Oklahoma Magazine December 2020 by Oklahoma Magazine

DECEMBER 2020

VOTE NOW FOR THE BEST OF THE BEST AT WWW.OKMAG.COM

KEEPING THE

LIGHTS ON THE POWER OF ELECTRICITY AND A FIGHT FOR CLEAN ENERGY

Hobby

Holiday

Delightful diversions to try at home

SPECIAL REPORT:

SCAN

TO READ

ONLINE

2020 Great

COMPANIES

to Work For 143 21 industries

businesses

Heroes still work here.

Gratitude. No matter the challenge or tenor of the day, gratitude has the power to transform any moment. To be grateful is to acknowledge the grace and greatness around us. And to that we say, thank you to Saint Francis Health System employees and all front line workers who continue to work tirelessly for the health of our community during this ongoing pandemic. We’re grateful for your service and for extending the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all you do. Please wear your mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing. We’re still in this together. Heroes still work here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2020

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

Great Companies to Work For

State

The most wonderful time of the year remains merry and bright ... with a few new protocols to keep Oklahomans safe.

10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 27 28 29 30

Oklahoma has no shortage of quality businesses that foster healthy work environments while positively contributing to the diverse fabric of our state. Oklahoma Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Companies to Work For feature highlights many of these successful companies in a comprehensive listing. From accounting firms to health care institutions, tribal enterprises and universities, Great Companies to Work For showcases the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand-outs.

Keeping the Lights On Electric and energy companies around the state work diligently to create clean energy to propel our state into a sustainable future. We go behind the scenes with a few of these businesses; discuss the pros of the electric and hybrid vehicles on the market; and explore ways to appreciate other electric commodities.

Despite a dreary year, you can still make your December festive by indulging in some new pastimes. We explore a few of these delightful diversions that can keep you occupied, educated, entertained and happy at home.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

VOTE NOW FOR THE BEST OF THE BEST AT WWW.OKMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2020

Have a Hobby Holiday

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85 86 88 89

DECEMBER 2020

ON THE COVER: KEEPING THE

LIGHTS ON THE POWER OF ELECTRICITY AND A FIGHT FOR CLEAN ENERGY

Hobby

Holiday

Delightful diversions to try at home

SPECIAL REPORT:

SCAN

TO READ

ONLINE

2020 Great

COMPANIES

to Work For 143 21 industries

businesses

THE ANNUAL GREAT COMPANIES TO WORK FOR FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS COMPANIES AROUND OKLAHOMA WHO ARE PIONEERS IN THEIR FIELDS AND WORK TO CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR EMPLOYEEES.

V O L . X X I V, N O . 1 2

91 94 96

History Infrastructure Philanthropy Recreation People Makers Hobbies Culture Community Infrastructure II Science Clubs Insider

Life and Style Luxury Home

An elegant new build in Tulsa marks the third collaboration between a skilled architect and builder that produced stunning results.

Destinations Health Outside the Metro Horticulture FYI

Taste

Grey Sweater offers guests a step away from the traditional dining paradigm, yielding delicious results.

Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When

From holiday-centric community events to art exhibits and equine showcases, December promises ample entertainment.

Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts

MAGA ZINE OKL AHOMA PRESENTS

L A U T R I V S GOE 20 JANUARY 20

Oklahomans of MtavhereicksYwehoamakre sue

Special Is

Oklahoma dbigidany g d e W e th ng ni Plan from A-Z

the state thrive

Health and Wepeinlglyonuremsinsd Ke

and body fit

COMING

SAT., JAN. 23 2021 FROM 10-2 AT OKLAHOMAWEDDING.COM

alongside the January Wedding Issue of Oklahoma Magazine. Win one of several incredible prizes just by attending. Admission is free! For more information, call 918.744.6205 or email advertising@okmag.com

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A very merry December to you! This month brings one of our biggest features of the year – Great Companies to Work For. In this comprehensive listing, we highlight a variety of businesses that keep their employees happy while positively contributing to the fabric of the state. From law firms to energy companies, institutions of higher learning and health care systems, we cover virtually every field (page 51). Electricity is one thing that, while essential to everyday life, is rarely thought about. In our new feature, Keeping the Lights On, we talk to a few electric/energy companies in Oklahoma about their pursuits of clean energy. We also discuss some electric and hybrid car models and other goodies like e-bikes (page 74). Looking to curb your boredom and/or your winter blues by picking up a new pastime? We outline several accessible hobbies – from virtual art classes to knitting, cooking and learning a new language – starting on page 80. Don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten about the holiday season! In our state cover, we explore the ways Oklahomans are upholding festive traditions while staying safe and healthy (page 7). We cover the ongoing development of the new BMX headquarters in downtown Tulsa (page 12); and learn all about an equine sanctuary in Pryor (page 14). And you won’t want to miss our tour of a stunning luxury home starting on page 34. Happy holidays, and stay safe, Oklahoma! Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

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What’s HOT at

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It’s never too late to pick back up an old hobby you enjoyed in your younger years. In December’s video exclusive, we dig into the many offerings at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. There, you can enjoy classes in everything from painting and drawing to theater, pottery, jewelry making and sculpting.

BEST

AG. C

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

MARK ALLEN

THE BEST OF THE

S TAY CONNECTED

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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

2021 IS COMING!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

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Copyright © 2020 by Schuman Publishing Company. Oklahoma Wedding, The Best of the Best, 40 Under 40, Single in the City, Great Companies To Work For and Oklahomans of the Year are registered trademarks of Schuman Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All photographs, articles, materials and design elements in Oklahoma Magazine and on okmag. com are protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws, and are owned by Schuman Publishing Company or third party providers. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution without the express written permission of Schuman Publishing Company is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Magazine, c/o Reprint Services, P.O. Box 14204, Tulsa, OK 74159-1204. Advertising claims and the views expressed in the magazine by writers or artists do not necessarily represent those of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Company, or its aﬀiliates.

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

KEEPING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT ALIVE The most wonderful time of the year remains merry and bright ... with a few new protocols to keep Oklahomans safe.

The Bricktown Water Taxis are oﬀering limited rides this season along the Bricktown Canal. Photo courtesy Downtown OKC Partnership

s usual, holiday celebrations are happening across the state this year, but many have been re-imagined with COVID-19 safety protocols in mind. “I believe we’re still going to bring the magic to downtown Tulsa,” says Brenna Mullins, special events and festivals manager for ASM Tulsa, which hosts Arvest Winterfest. This year, the popular ice rink was moved indoors to the BOK Center. Ticketed reservations mean a limited number of skaters per session are spread across the 17,000-squarefoot rink. The rink is open until Jan. 3, barring a couple of dates for a hockey game and a basketball tournament. BOK visitors can see “social distancing signage everywhere, and hand sanitizer stations about every 10 feet,” says Mullins. Masks are required for those ages 10 and up, and vendors are also upholding protocols within the building. “I want to acknowledge how positive and hardworking this crew has been throughout the entire pandemic,” says Mullins. “It definitely has been a challenge for us and every other venue to create a great season.” Skaters must go to the website (tulsawinterfest.com) to get to the ticket link and reserve a date and time for a 90-minute skating session. Sundays with Santa, carriage rides on weekends, the Winterfest Express trackless train and Breakfast with Santa are all still happening this year. Winterfest Express train rides are free and open to all

ages every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Sundays with Santa are from 2 to 4 p.m., sponsored by Cox, and photo opportunities with the jolly old elf are available. Visitors receive half-price skating on Mondays with the donation of a non-perishable canned food item to benefit the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and there’s also half-price skating on Warmth Wednesdays with the donation of a new or gently used coat, blanket, scarf or pair of gloves. Breakfast with Santa sessions are at 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 12 in the Cox Business Center Tulsa Ballroom, Mullins says, and tickets sell quickly. And Tulsa Ballet this year offers a re-imagined version of its beloved holiday favorite. The Lost Nutcracker runs at the Cox Business Convention Center from Dec. 17-20 with limited seating and virtual livestream opportunities. Musical and theatrical celebrations highlight Downtown in December in Oklahoma City, and this year The Nutcracker is a “short and sweet version,” says Danielle Dodson, communications manager for the Downtown OKC Partnership. The show runs Dec. 12-20 at the Civic Center. Robert Mills, artistic director for OKC Ballet, has selected favorites from Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet for a one-act show designed to help facilitate pandemic protocols. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s A Classic Christmas

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

Right: The Devon ice rink is open to the public this season with a few more COVID-19 protocols. Below: Holiday popup shops remain a favorite at Downtown in December. Photos courtesy Downtown OKC Partnership

Above: Myriad Botanical Gardens mixes its signature beautiful horticulture with some holiday flair. Photo courtesy Myriad Botanical Gardens Left: Arvest Winterfest still oﬀers a variety of festive events in downtown Tulsa, and is moving its ice rink inside this year. Photo courtesy Arvest Winterfest Right: In Jenks, Kringle’s Christmas Land allows patrons to stay in their cars to view dazzling light displays. Photo courtesy Kringle’s Christmas Land

on Dec. 4-5 is a simpler yet elegant blend of sentimental favorites and fun Christmas standards, organizers say, designed to help patrons imagine a future of hope and possibility. The historic Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City is this year’s outdoor setting for Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, which continues through Dec. 27. The venue, designed to keep people socially distant, does not have seating. Ticketed patrons walk from scene to scene during the 75-minute production that showcases the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Downtown in December’s Santa Run is virtual this year, with runners invited to complete the 5K anytime during the month. Merchants on Automobile Alley are holding special activities and giveaways on Saturdays, and Santa Claus is socially distanced inside a snow globe. Bricktown Water Taxi is offering limited service. For information about boat rides on the Bricktown Canal, go to bricktownwatertaxi.com. Owner and artistic director of Kringle’s Christmas Land, Ben Sumner, moved the show to his home in Jenks, and guests can drive past the magical scene that features more than 200 vintage animated store displays. The light show is open to the public from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 at 12520 S. Date Place. “I want to transport people back in time, to New York City, during the holidays,” says Sumner. “Think of 34th Street window displays, and that’s what I’m going for.” Go to KringlesChristmasLand on Facebook for a video preview of the show. Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City enhanced its outdoor holiday décor this year, “to ensure that the gardens continue to be a place of peace and respite,” says Leslie Spears, director of marketing and public relations for the Myriad Gardens Foundation. “As our grounds are free and open to the public, displays will be accessible to the entire community, day and evening.” Santa at the Gardens is a free event from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Myriad Gardens, Spears says. “Children can interact with Santa from a safe social distance, drop off letters in his personal mailbox, and enjoy the wonder and beauty of his winter workshop.” KIMBERLY BURK

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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

PAVING PROGRESS The oft-forgotten Bankhead Highway has deep roots in Oklahoma.

The Bankhead Highway runs through 25 towns in southern Oklahoma. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society

he Bankhead Highway, named for long-time Alabama legislator and good roads advocate John Hollis Bankhead, begins in Washington, D.C. and culminates in San Diego, Calif. It was one of the first transcontinental roadways built as the automobile age hit cruising speed in the 1920s. And as the Bankhead Highway makes its way across the United States, it winds through about 25 towns in southern Oklahoma, including Broken Bow, Idabel, Sulphur, Durant and Lawton on its northern, or Red River, branch. With today’s super highways as a contrast, many would find it hard to believe that there was a time, a mere one hundred years ago or so, that this sleepy little highway was the answer to a big problem: the problem of how people could get where they needed to go, especially in Oklahoma. As the 19th century was drawing to a close, Americans began to recognize the need for a better road system. This led to the creation of the National Good Roads

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Association in 1893. Even before Oklahoma achieved statehood, the movement gained traction locally, because the need for reliable roads became more important to the people living here. The Oklahoma Good Roads Association led the charge to encourage the state’s legislature to create a highway department in 1911. But the system of trails and routes that had previously been used was proving inefficient for 20th century travel, which now included many cars and trucks. “As the Automobile Age progressed, the number of cars and trucks in the state grew from 15,000 in 1914 to 127,000 in 1918 to 500,000 in 1926,” according to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. “Roads and trails ... that had facilitated travel in the 1800s, by 1900 might lie across someone’s farm or ranch, and not all landowners allowed passage.” Also during that time, landsurvey section lines became the routes for rural roads, causing travelers to often move in a zig-zag pattern that made travel some-

times indirect and cumbersome. But help was coming from a federal level. Passage of the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, spearheaded by the aforementioned John Hollis Bankhead, cleared the way for a state highway system. The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture outlines how the act provided matching grant money and required the state to have a well-funded and managed highway department. After the funding and oversight were in place, the Bankhead Highway was then one of 26 original state highways that ran through Oklahoma. “All were completed by 1925, and in that year, the state system comprised approximately five thousand miles, of which approximately three hundred were paved,” according to The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. There was still a long way to go to achieve the road system that we have today, but projects like the Bankhead Highway paved the way to progress. BONNIE RUCKER

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

JUMPING ALL OBSTACLES Despite delays, construction of Tulsa’s National BMX Headquarters should wrap up in late 2021.

The new BMX headquarters in Tulsa are expected to host more than 100 local, state and national events in the first five years. Photo courtesy USA BMX

he timeline for construction on the National BMX Headquarters in Tulsa has looked like a BMX dirt-track race itself: loaded with jumps, berms and rollers. The project has been beset with delays, including negotiation breakdowns in 2017 and the change of the construction site from Expo Square to the current Evans-Fintube location north of downtown. Then, a few months after ground was officially broken – lifting hopes that the 2020 BMX Olympic trials would come to town – the pandemic arrived. This perfect storm of setbacks seemed like a bike chain slipping out of its sprocket, but according to Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum and USA BMX Foundation chairman Shane Fernandez, the project has jumped all obstacles and is on schedule to open in late 2021. Bynum confirmed in late October that the project has not experienced any significant impact on schedule due to the pandemic. “We have seen a slight extended schedule on the steel, pre-engineered building deliveries due to an influx of projects being awarded during the peak COVID-19 times,” he says. Fernandez says the construction team has been “excellent in setting up COVID safety protocols and ensuring a safe job site. Nabholz Construction, Todd Architecture, Wallace Engineering and the city

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

of Tulsa have all done an excellent city and USA BMX signed a 30-year job in keeping things rolling and lease agreement with two 10-year pressing forward.” renewal options. The facility is exUSA BMX announced a few pected to be the site for more than years ago that it would expand its 100 local, state and national events Gilbert, Ariz., headquarters and in the first five years, generating move its museum and hall of fame nearly $11 million in economic from Chula Vista, Calif., to Tulsa. benefits, the city announced. The USA BMX team that coordi“We have already found that nates national races and memberUSA BMX will be an incredible ships will remain in Gilbert. The partner to the city,” says Bynum. headquarters BMX officials say will expand the facility will be “We have to include more than a potential already found Olympic trial venue; marketing and branding in adthat USA USA BMX is formulatdition to other ing plans to work with BMX will be BMX programs. at-risk youth who will an incredible In April benefit from using partner to 2016, Tulsa this facility, along with voters apactivities that will the city.” proved $15 directly engage the million for the community, Bynum says. construction of the BMX facility “Our team can’t wait to bring as part of the Vision Tulsa sales global talent and energy into our tax package. The project was born diverse downtown, engage our from a partnership between the community with STEAM and mencity, Tulsa Parking Authority and torship programs, and elevate the the Hardesty Family Foundation. overall brand of Tulsa as a global Together, they provided an addidestination point,” says Fernandez. tional $8 million in funding. Reaction from Oklahoma-based USA BMX’s new $23 million home racers has been positive. Bynum includes the national headquarsays he was an avid bike rider as ters, a hall of fame museum, the a kid, but never took part in any 2,000-seat Hardesty National Track BMX racing. Stadium and a 300-space parking “I am excited for this generation lot. It’s all being constructed on the of Tulsans to have the opportunity north end of the 22.3-acre Evans to grow up with an Olympic sport Fintube site on North Lansing Avin their city,” he says. enue in the Greenwood District. The TOMMY CUMMINGS

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T H E S TAT E | P H I L A N T H R O P Y

BLAZING NEW TRAILS The Rockin’ G Equine Sanctuary provides a second chance to horses in need.

