Oklahoma Magazine August 2020 by Oklahoma Magazine

AUGUST 2020

EDUCATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHANGING LANDSCAPE

A shift in the paradigm Plus: Outstanding

Seniors

A BRIEFING ON

Tribal

Nations Infrastructure, investments and pandemic protocols

PREVENTING IN-LAWS FROM BECOMING OUT-LAWS A how-to-guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUGUST 2020

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

30 32 33 34 36

The Power of the Youth

A handful of high school seniors – now on the way to higher education opportunities around the U.S. – combine book smarts, ingenuity, empathy and creativity.

63 64 65 66

How to Prevent Your Future In-Laws from Becoming the Out-Laws

After years of putting yourself out there, you finally found a keeper. The nightmares you endured just a short time ago seem to be distant memories. Or are they? Love has always been the ultimate goal to aspire to, but often, we only think of achieving love, and not about what happens after that.

A Briefing on Tribal Nations

Life and Style

Interiors A Tulsa homebuilder and interior designer duo completely revitalized a home for ideal family living. Destinations FYI Outside the Metro Health Fashion Crisp, clean and cool hues are

always in style.

Taste

HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. serves up breakfast and brunch goodies in stylish digs.

Local Flavor Tasty Tidbits Chef Chat

Where and When

Sports, art exhibits and community events make up an exciting August in Oklahoma.

Film and Cinema

Closing Thoughts AUGUST 2020

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Authors Hobbies Insider Sports Recreation People Infrastructure Community Sports II Technology

AUGUST 2020

While 2020 has been a year colored with setbacks and tragedy, Native American nations used these tumultuous times to improve and look toward the future. This feature discusses updates on infrastructure; how the pandemic has affected nations and their citizens across the state; the ways tribes are investing in their youth; and takes a look at native representation in the media.

Several candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the Tulsa mayoral race.

Education’s Changing Landscape

State 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 23 24 25

V O L . X X I V, N O . 8

EDUCATION’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE

A shift in the paradigm Plus: Outstanding

Seniors

A BRIEFING ON

Tribal

Nations Infrastructure, investments and pandemic protocols

PREVENTING IN-LAWS FROM BECOMING OUT-LAWS A how-to-guide

ON THE COVER:

In our Native America spotlight, we profile Ezekiel Walker, an Oklahoma native and member of the Chickasaw Nation. He is pictured at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, in front of a sculpture entitled The Arrival. The piece depicts the Chickasaws’ entry into new territory after forced removal from their homelands. Walker’s grandmother is one of the travelers portrayed in the piece. Photo by DeJay Arms Photography

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OKLAHOMA LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

OKLAHOMA

Hang in there, Oklahoma. We’ll be out of the dark soon. Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K . SCHUMAN

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

SENIOR EDITOR BRIAN WILSON PHOTO BY DEJAY ARMS PHOTOGRAPHY

August means it’s back-to-school month, and as you’d expect, things are looking a lot different this year. In our annual education feature, we discuss the changing landscape of learning. From new health protocols to a reliance on virtual classes, the pandemic has surely shifted the educational paradigm on its head. We also touch on Oklahoma’s educational rankings, the importance of international students and get a check-in with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (page 39). We honor the high school class of 2020 in our Outstanding Seniors piece (page 44). Get to know a handful of promising Oklahoma students who are heading off to universities across the nation this month. Get updates on some of the state’s tribal nations in our Native America spotlight. See how each is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and dive into native representation in the media. We also touch on the ways nations are investing into their younger generations (page 56). All eyes are on Tulsa’s mayoral election, which we cover starting on page 7. Get to know some of G.T. Bynum’s challengers and their goals for the city and state. Learn a little about some of our state’s talented rodeo athletes (page 16) or take a virtual trip to Santorini, Greece (page 30). All that and more can be found in this month’s issue – I hope you love it!

OKMAG.COM Oklahoma Magazine sits down with Ezekiel Walker – a TV/ﬁlm producer, Oklahoma native and member of the Chickasaw Nation – to talk Native American representation in the media, his recent projects and what’s on the horizon.

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

THE TULSA MAYORAL RACE HEATS UP Several candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the primary election on Aug. 25.

andidates looking to challenge Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum are campaigning during a summer like no other. “We are in a really challenging year in Tulsa, with the global pandemic, a national recession, significant budget drops for cities across the state and a tremendous amount of turmoil around longstanding racial issues in our country,” says Bynum, 42, who seeks a second term. “All of that creates an environment where people around the country feel an inclination to step up and get involved.” Seven of the eight men who filed are running in the Aug. 25 primaries. These include Bynum and newcomers Craig Immel – a pre-construction manager for Jonesplan Landscape Construction;

Ken Reddick – owner of Clean Slate Contracting and Tulsa Fence and Roofing Company; Greg Robinson – director of family and community ownership for Met Cares, a nonprofit that serves north Tulsa; Paul Tay – a rental property manager; Ty Walker – co-owner of Wanda J’s Next Generation Restaurant; and Zackri Whitlow – an insurance broker with Whitlow Insurance Agency. The final candidate, Ricco Wright, dropped out in July amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, though his name will remain on the ballot. The consensus amongst mayoral hopefuls? Tulsa needs a change. Reddick, 37, says the race is crowded because “there’s that much dissatisfaction with the city of Tulsa. Most are running on a single issue. They are fed up.”

Immel, 44, believes that “there’s a healthy appetite for outside voices. The more people who get involved with the democratic process, the better off we will be.” One major point of contention amongst contenders is the decision to move forward with President Donald Trump’s June 20 campaign rally at the BOK Center. Walker, 54, says he would have welcomed the rally had he been mayor. “I’m ready for [COVID-19 restrictions] to be over with,” he says. Reddick says he also would have encouraged the rally. However, Robinson, 30, strongly disagreed with the choice. “It was not an honor to have President Trump in Tulsa on the weekend of Juneteenth in the midst

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | S TA R T I N G O F F

Clockwise from top left: Incumbent G.T. Bynum faces six competitors in his bid for a second term. Photo courtesy the City of Tulsa

Community activist Greg Robinson’s plan is rooted in four core values: freedom, justice, equity and safety for all Tulsans. Photo courtesy Greg Robinson

Business owner Ken Reddick says the number of candidates is high because people are “fed up” and looking for a major change.

Independent candidate Craig Immel believes that “Tulsa is ready for bigger ideas, bolder leadership and better execution.” Photo by Phil Clarkin

Candidate Ty Walker, a business owner, hopes to improve the small business landscape if elected. Photo courtesy Ty Walker

Not pictured: Zackri Whitlow and Paul Tay

Photo courtesy Ken Reddick

of a pandemic,” he says. Immel agrees that the rally was ill-advised. “The biggest issue was the public health crisis we are in,” he says. “I would have done everything in my power to not hold that rally.” Bynum, however, defends the decision. “The rally was entirely in conformance with the state’s re-opening plan,” he says. “The guiding factor for the whole state has been to make sure there’s enough health-care capacity to take care of those who need it, but rely on businesses to make the best decisions for their facilities. They had systems in place to make it in conformance with the state’s plan, so we proceeded with it.” Other major talking points include race relations and improving citizen/police relations. After the May 25 death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police, protests sparked across the country, including in Oklahoma’s two main metros. These protests began just as the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission was launching a year-long observance leading up to the 100th anniversary of the 1921 massacre of residents of the Greenwood District and Black Wall Street. Robinson says the city’s role in the observance should be to ensure that justice is done for the descendants of the survivors.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

“Not one insurance claim has been paid out,” he says. “The city was, and still is, culpable in the race massacre for not defending the black citizens, and the city has a debt to pay.” Walker hopes to address these issue as mayor. “The country is facing division over policing,” he says. “It is vital that our police and citizens feel safe when engaging with one another. Until communities and police can come together and be unified, the public safety of all is in jeopardy.” Bynum says children growing up in the predominately African-American part of Tulsa have a life expectancy that is 11 years less than in other parts of the city, which he says he has worked to fix in his first term. “The disparity itself is a symptom of many other things,” says Bynum. “Lack of access to economic opportunity is a big one. We brought the first rapid transit line in the state to that part of the city. Having recreation centers and parks open in that part of the city is a big one. We have worked to re-open them.” Tay, 57, hopes to bring a new voice to the conversation. “Here we are in 2020, talking about race relations between north and south Tulsa,” he says. “There is a part of Tulsa that I believe is being ignored. I’m Chinese, and there are almost 10,000 Burmese citizens of Tulsa, and

over 60,000 Hispanics that I feel should be heard.” One matter most candidates agree upon is bolstering small businesses and the city’s infrastructure in the wake of the pandemic. “Certain sides of Tulsa are just derelict and forgotten,” says Reddick. “To rebuild a community takes long-term partnerships, actual vision and long-term plans.” Walker agrees: “We want a city that provides beneficial support to small businesses as equally as it does to large corporations.” Immel says his top issues are education, to reclaim local control of decision-making, and to use technology to drive more civic engagement in local government. Robinson’s vision, he says, is rooted in four core values: freedom, justice, equity and safety for all Tulsans. According to Zackri Whitlow’s website, he is only seeking one four-year term and believes “we need to create more living wage jobs, improve our schools, and make public safety – gun control in particular – a top priority.” A runoff election, if needed, will occur Nov. 3. The winner will be sworn into office in December. Each candidate has an official website and/or Facebook page outlining specific goals or plans for the city. KIMBERLY BURK

T H E S TAT E | A U T H O R S

BREATHING LIFE INTO OKLAHOMA HISTORY Author and historian John J. Dwyer captures the essence of the state’s history with his compelling narratives.

Author John J. Dwyer is working on The Oklahomans – Volume II, set to be released on Statehood Day in November 2021. Photo by Carol Mowdy Bond

mall town Waukomis, Oklahoma, is surrounded by Garfield County’s prairie farmlands, and it’s also home to historian and author John J. Dwyer. With seven books and a few study guides under his belt – including part of our state’s first comprehensive history in many years – he’s working on more. Dwyer’s The Oklahomans: The Story of Oklahoma and Its People - Volume I: Ancient-Statehood, launched in 2016. The book vied against hefty competition to earn the Will Rogers Medallion Award for Literary Content for Nonfiction. Its pages, filled with paintings and photographs, breathed some deserved richness into the state’s heritage. His other novels incorporate Oklahoma and its many colorful characters. In Shortgrass – which nabbed the Will Rogers Medallion Award for Inspirational Fiction – Mennonite farm boy and University of Oklahoma football star Lance Roark faces the Dust Bowl, and brushes against such personalities as Wiley Post and Bing Crosby. Mustang takes Roark into World War II’s European Theater as a fighter pilot. His nonfiction The War Between the States: America’s Uncivil War includes hundreds of illustrations and biographical sketches, and he’s also crafted novels about Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. A quintessential storyteller, even with nonfiction, Dwyer sees life through a dramatic and judicious lens. He explains why people did what they did as they thundered through time, and he’s unafraid to tackle humanity’s dark side. Dwyer also brings Christian

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

ministers and social pioneers back into history’s narrative without piety. Reading Dwyer’s books is like talking to and being around him; he finds meaning in seemingly mundane details and is willing to embrace and acknowledge life’s fragility as part of the human condition. The older of two sons, Dwyer spent his childhood in Duncan. When he was two years old, his 35-year-old father died, primarily due to World War II injuries. In fourth grade, Dwyer began writing and fabricated alternate realities that became more intricate as he grew older. “The house I grew up in sat on the Old Chisholm Trail,” says Dwyer. “Out my window at night, I could see the neon, longhorn steer horns glowing with the words ‘Chisholm Trail Motel.’ Home was permeated with history, reading and learning. “Cowboys were the cultural icons that superheroes are now. My mom let the John Waynes and the Mickey Mantles serve as

surrogate male influencers for us. The culture was immersed in pride for our country, flag, history and heroes, going back to the pilgrims. I had an internal generator to share what I learned in a way that inspired and taught and helped people.” Dwyer holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma and Dallas Theological Seminary, and he teaches history and ethics at Southern Nazarene University. An active blogger, he maintains an active social media presence. Lately, he spends a lot of time “pulling up old barbed wire fence, clearing brush, cutting down trees and readying things for our new horse,” he says. “My driving force with horses, chickens, barns, hay and such is for my grandson to care for animals and learn daily responsibilities.” Dwyer’s eighth book, The Oklahomans - Volume II, is planned for a release at the Oklahoma History Center on Statehood Day in November 2021. CAROL MOWDY BOND

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T H E S TAT E | H O B B I E S

WHERE THE QUIPS COME QUICK Improvisational theaters – or improv groups – in OKC and Tulsa let standup hopefuls learn and earn their comedic chops.

Tulsa’s Rabbit Hole improv oﬀers performances, classes and workshops for aspiring comedians or those looking for a new hobby. Photo courtesy Rabbit Hole Improv

he comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? has familiarized American and British TV viewers with improvisational theater over the years. For an in-person experience, you can find equally quick wits and responses at improv shows in Oklahoma’s largest cities. Usually, the TV show is driven by a suggestion. For example: “What’s really going through the president’s mind during cabinet meetings?” “‘There isn’t even a cabinet in here.’” And the made-up, on-the-spot quips follow in rapid succession. Improvisation is the art of theatrical comedy, says Jason Watts, artistic director of Rabbit Hole Improv in Tulsa. “We like to create things that make us laugh off the top of our heads,” he says. Improv, most often comedic, is mostly unplanned or unscripted, and created spontaneously by

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

the performers. In their purest forms, the dialogue, action, story and characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds onstage. “OKC has groups that are devoted to improv games, scenes and sketch comedy,” says Sue Ellen Reiman, managing director at OKC Improv, a 10-year-old group. Rabbit Hole Improv and OKC Improv have public shows, classes and workshops. Businesses can also set up team-building experiences. Prices vary for each event. Most weekends, you can just sit back, relax and see what troupes do best: make people laugh. “There are 30-50 troupes at any one time who submit for our shows,” says Reiman. “Troupes are formed by people who have a common interest.” For example, one troupe only has performers over age 50, while another one comprises only vet-

erans, she says. The groups come and go and reform constantly. Anyone can participate. “The age range is wide,” says Watts. “While it may skew a little to the younger – 20s and 30s – we have people in their 70s taking classes and performing. We [have] youth programming in the works.” The best way to get involved is to take an introductory class or workshop. From there, you meet others and play some games. While some pursue improv comedy as a profession, most enjoy it as a hobby – a great way to be social and play. “Improv fosters community, as many social activities do, through sharing trust and laughs,” says Watts. “The structured play allows for many to explore ideas and express themselves, to make connection, and, at the end of the day, it really is all about the laughs.” To learn more, go to okcimprov. com or rabbitholeimprov.com. SHARON MCBRIDE

A COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS

You Belong Here. Fall enrollment now open.

CLASSES START AUGUST 17

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Tulsa Community College knows planning for your future is important now more than ever. To help you feel safe and secure, we’re offering a variety of courses – from fully online and online live to blended and face-to-face classes – to support your need to learn, while keeping your future plans and your health and safety, on-track and on-budget.

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

A TRIBUTE TO BLACKWELL A new track released on Explosive Records honors a prolific Oklahoman drummer and songwriter.

