhanced by crashing waves, oysters, chowders, wild-caught ﬁsh and, of course, lobster. A tangential note about these redshelled beauties – almost unbelievably, in colonial days, lobsters were so plentiful that they were fed to livestock.

History

Much of Portland’s history is a product of folks falling in love. Take Capt. George Tate. In the 18th century, he, his wife and their four sons left south London and settled in Portland to build ship masts for the British navy. Tall, straight trees were felled, stripped, rolled down to the bay and shipped to England. The George Tate House, now a National Historic Landmark, is filled with the furnishings, knickknacks and architecture of a wealthy family in 1755, including a large, brick walk-in oven. Across town is the brownstone Victoria Mansion, built in 1860 by Olive and Ruggles Morse, a hotelier. The name is a nod to Queen Victoria and the Italian villa-style home is one of the finest examples of preCivil War grandeur in the United States. Its opulent interiors are wholly intact, with gold leaf, intricate detail, elegantly painted walls and ceilings, ornamental plasterwork, stained glass and carved-marble fireplaces. As with the Tate House, tours are available. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, north of Portland, is a testament to the allure of the sea. It details early ship-building along the ocean-bound Kennebec River when ships were made of wood and carried as many as six masts. If time permits, a 20-minute jaunt north to Freeport is well worth the trip for extraordinary shopping, anchored by the flagship, multi-store complex of L.L. Bean, which never closes. Stay at the Press Hotel in the cobblestoned Old Port District downtown, home of the Portland Press Herald for 87 years until it was converted into an exceptional boutique hotel in 2015. Another good choice is Embassy Suites near the airport.

ABOVE: THE OLD FORT GORGES IS ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT IN LUCKSE SOUND. PHOTO COURTESY VISITPORTLAND.COM

LEFT: A FISHING BOAT DOCKS AT THE PORTLAND HARBOR. PHOTO COURTESY COREY TEMPLETON

BELOW LEFT: A STATUE MEMORIALIZES THE FAMOUS POET HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW, A PORTLAND NATIVE. PHOTO COURTESY VISITPORTLAND.COM

BELOW RIGHT: L.L. BEAN IN FREEPORT HAS AN AQUARIUM. PHOTO COURTESY VISITPORTLAND.COM

CHUCK MAI

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life & Style H E A LT H

Coping with ‘Stress Eating’

“Food is intended to be comforting and to make us feel good,” says Gish, who adds that the hormones the body releases during Food isn’t the problem since humans naturally want to eat when stress can stimulate one’s appetite. they feel pressure, so addressing underlying issues is key. “This makes sense hen emotion- because stress burns a lot of energy, so grabbing a snack in the middle of ally taxing or after a stressful situation is probsituations ably exactly what your body needs at arise, many that time.” people may Karen Massey, a community nutribury their strong feelings in pints of ice cream or mounds of mashed pota- tion dietitian for INTEGRIS Health, says stressful situations can lead toes. This practice, while comforting people to eat too much or too little … in the moment, is often blamed for and a variety of feelings are tied to health and weight problems. what we ingest. However, the actual issues associ“Feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, ated with “stress eating” are much more nuanced than labeling a habit as anxiety and even happiness may play simply good or bad. Many a strict diet a role in food choices,” she says. Regardless, stress eating gets a bad plan has been derailed by a stressrap. Plenty of people struggle with ful day, but the way our feelings and overall health, weight, blood pressure eating interact is not in and of itself and other vital statistics because of a negative situation, according to over-eating and poor food choices. experts. While other factors may exist, many Claire Gish, manager of nutrition therapy for the Laureate Eating Disor- chalk up their bad nutrition to stressders Program within the Saint Francis ors in their lives. But when it’s boiled down, food itself is not the enemy. Health System, says turning to food “Food and eating are never dangerfor comfort is a completely human ous or the problem, and should never experience.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

be labeled as such,” says Gish, who cites long-term, relentless stress and using food as the sole coping mechanism as the cause behind these eating problems. “You need to allow yourself to feel your feelings. Using food and dieting to control, numb or manage stress is a bad long-term strategy.” She encourages people to ﬁnd coping skills in addition to food to broaden their choices when stress levels rise. Massey points out that trying popular diets as a way to deal with underlying issues is rarely successful. She says people should prioritize treating the stress, anxiety, depression or other negative emotion causing them to sabotage their health goals. Gish and Massey both emphasize that reaching out for help is key – a trusted friend or family member to talk to, a therapist or other mental health professional to provide guidance, or a registered dietitian to address nutrition. Maintaining a healthy relationship with food is important, too. “When you are nourishing yourself and listening to what your body is telling you, and your body knows that it is getting what it needs – both in stressful and non-stressful situations – eating will just be a normal thing that you do,” Gish says. BONNIE RUCKER

FUN FACTS POPULATION 301

OUTSIDE THE METRO

Where Everything’s Just Brine Freedom, Oklahoma’s smallest city, ‘takes you back to the old days’ and is home to a giant solar salt facility.

THE CARGILL SOLAR FACILITY PRODUCES 100,000 TONS OF SALT PER YEAR. PHOTO COURTESY CARGILL

hether you’re having a cup o’ joe at Maria’s Cafe, a cold one at the Cimarron Saloon or a look-see at the city museum, you have the Freedom to step back in time in Oklahoma’s smallest city. “Freedom takes you back to the old days,” says Roger Gagnon, manager of the Cargill solar salt plant seven miles west. “It’s where people know when you’re gone and they watch your home while you’re away.” Many towns have a larger population than Freedom’s 301; however, it’s technically a city under Oklahoma statute because it incorporated as a municipality in 1925. Freedom’s size hasn’t changed much since then. “We have a western look and people like that,” says Bryant Weber, a teacher who helps to run the chamber of commerce. That stays-the-same feel explains the popularity of the Freedom Open Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion, one of the longest continuously running events of its kind in the state. The 82nd version, Aug. 15-17, is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and draws thousands from across the nation. The cowhand reunion “honors people who’ve helped keep the cowboy spirit alive,” says Greta Matthews, Weber’s teaching and chamber colleague. “They have a cowhand feed – smoked meats, beans and potatoes. We just sit around and have a party.” Johnnie Sue Olson, whose late husband Edwin “Smiley” Olson was the honored cowhand in 2006, became known as the “city cowgirl” when she returned in 1979 to her childhood hometown and married a man who once earned a living on horseback at a nearby ranch. “I didn’t know anything about being a cowgirl,” she says. “I had come back from Woodward and I didn’t know the head from the tail of a cow.”

But she quickly re-immersed herself and has served on the rodeo queen committee and ladies auxiliary for decades. She even has one of the scores of old hats displayed at the weathered, wood-fronted Cimarron Saloon, across the street from the Freedom Museum and its collection of cowboy artifacts from the late 1800s. Cargill, the city’s largest employer, helps to sponsor the rodeo. Cargill’s plant annually produces 100,000 tons of agricultural and commercial salt, such as 50-pound licks for cattle, pellets or crystals for water softeners, and the key compound for saltwater pools in people’s backyards. The salt deposit on the ﬂats of the Cimarron River “is thousands and thousands of years old,” Gagnon says. “They once found a wooly mammoth just north of the plant.” The plant, one of the largest of its kind in the country, pumps brine from wells into giant ponds spread across 400 acres. “The Oklahoma sun and wind evaporate the water; the salt forms and falls to the bottom,” Gagnon says. “We dye our ponds green to cover the white bottoms so they absorb more heat. The warmer the brine, the more that it evaporates. The sun bleaches out the natural dye in the process. “We’re involved in the community because most of our 30 employees are from Freedom. We help with school events. We sponsor all the kids – about 70, kindergarten through 12th grade – to go to summer camps. We donated $20,000 to the schools. And our employees put in even more time volunteering.” It’s simply what’s done in Freedom.

HIGH TECH … FOR THE TIME The Freedom Museum’s extensive barbed-wire collection explains how such fencing revolutionized the cattle industry after the Civil War, especially in the Cherokee Outlet (or Strip). SALT AND U.S. GROWTH Native people have known about the Cimarron salt flats for millennia; the U.S. government didn’t “discover” them until circa 1800. The abundance of salt was one of the justifications for the Louisiana Purchase, says Roger Gagnon, manager of the Cargill salt facility just outside Freedom. LAST INDIAN CAMPAIGN The Battle of Turkey Springs, 10 miles northeast in 1878, was the last known engagement by the U.S. Cavalry against Native people. The Cherokee Outlet opened to white settlers with its notable land run in 1893. The town got its name when the U.S. Postal Service established an oﬀice, but little is known why it was called Freedom.

BRIAN WILSON

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life & Style

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

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Life & Style

SCENE

Cathy Render, Leland Melvin, Emily Stratton, Ken Busby; Academic Awards Banquet, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, OKC

Karl Hillerman, Mike Coyle; Annual Excellence In Education Banquet, South OKC Chamber

LaDonna Freiner, Nicole Burgin, LeAnne Taylor; 46th Annual Newsmakers Award Luncheon, Association of Women in Communications, Tulsa

Garrett & Stephanie Robberson; Van Gogh, Monet, Degas opening, OKCMOA

Pat & Paula Kuykendall, Seth & Katie Ahrens; TU Uncorked, University of Tulsa Alumni Association

David Gaither, Liz Clinton, James Bost; Ripples of Hope Benefit Breakfast, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

Charlotte Lankard, Judy Mee, Sidney Greathouse, Pat Capra; Ripples of Hope Benefit Breakfast, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

Sydney, Laura & Henry Hood; Art of Brunch, Oklahoma Contemporary, OKC

Ann Felton Gilliland, Ariel Beasley, Elizabeth Wilson; Women Build Event, Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, OKC Kyla Campbell, Derrick Ott; Art of Brunch, Oklahoma Contemporary, OKC

Keith Colgan, Erin Donovan, Laura Colgan, Steven D. Wright; Chefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club event, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Tom & Judy Kishner, Scott & Holly Thompson; Academic Awards Banquet, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, OKC

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Oklahoma’s

TImages R I ofBtoday’s A Lcelebrated I M PAC T NATIVE AMERICANS reﬂect a width and breadth of talent shaping and helping society.

A photo album of these native Oklahomans is striking. One picture is of an accomplished TV and film actress strolling down the red carpet; there’s an action shot of a Division I college athlete. Other snaps include a successful fashion designer, a health-care professional receiving accolades from the U.S. surgeon general, and an internationally acclaimed poet. These are images of today’s Native America, which, not long ago, the U.S. government worked industriously to eradicate. Native children were taken to boarding schools, where their braids were

By Kimberly Burk and Tara Malone

Lindy Waters III

cut, their traditional clothes discarded, their languages and religion forbidden. For decades, a nationwide eﬀort “educated” Native heritage out of them. It didn’t work. America celebrates Native culture now. However, an appreciation and a healthy respect for the environment, natural medicines and food, the very structure of our government and laws are not new ideas. These and many other ideals have flourished within tribes, bands and federations for millennia. Instead of hiding their heritage, some of our most celebrated public figures, creators, intellectuals and athletes embrace it and bring their traditions to bear on making our world better through art, entertainment, service and philanthropy. In the following vignettes, we see how Native Americans from Oklahoma have made a positive, enduring impact on the world. –TM

PHOTO COURTESY OSU ATHLETICS

Last month, Lindy Waters went to his family’s house in Norman for the Fourth of July. During his Point guard, Oklahoma State visit, he watched old home videos of a Christmas University men’s basketball team from when he was 4, and he noticed something Kiowa and Cherokee nations telling. “I had a ball in my hand the whole video,” he says. Waters’ father, Lindy Waters Jr. (a notable small-college basketball player), was the first to put a ball in his son’s hand, where it has remained ever since. After a successful hoops career at Norman North High School, Waters is an OSU senior studying sports management. As the Cowboys’ point guard, he is a key part of the team. “I’m probably the most excited I’ve been in the four years,” he says. “Nobody is selfish; everyone has a talent they can bring to the table. We can take this team a long way.” After graduating, Waters wants to play in the National Basketball Association or overseas, then become a coach. His Kiowa name is Pao, which means third. He was recently named Indian of the Year during the 83rd annual American Indian Exposition in Anadarko. “It was a blessing for me and my family, and a very honorable award to receive,” Waters says. “It meant a lot to me to be recognized among Native American people.” Waters acknowledges the obstacles his ancestors have overcome for him to be in a position of success. “It goes back, not just to my parents or my grandparents, but further down the line – generations before me,” he says. “The things that they went through, the hardships they had to overcome – nothing I’ve gone through can compare to what they went through. I’m thankful for the sacrifices they’ve made for me.” – TM

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

To his family and other members Clothing designer, actor, model of the Seminole Seminole, Ojibwe, Nation who encourand Sac and Fox nations age and support his creations of authentic Native American garb, Jake Tiger says, Myto (thank you). “My interest in indigenous clothing started at an early age from family influence,” Tiger says, “primarily from my grandfather, who brought Seminole clothing back into the spotlight here in Oklahoma. His efforts inspired various people to participate. I picked up what he had started off.” Tiger’s grandfather, the late Dewayne Miller of Earlsboro, was a full-blood Seminole and a tribal councilman for nearly four decades. He took his grandson to historic sites and tribal council meetings, and instilled in him a love of Seminole history and artistry. Much of Tiger’s work is inspired by his research into and discussions with tribal members, as well as paintings of historical Seminole luminaries, including Osceola, Billy Bowlegs and Coacoochee (also known as Wild Cat). He and his grandmother, Linda Miller, act as the seamstresses. He then disseminates images of his handmade regalia through the most modern of methods – social media. “It’s a good bridge [to bring] history to light to the masses,” Tiger says. “I find it easier to teach someone how Seminole clothing looked in an image than explaining it through a lecture. Using social media is a substantial influence on youth to see something different than a regular post everyone has seen. “There is an immense need of influence for the next generation that will someday learn and pick up these skills my ancestors started. It’s much more than creating an outfit. When you finally make a piece, you really begin to appreciate the craftsmanship that every piece requires. I would like to see more people begin to participate in revitalizing the traditional and natural ways. This movement operates like a domino effect: When one starts, the rest will follow.” Tiger plans to launch his own media company to showcase his art, acting and modeling careers. Until then, you can see his work on Instagram at @ tiger_muscle and on Facebook at Jake Tiger. – TM

PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

Jake Tiger

AUGUST 2019| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Kimberly Guerrero

PHOTO BY CARRIE ROSEMA

Kimberly Guerrero has twice played Cherokee activist Wilma Mankiller, and she hopes other such movie roles lie in her future. Actor “Two women I’d love to portray are Lozen, the Chiricahua Cherokee Nation Apache warrior and prophet who supernaturally aided Geronimo in helping their group evade, if memory serves, three-fourths of the U.S. and Mexican [cavalries], and, if I were a bit younger, Anna Mae Aquash, a powerful young Mi’kmaq woman who was a vital part of the American Indian Movement,” Guerrero says. “As you can see, I’m innately drawn to warrior women.” Guerrero is of mixed tribal heritage, including Cherokee. Her Hollywood career has included non-Indian roles, although she prefers Native parts. “I know, technically, that an actor can and should be willing to play any role, but I just believe that if at all possible, the folks who have lived it should play it,” she says. To create “authentic, believable Native characters,” Guerrero says she draws on her studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, in American Indian history and the personalities of people she meets traveling across Indian Country. She first played Mankiller in The Cherokee Word for Water, which chronicled her early years with the Cherokee Nation before becoming its first female chief. Guerrero and actor Mo Brings Plenty reprise their roles, respectively, as Mankiller and her husband, Charlie Soap, in the upcoming film The Glorias: A Life on the Road, based on the memoirs of Gloria Steinem, played by Julianne Moore. Guerrero crossed paths several times with Mankiller, who died in 2010, but “people would be lined up to meet her, and I wanted them to be able to connect with her,” so the two never actually met. The joys of being a Native American, Guerrero says, include “just a next-level kind of intelligence, sense of humor and way of looking at the world. There seems to be an inherent gift of a deeper knowing.” Guerrero says she is “incredibly blessed to get to tell stories for a living. I can’t imagine a better place for a storyteller to grow up than Oklahoma and McCurtain County. It was the best.” – KB