TO HELP:

Donations are accepted through PayPal at rockin_grescue@yahoo. com, or by mailing a check to 6608 S. Manning Rd, El Reno, 73036. To volunteer, contact Deborah at 405-315-8760. www.rockinghorseok.com. Photo by Carol Mowdy Bond

iedmont native Deborah Gay’s love of horses began at age four or five, and she’s never given up her spurs. Living on twelve acres in Piedmont, Gay and her husband, Bob, started taking in needy horses ... but the situation got out of hand. So, they relocated to 160 flat prairie acres in El Reno. And in July 2013, they officially opened the Rockin’ G Equine Sanctuary, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that rescues, re-trains and re-homes horses, giving them a second clip-clopping chance at life. “We mainly rescue thoroughbreds from tracks that, for whatever reasons, need new homes,” says Gay. “But some of our horses are from kill pens. Those are located in Stroud and all over the place in other states. The horses are jammed into trucks like cattle. Horses don’t travel like cows, so it’s a terrible thing to do. The trucks are taken to Mexico and the horses are slaughtered. It’s a pretty awful sight.” And if any horse has been dumped or abandoned, suffered neglect, starvation or abuse, or can no longer be cared for by the owner, the Rockin’ G takes in all breeds so they can blaze trails of hope and new beginnings. After spending time at the Rockin’ G, Gay explains that the horses “go on to be polo ponies, hunter/ jumpers, dressage, cross country jumpers, trail horses, and barrel and roping horses. Some become pasture companions.” But they never go to race tracks, she says. “They go to some new career and/or home. We try to place them in new forever homes. Giving some

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

rough estimates, we have homed around 189 horses and saved approximately 40 from kill pens. Owners or trainers have retired the rest from racing, bringing them to us. Many that have come through here are considered ‘war horses,’ which means they ran over 50 races or made over $100,000. Many of those have been stakes winners.” Gay’s personal show horse, Boston, has a ‘can’tbelieve-it-until-you-see-it’ ability to unlatch a stall gate, open it and walk right out. At times, she’s found Boston out on the property, horsing around at his leisure. And one of the pastures is home to a rescue pet donkey, Darla, and an elderly horse who spend their days together enjoying the peaceful life of retirement. Another horse, Millie, got her happy ending at Rockin’ G. “She was dumped in a kill pen, and she was starving and pregnant,” says Gay. “We thought Millie would abort her baby. But her baby, Baby G, is now just over a month old.” The stories of hope abound. “Three years ago, we got Don Miguel, a.k.a Micky, from a kill pen. He’s put on 150 pounds since we’ve had him,” says Gay. “Island is an injured thoroughbred who will go to a new home and live out her life in luxury.” The Rockin’ G staffers are able to prepare most horses for adoption through donations and adoption fees. Potential adopters usually learn about available horses through word of mouth and social media. CAROL MOWDY BOND

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T H E S TAT E | R E C R E AT I O N

THE PERFECT PANDEMIC PASTIME Paintball popularity spikes during these ongoing limited-contact protocols.

Paintball combines athleticism and precision for an activity perfect in today’s no-contact climate. Photo courtesy Epic Paintball Park

aintball, oddly enough, is a go-to pandemic activity. Why? Because it’s not only contactless, but also requires the use of a mask. Luckily, a variety of paintball fields are welcoming customers during this time for some high-octane fun. Epic Paintball Park in Oklahoma City takes its safety requirements very seriously, says owner Randy Coles. “People are issued masks and supervised,” he says. “We also have distance limits, so no one can get too close.” Coles says that when players follow rules and play responsibly, there’s little danger involved. “As long as you keep your equipment on, you’re relatively risk-free,” he says. “You are more likely to get injured bowling than playing paintball in a controlled setting.” The required waiver that players must sign insists they follow safety rules and regulations so no one is harmed. Epic Paintball Park also uses PEG (polyethylene glycol) paintball shells that hurt less than oil-based paintball shells. Paintball Adventure Games, based in Sapulpa, similarly believes that the sport’s safety relies heavily on people wearing the proper equipment, says park

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

manager Roger Brown. “We’ve never had an injury out here, but it is possible,” he says. “The main concern is keeping your face mask on when on the field.” Despite paintball being a wellknown sport today, the paintball gun was not originally intended to be used for entertainment purposes, says Brown. “Actually, paintball began by marking cattle,” he says. “They would mark cows and administer medicine to cattle with paintball guns.” After people discovered they could shoot each other with these guns without any serious injury, more advanced models were created, and now, people can gather at a paintball field and play just about any time. “We round up a bunch of folks and split them into teams and they compete,” says Brown. “We welcome players aged 10 years or older, but it really depends on if the face mask fits them properly.” Paintball Adventure Games also houses a full shop where players can purchase their own equipment and bring them to play with

on their next visit. Athleticism is not necessarily the only important factor in paintball, says Brown. Pretty much anyone can excel in this game. “Being athletic would definitely give you an edge, but we have people of all ages, shapes and sizes,” says Brown. “You can play it at your own pace.” Like many sports that started as a niche phenomenon, paintball is now not only a recreational game, but a professional one. Competitive tournaments take place around the world, including the NXL Paintball World Cup tournament, says Coles. Brown mentions that there’s even a local paintball team that competes professionally: the Tulsa Saints. Epic Paintball Park and Paintball Adventure Games are both open seven days a week. During weekdays, appointments are required. For more information, call Epic Paintball Park at 405679-3742 and Paintball Adventure Games at 918-224-1055. KAYLIE COTTEN

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

CARRYING ON A LEGACY Kelli Payne continues a family tradition in her role at Oklahoma National Stockyards.

Kelli Payne is the first female head of the Oklahoma National Stockyards. Photo courtesy Kelli Payne

fifth generation cow-calf producer in Mustang, the high-octane Kelli Payne grew up in Tabler. “I don’t think there’s even a stop sign there,” she says. These days, Payne is taking her livestock acumen to new heights. Oklahoma City’s Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market, announced Payne as their sixth, and first female, general manager in April 2019. Payne’s journey seems ordinary to her. By age five, she was walking the original bricks of the Stockyards, or “the bricks,” as she says. She and her sister tagged along with their dad Glenn, who was an order buyer for a company there. Glenn put Payne to work doing jobs like scrubbing stock tanks. In the mid-1980s, Glenn purchased a commission from Wright-Halliburton, which merged in 1990 with Central-Halliburton. Along the way, Payne kept hanging out and

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

helping at the Stockyards, making the cattle world her permanent lifeblood. To her, all of it was the best fun ever, and she couldn’t get enough. As an Oklahoma State University student, Payne traveled back and forth on weekends to help her dad sell cattle at the Stockyards. She even sat out semesters to take advantage of opportunities. She left Stillwater with a Bachelor of Arts in animal science and livestock marketing. Payne’s professional career showcases her drive and enthusiasm. She’s worked in politics, economic and community development, at Main Street districts, and, of course, in cattle. Her first official Stockyards job was as a clerk for Stockman’s Order Buying. With the Stockyards just celebrating its 110th birthday on Oct. 3, Payne always sees potential around every corner. Quick with a smile and at ease in her own skin, she’s now the president of Stockyard City Main Street, and serves on a plethora of boards. “Nowadays, this is the last terminal market in existence for cattle,” she says. “We have many multi-generational family situations here, and 32 acres of pens.

Last year, about 415,000 head of cattle came through here. My challenge is promoting something that is historic, but still a viable market, and, at the same time, showing the face of the hardworking farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Our industry is different. It’s constantly changing and evolving.” Payne’s great-great-grandparents made the Land Run of 1889, staking a claim in today’s Mustang. Now, Payne and her sister Rita Wiedemann and her family, along with their dad, work 700 acres together, including the original 1889 claim. “Dad and I have a cow herd together,” says Payne. “Last week, we weaned babies from their mommas.” Walking among the pens, Payne is the first to open a gate for someone, pick up trash, or help unload cattle from a truck. She doesn’t seem to ever meet a stranger. “I love people,” she says. “Farmers and ranchers are some of the best people, and there’s an unwavering determination and sense of pride and spirit that you don’t find much anymore. It’s very humbling to carry that on, and to carry it on genetically.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

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

THE ART OF GIVING BACK Sarah Day-Short creates accessible and unique abstract art.

Sarah Day-Short enjoys working with resin to create accessible art pieces like coasters and wall prints. Photos by Katelyn Swanson Photography

lifelong artist with a printmaking degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, Sarah Day-Short aimed to make art her career. Starting out, she focused on drawing and detailoriented work, like custom pet portraits. However, these projects left her feeling boxed in; she wasn’t able to put as much creativity into the work as she wanted. Enter abstract. To break out of that rut, Day-Short began stretching canvases and slinging paint Jackson Pollock-style. “I started going in the studio and feeling, rather than going in with a plan,” she says. Now, Day-Short creates largescale, colorful abstract art with acrylic paint, along with the occasional metal leaf work. She also works with resin to make functional art that has use in everyday life. Her aim is to liven up the spaces in which her work hangs and to make art accessible, whether that’s by price or form. “Going into an art gallery, I feel like many people are intimidated by the prices,” she says. “Anybody can spend $20 on a set of coasters. That’s a little piece of functional art that you can have in your house.” Custom abstract pieces are DayShort’s favorite type of project; they require her to marry her artistic vision with a client’s needs. To do this, she both familiarizes herself with the space the piece will hang in and acquaints the client with her portfolio and style of work. Then, the artist gets to work. “I’ve been pretty lucky with clients,” she says. “They let me take that creativity and roll with it.”

Day-Short saw infinite possibility for her creativity when a friend first introduced her to resin. While initially she was interested in coating her painting with the clear, malleable material, Day-Short quickly became interested in the medium’s ability to mold and transform into what she envisioned. What started as making coasters has expanded into creating serving trays, bowls and votive candle holders. A few years into life as a full-time maker, Day-Short’s creativity began to wane, and she felt burnt out. To occupy her spare time, she began volunteering in the kitchen at the Homeless Alliance and quickly discovered the nonprofit offered an art class. So, she started working in watercolors with the group. Pre-pandemic, the Alliance hosted a quarterly art show, selling items made in the class and returning the profits to the artists. Day-Short donates 100% of profits from her watercolor pieces to the Alliance. Watercolors aside, DayShort regularly donates a minimum of 10% of her monthly profits to a charity. “I feel like that’s what I need to do to just give back to these other artists, people that are struggling and people that aren’t as fortunate as I am,” she says. “It’s something that I’ve always felt like brings me back down to Earth.” Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Homeless Alliance’s art class has been on pause, and Day-Short found herself furloughed from her art world job, instead working in a cubicle daily. She says she’s found it hard to stay creative during this time. “I’d really like to create for the sake of creating again,” she says. These days, Day-Short draws her inspiration from nature and her daily bike ride to Lake Hefner, where she sometimes paints with watercolors. In late June, she participated in the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s statewide art walk, OK Art Crawl. Post-COVID, DayShort hopes to regain some of her wholesale clients and consignment vendors, as well as grow her online shop and take more custom orders. LAUREN MIERS

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ Body Language Can Matter in the Family Court

In any court date in the family court, there are a lot of moving parts. For example, if there is a trial or evidentiary hearing, parties are often worried about the case itself. This might mean worrying about the witnesses who will be called, the evidence presented, and how the judge will rule. It also might involve the emotions and stress involved with having to be in court. For many, it took a long time to get a trial or court date. Even if it is not a trial date, but merely a motion date, pretrial or settlement conference, these court dates can be stressful. Stress can cause parties to become nervous, anxious or even frustrated. These feelings can sometimes bring out bad body language in the courtroom. The bad body language can culminate in frowning, being fidgety, slouching or even reacting negatively from a body language perspective based on what happens in court. Some parties may moan or gasp. Others might throw up their hands or fidget in their chairs. In some instances, parties might furiously pass notes to their lawyers. Ultimately, the poor visuals can be damaging. The bad body language can come when an individual simply sees the other party in a contentious case. But the wrong body lan-

guage can begin when the opposing lawyer is speaking, when a witness is testifying or something happens that they feel is bad for their case. Worse yet, it can come when the judge says something or announces a ruling from the bench. Bad body language can damage a case. Judges have lots of discretion in divorce or family court cases in terms of what they do. Often, judges are weighing the credibility of witnesses not only based on what they say, but what they can see. If the family court judge sees body language they do not like, it can be damaging. Ultimately, parties need to be careful that they are in control of their body language. They have to understand that this can make a difference. Some useful tips include remaining stone-faced at all times. No matter what happens in a courtroom, most parties should not react to it in any way. Sitting in a chair with good posture can help. It can project confidence and a sense of calm. Even with the stress of these court dates, parties have to go to their happy place emotionally. It might mean meditating or praying for peace. It might mean engaging in breathing techniques or trying to focus on something. Whatever helps a person display a positive demeanor, they should employ. Parties have to avoid showing their anger, anxiety and frustration as best as possible. To the extent they are getting emotional, talking to their attorney in a private room to express their concerns can help. It might mean taking a walk or going to the water fountain or restroom when emotions are building up. But when a party is in the courtroom, they should realize that everything they do can impact the case.

Bad body language can even impact the ability to settle the case. If the opposing party and lawyer can see that a party is becoming unglued, some may decide not to settle because they might believe that the other party will not make a good impression. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-8050595.

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

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Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Oklahoma County Office 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 411 W

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

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

A RETURN TO CREATIVITY Art classes are available around the state for virtually any age or interest.

At the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, students can learn everything from drawing, painting and jewelry design to pottery, sculpture and mixed media. Photo by Dani G.

f you seem to have more time on your hands lately, you’re not alone. Many people, perhaps those who loved to paint as children, have returned to the hobby as adults at a variety of venues across the state. “The Edmond Fine Arts Institute is comprised of visual and performing art classes available year round,” says executive director Shannon Price. “Our facility was designed specifically as an art center, so it is equipped to offer a variety of art mediums for all ages and levels of ability.” If painting isn’t your thing, the institute’s 36 part-time artists on staff can probably find something you’ll be interested in. “Curriculum includes beginning to advanced classes in drawing, painting, jewelry design, clay, pottery, sculpture, mixed media, printing making and theater,” says

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Price. “Instruction is available for preschoolers through adults and is taught by professional instructors who are experts in

their fields.” While weekday classes are available, Saturday and Sunday workshops and classes are also on the institute’s schedule. “During the current health climate, class sizes and programs have adapted to provide safe, creative ways for our students and teachers to continue their passion,” says Price. “Class sizes are limited to adhere to social distancing guidelines, and proper spacing is easily identified in all areas. Surfaces and supplies are cleaned and sanitized with CDC-approved sanitizers at regular intervals throughout the day, and all employees, students and individuals entering our building are required to wear face coverings.” While Ziegler Art and Frame in Tulsa has been impacted by the pandemic, and is therefore not offering a full line of classes at the

moment, some courses are still available. The store typically hosts classes in fine art, watercolors, and oil and acrylic painting. Those interested can call for available times and classes at 918-584-221 or visit www.zieglerart.com. “Classes have been scaled way back due to COVID-19,” says Trent Morrow, one of the owners and the store’s marketing director. “Many of our students are at a high-risk age, so many are staying home for now. Hopefully, this pandemic will get under control someday and we can start having larger classes again. Until then, we will do what we can to provide a safe environment for the small classes that we do have.” The Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City is lined with several shops that offer art classes for youngsters through adults featuring painting, drawing and pottery. Artsy Rose offers classes in oil pastels, collage, jewelry and sewing. Check with the Paseo Arts Association each month for class types and topics. For those looking for a more unusual medium, try Tulsa Stained Glass studio. There, you can create a sculpture using the same tools and materials utilized in stain glass windows. Or visit the Guthrie Art Center, which offers classes to help you learn drawing, basket making, weaving and spinning. The Bartlesville Art Association also hosts classes just north of Price Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s epic design. With so many options, there’s only one question: What are you waiting for? DEBI TURLEY

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T H E S TAT E | C U LT U R E

KEEPING LANGUAGE ALIVE Members of the small but mighty Yuchi tribe work to continue their legacy.

Younger members of the Yuchi tribe can enroll in classes at the Yuchi Language Project in Sand Springs. Photo courtesy the Yuchi Language Project

uchi chief Felix Brown is 64 and has developed neuropathy in his feet, so he’s no longer able to stomp dance until dawn. “But I try to stay awake,” he says. “I don’t want to miss anything.” Brown is one of two chiefs of the Duck Creek Ceremonial Grounds in Okmulgee County, which his greatuncle helped found in 1941 as a place to hold Yuchi reunions and sacred ceremonies. And what he might miss, if he were to nod off during one of those marathons, is the feeling he gets when he witnesses traditions being handed down from one generation to the next. “We’ve had many elders before us to come and dance where we are dancing now,” he says. “They danced that same dance. You have that spirit that’s with you there. My dad was there with them. I grew up there.” Gunner Baker, 14, is part of the newest generation, and he’s an enthusiastic student of his Native American heritage. He’s been stomp dancing since his preschool days, and now he’s learning the Yuchi language from his cousin, Brent Deo. “I love learning the language, and growing up a different way than other people grow up,” says Baker. The Yuchi people are not a federally recognized tribe, but can enroll as members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation – a neighboring tribe the U.S. government forced them to travel with to Indian Territory during the Trail of Tears. Yet their dialect is distinct, a language isolate, which is why Richard Grounds helped to open the Sapulpa-based Yuchi Language Project in the 1990s, when the number of people who spoke Yuchi as a first language was dwindling. “Our language is key to our understanding of our place in the world,” he says. “We’ve taken on the responsibility of using that language and keeping it alive. It helps instill in the young people a sense of belonging as they interact with the elders.” The grant-funded program is free to the students, who

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

began online learning after the pandemic hit. “It needs to be in our everyday lives,” Deo says of the language. “If it’s limited to our ceremonial grounds, it’s still subject to be lost.” Dezbah Evans joined the Yuchi Language Program in January as a teaching assistant, and says she was hired not only to teach, but to learn. She was assigned to the pre-school language immersion classes. “They are surrounded so much by the Western culture and the English language,” says Evans of her students. “This is a little haven that we’ve created for the language. Having these kids continue on in the language of their grandparents and great-grandparents is just going to uplift the whole community.” The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which uses the ‘Euchee’ spelling, teaches the language to Creek and Yuchi students during afterschool classes, and offers a 10-week summer course focusing on the language of the Yuchi ceremonial grounds. The Yuchi also have ceremonial grounds known as Polecat and Sand Creek, and Evans says the Creek Nation helps to maintain the grounds. The Green Corn Ceremony is a time of thanksgiving for one of the staple Native American crops. Brown says fasting and internal cleansing are also part of the ceremony, along with dancing. Baker says he is one of four pole boys at Duck Creek. “The fire that we dance around, the pole boys put the wood on it and keep it nice and bright,” he says. “We dance around a ceremonial pyre,” says Brown. “We go counterclockwise around the fire, so our hearts are close to the fire. We worship the Creator with our hearts.” KIMBERLY BURK

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

FELLOWSHIP THROUGH LITERATURE In times of increased isolation, many find a sense of camaraderie through book clubs.