The song “Highway Shoes,” credited to Paul Benjaman, is a powerful Tulsa-centric project that commemorates the late songwriter and drummer Chuck Blackwell. Album art by Thom Self

ulsa drummer and songwriter Chuck Blackwell began etching his name into pop culture history some 60 years ago, as one of the original guys who headed west from T-Town to enrich the southern California music scene with his locally honed talents. Over the next couple of decades, Blackwell would show up in a variety of key places, from the network-television rock ‘n’ roll series Shindig!, where he drummed for the house band, the Shindogs; to a steady gig with high-profile blues musician Taj Mahal, appearing with him (and guitarist Jesse Ed Davis and bassist Gary Gilmore, both fellow Oklahomans) in the landmark concert and music video, The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus; to one of the most famous touring aggregations of the ’70s, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, with Joe Cocker and Blackwell’s longtime musical cohort and friend Leon Russell. The list of artists Blackwell recorded and/or toured with over his career includes the Everly Brothers, Freddie King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and even Jimi Hendrix, one of Blackwell’s former roommates. Like a lot of top-drawer Tulsa rockers, Blackwell moved back to Tulsa in the ’70s, following Leon Russell’s lead, and stayed to help ignite an incendiary period in Tulsa’s rock ‘n’ roll history. Blackwell passed away in 2017 at the age of 77, but his influence still hovers over rock music in general and the Tulsa music scene in particular. The latest evidence is a new song called “Highway Shoes,” released digitally by Tulsa’s long-lived Explosive Records. The song features Thom Self cover art, depicting Blackwell

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

during his Mad Dogs & Englishmen period. Subtitled “A Tribute to Chuck Blackwell,” it’s credited to Tulsa-based singer-songwriterguitarist Paul Benjaman. The busy Benjaman is known for, among many other things, his work on events related to the classic Tulsa Sound, including live tribute shows to Leon Russell, Steve Pryor and Jimmy Markham. He connected with the Blackwell project via another Tulsan, Scott Hutchison, a songwriter, performer and producer who, like Blackwell, spent some time in the West Coast scene – as did his musician brother, Pride Hutchison, Scott’s Explosive Records partner. Hutchison, however, is considerably younger than Blackwell. “I met Chuck back in 1972, when I was a real young kid,” recalls Hutchison. “I think I was 16. I knew him through some cousins, and we became friends. And then later, once I was playing in bands, I got to know him better and would get advice from him.” After spending some time around the early ’90s in L.A., notably with Pryor, Hutchison moved back to Tulsa. Blackwell had stayed in-state since his return in the ‘70s, playing with local bands and running his Broken Arrow-based business, Blackwell’s Stained Glass & Doors, with his wife, Romayne. “Steve [Pryor] and I had hung with Chuck, done some studio work with him, and when I got back here I started writing with him more,” says Hutchison. “I’d talk to him about all the stuff he did, and what I remember is that he was so humble about it. I mean, [the story of] his life could be a bestseller. “Chuck and I thought it would be cool to get someone who was a guitar-slinger, a younger singer, to work with him on songs,” he adds, which is how Benjamin got involved. Out of that combination of artists came “Highway Shoes.” “Chuck had the basic theme that he wanted, and what ended up being the chorus, down on a piece of paper,” remembers Benjaman. “So basically, it was Scott and me going over that piece of paper and finding verses we could do. I wrote the main riff, the tune, and got some of the verses filled out. Scott did the co-write with me.” When the song was completed, a half-dozen years ago, Blackwell was still alive. However, his health was failing at the time, and he wasn’t able to contribute as much as he would’ve liked to the recording. “He was in a recovery home, about three blocks down from where Michael Block had his studio in Bixby,” notes Hutchison, “and they let us come over and pick Chuck up.” Benjaman adds: “We did that one studio session with Chuck Blackwell, and he got to hear what I’d done, and he was super excited about it, but we never

really got to where he could play drums for the entire tune. After he passed away, we had all this work done, and we just felt that it was right to complete the tune.” Hutchison and Benjaman also felt it was right to bring in Blackwell’s friend and musical partner from their Taj Mahal days, bassist Gary Gilmore – another legendary purveyor of the original Tulsa Sound. Pride Hutchison added drums at what his brother calls “a satellite studio for Explosive Records,” Horse Latitudes Recording Studio in Glendale, California; he was joined there by studio musician and recording artist Lamar “Kronik” Mitchell, who played keyboards for the recording. Hutchison says that some mixing for the disc was also done on the West Coast. “Then we thought about getting somebody from around here to put on some background vocals,” he adds, “and we came up with Jared Tyler, who’s worked with Paul and Pride and me. We’ve got Paul on guitar, too, and I’m on there playing acoustic. It’s really three generations, almost – Gary Gilmore, then me and Pride, and then Paul and Jared. We all like the same kind of music and it fit together really cool.”

“It seems like we were really bridging a lot of things with the tune,” says Benjaman. “There was the basic blues that Gilmore and Chuck had definitely mastered, and then the later kind of Stonesy thing that influenced Hutchison and Steve Pryor. During the sessions, they were talking a lot about things Steve used to do. So it really does bridge across.”

“I’d talk to him about all the stuff he did, and what I remember is that he was so humble about it. I mean, [the story of] his life could be a bestseller.” Those familiar with the ’70s Tulsa Sound will also hear more than a little Leon Russell and JJ Cale influence in the song – the latter in the deep grooves cut by bassist Gilmore and buttressed by the rest of the musicians, the former in Benjaman’s drawly, world-weary vocals, which evoke not only Russell but also Russell’s friend and fellow musician Mac “Dr. John” Rebennack.

The singing, Benjamin agrees, is a bit different for him. “When I did it, I was just kind of considering the scene,” he says. “I knew that Chuck Blackwell had a long history with musicians – I just learned the other day that he played drums on the club circuit with Jimi Hendrix, and he was good friends with Steve Pryor – so it was me trying to channel something that was a little bit different from what I normally do. “This seems to be something that’s really special,” he adds. “Knowing Chuck and his history, and the fact that he wanted to work with me on something – I’m just really, really honored.” The same goes for Scott Hutchison, who’s also a producer of the track. “It was an honor to know Chuck Blackwell, and to do this tribute,” says Hutchison. “I remember when the Tedeschi Trucks Band was here [in Tulsa]. I went down with Chuck and Romayne to see ‘em, and Chuck was Ringo, you know. He was Ringo Starr to them.” According to Hutchison, “Highway Shoes” is available as a download via CD Baby. JOHN WOOLEY

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RED DIRT STRONG Rodeo athletes need both mental and physical prowess to succeed in this highly competitive activity.

Rodeo athletes combine physical strength, muscle memory and confidence. Photos courtesy Southwestern Oklahoma State University

oleman Proctor, five-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in team roping, describes rodeo as a sport that was born out of everyday jobs. An exciting world of dedicated athletes has sprung from the tasks performed by cowboys and ranch hands. In events from bull riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling and tie-down roping, rodeo athletes use quick reflexes, unparalleled horsemanship, trained muscles and many hours of practice to accomplish spectacular feats, often in mere seconds. Proctor grew up in Oklahoma watching his parents rope and was imitating them from age three. “I just got the bug early and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” he says. “As soon as I could walk, I had a rope in my hand.” But not everyone gets started in rodeo this way. Mike Visnieski, head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, started rodeoing as a teenager and says that he sees talented athletes who grew up around the sport and those who got interested a little later. There are also schools and clinics, he says, for roping, bull riding and other events where participants can learn the fundamentals or practice skills needed to succeed. With this particular sport, everyone interested is invited to compete, and practice and dedication can put competitors on an equal footing, says Stockton Graves, head rodeo coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “Your level of success depends on your level of dedication – whether you want to dedicate your life to it,” he says. Visnieski and Graves both emphasize the need for physicality and athletic strength, but rodeo sports are also a cerebral game.

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“Mentally, you have to be 100% given to your sport if you want to be successful and accomplish goals,” says Graves. Visnieski emphasizes the fact that a rodeo performance is often so quick, there’s no time for remembering movements step by step. If competitors stay focused and calm, then the muscle memory can take over. “The more muscle memory, the more automatic it is, the better you’re going to perform. Successful people are consistent in their performances,” he says. “Doing the same thing over and over and wearing out what works.” Rodeo competitors “have to have a lot of confidence and a really short memory,” says Proctor with a laugh. But while the competition is high-level, the culture around rodeo is friendly and family-oriented, where everyone helps everyone else, says Graves. “One thing that makes me so proud in rodeo is that I’ve met nothing but the greatest people,” seconds Proctor. “It’s hard-working guys who are trying to make a living with their rope.” BONNIE RUCKER

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PEDAL POWER Exploring Oklahoma’s watering holes has never been easier, more convenient ... or more fun.

Participants in the OKC Brew Tour can learn more about the art of brewing and sample several craft beers. Photos courtesy OKC Brew Tours

raft beer enthusiasts who don’t mind putting in a little footwork can visit their favorite Oklahoma City and Tulsa haunts in a unique way – by pedaling through areas close to the cities’ downtowns. Meanwhile, folks in Oklahoma’s capital city who prefer a more comfortable, relaxing option can embark on a 3 ½-hour tour of craft brewpubs by taking a chartered coach. Since making its debut six years ago, Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Brew Bike has been offering a different way of exploring the area’s pubs and craft breweries – a 16-passenger, 10-pedal bike bar. Owned by Bike Bar Tours LLC of Denver, Colo., the Bricktown Brew Bike is now joined by a similarly pedal-powered bike bar in Tulsa, with the Tulsa Bike Bar offering regular visits to pubs in Tulsa’s Arts and Blue Dome districts. Tours are booked in advance and

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range in price from $295 per group during the week to $320 weekends. Operations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City were halted in March when bars were closed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in June. Nick Oxford, operations manager at Bricktown Brew Bike, says bike drivers wear masks and that everything is wiped down before each tour. Temperature checks are also administered before the brew bike pedals toward the closest watering hole. The bike bar generally makes two to three stops during its twohour excursion, says Oxford, and groups can set their own itinerary in advance. Riders are free to bring their own coolers on board to imbibe while pedaling. Meanwhile, those preferring a more luxurious mode of transportation have another option – OKC Brew Tours, which offers a 12-passenger coach, available for what its operators tout as a fun, unforgettable brewery tour. Brian Spomer, owneroperator of OKC Brew Tours, says the company began in 2018, seeking to provide a high-quality experience sampling fresh

hand-crafted beer, while also educating guests about the brewing process, “all without having to worry about the driving.” OKC Brew Tours are booked in advance and visit breweries clustered in and close to downtown, with time reserved for sampling at each stop. “We are always open to special requests by our customers,” says Spomer. Each tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the locations. Tours resumed in mid-June and slots filled up quickly. Spomer says safety precautions entail sanitizing the tour bus after each tour and limiting group sizes to six. He says the tour guides are fun, knowledgeable and passionate about craft beer, and are focused on “making sure everyone has a good time.” Often, customers and guides develop a fun camaraderie during the 3 ½-hour event. “One [guide] was even invited to family dinner later that night,” says Spomer with a laugh. As for the pedal-powered tours around Oklahoma, the company’s websites state that drivers are prepared to deal with unruly or seriously intoxicated participants: “Our drivers have an ejector seat button for passengers, and we have all been deemed trigger happy!” With that admonition, Oxford says, riders generally are well-behaved, but intent on having a good time on their outing. “Occasionally,” he says, “dance parties break out.” HENRY DOLIVE

T H E S TAT E | P E O P L E

A HUNGER TO HEAL Across the globe, Enid native Peter Markes inspires and encourages students through music.

After teaching at Edmond North for 15 years, Peter Markes (bottom left) decided to take his musical talents across the world. Photo courtesy Peter Markes

he 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Peter Markes, is shifting directions and using music to expand frontiers on a broader scale. With Markes at the helm for 15 years, the Edmond North High School Orchestra performed twice in the National Youth Concert in Carnegie Hall. The orchestra earned 15 consecutive top State Sweepstakes Awards, received annual invitations to perform internationally, and skyrocketed Markes into becoming one of the state’s top educators. An Enid native, Markes is now taking his acumen to new heights in Oklahoma City. A singerinstrumentalist with a unique songwriting style, he’s pursuing opportunities across the globe. Markes plays 16 instruments, and, as a member of the band Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road for the past 11 years, he has performed in over 25 countries on 5 continents. He recently performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage. On top of that, he owns Peter Markes Music, focusing on solo and band performances with an emphasis on live-looping violin and guitar tunes. He stays busy as a music education consultant throughout the region and teaches violin, viola, guitar, piano and songwriting in his studio and internationally. “I have conducted short guitar master classes in almost every country where I’ve performed,” he says. In some of these situations, he and the students were unable to speak each other’s languages. Markes channeled his energy toward new horizons early this year by teaching eight days of guitar in Saudi Arabia, where public music instruction and performances were just recently governmentsanctioned. “I am amazed at the hunger to learn about Western

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

music, and the alacrity and appreciation in learning basic ideas,” says Markes. “My work has become less about technical ability and skills, and more about the power to inspire, encourage and heal through music.” Involved in numerous cultural exchanges abroad with dignitaries, Markes explains that “music seems to be one of the easiest ways for humans to form a bond, to communicate emotions, and, as pie-in-thesky as it sounds, solve real-world problems. I have witnessed meetings that began formally. We provided music and a palpable change occurred.” Markes grew up on a farm in rural Garfield County, where his parents raised Gelbvieh cattle and wheat. He worked the harvest fields during summers. Coming from a family of educators and musicians, Markes recalls that he “began Suzuki violin lessons at age four. The method, sometimes called the ‘mothertongue’ method, involves students learning the violin by ear as you would language.” Along the way, he also learned fiddle tunes. But his classical training continued as Markes got older, when he earned a bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma City University and a master’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma. Through his music, Markes strives to appreciate and understand the human condition. “A culture is defined by the value it gives to the arts – performing, visual and culinary – that give way to our ability to express our thoughts in language,” he says. “To be part of musical growth is meaningful at home and abroad. My perspective on the power of music education is constantly shifting. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about using music to form human connections.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

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ROCK THE HOUSE 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

While we won't get to party like it's 1999 this year, we will party again soon. Save the date for next year: April 3, 2021! If you'd like to learn more about Tulsa Habitat for Humanity and ways you can help, visit www.tulsahabitat.org.

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

ONE BITE AT A TIME Recovery from 2019’s elephantine rains and floods is almost complete at state parks, lakes and rivers.

The Keystone Dam was one of many structures damaged during last year’s flooding around the state.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

aintenance and repair crews, facing the seemingly indomitable task of cleaning up eastern Oklahoma waterways and recreation areas from last year’s historic flooding, adopted the strategy found in a classic riddle. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Nearly 15 months after devastating rains and floods, the lakes, rivers and parks in eastern Oklahoma are pretty much back to normal. However, some cleanup and repairs still remain, say Jeff Knack, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Keli Clark, with Oklahoma State Parks. The record-setting deluges and torrents in May-June 2019 closed the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System for months, severely damaged levees in Tulsa County, cut off the town of Webbers Falls from its neighbors for weeks and left millions of tons of debris, downed trees and silt on lake roads and in parks. “It was more water than we’ve seen in the region because it was so localized,” Knack says. “The take-home fact was the bigger the flood, the longer it takes to recover. And we’re still in a recovery operation. “The work is literally done hour by hour. We look at the most appropriate thing to tackle and do it and move to the next item. You try to do the work that provides the most public benefit.” Knack says the navigation channel, which has had some shipping lanes open for a year, still needs dredging of some shoals formed from the floods. When that 3-mile job is completed next month, the Corps will have spent $6 million alone on removing silt and debris from the canal so that it can be at its full width and depth. The Corps-managed lakes with the most damage were Kaw, Keystone, Oologah and Fort Gibson, all of which were kept dozens of feet above normal throughout much of 2019 to waylay disasters downstream. Knack, chief of the Tulsa district’s natural resources and recreation branch, says the Oklahoma projects prevented $2.1 billion in damages in Arkansas alone. He says some minor damage to roads and recreation areas remains in 18 locations at Keystone, Kaw, Hulah, Fort Gibson, Robert S. Kerr, Webbers Falls, Chouteau, Birch and Newt Graham lakes. “We still have several recreation areas that are still partially closed,” he says. “We’ve been able to get a majority of them open or mostly open.” Clark says Tenkiller and Cherokee Landing state parks, in the Cookson Hills on Tenkiller Ferry Lake, and Sequoyah State Park, on Fort Gibson Lake near Hulbert, suffered flooding in camping and swimming areas. However, all campgrounds are open, except for two at Cherokee Landing. “Once the waters receded, we did damage control,” she says. “We looked for major damage that would be a safety issue to guests. A lot of our maintenance crews are used to flooding, so they knew what to expect and got the debris cleaned up. They fix any erosion and make those areas safe for guests. They check everything before opening up again. “People love our parks; they want to camp, fish, swim and boat. We do what we can to maintain these popular destinations.” BRIAN WILSON

T H E S TAT E | C O M M U N I T Y

BREAKING IT DOWN A unique dance form has an avid following in the state.

Instructor Jesus Martinez believes teaching others how to breakdance is his way of paying it forward. Photo courtesy Jesus Martinez

n the early 1970s, black and Latinx youth were influenced by a variety of sources – like gymnastics and martial arts – to create a dance known as ‘b-boying’ or ‘breaking.’ The dance that was once a way for rival gangs to fight for turf in New York eventually made its way into the mainstream and is now taught in many dance studios. Oklahomans looking for a way to express themselves through movement can find a variety of options to learn this form of hiphop. Jesus Martinez, a seasoned instructor at Everything Goes Dance Studio in Oklahoma City, welcomes anyone to his breakdancing classes ... as long as they’re willing to put in the effort. You get out of it what you put into it, he says. “Breakdance isn’t easy, and it takes time and dedication to learn and grow,” he says. “It takes a fair amount of upper body strength and more stamina and cardio because it’s such a high energy style of dance. I’d say being able to do 15 pushups, no stop, would mean you’re ready for some breakdance skills.” That said, Martinez mentions that some breakdance doesn’t

require upper body strength. ‘Top rocks,’ for example, is a breakdancer’s way of grooving out, as the moves consist more of footwork. Martinez has been perfecting the art of breakdancing since he was just 13 years old. “I was drawn to breakdance because of family history, mainly,” he explains. “My uncle was a breakdancer, and my aunt and mom were hip-hoppers. I wanted to continue that talent.” Martinez learned his skills by watching YouTube videos and practicing with a crew called Team Swoosh. “We would get together in Bricktown just behind the Sonic headquarters and just dance,” he says. “We also had meetups at different gyms and centers to practice.” Teaching others to breakdance, in some ways, is Martinez’s way of paying it forward. “I teach others now because if it weren’t for mentors who helped me grow, I wouldn’t have grown to where I am now,” he says. “I want to pass on the torch and inspire others to follow what they love. A good teacher can make a difference in a student’s life and perspective.”