Steven Paul Judd

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS

A throw pillow made to look like a familiar book cover suggests an alternate title for a children’s classic: Fry Bread and Spam by Artist, graphic designer Dr. Sioux. Kiowa and Choctaw nations “Warrior in Training” onesies come in red and pink. A “Thomas for President” button features a likeness of the lovable, bespectacled character from the movie Smoke Signals. Steven Paul Judd’s graphic art adorns almost everything, from coasters and magnets to skateboards and limited-edition T-shirts that quickly sell out. He also produces short films, often in the Choctaw language. “I can’t believe it – I get to make things for a living,” says the Lawtonborn Judd, who worked as a television writer in Los Angeles and returned to Oklahoma after going full time with his art and screen projects. In addition to his own clothing line, he creates designs for Vans and Nike. “My work has definitely shined a light on some of the injustices in Native history, and also, at the same time, shined a light on some of our heroes,” says Judd, who sells his products online and at retailers such as Stash in Norman and Opolis Clothing in Oklahoma City. “And I’ve made some cool things for us to wear, to be proud of. You want to wear things that look good and make you feel good.” Judd does most of the designs for the company NTVS, with Aaron Silva as his business partner; he uses Instagram to promote his independent line. A few years ago, Judd came across the phrase “merciless Indian savages” in the Declaration of Independence, so “I put that on a shirt. It sells out every time,” he says. Judd finds much to enjoy about his culture. “I appreciate the resilient nature of Native people,” he says. “And the basic lessons in both of my tribes … as far as taking care of one another, the way we treat our natural resources. I feel like if those rules were applied across the spectrum, the world would be a better place.” – KB

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Ada native Kevin Meeks witnessed firsthand the unmet health needs of tribal members. Recently retired deputy direc“I was drawn to serve in IHS by the overwhelming need for basic tor for field operations, Indian public and direct health services to this vulnerable and under-served Health Service population,” he says. “American Indians and Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected by many health conditions and diseases Chickasaw Nation when compared to the rest of the population in the United States.” Meeks served in many places, from South Dakota and Muskogee to Anchorage, Alaska, before settling in Oklahoma City, where he eventually took over as director for Greater OKC, one of 12 designated areas of service for the IHS. In 2015, Meeks was promoted to the rank of rear admiral (upper half) within the U.S. surgeon general’s office. “The health challenges faced by the [Native] population in Oklahoma are similar to those in other IHS areas across the country,” he says. “Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, injuries, suicide, and mental and behavioral health issues affect our patient population at rates many times the rates of other U.S. patient populations. Additional challenges include aging health-care facilities [and] infrastructure, challenges in recruitment and retention, and … lack of funding.” In 2017, Meeks moved up to IHS deputy director for field operations, overseeing the operations of 12 area directors across the nation, as well as the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering in Rockville, Maryland. But even as he took responsibilities on the national stage, Meeks remained in the state as much as possible, with offices in OKC. “The best job I ever had was that of the Oklahoma City-area director,” he says. “There is no question in my mind that what made that job so enjoyable was the relationships and partnerships we formed with tribal leaders, health directors, urban CEOs and … our outstanding federal staff at the direct-service facilities. I’m proud to have been able to have been a part of that.” Meeks retired July 1 and resides in Tuttle. – TM

Joy Harjo

PHOTO COURTESY KEVIN MEEKS

Kevin Meeks

PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

Joy Harjo says her appointment as the next U.S. poet laureate has helped put her tribe in the U.S. poet laureate, author, musician spotlight. Muscogee (Creek) Nation “We make art. We have poets,” she says. “That’s one of the things that thrills me most – that it also honors the Nation, Native country, Oklahoma.” The Tulsa resident’s latest book of poetry, An American Sunrise, should be released this month. The novelist, musician, activist and university educator is the first Native American to become poet laureate. “I think of it as being an ambassador of poetry,” Harjo says. “I am happy to be associated with the Library of Congress. When I was growing up in Tulsa, I loved being able to go to the library. Reading steadied me through some diﬀicult years.” Harjo cherishes her Native heritage. “We’ve been given a lot of challenges, so it’s given us a lot of muscle,” she says. “We have our language. We still have our culture. We have a wonderful community.” Harjo draws strength from her people and her creative endeavors. “Sometimes it’s really diﬀicult being in this human being mess we are all in together,” she says. “But then there are sunrises, or a beautiful piece of art, or a poem, or somebody’s act of kindness that just shifts everything.” Harjo took up the saxophone in her 40s and, more recently, the Native American flute; she’s learning to play jazz. “A lot of us, especially in the southeastern tribes, such as Creek and Seminole – we can definitely see how our traditional music is part of blues and jazz,” says Harjo, who expresses that sentiment in the documentary Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World. After the news of her national appointment broke, a family celebration ensued. “The family is one of the most important things for me,” she says. “And I have a big family.” She gave birth to two children and has two others “who have been my children since the beginning almost, and five children I acquired six years ago when I married Owen Sapulpa.” – KB

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

John Barrett

PHOTO BY KEVIN PYLE COURTESY CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is a modern tribe, always looking to the future with its investments. Tribal chairman However, chairman John Barrett, an eighth-generaCitizen Potawatomi Nation tion tribal oﬀiceholder, is ever-mindful of history. “Our job currently is to play catch-up, to have our people regain what they lost by past generations being deprived of everything they had,” he says. Barrett, elected vice chairman in 1971, has been chairman since 1985 and helped the tribe flourish since the days when it had only a few hundred dollars in the bank. “The ability to leverage our federal program assets to help the general economy of the tribe turned it around,” Barrett says, “and high-stakes bingo started in the 1980s. Then gaming started.” Barrett credits the tribe’s constitution, which provides for the election of legislators from across the country. “The legislature is in charge of the tribal budget and determines what money gets spent and for what,” Barrett says. “Management is the executive branch. We don’t have members of the legislature trying to run the tribe, and we don’t have members of the executive branch dominating legislative activity.” With 2,500 employees, the nation owns two casino complexes, grocery and convenience stores, a 24-lane bowling center, an entertainment arena and a concrete business. In 1989, it became the first tribe to buy an operational national bank. The First National Bank and Trust Company has $300 million in assets. The 35,000 tribal members are served by child development centers, wellness centers, housing for senior citizens and health-care facilities, “and all that comes from gaming money,” Barrett says. The tribe also provides 2,000 college scholarships every year at $6,500 each. “It’s really starting to pay oﬀ,” Barrett says. “A lot of young people have come back to work for us. The thing that gives me the most joy … is to watch the new generations come along.” Barrett likes to play at the 18-hole golf course, one of the first businesses opened by the tribe, and enjoys trap shooting. He has two sons; three grandchildren are college students. – KB

Herman Mongrain Lookout

PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

Words are Herman Mongrain Lookout’s life. As a master Master teacher, Osage Nation Language Department teacher for the Osage Nation, Osage Nation he specializes in orthography – converting the sounds of the language into letters or symbols. At 78, Lookout, who remembers when “blanket Indians” walked the streets of Pawhuska, works on a project that will allow tribal members to send text messages to one another in Osage. The Unicode Standard assigns a unique computer number for every character of every language, and software providers have adopted it to allow data transmission across platforms. Once all the Osage verbal sounds become represented as digital symbols and accepted by Unicode, Lookout says it is up to the Nation to reach out to Google, Microsoft and other large-scale companies. “We got quite an education,” Lookout says. “There’s a lot of technology yet to be done.” He stresses patience. “When I started to learn the Osage language, it took me a while to figure out it would be hard to put it into Latin characters and capture all the sounds,” he says. “I’ve been working with the language for about 45 years and I still don’t know it.” He adds that thousands of people study Osage these days in night classes, online courses and credit-approved high school programs. “It’s really a beautiful language,” Lookout says. “I love talking about linguistics and how it got to where it is.” Lookout started as a part-time tribal employee in 1972 and went full time in 2004. He keeps weekday oﬀice hours in Pawhuska from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but “sometimes I kind of loaf a little bit,” he says with a laugh. – KB

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

A Tour of Higher Education By Brian Wilson

THE BEAUTY OF higher EDUCATION lies in its

diversity, evolution, innovation and technological advances. We run this gamut by looking at the value of small liberalarts colleges; how some schools address the high percentage of students who need remediation; a movement to establish ‘common read’ programs across campuses; the busting of the myth that university libraries are silent, staid environments; and how artificial intelligence improves the skills of students and their teachers.

OKLAHOMA STUDENTS SPEAK ABOUT A LIBERALARTS EDUCATION

ften bypassed by thousands of aspiring seniors in Oklahoma high schools are small liberal-arts colleges nearby. While the vast majority of in-state, college-bound students go to either the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, a regional university or a community college, small liberal-arts schools offer other higher-education options – primarily low student-faculty ratios, individualized attention, and broad, deep knowledge in a range of disciplines. Such schools have higher tuitions than state schools. However, financial-aid directors dissuade prospective students (and parents) from having “sticker shock” because grants, scholarships and work-study jobs – all unlocked via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA – often lower costs by many thousands of dollars. Some, like St. John’s College’s Southwest Scholars program, oﬀer tuition assistance for specific demographic groups. Following is a sampling of small liberal-arts colleges in states contiguous to Oklahoma, along with the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, a rare bird in that it’s publicly funded (more than 90 percent of small liberal-arts schools are private) with tuition in line with other state colleges. Tulsan Ann Savage, who played basketball for Division III Austin College in Sherman, Texas, received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Education

this year … and she’s staying on to earn a master’s degree in teaching. “Because of the small class sizes, I developed close relationships with professors,” she says. “The president even comes to all the students’ games and performances. My coach never made me choose between class and practice. The coaches really want you in class. “The research opportunities are great because the college focuses on undergraduates. You don’t have to wait until you’re a grad student to do intense research.” Savage adds that Austin College has taught her how to be an active, engaged citizen. “It gave me diﬀerent perspectives,” she says. “You get to figure out what you want to do and make it happen.” Jonathan Lee, from Oklahoma City’s Casady School, says liberal-arts colleges, such as Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, make you feel at home. The junior psychology major chose Baker because, from the start, it “was honest and welcoming. They were interested in me as a person, not as a number.” Lee, active in numerous organizations, says participating in many

activities has led him to be “kind of like a mom in making sure everyone has what they need and has done what they need to do.” Lee says his personal leadership, self-confidence and promptness have emerged. “I’m more straightforward with my answers to questions,” he says. “My communication skills have definitely grown.” Aubrey Skeeter of Glenpool solidified her passion for helping indigenous people as she earned her education degree from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. The Yuchi tribal member, who graduated in May, will pursue a master’s degree in education so she can work with programs and foundations aimed at Native students. One such group, College Horizons, gave her information about Colorado College when she was in high school and helped her to secure large amounts of financial aid from the school, which “made it super-aﬀordable for me to go there.” “Coming from Glenpool, I found it interesting to go to college with a lot more diversity in the student population,” Skeeter says. “It was important

to be with these different thinkers and learners. “I’m also humbled because I now want to help others who can’t afford it have the same privilege to go to a school like CC.” Skeeter says she enjoyed Colorado College’s block schedule, which promotes intense focus on just one or two subjects at a time. “You really get close to your classmates in such a system,” she says. Taylor Brown, a product of Booker T. Washington High in Tulsa, works as a veterinary technician in Albuquerque, and she attributes some of her career success to the bachelor’s degree in art that she received in 2011 at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. “Academically, the classes taught me how to think, especially in considering and presenting ideas that I’d not known about before,” she says. “It made me more motivated to be around people not like me and to know people who think differently from me.” This perspective has helped in veterinary medicine because “you have to work with and relate to different people all the time. I’m more present with people because of my liberal-arts

CO-REQUISITE CLASSES HELP STUDENTS IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS

Numerous studies indicate that between 40 percent and 65 percent of entering collegians need remediation in math and/or writing. The number of underprepared freshmen runs into the millions each year nationwide. Colleges and universities have dealt with remediation for decades, but sticking points for students often revolve around extra time needed to graduate (remedial classes do not accrue credit hours) and the motivation to stay with a selected program. Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and Tulsa Community College are among many schools getting away from customary remediation classes, which are frequently required before students can enroll in introductory math or writing courses. In 2015, NSU instituted co-requisite classes in which remedial students in math and writing go to regular, mandatory lab tutoring while taking their introductory classes. “A student who would test low in math or writing, in the past, would be placed in a zero-credit class before

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

background.” Brown also says her time at Hendrix enhanced her ethical awareness. “I see the bigger picture as a whole and that helps me at work,” she says. “‘Why are we doing this?’ is something I always ask.” Tulsa native Courtney Holmes got her degree in sports management in 2016 from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, but it was her overall collegiate experience that helped her begin a career in the trucking industry as a brokerage accountant. “I built relationships every year at Rockhurst,” she says. “I became open to a lot of opportunities. You see diﬀerent perspectives, some that you don’t agree with, but I was able to push through. It helps with co-existing.” Holmes enjoys that she got to take many elective courses, part of a typical liberal-arts core, which “got me out of my comfort zone.” “Having a degree from Rockhurst gave me confidence in doing what’s right for myself,” she says. Grove resident Jaxson Oakley is working toward a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, the only one oﬀered at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

moving on,” says Pamela Fly, Ph.D. and NSU’s associate vice president for academic affairs. “With the co-requisite model, our data show that they have a higher pass rate than those just taking remedial classes.” Fly attributes the higher outcomes to several factors. “The rigor of the regular class means they’re around more capable peers, so their motivation is higher,” she says. “Also, having a faculty member in the [math or writing] lab means more questions get asked and answered than in a regular classroom because students know they’re there to get help. “Plus, getting the actual credit for the introductory class, as opposed to zero credit for a remedial class, contributes to their motivation. Success breeds success.” The co-requisite model at TCC is a bit different. There, students needing help take back-to-back classes with their instructors. The introductory class has about 50 percent on-level students and 50 percent developmental students. For example, according to Joshua Baker (TCC’s mathematics department chair), the Essentials for Pre-Calculus I class is taught either right before or right after the regular pre-cal course.

The school boldly states on its homepage, “Life doesn’t have degrees; neither does St. John’s.” Oakley, a junior, says his will be like “a degree in philosophy with an emphasis on history, math and science.” Because of his varied interests, St. John’s made sense for him, especially after a co-worker recommended it when he was in high school. “I had sat in on traditional classes at big universities and they were lecture-based with a lot of Powerpoint presentations and test-taking,” Oakley says. “Having free-form discussions during twohour seminars drew me to the St. John’s model.” Oakley says his critical-thinking skills have blossomed the past two years, especially when it comes to his own prejudices and perceptions. “I rationally de-construct what I think,” he says. “It’s easy to see yourself as an unbiased observer until you realize that others have diﬀerent views. You then see the foundations of your opinions and

examine your life and what you think.” Randa Hatter, a senior from Stratford who pitches and plays first base on USAO’s softball team, says she wasn’t sure what she was getting into when she transferred to the Chickasha college after her freshman year. She didn’t know what a small liberal-arts school was. However, that quickly changed and her worldview has evolved the past two years. “The classes are tough, but it makes my perspective stronger,” Hatter says. “The teachers make you test your outlooks. You become more open. It helps prepare me for life.” Like many liberal-arts students, Hatter has varied interests. As she completes her major in business, she will also apply to nursing schools. “The campus community is tight-knit,” she says. “Plus, there’s a lot of diversity in our programs. We have a lot of foreign students, so I get to learn about their cultures.”