The Tulsa City-County Library system oﬀers a variety of book clubs for interested readers. Photo courtesy Tulsa City-County Library

n an effort to escape the bizarre climate of today’s society, many are picking up their lost love of reading. There is, in fact, a camaraderie in seeing a masked stranger out in public reading the same paperback you’re poring over. Fortunately, reading is a safe, socially distanced activity. But how have book clubs fared during these strange times, and how do new members join? Leah Weyand, the teen services coordinator for the Tulsa City-County Library, is in charge of several book clubs offered through the system. She says these clubs are now starting to rebuild attendance. However, different clubs have individualized rules and guidelines to follow. Chances are, there’s something for every reader in any genre. Weyand says that generally, the group facilitator chooses a book for the month in advance so the library has enough copies for the members. At the following meeting, readers discuss everything from how the book has impacted them to their favorite characters. They also often discuss what books they’d like to

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

read, whether they should have a theme and what other pieces of literature they’re reading. “It’s a great way to get recommendations on other books that you may not have even heard of,” says Weyand. “It’s also a valuable way to meet like-minded people.” The Tulsa Library system has several mediums for various books, should you prefer the hardcopy, digital versions or even audiobooks. The library also utilizes several apps, including OverDrive and Hoopla, to ensure everyone can access the materials in time for the discussion. For those who are in search of a club off the beaten path, visit Whitty Books in Tulsa’s Kendall-Whittier district. Victoria Moore, the shop’s owner, promises a casual environment with both popular books and works by authors you may have never heard of before. “We have a pretty good group of women who read horror books, but we are adding specific authors and stories that are women-centered,” says Moore. “We are looking to add a non-fiction/true crime aspect to a group as well.”

The store is also available for hosting clubs if you have your own; just call 918-921-4030 and let them know what your interests are; They’ll help you get your club up and running. For those not quite ready to get jump back into in-person events, Facebook has several options. Byron Holzberger started a club, now 200 members strong, for the LGBTQ+ community in January. The books they read, he says, tend to not only be stories geared toward people within that spectrum, but also written by those in the community. The Oklahoma City LGBTQ+ Book Club is also trying its hand at hosting virtual movie nights, streaming everything from mysteries and true crime to romance and young adult content. Bottom line: If you have a genre or author you enjoy, there is likely a club to cater to you. If there isn’t one, you can easily create your own – whether through the use of social media or with the help of your local library or bookstore. The sky’s the limit, so read on. ERICA BROWNING

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

STILL SERVING OKLAHOMA Public library systems work diligently to ensure clients’ needs are met.

Curbside pickup is a popular choice for patrons of the Tulsa library system. Photo courtesy Tulsa City-County Library

eople go to libraries for knowledge and solutions. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the shutdown of businesses and services in Oklahoma, public libraries also had to shutter their doors — and access. This meant no story times for kids, no place of solitude for teens to do homework, and no access to important resources for adults. But the full closures didn’t last long; Oklahoma library systems charged back with progressive ways of making sure people got sanitized library materials in their hands.

The Tulsa City-County Library system, which served 7,000 patrons daily pre-COVID, immediately began increasing its online resources and availability, says Kiley Roberson, chief strategy officer. The state’s three largest library systems opened with revised hours and limited occupancy, adhering to local and state physical distancing guidelines. They stepped up their curbside pickup services and offered copy, print and fax capabilities. In Tulsa, even 3-D printing pick-up is available at select locations. “We wanted to help our patrons continue to use our services in a very safe way,” says Roberson. “We wanted their library experiences to continue to be seamless. It’s taken a lot of work to get there.” The Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City also reopened its 20 locations, branding its new focus on a “grab-and-go” stage, where patrons make brief, in-person visits to pick up their materials. The Pioneer Library System, which serves Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties with 12 hometown libraries and other services, also re-opened its locations with limited services. Because materials can pass through multiple hands, libraries in Oklahoma have utilized American Library Association recommendations for quarantining items after a disinfection process. Tulsa uses a meeting-room space for a 72-hour quarantine of returned materials, says Roberson. Five branches in the Tulsa system are using an in-branch express service. Masks are required for patrons 5 years old and older. In addition, social-distance protocols are observed, plexiglass barriers are used, one-way browsing aisles are set up, and computers are distanced. Alcohol wipes are provided and computer keyboards and mice are disinfected. Many of Tulsa’s features — such as ebooks, streaming media, and tutoring — were already popular, says Roberson. “For us, a few of the things we rolled out were kind of in the works,” she says. Kim Terry, Metropolitan Library System public relations director, says she’s noticed an uptick in patrons interested in digital choices. “So far, people seem to like everything we’re doing, but we’re really finding they’re enjoying the online programs,” she says. Customers served in the Pioneer system can reserve a time slot for public computer use by calling ahead. Pioneer offers its PLS Connect app to access assorted library services and programs. Tulsa City-County Library introduced a program to provide online hot spots for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, which is popular for students who have to distance learn but don’t have access to WiFi elsewhere. The Tulsa and Oklahoma City library systems also offer extended WiFi programs in their library parking lots. “We’re seeing a lot of use out of that from people just needing access,” says Roberson. “We can’t be open all the time, so we’ve been able to offer [WiFi] to all our customers.” TOMMY CUMMINGS

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | S C I E N C E

The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover launched from Florida on July 30. Photo courtesy United Launch Alliance

OUT OF THIS WORLD Oklahoman engineer Lauren White helped ensure a successful launch of the Mars 2020 Rover. Photo courtesy Lauren White

Oklahoman Lauren White is playing an integral role in the Mars 2020 NASA mission.

hen the Mars 2020 Mission Perseverance Rover launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla., early on the morning of July 30, Oklahoman Lauren White was there.

NASA is exploring the past habitability of Mars, and Perseverance will search for signs of ancient microbial life; the mission’s duration on Mars will last at least one year. White, a 36-year-old published scientist who has a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has worked on the Mars 2020 project for over six years and is stationed in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. “Perseverance will land Feb. 18, 2021,” she says. “Perseverance has multiple science instruments, a mobility system and a sample caching system (SCS). It also has the Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, strapped to its belly, which will be deployed on the surface of Mars when we land, and it will be the first aerial flight on another planet. The only part of the rover that could return would be the sample tubes, which are part of the SCS. After collecting samples, the tubes could potentially be picked up by a future Mars sample return mission, likely to be a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency.” A contamination engineer on Perseverance as it was built, White says that her work “focused on the development and build

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

of the sample caching system, which is a complex assembly of mechanisms capable of collecting, sealing and storing Mars rock samples, as well as dropping these samples onto the Mars surface for potential retrieval and return to Earth by a future mission. Recently, I transitioned to a role on the surface operations team, where I get to help operate the rover and watch the SCS in action after it lands on Mars.” Mars 2020 took much heritage from Mars Science Laboratory, also known as Curiosity, which is now on Mars conducting “in situ” science. But the SCS is new to Perseverance. This will be the primary step in the first Mars sample return mission ever conducted. White has focused on contamination of samples, so they will be pristine when returned to Earth. Or, as White says, returned with “no thumbprints.”

Although she was born in Oklahoma City, White’s parents were Yukon residents, and that’s where she spent her early years. Home educated through twelfth grade, White was very close to her Oklahoma grandparents and her roots in the state run deep. During the 1830s, White’s great-great-great-great grandparents entered Indian Territory, in today’s far southeastern Oklahoma, on the Choctaw Trail of Tears. She is a registered member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and also has Cherokee and French Canadian roots. Initially connecting with NASA during her undergrad years, White’s list of professional presentations and research is lengthy and circles the globe. She was also the lead international space station integration engineer for OCO-3 (Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3). “When Perseverance launched, I felt proud and honored to be part of it,” says White. “And I felt excited for the second part of the journey, which is landing and operating on the surface of Mars.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

T H E S TAT E | C L U B S

LOOKING UP AND OUT Astronomers seek answers to questions about the universe.

The Milky Way is often visible from the shores of Lake Tenkiller. Photo by Andy Fryhover

klahoma skies are a sight to see, and the state’s astronomy clubs aren’t letting the pandemic stop them from enjoying the stars. The Oklahoma City Astronomy Club and the University of Oklahoma Lunar Sooners have created adjustments in order to stay safe but still feed their love of space and time. The Oklahoma City club normally meets on the second Friday of each month at Science Museum Oklahoma, says Mike Brake, the club’s public information officer. “Monthly meetings usually entail a star talk on objects to observe in the sky that month, and a lecture on a scientific or technical aspect of astronomy,” says Brake. “The club has just under 200 members.” Right now, meetings are being held online. Despite these changes, OKCAC hasn’t been deterred. The club owns and operates Cheddar Ranch Observatory in Blaine County, which houses a permanently mounted 14-inch telescope, multiple member-owned domes, two concrete observation pads and the 30-inch Kirkpatrick Telescope (the largest public access telescope in the state). Brake, like many of

his counterparts, got involved in the world of astronomy early. “I ... got interested in astronomy in 1957 at age 10 when Sputnik, the first satellite, was launched,” he says. “Others have related similar experiences, but club member interests are as varied as the membership; some are observational astronomers while others do astrophotography.” Nickalas Reynolds, a member of Lunar Sooners and a graduate teaching assistant studying astrophysics, says the club normally meets in Nielsen Hall on the OU campus in Norman. “We are mostly an outreach organization, so most of our member interactions are at public outreach events,” says Reynolds. “However, with COVID, we suspended in-person club outreach until it is appropriate to hold in-person events again.” Reynolds says communication is still active within the club, and sometimes, all that is needed is a once-a-semester meeting when it is safe to do so, or the occasional email to stay in-the-know. “During the member meetings, we ... discuss events in the upcoming months and then

[discuss] miscellaneous items – new telescopes, concerns about the observatories,” says Reynolds. “Sometimes meetings might be training seminars.” A common misconception is that astrology is similar, or even the same, as astronomy. “Astrology seeks to divine information about individuals through alignment of celestial bodies,” says Reynolds. Astronomy, on the other hand, is a fact-based science. “Astronomy, in the most general sense of the word is the study of extra-planetary events,” says Reynolds. “So when you meet someone that studies objects in space, they are an astronomer.” On a more philosophical realm, Reynolds says that astronomy is the way people seek to find the answers of the universe. “Since the dawn of humankind, we have been searching for answers for the big questions in life,” says Reynolds. “Why are we here? How did we get here? What is our place in the universe? In astronomy, we attempt to answer these questions to the best of our knowledge, by looking up and outwards towards the universe itself.” KAYLIE COTTEN

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

CHRONICLING RED DIRT A new book by Oklahoman Josh Crutchmer covers the state’s prolific music genre.

The journey of the Oklahoma-based Red Dirt music movement is showcased in Josh Crutchmer’s new book. Photo courtesy Josh Crutchmer

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

ike the people and the scene it celebrates, author Josh Crutchmer’s new book about Red Dirt music was a long time in the making. “I started the official interviews in 2018, but I’d go to concerts in the early 2000s, and quite often, I’d just make notes,” he recalls. “So there were lots of times that someone would say something from the stage, and it got into the book, because I was there and jotting it down and saying, ‘You’ve got to remember this.’ I really didn’t know why then. It was just that I was seeing something that was definitely different and needed to be documented. I didn’t really know what I would do with the info at the time, but I knew I really needed it. “Over the course of 20 years,” he adds, “I’ve thought about documentaries. I’ve thought about multi-part series in magazines, like Rolling Stone’s old “With the Band” feature. I thought of all of those and didn’t really settle on a book until about two years ago.” That book, Red Dirt (subtitled “Roots Music Born in Oklahoma, Raised in Texas, At Home Anywhere”), debuted in September under the Black Lounge Publishing imprint. It traces the beginning of the Stillwater-spawned musical amalgam back to the late ’70s, when Steve Ripley (known later for, among other things, assembling and leading the multiplatinum-selling country-rock band the Tractors) released an album by his band Moses on a label he called Red Dirt Records. Within a year or two, John Cooper and Danny Pierce would rent the big farmhouse in rural Stillwater that would become legendary as the Farm, the epicenter of Red Dirt’s origins. That all happened before Crutchmer’s time, but the Oklahoma native had the good fortune to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater during a time of Red Dirt ascension. By 2001, when Crutchmer graduated with a degree in journalism, Cooper’s band, the Red Dirt Rangers, had become a mainstay of the scene, with Cooper and bandmates Brad Piccolo and Ben Han the closest thing Red Dirt had to elder statesmen. Also, new bands like Cross Canadian Ragweed, the Great Divide, and Jason Boland and the Stragglers had arrived on the scene, complementing veteran musicians like the Rangers, Tom Skinner, Brad James and Bob Childers. An earthy, lyric-based music that drew from a patchwork of different styles, Red Dirt had by then spread beyond the borders of Stillwater and even Oklahoma, down past the Red River, where its subsumption into the so-called Texas Music scene wasn’t always met with open arms. As Crutchmer notes in Red Dirt, the Texas scene was more competitive, and the singing-around-the-campfire spirit of brotherhood the Red Dirt guys had experienced in Stillwater didn’t prepare them for this new reality. During his time as an OSU student, Crutchmer would visit Texas venues often. So he saw the pushback against Oklahoma performers first-hand, whether it was from festival stages or live-music clubs. “There would always be one or two musicians who’d come up there [to a Texas stage], and if they didn’t say it, they would have a song about it,” he remembers. “The general idea was, ‘We have to protect Texas.’ The most extreme was an artist who had a song that said, ‘We’ve got to put up a wall at the Red River to keep the Okie musicians out.’ “That was such a weird concept to me, coming from the Bob Childers and Tom Skinner world where everything was love. It stuck with me. And the very first time I got on a stage in Texas was to introduce Ragweed. It was at Lucy’s in Austin in 2001. They were going straight from Lucy’s to the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and when I brought them up, I said, ‘You guys have to give it up for these boys. They’re taking this music to Philadelphia next week!’ “And it was just boos – jeers and boos and thumbs down. To me, that was the eye-opening experience.”

One of the many points he makes in his book – which, in the New Journalism tradition, combines memoir with reportage and interviews – is that the Red Dirt artists ultimately became accepted in Texas for a range of reasons. Texas Music hero Pat Green, for instance, embraced Cross Canadian Ragweed, as did a fast-rising band called Reckless Kelly. While the latter group hailed from Idaho, its supportive spirit coupled with its popularity among Texas fans also helped break down the barriers. So did the success of the Stillwater-based Great Divide, which had become the first of the Red Dirt acts to get a major-label deal. That imprimatur helped the group make inroads nationally, including south of the Red River, and the band members ended up bringing along some of their Oklahoma friends to open, including Cross Canadian Ragweed. Ragweed, in turn, did the same thing for others. And an Oklahoma band called the Turnpike Troubadours (its name inspired by the Indian Nations Turnpike) kept the tradition going while rising to heights unscaled by most Red Dirt and Texas Music performers. “Now, you can go all the way to El Paso and there’s be some radio station that calls itself ‘Red Dirt Texas Country,’” notes Crutchmer. “One of the reasons I took the book in the direction I did was that people in Texas would understand what that marketing phrase means.” Crutchmer is currently the print-planning editor of the New York Times, one of several high-profile big-city jobs he’s worked since his graduation from Oklahoma State. In some ways, his career as a journalist has paralleled those of his friends in Red Dirt music. Many of them, Crutchmer included, came out of Stillwater to make their individual impacts on the popular culture of a whole country. Along the way, he wrestled mightily with that old journalism-school dictum that warns reporters never to write about things in which they’re personally involved. It took him a while to reconcile that warning with his coverage

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of the Red Dirt musicians he loved. But he did. “I just accepted it and decided I would be upfront about it,” he says. “The first time I really wanted to do a long-form Red Dirt piece, I happened to be living in Chicago. Ragweed played its final show there – they called it a hiatus, but it was a breakup. And I knew I had to write something. “I was working at the Chicago Tribune, and that was the first time I tried being upfront and saying, ‘Look, this is all sorts of a conflict. These people are my friends. But there’s a story here, and I can tell it.’ It took a lap around the newsroom to get somebody to listen, but once they did, they let me, and I wrote probably 3,000 words. I interviewed the whole band and did a big reflection piece that was published the morning of their final show. “That, to me, was a big-time turning point, because I realized I could write about Red Dirt as long as I was upfront about it. I never really abused that, but there were times, like when Skinner died [in 2015]. I was at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the assistant managing editor, and I said, ‘I don’t know how many people in Cleveland care about this guy, but I’m going to write an appreciation of him.’ “Once I actually decided I was going to do a book and wrote an outline, I basically used those experiences to push me and guide me. That’s why you see in the book this back-and-forth between journalism and memoir; chapters completely about me, and then three or four chapters without a personal reference at all. That was by design. “When I brought it back to me,” he concludes, “there was always this caveat of, ‘Look, I know what this looks like and I understand it. But I’m going to do it anyway.’” For more about Red Dirt, visit reddirtbook.com. JOHN WOOLEY

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LIFE & STYLE

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

A MODERN OASIS A luxurious new build in Tulsa marks the third collaboration between a skilled architect and builder that produced stunning results. The backyard pool area is truly a slice of paradise.