Maxwell Hill, a hip-hop dancer and Oklahoma City resident, says it took him about a year to get the hang of the basic moves for breakdancing. “For someone who has never taken the style before, the movements can be pretty tricky when you’re first learning them,” says Hill. “Everyone’s body is different, and because of that, people perform moves a little bit differently.” Hill advises beginners to watch other breakdancers to help figure out their own styles. Understanding the importance of stretching beforehand and keeping a routine also help to master the art. “The most challenging part for me is keeping my stamina up while performing,” he says. “It’s an intense style that needs a lot of endurance to keep going, especially when performing flashier moves.” Hill, who was drawn to breakdancing because of the amount of freedom he could apply to the style, suggests that everyone interested in the style try it. “It’s an extremely fun style that can also serve as a great workout,” he says. “I’d absolutely encourage anyone who is considering starting to go for it.” ALAINA STEVENS

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T H E S TAT E | S P O R T S I I

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION Tulsa native Zach Loyd went from professional soccer player to coach and ministry leader.

Tulsa native and former professional soccer player Zach Loyd has transitioned into a successful coaching career in Dallas. Photo courtesy LSR Soccer

ome might call Zach Loyd’s professional soccer career short, since the Tulsa native spent only eight seasons in the Major League Soccer before retiring in 2017. The Verdigris High School product – who was the fifth pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft – played seven of those seasons with FC Dallas before finishing with Atlanta United SC, where he didn’t play due to a concussion. He says that he really can’t complain. “I’m thankful for it. I really enjoyed it,” he says. “Now that I’m out of it, I realize how much of a blessing it was to be playing as long as I was. I see a lot of people who want to make it, or they were in it [and miss it], so I’m really blessed to play as long as I did. To represent the national team is something I dreamed of as a kid.” Over the past few years, the talented 32-year-old has made a successful foray into coaching along with his wife, Casey, whom he met at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they both played soccer. (Casey also had a successful professional soccer career through 2013.) The pair got their first taste of coaching in 2012 with Vickery United, a soccer program started in Dallas for refugee children. Along with coaching high school soccer in Dallas, Loyd is also head coach for Lone Star Republic of the United Professional Soccer League (UPSL), where his wife assists him. “It’s been real fun,” says Loyd. “I really enjoy being able to work with everyone and getting that perspective. You get to see the whole team and how it functions together. As a player, it’s a little bit different. You’re worried about the whole team, but you work in groups. I like the relationships of it. That’s my favorite part, building relationships with

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

the guys and trying to build something as a whole, finding guys that fit into what you want to do.” In 2019, he and Casey started their own faithbased non-profit. 10/15 Ministry (which is named for the Bible verse Romans 10:15), is a way to combine two things the Loyds are incredibly passionate about: soccer and their Christian faith. “The game of soccer, it’s brought a lot of joy into my life, and it’s good to be able to stay around the game,” says Loyd. “Everyone loves the game, but it’s the things that help people off the field – especially with the ministry being able to impact people outside of the field – that have been really good and enjoyable.” Even with a busy coaching schedule, this proud Okie still finds time to return to his roots to catch up with friends and family. “I miss the people,” says Loyd. “I also miss the slower pace there. People aren’t in a hurry. Everyone enjoys where they’re at and what they’re doing. I really enjoy that when I go back, just slowing things down.” STEPHEN HUNT

T H E S TAT E | T E C H N O L O G Y

THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE Virtual reality gains a foothold in Oklahoma markets.

Virtual reality has recently become popular in the entertainment sector, but its applications reach far beyond gaming. Photo courtesy Steelehouse Productions

hile virtual reality has been around for decades, it has only recently hit its stride in the entertainment realm. A closer look into the rise of the technology and the current and potential applications reveals that VR is here to stay. First, a quick, non-technical discussion of how VR works. Kevin Anderson, executive producer with Steelehouse Productions in Tulsa, explains that creation of VR content involves either a stereoscopic 360 degree camera – which provides depth information from two images like our two eyes do – or game engine technology that is producing two high-resolution images that are rendered in real time (at an exceptionally high

frame rate per second). The good news? You don’t really have to understand how it works to get the full experience. “Our poor little primitive brains cannot distinguish between virtual reality and reality,” says Anderson. “The minute that our eyes and our ears are fully immersed, we start to treat and encode those experiences as if they are real.” VR has become a popular entertainment avenue in recent years. Red Door Escape Room, with locations in Oklahoma City and across Texas and California, has begun to offer VR as part of their immersive experiences. Sherrie Frick, Red Door’s OKC sales manager, says that VR can appeal to adventure-lovers of all ages. “People from ten to 100 … whoever wants to come in and play this, they love it,” she says. The games require at least two players, but can involve many more. Participants are virtually transported into games through use of a headset and hand controllers and are aware of each other within the game. “We’re all about increasing the communication and teaching people that

there are fun activities that are also forms of entertainment that can bring you closer together,” says Frick. And while entertainment is a popular use for VR, it’s applications don’t end there. Red Door offers team building exercises for multiple organizations, and Kevin Anderson mentions the growth of VR within enterprise training. “It’s an ideal training medium for anything that’s risky or impractical to practice or to train on,” says Anderson. “It solves a very specific challenge for [the companies] – how do you take someone from the classroom to hands-on when you’re talking about very expensive equipment or very dangerous situations?” As the equipment and technology improves, opportunities expand. Anderson notes that there are myriad ways to utilize VR with the elderly and for those with neurological or physical disabilities, both to provide them with virtual experiences and to help others understand their world. VR can even be used to open the horizons of young people through unique experiences that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them. For those who haven’t dipped their toes in the world of VR for a few years, Anderson urges you to give it another try. A lot has changed in recent months, and the technology very likely has a secure place in the future. “There’s a much bigger story and there’s going to be a much deeper impact on society as a whole than just gaming,” he says. “VR is going to be much bigger than that.” BONNIE RUCKER

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & STYLE

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

A WORTHY UNDERTAKING A Tulsa home builder and interior designer duo revitalized a home for ideal family living. By M.J. Van Deventer

Clockwise: This home oﬀers a stunning first impression with well-manicured landscaping and eyecatching finishes. A cozy fireplace anchors this living setting. The wood treatments add a rustic visual touch. The living room is the home’s entertainment hub with a TV, pool table and various seating options. High ceilings in the formal dining area add to the charm of the room. Photos by Brian Chitty, Shots Aloft Photography

ometimes it’s love at first sight when you find the perfect home. Or, perhaps, it’s seeing the potential for what a home could be that sparks the initial passion. The latter situation was the case for Ralph and Gunta Sandmeyer, a Tulsa homebuilder and interior designer duo who wanted to create a haven for themselves and their family. With more than 20 years of experience in the design and build business, the Sandmeyers aren’t strangers to daunting remodeling undertakings. While new home construction with Southern Homes – a custom build business – takes up most of their time, the duo often assumes large remodeling opportunities on the side “to keep things interesting.” To Gunta, renovating an existing space poses exciting challenges, like working through and updating existing configurations, layouts or dated features; this residence posed such issues. Built in the early 1980s by lauded designer Jack Arnold, the home possessed a bygone era charm that needed updates. Among

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

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

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

Above: The master bedroom features a subdued color scheme and a gleaming wood floor. Left: The kitchen mixes wood and marble accents with a streamlined design for optimal convenience.

The side cabana and other seating oﬀer unlimited outdoor entertainment.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

them included dated finishes, a sunken bathtub complementing 1980s Hollywood vanity lights and an impractical kitchen configuration. Yet, the home was in a bucolic setting, sandwiched between two ponds and a large expanse of trees, creating amazing views from every room. Gunta knew the floor plan, with modifications, would be perfect for family living and entertaining. The undertaking took two years. Nearly everything was replaced: the roof, flooring, cabinetry, plumbing and all electrical. Inspired by country and coastal homes, the dwelling’s exterior was painted a crisp white. The floor plan was reconfigured to make the living spaces more functional. “The open floor plan keeps people connected, whether they are in one of the living rooms, the downstairs game/entertaining space, bar or anywhere else in the house,” says Gunta. “The finish selections were easy. I knew I wanted a calm palette of whites, grays, blacks and warm wood tones. The whole house is a comfortable mix of finishes and textures.” The team used quarter sawn oak cabinetry in a subdued pale gray wood stain. Starting with a base of airy white, natural wood tones were layered with the aforementioned touches of black and gray. For the bath features, metals included a mix of warm brass, black iron and polished nickel. The entire home is now a myriad portrait of all these finishes, creating a breathtaking, one-of-a kind design impression. “The finish materials used throughout the remodel of this house were carefully chosen to bring an instant character,” says Gunta. “We used beautiful marbles with faint gray veining. Natural slate floors ground the large areas while bringing a contemporary feel. Warm wood finishes on other floors and ceilings instantly warm the space, and custom iron doors and stairs bring a touch of industrial into the space.” For décor and upholstery, Gunta chose an easy-to-live-in gray, cream and blue color palette. “Other bolder or brighter colors would have been too much,” she says. Even more impressive is the expansive side and backyard elements. “We added the outdoor entertaining area by building a cabana that matches the style of the home,” says Gunta. “It has an awesome outdoor fireplace and looks and feels like it’s always been a part of this home. On summer nights, we listen to cicadas and tree frogs while being just moments away from everything in Tulsa. What can be better than that?”

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Photo by Yiannis Skoulas

L I F E & S T Y L E | D E S T I NAT I O NS

Photo by Dimitrakopoulos Panos

SUNKISSED SANTORINI This island in the Cyclades dazzles with its myriad activities and stunning views.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Photo by Kouzouni Katerina

he quintessential Greek island of Santorini is unerringly stunning. There are about 1,000 reasons to go there ... and none to ever leave. Imagine a big triangle out in the Aegean Sea, whose tips are the coasts of southern Greece, southwestern Turkey and Crete. In the center of that triangle is Santorini (Greek name Thira), Island of Wine. Get a lay of the land by holding up your right hand and forming a backward “C.” That crescent your hand is making is the shape of Santorini. Oia (a major entertainment hub) is located at the tips of your fingers and Fira (the island’s capital) is right about where your index finger meets your hand. These villages provide bases of operations as you explore this land of volcanic cliffs, ancient sites, lively beaches and Cycladic architecture. Postcard-perfect, Santorini is a painting in every direction. The Cyclades style is one of whitewashed walls, blue domes and connected structures that seemingly flow into each other. Narrow roads are hemmed in by narrow, two-story homes with walls built right to the curb. In a nod to tradition, as these tight roads work their way through dense cities, sharp turns are given rounded corners, making it easier for mules and donkeys to pass. What’s Santorini best known for? Yes, both the wine and the views. The vistas come courtesy of volcanic activity thousands of

Bathed in white and blue, Santorini is a picturesque escape for those looking for a warm-weather adventure. All photos courtesy Visit Greece.gr unless otherwise marked

years ago that created the archipelago of Santorini and the islands within the “C” of your right hand. The underwater Santorini volcano (still active) generously gave the islands their cliffs, and as a bonus, volcanic beach sand in black, red and white. Throughout western Santorini, sunset-watching is de rigueur as the heavens and earth regularly combine for spectacular shows. And yes, Santorini has 20 excellent wineries producing the best vintages in all of Greece from some of the oldest continuously-cultivated vines in the world. Wines range from Assyrtiko, a very popular white, to Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from dried-in-the-sun grapes. Most wineries are open to the public.

Serious hikers will want to get to the uninhabited island of Nea Kameni for a trek through the volcanic park, past active, smoking craters and hissing vents of steam. To find the true Santorini, visit and revel in the traditions of one of the islands’ small towns. Megalochori, south of Fira along the coast, is an enchanted mosaic of white and blue buildings featuring a charming public square watched over by cliffside churches. About 15 minutes down the coast from Oia, the architecturally-interconnected town of Finikia presents a labyrinth of tight, cobble-stoned alleys leading to delightful pastelcolored houses and small, family-run hotels.

Eat like a local. Yeah, try Greek fare like gyros, mussaka, lamb and Greek salad, but also saganaki (honeycovered fried cheese in filo pastry), tomato gefthedes (like a tomato beignet) and fava me koukia (smashed yellow split-pea fava beans mixed with onions and garlic). Shopping options run the gamut, from the Bohemian markets of Kamari and handmade leather goods in Fira to high-end wares in Oia. Pick up some Santorini tomato seeds for gardening fun back home. No worries about getting around the island, buses run year round. Summer is high season all across Santorini. Beat the crowds and visit in the fall or winter. CHUCK MAI

A LODGING SUGGESTION

Photo by Kouzouni Katerina

Photo courtesy Yiannis Skoulas

Photo by Katerina Kouzouni

Canaves Oia Sunday Suites is located near the Byzantine Castle ruins in Oia, with dazzling views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano. Whitewashed seaside luxury cave suites (canaves means wine cellar) cascade down the caldera around three pools: one infinity, one regular and one on the roof. Restaurants and a well-equipped spa are on premises.

AUGUST 2020| WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

OUTDOOR FUN ABOUNDS Oklahomans are itching to get back outside, and the state’s variety of city parks can provide hours of entertainment.

Adventure awaits at one of many city parks in Oklahoma. Photo courtesy Scissortail Park

fter a quarantined spring and early summer, you won’t need to ask friends and family if they’re ready to get out of the house and spend some time outdoors. One simple way to accomplish that is to take advantage of the great city parks in Oklahoma. “Oklahoma City parks are back open and ready for our residents to start using again,” says Douglas Kupper, OKC’s director of Parks and Recreation. “Our park system has just about every activity a resident would want to participate in, from fishing lakes to golf, fitness trails to fitness courts and nature centers to family aquatic centers.” Kupper adds that Oklahoma City is grateful to have over 170 parks that residents can “rediscover” within its city limits. For more information and a detailed listing, go to okc.gov/parks. Just a few items can turn your park trip into an engaging outdoor adventure. A magnifying glass can change any outing into a science quest as family members search for insects, rocks and leaves. Or, bring a bucket and a small ball to have a family contest on who can make the most baskets. If children are a little older, plan a nature photo contest at the park. Everyone can take turns with the camera or smartphone and the winner gets a small prize; perhaps no chores for a day or two or a framed copy of his or her photo as a reminder of the win. Other fun items for the park can include the tried and true plastic discs, jump ropes, walkie talkies or bubble soap. If all family members are ardent readers, take your current books, a large blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the great outdoors. “We look forward to an active summer and want our residents to feel free again,” says Kupper. “But we also want them to remain safe by following the guidance of our governor and Mayor Holt as we reactivate this great city and region we live in.” If you’re looking for a splash pad to cool off on these hot summer days, the city of Broken Arrow boasts six such recreational sites. With walking trails, an aquatic center and Rose West dog park, this suburb of Tulsa has something for everyone. “Broken Arrow has some of the best parks, recreation centers and amenities in the region and the state,” says Matthew Hendren, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation. “I would encourage anyone who has not visited one of our parks, or who is not familiar with what Broken Arrow’s park’s system has to offer, to visit baparks.org to check out our park locator tool.” The interactive app allows users to virtually check out Broken Arrow’s park system to find just the right fit. If your family is lucky enough to have your own outdoor space, try flying a drone, decorating the driveway with sidewalk chalk or creating a bicycle obstacle course. After all, it’s summer, Oklahoma! DEBI TURLEY

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

L I F E & S T Y L E | O U T SI D E T H E M E T R O

WHERE TRIBE AND TOWN DEFINE EACH OTHER In Tahlequah, street signs, names and directions use Sequoyah’s syllabary, the written language of the Cherokee.