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“It’s a just-in-time approach with the same instructor,” he says. “It addresses weaknesses from the pre-cal class.” Baker says some instructors had moderate skepticism before TCC went to this model in 2017, but “all of us came out of there saying, ‘Why didn’t we do this before?’” Cody Coonce, an adjunct professor of English at TCC, says the co-requisite classes he teaches (Composition I paired with Writing Foundations) have the beneﬁt of fostering closer ties with students, whose writing improves with the process. “The familiarity with the instructor increases the number of questions being asked,” he says. Another program addressing remediation is Math Pathways, which begins its initial run this fall in state colleges and universities. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education mandated that schools offer three options that can substitute for the traditional college algebra course – quantitative reasoning, functions and modeling, and elementary statistics. Fly says these additions provide avenues for students to take math courses that correlate with their ﬁelds of study. “A lot of students didn’t have success in college algebra and didn’t use the concepts in their majors,” says Fly, adding that liberal-arts majors might prefer quantitative reasoning, history and psychology majors might gravitate toward statistics, and business majors might favor functions.

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Education

‘COMMON READ’ PROGRAMS TRY TO TIE DISCIPLINES TOGETHER The lament is often the same for students in the ﬁrst two years of college. “These basic courses have nothing to do with my major,” the freshman or sophomore says. “Why do I have to take them?” A growing number of large colleges and universities, taking cues from scores of small liberal-arts schools, have responded to this frustration with programs that encourage cross-curricular links in introductory courses. Interdisciplinary approaches to core classes often make them meaningful and relevant to students. One movement is known as the common read, in which all or most students on a campus read the same book to generate discussion in multiple classes. Tulsa Community College rolls out its version of the common read this semester in its College Success classes, required of most students. “We were concerned about the silos that students receive in their instruction and the less-holistic approach to education that they were getting,” says Kara Ryan-Johnson, Ph.D., a TCC English professor for 12 years. “A common read helps students see that a college education is more organic than just going to each individual class. Mandatory testing creates environments that draw distinct lines around subject areas, so students often don’t have critical

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

thinking skills between subjects.” The ﬁrst common read at TCC is Phil Clay’s Redeployment, a collection of short stories involving Marines that won the National Book Award in 2014. “We chose this text because common read programs are frequently accused of being politically biased and motivated,” Ryan-Johnson says. “We got the grant to fund this primarily because of the text, which reaches out to our core students, whose average age is 25.” Faculty in all disciplines have ready-to-go curricula about Redeployment that they can use in their classes. “We want students to discover how to live a meaningful life with this program,” Ryan-Johnson says. “A lot of conversations will come about from instructors about what we do and why we do it. The greater purposes are a moreengaged student body and to show how everything ﬁts together in college.”

At Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, nearly every student takes University Strategies. Last year, Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work by David Isay was the common read. “It has vignettes about people and their passions,” says Kendra Haggard, Ed.D, an NSU English professor for 15 years. “Students could pull examples from the book, even in science, and use them in all their classes.” This year’s common read, The Working Poor: Invisible in America by David Shipler, should have “a broader and deeper appeal because it shows health-care issues and their political aspects and how they affect your children and education,” Haggard says. University Strategies students also write about their experiences in all classes and are encouraged to make connections between them. “Students often change their perceptions about what they’re good at,” Haggard says.

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Education

NO MORE SHUSHING FOR QUIET IN THE LIBRARY Cathedral-like quiet and reverence may dominate most people’s images of university libraries – full of stacks, silence and sacrosanct tomes. Those mental pictures, however, do not comprise the reality of today’s collegiate libraries, which teem with activity, workshops, discussions, instruction and cutting-edge technology. “A lot of what we’ve been dabbling in – and other universities are following – are our innovation spaces,” says Carl Grant, interim dean of libraries at the University of Oklahoma. “For six years, we have had our Innovation at the Edge program conducting research in virtual reality, coding, micro-processing, even software carpentry. We have a host of certiﬁed instructors who can now turn around and certify others. “You don’t have to take a semester-long course in these subjects. We have dozens of these classes and they just last one or two days.” Grant says academic libraries help to drive innovation in higher education because they provide a central location for different people to exchange ideas. He cites the library’s Data Analytics, Visualization and Informatics Syndicate (known by its acronym, DAVIS) as an example. “It’s a joint effort of people across campus,” says Grant, adding that

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

many ﬂedgling entrepreneurs have begun their work at DAVIS. “Many research grants require a data-management plan and that’s the expertise we can provide in the library. It all ties together at the library.” One doesn’t have to be in science, technology, engineering or mathematics to beneﬁt from the library’s innovative programs. The Digital Scholarship Lab, Grant says, focuses on the humanities. “Many places are geared toward math and science, and we have that,” he says. “With the creative side, it’s hard to measure the work. But we’ve created different tools to use in digital technology to enhance what researchers do. “We have a scholar who photographed an archaic work you can’t touch – an ancient text with elaborate drawings. With virtual reality and zooming in on each letter, he found out how the ink was made so he can reconstruct the work. “You can virtually walk through the microscopic parts of the page.” Chelsea Julian, OU Libraries’ communications coordinator, says another initiative gaining ground is open access to faculty research. “With open access, you don’t have to have access to academia to get information,” she says. “You’re not limited in what you can get” because of which academic journals a library subscribes to.

Grant adds, “There’s prestige if your findings are used around the world via open access.” This fall, OU Libraries’ Digital Skills Hub launches a class on how social media affects information and news reports. Another class shows students how to analyze what search tools get from them. Search engines like Google, which captures every user’s every keystroke, gather enormous amounts of data from people. Grant says they need to become digitally savvy with what they share about themselves. “As we work more with artificial intelligence and couple that with all the data that AI captures – it’s scary,” he says. “Look at what happens to creativity when data is used to keep us from bumping into each other.” On the nuts and bolts level, OU Libraries’ digital carpentry classes “teach foundational coding and data science skills to researchers,” says Julian, adding that programs are conducted around the state and virtually around the world. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Julian cites numerous workshop students who have applied what they learned to their individual work and jobs, regardless of discipline. “Our nine certified carpentries instructors assist OU scholars across [all] campuses with the computing skills that can advance their research,” she says.

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Education

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MAGNIFIES WHAT TEACHERS DO Just as physician assistants expand what doctors can do in a clinic, artiﬁcial intelligence allows instructors to extend their educational reach in a classroom. Like the physician assistant, AI doesn’t replace the person ultimately in charge. It enhances the instructor’s curriculum by identifying concerns in student work and providing extensive, quick feedback. Texas A&M University professors use AI in multiple settings, from teacher training to architectural design. Kay Wijekumar, Ph.D., director of the Center for Urban School Partnership, has pioneered the use of AI in improving reading skills of students. She has funneled millions of dollars in grants to get Intelligent Tutoring

for the Structure Strategy (ITSS, as it’s known throughout academia) into K-12 classrooms to help struggling readers. She also uses this machine learning to teach teachers about its methodology.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

“Our focus has been on elementary, middle and high school students because the earlier you remediate, the better,” she says, “but newer grants are for teachers to learn these skills to pass along to their students.” Many young students, Wijekumar says, hit a so-called fourth-grade slump with their reading skills, but AI can be used at any grade level. Her program measures a student’s ability to grasp causation, comparison and sequencing in a written passage, then “provides specific feedback, instead of just saying, ‘Try again,’ to address that student’s weaknesses.” As skills increase, “students are transitioned into higher-learning, more challenging texts from different subject areas, like science or social studies,” Wijekumar says. “The new system of ITSS even allows teachers to take the texts they’re already using in class and put them into the program.” The results have been powerful. Wijekumar says a school in Brownsville, Texas, “followed this method and teachers in three different grades over three consecutive years had a 100% pass rate on their reading tests.” Elsewhere on the Texas A&M campus, Tracy Hammond, Ph.D., uses AI in the Sketch Recognition Lab, which she directs as an associate professor of computer science and engineering. She cites Mechanix, which architecture students use to analyze their drawings on a tablet or computer of a specific project, such as a bridge or truss. “Instead of just giving the right or wrong answer, the program gives feedback on the process,” Hammond says. “The system figures out the shapes and lines of what the student means. “Our research is also trying to

measure human emotions. We use AI to track eye movements and body movements and provide feedback.” Hammond says AI can detect eye patterns that reﬂect knowledge. For example, it can examine fractal patterns of someone examining a mammogram for breast cancer. If someone knows what to look for on the scan, there’s a distinct difference in eye movement. With the Sketchtivity program, students learn how to make 3D drawings on paper while they’re on-site with potential customers. This AI tool “provides multi-tier metrics on how a student can improve a drawing. We’ve found that it also increases speed and accuracy,” Hammond says. Like Wijekumar, Hammond touts AI’s speedy responses to students. “Teachers have found it to be fantastic,” she says. “Before, they could give feedback on just one problem per student because of the time involved. Now, the feedback is on hundreds of problems. Students have more motivation because they’re understanding information more quickly. Plus, the lower students are doing better. “Instructors can give quizzes at the start of class, then give immediate feedback before the end of class with targeted lectures about any problems.” And on the humorous level, AI can quickly ﬁgure out whether a student is trying to “game” a program. For example, students trying to get around multiple-choice tests sometimes guess by choosing what they perceive to be an answer pattern. “We invented metrics called persistence and stubbornness to detect what they’re trying to do,” Hammond says. “It’s pretty clear what’s going on.”

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Alexis Horacio Cisneros Classen School of Advanced Studies Will attend Southern Methodist University

Destined for

Intended major: Finance. At 16, I developed a fascination with the financial markets with the rise of Bitcoin, although I now have a Warren Buffet- and Charlie Munger-like stance towards cryptocurrency. Biggest influences: My mom and dad. My parents migrated from Mexico to a foreign country they had never visited … a foreign country where the common language spoken made very little sense. Despite such difficulties, they worked hard to build a successful new life in America. They took a calculated risk that paid off. Career interests: I plan to enter the financial industry, either by working as an investment banker, equity research analyst … or any job position I can obtain. Eventually, I would like to enter the political world, which stems from wanting to better the quality of life of those who find themselves in unfavorable circumstances. I would trade places for one day with: Ray Dalio. It would be fascinating to be in the shoes of the man who founded Bridgewater, one of the most successful hedge funds of all time. Most surprising personal detail: I like to play the guitar, which propelled me to help start a small mariachi band during my junior year.

Distinction By Mary Willa Allen

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Sahanya Bhaktaram

Casady School Will attend Vanderbilt University

UNLESS INDICATED, ALL PHOTOS COURTESY STUDENTS

Intended major: Communications. By getting this degree, I would have an avenue to pursue either public relations or journalism, both of which I am interested in. Biggest influences: My parents. My dad instilled in me the value of hard work and my mom has taught me to put my plans into action. I was never the most confident person in the classroom or socially, but they made sure that I never let that hold me back. Biggest achievement: Learning how to advocate for myself and develop a strong sense of self. I would trade places for one day with: Karlie Kloss. She took a break from being one of the highest-paid models in the fashion industry to pursue higher education, and then decided to return to her career on her own terms. Best character traits: My childlike optimism, the beauty I see in vulnerability, fascination with self improvement and the ability to see every situation as a learning opportunity. Most surprising personal detail: As a child, I actually did not like school. I never considered myself intelligent and did not know what my talents were. I still don’t really know what they are. Most of the time, I just pretend to be the person I want to be and hope I can pull it oﬀ.

Joyce Tullis

Oklahoma Christian School Will attend Brown University

Intended major: Linguistics. During my junior and senior years, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital through their Volume summer program and teen board. The program sparked my interest in speech pathology/linguistics and the people that I met throughout the program truly changed my life. Biggest influence: My mom. At a very young age, she and her family immigrated to the United States, and I am eternally grateful for all the sacrifices she has made for me. Biggest achievement: Serving as the philanthropy week chairman and leading my school in raising over $46,000 for the Anna’s House Foundation. Being philanthropy week chairman involved lots of planning, dedication and hard work, but it was such an incredible experience that helped me learn and grow as a leader while also getting the opportunity to serve my community. I would trade places for one day with: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her contribution to women’s rights, and to human rights in general, have been an incredible inspiration to me and have encouraged me to fight for the rights of others.

Tao Zhu

Oklahoma School of Science and Math Will attend Princeton University

Biggest influences: My parents are hard-working immigrants who have taught me countless life lessons and set a positive example for me … and taught me a lot of the math and chemistry that I know. My sister’s also been a big influence. Biggest achievement: Winning the Dorothy Dodd Humanities Prize at OSSM. It’s ironic – my most valued achievement is winning the prize for top humanities student at a STEM-focused school. I would trade places for one day with: The president of the United States. I’ve always wondered what being able to terrify the world with a single tweet is like. But more importantly, I would be bringing an important political figure to Oklahoma. Our state gets little attention from influential politicians, and making the president stay a day in Oklahoma would allow Oklahomans to have their concerns and opinions considered. Noteworthy experiences: I’m pretty well-traveled. I’ve been to China, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain. Most surprising personal detail: I’m an avid sneaker collector. I know an absurd amount about sneaker technologies, sneaker history and even smells of new sneakers. My dream job would definitely be at Nike.

Caroline McKee

Metro Christian Academy Will attend

University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Architectural design. I have always been fascinated by the structures of interesting buildings in the world, and I also got to witness my grandfather’s passion for architecture as I was growing up. Biggest achievement: Learning to let go and not allow stress or pressure from the world to control my thoughts. I used to become easily overwhelmed by how well I performed athletically or academically, but through high school I slowly began to understand that none of that defines me and there really is no need to let it dictate my life. I would trade places for one day with: The queen of England … because who wouldn’t want to be queen for a day? The next two decades: In 10 years, I’d like to be living in a bigger city, maybe New York City or Chicago, and be part of an architectural firm. In 20 years, I’d like to be a partner of that firm. Best character traits: I am capable of looking at the big picture, and studying and working hard when I need to so that I can find success later in life. I also have an appreciation for art and the beauty around me, so I try to soak in my surroundings. AUGUST 2019| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Julian Zanders

Cascia Hall Preparatory School Will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Intended major: Computer engineering. Even as a toddler, I was drawn to technology and electronics. My decision to pursue computer engineering came about largely because of … vintage Super Nintendo games like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Biggest influences: My parents. They made sure to raise me in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the source of my skills, talents and every blessing in my life. My father has taught me by example what it means to be a good father. My mother has demonstrated a number of wonderful character traits, from kindness and compassion to an enviable degree of patience. Biggest achievement: Being selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 161 of this year’s Presidential Scholars. I try to work hard and give my best eﬀort in big things and little things alike. Most surprising personal detail: People have a tendency to view me as an academic, so they may be surprised to learn that I am a blue belt in the martial art of Brazilian jiujitsu.

Alina Wilson

Heritage Hall Will attend Stanford University

James Puls

Riverﬁeld Country Day School Will attend U.S. Military Academy

Intended majors: History and military science. The history of West Point starts during the Revolutionary War and the academy was founded in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson. It is where our nation’s most famous generals got their start, including Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton. There is an entire floor of the library at West Point dedicated to military history. I may not even make a dent in it, but I’m going to try. Biggest achievement: Being offered and accepting an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. It was a difficult application process that took daily attention for four or five months. It was well worth the effort as it taught me about my greatest strengths and weaknesses. Career interests? I plan to serve in the military and pursue a Ph.D. and teach or work for a museum … maybe both. Most surprising personal detail: I am kind of well known for being a fossil hunter and collector in the region. Actually, my room is kind of a museum, and Oklahoma Magazine interviewed me last year for an article on fossil collecting.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Intended majors: Biology and political science. I’ve been captivated by science since I was in lower school. In contrast, I developed a genuine interest for politics and public policy during my Advanced Placement Government and Politics class and while on the Oklahoma City Youth Council. Biggest achievement: The impact I have had on my community. Throughout high school, I’ve endeavored to help others, whether by co-founding the Adopt-a-Grandparent Service Organization or by cleaning tables in the high school cafeteria. Career interests: I would like to become a doctor to use my love of science to help people. I also hope to be involved in politics in some manner to help make and change laws to better reflect the needs of people. Best character trait: Technology seems to have allowed society to shift away from honest conversation in many ways. Even so, I value talking to people and hearing their stories. Only by listening to others’ stories and attempting to truly understand each other can we begin to address the issues plaguing our society. Most surprising personal detail: Last summer, I backpacked across Spain with friends and family. We walked 120 kilometers of El Camino, a Catholic pilgrimage. My mom and I plan to hike St. Cuthbert’s Way, a Scottish trek, sometime soon.