By M.J. Van Deventer â&#x20AC;¢ Photos by Charles Davis Smith, FAIA

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

L I F E & S T Y L E | LUXUR Y HO ME The warm and inviting living area features a 12-foot-long linear fire feature below a walnutpaneled wall framing.

Builder Austin Edgar says that the front of this home leaves such an impression that “people still slowly drive by, completely captivated.”

“O

ne might not expect to see a strikingly modern home in a small, midwestern city like Tulsa,” says architect Brian Freese. “Yet, Tulsa has a rich and vibrant legacy of impressive architecture and an appreciation among its residents for quality design.” This stunning new build is situated in one of those established neighborhoods of the 1920s and ‘30s. Newly made fortunes in Tulsa’s burgeoning oil industry funded impressive estates and limestone buildings. “When Tulsa’s oil industry growth flattened, what remained was a rich fabric of European-inspired mansions, Neoclassical edifices and a host of Art Deco homes and downtown buildings, marking Tulsa’s greatest collections of Art Deco architecture per capita in the world,” says Freese. Designed by Freese Architecture, the home is a departure from the surrounding hand-hewn stone and brick residences. However, “the home’s expansive, relaxed organization and proportions are cohesive with the large estates of the neighborhood. I compare the design to a modern pueblo. We designed this home to be clearly of this era and to represent the way we live and thrive today.” The main entry is an opening between two parallel site-cast concrete walls framing a pivot-hinged glass door and side window, directing the view to a concrete wall and vibrant art piece at the back of the entry.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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L I F E & S T Y L E | LUXUR Y HO ME

The living, dining and kitchen areas blend seamlessly with help from the unique concrete walls. Eclectic art pieces were handpicked by the homeowner.

Concrete walls are key architectural features in the home which took much eﬀort to perfect.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

“We threaded raw, unpolished concrete walls throughout the home in key locations to delineate spaces,” says Freese. These concrete walls, a defining component of the home, were a challenge to perfect. Freese teamed up with builder Austin Edgar of Austin Lee Company, who had a clear vision of how he wanted them to look. “Freese designed the home is a way that these walls were key architectural features in the home, and concrete is extremely unforgiving,” says Edgar. “Multiple companies attempted to fill and polish the walls and they all gave up. I was determined that the look I had in my head could be achieved, and finally, I found the right person. It took weeks to hone these walls into something that is truly unique. Almost everything about this home was challenging, and that’s why I love what I do.” The public space at the front of the home unfolds behind the entry wall and consists of the living, dining and kitchen zones. The entry wall defines the dining zone in the middle of the public space and supports a warm-toned walnut console and matching pendant light. The living zone features a dramatic, 12-foot-long linear fire feature below a walnut-paneled wall framing a large screen television.

On an adjacent wall is a long, low window, framed on the exterior with deep plate steel sheets, giving the living area a seated panoramic view to the front of the home. The kitchen is opposite the living zone, designed with a tailored walnut cabinet system and an oversized porcelain tile back wall. The primary bedroom suite, private home office and dramatic floating staircase to an upstairs art studio are accessed via a corridor that features an unexpected view into one of several pocket courtyards, which Freese created “to add moments of visual delight,” he says. The primary bedroom features another freestanding concrete wall, giving a solid backdrop to the built-in king-sized bed and side tables. The bathroom is anchored with the same concrete wall, supporting a dramatic suspended walnut cabinet and two vessel sinks. A tub enclosure opposite the sinks features a large window overlooking a private courtyard. The master suite includes large separate closets, a private laundry area and a fitness room. On the opposite side, a four-car garage features children’s bedrooms above, as well as a gracious apartment with spacious covered balconies.

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L I F E & S T Y L E | LUXUR Y HO ME

Top to bottom: Sleek and streamlined, the master bedroom continues the theme of concrete to frame the bed. The master bath oﬀers walnut accents. Master closets are nearby. The pristine white of the home’s master bedroom is softened by the warmth of the fireplace. A floorlength window oﬀers a view of the home’s gardens.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

An outdoor room behind the public space overlooks the pool court and concrete paneled pavilion beyond. Multiple units of tall glass sliding doors recede into flanking pockets to provide a 24-foot opening to the pool. This outdoor space offers all the creature comforts of a full kitchen, with air conditioning, a sound system and a big screen TV. “Freese really created a truly exquisite, resort-like feeling with his design, and it’s truly a summer luxury Oklahoma paradise,” says Edgar. The interiors throughout are bathed with natural light through strategically placed windows, clerestories and skylights. “The interior materials and color palette are consistently lean throughout, providing a canvas for the owner’s artwork and furnishings,” says Freese. “He is an architecture and design junkie – his hobby is to research architecture in his spare time. He selected all the interior materials, finishes and furniture, and did a really great job.” While the entire home is one-of-a-kind, Edgar says the noteworthy nature of the dwelling begins “with Freese’s front elevation of the home. Even one year later, people still slowly drive by completely captivated, and they often stop and take pictures.” Edgar and Freese have worked together thrice in their careers – with more projects on the way – and Edgar says it’s always a treat ... and a challenge. “I relish working with Freese, as I love his sophisticated designs and the challenges that come with bringing his art to life,” he says. “I think historically, there has often been an adversarial relationship between architect and builder, as architects often design things that are hard to build and many builders don’t rise to the challenge, whereas I absolutely love taking Brian’s visions to fruition.”

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

THE SHY JEWEL OF AMERICA’S CARIBBEAN Beachfront views, delicious eats and a leisurely pace comprise a visit to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

S The smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is nicknamed Love City and oﬀers a laidback atmosphere.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

t. John has the laidback vibe of an island that has perfected the art of leisure. Maybe that comes from being the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, or perhaps it’s because two-thirds of the island is made up of a national park, a gift from Laurance Rockefeller (J.D.’s grandson) who deeded thousands of acres of rolling green hills and underwater preserve to the federal government more than 60 years ago. St. Croix has the land mass, St. Thomas has the glitz and St. John, well ... all you need to know is its nickname, Love City. No agendas, no deadlines, no sweat. Plenty of beaches and plenty of park. Twenty-two self-guided hiking trails crisscross the territory that Rockefeller donated – now known as Virgin Islands National Park – where ancient petroglyphs are discovered and nature bursts forth radiantly. The one-hour Cinnamon Bay trail takes you to native tropical trees and the ruins of a sugar factory. Outside VINP, trails leading out of Cruz Bay on the west side of St. John are your conduit

to romantically deserted beaches. The island’s closest land to St. Thomas is Cruz Bay – it’s the only place the ferry stops – and commerce thrives. The delicious and the unusual await at stores and restaurants throughout town, including at Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village. Good buys include handmade gold jewelry, ethnic crafts, paintings, spices and pottery. On the east end of the island, eight miles away, is Coral Bay, a smaller, quieter and more scenic town with a sheltered harbor and homes built on bluffs looking westward into the sunset. Bordeaux Mountain, the second-highest point in the U.S. Virgin Islands (1,277 feet), is not far away. A few miles north of Cruz Bay is Trunk Bay Beach, a remarkable stretch of soft white coral sand renowned for its underwater snorkelers trail. The north side’s picture-perfect beaches include the

aforementioned Cinnamon Bay, Salomon Beach and Gibney Beach, plus about two dozen more, each adorned with white satin sand and crystal clear turquoise water. For an island half the size of Walt Disney World, St. John is solid with a ton of incredible topography and surprising scenery. Multi-million-year-old rock formations rise abruptly from the island’s gorgeous beaches to soar a quartermile above sub-tropical forests in the northwest. More than 800 plant and 160 bird species call St. John home, as do hundreds of free range donkeys – ancestors of draft animals laid off from now-shuttered sugar plantations. A remnant of one of those cane makers, the Annaberg, is now a cultural repository of displays showing what life in St. John was like many years ago. The Elaine Lone Sprauve Library and Museum is located in the restored great house of a 1757 plantation near Cruz Bay. Visitors will find photographs and newspaper articles detailing the island’s history, along with artwork created by Virgin Islanders. The cuisines of St. John inspire and excite, from the Mediterranean seafood at La Tapa to the lobster salad and crispy Brussels sprouts at the Longboard, to the sunset-infused beachside libations at Drink St. John. Native foods to taste include conch in butter sauce, kallaloo (a thick soup made with greens, spinach and okra) and something called dumb bread.

Unfortunately, the historic white-sand Caneel Bay Resort remains closed for repairs after Hurricanes Irma and Maria gave it their one-two punch in 2017. So, our accommodation recommendation is the upscale Gallows Point Resort, located on a finger of land in Cruz Bay. Its perch on the point stares at St. Thomas and out over Galge Cove and the Caribbean. Think oceanfront pool and Jacuzzi, 24-hour concierge and dreamy sunsets. CHUCK MAI

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

ADHD IN ADULTHOOD A missed diagnosis in childhood can lead to a variety of behavioral and executive functioning issues as one gets older.

re you often distracted or find it difficult to focus on tasks? Do you tend to fidget or consistently feel restless? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 4% of U.S. adults over the age of 18 have this disorder. However, ADHD does not develop in adulthood, says Victoria McCoy, a psychologist with Tulsa’s Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital. “ADHD is a genetic condition that causes a delay in the development of executive functioning areas of the brain in childhood,” she says. “In adulthood, these areas of the brain remain under-functioning. A diagnosis in adulthood is the result of a missed diagnosis in childhood. Executive functions affected by ADHD tend to be planning, organization, emotion regulation, time perception, anticipation of consequences,

inhibition of behavior, verbal and nonverbal working memory, self-awareness and problem solving.” According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is defined by the presentation of varying symptoms and includes: ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation, formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD); ADHD predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation; and ADHD combined presentation. McCoy says it’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to initially present primarily with hyperactiveimpulsive behaviors when very young, then with a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors during school ages, and primarily inattentive behaviors in adulthood. “In adulthood, ADHD tends to create significant problems in four main areas of life: driving behaviors, financial management, occupational performance and interpersonal relationships,” she says. Psychiatrist Britta Ostermeyer, OU Medicine Chair of Psychiatry, says: “It is very important to understand that we only call behavior a disorder if it interferes with daily functionality – like reducing the quality of social, academic or occupational functioning. Also, symptoms must be present in two or more settings, like home and school or work.” She believes it is critical to accurately diagnose and treat ADHD. “Untreated ADHD comes with a high risk of school drop-out, chronic underperforming in life, loss of jobs, substance abuse and more,” she says. “Persons with untreated ADHD also have a much higher rate of car accidents.” ADHD is typically treated with medication and may include therapy to help manage symptoms. “Patients may have other co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as depression, that warrant treatment,” says Ostermeyer. “Treating all conditions yields the best chance of improvement and better outcomes.” McCoy says one of the experts in this disorder is neuropsychologist Russell Barkley; she recommends his book, Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. “It is very helpful in explaining our current understanding of ADHD,” she says. “Early chapters of the book can help the reader determine if they would benefit from a diagnostic evaluation with a behavioral health professional. Later chapters help provide adults with ADHD with some symptom management strategies.” She also recommends that a spouse or partner read it, too, since the disorder can greatly impact a person’s relationships. “The kinds of behaviors and problems demonstrated by adults with ADHD are often not recognized by laypeople as being ADHD-related,” says McCoy. “So, a frustrated spouse may misinterpret these ADHDrelated behaviors as character flaws, lack of caring, or lack of investment in the relationship.” REBECCA FAST

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

“ We’ve had to reinvent ourselves in how we connect and educate our kiddos.” We’ve all had to make sacrifices this year. Some great, some small. But none should go unnoticed. Thank you for what you’ve done and continue to do to help fight this pandemic. We invite you to share your stories of struggle and success.

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LIFE & ST YLE | OUTSIDE THE METRO

A QUIET ESCAPE Chandler offers outdoor recreation, a storied history and some of the friendliest people in Oklahoma.

Above: From wildlife to art and outdoor activities, Chandler is an ideal weekend getaway. Photo courtesy Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce

UPCOMING EVENTS:

The annual Chandler Christmas Festival, sponsored by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Dec. 4. The Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 5.

MORE INFORMATION: Tourism:

route66interpretivecenter.org 405-258-1300

Economy/Business:

chandlerareachamberok.com 405-258-0673

City Government: chandlerok.com 405-258-3200

History:

okpioneermuseum.org 405-258-2425

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

he City of Chandler’s official website proclaims the Lincoln County seat as “the best kept secret in central Oklahoma.” That may be true, but the compact community – situated just off Interstate 44, midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City – could be considered a loosely-guarded secret during this pandemic-plagued year. Officials report that Oklahomans looking for safe, enjoyable recreation have been flocking to Chandler, especially during the summer and fall. Visitors have found a bevy of entertainment options at the city’s two lakes, Bell Cow Lake and Chandler Lake, both conveniently located just north of I-44; at the rolling nine-hole Chandler Golf Course nearby; and at Chandler’s Route 66 Interpretive Center museum. The museum, situated on Route 66 on the east side of the city, is dedicated to preserving the nostalgia of America’s Mother Road, which once was the main thoroughfare connecting Chicago and Los Angeles. Chandler is about 60 miles from Tulsa and 45 from Oklahoma City, making it an ideal destination for a weekend get-

away. And, it’s a great bedroom community for those whose jobs are in the aforementioned major metros, says the city’s Chamber of Commerce executive director Marilyn Emde. “The people are friendly here,” she says. “It’s a good place to raise a family. It has a good, small-town feel.” David Nickell, Chandler’s public works director, reports that visits to both lakes and the golf course are higher this year than in recent memory. Bell Cow Lake offers fishing, swimming, boating, camping and RV campsites, a walking trail and an equestrian trail. Chandler Lake is primarily a fishing lake, he says. For those not so interested in outdoor recreation, Route 66 nostalgia continues to be a popular attraction. Susan Pordos, executive director of both the Route 66 Interpretive Center and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, says that the museum has attracted visitors from all around the state, as well as across the country and world, since its 2007 opening. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is headquartered inside the Route 66 Interpretive Center – a renovated National Guard Armory built in 1937

and finished with sandstone from a quarry south of town. The community-wide renovation project took a year to complete, says Pordos, and included upgrades to audiovisual exhibits, memorabilia and an 8,000-square-foot event center, converted from the former military drill hall. She says visits to the museum, though down slightly from last year, have picked up in recent weeks. Mayor Gene Imel terms Chandler, with an estimated 3,200 population, the ideallysized community. “It’s a great town to live in,” he says. “Whatever you need, we have here.” Another attraction is the Lincoln County Historical Society’s Museum of Pioneer History. Among its exhibits is a display of memorabilia from the colorful career of Bill Tilghman, a noted Old West lawman who served as Lincoln County sheriff in 1900 and 1902. Tilghman, once an assistant U.S. Marshal, is best known for single-handedly capturing notorious outlaw Bill Doolin and helping track down other members of Doolin’s gang, according to Oklahoma Historical Society records. HENRY DOLIVE

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L I F E & S T Y L E | HO R T I CULT UR E

THE POWER OF PLANTS Dabbling in a bit of horticulture at home brings mental peace and other health benefits.

ouse plants absorb harmful components from the air, like formaldehyde and carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. That’s a win-win for their owners – and all the plants ask for in return are light, water and a bit of food. One 6-to 8-inch houseplant can help oxygenate the environment for up to 100 square feet, says Haley Rooney, a horticulturist with Cohlmia’s, The Plant Place in Tulsa. “Plants soak up carcinogens in our home that technology puts off,” she says. “Over time, things in your house break down and degrade and put off carcinogens.” But people also love plants because they are nice to look at, bring nature indoors and are an inexpensive hobby to enjoy. “It’s been insane the number of people who have started collecting and taking care of plants since the start of COVID,” says Rooney. “It’s so rewarding to watch something grow.” Many of Rooney’s new customers are young, and are helping to revive the 1970s trend of hanging plants encased in macrame holders. Claims about the benefits of growing things are well-researched, says David Hillock, an Oklahoma State University extension specialist in consumer horticulture and state coordinator of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. “In medical facilities, people with illnesses respond well to treatment when they have plants to look at, whether in the hospital room or looking out the window to see plants and trees outside,” he says. There’s even a degree program in horticultural therapy at some universities, says Hillock. Horticultural therapists do gardening projects with people who are institutionalized, with such proven benefits as stress reduction and increased energy levels.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Plants add humidity to the air, which will come in handy for people who continue to self-quarantine as the pandemic drags on. “When you are cooped up inside and running the heater, plants can make it more comfortable,” says Hillock. Certain plants are old stand-bys for beginners or people with brown thumbs. “I’m a big fan of gesneriads, which is the African violet family,” says Nate Tschaenn, director of horticulture for Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. “Besides African violets, which are popular beginner house plants, you have streptocarpus, gloxinia, primulina and columnea, or goldfish plant. They are all easy to flower and are very forgiving when it comes to forgetting to water. They like bright, indirect light.” Rooney likes to suggest the peace lily to her hesitant customers. “They do well in low-light situations,” she says. “If they need to be watered, they droop a lot.” Snake plants, or mother-in-law’s tongue, are very low maintenance and only need to be watered every two to four weeks. Generally speaking, “if the leaves are going yellow and mushy, you are overwatering,” says Rooney. “If they are going brown and crispy from the tips in, that’s underwatering.” Rooney disagrees with conventional wisdom about re-potting. “If I had to give people one tip, I would say do not re-pot your plants when you first bring them home,” she says. “A plant will acclimate much better in the grow pot, which has enough food to feed it for six months to a year. Then it needs to be fed. I suggest that people use Jack’s All-Purpose Fertilizer and All-Purpose Miracle Grow.” KIMBERLY BURK

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

READY TO RACE Prepping for a marathon takes methodical training, but running that 26.2 is achievable.

klahoma health and fitness experts weigh in on what it takes to prepare for a 26.2-mile run.