A Top left: Tahlequah’s historic courthouse is the oldest building in Oklahoma. Photo by Alicia McDowell, Moondance Photography Top right: Cherokee syllabary can be found on many a street sign in Tahlequah. Photo courtesy Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Department

t many corners, vehicles are commanded to ᎠᎴᏫᏍᏙᏗ before they proceed into traffic. Along downtown avenues, signs stating Ꮭ ᎠᏗ ᏱᎩ mean drivers have to find other places to park. Street names and directions also appear in the Cherokee syllabary completed by Sequoyah in 1821. This is the heart of ᏣᎳᎩ. Tahlequah – the capital of the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, as well as the seat of Cherokee County – and its tribal heritage are interlocking and interchangeable. “You can’t step foot in Tahlequah without hearing our Cherokee language spoken,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says. “Our Southeast designs influence the architecture

FUN FACTS Population 18,709

and businesses. The natural setting in Tahlequah looks similar to that of Cherokees’ southeastern homelands. The fabric of our Cherokee culture is, and will always be, intertwined with … Tahlequah.” Hoskin points out the city’s historic courthouse, the oldest building in Oklahoma (now a history museum). The Cherokee Nation government offices sit on Tahlequah’s west side and just north of downtown is Northeastern State University, “founded to teach Cherokees as the first institution of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi River,” he says. This fall, the first tribal-affiliated medical school in North America welcomes its maiden class, as Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation opens. Historians cite Tahlequah’s main drag, ᎽᏍkᎣᎨᎡ ᎦᎳᏅᏛ (Muskogee Avenue), as the first

Cradle of Education The Cherokee National Female Seminary, which ultimately evolved into Northeastern State University, began long before statehood … in 1846. The original building, near Park Hill south of Tahlequah, burned in 1887, but the school, Oklahoma’s oldest institution of higher learning, was rebuilt two years later on land that became a wooded, hilly, 200-acre campus. Seminary Hall is NSU’s centerpiece.

street surveyed (around 1842) in what would become Oklahoma. On it, the Kroner and Baer brings a big city vibe as a gastropub with live music on its patio (and enough space for proper social distancing) and plenty of craft brews on tap at the bar. Owner Chris Whytal, who’s lived in Tahlequah for eight years, says the city “needed a pub with more variety. We do yard games. We have a humidor, so people can pick out a cigar and smoke with a cold beer outside. It’s a good place to hang with friends, watch a game or listen to music.” Whytal and other business owners appeal to the diverse population in Tahlequah, from undergraduates and medical professionals to longtime residents and government workers. Most of them, directly or indirectly, are tied to the Cherokee Nation, whose “‘multiplier’ activities in Cherokee County exert a total economic impact of $300 million, 6,380 jobs and $228.5 million in labor income,” Hoskin says. “The Cherokee Nation has a tremendous economic impact in Tahlequah.” BRIAN WILSON

Comedic Fame For several months in 1992, Tahlequah was the fictional “home oﬀice” of David Letterman’s nightly Top Ten List on his NBC Late Night show (before he switched to CBS). A mural downtown on the back side of the NSU Playhouse commemorated the comedic honor.

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

L I F E & S T Y L E | HE ALT H

THE THREAT OF MENINGITIS This inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can have serious repercussions if not dealt with swiftly.

eningitis, a critical and sometimes deadly infection, affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. There are several types of meningitis, and a patient needs to be evaluated by a doctor to quickly determine the cause and severity. “Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues, called the leptomeninges,” says Linda Salinas, an epidemiologist with OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. “It can have infectious and non-infectious causes. The infectious causes can be bacterial, viral, fungal or, uncommonly, parasitic.” Noninfectious causes include complications from cancers, lupus, head injuries, brain surgery and certain medications. Bradley Hardy, a family medicine physician with

Warren Clinic, explains the difference in severity between the two most common forms: viral and bacterial. “Viral infections typically are benign and selflimited, while bacterial causes are life threatening and require antibiotic treatment,” he says. “Patients suffering from either viral or bacterial meningitis are started on broad spectrum antibiotic medications to cover for bacterial infections while awaiting test results to determine the pathogen causing meningitis. At that time, if it is found to be viral, antibiotics will be discontinued, and if bacterial, specific antibiotic adjustments are made.” For certain types of meningitis, vaccines are available. These include the meningococcal, pneumococcal and Hib vaccines. “Different bacteria are treated by different antibiotics,” says Salinas. “Some of the viral infections do not have specific treatments, while others have antiviral medications available. Following exposure to a specific bacterial cause, a short course of antibiotic may be given to people who had close contact to the patient to prevent transmission. While hospitalized, a patient may be placed in isolation to prevent the spread to others.” Meningitis can affect people of all ages. The most common symptoms are fever, headache and stiff neck. “Less common symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sensitivity to light, muscles aches or excessive sleepiness,” says Hardy. Ways to prevent the illness include avoiding tick and mosquito bites, practicing good hygiene and hand washing, and not swimming in fresh and/or warm bodies of water such as lakes and ponds. A daunting uptick in college cases of meningitis do not have to do with the specific age group, says Hardy. “This has to do with college students living in close proximity with one another in dormitories,” he explains. “It is not that this age group is at a higher risk in and of itself, it is that any individual living in a dormitory setting would see a higher likelihood of contracting the disease. This additionally holds true for individuals residing in military barracks or other crowded living conditions.” If you experience the symptoms associated with meningitis, Salinas recommends seeking medical attention immediately. She says a spinal tap is important for the diagnosis of meningitis and helps doctors determine the correct treatment plan. “While rare, this is still a common condition that is seen in ERs every day,” says Hardy. “Actually, when our son was 12 days old, he was acting a little more tired than normal and soon came down with a fever. Fortunately, my amazing wife recognized this. We took him to the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, where he was diagnosed with viral meningitis. We spent several sleepless nights at the hospital with our newborn, and I feel for any parent who has to endure seeing their child undergo a spinal tap, blood cultures and the uncertainty while awaiting culture results.” REBECCA FAST

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

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THE PROFESSIONALS HOSPICE CARE

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

My father is terminally ill and the doctor tells us he has about four months to live. They suggested we look at hospice care, but my mother wants to keep him at home. Is it safe to have hospice at home with COVID-19 still being an issue?

What are some money myths to ignore?

DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

1: All debt is bad. Reality: Instead of avoiding all debt, make sure you have a plan to pay it off by addressing highinterest loans ﬁrst. 2: Avoid all credit cards. Reality: Credit cards offer ﬂexibility that cash and debit cards can’t. Instead of nixing credit cards, plan to pay back the balance in full each month, avoiding the

I am so sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis, and we completely understand your mother’s wishes. We take care of many patients in their homes. We are following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are also dividing our care providers into teams: those who have been exposed to patients with the virus and those who have not. All team members are using professional personal protective equipment (PPE). We also meet all the standards for care recommended by both the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Tulsa Health Department. At Grace Hospice we also provide medical care, counseling, medical equipment/ supplies and medications. Our team of professionals includes a registered nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aides and more. Please call us at 918-744-7223. We’re here to help!

high interest charges. 3: You can time the market. Reality: There are many factors that influence day-to-day stock moves. This why timing the market is so challenging, even for professional traders. 4: Pay off your debt before saving for retirement. Reality: If the interest on your student loans is 3.5%, but the expected returns in the market are 5%, then consider adding funds to your retirement account, since you’re making more than the loan costs. 5: You don’t need a financial advisor. Reality: Whether it’s retirement planning, saving for college or meeting other goals, an advisor can help you determine how to approach some of life’s biggest financial decisions.

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

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

CAITLIN EVERSOLE

Views expressed in the Professionals do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Co. or its affiliates.

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L I F E & S T Y L E | FA SHI O N

CRISP & COOL

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

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While the pandemic has created its fair share of problems, leaders in the field are working to keep students on track. Photo by Hugh Scott courtesy the University of Oklahoma

EDUCATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S By Tracy LeGrand

Changing Landscape

Universities across the state are adding numerous health protocols as students return for the fall semester. Photo by John Lew courtesy the University of Tulsa

Back-to-school month looks a lot different than in years past. In our annual education feature, we discuss the changing environment of higher learning, as new health protocols and virtual classes have shifted the educational paradigm on its head. We also explore Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational rankings and the importance of international students, and check in with the Oklahoma Department of Education.

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

In the pandemic’s wake, the paradigm of tradi-

tional education in Oklahoma is in flux, as institutions plan how to best serve students under ever-evolving health guidelines. The general consensus in higher learning? A blend of in-person and online methods may be the way to go. “To help guide Oklahoma’s universities, colleges and high schools, the Oklahoma Department of Education offers safeguards and resources, including Return to Learn Oklahoma: A Framework for Reopening Schools, a compendium of factors for individual districts to consider as they determine how to begin the school year with a focus on learning and the safety and ongoing health of students, staff and families,” says Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We all have to be willing to pivot with one plan to the next and have more than one plan of action in place.” For Aaron Inlow, Tulsa Community College human anatomy instructor, it’s all about lecture conversion while retaining a personal touch. “Like many of my colleagues, we put a lot of time into converting class lectures into other formats, including video and animation,” he says. “We’ll have online classes, but students should know their instructors are available via email and in person. We have specific material to convey, and concepts need discussion to ensure the student is understanding. It’s a misconception that an online class means you’re on your own. You’re not alone.” At the University of Tulsa, Paige Francis, the school’s vice president of information technology, believes the COVID-19 crisis solidified some common truths and made certain avenues of learning more accessible. “The pandemic reinforced that the faculty member, the teaching, the education itself, is at the core of higher education,” she

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

says. “The online delivery method, while inarguably different, is learnable with the appropriate support and tools. There also is now a deeper appreciation for the methods formerly known as ‘alternative.’” While the pandemic brings challenges, opportunities have evolved through them. “Many students understood the gravity of the situation and seemed to find extra appreciation for instructors that were making the best of a bad situation,” says Wayne Thomas, Ph.D., the interim dean of the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business. “Online class makes it easy for instructors to capture their lectures. Students then have the ability to replay the lecture as many times as they like as they do homework and study for exams.” While educators acknowledge that the pandemic will likely alter Oklahoma’s educational format permanently, the specifics aren’t clear as of yet, because online learning comes with a few catches. “Online education can be a very positive learning environment, especially for advanced degrees,” says Mark Morvant, the vice provost of instruction and student success at OU. “But for a wide change in the state, availability to technology and high-speed internet will need to be ubiquitous.” While the virus has put a spotlight on distance learning, Monica Roberts with Oklahoma State University stresses that “there have always been a large menu of online learning tools that were used in limited ways; now they are used heavily. Online teaching is not a cheap alternative; the tools are expensive and require training.” Like in any crisis, disparities arose between students at different socioeconomic levels. “These circumstances have highlighted the stark differences between those with and without privilege in higher education,” says Jenel T. Cavazos, P.h.D., a psychology professor at OU. “Some students were able to continue being students with little interruption. Others were immediately thrown into chaotic home environments in which parents were sick or had lost employment, and the students needed to work or care for younger siblings. The same differences are very apparent in the lives of educators at all levels. I hope this pandemic alters education in the state by highlighting the value of teachers, especially those in the K-12 system who work tirelessly for our kids with so little security.” The Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education Services (OSDE-SES) provided special education students with multiple guidance resources during the spring semester of distance learning, and will continue that utilization for the upcoming school year, says Todd Loftin, the executive director of OSDESES. Additional guidance will follow throughout the year, he says.

The Role of an Academic Advisor

Financial Aid in a Nutshell

Financial aid opportunity is out there, but won’t be found without actively seeking it. “Many students don’t realize that TCC disburses over $60 million in financial aid each year and the TCC Foundation is constantly looking for opportunities to expand our scholarship offerings through private donations,” says Rachael Achivare Hill, the school’s director of admissions and prospective student services. “Some families assume that their student is not eligible for financial aid and don’t apply. You can’t receive any aid without applying!” The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to apply for most forms of financial aid, including federal and state grants. It also opens the door for many scholarship opportunities, which are both need- and merit-based. Those filing FAFSA should do so each year starting Oct. 1, along with applying for other institutional and external scholarships. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, says his school is constantly looking for new scholarship opportunities for students. “This year, USAO established several new institutional scholarships available to students starting in the fall, while also expanding its existing competitive scholarships for high-performing students,” he says. If you don’t know where to start, Achivare Hill says that “some of the best resources for learning about your financial aid opportunities are your high school counselor, college admission counselor and financial aid office. They can help you understand the process of applying for financial aid and point our scholarship opportunities in your community and through their institution.” Online resources include studentaid.gov; okcollegestart.org; and your college’s financial aid and scholarships pages.

A student’s college experience is enriched by academic advisors, who prepare students for success, help them stay on the path to a degree, and occasionally get them through the process at a faster rate, says Beverly Morris, the director of academic advising for OSU-Tulsa. Counseling takes many forms. “We meet with students weekly to monthly throughout their first year and beyond, as requested,” says Mandy Moore, TU’s student success team executive director. “We assess students in eight areas that are critical to their success and degree completion. We coach them in the areas where we identify gaps, and then we partner with offices at TU to provide students with the resources they need to increase the likelihood of success. For example, if a student is not confident in their major or are still deciding, we partner with the Center for Career Development and Professional Engagement, where coaches assist students with major selection and potential career fit. We also refer the student to faculty in those majors, alumni in the field and collegiate academic advisors.”

Top to bottom: Like many universities, OU shifted to virtual learning in the spring 2020 semester. Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma Fall semester will look much diﬀerent than in years past due to the pandemic. Photo by Travis Caperton courtesy the University of Oklahoma Students at TCC will still get a quality education during the fall semester, just with added health precautions. Photo courtesy Tulsa Community College The Student Success Center at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma helps to ensure students are ready for post-graduate life. Photo courtesy the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

International student Indreesh Badrinarayanan is working toward an advanced chemical engineering degree at the University of Tulsa. Despite visa restrictions, schools around the state are working tirelessly to keep international students coming to Oklahoma. Photo by John Lew courtesy the University of Tulsa

The Importance of International Students

Due to current administration restrictions on visas, international students – who usually pay full tuition – are less able to seek U.S. institutions for higher education. The state’s universities are proactive in attempting to get those students back to our state. “OU welcomes all international students and their families,” says Jeff Blahnik, executive director of the office of admissions and recruitment. “To assist, we have a team of international admissions counselors who are dedicated to recruiting international students to OU. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment is working very closely with incoming international students to ensure that we know when their visa appointments are, and we are trying to accommodate them in their individual circumstances.” Other schools in the state report similar efforts, including OSU. “International students enrich our campus experience in numerous ways, primarily by offering their perspectives and culture to our community,” says Monica Roberts, the school’s communications director. “OSU continues to recruit international students as we have in previous years, but the current restrictions have made an impact on the number of students enrolling from other countries.”

FOR ADDITIONAL CONTENT,

visit okmag.com/educationslandscape

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Educational Rankings on the Rise

While students are excited to return to campus this month, the traditional educational format will be shifting to support increased health-care measures. Photo courtesy the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Oklahoma typically hasn’t had the best educational rankings nationwide, but in recent years, significant strides have been made to keep us competitive with other high-ranking states. “Measuring Oklahoma education from K-12 and beyond, including higher education, also tracks student outcomes, which is where we put a lot of focus,” says Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We have worked hard to increase funding, and the Oklahoma legislature committed over $600 million over the past two years. All of this has helped with improved academic outcomes. We’ve written brand new academic standards for math and reading, and have moved from 47th lowest in the country with a D rating to 17th nationwide at the highest, with an A rating. We have built goals and have a plan to achieve them, and this increase of ranking is a result of that work taking hold. We fully expect to see Oklahoma continue to rise.”

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Zach Schmit

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Attending: University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Chemical engineering. My favorite

THE

subjects are chemistry and math, so I combined the two. Biggest influence: My first club soccer coach, James Soesbee, because he taught me to believe in myself and my abilities. Greatest achievement: Earning an oﬀer to play football at [the University of] Oklahoma. Career interests: I would like to be a forensics expert in the FBI/CIA. I would trade places for one day with: Lionel Messi, because he is my favorite and best soccer player and I’d like to see what it’s like to play professional soccer. The next 10-20 years: In both 10 and 20 years, I see myself working for the FBI or CIA. Hopefully I am married and have two kids. A unique character trait: I am down to Earth and someone who always works hard, no matter the situation. I am someone who gives every little task my all. Most surprising personal detail: I never wanted to kick in college until my sophomore year [of high school]. I was planning on playing soccer in college.

Power OF THE

Youth A HANDFUL OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS – NOW ON THE WAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE U.S. – COMBINE BOOK SMARTS, INGENUITY, EMPATHY AND CREATIVITY. By Mary Willa Allen

All photos courtesy students unless otherwise marked

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Kaela Verner

Cascia Hall Attending: Stanford University

Intended major: Biochemistry with a minor in marine

biology with a pre-med track.