Zaira Paredes

Edison Preparatory High School Will attend Cornell University

Eric J. Gold Holland Hall Will attend

Texas Tech University

PHOTO BY ERIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Intended majors: Applied economics and management with a concentration on marketing. [For years] I asked myself, “What is grabbing the attention of consumers?” I still continue to see the world in this way, and the innovation that comes with marketing is something that always captivated me. Biggest achievement: Getting into the college of my dreams. I am extremely humbled to be a part of Cornell’s Class of 2023. I would trade places for one day with: Jeﬀ Bezos. I’d like to see what it’s like to be one of the world’s top entrepreneurs and how the Amazon corporation works. Best character trait: Many students my age are shocked by the way I think and act. I have always been told I’m extremely open-minded and mature. Inclusion is one of my biggest things, whether I am working on a group project or helping out with my parents’ business. I always make sure everyone has the opportunity to show and use their talents. Most surprising personal details: My first language is Spanish and I speak it fluently. I have been helping with the accounting of my parents’ business since age 11.

Intended major: Economics. Biggest influences: My parents, brother and grandparents have been an invaluably omnipresent and inexhaustible supply of support, counsel, and joy. Career interests: I’d like an intelligence and national security policy planning role in the National Security Council, Department of State or Defense, or the intelligence community. Outside of government work, I would like to study constitutional law and practice contract and corporate law. The next two decades: Hopefully, I’ll be working for the Egypt desk of the Department of State in 10 years, and then perhaps the youngest-ever undersecretary of state for political aﬀairs in 20 years. Most surprising personal details: I play and watch ice hockey, love cooking (and food in general), trap shooting, architecture and art. I enjoy watching The Grand Tour, Frasier, Corner Gas, and Yes, Minister, and I’m a die-hard Penn State Nittany Lions and New York Rangers fan.

Lily Tennekoon

Jenks High School Will attend University of California, Berkeley

Intended major: Public health on a pre-med track with double minors in global poverty and Chinese. I have always been passionate about medicine, but after participating in medical summer programs through Duke and Yale, I learned of the public health issues going on around the world and decided I want to help groups of people who do not have the same resources and access to proper health care as we do. Biggest achievement: Volunteering nearly 600 hours throughout my time in high school. I was able to participate in a wonderful organization, Key Club, for four years where my love for volunteering flourished. I would trade places for one day with: Michelle Obama. Not only was she influential during her time as first lady, but she continues to be an outspoken role model for women of color. The next two decades: In 10 years, I will be working with Doctors Without Borders helping those in need. In 20 years, I hope to still be practicing medicine, but I would like to be working on healthcare policy and reform, too. Most surprising personal detail: I love concerts, specifically heavy metal and rock. AUGUST 2019| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Jacob Drumright

Juan Pablo Cardenas

Will attend

Booker T. Washington High School

Union High School

Oklahoma State University

University of Pennsylvania

Intended major: Aerospace engineering. Aviation and space travel are fields I’ve always found interest in and … becoming increasingly important to society. Biggest influence: Apart from my family, my biggest influence in life has been Lady Gaga. While I do enjoy STEM-related topics, I also have a deep love for the arts and like expressing my creative side. Lady Gaga exposed me to the beauties and joys of self-expression and assured me, from a young age, that my identity was not only OK but something to be celebrated. Career interests: I hope to explore a career that combines my love for science and technology with my passion for art, such as a design engineer. I would trade places for one day with: An astronaut on the International Space Station, so I could experience space and see Earth from orbit … without having to go through all the training of becoming an astronaut. Best character traits: I have a very wide range of interests, which has given me an aﬀinity for learning that allows me to be able to connect with almost anyone on at least one subject.

Intended majors: Finance and international studies. I’ve always been interested in international issues and economics, especially in my home region of South America. I thought combining both fields would give me a good understanding of the region politically and economically. Biggest achievement: Being one of the 45 people accepted to the Huntsman Program at UPenn. I would trade places for one day with: A member from La Doce, the fan group for the Argentinian soccer club Boca Juniors. I’m fascinated by fan culture in South America, and with Boca having the most hard-core fans in the world, I’d love to experience being in the stands as a local. The next two decades: In 10 years, I see myself graduating with my Master of Business Administration and working as a partner for a consulting company in Brazil or Argentina. In 20 years, I see myself being the mayor of Bogota, Colombia’s capital. Most surprising personal detail: I am very good at geography. I can name every country and capital in the world … except the capitals of Oceania, but who really knows the capital of Kiribati?

Sabrina Lopez

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Will attend University of Southern California

Intended major: I plan on pursuing a career in medicine, and my major next year will be human biology. Biggest influence: My dance coach, Allison High. She has taught me so much about what it means to be a leader, a passionate dancer and an understanding person. Biggest achievement: Receiving a presidential scholarship from the University of Southern California. I was so nervous about just getting into the university; I never thought I would receive any kind of award. I would trade places for one day with: My 2-year-old brother, Louie. His days consist of lots of swimming, napping, watching movies, eating and being doted on by every adult who finds him adorable. Sounds like a fun day to me. Best character traits: A teacher once said that I always give 100% in everything I do. Whether it’s dancing, studying, working in student council or volunteering, I can’t imagine not putting all of my energy into what I am passionate about. Most surprising personal detail: I have a tradition of mismatching my socks. It definitely started from my lack of eﬀort to find pairs in my sock drawer, but now it has become a token of my personality.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Emily was abandoned by her mother.

E XC E L L E N C E • C O N F I D E N C E • I N T E G R I T Y

So were her three sisters.

Educating in Mind, Body, Spirit

They live in four different foster homes.

lunteer o V A S CA E. n HER Steps i

Casady’s holistic approach to education leads students to pursue a diverse range of interests, inspiring academic, athletic, artistic, and spiritual growth.

And will likely never see each other again.

A LOVING FAMILY L. ADOPTS THEM AL

DY S C H

918-584-2272 www.tulsacasa.org

•

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Be the Difference.

1947

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This is CASADY.

Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School seeks a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore welcomes students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.

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Contact us today for more information at: Email: admissions@rejoiceschool.com 918-272-7235 (Preschool / Elementary) 918-516-0050 (Middle / High School) Rejoice Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Preview

By Mary Willa Allen

Organizations around the state are ready for the 2019-2020 season in art, theater, dance and beyond. Exhibitions, Broadway shows, public speakers, symphonic showcases and myriad other performances await your presence at Oklahoma’s premier arts and entertainment companies. 108 Contemporary, TUL CONCERTMASTER ROSSITZA GOZA, CLASSICS II: DEBUSSY’S IMAGES, OCT. 5, TULSA SYMPHONY PHOTO BY MELISSA LUKENBAUGH COURTESY TULSA SYMPHONY

Artist Talk with Demitra Thomloudis Aug. 1 Building on the Body Aug. 2-Sept. 22 Jewelry workshop Aug. 10 Kat Cole lecture Aug. 30

Liz Whitney Quisgard: Kinetic World Oct. 4-Nov. 24 The State of Craft Dec. 6-Jan. 26

ahha Tulsa

The Experience Through Dec. 31 Into the Land of Spectres Aug. 2-Sept. 22 Together/Apart: The Lady Minimalists Tea Society Aug. 2-Sept. 22 The Experience: Imagine May

Armstrong Auditorium, Edmond

Four Italian Tenors Sept. 12 Daniel Hope with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra Nov. 12 Lomazov/Rackers Piano Duo Dec. 3 David B. Hooten Jan. 16 Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México Silvia Lozano Feb. 13

Tulsa Symphony

Vladimir Lande and the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra March 4 Julian Schwarz, Gerard Schwarz and the Mozart Orchestra of New York March 24 Chanticleer April 23

BOK Center, TUL

Backstreet Boys Aug. 28 Jojo Siwa Sept. 20 Jonas Brothers Sept. 29 Heart with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Oct. 2 J. Balvin Oct. 3 Lauren Daigle Oct. 4 Billie Eilish Oct. 7 Godsmack with Halestorm Oct. 18 Carrie Underwood Oct. 24

Keeping with tradition, the orchestra’s season begins Sept. 6 with Symphony in the Park at downtown’s Guthrie Green. The orchestra brings eight shows to the Tulsa PAC, with highlights including the opening gala and showcase Sept. 14 with violinist Rachel Barton Pine, Star Wars in Concert on March 14 and Arlo Guthrie on May 15. “The 2019-2020 season is jam-packed with great classical music, incredible guest artists … and an unforgettable Star Wars concert experience,” says Lauren McKinney, the orchestra’s marketing director. Super fans can also get up close with the orchestra at one of five chamber music events at the Fly Loft, running Sept. 27, Nov. 22, Jan. 24, March 6 and April 24. Visit tulsasymphony.org.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

RENEWING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT: THE ART OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION, NOV. 2-APRIL 26, OKCMOA ACEE BLUE EAGLE (AMERICAN, 1907–1959). BUFFALO MEDICINE MAN, 1939. TEMPERA ON ILLUSTRATION BOARD. OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART. WPA COLLECTION, 1942.016. PHOTO: BRYAN COOK

World-class art finds its place at this renowned museum. Coming Nov. 2, Renewing the American Spirit: The Art of the Great Depression oﬀers prints, photographs, paintings and other media that showcase reactions to the social and economic upheaval in 1930s America. “OKCMOA is very excited to be the organizer of and the exclusive venue for this amazing original exhibition,” says Michael J. Anderson, director of curatorial aﬀairs at the museum. “[The exhibition] will introduce museum-goers to not only the hardships of the period through a collection of iconic photographs … but also to the relief projects that helped to renew the spirit of artists and everyday Americans alike.” Another exhibition, POP Power, comes to the museum in June. Visit okcmoa.com.

MercyMe Nov. 8 Bad Bunny Nov. 10 Old Dominion Nov. 14 Celine Dion Feb. 5

Canterbury Voices, OKC

Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert Oct. 13 Handel’s Messiah Dec. 8 Spectrum of Harmonies March 28

Broken Arrow Performing Celebrity Arts Center Attractions, Annie Moses Band: From TUL Copland to Cash Nov. 10 Kristin Chenoweth and Sandi Patty Christmas Dec. 20 The Color Purple Jan. 21 Voctave Feb. 1 Kelli O’Hara Feb. 15 The Choir of Man March 11 Finding Neverland March 28

Hamilton Aug. 20-Sept. 8 Les Miserables Sept. 24-29 Miss Saigon Dec. 31-Jan. 5 Blue Man Group: Speechless Jan. 20-22 Anastasia April 7-12 Disney’s Frozen June 3-14 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory June 16-21

Come From Away July 14-19

Chamber Music Tulsa

American Brass Quintet Sept. 21-22 Lysander Piano Trio Oct. 11-13 Harlem Quartet Nov. 8-10 A New Yeare’s Gift: Elizabethan Music for Twelfth Night Jan. 5 Daedalus Quartet Jan. 31-Feb. 2 McGill/McHale Trio March 6-8 Miro Quartet April 4-5 Akropolis Quintet April 23

Hillsong United Sept. 13 Alan Jackson Sept. 14 Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Sept. 21 Carrie Underwood Sept. 25 Chris Stapleton Oct. 4 Mumford & Sons Oct. 11 Guns N’ Roses Oct. 23 Joe Bonamassa Oct. 29 The Chainsmokers Nov. 14 The Price is Right Live Dec. 5

Chesapeake Energy Arena, OKC Chris Brown Aug. 26

Celebrity Attractions

The production company’s lineup in Tulsa includes musical hit after musical hit – from Disney classics to harrowing shows based on actual tragedies. After the record-shattering Hamilton leaves town following its Aug. 20-Sept. 8 stint, excitement continues with classics like Les Miserables from Sept. 24 to 29 and Miss Saigon from Dec. 31 to Jan 5. The whole family can visit the Tulsa PAC for Anastasia from April 7 to 12, Disney’s Frozen from June 3 to 14 and the brand-new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical June 16 to 21. The season concludes with Come From Away, set during and after the catastrophic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The show follows some of the 7,000 passengers flying from Europe to America that fateful day; their planes were forced to land in Newfoundland, a Canadian province, after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration shut down its airspace. The show runs from July 14 to 19. Visit celebrityattractions.com.

Civic Center Music Hall, OKC

Hamilton Through Aug. 18 Rupal’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour Sept. 12 Tommy Emmanuel with Joe Robinson Sept. 20 An Evening of Live StandUp with Bill Maher Sept. 22 Home Free – Dive Bar Saints World Tour Sept. 25 Bianca Del Rio Nov. 6 Moscow Ballet’s Gift of Christmas Tour Nov. 13

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman Between the Isms

Through Sept. 8 Reinstallation of the Permanent Collection Oct. 4 Harold Stevenson’s The Great Society Oct. 4-Dec. 29 Gallery talks Nov. 12, 19 Leviathan I: The Aesthetics of Capital Through Dec. 29 Renegades: Bruce Goff and the American School of Architecture Jan. 25-April 5 Seeds of Being Ongoing

Gilcrease Museum, TUL

Dorthea Lange’s America Sept. 13-Jan. 5 Bob Dylan: Face Value and Beyond Through Sept. 15 Recall/Respond Through Oct. 13 Americans All! Ongoing

ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, JUNE 16-21, CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

PHOTO COURTESY CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

AUGUST 2019| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Tulsa and OKC ballets

DOROTHY AND THE PRINCE OF OZ, FEB. 13-16, TULSA BALLET

Explore the classics and new pieces of choreography with Oklahoma’s premier ballet companies. Tulsa Ballet kicks oﬀ with Giselle from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. This lauded show premiered in 1841 and weaves the tale of a young peasant girl and her romantic tangling with a well-todo duke. Other must-sees include Dorothy and the Prince of Oz from Feb. 13 to 16 and, from March 26 to 29, the sleek and sexy Vendetta, set in 1950s Chicago about a rivalry between two mob families. Visit tulsaballet.org. OKC Ballet opens with Dracula from Oct. 25 to 27. Romeo and Juliet runs from Feb. 14 to 16. The crown jewel in OKC Ballet’s season is (E)motion(s) – A Triple Bill, running April 17-19. The show begins with Red Sweet, a contemporary piece by Jorma Elo, followed by a world premiere by Penny Saunders. The night concludes with another world premiere by OKC Ballet’s Robert Mills – a tribute to those who perished and were aﬀected by the Oklahoma bombing, April 19, 1995. Visit okcballet.com.