Before Beginning

Get evaluated: David Rhodes, an orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Edmond and winner of the 2019 OKC Memorial Marathon, suggests visiting your doctor before training begins. “A doctor will perform a routine screening based on the patient’s age, medical problems and overall conditioning level,” he says. “The doctor may decide to do a blood pressure check, heart disease screening or look for other things that could potentially be an issue if somebody starts an exercise program for the first time.”

While Training

Create a routine: Endurance is built over time, so forming a regular running schedule is key. Sloan Taylor, a registered dietitian with Saint Francis Hospital, says athletes should use a structured plan with pre-determined distances as they work toward race day. She advises increasing distance conservatively over the plan, especially if you’re a novice. A common method is running maintenance runs twice during the week and tackling longer

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

distances over the weekend. “If you haven’t been running, it’s important to start out with a reasonable amount of exercise,” seconds Rhodes. “Some people get really motivated and excited to begin their training, and they go on to do too much too soon. They get injured, almost immediately, and that really sidetracks them from making progress.” Tulsa-based personal trainer John Jackson says cross training is also essential to avoiding injury, creating stability and increasing your aerobic capacity. He recommends foot builders – because everything goes through your toes, feet and ankles – as well as weight-lifting. “Using both bands and weights can help your body handle the mileage under gravity,” he says. Rest and replenish: Staying hydrated is necessary for training safely, but Jackson says runners need to do more than just drink water. After running for an hour or more, Jackson recommends replenishing your glycogen stores. This will help you from hitting a wall at the 20 mile mark. Racers can replenish by eating energy chews on the run, but Rhodes advises to try them before race day to see how the body responds. As for resting, Taylor says novice runners should have a designated rest day at least once a week.

Before Race Day

Map the space: When it comes to combating extreme weather, runners must know their geography. Jackson says training in the region you’ll be running in is the best way to acclimate to the conditions. “You can trigger your body temperature systems with hydration, too,” says Jackson. “If you can get a feel for how much water you need or how you need to eat based on where you’re running, that can help as well.” Stay steady: As the race draws near, runners shouldn’t change much about their training regimen. Taylor says the intent of the “taper down” is to capitalize on both the rest and decreased mileage right before the race. Jackson adds that by this point, runners should be consistent in their mileage and recovery. Don’t treat preparing for race day like cramming for a test. Implement the same mindset when it comes to pre-race meals. Avoid seafood, high fiber foods or anything outside of your typical diet. Stay positive: Your mental state plays a huge role in your ability to finish the race. If you’re healthy, the experts agree that you can work up to the 26.2. LAUREN MIERS

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COMPANIES TO WORK FOR Oklahoma has no shortage of quality businesses

that foster healthy work environments while positively contributing to the diverse fabric of our state. But what, exactly, makes a company great? The answer is hard to pinpoint, but when you see it, you know. Happy employees are the most obvious tell that a business is succeeding – this typically indicates a strong work culture, great benefits, collaboration, flexibility and capable management. Oklahoma Magazine’s Great Companies to Work For feature highlights many of these successful businesses in a comprehensive listing. From accounting firms to health care institutions, tribal enterprises and universities, this feature showcases the state’s stand-outs.

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

HVAC manufacturer AAON finds success through its diversity, inclusion, professional development and innovation. The company, helmed by CEO Gary Fields, has also made a significant and positive national impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Kimberly Burk

CEO Gary Fields has implemented a variety of safety protocols, from mask mandates and temperature checks to quadrupling cleaning staďŹ&#x20AC;, to ensure his employees stay safe. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

t’s not unusual for a manufacturing firm to offer English as a Second Language classes. But at AAON, Spanish is among the on-site courses that employees can choose from. “We have enough Spanish-speakers in supervisory roles that it makes for increased communication,” says Gary Fields, CEO of AAON, the Tulsa-based manufacturer of semi-custom HVAC units for commercial use. He was named president in 2016 and CEO this year. An emphasis on diversity and inclusion, Fields says, “is a key to our success.” People from a broad range of cultures “populate our company at all levels, from officers to the plant floor,” with 19 languages spoken among the production workers, says Fields. AAON participates in the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Mosaic Diversity and Inclusion Index, and has been recognized as a Mosaic Top Inclusive Workplace. “We invest heavily in education and professional development opportunities for our team members and promote primarily from within the company,” says Fields. “We have strengthened our corporate responsibility efforts and offer many opportunities for our team members to engage in the community.” AAON supports workforce readiness organizations such as the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and Junior Achievement. Employees volunteer at local schools, participate in mentoring programs and support the Tulsa Area United Way. AAON Inc. was founded in 1988 with the acquisition of the heating and air conditioning division of the John Zink Company. It now employs 2,400 people in three plants – including 1,900 in Tulsa – after later acquiring Coils Plus of Longview, Texas, and WattMaster Controls in Parkville, Mo. A 220,000-square-foot expansion is underway at the Longview plant, and AAON considered moving its corporate headquarters as part of the company’s continued growth trajectory. But, says Fields, “the roots of our company are here. What made the most sense was the headquarters

remaining here but additional manufacturing capacity in Longview.” Oklahoma, Fields says, “is a very businessfriendly state. The low utility costs, central location and pro-business environment have contributed to AAON’s growth over the years.” Tulsa’s available workforce also keeps AAON in Oklahoma. “Our team at AAON is essential to our success and has reflected this value during these challenging times with our record shipments and earnings,” says Fields. Those “challenging times” include a pandemic.

“We invest heavily in education and professional development opportunities for our team members and promote primarily from within the company.” “We have implemented a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says Fields. “Masks are required at our facilities and each team member completes a health and temperature screening on arrival.” AAON has quadrupled its cleaning staﬀ, reconfigured workspaces for social distancing and adjusted policies to allow more paid time oﬀ for quarantines and illness. People across the country have received treatment in a safer and more comfortable environment thanks to AAON’s “capable, well-developed sales channel” and Fields’ longtime associations in the industry. After COVID-19 cases exploded in New York and temporary facilities became necessary, AAON sprang into action.

“A multitude of key players have my cell phone number,” says Fields, who has worked in the industry for more than 35 years and joined AAON as an elected director in 2015 after the sale of Texas AirSystems, of which he was part owner. AAON was approached by New York officials on March 29, and 13 days later, the company delivered 4,000 tons of air conditioning capacity for hospitals and COVID testing facilities. “We are manufacturing HVAC systems that improve indoor air quality for the many applications that are now requiring it,” including nursing homes and schools, says Fields. “Our increased capacity and manufacturing efficiency have allowed us to prioritize COVID-19 related projects and rapidly ship them to our customers without any additional premium pricing.” Indoor air quality features provided by AAON include high-efficiency air filtration and bipolar ionization for air disinfection. As of November, the company had manufactured 248 units for more than 70 COVID-related projects in 28 states and provinces. Fields speaks with pride about AAON’s Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center Research and Development Laboratory, which went online in October 2019. “This state-of-the-art, 134,000-square-foot facility allows us to speed up our product innovation and certification,” he says. “It the largest, most capable HVAC testing lab in the world.” The laboratory “allows us to show customers firsthand the performance of AAON equipment at actual loading conditions, for HVAC systems up to 540 tons,” says Fields. This year, AAON doubled the lab’s hours and added employees to allow for a seven-day-aweek operation. The company also redesigned its large commercial rooftop HVAC units this year to improve efficiency and flexibility. “Even with COVID, we have continued to hire,” says Fields. “We remain optimistic that the year will end with modest revenue growth over 2019,” he says, as the company made $70 million in capital expenditure investments in 2020.

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

WILLIAMS

GREAT

COMPANIES TO WORK FOR Oklahoma’s economy is strengthened by myriad companies in various industries. Whether they employ dozens or thousands, the businesses in this listing exemplify what it means to be great. While the day-to-day operations at these places vary, the baseline values and mission remain the same. After all – caring for employees, propelling Oklahoma forward and doing things ethically will never go out of style. By Mary Willa Allen and Tracy LeGrand ALL PHOTOS COURTESY BUSINESSES

Accounting/Investing ARVEST

BKD CPAs and Advisors

Eide Bailly

Charles Schwab

HoganTaylor

Statewide BKD handles family and international taxes and provides audit, investment banking, debt financing, assurance, wealth management and forensic valuation services. Founded in 1923 and part of a global reach alliance of firms, BKD reached approximately $695 million in 2020 fiscal year revenues. OKC and Tulsa Charles Schwab has provided top-notch accounting expertise since 1971. Credentialed advisers take a modern approach to investing, utilizing algorithmdriven technology to serve customers. The company will also cover 100% of any losses a Schwab account garners due to unauthorized activity.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Norman, OKC and Tulsa Founded in 1917, Eide Bailly is among the top 25 certified public accounting firms in the U.S. Whether starting a business, a career, or implementing major life changes, Eide Bailly provides award-winning, relationship-based service to assist clients as they navigate diﬀerent avenues to reach their goals. OKC and Tulsa One of the largest business advisory and public accounting firms in the region, HoganTaylor has more than 300 employees to provide expertise in highly specialized areas of accounting. The company was among the 2020 Inside Public Accounting’s “IPA 100” list, which ranks the nation’s largest accounting firms by U.S. net revenue.

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KKT Architects

Polston Tax Resolution & Accounting

Tulsa Polston helps to protect its clients’ financial futures. Services include audit and tax court representation and help with installment agreements, penalty abatements, tax returns, lien assistance, wage levies, garnishments and state tax representation. First consultations are free and confidential.

Wymer Brownlee

Statewide Wymer Brownlee provides comprehensive financial services in wealth strategies, family risk and investment management, business planning, cash flow and debt management. Supporting and coaching clients to optimize their financial independence, Wymer Brownlee focuses on big-picture thinking.

Architecture GSB, Inc. Architects & Planners

OKC For over forty years, GSB has worked with developers worldwide to create resorts, banks, entertainment and civic projects and luxury facilities. The team handles architecture, interior design, master planning, feasibility studies, sustainable design, facility evaluation, assessment and more.

Tulsa Over three decades, KKT Architects’ awards and accolades have accumulated, but the firm’s focus remains on forming personal relationships with each client. Known for finishing jobs on time and under budget, KKT has created projects in the education, health care, civic and retail industries, among others.

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MATRIX Architects Engineers Planners, Inc.

Tulsa Known for fulfilling clients’ dreams with one-of-a-kind spaces, MATRIX oﬀers full-service design expertise with a comprehensive and knowledgeable team. The firm’s portfolio of world-class facilities includes the BOK Center, the Littlefield Agency, the First National Bank Broken Arrow and Tulsa’s City Hall.

SGA Design Group

Tulsa SGA Design Group boasts a portfolio of over 4,500 projects worth more than $8 billion in construction. The firm focuses on volume programs for retail and health and wellness, and excels in architectural prototype development, site adaptation services, entitlement, construction documents and more.

Banking/Finance Allegiance Credit Union

OKC More than 25,000 people depend upon Allegiance Credit Union for loans, money-market accounts, second chance checking and more. Founded in 1963, Allegiance believes that financial freedom is about more than money, and the team works to earn their clients’ trust through top-notch service.

Arvest

Statewide Arvest serves banking, lending, investment, trusts, estates and mortgage needs along with oﬀering life, disability and long-term care insurance. Through a series of acquisitions, Arvest Bank has grown exponentially and now oﬀers more than 270 locations in more than 135 communities. Total assets exceed $20 billion.

Bank of America

Statewide In addition to banking services, Bank of America oﬀers a Life Services

program to address estate planning, elder financial care, notary services, power of attorney and account change service. With a focus on responsible growth, Bank of America works to consistently deliver more to customers and clients.

BOK Financial

Tulsa Founded in 1910, BOK Financial is a leading provider of financial solutions for businesses, institutions and individuals. The bank has more than $45 billion in assets and is a top 30 U.S. based bank. One of the key values at BOK Financial is actively advancing communities they serve – evidenced in their commitment to fueling economic growth in the Midwest and Southwest.

Communication Federal Credit Union

Statewide Voted best credit union in Oklahoma by Forbes in 2018 and 2020, Communication Federal Credit Union provides savings, checking and loan services to Oklahoma and Kansas residents. The union includes over 95,000 members and esteemed business partners like OG&E, ONEOK and Goodyear Tire.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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personal banking, wealth management, insurance and mortgage products. Clients are served in more than 85 locations across Oklahoma and Texas.

Gateway First Bank

Jenks Founded in 2019, Gateway First Bank was created through an historical merger of a mortgage group and a community bank. The Gateway Gives Back program pledges to invest $275 million of financing in underrepresented, lowto moderate-income communities, and non-profit organizations through 2022.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Fidelity Investments

Statewide Asset management is the focus at Fidelity. Based out of Boston, the diverse, multi-national financial corporation serves over 32 million individual investors, helping them achieve financial goals. The firm also manages employee benefit programs for over 22,000 businesses and supports more than 13,000 financial institutions.

FirstBank

Southeastern Oklahoma FirstBank began as Antlers National Bank in 1901 and continues serving southeast Oklahoma today as

FirstBank. The team oﬀers personal and business banking, loan services and asset sales with a proven track record of success and a long-standing commitment to customer service.

First Fidelity Bank

Statewide First Fidelity Bank is an award-winning financial institution with cuttingedge virtual technology to optimize online business. Nearly 350 banking professionals serve customers at 29 branches in the region. Committed to the community, FFB annually donates more than $500,000 to local charities and educational foundations.

The First State Bank

OKC, Midwest City, Canute Founded in 1902, the First State Bank is privately owned and oﬀers commercial, small business and mortgage loans, specializing in small and middle market lending with total assets over $353 million. Dedicated to the community, First State supports a variety of local organizations and nonprofits.

First United Bank

Statewide With over a century of history, First United Bank is among the largest financial institutions is the southwest, with services including commercial and

Statewide Over two centuries, more than 1,200 predecessor institutions went into the evolution of the present-day, New York City-based JPMorgan Chase & Co. The multinational investment banking and financial services holding company is one of the oldest and largest financial institutions in the country.

Merrill

Statewide Merrill is an investing and wealth management division of Bank of America. Taking a personal approach, Merrill oﬀers straightforward, personalized strategies that balance self-directed and guided investments and a full range of mutual funds, stocks and bonds, along with other options.

MidFirst Bank

Statewide The largest privately owned bank in the U.S., MidFirst oﬀers both the features and convenience of a large bank along with the personalized service of a community business. Services range from REGENT BANK personal, business and commercial banking to investment services, assetbased lending and commercial savings.

Regent Bank

OKC, Tulsa, Nowata From its founding in Nowata in 1898, Regent Bank has continued its community bank tradition of serving small and mid-market businesses. Regent, which has won a slew of awards for its services and workplace culture, oﬀers funding for growth, acquisitions, equipment loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate and cash management.

Tinker Federal Credit Union

Statewide Member-owned Tinker Federal is the state’s largest credit union. With over $5 billion in assets and over 412,000

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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members, Tinker has served Oklahoma for over 70 years. The credit union returns profits to members through financial education, high deposit dividends and low interest rates.

Tulsa Federal Credit Union

Tulsa Member-owned and community-chartered Tulsa Federal boasts a rich history since its formation in 1943 with just six members. Today, at more than 56,000 strong, Tulsa Federal is focused on serving members and empowering employees. Membership is available to anyone in the Tulsa area with a $5 share deposit.

Vast Bank

Tulsa Vast Bank has built a strong reputation based on personal service, flexibility and integrity. Formerly Valley National Bank, the institution rebranded as Vast to reflect its mission of serving customers throughout their banking journeys. Construction is now underway for the company’s new headquarters in downtown Tulsa.

Communication Public Strategies

OKC Public Strategies oﬀers expertise in everything from project management, training and technical assistance to marketing solutions, web design and public policy. Operating at the crossroads of research, practice and communications, Public Strategies consistently ranks as one of the top places to work in the state.

U.S. Cellular

Statewide Oﬀicially United States Cellular Corporation, the megalithic U.S. Cellular serves 4.9 million customers in 23 states. Oﬀering a variety of plans, plus phones, phone accessories and more, U.S. Cellular thrives on the belief that the customer always comes first.

Construction CMSWillowbrook, Inc.

Statewide Family-owned premier construction management firm CMSWillowbrook oﬀers expertise in planning, design, procurement and construction. The company’s 150 employees have completed projects including the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and the OKC Municipal Court Building.

Cowen Construction

OKC and Tulsa Since 1896, Cowen Construction has oﬀered cutting edge technological innovations and personalized customer service. The company’s portfolio includes health care facilities, industrial projects, banks and multi-living structures. Recent projects include the Cherry Street Plaza and the Rose District mixed-use project.