Biggest influence: My mom. She is the one that

inspired me to be the person that I am. She is a headstrong person that takes on anything thrown at her. She is not easily discouraged and fights hard for things she believes in. She has taught me that it is OK to ask for help, and you are not weak because of it. Greatest achievement: Overcoming my desire to please everyone. I was one of those people who ran themselves into the ground and ignored my own physical and mental state. But from this, I learned that there is a balance to being happy as well as making others happy. Career interests: I plan to pursue a career in trauma surgery or as an Army medic or lead surgeon in an established hospital. I would trade places for one day with: Elsa [from Disney’s Frozen]. I know this is a weird choice, but hear me out – she lives in a castle, she has powers and she can sing like nobody’s business. I think this is the ideal life. The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I see myself in the military. I want to be an infantry medic during my residency, if not longer. In 20 years, if I am no longer in the military, I want to be in a level four hospital in a major city. Most surprising personal detail: I am a black belt. I have been doing taekwondo since I was nine and it is a huge part of my life.

Luke Balezentis Bishop Kelley High School Attending: Rockhurst University

Intended major: Business. After taking an AP mac-

roeconomics class, I realized that business related topics intrigue me. Career interests: I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and I know that a cubicle job would drive me insane ... so that leaves me with a few options. The career that I find most interesting and diﬀerent would be within the pool industry. I think it would be awesome to make a backyard vacation a reality for people in my community. Unique character traits: My work ethic and “old” characteristics. I work hard at everything I do, applying my energy eﬀiciently to the job that needs to be completed. By “old” characteristics, I mean many of the characteristics a grandfather would have: I wake up really early just to get a head start on the day; I listen to old classic country; I am learning the harmonica. My friends describe me as a young adult with an old soul. Most surprising personal detail: I love to garden. I grow okra, tomatoes, basil, parsley, onions, cucumbers, peppers and more. Bonus fact: For over five years I have taken up the hobby of woodworking. I finance a lot of my tools and projects by selling my work. I make exotic pens, duck calls, knives, cutting boards, wooden bow ties, book cases and a lot more. I acquired this passion after my grandfather died when I inherited some of his woodworking tools. The rest is history.

Indrakshi Tiwari

Isabella Griffey

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Attending: Tulane University

Jenks High School Attending: The U.S. Naval Academy

Intended major: Operations research, which uses

math to solve real world problems.

Intended major: Cell and molecular biology. Biggest influences: My parents. Both of them came

Photo courtesy Ervin Photography

from Guyana, which is a developing country, so they grew up with little. After years of hard work, they moved to America to raise a family. When my siblings and I were very young, my parents instilled in us the value of hard work, and they provided us the tools we needed to succeed. Greatest achievement: Knowing what I want to do with my life. At a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I have been able to partake in clubs and activities that will prepare me for my future. Overall, I’m happy that I haven’t wasted any time being indecisive about my life choices. I would trade places for one day with: Serena Williams. My favorite sport is tennis, and Serena has always been my idol. Her absolute dedication to the game is phenomenal. She has shown me that hard work and commitment always pay oﬀ. The next 10-20 years: In ten years, I see myself as a resident at an intensive learning hospital. In twenty years, I see myself as a surgical oncologist at a cancer treatment center. Most surprising personal detail: I am a very relaxed person. Although I have big goals, and I work really hard to achieve them, I understand the value of taking time for yourself.

Biggest influences: My parents. From a young age,

they have instilled good morals and values in me. They’ve shown me what hard work looks like, and it is because of them that I have achieved much success. Greatest achievement: Receiving an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. The process of applying was not easy, and the Naval Academy is very selective. I worked my entire high school career to build an exceptional resume in order achieve my ultimate goal of serving my country. Career interests: Upon graduation, I will serve a minimum of five years in the U.S. Navy. I ultimate goal is to go through flight school to become a naval aviator and continue flying for the remainder of my career. A unique character trait: My drive and dedication. When a certain task becomes diﬀicult, it only encourages me to work harder. Most surprising personal detail: Due to my all-business and reserved personality, it typically surprises people that I am a gun enthusiast who has trained with multiple firearm platforms. In fact, I was even on a skeet shooting team through my FFA chapter. I also enjoy exciting adventures such as skydiving and other sports. AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Emily Newby

Broken Arrow High School Attending: University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Entrepreneurship with a minor in

anthropology.

Biggest influence: My little sister. When she was

very small, everything she saw influenced who she was. Knowing that I held that sort of power over her development, even if only partially, introduced me to my influence on the world in an intimate way, and it pushed me to be someone whose influence was genuinely good – or as good as it could be! Greatest achievement: It’s a tie. The moment I saw I qualified to be a National Merit semifinalist is burned into my memory; after months of studying and attending workgroups, I had accomplished something I truly strove to achieve. I have also always loved to write, but I never put it out into the world. This year I did! I spent a long time working on drafts and coming up with the best way to phrase things, and I won a local writing contest. A unique character trait: I’m willing to do things when I don’t want to do them. While it is not that flashy of a trait, being able to work on things outside of when you’re motivated to allows you to make consistent progress, and that consistent eﬀort is hard to maintain. I know from firsthand experience that procrastinating is almost always more appealing. Most surprising personal detail: I could 100% own someone in Just Dance 2 on the Wii.

Shashwat Singh

Riverfield Country Day School Attending: University of Southern California

Intended major: Philosophy, politics and economics.

I’ve been interested in politics since eighth grade when my social studies teacher devoted the third quarter to teaching us about elections and the government. My interest in economics developed more recently, especially due to my financial literacy class and the onset of this year’s financial crisis. A PPE degree is a great interdisciplinary program that helps combine my primary interests. Biggest influence: Miss James, my history teacher in grades 10-12, has had a profound impact on my life. She has always supported me academically, emotionally and in other ways when she can. When I have had to make significant decisions in my life or needed support with anything of importance, I have usually turned to her. Greatest achievement: Getting to elimination rounds at the national speech and debate tournament senior year. Career interests: I hope to attend either law or business school and go into the financial industry or become a lawyer. I would trade places for one day with: Indian politician Shashi Tharoor. He is one of my idols due to his unique perspective on the relationship between Britain and India, and his integrity and maturity in a tumultuous political environment in India. Most surprising personal detail: My favorite sport to watch/play is cricket, and I love to cook and bake.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Samuel Jun

Casady School Attending: U.S. Air Force Academy

Intended major: Biology. During my time at Casady, I

decided to take AP biology and anatomy/physiology as a senior, and within the first month, I was hooked! Biggest influences: My parents. They’ve taught me so much about maturity, perseverance and passion. I greatly appreciate the example they have set and the constant encouragement they have provided. Love you, Mom and Dad! Greatest achievement: Passing on the torch to the next student council (StuCo) presidents. StuCo has been one of the most important parts of my life at Casady. The honor of being able to confidently say “You got this!” makes me so happy, knowing that StuCo is being placed in very capable hands. I’m so proud of what they have achieved and can’t wait to hear about what they accomplish! The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I will most likely be a commissioned oﬀicer in the Air Force. In 20 years, I hope to be in medical school, maybe have a wife and kids. I’m probably going to be driving a Honda Fit. Most surprising personal detail: I love cars – everything about cars. I love how they look, how they work, how they go fast. It’s a passion I share with my dad, so it’s even more fun. I also love anime.

Brita Faerber

Kailey O’Connor

Intended major: Cognitive science with a focus in

Intended major: Biosystems engineering. As a kid, I

Booker T. Washington High School Attending: Rice University

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School Attending: Oklahoma State University

psychology. Cognitive science involves the study of linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience and psychology, all of which have captivated me through both schoolwork and recreational study. I identified psychology as my primary interest while interning for Kathy LaFortune at the Tulsa Juvenile Bureau. Greatest achievement: Representing Tulsa’s youth at the Mayor’s Police and Community Coalition (MPACC) via daily newscast in 2018. As a woman of color attending a historically black high school, I was honored to discuss issues like disproportionate minority contact and the school-to-prison pipeline with local law enforcement. Such issues have not been resolved, and I will continue to advocate for their rectification. Career interests: Pediatric medicine. I would trade places for one day with: Jane Austen! I love the architecture, accents and attire of 19th century England and have always wondered if the social climate was as chaotic as she portrayed it. Most surprising personal detail: I am bilingual. Bonus fact: Christopher Nolan movies with Hans Zimmer soundtracks are my favorite form of entertainment.

was always interested in solving problems and being outside. I feel as though biosystems engineering combines my love of science with my love of the outdoors and the environment. Biggest influences: My family. My dad’s ambition has shown me the importance of going above and beyond. My mother has shown me the importance of caring for and helping others. My brother has shown me the importance of never giving up and having a good sense of humor. Greatest achievement: Being successful in academics and in my service to my community. I’ve worked really hard in school, and I was able to earn the honor of being valedictorian. I was also president of a service club and created a recycling program at my school. Career interests: I would love to work with poor communities and find ways to get them clean water and resources. I really want to work with aquaponics and hydroponics to find ways to feed the world in a more eﬀicient manner. I would trade places for one day with: Adam Wainwright, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who runs a charity that provides clean water to people in need all over the world. A unique character trait: My ability to take action. If I recognize a problem, I put in the work to fix it.

Cade Waits

Metro Christian Academy Attending: Drury University

Intended major: Mathematics with a focus on data

analytics, due to my interest in how you can use trends to predict the future. Biggest influences: Besides my parents, my pitching coach and friend, George Frazier. George has the ability to push me to perform my best while still showing care and respect. Greatest achievement: Earning academic and baseball scholarships. Career interests: My plan is to use my degree in data analytics to start my own company that helps businesses prioritize assets and understand what areas they need to continue exploring. I would trade places for one day with: Jordan Hicks. I’d love to know the feeling of throwing [a baseball] at 105 mph. Most surprising personal detail: I have two extremely diﬀerent interests: the one that appreciates and loves sports, and the other that appreciates and loves fine arts. Bonus fact: 90% of my success is credited to a double jointed right elbow. AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Cole Jennings

Augustine Christian Academy Attending: Ozark Christian College

Intended major: Student ministry. I’ve considered

entering a dual degree program with Missouri Southern. I decided to professionally pursue ministry while I was at a Christian youth conference the summer before my senior year. I had been asking God what He wanted me to study in college when He told me to study youth ministry. Greatest achievement: I have participated in my school’s musicals since some friends convinced me to try one in sixth grade. According to several friends and the director of all the musicals, I was a horrible singer when I first started, and one friend said they genuinely thought I was tone-deaf. But my voice got its act together and I was given the lead role of Cornelius in Hello Dolly in our 2019 production! I was then oﬀered the chance to participate in the Discovery Awards, when a panel of judges selected me as the best male lead in the show. I would trade places for one day with: I don’t have a specific person in mind, but I’d want to live as someone whose hand in life isn’t conventionally great, or even decent (i.e. nice house, plenty of food, a car, etc.) so I could better appreciate the blessings in my life. Bonus fact: I grew up watching Shrek 2 because we owned it for some reason, and I didn’t watch the first Shrek until I was 15 and it was put on Netflix. The jury is still out on whether I like Shrek or Shrek 2 more.

Becca Levit

Holland Hall Attending: Northwestern University

Intended major: Sociology. I really had no idea what

it was until the summer before my junior year when I took a course in the sociology of gender. Although this was about gender, in this class I was also exposed to the ideas of privilege and power relating to race and socioeconomic status. Through this class, I identified sociology as a foundational part of understanding modern inequalities. Biggest influence: My mom has had a lot of influence because I have seen her work so hard. She is always so passionate and stands for what she believes in. My dance teachers have had a huge influence on my life, too. I danced at my studio from pre-school to senior year. They watched me grow up, and I think being at that studio for so long really sculpted me as a person, not just a dancer. Greatest achievement: I think it’s simply going through high school by challenging myself academically, spending time with friends and family, and pursuing my interests and extracurriculars. I am very thankful I was able to balance all of those elements. I would trade places for one day with: A supreme court justice, because they make such an impact on our country. Most surprising personal detail: I’ve danced my entire life and spent a few hours almost every day at the dance studio after school and on weekends.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Anna Claire McMullen Union High School Attending: University of Tulsa

Intended major: Biochemistry with a pre-vet focus.

I hope to attend vet school and then earn a Ph.D. in pharmacology after undergrad. Greatest achievement: Living with passion. Living with mental illness has been a great struggle, and I am incredibly proud of living vibrantly. Career interests: I plan to be a research professor of veterinary pharmacology and disease ecology. I hope to create new medications to help save species while also teaching the next generation. I would trade places for one day with: The president. A whole term would be incredibly taxing, but one day would be enough to get something done without causing great stress in my life. I would rejoin the Paris Agreement and pressure Congress to strengthen healthcare. The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I will be out of vet school and in a Ph.D. program for pharmacology. I’m 20 years, I will be deep into research for medications to save endangered species. Most surprising personal detail: Rats are my favorite animals! Bonus fact: Outside of school, I love to practice the aerial arts. My favorite apparatus is lyra, or aerial hoop. I enjoy choreographing and performing to music. I practice with Tribe Circus Arts.

EDUCATION GUIDE

collaborators investigators

performers

innovators environmentalists

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EDUCATION GUIDE

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www.rejoiceschool.com 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 schooladministered programs.

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EDUCATION GUIDE

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How to Prevent Your Future In-Laws from Becoming the Out-Laws By Nina Bronson and Amanda Kirzner

After years of putting yourself out there in the seemingly endless battlefield of hookups, online chats and blind dates, you finally found a keeper. This person is everything you dreamed of, and the nightmares you endured just a short time ago seem to be distant memories. Or are they? Love has always been the ultimate goal to aspire to, but often, we only think of achieving love, and not about what happens after that.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

W What comes after is actually an obstacle that can have a direct effect on the state of your future relationship and, ultimately, your overall happiness. The big, life-changing event we’re talking about? Meeting your future in-laws. You may be wondering: Why is meeting the in-laws such a life-altering, possibly insurmountable obstacle? How could you have anything but a great relationship with the two people who raised the person you love and adore? For your sake, we hope you’re right. But as cliché as not getting along with your in-laws sounds, clichés are clichés for a reason. The goal of this article is not an in-law bashing fest. Though it might be cathartic to some, how would that be productive? The goal is to provide some sound advice

on proper etiquette to start you off on the right foot. For advice, we enlisted the help of Megan Williams, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Tulsa, to go over the do’s and don’ts of how to behave when meeting your partner’s parents. To start, the most important thing to do is to understand that your in-laws are completely different people than your parents. Your significant other – perhaps your future spouse – may have grown up in a different environment with different values, with parents who have different priorities. There is nothing wrong with that, and the biggest mistake you can make is expecting your in-laws to be anything like your parents. If you don’t have certain expectations for them, and hold them to a different standard than your parents, you

are less likely to be disappointed if they behave in a certain way. For example, a friend of ours traveled with her fiancé to visit his parents, who live about six hours away. She expected his parents to spend the entire weekend with them, but instead, they stuck around for a few hours, then left to go and have dinner with their own friends. Our friend was flabbergasted. If it were her parents, they would have spent every waking moment with them. She felt insulted and taken aback, thinking that maybe they did that because they didn’t like her. She says that this really affected her behavior. So how can you avoid feeling like this woman – or at least learn to not let others’ behavior color your own – when something like this happens? AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

“If you set low expectations, you will be more likely to accept the behavior and move on, taking note of how they behave and letting that influence how you behave in the future,” says Williams. If you don’t have expectations of them spending the entire weekend with you, you won’t be hurt when they don’t. Williams also suggests “letting your significant other guide you when it comes to [their] parents.” If you are trying to put your best foot forward, ask your partner about them, as he or she is the very best resource you can have to get a glimpse into who these people are. “It is important to do your research,” Williams explains. “The last thing you would want to do is to bring a bottle of wine to a recovering alcoholic.” Find out if they are laid-back or uptight. Should you expect to sleep in separate bedrooms? Should you avoid political conversations at dinner? (In our opinion, yes, always.) “If you are trying to get to know them, and you know that they love art, maybe a trip to a museum, or a conversation about art history – if you know about it – would be a good idea,” says Williams. Contrastingly, if you love fashion, but your mother in- law has no interest or knows very little about it, a shopping trip

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

may not be the best idea. Also, don’t expect to impress her with your new Chanel bag if she, too, is not a fashionista. Knowing a little bit about who they are and what they value will allow you to interact more smoothly and endear yourself to them. For example, in the movie Meet The Parents, when the main character, Greg Focker, thinks his girlfriend’s father is in the rare flower business, he brings him a Jerusalem tulip, one of the most uncommon and beautiful flowers in the world. Clearly, he had given his gift a lot

of thought ... this is the kind of stuff we are talking about. Although it didn’t work out for Greg – because it turned out that his girlfriend’s father was in the CIA and not, actually, the rare flower business – we certainly appreciate the gesture. What if you meet your significant other’s parents and you all get along great? You and your mother in-law actually have a lot in common and have bonded. Suddenly, your partner’s parents are showing up to your house unannounced and expect to spend every single weekend with you.

important to have empathy for your future in-laws and try to understand where they’re coming from. Is your partner their baby, whom they are having trouble letting go of ? Or, maybe they always had Sunday night dinners together and are having a difficult time breaking the tradition, even if it is necessary. If there is something you just can’t let go, communicate with your future in-laws through your significant other. If possible, let your partner do the talking, and try not to deal directly with your future inlaws when possible, especially at the beginning of the relationship. Your partner is their child, and they will forgive their child much more easily than they will forgive you. What if you do everything in your power to try to develop a good relationship with your future in-laws and nothing you ever do seems to be right? Williams suggests “discussing your concerns with your significant other.” (Clearly, communication is a common theme.) If your partner has any suggestions, try to listen, and always try to be gracious and kind. Even if your future in-laws don’t behave the same way, you need to show your partner that you have integrity and have tried your very best to establish a good relationship with his or her parents. Eventually, and unfortunately, “you may have to come to terms with the fact that having a strong relationship with your potential in-laws may never be a possibility, and you should try to accept them for who they are,” says Williams. Hopefully, you will have no issues with your future in-laws, and it will be sunshine and rainbows. However, if it isn’t – and seriously, for most people, it isn’t – always practice strong communication to keep issues from getting out of hand. It’s unfortunate that if the relationship becomes contentious between you and your future in-laws, your partner may feel caught in the middle of a no-win situation. Once you get married, you should be your partner’s No. 1 priority, before his or her parents. In order to make your significant other want to do that – and, in turn, view you in a good light – it is always in your best interest to put your best foot forward when it comes to your relationship with your future in-laws.