PHOTO COURTESY TULSA BALLET

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, OKC

Enduring Spirit: Native American Art Ongoing Hidden in Plain Sight II Ongoing To Endure in Bronze Ongoing

Living Arts of Tulsa Oh! Tulsa Aug. 9-29 Jave Yohimoto: Intractable Chasm Sept. 6-Oct. 18 Day of the Dead festival Nov. 1 Jim Dine Solo Exhibition Jan. 10-Feb. 29 New Genre Arts Festival March 6-April 16 Hot Prism June 1-July 17

Lyric Theatre, OKC Frost/Nixon Sept. 4-22 The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 9-Nov. 2 Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Nov. 29-Dec. 24 The Cat in the Hat Jan. 23-Feb. 9 Having Our Say Feb. 19-March 8 Matilda June 23-28 Grease July 7-12 Kinky Boots July 21-26

Mabee Center, TUL

Pow Wow of Champions Aug. 9-11

A NEW MOON RISES, OCT. 21-MARCH 15, SAM NOBLE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY PHOTO COURTESY SAM NOBLE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Indian Nations Artifact and Fossil Show Aug. 31

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee

Oceanic Art Sept. 1-Oct. 27 Interactive Display/Tutu Mummy Bust Opening Sept. 8 Illustrated Bible Stories Reimagined: Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection Dec. 14-Jan. 19 Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints: Popular Art of the Northeast of Brazil Feb. 1-March 8 The Art of Roberto Ugalde May 9-June 21

Colors of Clay Aug. 30-May 10 Caballeros y Vaqueros Sept. 14-Jan. 5 Small Works, Great Wonders Nov. 8-Dec. 1 Two Grits – A Peek Behind the Eyepatch Nov. 15-May 10 Find Your Western Dec. 14-May 10 Warhol and the West Jan. 31-May 10 Dorthea Lange: Politics of Seeing Feb. 14-May 24 Passport Through March

OKC Ballet

Michael Pink’s Dracula Oct. 25-27 Devon Energy’s The Nutcracker Dec. 14-22 Robert Mills’ Romeo and Juliet Feb. 14-16

Future Voices – A Choreographic Showcase March 13-15 (E)motion(s) – A Triple Bill April 17-19

OKC Broadway Hamilton Through Aug. 18 Fiddler on the Roof Sept. 24-29 Hello, Dolly! Oct. 15-20 The Spongebob Musical Nov. 12-17 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Nov. 26 Miss Saigon Jan. 14-19 Come From Away Feb. 4-9 Anastasia March 3-8 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory May 12-17

OKC Philharmonic Classics I: Oklahoma Stories Sept. 14

Classics II: The Voyage Oct. 5 Classics III: Italian Gems Nov. 2 Pops I: Meagan Hilty Live! Nov. 8-9 Classics IV: A Powerful Utterance Nov. 23 Pops II: The Christmas Show Dec. 5-7 Classics V: Minimalism in a New World Jan. 11 Pops III: Raiders of the Lost Ark Jan. 24-25 Classics VI: From the Dramatic to the Sublime Feb. 1 Pops IV: Mariachi Los Camperos Feb. 21-22 Classics VII: Colliding Contrasts Feb. 29 Pops V: Jersey Boys and Girls March 21-22 Classics VIII: Gritty, Sweet and Hypnotic April 4 Pops VI: Frank and Ella May 1-2

Sam Noble and Fred Jones museums

The University of Oklahoma’s two world-class museums in Norman offer differing subject matter. The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History brings Wedding Clothes and the Osage Community: A Giving Heritage from Sept. 14 to Dec. 8. This exhibition explores the history of bridal attire in the Osage Nation. A New Moon Rises, running Dec. 21-March 15, is curated by the National Air and Space Museum and features large-scale, highresolution photographs of the lunar surface. Visit samnoblemuseum.ou.edu. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art brings Harold Stevenson’s The Great Society from Oct. 4 to Dec. 29. Stevenson, an Oklahoma-based artist, created 98 larger-than-life portraits depicting residents of his hometown of Idabel. Renegades: Bruce Goff and the American School of Architecture explores the ways Goff changed how architecture was learned, taught and practiced. The Jan. 25-April 5 show includes drawings and visual tours of several of Goff ’s works. Visit ou.edu/fjjm.

OKC Museum of Art

Van Gogh, Monet, Degas Through Sept. 22 Renewing the American Spirit: The Art of the Great Depression Nov. 2-April 26 Photographing the Street Through Dec. 1 Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Fireworks (Archives) Through Dec. 31 POP Power June-September 2020 Postwar Abstraction: Variations Through Dec. 31, 2020 From the Golden Age to the Moving Image Through Dec. 31, 2020

OKC Town Hall Art Laffer Sept. 19 Michael Pillsberry Oct. 17 Jim Bridenstine Nov. 21 David Grann Feb. 20 Sam Anderson March 19

Through Sept. 2 Wedding Clothes and the Osage Community: A Giving Heritage Sept. 14-Dec. 8 A New Moon Rises Dec. 21-March 15

Signature Symphony, TUL

Pops I: The Wonderful Music of Oz Sept. 6-7 Classics I: Tchaikovsky 5 Sept. 28 Pops II: The Golden Age of Greenwood Oct. 18-19 Classics II: Mozart Prague Symphony Nov. 2 Pops III: Christmas in Tulsa Dec. 13-14 Classics III: Shostakovich 5 Jan. 25 Pops IV: Queens of Rock and Soul Feb. 14-15 Classics IV: Beethoven 5 March 14 Tulsa Sings! III: You’re Doin’ Fine, Oklahoma! April 3-4 Classics V: Mahler The Song of the Earth April 25

Oklahoma State University Business Forums, Science Museum TUL/OKC Jonathan Mildenhall Oklahoma, OKC Oct. 31 Dan Cockerell Feb. 26 Martha Stewart April 1

Life Imagined: The Art and Science of Automata Through Sept. 29

Philbrook Museum of Art, TUL

Mamma Mia! Aug. 9-Sept. 1 Picasso at the Lapin Agile Sept. 13-22 The Drowsy Chaperone Oct. 11-20 The Music Man Jan. 10-26 August: Osage County Feb. 14-23 A Little Night Music March 13-22 Matilda April 24-May 3 Our Town June 19-27

Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam through Time and Place Through Oct. 6 Larry Clark: Tulsa Through Nov. 10 OK: Jason Lee Photographs Through Nov. 10 Shadow of Time Nov. 10-Feb. 16 Sharon Louden Through Jan. 5 Hearts of Our People June 28-Sept. 20, 2020

Sam Noble Museum, Norman Under the Arctic

Peter and the Wolf Sept. 27, Nov. 8, Jan. 17, April 3 Giselle Oct. 31-Nov. 3 The Nutcracker Dec. 7-22 Dorothy and the Prince of Oz Feb. 13-16 Vendetta March 26-29 TBII: Next Generation April 24-26 Signature Series May 7-10

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Dog Day at the Garden Aug. 4 Wicked Plants: Exploring Horticultural Horrors with Author Amy Stewart Sept. 28 Autumn in the Garden Oct.-Nov. Garden of Lights Nov. 29-Jan. 5 Tulsa Botanic Blooms Spring TBA

TCC Theater Department

Bloom Country Oct. 3-6 Fun Home Nov. 14017 A Doll’s House and A Doll’s House Part II Feb. 12-16 Tamora April 16-19

Theatre Tulsa Tulsa Opera

Tulsa Ballet TBII: On Your Radar Aug. 23-25 Creations in Studio K Sept. 12-22

Carmen Oct. 25, 27 Madama Butterfly Feb. 28, March 1 Emmeline May 1, 3

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Michael Cavanaugh Aug. 1 The Wiggles Party Time Tour! Aug. 10 She Likes Girls Sept. 6-8 Miss Nelson Has a Field Day Sept. 27 Love, Loss, and What I Wore Nov. 7-10, 15-17

DORTHEA LANGE’S AMERICA, SEPT. 13-JAN. 5, GILCREASE MUSEUM WHITE ANGEL BREADLINE, SAN FRANCISCO, 1933, DORTHEA LANGE. PHOTO COURTESY GILCREASE MUSEUM

Gilcrease Museum

Experience art of the American West this fall in Tulsa. Exhibitions include Recall/Respond: Tulsa Artist Fellowship and Gilcrease Museum Collaboration, which the museum calls a conversation between contemporary artists that “confronts complex histories within the interdisciplinary Gilcrease collections of the art, history and culture of greater North America.” The exhibition runs through Oct. 13. Dorothea Lange’s America, running Sept. 13-Jan. 5, showcases the outpouring of creative energy during the Great Depression; the exhibition features the work of 13 photographers of the era and highlights the iconic photos of Dorthea Lange. Visit gilcrease.org.

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Philbrook Museum of Art

Female artists take center stage at the Tulsa museum’s new exhibitions. Shadow Of Time: Anila Quayyum Agha, running Nov. 10-Feb. 16, spotlights the works of Agha, a Pakistani-American who utilizes lighting for a distinct aesthetic. Her work, which includes stunning geometric shapes and lines, casts stunning shadows that bend boundaries between reality and illusion. Depending upon the angle of view, a person’s perception of the work changes. Coming June 28, Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists studies the impact of Native women on art. The exhibition showcases work by 115 Native female artists from the United States and Canada and includes pottery, paintings, portraits and textiles. The exhibition runs until Sept. 20, 2020. Visit philbrook.org.

HEARTS OF OUR PEOPLE: NATIVE WOMEN ARTISTS, JUNE 28SEPT. 20, PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART CHRISTI BELCOURT, THE WISDOM OF THE UNIVERSE, 2014 PHOTO: GREG LATREMOILLE / COURTESY OF THE ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO

Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories Nov. 8 Grady Nichols Christmas Nov. 30 The Petersens Bluegrass Christmas Dec. 7 Ian David Rosenbaum Jan. 24 Mark Nizer: 4D and Sciencesplosion Jan. 30-31 I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady From Rwanda Feb. 6-9 Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey March 6

The Revolutionists April 23-26

Tulsa Project Theatre

Little Shop of Horrors Oct. 25-Nov. 3 Godspell Feb. 14-Feb. 23 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat April 10-18 Seussical June 5-14

Tulsa Town Hall Alexandra Cousteau Sept. 13 Ann Kulze Oct. 4 Robert Edsel Nov. 15 Marlee Matlin and Henry Winkler Feb.7 Steve Forbes April 17

Tulsa Symphony

Symphony in the Park Sept. 6 Opening Night Gala

Concert with Rachel Barton Pine Sept. 14 Fridays in the Loft Chamber Music I Sept. 27 Debussy’s Images Oct. 5 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor Nov. 16 Robin Sutherland and Carlos Ortega Nov. 22 Strauss and Schumann Jan. 11 Fridays in the Loft Chamber Music II Jan. 24 Mozart and Grieg Feb. 8

Fridays in the Loft Chamber Music III March 6 Star Wars in Concert March 14 Bloch and Brahms April 18 Fridays in the Loft Chamber Music IV April 24 Peace, Love and Arlo May 15

University of Tulsa Presidential Lecture Series David Grann Oct. 22

Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa

Joan Osborne (at Cain’s Ballroom) Aug. 11 Amy Helm (at The Vanguard) Aug. 25 In Times Like These: Arlo Guthrie, Friends, and Family Aug. 20-Jan. 5 Steve Poltz Sept. 27 Ordinary Elephant Oct. 5 Tracy Grammer Nov. 8

Tulsa and OKC town halls MARLEE MATLIN AND HENRY WINKLER EVENT, FEB. 7, TULSA TOWN HALL

PHOTO BY MARC ROYCE COURTESY TULSA TOWN HALL

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

For a break from the razzle-dazzle of theatrical productions, both town halls provide captivating speakers. Tulsa Town Hall has its season opener Sept. 13 with Alexandra Cousteau, an environmental activist and filmmaker who continues the work of her grandfather, conservationist JacquesYves Cousteau. Other highlights include actors Marlee Matlin and Henry Winkler on Feb. 7 and business executive Steve Forbes on April 17. Visit tulsatownhall.com. The OKC Town Hall hosts economist Art Laﬀer as its season opens Sept. 19. Others include NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine on Nov. 21 and actor Sam Anderson on March 19. Visit okctownhall.com.

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DOR0THEA LANGE’S

AMERICA OPENS FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 2019 Discover the images that focused the nation on the trials and tribulations of the Great Depression. Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936 23903 Gilcrease Museum.indd 1

gilcrease.org/lange The University of Tulsa is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action institution. For EEO/ AA information, contact the Office of Human Resources, 918-631-2616; for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Tawny Rigsby, 918-631-2315. TU#

7/16/19 10:04 AM

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL What is an insurance rider? A rider for additional items such as jewelry, ﬁrearms and art is needed to have more comprehensive coverage. The homeowners policy in Oklahoma only covers for a minimal amount of those items and the loss is subject to your full deductible, and it also has to be a BRYAN SMITH named peril. It’s very important to review this. The most exposed item is typically wedding rings. For this and other questions, never forget to visit callbryansmith.com.

Bryan Smith State Farm 6770 South Sheridan Road, STE B, 918.481.7283 1410 East 11th Street, 918.794.0001 www.callbryansmith.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR What mistakes can I avoid when naming a beneficiary? 1. Not naming a beneficiary on all accounts. Ensure you have beneficiary designations on all of your retirement, investment and banking accounts, as well as your insurance policies. 2. Forgetting to name a contingent beneficiary on all accounts. Many people DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® list the same loved one as the primary beneficiary on most or all accounts. If this is how you’ve handled your assets, it is important for you to also name a contingent beneficiary, because if your primary beneficiary passes away first and no contingent beneficiaries are listed, it’s comparable to having no beneficiary designation. 3. Not using specific names. Many people list a generic term – such as children, parents or aunts – instead of specific names in their beneficiary selections. 4. Failing to review your beneficiary selections regularly. Beneficiary designations override your will, so it’s crucial to keep them up to date. 5. Not communicating your preferences with your partner and family. Communicating your legacy wishes is an important step to helping your loved ones know what to expect upon your death.

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

HOSPICE CARE My mother’s Alzheimer’s is getting significantly worse and a family friend recommended we consider hospice care. This is new to us and we are not sure how this works. Can you help? I’m sorry that you and your family are going through this difficult time. With hospice, the situation can improve CAITLIN EVERSOLE significantly. Grace Hospice helps with so many aspects of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis that the family is able to spend more time on what is most important: love. We give every patient access to a team of professionals which includes a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, two hospice aides, a social worker and a chaplain. We also provide whatever medications and medical equipment are required by the patient. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with an admission nurse, please visit www.gracehospice.com or call us at 918-744-7223. We’re here to help.

Caitlin Eversole Admissions Supervisor Grace Hospice of Oklahoma 6218 South Lewis, Suite 1000 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.744.7223 www.gracehospice.com

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST Will I be involved in the process of ABA therapy as the parent or caregiver? Absolutely. Parent and family involvement is established at the very beginning of the ABA process. At the initial intake meeting, the board certiﬁed behavior analyst, or BCBA, will discuss with the family what BRIANNA BERRY M. ED, BCBA goals they have for the child and how ABA can better improve their family dynamic. ABA is not just about improving the child’s life, but the family’s as a whole. It is our goal as a provider to teach our families about the tools and principles of ABA so they can implement our strategies at home and in the community with their child. ABA is a constant learning process, and Soaring on Hope is happy to provide ongoing parent and caregiver trainings. Our families learn how to facilitate functional language at home, work on cognition during play, increase social skills and manage problematic behaviors at home or in the community.

Brianna Berry, M. Ed, BCBA Soaring on Hope Pediatric Therapy and Autism Center 4908 S. Sheridan Rd. Tulsa, OK 74145 918.984.9153 www.sohkids.com Views expressed in the Professionals do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Co. or its affiliates.

Taste

F O O D, D R I N K A N D O T H E R P L E A S U R E S

Fifty Years of Family

Three sons and their father celebrate a half-century at Mondo’s Ristorante Italian with authentic cuisine and greetings.

A CLASSIC DISH OF SPAGHETTI, GARLIC BREAD, SALAD AND RED WINE IS A STAPLE AT MONDO’S. PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

icture it, 50 years ago. Tulsa was the oil capital of the world, and in the workingclass neighborhoods that ringed the city, people knew that – with sweat, faith and American ingenuity – anything was possible. American astronauts ﬂew to the moon, after all. In one such neighborhood, near East 61st Street and Riverside Drive, as the lunar module Eagle approached

its landing and everyone who had a television set was glued to it, a small family group – Lou Aloisio and his sons, Mike and Rob (with the addition of Chris in 1973) – worked hard to build the space that became Mondo’s Ristorante Italian. Today, those three sons can, on any day, be found at Mondo’s, now on Brookside. These men, who grew up at Mondo’s, make sure the food is perfect while welcoming you as family.