Crossland Construction Co.

OKC and Tulsa Founded in 1977, Crossland is part of a family of four companies in the building industry. Among the top 250 largest contractors in the world, Crossland Construction works with the mission

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

to provide clients with superior service and cost eﬀective methods. The team can handle every aspect of a project from start to finish.

Flintco

OKC and Tulsa With work across 35 states and construction service expertise in preconstruction, management, design-build, general contracting and more, Flintco has added major projects to the Oklahoma skyline since 1908. The company operates from eight oﬀices with a focus on quality, safety, cost and schedule.

JE Dunn Construction

OKC JE Dunn Construction’s history began with John Ernest Dunn in 1924; he had the dream of changing skylines and ROSS GROUP

building relationships. That mission continues today in 23 oﬀices across the country and a revenue of $44.3 billion in 2019 – with 10% of pretax earnings donated annually.

Manhattan Construction Group

OKC and Tulsa Founded in 1896, Manhattan Construction wields expertise in preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, design and build, green building and virtual construction. The Oklahoma Safety Council recently named Manhattan Construction as its 2020 Pinnacle Safety Award winner.

Nabholz Corp.

Statewide Nabholz has been executing successful projects in Oklahoma and surrounding

We are honored to be selected as one of

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Hello, neighbor.

10/30/20 10:58 AM

We wanted to make sure you know that while you can’t yet visit us in person, our local advisors are still available to help you feel more secure about today and the future. Here’s how you can connect remotely: • Email or phone

• Video conference

• Sharing screens and documents

Once we’re able to welcome you into the Investor Center, we can work together in person or continue our relationship virtually and by phone. – The team at the Tulsa Investor Center 2020 South Lewis Avenue, Suite 100 Tulsa, OK 74104 918.712.7628

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

This information is intended to be educational and is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific investor. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2020 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 942502.1.2 24497 Fidelity Investments.indd 1 40019-62-AD-TulsaVirtual-942502.1.2.indd 1

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states since 1949. Headquartered in Conway, Ark., Nabholz’s services include general contracting, maintenance, construction management and more with a focus on hard work, rapid response and respect for every client.

Ross Group

OKC and Tulsa Leading the building industry since 1979, privately owned and operated Ross Group oﬀers expertise in development, engineering, construction and industrial projects. The group employs more than 150 people in four oﬀices, and recent projects include the Tulsa Club and Eufaula Indian Health Center.

Timberlake Construction

OKC Timberlake Construction boasts more than four decades of work with projects in the municipal, corporate, educational, health care, industrial and hospitality sectors, among others. Recent projects include the USA Softball Hall of Fame stadium, the UCO Chiller plant and OKC Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia exhibit.

Distribution APMex OKC

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APMEX, Inc., the world’s largest online retailer of precious metal, has seen more than $11 billion in transactions over the last 2 decades. The company, based in Oklahoma City, sells silver, gold, platinum, palladium, copper, rare coins, jewelry, various currencies and other precious metals.

Energy Chesapeake Energy

OKC Chesapeake Energy conducts hydro-

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modities. Platform locations include Oklahoma, north Texas and the Permian Basin, and the company’s values focus on people, striving for excellence, being ethical and delivering results.

EnLink Midstream

Tulsa Publicly traded Magellan Midstream Partners has a 9,800-mile refined products pipeline system with 54 connected terminals, 25 independent terminals and 2 marine storage terminals. The foundation of Magellan’s business strategy is safe and eﬀicient operations combined with superior customer service.

Statewide EnLink Midstream provides integrated midstream services across natural gas, crude oil, condensate and NGL com-

Magellan Midstream Partners

OG&E Energy Corp.

OKC More than 858,000 residents of Oklahoma and Arkansas rely upon OG&E for their energy needs. Lighting up over 30,000 square miles, OG&E operates via power plants using natural gas, coal, wind and solar power. In 2020, OG&E’s employees racked up over 20,000 hours of volunteering.

ONE Gas

Tulsa ONE Gas provides natural gas distribution services to more than 2 million residents of Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. The company understands it has a responsibility to operate safely, eﬀiciently and with environmental responsibility. The company’s core

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

EMPLOYMENT LAW is our practice

We devote the vast majority of our practice to helping employees fight unfair practices by employers such as discrimination based upon race, sex, religion and national origin, sexual harassment, overtime and unpaid wage disputes and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mark Hammons, Sr. Amber Hurst Founder Partner Brandon Roberts Associate All of our attorneys are members of Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association (OELA)

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values include safety, inclusion, ethics, service and value.

ONEOK

Tulsa Founded in 1906, Fortune 500 company ONEOK is a leading midstream natural gas provider connected to systems in the Rocky Mountains and the Permian and mid-continent regions. The team focuses on safe, reliable, environmentally responsible, legally compliant and sustainable operations.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Statewide For over a century, Public Service Company of Oklahoma has delivered aﬀordable and reliable energy to a large portion of the state, including the Tulsa, McAlester and Lawton regions. Committed to sustainability, PSO is currently working on a long-range clean energy plan to increase reliance on natural gas and renewable energy resources.

Williams

Tulsa With core business in natural gas processing and transportation, along with electricity generation and petroleum, Williams handles 30% of all the natural gas in the country. The company focuses on sustainability by acting as responsible stewards of their resources and proactively managing performance.

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

Engineering

The company’s in-house photogrammetry tool – Site360 – allows clients to get a 360-degree view of their projects.

Advance Research Chemicals, Inc.

Catoosa Advance Research Chemicals is among the premier specialty fluorine companies in the world. Founded in 1987, the company grew from two to 125+ employees and now serves a variety of industries, including military defense, pharmaceutical manufacturing and agricultural solutions.

B+T Group

Statewide B+T Group oﬀers specialized wireless industry services, including site development, engineering, construction and project management, wireless construction, audits and inspections.

CEC

OKC Major facilities, bridges, airports – this is a slice of infrastructure successfully executed by CEC, a privately-held, multi-service engineering firm. CEC takes projects from idea to design to completed construction, and services include surveying, design and inspections, construction management, mapping and more.

Freese and Nichols

OKC and Tulsa Since 1894, Freese and Nichols has oﬀered expert services in the design, planning and management of public infrastructure as a multi-discipline CENTER FOR ORTHOPAEDIC RECONSTRUCTION AND consulting firm. With EXCELLENCE projects completed across the U.S., the company’s mission includes innovative approaches, practical results and outstanding services.

Garver

OKC, Norman, Tulsa With 34 oﬀices in 13 states, the nearly 800 employees of Garver perform a spectrum of engineering, architectural, environmental and construction planning with an

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

emphasis of federal, survey, water, transportation, aviation and facilities design. The employee-owned firm also has a corporate giving program, GarverGives.

Wallace Engineering

OKC and Tulsa At Wallace Engineering, the application of engineering principles starts with assisting clients in realizing project vision. Services at the structural and civil engineering firm include design, building evaluation, renovation and optimization. Wallace serves a variety of industries, including education, adaptive reuse and health care.

Entertainment Choctaw Casino Resort Durant

Durant Choctaw Casino’s top priority is the satisfaction of its guests, and the resort oﬀers slots, a poker room, table games and a dozen restaurants for fine or casual dining. The Choctaw Grand Theater hosts a variety of musical acts, and the resort also boasts a spa, pool, shops, bowling alley, movie theater and arcade.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa

Tulsa Hard Rock is an entertainment hub owned by the Cherokee Nation, oﬀering 454 rooms and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can golf, enjoy table games, electronic games and poker, or see live musical entertainment at Hard

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Rock Live. Other amenities include a spa, gym and business center.

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC The Oklahoma City Thunder oﬀers the state its only professional sports team with NBA play in the Western Conference Northwest Division. More than just a team, the franchise operates Thunder Cares, focused on youth outreach, reading and literacy, health and fitness, and youth basketball.

Osage Casino Hotel

Tulsa Osage Casino Hotel oﬀers luxury suites, high-stakes table games, roulette, craps, over 1,600 electric games and a variety of musical acts at the Skyline Event Center. The resort also includes a brewery and two restaurants. There are also two other hotel locations in Skiatook and Catoosa.

River Spirit Casino Resort

Tulsa River Spirit Casino Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel with 483 luxurious rooms. The resort boasts a spa, pool bar, table games, electronic games and the ever-popular Jimmy Buﬀett’s

Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant. Paradise Cove hosts a variety of A-list musicians and other entertainment options abound.

Food/Beverage/ Convenience Bama Companies

Tulsa With deep family roots since 1927, Bama Companies sits on Route 66, with factories producing two million biscuits a day, plus buns, pie shells, pizza crusts and, of course, handheld pies. The company’s four pillars are people; customers and products; continuous improvement; and community.

Health Care Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma

Tulsa Sports medicine and orthopedic surgery are the focus at Advanced Orthopedics, which oﬀers four clinic sites and seven physical therapy locations. AO provides expert diagnoses, nonsurgical solutions, surgery and rehabilitation for issues in the joints, ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine and wrist.

Ascension St. John Health System

Tulsa Ascension St. John Medical Center Hospital anchors this health system, which oﬀers locations throughout the region. Tulsa’s medical center provides 24-hour emergency care, a Level II Trauma Center and specialty care for virtually any health issue, from women’s health to orthopedics, cancer and heart care. Multiple awards include a five-star program rating as a transplant center.

Center for Orthopaedic Reconstruction and Excellence

Jenks CORE, a $45+ million facility, includes a 24-hour emergency department, six operating rooms, 25 in-patient beds and a physical therapy wing. Physicians here specialize in all aspects of orthopedic care and are committed to high standards of patient care and close attention to patient safety.

Dean McGee Eye Institute

OKC World-class eye care for patients of all ages is found at Dean McGee Eye OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Institute. The center covers the spectrum of eye care, whether it’s the usual checkup, Lasik vision correction or specialized treatment for eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat

Tulsa Eastern Oklahoma ENT is the largest ear, nose and throat practice in the region, oﬀering more than 40 years of expertise. The team specializes in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult ENT diseases, along with head and neck cancer, thyroid/ parathyroid disease, allergies and sinus problems.

Encompass Health

Statewide Encompass Health provides a national network of home health and hospice agencies, in addition to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. With 136 hospitals, 242 home health locations and 83 hospice locations in 39 states, Encompass is a national leader in integrated health care services.

Innovative Healthcare

Edmond Innovative Healthcare operates with the belief that health care is more than just revenue cycle management. The company oﬀers a variety of services including technology, consulting, coding and intelligence that can be customized to each practice’s needs.

INTEGRIS

OKC The state’s largest not-for-profit, Oklahoma-owned health care system includes a variety of hospitals, clinics, family care practices and centers of excellence. The system’s mission is to partner with people to live healthier

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

EASTERN OKLAHOMA ENT ONE GAS, INC.

lives, with a vision to become the most trusted partner for health with integrity, compassion and excellence.

healthy surrounding tissue. The center is one of the largest in the country and one of only five in the Southwest. 24500 Ross Group.indd

McAlester Regional Health Center

Oklahoma State University Medical Center

McAlester Southeastern Oklahoma is served by McAlester Regional Health Center, a 149-bed hospital providing care in specialties like emergency medicine, family medicine, pulmonology, urology, orthopedics and geriatrics. Core values include excellence, compassion, professionalism and integrity.

Norman Regional Hospital

Tulsa Among the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest osteopathic teaching centers, OSU Medical Center trains more than 150 resident physicians in primary and sub-specialty care every year, with 11 osteopathic residency and nine fellowship programs. The center has 195 licensed beds and is fully accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.

The Orthopaedic Center

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Norman Norman Regional Hospital, part of the Norman Regional Health System, serves patients in south central Oklahoma. With a team of 300+ doctors and advanced practice professionals, the system boasts a nationally recognized, award-winning stroke program and two accredited centers of excellence.

Tulsa Dedicated to a better quality of life for patients, the Orthopaedic Center retains cutting edge skills and applica-24523 Communication Federal Credit Union.indd tion as both a functioning care center and in research participation. Orthopedic issues are addressed by surgery, physical therapy and non-invasive modalities like electro-stimulation, nutrition and medication.

Oklahoma Proton Center

OU Medicine

OKC Radiation oncology professionals at Oklahoma Proton Center bring a combined 50 years of experience to health care, utilizing proton therapies that target specific tumor types and spare

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St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center

future of Oklahoma, OU physicians excel in everything from breast health and dermatology to rehabilitation services, surgery and trauma care.

Pam Rehabilitation Hospital

Tulsa Dedicating to helping medically complex and rehabilitation patients achieve optimal quality of life, Pam Rehabilitation Hospital’s specialty physicians and nurses provide individualized, comprehensive services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, nursing services, wound care and more.

Saint Francis Health System

Tulsa Not-for-profit Saint Francis Health System employs more than 10,000 workers, 1,000 physicians and 700 volunteers, making it the largest private employer in Tulsa Country. Anchor institution Saint Francis Hospital oﬀers a 1,112-bed tertiary center, and the system includes the region’s only children’s hospital, along with a heart hospital, trauma center and Level IV neonatal intensive care unit.

Stephenson Cancer Center

OKC Stephenson Cancer Center provides multidisciplinary and team-focused cancer care, for everything from brain and spine tumors to cervical cancer, leukemia and surgical oncology. The state’s most comprehensive oncology center, Stephenson is Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center.

Enid Founded in 1915 as a 12-bed hospital called Enid Spring Sanatorium, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center now serves the entire Enid region in a variety of health care sectors like behavioral health, emergency medicine, rehabilitation, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology and orthopedics.

Higher Education Northeastern State University

Tahlequah NSU oﬀers a dedicated faculty and knowledgeable professors who lead over 7,500 students to success in 58 undergraduate and 26 graduate programs. Founded in 1846 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, NSU now includes two additional campuses in Muskogee and Broken Arrow.

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater Founded in 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, OSU is a premier modern land-grant university. The school welcomes students from around the U.S. and 100 other countries to complete undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The university also oﬀers a variety of financial aid opportunities, scholarships and grants.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Tulsa Expanding OSU’s reach and capabilities, the Center for Health Science’s mission is to train dedicated and eﬀective osteopathic physicians, scientists and other ALERT 360

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health care professionals. The center was created to fulfill the needs of underserved and rural communities around the state.

scholarships, and 98% of its students receive some form of financial aid.

Tulsa Community College

Human Resources/ Employment

Tulsa Founded in 1970, TCC is Oklahoma’s largest multi-campus community college. The institution serves around 23,000 students annually, who can choose from a variety of associate degree and certificate options. A cornerstone of TCC’s beliefs is fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

University of Oklahoma

Norman A public research university, OU was founded in 1890 and houses the National Weather Center. With a focus on high-quality campus life and fostering a sense of community, the university provides more than 400 school organizations to join. Students can choose from 170 undergraduate majors and a bevy of graduate and professional tracks.

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Chickasha Utilizing small class sizes, quality education and aﬀordability, Oklahoma’s public liberal arts university focuses on helping students build solid foundations for successful lives. Founded in 1908, USAO began as the Oklahoma College for Women and oﬀers an interdisciplinary education.

University of Tulsa

Tulsa TU holds four core values: excellence in scholarship, dedication to free inquiry, integrity of character and commitment to humanity. With diverse options for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, the university oﬀers various

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Addison Group

OKC and Tulsa With an eye for recruiting the best candidates for the best companies, Addison Group excels in everything from consulting to staﬀing. The team delivers favorable results by digging deeper – working to understand company cultures, team dynamics and each client’s specific needs.

Heartland

Edmond Here to assist with all the challenges that come with running a business, Heartland Payment Systems excels in payment processing and technology, along with restaurant and retail services. Acquired by Global Payments in 2016, Heartland can help businesses of any size succeed.

Key Personnel

Tulsa Focusing on quality recruitment, Key Personnel finds top-notch candidates in the industrial, administrative, financial, medical, legal and technical fields. Leadership at Key believes diversity, inclusion, local ownership and longevity in its staﬀ are the pillars of its continued success.

Nextep

Norman and Tulsa Nextep believes its main responsibilities are to elevate the employment experience and enrich employees’ lives. The company works with both small and mid-sized companies, outsourcing fundamental services like payroll, benefits, compliance and tax administration.

agency serves a variety of industries, from construction and energy to farming/ranching and leisure and hospitality.

State Farm

Statewide State Farm has operated with a commitment to customer satisfaction since 1922. Managing more than 83 million policies around the U.S., the agency has myriad insurance oﬀerings for virtually any need – from home and property coverage to life, health, disability and even pet medical insurance.

Law Firms Barrow & Grimm

Robert Half

OKC and Tulsa Robert Half works on behalf of the company and the candidate to find a great fit – from accounting and finance positions to marketing and information technology jobs. Robert Half’s growth since its founding in 1948 has led to the opening of more than 325 locations worldwide.

Insurance American Fidelity Assurance

OKC With the goal of becoming an extension of a company’s human resources department, family-owned American Fidelity is more than just a life and health insurance company. The business oﬀers assistance in everything from custom benefits strategies to dependent verification and stop loss insurance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Statewide The team at BCBSOK oﬀers health care coverage their clients can depend upon, including individual, family and Medicare plans. Founded in 1929, the company thrives because of its personalized approach to health care and a deep knowledge of the communities it serves.