In any relationship, there must always be compromise. Additionally, it is very important to have empathy for your future in-laws and try to understand where they’re coming from.

Before you can blink, your life has turned into a bad episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. You wanted meeting your future in-laws to go well, but not this well. How can you set boundaries with them? Let’s put it this way: If you don’t set them early, it can definitely turn into a more significant problem down the road, especially when wedding plans and grandchildren come into play. According to Williams, it is crucial to communicate with your partner about

these issues. As stated earlier, he or she grew up in a very different house, and “something that may be considered a boundary violation to you may not be an issue for your significant other,” she says. This is often a test for the two of you, and hopefully you are both on the same page. “Your partner should be on board with supporting you and your comfort level,” she continues. “It is essential to communicate effectively and to be as considerate and thoughtful as possible during these conversations.” What if your significant other is not on the same page as you? What if your future in-laws are so controlling that they influence your partner’s decision-making to the point where it impacts the relationship? According to Williams, your significant other may not even be aware of his or her parent’s controlling behavior, and “you cannot manage someone who is controlling by controlling them.” You can communicate with your partner, and try to point out the parents’ behavior, but ultimately, you can’t win every battle, and you may have to determine which aspects of their behavior you’re able to let slide. (For example, perhaps you should ignore your future mother-in-law when she implies that your skirt is too short, because engaging in a fight is just not worth it.) In any relationship, there must always be compromise. Additionally, it is very

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

A BRIEFING ON

Tribal

Nations By Kimberly Burk

WHILE 2020 HAS BEEN A YEAR

COLORED WITH SETBACKS AND TRAGEDY, NATIVE AMERICAN NATIONS USED THESE TUMULTUOUS TIMES TO

IMPROVE AND LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE. THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSES UPDATES ON INFRASTRUCTURE; HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS AFFECTED NATIONS AND THEIR CITIZENS ACROSS THE STATE; THE WAYS TRIBES ARE INVESTING IN THEIR YOUTH; AND A LOOK AT NATIVE REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Ezekiel Walker, a successful Hollywood producer, is an Oklahoma native and member of the Chickasaw Nation. Read his story starting on page 60. Photo by DeJay Arms Photography

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Developing Infrastructure

Iron Horse is not your run-of-the-mill industrial park, says James C. Collard, director of economic development for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. When the Canada-based Pro Pipe opens its $5.5 million factory at the tribal-owned park later this year, it will be doing so in the only active foreign trade zone on Native American land, says Collard. Pro Pipe will employ about 50 people to begin with, primarily creating polyethylene pipe for the oil patch. It will be the first plant to open at the 700-acre park just south of Shawnee, and Collard says the tribe is in discussions with a company in Israel, and several others in Canada. For the industrial park partners, “the benefit package is enormous,” says Collard. Companies that bring raw products and parts to a U.S. factory must pay a tariff assessment, says Collard. But if a factory is in one of the 250 foreign trade zones in the United States, the tariff is not paid until manufacturing is complete, and the tariff is less. “You get to hold on to your money a lot longer,” says Collard, a McAlester native who came to the tribe 12 years ago after a career in city management. Iron Horse is a magnet zone through Foreign Trade Zone 106 at Will Rogers World Airport. Collard expects the park to eventually offer 10 warehouses and 10 plants, which the tribe will build and lease to the partners. The tribe obtained a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to build a trans-loading facility, where products can be shifted from trucks to the rail line that runs through Iron Horse,

At the Osage Nation’s ranch near Pawhuska, the tribe has about 3,000 head of cattle and 90 bison. Photo courtesy Osage Nation

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

or from the railroad to trucks, for shipment back and forth from the Port of Houston. But, says Collard, “Iron Horse is not just about trade. It’s about global acceptance and inclusiveness. Trade is an important path to peace.” The Osage Museum in Pawhuska, which principal chief Geoffrey Standing Bear explains is the oldest tribal museum in the nation, is about to get larger. The expansion project, recently awarded to Tulsa firm Selser Schaefer Architects, was prompted in part by the tourism that centers around the Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Many visitors are also drawn due to Killers of the Flower Moon: the Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, the account of the 1921-26 murders of nearly 20 Osage people for access to their oil money. “Our families have donated traditional items, photos and documents from the time period of Killers of the Flower Moon,” says Standing Bear. “The display space will be at least twice as large.” The tribe has also rebuilt community centers in Hominy and Greyhorse, and is in the design phase for a new center in Pawhuska. “They are used primarily to support our traditional dinners associated with our traditional dances,” says Standing Bear. “They are very important to us.” Standing Bear says his tribe is also building a second tower at the Tulsa Osage Casino and Hotel that will double its hotel space. As of now, the tribe has seven casinos, and hopes to soon replace the small casinos in Pawhuska and Bartlesville with casino hotels.

Left: Construction is underway for the Iron Horse Industrial Plant, a 700-acre park just south of Shawnee funded by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Photo by Garett Fisbeck courtesy Citizen Potawatomi Nation Right: The Cherokee Nation has worked to provide accessible COVID-19 testing for its citizens. Photo courtesy Cherokee Nation

Complications and Innovations of COVID-19

The Osage Nation is using its federal COVID-19 relief funds to benefit the tribe and the state in the long-term, says principal chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. At its ranch near Pawhuska, the tribe has about 3,000 head of cattle and 90 bison. After the pandemic hit and members needed help with food, suppliers could not provide all the meat that was ordered, and the tribe couldn’t use its own cattle because no beef processor was available. “So, we are using federal money to build a meat processing plant in Hominy,” says Standing Bear. The tribe is also using relief funds for broadband improvement. Rural Oklahoma’s gaps in internet coverage became even more evident when employers and schools moved online during the early days of COVID-19, Standing Bear says, and the Osage Nation is partnering with the city of Pawhuska and other local governments to share the costs of upgrades. During the COVID-19 Del Beaver, second chief of the Muscogee (Creek) pandemic, the Nation, says his tribe is also updating its technolCherokee Nation ogy infrastructure in the wake of COVID-19. has drastically increased its After the pandemic hit, “that was the first thing outreach to citizens we recognized, that we needed to get with it,” says to ensure no person Beaver. “We have 25 communities around the Creek goes hungry. Photo courtesy Nation, and a lot of them are in rural areas. We Cherokee Nation didn’t even have good cell phone reception at some of them.” Relief dollars have helped the Cherokee Nation roll outs its Respond, Recover and Rebuild program, says principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We have some amazing men and women working for the Cherokee Nation,” he says. “They were out in the communities, marshaling resources, going to elders’ homes.” Essential employees received hazard pay, says Hoskin, and those who worked from home were given telework stipends. A $40 million education package will include grants to schools, and Cherokee students will receive $400 technology stipends. Clothing vouchers will be increased. Muscogee (Creek) Nation staff members are pro-

viding services over the telephone whenever possible. “That goes against everything we are used to,” says Beaver. “We like having our citizens come here, where we can talk to them face to face. But our priority is the safety of our employees. I don’t see us lifting that for a while.” Elderly nutrition programs switched from hot meals to curbside pickup, and others are picking up orders from three food distribution centers. Requests for food assistance have nearly doubled since the pandemic began. “On Good Friday, we distributed food care packages to over 2,500 families,” says Jason Salsman, press secretary for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

AUGUST 2020| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Investing in Native the Youth Representation in the Media Oklahoma’s tribal nations set up their youth for success with native language training, scholarship programs and cultural enrichment, tribal leaders say. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is marking the five-year anniversary of its Muscogee National Youth Council for ages 12 to 24 years. “When the pandemic hit, the youth made masks and sent some to the Navajo Nation,” says David Hill, the nation’s principal chief. “They elect their own officers and have their own policies,” says second chief Del Beaver. “They are always doing something. They have their own social media pages.” Muscogee youth also can join the Lighthorse Explorers Program, where they learn about law enforcement and serve at public events, with parking and helping elders to their seats. The Osage Nation offers classes to help high school students with college entrance exams, says principal chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. “And the big one we’ve had for some years is our higher education scholarship program,” he says. “Every Osage, no matter their age or where they live, we will pay tuition and book money up to about $9,000 a year.” The Nation disperses about 1,000 scholarships every year, the chief says, and many are adults whose higher education was put on hold for a time. “It is not unusual to see a parent and their child, at the same time, receive a diploma,” says Standing Bear. “It happened in my family. My wife and one of my sons graduated together. It was really amazing to see.”

Oklahoma natives with creative talent continue to distinguish themselves in the arts, tribal leaders say. “A lot of our citizens are getting involved in documentary filmmaking, the visual arts and graphic art, and creating pieces for the Red Stick Gallery in Okmulgee,” said Jason Salsman, press secretary for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Thlopthlocco Creek citizen Kyle Bell, 33, a Glenpool native who lives in Tulsa, was chosen in February for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, which pairs up-and-coming talent with celebrated filmmakers. Bell is being mentored by cinema legend Spike Lee. Bell is a filmmaker who has worked on the team of the Emmy-winning Osiyo: Voices of the Cherokee People, and who made a documentary about the Standing Rock Indian Reservation entitled Defend the Sacred. Last year, he was selected for the Sundance Institute Native Filmmakers Lab. The Muscogee National Youth Council started an apprenticeship program about a year ago, says David Hill, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s principal chief. Tribal artists teach classes to the young people in fashion design, sculpture, drawing, painting and woodworking.

The Formidable Ezekiel Walker

Ezekiel Walker, an Oklahoma native and member of the Chickasaw Nation, is very much aware that Native Americans have been stereotyped and portrayed inaccurately on the big screen. But he says his mission as a TV/film producer in California has a forward focus, rather than trying to go back and correct history’s mistakes. The 36-year-old says his elders taught him “to know that you are a conqueror, and to be a warrior. If you are a warrior, it doesn’t matter what people think of you.” Walker has programs for the Travel Channel, the History Channel and National Geographic. He was involved with NBC’s The Biggest Loser, and worked on the first season of The Story of God with Morgan Freeman, which features a sacred Navajo ceremony never before filmed. He’s also a businessman, and with those earnings he wants to bring some of his own ideas to fruition. “I want to invest in my own film and TV content,” he says. “I have some ideas about Native American storytelling.” He says he’s appreciative of what the tribes are doing to preserve their histories, but he also wants modern day stories to be told. “I grew up around my dad’s side of the family, hearing them speak Chickasaw,” he

Kyle Bell (left), a member of the Thlopthlocco Creek nation, was chosen for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative in February. The program pairs new talents in the film world with celebrated directors. Bell was paired up with Spike Lee. Photo courtesy Kyle Bell

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Oklahoma native and producer Ezekiel Walker was profiled for a piece on the Chicksaw Nation’s video network, Chickasaw.tv. Photo courtesy the Chickasaw Nation

says. “I grew up understanding that we were strong people, and resilient. I saw family values, and I saw the importance of respecting my elders.” With the Walkers, he says, “there was a lot of storytelling that would lead to full-on laughter. No matter how big your problems were, if you were together with family, you were comforted.” The Mill Creek native was studying graphic design at a city college in Santa Barbara, Calif., when he landed work on a project connected to Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey. He started his career as a production assistant. He wants young people to know that he doesn’t have a high-end degree, and that there are many ways to reach career goals. “You work hard,” he says. “That’s how you make it in Hollywood.” He divides his time between Oklahoma and California, and has been staying at his house in Tishomingo during the pandemic. He expects to return to his television projects in September. “I can’t stop doing things,” he says. “I was walking around Tishomingo looking for what I could do, and I said, ‘Let’s start a wine bar!’” Mulberry, his wine bar and retail shop, is scheduled to open soon. Go to hellomulberry.com for information. “By opening a business here, I’m hoping that encourages others that you can do things where you are,” he says. “You just have to seek opportunity.”

Casinos Updates

Oklahoma casinos are expanding, overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and welcoming new customers to play ball and dice games. These new offerings brought in a different type of gamer, says Del Beaver, second chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “Obviously, it has helped us,” he says. “It brought that Vegas-type of atmosphere.” State and federal laws approved in 2018 allow tribal casinos to now offer games such as craps and roulette. Osage chief Geoffrey Standing Bear says

Walker is pictured here with Morgan Freeman on the set of The Story of God with Morgan Freeman. Photo courtesy Ezekiel Walker

ball and dice games are not house-banked and the pots are not especially large. “We were working with the state to bring those games to a more fun version,” he says. “Then the compact wars started. So that’s put a halt on a lot.” Some tribes have been at odds with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt as to whether gaming compacts with the state automatically renewed on Jan. 1 of this year, as the tribes maintain, or whether they expired and should be renegotiated. Stitt wants the tribes to pay more for their exclusivity rights. The Osage Nation has not joined in the lawsuit and has not negotiated any compacts with the state, as some of the tribes

have done. “We would prefer to keep open communications with all the sides,” says Standing Bear. “What we are trying to do is have a form of entertainment where 100% of the profits go to our education, our health, to our elder programs and our youth programs.” David Hill, Muscogee Creek Nation’s principal chief, says the tribe continued to pay its employees at all the casinos even after they had to be sent home in the spring due to the pandemic. “The casinos were all open again in June,” says Hill. He says the tribe used some federal COVID-19 relief aid and “spent a lot of money on face masks and sanitizers. We did a lot of cleaning.” AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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At ARC we recognize the importance of our educational system in Oklahoma. We sincerely thank all of the teachers, administrators and support staff for their devotion to educating our children.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

6/21/18 11:36 AM

TASTE

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

A BRIGHT AND BUSTLING ADDITION HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. serves up breakfast and brunch goodies with a smile.

The Biscuit French Toast comes with a biscuit soaked in a French toast batter, served with maple syrup, whipped cream, candied pecans, fresh berries and powdered sugar. Photo courtesy HunnyBunny Biscuit Co.

ost people who grew up in the south know biscuits are a staple around the dining table. An Oklahoma City restaurant, however, takes that enthusiasm to a new level. Located at 429 N.W. 23rd St., HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. is certain to have a variety of items on the menu to please any set of taste buds. The joint, which is the newest offering from Urban Management (of Packard’s and Interurban fame) opened in February 2018. “We love breakfast and the thought of starting the day with good food and good coffee,” says Urban’s Morgan Schae-

fer. “We’ve had a lot of fun putting together this concept.” Unlike the group’s other restaurants, HunnyBunny is a walk-in, counter-service concept. Diners can enjoy full-service coffee and classic boozy offerings like bloody marys and mimosas. “‘Bright and bustling’ would be a great way to describe HunnyBunny,” she says. When asked what kinds of customers HunnyBunny caters to, Schaefer keeps it simple. “Hungry ones!” she says. “We love welcoming all different customers in. Biscuits are something loved by so many different people.” The restaurant is also conveniently located, making it a commuter hot spot for to-go coffees and biscuits. “We enjoy being so close to many historic neighborhoods in the heart of Oklahoma City,” says Schaefer. “We are walkable for so many people, but still easy enough to get to for those coming from surrounding areas.” The menu, which is breakfast- and brunch-focused, offers succulent, savory and spicy options, with one consistent theme.