“Mike and I were chasing each other around the restaurant and in and out of the kitchen,” Rob says of those early days. Lou – spry, ageless and greeting customers nearby – calls out, “You were driving me nuts.” Rob responds: “He grabbed us by the scruff of the neck. I was 5 and Mike was 9.” Mike adds: “I started work two years later. I was a busboy; we both were.” AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Taste

Rob went on to get a business degree at California State University-Northridge, but he returned to Mondo’s. That original eatery, after all, dominated their youth. They even lived just a few houses down from the place. “It kind of reminded me of a cave, a very cool cave,” Rob says. “It was dark; there was a pool table, a juke box, a cigarette machine, a projector screening old-time movies, the same Three Stooges gems you can see at Mondo’s today. That 8mm ﬁlm was always breaking. I must have spliced it a hundred times. “It was the neighborhood joint, and, after games in the park, the kids and families would come to Mondo’s. We had a huge wood picnic table in back that families liked to use. And at some point, we gave almost all those kids jobs. We were truly a community place.” The restaurant often welcomed inﬂuential people. “Leon Russell used to come by on Saturday afternoons,” Mike says. Rob responds, “He liked my mom.” Mike adds: “One Sunday night, we were just about to close when we got a phone call. Waylon Jennings, Eddie Sutton and the

governor of Kentucky were on their way. A few minutes later, they showed up, and we stayed open a few hours just for them.” Then and now, the food is the draw. Rob and Mike credit the authentic family recipes of their grandfather Angelo, who brought them over from Abruzzo in eastern Italy. What they don’t say, unless you ask, is that their ancestor was a classically trained, ﬁne-dining chef who worked at the renowned Pennsylvania Hotel (then the Statler) in Manhattan. He gave those classic Italian recipes a bit of a gourmet twist. For instance, the Alfredo starts with a roux. And the red sauces, as any at a good Italian-American restaurant should, explode with ﬂavor. Come to Mondo’s on a weekend and there’s a line out the door … just to get into the main waiting area, which is in the vestibule. These loyal patrons come for the food and stay for the welcome. Mike would like to tell you about it, but he’s busy chatting to an elderly man whose daughter has helped him to his seat. He’s a longtime patron and, like all who come to eat, an old friend. BRIAN SCHWARTZ

LO C A L F L AV O R

WHISKEY PERVADES QUIRKY OKC EATERY Not many places can pull off an extensive menu quite like the quirky Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar in Oklahoma City. When we say extensive, we mean it – snacks range from goat cheese fondue and beef jerky to arrosto misto and Thai barbecue duck wings. The eclectic nature of the grub continues in the entrées – try chicken and waffles or some turkey chili if you yearn for comfort food, or maybe whiskey-braised short ribs or a shrimp-and-grain salad for something new. Round out your meal with the namesake dessert – a toffee torte with bourbon creme anglaise. Cocktails abound, as do options for those with dietary restrictions. The joint is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, with a popular happy hour in stylish digs. 1845 Northwest Expressway, OKC; 405-582-2253; whiskeycake.com MARY WILLA ALLEN

ABOVE: IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR AT MONDO’S AS TWO GENERATIONS MANAGE THE RESTAURANT (L-R: MICHAEL, ROB, ‘PAPA LOU’ AND CHRISTO ALOISIO). PHOTO COURTESY MONDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIAN

FOR AN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO ABOUT MONDO’S AND THE ALOISIO FAMILY, VISIT OKMAG.COM/MONDOS

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

PHOTOS COURTESY WHISKEY CAKE

LEFT: CANNOLIS SPRINKLED WITH POWDERED SUGAR ARE THE PERFECT END TO A CLASSIC ITALIAN MEAL. PHOTO BY JOSH NEW

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Taste

C H E F C H AT

Re-Creating Old Favorites Keltan Solorio at OKC’S Block 23 learned from his father how to make tasty food with passion.

RIGHT: WHEN HE’S NOT AT BLOCK 23, CHEF KELTAN SOLORIO ENJOYS USING HIS CULINARY TALENTS FOR VARIOUS PHILANTHROPY EVENTS. BELOW: THE MOJO ROJO OKC PINCHOS ARE A BLOCK 23 PATIO SPECIAL. PHOTOS BY BRENT FUCHS

or Keltan Solorio, cooking is a family affair. The executive chef at Block 23 Restaurant and Patio – inside the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown – came of age at the knee of his father, who was executive chef at the members-only Petroleum Club in Tulsa and other upscale locations. “At a very young age, I watched my dad create colorful plates,” Solorio says. “Watching my dad’s passion to create food that not only tasted good but looked good inspired me to do the same. I continue to be inspired by creating healthy foods that taste good, and now leave a legacy to my daughter.” Solorio began his journey at the Sheraton as a line cook, closely watching and absorbing knowledge from the chefs who worked there, before quickly moving on to become a sous chef in charge of catering events. “It is important to me to ensure people’s experience at an event is touched by tasty food,” he says. “It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and long hours to create, prepare and

execute.” Once Solorio took over as executive chef, he launched a culinary concept: Block 23. “I loved taking everyday, oldfashioned foods and adding a new spin on it for modern American cuisine, taking what once was and making it new,” he says. According to the chef, diners are most enthusiastic about Block 23’s breakfast menu – and that includes Solorio, who’s speciﬁcally a fan of the wafﬂes. When not at Block 23, his culinary passions differ. “I love to try anything new,” he says. “But if I have to be real … don’t judge … ramen noodles are my favorite.” Solorio is also dedicated to helping his community. He participates in

events like the Taste of OKC fundraiser for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Oklahoma and the annual Omelette Party beneﬁting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Once a month, Solorio devotes his time to cooking for the Children’s Hospital. “I’ve shared my passion with many and love the opportunity to cultivate meaningful experiences through food,” he says. TARA MALONE

BLOCK 23 PATIO SPECIAL: MOJO ROJO OKC PINCHOS Mojo rojo ½ cup smoked paprika ½ cup hot-smoked paprika 2 tbsp ground cumin ½ cup garlic cloves 8-10 japones chiles 3 cups olive oil ⅛ cup sherry vinegar Salt and pepper Add the first 5 ingredients into a

food processor or blender. Add half of the oil and blitz until smooth. Add the rest of the oil and vinegar, and season to taste.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

Blitz to combine. Put in a container

and set it aside for the aioli and to marinate the skewered pinchos.

Mojo rojo aioli 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup mojo rojo Combine in a bowl and mix

thoroughly.

Yucca chips 1-2 medium yucca roots Cooking oil of preference Celery salt Black pepper Peel yucca roots.

Cut into 4-inch-by-6-inch pieces

and slice thinly.

Fry slices in oil at 350 degrees until

they turn brown and crispy. Remove from oil and season to taste with celery salt and pepper. OKC pinchos Cut desired meat/protein into

¾-inch-by-4-inch strips and cover as much of each skewer as possible. Marinate with mojo rojo. Grill until meats are cooked. Serve with lime wedges and aioli.

TA S T Y T I D B I T S

BILL & RUTH’S FINDS A NEW HOME Many Tulsans were concerned when QuikTrip bought the southeast corner of Lewis Avenue and 15th Street and dislodged the ﬂagship Bill & Ruth’s Cherry Street. However, the legacy of sandwich, salad and soup maestro Samih Saiymeh, along with his staff, continues just a half-mile east in a new location with ownership transferring to the next generation. Samih and Anita Saiymeh’s daughter Ayschia Kuykendall and her husband, Jeff, bought the business. Kuykendall says her dad still prepares and always reﬁnes his from-scratch soups and the daily baking of bread and cookies. The house recipes for ranch dressing, tuna salad, tzatziki and jalapeño sauce remain, along with Damascus-born Saiymeh’s family recipes for hummus and tabouli. “It’s more than serving food,” Kuykendall says. “It feels like Tulsa wanted this so much, and when QuikTrip announced they were taking over the lot we were afraid we wouldn’t relocate. People actually cared and don’t want us to go away, and we are

so thankful they want us. “Excitement and love carried us through to this new day, where the service and food are the same. We upgraded to a new building into the 21st century and we’re still, and will always be, a mom-and-pop shop.” Almost nothing has changed other than deletion of a few low-selling items, and salads now come in one size. The drive-through window has an order speaker. The other Bill & Ruth’s locations around town are franchises under different ownership. “My parents opened under the original owner in 1980,” Kuykendall says. “When it went up for sale, things went into limbo and people had free rein to change, like offer burgers or sushi. “But growing up, I always heard that our shop was the best one, and that’s probably because my folks stuck with the original menu and high standards of quality that were at the heart of the business. We take pride in what we offer, and in a new era of continuing their legacy.”

ABOVE: SAMIH SAIYMEH AND HIS DAUGHTER AND SONIN-LAW, AYSCHIA AND JEFF KUYKENDALL, SHOW OFF THE BRAND-NEW BILL AND RUTH’S ON CHERRY STREET. RIGHT: FANS OF BILL & RUTH’S ARE STILL TREATED TO THE CLASSICS AT THE NEW LOCATION, WHICH INCLUDES THE CHICKEN SALAD PLATTER AND THE REUBEN. PHOTOS BY JOSH NEW

A NEW DAWN FOR QUEENIE’S

LEFT TO RIGHT: BRIAN HUGHES RECENTLY BOUGHT QUEENIE’S FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, RUTH YOUNG. YOU CAN EXPECT THE SAME FRESH-BAKED GOODIES AT THE NEW QUEENIE’S. PHOTOS BY JOSH NEW

Brian Hughes never fell out of love with Queenie’s, even though it’s been 20 years since he worked at the Tulsa eatery. So, when the beloved “cross between a deli and a tearoom with great desserts” became available, he quickly became the new owner. Since 1983, Queenie’s has oﬀered madefrom-scratch desserts, breakfast, lunch, takeaway sandwiches, soups and light entrees. Hughes doesn’t plan any changes, other than moving a few hundred feet north to a larger location within Utica Square. “I understand and am proud of how cus-

tomers feel a sense of ownership about this place, and we honor what makes Queenie’s what it is – an institution and a landmark – so we’re keeping what makes Queenie’s great,” he says. “Former owner Ruth Young has requested more space from the landlord for years and so we’ll be moving … to a space with more outdoor seating and better flow for carry out and dine in. We’ll have a little more space but will continue what everyone wants with that intimate, close space people love. It should be complete in the first quarter of 2020 and we’re thrilled the landlord could make it a reality.”

The menu stays the same under Hughes leadership, and he admits to a personal favorite – basically any of the hot lunch specials on the board. “Ruth taught me more about food sensibility than anyone I know,” he says. “It’s an honor to continue the tradition of the specials board – like if it’s a recipe from Central America, we’re going to use the authentic and highest quality ingredients. Same if an Indian dish. Any specials like tuna salad – that has to be the best and responsibly sourced tuna fish there is.” His other longtime Queenie’s favorite is a sandwich oﬀ the hot-top grill. TRACY LEGRAND

AUGUST 2019 | 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

Not Missing Her Shot

Erin Clemons, from Lawton, plays a leading role in Hamilton, the smash Broadway musical coming to Tulsa this month.

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

he headline-making, recordbreaking, award-winning Broadway smash Hamilton offers a timely look at our nation’s past and present … and an Oklahoma native plays a key part in the touring show. Lawton’s Erin Clemons plays Eliza Hamilton, the female protagonist and wife of founding father Alexander Hamilton, whose life is depicted through a unique mixture of song, dance and rap. Clemons eagerly anticipates hitting the stage in her home state during the Aug. 20-Sept. 8 production at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. When people hear of her Oklahoma roots, Clemons says: “The ﬁrst thing [they] usually do is sing me the theme song to Oklahoma!. Then, depending on their background, they are either shocked by the fact that I moved

to New York to pursue theater … or, if they know a lot about theater or the schools in and around OKC, they say, ‘So many great theater people come from Oklahoma.’ They always want to know what it was like growing up here.” As for the cultural lightning rod that is Hamilton, Clemons sings the musical’s praises. “This show means so much to me, not just as a performer, but as a person,” she says. “I hope that everyone who sees it can take away something meaningful, something that can bring us all closer, some part of that theater magic that helps us all see we really aren’t that different from one another.” Kristin Dotson, chief executive ofﬁcer at Celebrity Attractions, adds; “Rarely does a show live up to the hype – and I can assure you Hamilton delivers. Telling a very impor-

tant historical story through a very contemporary score … the combination has been a game changer for Broadway. Traditional musical theater audiences love the show – but more importantly, Hamilton is being embraced by newcomers to live theater.” Performing for an Oklahoma audience is a poignant, emotional opportunity for Clemons. “I’m thrilled to have my family come, my best friends from growing up in Lawton and my theater folk from the [University of Central Oklahoma],” she says. “Even though I’ve lived in New York now for almost eight years and performed on Broadway, there is no other feeling like coming home. “Getting to perform in the theater where I saw my ﬁrst national tour at 12 years of age is overwhelming. It’s like paying homage to the place that made you who you are.” AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

HENNA, SUDS, BALLOONS AND JOKES Immerse yourself in exotic culture at India Fest on Aug. 24 at Tulsa’s Expo Square. The event touts authentic food, clothing, henna tattoos, art, music and performances. The same day at Tulsa’s Cox Convention Center, Wild Brew, one of Oklahoma’s premier beer festivals, beneﬁts the Sutton Avian Research Center; ticket holders can enjoy suds

and grub from top-notch beer and food vendors. Explore new heights Aug. 16-17 at the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning at Muskogee’s Hatbox Field with tethered balloon rides and balloon glows. And get ready to bust a gut at the Blue Whale Comedy Festival at various venues Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in downtown Tulsa.

PHOTO COURTESY MUSKOGEE BALLOON FESTIVAL

READY FOR AN EXCITING AUGUST? READ ON FOR OUR TOP CHOICES THIS MONTH.

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN Aug. 1 Tulsa

PAC Enjoy a night of classic rock songs. tulsapac.com DUDE PERFECT Aug. 8 BOK Center One of the biggest

personalities on YouTube, the group Dude Perfect, is on its first-ever tour. bokcenter.com

THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS: MAMMA MIA! Aug. 9-Sept. 1 Tulsa PAC See

this beloved musical, featuring the works of ABBA, on stage. theatretulsa.org

THE WIGGLES PARTY TIME TOUR! Aug. 10 Tulsa PAC Bring the whole family to this exciting performance from famed children’s group, the Wiggles. tulsapac.com

TERRY FATOR Aug. 17

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Bust a gut with comedian, ventriloquist and impressionist Terry Fator.

CONCERTS SUGARLAND Aug. 1 Hard

Rock Hotel and Casino See

this country duo at The Joint.

hardrockcasinotulsa.com FLATLAND CAVALRY Aug. 16 Cain’s Ballroom Enjoy the

tunes of the Flatland Cavalry with special guest Jason Eady. cainsballroom.com

SPIN DOCTORS Aug. 17 Osage Casino Hotel See

this ‘90s throwback band.

osagecasino.com

BRIAN SETZER’S ROCKABILLY RIOT Aug. 22

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Enjoy the tunes of lauded rockabilly artist Brian Setzer.

hardrockcasinotulsa.com BACKSTREET BOYS Aug. 28 BOK Center The Backstreet

Boys head back on the road on their biggest arena tour in 18 years, along with the release of their new album, DNA.

bokcenter.com

hardrockcasinotulsa.com

ART

23-25 Studio K and Zarrow Performance Studio See Tulsa

ARTIST TALK WITH DEMITRA THOMLOUDIS

TBII: ON YOUR RADAR Aug.