CommunityCare

Tulsa Owned by Tulsa health care systems Saint Francis and Ascension St. John,

CommunityCare offers individual, family, Medicare and group plans with various degrees of coverage. Along with cost-effective health care management services, CommunityCare also offers it employees top-notch benefits.

CompSource Mutual Insurance Co.

OKC and Tulsa A leader in workers’ compensation, CompSource provides financial stability, superior service and innovation solutions to their clients. Committed to risk control and promoting workplace safety, CompSource operates with top-tier customer care experience for policyholders and injured workers.

Delta Dental

Statewide Delta Dental is a leading provider of dental insurance in the U.S. and provides coverage to more than 80 million Americans in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. The company’s core purpose is the advancement of the oral health of customers, partners and consumers.

Farmers Insurance

Statewide Farmers Insurance began with one small goal: insuring rural farmers. Adapting to the times, the business has grown to now serve more than 10 million households in the U.S. with more than 19 million individual policies. Leadership strives to deliver peace of mind and innovative solutions.

Tulsa Barrow & Grimm specializes in commercial law, civil litigation, construction and surety law, tax law, estate planning and employment and labor law. With a guarantee of responsible, AAON timely and personalized attention, Barrow & Grimm employs numerous attorneys who hold a variety of public recognitions, including listings in Super Gallagher Insurance Lawyers and Best Lawyers. OKC and Tulsa Serving communities around the globe, Calvert Law Firm Gallagher has specialized in insurance, OKC risk management and consulting for The attorneys at Calvert excel in over 90 years. The team adds value to its clients’ organizations, setting them up for complex litigation and transactional matters. Catering to not only small and future successes and working to attract mid-sized businesses, Calvert also has and retain the best possible employees. Fortune 500 businesses on its client list. Using state-of-the-art technology, GlobalHealth Calvert ensures its cross-country OKC and Tulsa clients get the best legal counsel GlobalHealth’s vision is to provide possible. genuine care and optimal health care to its members. Run by Oklahomans for Oklahomans, GlobalHealth provides the Crowe & Dunlevy OKC and Tulsa local touch, and caters to state, educaCrowe & Dunlevy oﬀers counsel in tion, local government and federal everything from litigation and trial employees, along with Medicare to bankruptcy and criminal defense. recipients. Founded in 1902, the firm provides over a century’s worth of comprehensive Insurica legal expertise, and successes are Statewide evidenced in a variety of awards Specializing in core industries and including a spot in 2020’s U.S. News & business disciplines, Insurica oﬀers World Report’s Best Law Firms. unique coverage and risk management and is one of the 40 largest insurance brokers in the U.S. Insurica succeeds by Doerner Saunders Daniel and Anderson first understanding a company’s total OKC and Tulsa business structure, then providing the Founded in Indian Territory in 1896, tailored coverage needed. Doerner uses its rich history to better help its numerous clients in industries Rich & Cartmill, Inc. from agriculture to oil and gas. NumerOKC and Tulsa ous attorneys at the firm have been Founded in 1922, Rich & Cartmill tapped for prestigious high-profile provides auto, life and health insurance appointments, and the team focuses on packages to clients in Oklahoma, strong client relationships to obtain the Missouri and Kansas, with a focus on best possible outcomes. exceptional customer service. The DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

MELTON TRUCK LINES

Echols and Associates

OKC With over 75 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Echols and Associates excel in matrimonial law, from paternity and estate planning to divorce and child custody. Echols adopts a unique team approach to its cases, resulting in more expertise, personalized attention and optimal results.

Hammons, Hurst & Associates

OKC The attorneys at Hammons, Hurst and Associates advocate on behalf of employees who are victims of discrimination and harassment – from wrongful termination to age discrimination. The team dedicates itself to making the workplace better for everyone by ensuring good employment law resources are available to all.

Jones Gotcher

Tulsa With a focus on practicing law with integrity, the attorneys at Jones Gotcher have been advocating for clients for more than 50 years. Combining personalized attention with technical mastery, the team provides legal services in industries including banking, family law, construction and real estate.

Latham Steele Lehman

OKC and Tulsa A full-service law firm, Latham Steele Lehman has a client list including individuals, small business and Fortune 100 companies. With over 300 jury trials under their belts, the attorneys at this firm can handle appellate cases, real estate, corporate services, workers’ compensation and more.

Smolen Law

Tulsa Smolen Law’s attorneys are professional, honest, respectful and wholly dedicated to the success of their clients. Focused on personal injury, Smolen, nicknamed the Alpha Firm, takes on cases in everything from catastrophic torts to employment law, medical malpractice and civil rights violations.

Stange Law Firm

OKC and Tulsa Stage oﬀers common sense solutions from experienced family law and divorce attorneys in child custody, property division, family violence and

more. The team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and works side-by-side with clients to rebuild their lives after massive change.

Manufacturing/ Industrial Supply AAON

Tulsa A leader in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, AAON was founded in 1988 after acquiring the heating and air conditioning division of the John Zink company. AAON has received several awards over the years for its product innovation and excellent performance, and has helped numerous companies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Airgas

Statewide Founded in 1982, Airgas can help clients with any gas, welding or safety need with its more than 900 retail branch locations. With both organic growth and more than 500 acquisitions in its nearly 40 years in business, Airgas is now one of the largest U.S. distribution networks in the packaged gas industry.

STATE FARM

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc.

Tulsa Brainerd is a pioneer in the chemical manufacturing and distribution realm, serving industries from animal health to food safety and water treatment. Founded in 1959, Brainerd retains over 3,000 customers in 48 states and operates with three basic tenants: stewardship, safety and service.

Dal-Tile

OKC and Tulsa Dal-Tile, a top tile manufacturer in the U.S., has operated on the highest possible industry standards since its founding in 1947. Producing premier ceramic and porcelain tiles for flooring and walls, Dal-Tile focuses on sustainability; more than 98% of its products contain pre-consumer recycled materials.

Ditch Witch

Perry Founded in 1949, Ditch Witch produces high-quality and innovative underground utility construction equipment, including directional drills, sprockets, trenchers and vacuum excavators. Known for its bright orange equipment, Ditch Witch prides itself on the grit and work ethic of its employees.

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Hilti

OKC and Tulsa From humble beginnings in 1941, Hilti has become a trusted global business, producing top-of-the-line construction equipment. The North American Hilti operation of 3,800 employees is led and trained by a Tulsa-based team of 550 members. The company is dedicated to developing the community, evidenced in countless philanthropic and volunteer eﬀorts by leadership and staﬀ.

Kimray, Inc.

OKC Kimray, a manufacturer of Americanmade control equipment, produces everything from pressure regulators to catalytic heaters. Along with pioneering in the industry, Kimray also operates with ethics – evidenced in its awards for financial stewardship, environmental excellence and quality certifications.

Locke Supply Co. Statewide

Started in 1955 as a ‘Mom and Pop’ operation, Locke Supply Co. has grown exponentially to become a premier plumbing, electrical and HVAC distributor. The company, founded by Don Locke, operates on the belief that exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of long-lasting client partnerships.

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION

Matrix Service Co.

Tulsa Providing engineering, fabrication, infrastructure, construction and maintenance services to a variety of markets, Matrix Service Co. has grown from a 4-employee business to a titan in the manufacturing industry. Matrix’s tenants include safety, integrity, relationships, stewardship, giving back and a commitment to excellence.

Paragon Industries, Inc.

Sapulpa Manufacturing line pipe products and oil country tubular goods, Paragon has been a leader in the industry for over 30 years. Paragon, which is passionate about its quality assurance program, has several core values that include high integrity, safety priority, strong

DITCH WITCH

relationships and work ethic.

Webco Industries

Sand Springs A leader in innovative tubing solutions, Webco Industries was founded in 1969 by Bill Weber as Southwest Tube Manufacturing. From humble beginnings, Webco has become one of North America’s most dynamic networks of tube manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Zeeco

Broken Arrow Zeeco provides advanced combustion and environmental systems for the refining, gas processing, production, petrochemical and biogas industries, among others. Celebrating over 40 years in business, Zeeco has more than 20 locations around the world, from Italy to China, Japan and Australia.

Miscellaneous Alert 360

Tulsa Founded in 1973 as a small installation and alarm monitoring company, Alert 360 has transformed into

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

the fifth largest provider of residential security in the nation. Alert 360 received a rare TMA Five Diamond designation as an Alarm Monitoring Center and serves hundreds of thousands of customers around the country.

Oklahoma State University Foundation

Stillwater Designated by the OSU Board of Regents, the OSU Foundation’s mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence. Driven to better the university, the foundation manages donor contributions to create opportunities for students, faculty, staﬀ and alumni.

Real Estate McGraw Realtors

Tulsa A real estate powerhouse, McGraw Realtors has served the Oklahoma and Arkansas markets since 1938, combining years of experience, innovative technology and a collaborative network of professionals. With more than 800 associates, McGraw strives to make real estate transactions simple and hassle-free for its clients.

Stan Johnson Co.

Tulsa Going beyond traditional commercial real estate transactions, Stan Johnson’s associates are focused on creating solutions tailored to their clients’ specific needs. Serving public and private equity firms as well as franchisees, Stan Johnson works to maximize the value of its clients’ real estate assets.

Technology CACI

OKC Founded in 1962, CACI focuses on national security and government modernization technology. With an emphasis on innovation and excellence, CACI helps to safeguard military troops and enable the U.S. government to deliver cost-eﬀective and high-quality support to all Americans.

CoreLogic

OKC CoreLogic provides information technology to identify and manage growth opportunities, improve business performance and manage risk for its clients. Backed by science and analytics, the company helps those in sectors like real estate, mortgage banking, property management and insurance.

InterWorks

Tulsa InterWorks oﬀers consulting in areas including infrastructure, data management, analytics and enablement. Providing strategic vision to guide businesses, InterWorks credits its success to the hiring and retention of highly capable employees, along with savvy partnerships within the industry.

Paycom

OKC Oﬀering comprehensive human resources and payroll software, Paycom also excels in talent acquisition and management, and time and labor management. Tailoring its oﬀerings to each client, Paycom’s software can help businesses of any size – whether they employ dozens or thousands.

TMA Systems

Tulsa Since 1988, TMA Systems has created world-class solutions for world-class organizations through its flagship solution, WebTMA. A leader in advanced maintenance management software, training, professional services and technical support, TMA has one of the highest client retention rates in the industry.

Transportation Melton Truck Lines

Tulsa Started with a small piece of operating authority and two trucks, Melton Truck Lines has come a long way since its founding in 1954. Melton now employs over 1,350 of the best professional drivers in the region and oﬀers top-notch customer service, safety programs, equipment and communications techniques.

TBS Factoring Service

OKC With more than 50 years of experience serving motor carriers, TBS Factoring Service makes trucking easier with technology and services to help drivers get established, stay compliant, find work and get paid. Focused on driving change, TBS is a pioneer in the digital transformation of the industry.

Tribal Enterprise Cherokee

Nation Businesses

Catoosa The force behind the Cherokee Nation’s success and financial stability, CNB works to better its community while establishing relationships with philanthropic organizations and sponsoring local events. The nation and its businesses make an annual economic impact in northeast Oklahoma of $2.16 billion.

Chickasaw Nation

Ada Committed to the preservation of family, community and heritage, the Chickasaw Nation owns numerous businesses in various industries. Monies generated from these enterprises are divided to further support the tribal government operations, programs and services for the Chickasaw people.

Choctaw Nation

Durant The Choctaw Nation provides more than 6,000 in-state jobs and generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the state of Oklahoma. From global staﬀing to defense services, the Nation has a hand in various industries. Revenues go towards health care, education, housing and other social services.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Shawnee The business ventures of Citizen Potawatomi Nation include First National Bank, Grand Casino Hotel and Resort and the Community Development Corporation.

These ventures, among others, create an economic foundation for the Nation, which is the largest employer in Pottawatomie County.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Okmulgee The Muscogee Nation Business Enterprise was founded in 1999 to bolster the health, safety, education, well being and economic advancement of Muscogee Creek Nation citizens. With two operating divisions, MNBE provides an additional revenue stream to fund social services and further economic development of the Nation.

Osage Nation

Pawhuska The Osage Nation works to create longterm, strategic partnerships to enhance the tribe’s eﬀectiveness and expand its economic footprint. Furthering the education, health and welfare of Osage people, the Osage Nation and its subsidiaries oﬀer numerous employment opportunities in various sectors.

Seminole Nation

Wewoka The Seminole Nation’s motto is “to inspire and empower our people for success.” The Nation operates a variety of business enterprises, including casinos, smoke shops and gasoline stations, which generate revenue for the education, housing, public transit and economic development of its citizens.

HILTI

SafetySkills

OKC SafetySkills provides online safety training, with specific courses for conditions and risks relevant to diﬀerent industries. SafetySkills serves colleges and universities, retailers, oil and gas leaders, hospitality industries and even government and private-sector organizations.

Stinnett and Associates

OKC and Tulsa Professional advisory firm Stinnett and Associates focuses on managing risk, improving performance and maximizing value for its public and private company clients. The team can help with internal audits, cybersecurity reviews, disaster recovery, governance risk and more. DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Keeping the

Lights On

By Tommy Cummings and Mary Willa Allen

ELECTRICITY IS A LUXURY

we often take for granted. It powers our days, but we rarely take time to appreciate just how important this utility really is. Companies around the state work diligently to create clean energy to propel our state into a sustainable future. We go behind the scenes with a few of these businesses to see the ways theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re helping to power Oklahoma; discuss the pros of the electric and hybrid vehicles on the market; and explore ways to appreciate electric commodities during leisure time.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Left: GRDA completed construction on the Pensacola Dam in 1940. It has been producing clean, renewable hydroelectric power for GRDA customers for 80 years. Right: Hydroelectric turbinegenerators operate inside the Pensacola Dam powerhouse. Photos courtesy GRDA

Starting at the Top: GRDA

Those in the market for an electric bicycle can choose from myriad options at Rad Bikes, North America’s largest electric bike brand. Photo courtesy Rad Bikes

The Grand River Dam Authority was all about clean, renewable energy before it was cool. Hydroelectric generation has been a significant part of the company’s portfolio going on 80 years. In 1940, four years before the Hoover Dam was completed, the GRDA finished construction of Oklahoma’s first hydroelectric generation facility. The Pensacola Dam was built to provide clean, renewable energy hydropower to customers throughout Oklahoma. The momentum continued. In 1960, GRDA added its hydroelectric production capability with the completion of the Robert S. Kerr Dam, also on the Grand River. By the end of the decade, GRDA built the Salina Pumped Storage Project, the state’s only pumped storage hydroelectric facility. In short, no Oklahoma-based utility does hydroelectric power quite like GRDA. “While hydro is an important part of our overall generation portfolio, GRDA also generates electricity with natural gas, coal and has some wind power purchase agreements as well,” says Justin Alberty, vice president of corporate communications. “It is a diverse portfolio overall.” Energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle – which is driven by the sun – making it a renewable power source. The GRDA, created by the state legislature in 1935, is a public-power utility that sells wholesale electricity to public power communities. Hydroelectric facilities such as GRDA’s fit the concept of renewable energy because these facilities use running water, without reducing its quantity, to produce electricity, according to the United States Geological Survey. Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce its own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources. Legacy power sources – natural gas and coal – are an even bigger part of GRDA’s portfolio. The company added coal-fired units in 1982 and 1986. In 2008, they purchased a 36% interest in the Red Bud Plant, a natural gas generation facility. In 2012, the company signed a power-purchase agreement with an Oklahoma wind farm. In 2017, a cycle gas generation facility was added adjacent to its coal units. Natural gas and coal account for much of the GRDA’s energy generation capacity, but hydro has a capacity of 254 megawatts (MW). In 2019, the total U.S. conventional hydroelectricity generation capacity was 79,746MW, or about 80 million kilowatts, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration. Hydroelectricity also contributes to the storage of drinking water. GRDA manages more than 70,000 surface acres of water in northeast Oklahoma and the Illinois River. The GRDA’s lakes serve as storage for 50 municipal water systems and rural water districts, including Tulsa. DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Charging Stations

Closer to Home: OG&E and PSO

Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E), formed in 1902, is the state’s oldest utility, serving 276 Oklahoma and western Arkansas towns and cities. To meet the needs of 858,000 customers, the state’s largest investor-owned electric utility has taken significant steps in providing renewable energy. The company takes a balanced approach to generating electricity through diverse fuel types – 50% natural gas, 39% coal and 11% renewable energy. “This fuel diversity allows us to maintain system reliability and continue to keep energy costs low for the people we serve,” according to OGE.com. The company’s renewable energy starts with its Wind Power program, in which customers can buy Renewable Energy Credits (REC) from wind power farms in northwest Oklahoma. OG&E says its customers can purchase as little as 1,000kWh (kilowatthour) power per month for one year, which is equivalent to removing nine tons of emissions from the air. Oklahoma is ranked sixth among states for wind-power capacity. OG&E is also building a solar power plant in Covington, which could serve the needs of more than 10,000 Oklahoma homes. OG&E says it was the first Oklahoma utility to offer universal solar power to customers in coordination with the Mustang Energy Center. In addition, five-megawatt solar farms are being built in Davis and Durant. Nearly half of the energy from these farms will be used to help the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations meeting their renewable energy needs. Public Service Company of Oklahoma, or PSO, is part of the American Electric Power (AEP) system, which is focused on deliver

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Looking to buy an electric vehicle but worried about finding a charge? Chargehub.com is a helpful resource to find a station near you. The good news is that Oklahoma’s two major metros have several stations around town, but smaller cities like Ada, Bixby and Yukon offer only a few. It’s also imperative to have a charging station at home. Tesla recommends getting quotes for installations from various electricians in your area. Amazon also offers charging tools for delivery; highly rated models range from $500-$700. PSO partnered with INCOG and FreeWire to install a new electric vehicle charging station at Tulsa’s Gathering Place, along with Tulsa International Airport and the Oklahoma Aquarium. Photo courtesy PSO

ing new technologies and custom energy solutions to its more than 550,000 customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. PSO leans on its legacy power sources – natural gas and coal – to generate 3,733MW from its network of generation stations. But PSO also uses wind power for 22% of its energy mix. In February, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a PSO wind plan that would add 675MW of Oklahoma wind-generated power. The plan calls for PSO to own, with a $2 billion investment, a share of three Oklahoma wind farms known collectively as the North Central Energy Facilities. Today, customers can participate in its WindChoice program and choose how much of their monthly usage they’d like to designate as wind power. PSO also has a proposed solar project

with Fort Sill military base that involves the construction of four 9MW natural gas-fired reciprocating internal combustino (RICE) generators, and 10.9MW of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. The company also has energy programs designed to help customers save on their bills. “Whether it’s resident or commercial, there are some types of energy-efficiencyrelated programs to save the customer money and energy,” says Stan Whiteford, the company’s regional communications manager. Those programs include rebates and incentives for Energy Star-certified products, new homes or new-home construction. PSO also offers a program to help low-income people with weatherization efforts.