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | FIR S T BI T E

Clockwise from top left: Try the Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit for a sweet treat. Those looking for a breakfast twist can indulge in the Velvet Elvis, with peanut butter, honey, bacon and banana. The Veggie Scramble oﬀers two eggs, spinach, mushrooms, red bell peppers, onions and goat cheese. The Croque Madame comes with ham, gruyere, Mornay sauce and a fried egg. Photos courtesy HunnyBunny Biscuit Co.

“I believe there is only one menu item that doesn’t involve biscuits in some form or fashion,” says Schaefer. “A favorite of customers is our Biscuit French Toast. It’s unique because instead of bread, we just soak one of our signature biscuits in French toast batter and cook that up. Topped with berries, maple syrup and candied nuts ... it is delicious.” Other highlights include the Cannonball – the stuff comfort food dreams are made of with fried chicken, sausage gravy, cheddar cheese and a fried egg; and the Southern Gentleman, with pimento cheese, ham and pickled green tomato relish. “We feel our biscuits are our ‘bread and butter,’” says Schaefer. “Our more typical lunch items, like the BLT and the Club, are both on biscuits versus a typical sandwich on

bread, and it brings a little something different to these classics.” Like to spice things up? Try the No. 7 with a hot link, jalapeno cream cheese and caramelized onions. Or, pick up the Charleston with fried chicken, collared greens, hot sauce and a fried egg. The Jefe is another stand-out that features smashed avocado, sausage and fried egg. And if you prefer your breakfast sweet, the Velvet Elvis – with peanut butter, banana, bacon and honey – is a quirky yet winning combination. Customers can also enjoy a fried chicken plate (with a side of biscuits, of course), a chicken pot pie or a Sunrise Bowl with Greek yogurt, granola and fruit. Fear not: the crispy chicken salad even manages to work in the trademark food staple ... in the form of biscuit croutons. With newly expanded space for seating, Schaefer urges people to stop in and try this hidden gem. If you think biscuits are boring, HunnyBunny Biscuit Co. is ready to change your mind. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit hunnybunnybiscuitco.com. DEBI TURLEY

TA S T E | L O C A L F L AV O R

Bringing fresh and flavorful Southernstyle seafood and sides to Oklahoma City, Off the Hook Seafood and More is a city staple delivering culinary excellence. With nearly 1,000 glowing reviews online, it’s confirmed: Off the Hook has won the hearts – and stomachs – of locals. Started in 2012 as a food truck, Off the Hook quickly garnered a passionate following that allowed owners Corey and Loniesha Harris to open up their first brick and mortar in 2015. The restaurant now offers two locations in the metro with similar – but not identical – menus. Start with crispy seafood wontons or Cajun butter frog legs. Continue with seafood gumbo, a salmon burger, a blackened

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

chicken po’boy or one of many specialty items. These include the smothered seafood platter with lobster cream sauce, shrimp, crawfish, lump crab and baby clams, smothered over fries or rice and topped with bacon, cheese, fried onions and chives. Others go for the fresh grilled fish with grits or rice, or the fried chicken thighs. Savory side orders include garlic fries, fried okra and rice pilaf. Along with incredible quality, you’re also getting incredible value; the most expensive menu item is only $16 – and it’s massive. So what are you waiting for? Visit Off the Hook during your next seafood craving. offthehookokc.com MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy Oﬀ the Hook

IT’S OFF THE HOOK

TA S T E | TA S T Y T ID BIT S Find Oklahoma-inspired bayou flavor at Cajun Corner with a mouthwatering range of cuisine – from classic Cajun to fusion options including a seafood egg-roll. Share an appetizer of Cajunfried gizzards seasoned with house blend spices. For other fried options, choose from traditional cornmeal or the chicken-fried flour blend – all served with fries and hushpuppies. House specialties include loaded crawfish fries with queso, Cajun sauerkraut jalapeño, green onion, mayo and fried crawfish. If you want to branch out, try a pasta dish like Cajun cream sauce fettuccine with sautéed shrimp, crawfish, onion, house-made cream sauce topped with blackened chicken and tomato basil. Assuage the sweet tooth with house-made carrot cake to complete the meal. 9200 N. Council Rd.; 312 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City; cajuncorner.okc.com

Photo courtesy Canjun Corner

CAJUN CORNER

SHAWKAT

ROCKING R RANCH HOUSE

An airy, light-drenched venue inside Forest Ridge Golf Club, Rocking R Ranch is an upscale and delicious dining experience. Southern ingredients take center stage with modern, chefinspired twists. Menu favorites include the pulled pork sandwich on a brioche bun, topped with coleslaw and a honey chipotle sauce; or try a butcher block ribeye with side options including crispy Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, house made potato chips, a baked potato or the vegetable medley. Don’t miss the complimentary caramelized cornbread. Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the prime rib dinner special, and weekend brunch includes breakfast classics and a create-your-own omelet. 7501 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow; forestridge.com/restaurant

Photo courtesy Rocking R Ranch House

Photo courtesy Shawkat

The deliciousness at Shawkat Mediterranean Grill is doubled as the restaurant also acts as a pita bread bakery. Lebanese cuisine, along with some American favorites, are offered with sahteyn, a blessing of health and welcome. Try a wrap or platter including labni with cheese, tomato, onion, olives and olive oil or the baba ganoush with spiced eggplant purée, tomato, onion, parsley and pickles. You’ll also find customary favorites, like variations of gyros and falafel. House platters include Jake’s Special with skewers of grilled chicken and kafta (grilled ground chuck) served with hashweh seasoned rice. Salads, savory pies, cabbage rolls and traditional deserts including baklava and cashew rolls are other highlights. 4123 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa; shawkat-tulsa.com

Photo courtesy Nashbird Chicken

NASHBIRD CHICKEN

You get “hot dang!” flavor at Nashbird Chicken, a counter service restaurant and bar offering fun and affordable tasty hot chicken, say founders Marc and Jenny Dunham. Start with mac n’ cheese poppers, a melty mélange of cheesy, crunchy goodness. Follow with a basket or bucket of fried chicken with buttermilk ranch and a choice of flavors and heat. Sides include cucumber onion salad, coleslaw, fries, onion rings and mac n’ cheese. Sweet tooth tempters include banana pudding and lemon ice box cookies. For cocktails, try the house specialties like a Jack Daniels slushie or an array of draft, canned or bottled beer. First N.W. Ninth St.; 17 E. Fifth St., Oklahoma City; nashbirdchicken.com TRACY LEGRAND

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | CHEF CHAT

STILL HAVING FUN Chef Devin Levine, after decades in the culinary world, continues to find the magic at his job.

I Devin Levine works as the executive chef at the Cox Business Center and the BOK Center. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

ONLINE

TO SEE CHEF DEVINE’S RECIPE FOR HONEY APRICOT ROASTED CHICKEN, VISIT okmag.com/devine

n May 2012, 28 world leaders flew to Chicago to attend the NATO Summit. The organizers gave the job of feeding the heads of state to the executive chef of Tulsa’s Cox Business Center, Devin Levine – perhaps because he had already successfully catered five PGA championships. Levine cooked lunch for former President Barack Obama (“It was just a simple meal; I served stuffed quail breast wrapped in pancetta,” he says), but his main duty that night was to cook meals for the European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former UK Prime Minister David Cameron... as well as their 1,400 collective staffers. If you want to find Levine nowadays, you’ll have to be buzzed in

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

through a door at the Cox Business Center complex. There, you’ll see him in a cavernous, 25 thousandsquare-foot space – in which one of the finest kitchens you’ll ever see is being built. “I designed the entire layout,” says Levine, because, after over fifty years in the business, “I knew what I wanted.” There are four walk-in coolers, each as large as a palatial living room. Huge Rational brand combi ovens can cook 3,000 steaks, previously seared on the mammoth grill, to a desired degree of doneness. What looks like a miniature tractor stands ready for what Levine calls the hardest job, pulling hotboxes full of plated meals – usually a lot more elaborate than a simple steak, carefully planned with the client in

a months-long process – out and through the kitchen to the ballroom ... without disturbing the plating. A big empty space is used to set up tables for salad preparation. “When we get going, my staff can dish up 5,000 salads in 75 minutes,” he says. And how many people are on his staff, pray tell? Hundreds? No, fourteen. Two sous-chefs, eleven line cooks, and Levine himself. They stand ready to cook and serve, say, 800 members of Tulsa’s elite for the yearly Carnivale charity dinner, or 5,000 nurses from Saint Francis. Most chefs would be a frazzled wreck just thinking about, but Levine loves it. “The fast pace of a busy night, everyone working at a hundred miles an hour ... you just get that fever,” he says. A young, intense-looking woman interrupts with a quick question. “That’s Sarah Leavell,” Levine explains, “and we’re lucky to have her. She was sous-chef at the Canebrake,” a lauded luxury resort in Wagoner that closed in 2016. He continues: “I’ve always empowered my staff. When I was head chef at Southern Hills, I’d let them do the nightly specials. I have my finger on everything, but I don’t micromanage. I know what’s going on, but I let others have free rein. Well, not quite free, but controlled rein.” Levine is busy and, though he’s always happy to reminisce about his career – which started at age nine when he walked into a burger joint for a meal and ended up doing prep work whenever he found the time – right now, he’s eyeing the future, planning for safety in a dangerous new world. They’re building a grand new ballroom at 41,000 square feet. It can hold 700 diners and still maintain rigorous social distancing. All dishes will be served with lids, and buffets will consist of sealed prepackaged items. And the ballroom will be new, gleaming and elegant. But does all of this hold the same magic that he felt as a kid? “It’s still fun!” says Levine. “It’s always fun. I have fun every day.” BRIAN SCHWARTZ

2020

Live Entertainment

Happy Hour

Ti Amo is now serving dinner!

Dine in at our seating area or patio, pick up something from our menu or a family-style meal to go, or join us on June 21st for our Father’s Day Special. Ti Amo is perfect for your wedding, social or business event, with private dining room seating for up to 230 and catering for any size gathering. View the menu at TiAmoTulsa.com Ti Amo South 918.499.1919 6024 S. Sheridan

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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

ART

FROM HONORING LEGACIES TO COVID-19 RELIEF

Get your fill of artistic goodies this month around the state. At 108 Contemporary, visit Celebrating a Century of Life: Bob Hawks from Aug. 7 to Sept. 30. The show, which commemorates the 100th birthday of local member artist Bob Hawks, presents a curated selection of his woodwork and photography. The aptly named Art Doesn’t Stop at ahha Tulsa runs through Aug. 31 as a virtual exhibition. See the works of the talented Narciso Arguelles online at ahhatulsa.org. Also at ahha, the COVID-19 Artist Relief Exhibition is open through Sept. 27. The show, born out of the desire to help local artists during the pandemic, offers creators the chance to sell their works in the community gallery. At OKCMOA, Art with a History showcases varied works from the permanent collection and runs through Aug. 16. Also online, the ongoing Renegades: Bruce Goff and the American School of Architecture, hosted by the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, explores the school of architecture developed by Bruce Goff, Herb Greene and others at the University of Oklahoma in the 1950s and ’60s.

PERFORMANCES

NATE BARGATZE: GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE Aug. 26

Tulsa Theatre The hilarious and witty Nate Bargatze visits Tulsa with his gut-busting stand-up routine.

RENEGADES: BRUCE GOFF AND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Photo courtesy Rene Peralta

IN TULSA

bradytheater.com

CONCERTS JON WOLFE AND RANDALL KING Aug. 8 Cain’s Ballroom Listen to two country crooners for one night only. cainsballroom.com

MARCO ANTONIO SOLIS

Aug. 21 BOK Center One of the

most beloved and celebrated figures in Latin music, Marco Antonio Solís, returns to Oklahoma bokcenter.com

Contemporary Celebrating

the hundredth birthday of local member artist Bob Hawks, 108 Contemporary features a collection of his woodwork and photography. 108contemporary.org

MEXICAN MODERNISM: REVOLUTION AND RECKONING Through Aug.

30 Gilcrease This exhibit

JASON BOLAND AND THE STRAGGLERS Aug. 21

features a rotation of works representing a pivotal time in Mexico’s history. gilcrease.org

country group live on its Pearl Snaps 20th Anniversary Tour.

ART DOESN’T STOP

GAITHER VOCAL BAND

Arguelles is presented as a virtual exhibition.

Cain’s Ballroom See this cainsballroom.com

Aug. 21-22 Mabee Center We

invite you to celebrate the legacy of the Gaither Vocal Band. mabeecenter.com

JUNIOR BROWN Aug. 27 Cain’s Ballroom Country star Junior Brown visits Tulsa.

cainsballroom.com

ART TULSA TREASURES: PRIVATE COLLECTIONS IN PUBLIC Through Aug. 2

Philbrook From a collection

of 18th-century French objects to a deeply personal selection of regional art, Tulsa Treasures sheds light on the question: Why do people collect art? philbrook.org

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF LIFE: BOB HAWKS Aug. 7-Sept. 30 108

Through Aug. 31 ahha Tulsa (Online) The work of Narciso

ahhatulsa.org

RE/CONVENING: NATIVE ARTS OF OKLAHOMA

Through Sept. 20 ahha Tulsa

Critical conversations take place every day in Oklahoma, addressing the well-being, survivance and cultural continuum of the state’s indigenous cultures.

ahhatulsa.org

COVID-19 ARTIST RELIEF

EXHIBITION Through Sept. 27 ahha Tulsa The ahha

Tulsa COVID-19 Artist Relief Exhibition was born out of the desire to help local artists during this unprecedented time through an opportunity to sell their work in the

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

ahha Tulsa Community Gallery. ahhatulsa.org

AETHER AND EARTH

Ongoing Gilcrease Aether and Earth is how Mazen Abufadil describes his feelings behind the innovative process he developed – combining the ancient art of fresco with 21st-century digital photography. gilcrease.org

SLUMGULLION: THE VENERATE OUTPOST

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook

is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late-1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

AMERICANS ALL! Ongoing

Gilcrease Drawn from the Gilcrease Museum permanent collection, this exhibition showcases the many positive contributions immigrants have made, and continue to make, to American life and culture. gilcrease.org

SPORTS WORLD WIDE PAINT HORSE CONGRESS

Through Aug. 2 Expo Square

The Kansas Paint Horse Association is back and better than ever with its exciting paint horse show.

kansaspainthorse.com

SPORTS

SOCCER, HORSES, FISHING, OH MY!

Many Oklahomans have missed the excitement of sporting events, but August welcomes several options. The NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity runs from Aug. 7-16 at Expo Square. Along with a massive trade show and commercial exhibits, spectators can enjoy a variety of equine competitions. If you miss the rush of racing, the NeOkla SCCA Autocross NSBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW AND BREEDERS CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURITY Aug. 7-16 Expo Square Enjoy this exciting

trade show, comprised of commercial exhibits and equine competition.

event runs Aug. 23, at Expo Square. Soccer matches abound this month. The Tulsa FC plays Aug. 12, 19 and 29 at ONEOK Field; and the OKC Energy FC plays Aug. 1, 8 and 15 at Taft Stadium. Get your equine fix in OKC at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship, which runs through Aug. 8 at State Fair Park and features a variety of youth riders in a heart-pounding competition. Fishing enthusiasts can visit the National Sand Bass Festival at 1 Courthouse St. in Madill from Aug. 4-8. The event offers plenty of fishing fun, plus food vendors, a carnival and craft booths.

nsba.com/world-show

TULSA FC SOCCER Aug.

12, 19, 29 ONEOK Field Enjoy some exciting soccer matches as the Tulsa FC takes on various foes. fctulsa.com

OKC ENERGY FC

Photo courtesy Armstrong Auditorium

READY FOR AN EXCITING AUGUST? READ ON FOR OUR TOP CHOICES THIS MONTH. DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MANY EVENTS ARE CANCELED OR POSTPONED. CHECK INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS FOR UPDATES.

ILLUSTRATORS Through Nov. 15 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Before pixels,

A SMATTERING OF PERFORMANCE

programs and software transformed graphic design, illustrators gave form to thought and generated the majority of public imagery.

While the pandemic has prevented a lot of quality shows from reaching the stage, a few gems can be found around town this season. At the newly rebranded Tulsa Theatre ( formerly Brady Theatre), comedian Nate Bargatze presents his Good Problem To Have stand-up performance on Aug. 26. Jason Boland and the Stragglers play the historic Cain’s Ballroom on Aug. 21 on the Pearl Snaps 20th Anniversary Tour. See the southern gospel group the Gaither Vocal Band on Aug. 21-22 at Tulsa’s Mabee Center. In Edmond, the Armstrong Auditorium hosts father and son duo Julian and Gerard Scharz with the Mozart Orchestra of New York on Aug. 27.