Ballet’s second company of up-and-coming dancers as

they perform an exciting mini series. tulsaballet.org

Aug. 1 108 Contemporary

Exhibiting artist Demitra Thomloudis discusses

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

her process and practice. 108contemporary.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL

Aug. 2 Arts District This

year-round, monthly event features works from galleries, artists, studios and museums. thetulsaartsdistrict.org

BUILDING ON THE BODY Aug. 2-Sept. 22 108 Contemporary Building on

the Body exhibits jewelry crafted from building materials, such as lightweight paper or cement. 108contemporary.org

WONDROUS WORLDS: ART AND ISLAM THROUGH TIME AND PLACE Through Oct. 6

Philbrook The most extensive exhibition of Islamic art to be shown in Oklahoma represents more than 1,200 years of rich creation, illustrating the geographic expanse of the Muslim world. philbrook.org

THE EXPERIENCE Ongoing

Ahha Tulsa This artist-driven,

PHOTO COURTESY INDIAFEST

PHOTO COURTESY BLUE WHALE COMEDY FESTIVAL

Where & When

COMMUNIT Y

event features numerous competitions. exposquare.com

TULSA TALLER 5K AND FAMILY FUN RUN Aug. 10

10109 E. 79th St. It’s time to

help cancer patients walk taller at this run benefiting Assistance in Healthcare.

runsignup.com

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS Aug. 10-11 BOK

CLAYTON KEYES AND JONATHAN SOBOL Through

large-scale, fully immersive installation invites participants to explore a fantastic multimedia environment.

Center For the second

the work of two talented artists at this exhibition.

SPORTS

bokcenter.com

DRILLERS BASEBALL Aug. 1-7, 12-15, 20-25 ONEOK Field

Aug. 27-Sept. 1 Expo Square

Aug. 9 M.A. Doran Gallery See

madorangallery.com OH! TULSA Aug. 9-29 Living Arts of Tulsa Oh! Tulsa is a

biennial event celebrating visual, performance, literary, sound, video and installation art for the Tulsa community. livingarts.org

BOB DYLAN: FACE VALUE AND BEYOND Through

Sept. 15 Gilcrease Bob Dylan: Face Value and Beyond is the culmination of efforts by Gilcrease in partnership with the Bob Dylan Center to create a temporary home for the center’s collection. gilcrease.org

can sleep among sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other creatures snoozing in the oceans. okaquarium.org

DOG DAY AT THE GARDEN Aug. 4 Tulsa Botanic Garden

Enjoy the garden with your furry friends on the first Sunday of the month.

tulsabotanic.org

consecutive year, the PBR’s second half of the season begins with this event.

POW WOW OF CHAMPIONS

TULSA REINING CLASSIC

mabeecenter.com

The season continues with games against Northwest Arkansas, Springfield, Amarillo and Corpus Christi. milb.com

See reining experts and their equine counterparts at this competition. exposquare.com

trinkets and hidden gems at this afternoon event.

Aug. 28, 31 ONEOK Field The

SECOND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOURS

Expo Square Enjoy paint

roughnecksfc.com

ahhatulsa.org

KANSAS PAINT HORSE CONGRESS Through Aug. 4

horses and their talented riders. kansaspainthorse.com

NSBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW AND BREEDERS CHAMPIONSHIP Aug. 9-18 Expo Square The

National Snaffle Bit Association’s premier equine

ROUGHNECKS SOCCER

Roughnecks host the Las Vegas Lights and Fresno FC.

COMMUNITY ZZZS IN THE SEAS Aug. 2

Oklahoma Aquarium If you’ve

ever dreamed of sleeping with the fishes, then ZZZs in the Seas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where guests

Aug. 9-11 Mabee Center Enjoy

shopping, traditional food, music and crafts.

TULSA FLEA MARKET Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31 Expo Square Find

exposquare.com

Aug. 10 Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Each month, the

group offers popular walking tours highlighting some of downtown’s architectural treasures.

tulsaarchitecture.org

SALSA TASTING FESTIVAL Aug. 17 Oklahoma Aquarium

Activities include a jalapeño eating contest, a chihuahua

PERFORMANCE

PHOTO COURTESY TULSA BALLET

STAGE TALENT GALORE

SPORTS

BULLS, BUCKSKINS, BAYS AND BASEBALL Catch the excitement when Professional Bull Riders ﬁll Tulsa’s BOK Center for heart-pounding action Aug. 10-11. Equine competition is also on display Aug. 2-10 at Oklahoma City’s State Fair Park with the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship. Equestrians from all over the nation vie for prizes Aug. 25-Sept. 1 at the Tulsa Reining Classic at Expo Square. And you won’t want to miss the 83rd annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita; the Aug. 28-31 event includes a parade and family fun. Peanuts and Cracker Jacks are optional when you watch the Tulsa Drillers play host to Texas League opponents at ONEOK Field; games are Aug. 1-7, 12-15 and 20-25. Their sister club, the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, play Aug. 7-13, 19-22 and 26-31 at Chickasaw Bricktown Park.

WILD BREW Aug. 24 Cox

Business Center Enjoy beer

from some of Oklahoma’s best brewers, along with delicious food. wildbrew.org

Cox Business Center This event

features a concert presented by diverse vocal artists, along

8-Aug. 31 2920 Paseo Three

thejonesassembly.com LYNYRD SKYNRD Aug. 10 Chesapeake Energy Arena See

this iconic rock band perform.

LOST DOG STREET BAND Aug. 13 Tower Theatre

Country/folk duo the Lost Dog Street Band performs. towertheatreokc.com

VAMPIRE WEEKEND Aug. 16

years after Shakespeare’s death, a pirated, badly botched version of Hamlet is produced. Shakespeare’s friends realize his lines are disappearing into the forgetful memory of time.

AMERICAN AQUARIUM Aug. 16 Tower Theatre Enjoy this

OKC BROADWAY PRESENTS: HAMILTON

CASEY DONAHEW Aug. 23

okshakes.org

Through Aug. 18 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy the story

of one of America’s founding fathers, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War.

okcbroadway.com

PEACE AND LOVE TOUR

The Criterion See this

indie rock band perform.

criterionokc.com

group’s alternative country tunes. towertheatreokc.com Zoo Amphitheatre Country

crooner Casey Donahew sings.

thezooamphitheatre.com

RANDY ROGERS BAND Aug.

24 Frontier City Themepark

This country jam band visits the park for a day of music.

sixflags.com/frontiercity CHRIS BROWN Aug. 26 Chesapeake Energy Arena

Aug. 31 Hudiburg Chevrolet Center Return to Woodstock

Singer, dancer and songwriter Chris Brown performs.

okcciviccenter.com

riverwind.com

chesapeakearena.com KANSAS Aug. 30 Riverwind Casino, Norman The rockers of

Kansas perform.

LOS LONELY BOYS Aug. 30

Tower Theatre Los Lonely Boys

hit the stage.

BUSH/LIVE Aug. 1 Zoo

towertheatreokc.com

thezooamphitheatre.com

ART

O.A.R. WITH AMERICAN AUTHORS Aug. 6 The

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK Aug. 2 Paseo Arts

exposquare.com INDIA FEST Aug. 24 Expo Square Immerse yourself in

culture, entertainment and food at this family-friendly event hosted by the Indian Association of Greater Tulsa. exposquare.com

TULSA COUNTY FAIR LIVESTOCK SHOW Aug. 30-

31 Tulsa Fairgrounds Support

students and the animals they’ve raised at this exciting show. oces.tulsacounty.org/

freefair.html

INDIAN NATIONS ARTIFACT AND FOSSIL SHOW Aug. 31

Mabee Center Enjoy this day

filled with fun for the whole family. mabeecenter.com

CHARITABLE EVENTS BURN CO. BARBECUE, BEER, SCOTCH AND CIGARS Aug. 9 Burn Co. Barbecue

on Boston Enjoy classic summertime entertainment including live music, barbecue, cold drinks and cigars while supporting the Tulsa Boys’ Home. tulsaboyshome.org

䤀渀琀爀漀搀甀挀椀渀最

匀甀渀搀愀礀䈀爀甀渀挀栀㄀㄀愀洀 ⴀ ㌀瀀洀

TESS TRAIL RUN 5K Aug. 10 PHOTO COURTESY THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE ON THE PASEO PRESENTS: THE BOOK OF WILL Aug.

Amphitheatre Enjoy this duo in the exciting outdoor arena.

sandspringschamber.com

Expo Square Celebrate creativity and craftiness at this event dedicated to inventors and creators of all ages.

chesapeakearena.com

CONCERTS

DIVAS FOR HOPE Aug. 24

MAKER FAIRE Aug. 24

PERFORMANCES

with several hours of peace and music. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of a rock ‘n’ roll moment that changed history.

Springs Women’s Chamber and Sertoma Club host an interactive murder mystery. Guests also enjoy dinner, a silent auction, prizes and a Roaring ‘20s theme.

okaqurium.org

Jones Assembly Enjoy a night of pop and rock hits.

IN OKC

It’s another lively month in Oklahoma with entertaining spins on actual people … plus some talented, young dancers. Here we go again as Theatre Tulsa presents Mamma Mia!, intertwining hits by the band ABBA, at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center from Aug. 9 to Sept. 1. OKC Broadway’s presentation of smash-hit Hamilton, with musical tellings of the founding fathers, continues through Aug. 18 at Civic Center Music Hall. Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents The Book of Will, a comic look at The Bard’s legacy, from Aug. 8 to 31 at Shakespeare on the Paseo in Oklahoma City. Check out tomorrow’s ballet stars at TBII: On Your Radar, running Aug. 23-25, with Tulsa Ballet’s second company of up-and-coming dancers.

costume contest and other family fun throughout the day.

with cocktails, dinner and one-of-a-kind live and silent auctions. hopetesting.org

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area Experience a

run unlike any other through challenging trails with a 5K or a Memorial Mile, then celebrate life, love and hope at the after-party. thegriefcenter.org

匀漀甀琀栀㘀㈀㐀匀⸀ 匀栀攀爀椀搀愀渀㤀㄀㠀ⴀ㐀㤀㤀ⴀ㄀㤀㄀㤀

䐀漀眀渀琀漀眀渀㈀㄀㤀匀⸀ 䌀栀攀礀攀渀渀攀㤀㄀㠀ⴀ㔀㤀㈀ⴀ㔀㄀㔀㄀

FOOD TRUCK FRENZY Aug.

17 Oklahoma Aquarium This day of family fun offers food trucks in the back lawn, yard games, music and a tour of the aquarium. okaquarium.org

MURDER MYSTERY Aug. 17

吀椀䄀洀漀吀甀氀猀愀⸀挀漀洀

Case Community Center, Sand Springs The Sand

23879 Ti Amo.indd 1

AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

6/18/19 5:26 PM

NICKELBACK

PHOTO COURTESY CHOCTAW CASINO AND RESORT

CHRIS BROWN

PHOTO COURTESY CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA

BACKSTREET BOYS

TERRY FATOR

State museums and galleries have an array of exhibitions, with subjects ranging from the ancient to the contemporary. The Tulsa Artist Fellowship and Gilcrease Museum present Recall/ Respond, a multi-phased contemporary exhibition in a variety of media that continues through Oct. 13. Exploring 1,200 years of artistic creation, Wondrous Worlds: Art and Islam through Time and Place at the Philbrook Museum of Art runs through Oct. 6. Kayla Ayrn + Emily J. Moore + Jarica Walsh debuts at OKC’s DNA Galleries on Aug. 8 and runs through Sept. 8. Colors of Clay, a showcase exploring indigenous ceramic traditions in North America, begins Aug. 30 at OKC’s National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and runs through May 10.

IN CONCERT

SINGING AND LAUGHING Oklahoma concert venues offer a little of everything this month – country crooning, comedy, pop and hard rock, and rockabilly. Relive the 1990s when the Backstreet Boys hit the BOK Center stage Aug. 28. Tulsa’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosts country music duo Sugarland on Aug. 1, rockers 38 Special on Aug. 4, Terry Fator on Aug. 17, and Brian Setzer’s Rockability Riot on Aug. 22. Spin Doctors takes us back in time Aug. 17 at Tulsa’s Osage Casino. Enjoy the tunes of Texas counDistrict More than 80 artists

and more than 25 businesses, all within walking distance, stay open late the first Friday of each month. thepaseo.org

FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP SHOW Through Aug. 4 DNA Galleries More than

30 local photographers were given two weeks and their choices of film to create this show. dnagalleries.com

THE 47TH ANNUAL PRIX DE WEST ART EXHIBITION AND SALE Through Aug. 11

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The

exhibition features more than 300 paintings and sculptures by the finest contemporary Western artists in the nation with art seminars, cocktail receptions and awards.

nationalcowboymuseum.org COLORS OF CLAY Aug. 30-May 10 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Colors of Clay explores the cultural and regional diversity of indigenous ceramic vessel traditions in North America.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

UNDER THE ARCTIC

try music singer Casey Donahew at OKC’s Zoo Amphitheater on Aug. 23. Also in OKC, Chesapeake Energy Arena features Lynyrd Skynyrd on Aug. 10 and Chris Brown on Aug. 26. You can catch the gritty rock of Nickelback at Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant on Aug. 17. Beat the heat and enjoy the shows at Thackerville’s WinStar World Casino and Resort with Chicago on Aug. 2, Sugarland on Aug. 3, Vince Gill on Aug. 16, Chris Isaak on Aug. 23, and Dennis Miller, David Spade and Norm Macdonald on Aug. 30.

Through Sept. 2 Sam Noble Museum, Norman Step

into the shoes of climate science researchers, piece together clues and solve engineering challenges posed by thawing permafrost. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

BETWEEN THE ISMS

Through Sept. 8 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art This exhibition

features recent paintings from the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists as well as a selection of paintings by Oklahoma artists working in expressionist styles.

ou.edu/fjjma

VAN GOGH, MONET, DEGAS: THE MELLON COLLECTION OF FRENCH ART FROM THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Through

Sept. 22 OKCMOA Featuring

more than 70 works by French and European masters, this exhibition celebrates the Mellon family’s extraordinary gift of 19th- and early 20th-century French art to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. okcmoa.com

LIFE IMAGINED: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

AUTOMATA Through Sept. 29 Science Museum Oklahoma

From the Greek word automatos, meaning “moves on its own,” automata are the first complex machines produced by humans. This exhibition features 41 automata by 15 artists from around the world. sciencemuseumok.org

LAYERED STORIES – AMERICA’S CANYONLANDS Through Oct. 20 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Enjoy stunning

art of America’s many vast canyons in this exhibit.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

PHOTOGRAPHING THE STREET Through Dec. 1

OKCMOA Photographing the Street features the work of four American and Canadian artists who have chosen the street as their primary subject. okcmoa.com

PASSPORT Through March 1 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Though

often defined by their most well-known work or style, artists experiment and evolve throughout their careers, often working across

HALF MOON NIGHT, MEDICINE AND REMEMBRANCE, YATIKA FIELDS, 2019, OIL ON CANVAS

mediums and subjects.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

FROM THE GOLDEN AGE TO THE MOVING IMAGE: THE CHANGING FACE OF THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Ongoing OKCMOA The OKC

Museum of Art reopens its second-floor galleries with a new presentation of its permanent collection. Headlining this reinstallation is the museum’s latest acquisition, Kehinde Wiley’s monumental new portrait Jacob de Graeff. okcmoa.com

APICHATPONG WEERASETHAKUL’S FIREWORKS (ARCHIVES)

Ongoing OKCMOA Fireworks

This is the city’s premier cycling festival. Cheer riders as they race against the clock and each other. wheelerdistrict.com

OKC DODGERS BASEBALL

Aug. 7-13, 19-22, 26-31 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

See the OKC Dodgers take on other teams in the Pacific Coast League. milb.com

SUMMER SHOOTOUT Aug.

16-18 State Fair Park Barrel racers battle it out at this exciting equine event.

statefairparkokc.com

COMMUNITY BOTANICAL BALANCE FREE

(Archives), from 2014, is the first of a series of works by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, an internationally renowned filmmaker and visual artist.

YOGA Aug. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 Myriad Botanical Gardens Visit every

POSTWAR ABSTRACTION: VARIATIONS Ongoing

CAT VIDEOFEST Aug. 3

okcmoa.com

OKCMOA The half-century or

so after World War II was one of the most fertile periods in the history of abstract painting.

okcmoa.com

SPORTS AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE YOUTH ASSOCIATION WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Aug. 2-10

State Fair Park Youth riders

compete in a variety of specialities to be named world champion. aqha.com

Tuesday and Thursday evening and Saturday morning for yoga in nature. myriadgardens.org Myriad Botanical Gardens

This is a compilation of the latest, best cat videos pulled from hours of unique submissions, sourced animations, music videos and internet powerhouses. myriadgardens.org

BOUTIQUE BLOWOUT Aug. 3-4 State Fair Park Shop from more than 100 clothing and jewelry boutiques and grab those end-of-summer sales.

boutiqueblowoutokc.com FLOATING FILMS Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Riversport Adventures

ENERGY FC SOCCER Aug. 3, 10, 24 Taft Stadium The Energy

Float in Riversport’s pool and cool off in the rapids while watching a movie.

WHEELER CRITERIUM Aug.

ARTS COUNCIL OF OKC’S SUNDAY TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Aug. 4,

hosts other teams in the United Soccer League. energyfc.com 6, 13, 20, 27 Wheeler District

riversportokc.org

11, 18, 25 Myriad Botanical Gardens

The council returns to the gardens for this annual string of performances on the Devon Lawn Stage. myriadgardens.org

WHEELER SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Aug. 16 Wheeler

Ferris Wheel Enjoy a night of music under the Ferris wheel lights with music from Lincka, WoRm and Changing Frequencies. wheelerdistrict.com

THE POOL AND SPA SHOW Aug. 16-18 State Fair Park If

you’re looking for a backyard addition, visit this show for great deals and helpful tips.

statefairparkokc.com

INDIAN TACO AND NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS SALE Aug. 23 Pete

White Health and Wellness Center Come hungry to this

tasty event. Guests can feast on delicious Indian tacos or

UNKNOWN ARTIST FROM ALGERIA OR MOROCCO, AFRICA. INSCRIBED IN THULUTH SCRIPT, HAND OF FATIMA CHARM WITH SIX-POINTED STAR, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. BRASS, 7 ½ X 4”. NEWARK MUSEUM, PURCHASE, 1928, 28.451.

PHOTO COURTESY BOK CENTER

MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

PHOTO COURTESY HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO

Where & When

ART

FA M I LY / K I D S

Ozark forest.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

crystalbridges.org TEMPERA Ongoing Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Tempera

Wet and wild fun is planned Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at OKC’s Riversport Rapids, with whitewater rafting, yard games, rides on the Big Water Bull and food from the Big Water Grill. Sundays are the perfect opportunity to head to Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown OKC for the Twilight Concert Series starting Aug. 4 with Red Dirt music from Wight Lighters; other performances include the Americana sounds of Beau Jennings and the Tigers on Aug. 11, singers/songwriters The Imaginaries on Aug. 18, and a modern symphony from Oklahoma Virtuosi on Aug. 25. It will take about 50,000 pounds of watermelons Aug. 10 to satisfy those enjoying the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival and Rodeo, which includes games, food and wholesome fun like seed spitting contests. On Aug. 25, the Muskogee STEAM Center and the Muskogee County 4-H club host the River Rumba Regatta, where teams create boats out of cardboard and race each other at the Three Forks Harbor.

painting (also known as egg tempera) has a rich history as a medium of choice for artists from ancient times to today, and is an older form of painting than oil. crystalbridges.org

SPORTS TUTTLE RODEO Aug. 2-3

Schrock Park Arena Rodeo

thrills await at this annual event. travelok.com

OKLAHOMA SLAM Through Aug. 3 Nashoba Skatepark, Poteau, and Skatepark off Broadway, Heavener

Skateboarders from all over the country convene in eastern Oklahoma for the largest skateboarding competition in the state. travelok.com

PAWNEE BILL MEMORIAL RODEO Aug. 8-10 Lakeside

enjoy juicy Pow Wow burgers. travelok.com

OKLAHOMA CRAFT BEER SUMMIT Aug. 24 Prairie Artisan Ales Taproom This

summit includes beer tastings, lunch, speciality glassware, keynote speakers and panel discussions, all for the love of the brew. oklahomacraftbeersummit.org

GARDENS MONTHLY WALKING TOUR

Aug. 31 Myriad Botanical Gardens Expand

your knowledge of Oklahoma plants and find inspiration for your own garden with this free, educational event. myriadgardens.org

LABOR DAY WEEKEND FUN Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Riversport Adventures Enjoy a fun few

FIFTH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA BORN AND BREWED Aug. 16 Oklahoma Hall of Fame This

event pairs premier Oklahoma craft beer with small plates of food and benefits the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. oklahomahof.

com/oklahoma-born-brewed

DANCING FOR A MIRACLE Aug. 17 Embassy Suites, Norman The award-winning

professionals at Dancing for a Miracle delight audiences with a cha-cha, tango or elegant waltz, just like everything you’ve seen on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. chfkids.com/ events/dancing-for-a-miracle/

ALUMNI TRIVIA NIGHT

Aug. 24 Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School The

school presents its annual trivia night for guests 21 and older. bmchs.org

days of competitions and on-the-water fun at this Labor Day event. riversportokc.org

AROUND THE STATE

CHARITABLE EVENTS

THE WIZARD OF OZ Aug. 9-11,

COOKIES AND COCKTAILS

Aug. 8 Farmers Public Market

Local restaurants, in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, create a one-of-a-kind, sweet or savory specialty snack using the famous Girl Scout cookies. gswestok.org/ cookiesandcocktails

PERFORMANCES

16-18 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse See this classic

film come to life on stage.

bacptheatre.com

together for a night of laughs.

winstar.com

CONCERTS CHICAGO Aug. 2 Winstar

World Casino and Resort, Thackerville This lauded rock

band visits the resort. winstar.com

SUGARLAND Aug. 3 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville The country duo Sugarland performs. winstar.com

BRANTLEY GILBERT Aug. 9 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Country singer and songwriter Brantley Gilbert visits the Grand Theater.

choctawcasinos.com VINCE GILL Aug. 16 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Visit the Global

Event Center for an evening with Vince Gill. winstar.com

NICKELBACK Aug. 17 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant This rock quartet performs. choctawcasinos.com CHRIS ISAAK Aug. 23 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Chris Isaak’s many different musical personae are captured throughout his expansive career. winstar.com

DENNIS MILLER, DAVID SPACE AND NORM MACDONALD Aug. 30

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: STREET KINGS

behemoths of comedy come

Bring chairs and enjoy a variety of music from southern

Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Three

Aug. 24 Central Park, Ardmore

PHOTO BY GEORGIA READ

Arena, Pawnee The Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo, celebrated since 1985, returns for a weekend of fun. cityofpawnee.com

PHOTO COURTESY KOCH COMMUNICATIONS

ardmorecity.org

KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND Aug. 29 Stride Bank

Center, Enid This disco-era

FREEDOM OPEN RODEO AND OLD COWHAND REUNION Aug. 15-17

Freedom Fairgrounds Held since 1938, this has been continuously recognized as one of Oklahoma’s outstanding annual events. travelok.com

HINTON KIWANIS CLUB IPRA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO Aug. 23-24 Kiwanis Club Rodeo Arena Get the genuine, small-town rodeo experience with this International Professional Rodeo Association-certified event. travelok.com

THE UNICORN RUN Aug. 31

Elder Thomas Park, Lawton Get sparkly and enjoy a 5K or 1-mile fun run. localraces.com/

events/lawton-ok/the-glam-run

Aug. 3 Main Street and Broadway Avenue, Beggs Pack

Inspired by First Friday events in cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City, this lively art crawl is held on the final Friday of every month and celebrates the art culture of the community.

museum.okstate.edu

NATURE’S NATION: AMERICAN ART AND ENVIRONMENT Through

Sept. 9 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. This

exhibition examines American artists’ impact on shaping environmental understanding and stewardship.

crystalbridges.org COLOR FIELD Through Sept. 30 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark.

Take a whimsical romp through the North Forest this summer and experience Color Field, a new, outdoor exhibition featuring large, colorful sculptures against the lush backdrop of the museum’s

festival features Green Country artists of all types.

gcrfestival.com

CARNEGIE TRI-COUNTY FREE FAIR Aug. 8-10

Carnegie Park Come join the fun and enjoy nightly entertainment by local musicians, games and livestock shows. travelok.com

FIRELAKE FIRELIGHT BALLOON FESTIVAL Aug. 9-10 17002 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee The festival

offers balloon glows, balloon launches and rides, and family-friendly entertainment.

firelakeballoonfest.com

WILL ROGERS AND WILEY POST FLY-IN Aug. 10 Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah This action-packed

OKLAHOMA FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING Aug. 16-17

ART Aug. 30 Downtown Stillwater

GREEN COUNTRY ROOTS

FESTIVAL Aug. 9-11 400 N. Muscogee Ave., Tahlequah The

oldest African-American rodeo.

COMMUNITY

FINAL FRIDAY ART CRAWL

travelok.com

event celebrates Will Rogers and Wiley Post’s many contributions to aviation.

9-10 Creek Nation Omniplex Arena Enjoy the nation’s

band returns to Oklahoma for a performance in Enid. stridebankcenter.com

Jeff Davis Park If you’re looking for a refreshing treat to cure the summer heat, come to this event for free watermelon, a parade and family fun.

OKMULGEE INVITATIONAL RODEO AND FESTIVAL Aug. travelok.com

Oklahoma featuring everything from country to classic rock.

RUSH SPRINGS WATERMELON FESTIVAL AND RODEO Aug. 8-10

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and bring the family for a free evening of fun downtown. travelok.com

SLAMBOREE CAR SHOW Aug. 3-4 Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, Shawnee

Slamboree’s goal is not only to be the biggest car, truck and motorcycle show in the Midwest, but to be one of the biggest contributors to Toys for Tots in the Midwest. Help make the dream a reality.

thebigshowok.com

ENID COMIC CON Aug. 3-4

Stride Bank Center Fans of pop culture and comics convene at this event. stridebankcenter.com

travelok.com

4200 Border Ave., Muskogee

Reach for the sky at this festival offering tethered balloon rides and family friendly activities.

visitmuskogee.com

GOOD VIBRATIONS CAR SHOW Aug. 17 Blinn Memorial

Park, Tonkawa Combine food, drink, activities and beautiful cars and you get the Good Vibrations Car Show. tonkawachamber.org

COTTON COUNTY FREE FAIR Aug. 21-24 Cotton

Country Ag Arena and Expo

Center, Walters Enjoy 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, arts and crafts, and a pet show. travelok.com

RIVER RUMBA REGATTA

Aug. 23-24 Three Forks Harbor, Muskogee Get together

a team, make a raft out of cardboard and race along the river. xcmuskogee.com/

river-rumba-regatta

BLANCHARD BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Aug. 23-24 Lions

Park From jam sessions to workshops and concerts, this weekend of bluegrass is a can’t-miss event. cityofblanchard.us

ADAFEST Aug. 24 East

Central University AdaFest is an annual, regional music, arts and cultural festival. adafestoklahoma.org

WATERMELON FESTIVAL AND COMMUNITY FAIR

Aug. 25-31 Main Street, Ringwood The fun begins

with a softball and kickball tournament and concludes with a parade and a full day activities for kids and adults.

travelok.com

FOR MORE EVENTS IN

TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM. AUGUST 2019 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Where & When

At Home

FILM AND CINEMA

Summer’s End Means Outdoor Flicks Meanwhile, an Aretha Franklin documentary and a Fast & Furious spin-off spell success indoors, too.

Around Town

As summer comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to savor those last few weeks of family freedom and warm weather before school and autumn descend upon us. There are few better ways to do this than enjoying an outdoor movie. With plenty of options, you can ﬁnd an enjoyable ﬁlm to commemorate summer’s close. For those in greater Oklahoma City, consider The Incredibles 2 on Aug. 2 at Midwest City’s Central Park or The Lego Movie: The Second Part on Aug. 9 at Moore’s Central Park.

Metropolitan Tulsa has plenty of good family options, too, especially with one of the best animated ﬁlms of recent years, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse on Aug. 5 at RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks. If you want a ﬁlm aimed at an older audience, Philbrook Museum offers the extremely fun blockbuster Black Panther on Aug. 23 as part of its Films on the Lawn series. Yeah … you’ve probably already seen Black Panther, but you probably have not seen it on a huge, outdoor screen with hundreds of other eager viewers and great food truck options just a few steps away.

Documentaries, even those with relatively high profiles, can be hard to catch in theaters – their runs are often “blink and you’ll miss it” affairs. Catch one of the year’s best films at home when Amazing Grace comes out Aug. 6 on DVD. Amazing Grace essentially sells itself: The mere mention of a long-lost Aretha Franklin concert film should make anyone with good taste start to (figuratively) salivate. The movie delivers on its huge promise; filmed over two nights, these concerts show a different side of the Queen of Soul as she sings the gospel songs of her youth, accompanied by full choir, to an energetic crowd. Directed by the majestic Sydney Pollack, the film has style and flair to spare, but its best moments (no surprise) come when the cameras simply capture Franklin doing what she did best – singing transcendent music. The film will give you chills, make you joyful and get your heart pumping.

In Theaters

As much as we like to pretend to have a highbrow taste in ﬁlms, adrenaline builds with the names Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham and Idris Elba in close conjunction with each other. Johnson and Statham, two of the most entertaining, cheesiest action stars today, team up to take on the equally charismatic Elba in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, a spin-off from the original cars-and-guns franchise. Directed by David Leitch, co-director of the great John Wick, the ﬁlm should provide two popcorn essentials in large buckets: explosive action and self-consciously silly excess. It’s not high art, but Hobbs & Shaw should be a killer way to spend a few hours in the dark.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

Sara Ivey

transplant from New Mexico, Sara Ivey fosters a passion for environmental education that has led her to several jobs in our state. After stints at Oklahoma Kids in Environmental Education and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Ivey became the education programs and services coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality in 2012. We caught up with Ivey and got her thoughts on …

… her passion for sustainability.

Like most kids, I grew up playing outside. My parents recycled before recycling was commonplace. We grew a backyard vegetable garden every year and composted our organic waste. I was exposed to a sustainable lifestyle from an early age but did not realize it until I was older; it was just normal for me. I became interested in water issues as water scarcity is a major concern in New Mexico and the entire desert Southwest. In college, I took a lot of courses focused on sustainability. I knew that I wanted to teach children about these concepts, but not in a formal classroom setting. When I had that … job working for Oklahoma Kids in Environmental Education and I could see the light bulb come on for children as they learned about an environmental concept, that was when I was hooked.

… professional milestones.

… her enthusiasm for recyling.

I am the president of the Oklahoma Recycling Association, a nonproﬁt that works to improve the business of recycling by providing education and resources about recycling and solid waste issues, and acts as a central communication point for anyone interested in recycling. I prioritize my time so I can participate in the association and help its mission to increase recycling in our state.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2019

… how individuals can help the environment.

There is no right way to do it; just ﬁnd simple ways to change your habits. While I am a big promoter of recycling, reducing and reusing are more effective. Ditching single-use plastics can have a really big impact. Bring your own bags to the store; bring along a reusable water bottle, coffee mug and straw. Take your lunch in a reusable container rather than a plastic bag. Be mindful of your water use, especially outdoors. Think about your energy use. Turn off lights and use power strips to stop devices from using energy when not in use. Try to eat local, in-season food or grow your own in your backyard garden and compost your organic waste. Reduce your impact on air quality by carpooling, combining errands into one trip, biking or walking when you can, skipping the drive-through, and making sure your car is properly maintained and tire pressure is correct.

PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS

One of the programs that has seen a lot of success is the Oklahoma Green Schools Program, [which] helps schools throughout the state become greener and healthier places to learn by conducting studentled investigations in ﬁve areas: energy, environmental quality, school site, waste and recycling, and water. The students become auditors, collecting data on how their school is doing. When the data collection is done, they analyze it, determine what their school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Then they develop a studentaction project to address one of the areas needing improvement. They have to present their ﬁndings to a decision maker … and get approval for their project.