IN OKC

PERFORMANCES

INTOCABLE Aug. 22 Civic

Center Music Hall Intocable is one of the most influential groups in the Tejano/ Norteño music scene today. okcciviccenter.com

JULIAN SCHWARZ, CELLIST, GERARD SCHWARZ AND MOZART ORCHESTRA OF NEW YORK Aug. 27 Armstrong

JULIAN AND GERARD SCHARZ NEOKLA SCCA AUTOCROSS Aug. 23

Expo Square Enjoy

exciting autocross at the Fair Meadows Infield.

exposquare.com

COMMUNITY BLACK WALL STREET MUSIC AWARDS Aug. 8

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

armstrongauditorium.org

CONCERTS CHARLEY CROCKET Aug. 8 Tower Theatre

Charley Crockett’s been running nearly his entire life, but on his sixth album, the Texas songwriter looks back at where he came from.

towertheatreokc.com

OLD MAN SAXON Aug. 20 Tower Theatre Old Man

Saxon is a rapper from Denver, most recently featured on the hit Netflix show Rhythm + Flow.

thejonesassembly.com

ART A SURREALISM PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Through Aug. 2 DNA

okcmoa.com

ART WITH A HISTORY

Through Aug. 16 OKCMOA

Art with a History delves into the provenance of a number of diverse works of art from the permanent collection.

okcmoa.com

GIRLS OF THE GOLDEN WEST Through Aug. 30

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

POP POWER FROM WARHOL TO KOONS: MASTERWORKS FROM THE COLLECTION OF JORDAN D. SCHNITZER AND HIS FAMILY FOUNDATION Through

Tulsa Home and Outdoor Market is a summer home show featuring local vendors. tulsahba.com

MAKER FAIRE TULSA

Aug. 29 Expo Square Maker

Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do.

tulsa.makerfaire.com

towertheatreokc.com

BLACKBERRY SMOKE

Aug. 28 Criterion Enjoy this

band on its Till the Wheels Fall Off Tour. criterionokc.com

SCHNEIDER Aug. 29

Yale Theater One of Austin’s

most celebrated musicians,

OKC ENERGY FC SOCCER Aug. 1, 8, 15, 30 Taft Stadium

Experience the excitement of professional soccer as the Energy takes on other teams in the league. energyfc.com

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE YOUTH ASSOCIATION WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Through

OKLAHOMA INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL Through Aug. 9

Cross, Rags & Young is comprised of former Cross Canadian Ragweed members Grady Cross and Randy Ragsdale, along with singer-songwriter Jason Young.

Aug. 21-23 Expo Square The

SPORTS

Inspired by the exploration of light as a tool to create space, The Art of Light seeks to communicate the unique visual experiences provided by diﬀerent forms of light.

CROSS, RAGS & YOUNG

TULSA HOME AND OUTDOOR MARKET

gibbs.oucreate.com

statefairparkokc.com

Through August 16 OKCMOA

Gathering Place is grilling up a new barbeque tradition.

Aug. 21 Tower Theatre

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of

Art, Norman (Online) The American School refers to the imaginative school of design and practice that developed under the guidance of Bruce Goﬀ, Herb Greene and others at the University of Oklahoma in the 1950s and ‘60s.

THE ART OF LIGHT

dnagalleries.com

towertheaterokc.com

gatheringplace.org

RENEGADES: BRUCE GOFF AND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Ongoing

Aug. 8 State Fair Park

RIVERSIDE RIB FESTIVAL Aug. 15 Gathering Place

Feb. 14 OKCMOA The halfcentury or so following the end of World War II was one of the most fertile periods in the history of abstract painting. okcmoa.com

Galleries Enjoy stunning photography from four OKC-based artists.

This exhibition draws on the museum’s vast photographic and art collection to describe life for women in the American West.

Come enjoy a night of live performances. okjazz.org

Photo by Steven Christy courtesy OKC Energy FC

Auditorium The famous Schwarzes appear together as father and son, combining their prodigious talents with the Mozart Orchestra of New York.

Bob Schneider, released his 2018 album, Blood and Bones, via his Shockorama Records imprint.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

POSTWAR ABSTRACTION: VARIATIONS Through

nationalcowboymuseum.org

Sept. 13 OKCMOA Visitors to

the Oklahoma City Museum of Art can enjoy more than 100 works on paper and sculptures by the biggest names in Pop Art in a new exhibition. okcmoa.com

STORYTELLERS AND SELLERS: ARTIST

See a variety of youth riders compete in this annual championship.

COMMUNITY Online This event is oﬀering an online opportunity that exposes dancers everywhere to exceptional instruction. okdancefest.org

COMMUNIT Y

GETTING BACK IN THE GROOVE

Join enthusiastic Oklahomans at a collection of community events in August. The Maker Faire at Tulsa’s Expo Square runs Aug. 29. The event, described as “a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do,” offers guests a wide swath of vendors and the chance to nab one-of-a-kind pieces. Going virtual for 2020, the Oklahoma International Dance Festival gives students from around the world the opportunity to gain valuable skills with expert instruction. To enroll and learn more about the programs, visit okdancefest.org. For those with a love of all things reptilian, the Repticon Reptile and Exotic Animal Convention is Aug. 22-23 at OKC’s State Fair Park. Honoring the life and legacy of “Oklahoma’s favorite son,” the Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In takes place Aug. 15 at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah. More than 100 small planes will land at the ranch to commemorate the two men and their untimely deaths in a plane crash. Visit the Tallgrass Music Festival from Aug. 14-15 at 2967 W. 133rd St. N., Skiatook, for family-friendly events and some foot-stomping bluegrass fun.

OKLAHOMA CITY RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING SHOW

Aug. 14-16 State Fair Park

This show brings together OKC homeowners and the area’s most knowledgeable and experienced experts. homeshowcenter.com

POOL AND SPA SHOW

Aug. 14-16 State Fair Park

Looking for aquatic adventures? Visit the Pool and Spa Show. statefairparkokc.com

REPTICON REPTILE AND EXOTIC ANIMAL CONVENTION Aug. 22-23

State Fair Park Reptilian friends can be found around every corner at this annual show. statefairparkokc.com

OKC’S HORROR CON

Aug. 29-30 Sheraton Hotel Midwest City Reed Conference Center, Midwest City Catch a glimpse of the

face behind the mask and meet some of the scariest names in the business.

Photo courtesy Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In

O N T H E S TA G E

WILL ROGERS AND WILEY POST FLY-IN

horrorconokc.com

AUGUST 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

W H E R E & W H E N | ENTER TAINMENT

PERFORMANCES

Barbecue Society state competition, as well as a community celebration.

ELK CITY ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL Aug. 8 609 S.

GASLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Through

Main St. Elk City’s Route 66

spine-chilling musical performance of Little Shop of Horrors.

WICHITA TRIBAL DANCE

Aug. 8 221 N. Independence Ave., Enid Don’t miss the

gaslighttheatre.org

ART STATE OF THE ART

Ongoing Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Crystal

Bridges begins the new decade with the opening of the Momentary, a new space for contemporary visual and performing arts, and the debut of State of the Art 2020. crystalbridges.org

SPORTS FULL MOON NIGHT HIKE Aug. 1 Roman Nose State Park, Watonga Meet at

Roman Nose Lodge and come dressed for the weather with at least one liter of water for an evening adventure. travelok.com

NATIONAL SAND BASS FESTIVAL Aug. 4-8 1

Courthouse St., Madill This free, week-long festival features food vendors, a carnival and numerous craft booths. sandbassfestival.org

SALLISAW LION’S CLUB IPRA RODEO Aug.

6-8 Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds

This IPRA championship rodeo showcases some of the county’s elite athletes in rodeo competition. travelok.com

GREAT SALT PLAINS STAMPEDE RODEO Aug. 21-22 Alfalfa County

Fairgrounds, Cherokee In addition to traditional rodeo events, visitors are treated to wild cow saddling and 4-wheeler barrel racing. travelok.com

COMMUNITY FLY FILM FESTIVAL

Through Aug. 1 Enid Symphony Center See

dramas, comedies, short films and much more, along with workshops, meet and greets and other activities.

SMOKIN’ RED DIRT BBQ & MUSIC FEST Aug. 7-8

Stride Bank Center, Enid

This event is a sanctioned Kansas City

Festival features fun and excitement for the whole family. elkcitychamber.com Aug. 13-16 Wichita Tribal

Park, Anadarko Attend the 45th annual Wichita Tribal Dance, an event that’s open to the public, to witness breathtaking American Indian dance competitions. travelok.com

TALLGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 14-15

2967 W. 133rd St. N., Skiatook

The annual Tallgrass Music Festival in Skiatook is a fun-filled family event that features top-notch bluegrass music.

Memorial Park, Tonkawa

Held rain or shine, the show features rows of cars, trucks, motorcycles, oﬀ-road vehicles and tractors. tonkawachamber.org

BRAVE THE MUD RUN Aug. 15 Leflore County

Fairgrounds, Poteau Visit Poteau to find out if you are brave enough to endure this fun and challenging obstacle course. travelok. com

WILL ROGERS & WILEY POST FLY-IN Aug. 15 Will

Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah Come watch more

than 100 small planes land at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. willrogers.com

BBQ, BEER & BOURBON FESTIVAL Aug. 22 2500

N. Choctaw Rd., Choctaw

World-renowned barbecue competitors from all over the nation come together to decide who the best BBQ smoker is in the city.

mychoctaw.org

APACHE BALLOON FEST Aug. 28-30 Apache Casino Hotel, Lawton Apache

Balloon Fest brings the wonders of vibrant air balloons to life in Lawton.

apachecasinohotel.com

BUTTERFLY HOUSE AT THE PAPILION Through Sept. 30 Honor Heights Park, Muskogee The

Papilion is a teaching garden and open air butterfly house that welcomes visitors to get a great view of these winged wonders.

muskogeeonline.org

TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM. 70

THE CHANGING FILM LANDSCAPE Animated films, virtual festivals and a Liam Neeson feature make August a lively cinematic month.

tallgrassmusicfestival.com

GOOD VIBRATIONS CAR SHOW Aug. 15 Blinn

FOR MORE EVENTS IN

NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

stridebankcenter.com

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

Around Town

It has been incredible and, frankly, heartening, to see the speed with which the Oklahoma film community has responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to technology, film festivals – which could easily have suffered death blows at the hands of the shutdown – have found ways to keep going, largely by migrating online. While June saw Oklahoma’s biggest festival, deadCenter, go virtual, this month we’ll see a much smaller one, Enid’s Fly Film Festival, chart similar uncertain waters. As of my writing this column, it’s still not precisely clear what the way forward will be for the festival; their only update so far is that the festival will be happening, either in person if possible, or online if necessary. One way or the other, films will be available, and you should absolutely take advantage. Fly has the feel of a small, indie event, and screens many local films, short films and documentaries: three sorts of films especially difficult to watch outside of a festival setting. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

At Home

Over the last twenty years, a lot of progress has been made combatting the idea that animated films are only for kids. No studio has done more for this perception that Studio Ghibli, the home of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. While American studios often try to appeal to children and adults via different methods (jokes for kids, emotions for adults), Ghibli films appeal simultaneously to both, presenting situations and characters that appeal to adults without talking down to children.

This month, Shout Factory re-releases two classic Ghibli films in sleek new Blu-Ray editions: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Miyazaki’s breakthrough film (which technically predates the founding of Ghibli by one year), and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The two films differ widely in tone – Nausicaä is a more mature environmental fable, while Kiki has the charm of kid’s classics like Madeline – but they share Miyazaki’s distinct sensibilities, including an openness to the strange and marvelous, and a knack for unexpected comedy. Featuring plenty of extras, including making-of featurettes (always welcome in the case of animated films), and packaged in sleek, minimalist steelbook wrapping, either film would make a great gift for the animation skeptic in your life – or just a great treat for you.

In Theaters

There’s still a lot of uncertainty regarding the return of movie theaters: how many people will be allowed in, what will screen on schedule and much more. For now, I’ll preview a film that appears to be going ahead with its scheduled August release, whether in theaters or on demand. It’s strange to recommend a Liam Neeson film these days that’s not some sort of action thriller, his raison d’etre of late. But Made in Italy appears to be a startlingly personal film, starring Neeson alongside his son, Micheál Richardson, as a fatherson duo grappling with the death of Neeson’s character’s wife, a real-life situation for Neeson, who lost his wife, Natasha Richardson, in 2009. Though ostensibly a comedy, expect the film to bring out moments of poignant emotion. ASHER GELZER-GOVATOS

AROUND THE STATE

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

CARLISHA WILLIAMS BRADLEY

Photo courtesy Folds of Honor Photo courtesy Carlisha Williams Bradley

riginally from Monroe, Louisiana, Carlisha Williams Bradley moved to Oklahoma at age three. After graduating from Union High School and the University of Oklahoma, Williams Bradley continued her education at Syracuse University, where she received a master’s in public administration. Passionate about education and social change, she has stepped into several leadership roles, including as the executive director of ImpactTulsa; the Congressional District One representative on the Oklahoma State Board of Education; a consultant and keynote speaker; and the founder of Women Empowering Nations, a non-profit devoted to the educational and leadership development of girls around the globe. We caught up with Williams Bradley and got her thoughts on ...

... ImpactTulsa.

ImpactTulsa is a collective impact organization that serves nearly 200,000 students across Tulsa County, in partnership with more than 300 organizations locally and nationally. Our aim is to guarantee that all students in Tulsa County are guaranteed a high-quality education. ImpactTulsa is a data-driven organization that uses that data as a flashlight to illuminate bright spots and existing disparities within the communities we work alongside. The data collected serves as a guide to complement the lived experience of community members, for the development of intentional strategies across sectors that will transform student life outcomes. I was drawn to this job due to my deep passion and work in public education. I have previously held leadership roles as an educator, administrator and superintendent. ImpactTulsa has allowed me to expand upon the work in my past to support 21 school districts in Tulsa County and increase engagement with the community to design solutions to some of our greatest challenges in supporting students from cradle to career.

... Women Empowering Nations.

Women Empowering Nations (WEN) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide exposure and mentorship for girls

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020

of color in underserved communities and to develop them into socially conscious global leaders. Founded in 2009, WEN has worked with over 4,000 young women in eight countries to provide travel seminars, leadership programming and yearlong mentorship opportunities. My vision for WEN was fueled by my personal passion to give every girl the space to believe in herself, chase her dreams and magnify her voice. I grew up in many classrooms and on teams where I was the only person of color. During my childhood, the ability to see and be mentored by women who could hold up a mirror to my potential outside of my home was missing. I founded WEN to be the change for young women that I wished for as a young girl and to also provide a pathway that will transform access for women of color in leadership.

... Tulsa in 50 years.

Tulsa is a special city, with a painful past rooted in systemic racism that we continue to see the impact of today. As our city is still in the process of growing and healing 99 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, when I fast forward 50 years, I would love to see

the outcomes of a community united in its commitment to racial equity. I desire for my future grandchildren to grow up in a community where their identity nor zip code limits the opportunities available to them. I envision excellent schools being accessible to all students in every neighborhood, and economic mobility being more than a dream, but a lived reality for all. In 50 years, I want to be proud to live and work in a city that has committed and done the hard work to transform oppressive systems, is willing to reallocate resources with a focus on equity, and prioritizes building solutions with, not for, the community.

... her drive.

I was born into this lifestyle. I come from a long lineage of educators, social change agents and servant leaders. From my grandparents to my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more, I am blessed to be a part of a family that lives by the principle, “To whom much is given, much is required.” My passion and purpose collide daily in all of my work, so I count it as one of my many blessings to be able to lead in a lane that brings me much joy.

“

curriculum The Chickasaw Nation has a unique and celebrated history, f illed with stories of our resilience, perseverance, challenges and triumphs. We believe f ilm is a great way to tell our story, past and present. These works preserve the legacy of the many events and people that shaped history.

”

Bill Anoatubby, Governor The Chickasaw Nation

First Encounter

bearer of the morning

On Top of the World

c u lt u res i n c ontac t a nd c onf l i c t

T e Ata – T h e E n du r ing L e g ac y o f a T r a d it io na l Nat iv e S t o ry t e l l e r

P e a r l C a rt e r S c o t t – A m e r ic a’ s Young e s t P il o t

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The Chickasaw Heritage Series, and curriculum, were created to inform, educate and connect diverse audiences to the story of the Chickasaw Nation and its people f rom European contact to modern day. •

Documentary f ilms

•

Educational videos

•

Short history f ilm projects

•

Educational resources for teachers, educators and students

Visit Chickasaw.net/Curriculum for more information. To purchase films and documentaries, visit ChickasawFilms.com.