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DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Sustainable Cruising

The United States is rapidly adopting electric or hybrid vehicles, and for good reasons – cost savings and reduced emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it costs about half as much to drive an electric vehicle compared to a similar vehicle that runs on gasoline. EVs can reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and smoke, leading to improved public health and reduced ecological damage, according to the DOE. EVs also reduce the threat of price spikes and supply disruptions, because nearly all of U.S. electricity is produced from domestic sources, including coal, nuclear, natural gas and renewable sources. EVs are also highly responsive with exceptional torque while also being more digitally connected than conventional vehicles. Depending on battery capacity and whether heating or air conditioning are used, EVs have ranges from 100 to 400 miles. According to a Bloomberg NEF report, electric vehicles will represent 10% of global passenger vehicle sales in 2025, rising to 28% in 2030 and 58% in 2040. Globally, U.S. EV adoption rates are lower than Europe and China because of limited projections of charging infrastructure, according to a BloombergNEF study. But the U.S. is making efforts to reverse this trend. ChargePoint and the National Association of Truck Stop Operators announced a $1 billion charging program to drive the expansion of EV charging stations along highways and in rural communities. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s ChargeOK program is managing projects to install EV charge stations through the state with 15 sites targeted. The Bloomberg study also projects that the U.S. can catch up by the end of the 2030s because nearly 60% of U.S. households with two or more cars have the ability to install home charging. Oklahoma’s utility companies are taking notice. OG&E features an EV calculator to show much charging with electricity saves over a gas-powered internal combustion engine. PSO residential customers are eligible for rebates up to $250 for Energy Starcertified Level 2 EV supply equipment (EVSE). The Oklahoma Electric Cooperative offers a rebate of up to $200 for customers who own a plug-in electric vehicle. To qualify, customers must have a Level 2 charge and schedule vehicle charging during off-peak hours. In Tulsa – the city that billed itself as the “Oil Capital of the World” for most of the 20th century – raised awareness for electric vehicles with its pitch for Tesla to move a factory to Tulsa, going so far as to paint a Tesla logo on the Golden Driller. Tesla instead chose Austin, but announced that it was building a service center in Tulsa, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that his company might consider the city for future projects. Tesla built its name on EVs and its vehicles have the longest range. But others are joining the field, including traditional gas stalwarts GMC (Hummer EV), Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-Benz (EQC), Volkswagen (ID.4), Audi (e-tron GT), BMW (iNext), and Volvo (Polestar 2), to name a few.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Above: The electrical power train integrates into the gas power train in the new hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Right: Jeep owners can see improved gas mileage via an application on the dashboard of the vehicle. Photos courtesy Jeep

Major car brands are joining the electrical vehicle train, including Ford with its Mustang Mach-e. Photo courtesy Ford

Aventon’s electric bicycles are a popular choice among riders. Photo courtesy Aveton

Electric Leisure

So maybe you can’t afford a brand-new electric vehicle, but you can still enjoy electric goodies around town. A popular invention is the fat tire electric bicycle, allowing minimal physical strain and the ability to cruise on just about any terrain. Popular brands include Rad Power Bikes, Aventon Sinch, Ecotric and E Cells. Most models can go up to 20-25 mph and range from $400$1,500. You can easily buy online, but if you prefer to patronize local shops, visit Tom’s Bicycles, Phat Tire Bike Shop and Spoke House in Tulsa; and Bike One, Trek Biycle and Al’s Bicycles in OKC. If you’re not quite ready to make the full financial commitment, electric bikeshare programs can be found in both Tulsa and OKC. Tulsa offers This Machine, with semi-electric bikes available to rent through a smartphone app. OKC offers Spokies, with both electric and manual bikes to rent. Visit thismachinetulsa.org and spokiesokc.com for more information. Other goodies include electric unicycle boards, which look like a combination of a Segway and a skateboard. A well-known brand is OneWheel, which offers several models ranging from $950-$1,800. The boards can reach up to 19 mph and have a range from 6-18 miles. And, of course, you can always zoom around town on the electric scooters available through rideshare programs. Bird and Lime models can be found just about every block in the major metros – just make sure you follow the rules of the road! SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE PROFESSIONALS HOSPICE CARE This will be the first Thanksgiving and Christmas without my mother. And on top of it, the pandemic is limiting what we can do with our extended family. My father and I are both having a difficult time and are at a loss. Any advice? I am so sorry your family is dealing with so much grief and loss during this difficult time. When we lose someone we love, it is always difficult to face the milestones without them – like your first holiday. At Grace Hospice, we provide ongoing bereavement services to families after they have lost a loved one. We also have free support groups open to anyone who is dealing with loss and grief. Right now, we are offering them virtually each week with our chaplain through Zoom. This can be one-on-one or with a group. Talking with others who truly understand what you and your father are going through can be very beneficial. Call our office at 918-744-7223 and we can help you sign up. We are here to help! CAITLIN EVERSOLE

Caitlin Eversole Admissions Supervisor Grace Hospice of Oklahoma 6218 South Lewis, Suite 1000 Tulsa, OK 74136 918.744.7223 www.gracehospice.com Views expressed in the Professionals do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma Magazine, Schuman Publishing Co. or its affiliates.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR What are some myths about social security? Myth 1: I have to start collecting Social Security at 62. You can begin collecting at any point between your 62nd and 70th birthday. Myth 2: If I collect with lower benefits at age 62, I’ll see a step-up in my benefit when I reach full retirement age. The benefit you are esDAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® timated to receive at full retirement age is the basis for determining how much higher or lower your monthly benefit will be depending on the actual age that you begin to collect. Myth 3: If I’m divorced, I can’t collect a spousal benefit. In many cases, a divorced spouse can collect benefits based on the earnings of an exspouse. If you are 62 or older but were married to that spouse for at least ten years, you can claim a spousal benefit. Myth 4: I’ll pay more into Social Security than I’ll get out of it. This is only true if you live a short life in retirement. The longer you collect, the more likely you’ll receive more in benefits than you paid in. Myth 5: Social Security is going bankrupt. This phrase is not about the entire program, but the Social Security Trust Fund. Projections suggest it may be depleted by 2035. But Social Security itself will not go bankrupt.

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

MALISSA SPACEK

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST 2020 has been such a crazy year for me. Honestly, I have had trouble adjusting to all the new “normals” and have been putting myself last. If I haven’t kept up with any beauty routine this past year, where should I start to get back on track?

This past year has certainly been hectic for everyone, and we want to applaud you for taking the time to ﬁnd out how you can do something for yourself. You cannot help others until you help yourself, and we have made it our mission to help men and women look and feel their best so that they can be their best. That is why every December, we offer our annual 12 Days of Christmas sale. This decade-long tradition is the best place to start when getting back on your routine. With our heavily discounted pricing on all our patients’ favorite products and procedures, and complimentary consultations, we are sure to have something that can help. To ﬁnd out more, call us today at 918-872-9999 and shop the deals online at baweightspa.com.

Dr. James R. Campbell D.O. and Malissa Spacek, Founder BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 510 N. Elm Place Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 918.872.9999 www.baweightspa.com DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

HAVE A

Hobby

Despite a dreary year, you can still make your December merry and bright by indulging in some new pastimes. We explore a few of these delightful diversions that can keep you occupied, educated, entertained and happy at home.

Holiday By Carol Mowdy Bond

Sewing

Sewing is a great hobby, useful in everyday life ... and will likely have you in stitches pretty quickly. But this hobby can take diﬀerent forms – including sewing with a machine, embroidery, quilting and more. So, getting the tools to start depends on what kind of form you choose. B-Sew Inn has classes in all the above categories and more – including beginner classes for how to use a sewing machine. The store sell all types of sewing machines and sewing-related machinery, including certified pre-owned machines. Plus, their B-INSPIRED Club is a monthly event with lecture/demonstration presentations on projects. Check out their stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Fayetteville, Ark., and Springfield, Mo. Or visit them on the web at besewinn.com.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Knitting/Crocheting

No longer just for old ladies, knitting and crocheting alike have become more and more popular with younger generations. “Learning to knit and crochet can be hard if you’re using YouTube or a book,” says Shelley Brander, CEO and owner of LoopsLove in Tulsa. “My suggestions are to start with the softest, nicest yarn you can aﬀord. You’ll be happier with the process and invest time with nice materials. Also, on our website loopslove.com, type the word ‘starter,’ and the starter series pops up. We have three free knitting patterns for beginners with free videos where I teach people what to do.” Brander also has a book, Untangled, on Amazon, which has “really helpful information for knitters,” she says. For amateur crocheters, Brander says that with the right tools, it can be easy to learn online. Additionally, LoopsLove oﬀers kits and one-onone, COVID protocol-friendly lessons. Right now, however, group classes are canceled.

Woodworking/ Woodturning

Allan Chaney, owner of Woodcraft stores in Tulsa; Oklahoma City; Cleveland; and Louisville, Ky., oﬀers woodworking options galore for amateurs and pros. “You can spend a lifetimes mastering woodturning, wood carving, cabinet making, furniture making or wood burning, and more,” he says. “Woodworking is satisfying, therapeutic, and extends mobility and mental acuity.” Chaney suggests taking a class from an experienced woodworker who teaches tool safety, and methods for marking, measuring, cutting and finishing. The more instructions received, the better. “At Woodcraft,” he says, “we oﬀer a wide variety of classes, though they are suspended now due to COVID.” Starting on your own, even with YouTube, may cause frustrating mistakes and a misunderstanding of the tools – so take baby steps and stay safe.

Cooking

What better time to learn how to cook than now? Fun in the kitchen is easier than ever. The Udemy website (udemy.com/ topic/cooking) offers easy-to-learn and useful cooking techniques right from home. With virtual offerings from expert instructors, classes are tailored for every budget and cuisine preference. The Girl Can Cook! cooking studio and kitchen in Broken Arrow offers a variety of recreational cooking classes, from basic to advanced courses. Kids classes are also offered. The schedule and signup is available at thegirlcancookschool. com. For those looking to stay healthy during the winter months, the American Heart Association offers everything you need to know about keeping your ticker happy at heart.org. With videos and recipes, the no-cost info ranges from shopping to cooking to storing your food. Whole Foods Market offers Home Economics 365 cooking courses through digital curricula at wholefoodsmarket.com/ departments/365-products/teachable.

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Music/Singing Lessons Music is good for the brain, and you’ve got options if you’re looking to hone in on a new skill this winter. You can buy and rent instruments, buy sheet music, and partake in group, private and virtual music lessons at Saied Music’s six locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. The company can help sharpen your skills on piano, guitar, drums, percussion, woodwinds, strings, brass and accordion, and they also offer voice lessons. OKC Vocal Studios offers online vocal lessons through your smartphone, webcam on computer. Prices for a one hour class range from $30 to $250. The company can also help with recording and video components for those looking to start an online portfolio or update a press kit. Going national, takelessons.com provides any kind of personalized, affordable, vocal or instrumental music lesson with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Every month, over two million people around the globe use this platform, which includes in-person lessons, plus livestreaming options 24/7.

Candle Making

A simple and satisfying hobby to start up in these dark months is candle making. Round up wax, wick, a container, skewers or Popsicle sticks and a cooking pot. Adding fragrance and/or color are optional – but will make things more fun, undoubtedly. Then, you’ll just need your cook top. The process is spelled out well through YouTube and other online videos – just make sure to avoid burning the house down.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Model Building

Building models – whether they’re cars, planes, boats or something else – isn’t just for grandpa. “We have all age groups that are interested in model building,” says Chip Stockel, owner of HobbyTown in Edmond. “A lot of younger people like Gundam models, a line of plastic models that is based on an anime. It’s popular with teens and hobbyists in their 20s. But we do have traditional cars/planes/boats/armor that are popular with all generations. “We saw an increase in model building during spring and summer due to COVID-19, plus the fact that you can purchase a kit for as little as $10. If you enjoy it, you can start to spend hundreds of dollars, with results involving a very detailed model that one can take great pride in, knowing they built it themselves.” The basics for getting started include tools and paints. But, Stockel adds, “some model kits have everything you need. More advanced and detailed kits require purchasing glue, paints, paint brushes and some basic cutting tools to remove the plastic pieces.”

Art

Making art your own way brings a wealth of mental and physical health benefits. Shannon Price, executive director of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, explains that the institute’s programs “are made up of visual and performing art classes available year-round. Our facility was designed as an art center, equipped for a variety of art mediums for all ages and levels of ability.” Class options run the gamut and include drawing, painting, jewelry design, clay, pottery, sculptures, mixed media, print making and theatre. Classes are open to preschoolers through adults, and taught by professional, expert instructors. For those on a budget, the internet is your friend. YouTube, Pinterest and a variety of arts-centric websites oﬀer how-to videos, paint-by-the-numbers instructional activities and more. You’ll be the next Bob Ross in no time.

Learning a New Language

Listen up, Trekkies looking for a Klingon class ... you’re in luck! You can learn languages – real and imagined – from around the world with a variety of smartphone applications and online tools. One of the most popular of the mobile apps is Duolingo. (And yes, it does have a course in Klingon.) The app oﬀers learning tools, free classes and premium service for a fee. And like other language courses, you can spend as little or as much time learning as you want. Ditto on how much money you spend and how fluent you want to become. Memrise has a three-step approach. And just like Rosetta Stone, you can work your way up to real-life scenarios with interactive lessons. With over 100 linguists on board, Babbel has the No. 1 best-selling language learning app, which you can use on any mobile device or desktop.

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Ti Amo Mediterranean Market is now open!

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Visit the Ti Amo Market for the freshest meat and dairy, a wide variety of starches, or our special house-made sauces and soups. Dine in at our seating area or patio or pick up something from our menu or a family-style meal to go. View the menu at TiAmoTulsa.com Ti Amo South 918.499.1919 6024 S. Sheridan

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We try to stick to the five main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, syrup and pizza! Visit Hideaway Pizza and discover this year’s Elf-tastic collection of holiday cups, shirts and pizza boxes, while supplies last!

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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TASTE

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

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Grey Sweater offers guests a step away from the traditional dining paradigm, yielding delicious results.

At Grey Sweater, diners won’t find a menu. Guests reserve a spot and tell management how many courses they want. Then, chef Andrew Black takes it from there. Photo courtesy Day Date Inc.

ining at OKC’s Grey Sweater is an adventure like few others you will experience in the state. It is a restaurant, yes, but one more like the Michelinstarred experiences of my travels than what I would expect to find five miles from my home. “The seat is yours for the night.” One of the standout elements of a dining experience at chef Andrew Black’s flagship restaurant, that makes a guest feel more like they are attending a dinner party than a restaurant, is the absence of the concept of time. When you arrive, you are greeted and escorted to a table or seats at the dining counter that will not be available to other diners after your meal. You are welcome to relax and linger as long as you like. Because of that, reservations are required and for the safety of guests and staff, the restaurant is currently limited to 30 guests per night.

There are no menus. The only selections you need to make are how many courses you’ll enjoy and what you’ll drink with them. The rest is a beautifully choreographed combination of food, drink and hospitality that one is more likely to expect to see in larger cities. Dinner options include a five ($87), seven ($127), or ten-course ($177) menu, along with the opportunity to order wine or cocktails a la carte or in pairing flights ($60-$150). The menu changes often and combines ingredients from all across the globe. Chef Black’s motto for the restaurant is “no allegiance,” allowing exploration of all culinary genres. The only constant is the guarantee of adventure and the warmth of hospitality, as signified by the word “sweater” in the restaurant’s name. Chef Black’s culinary career began a long way from OKC’s Deep Deuce district. A native of Jamaica, he was raised learning to forage for culinary ingredients with his grandmother. Black’s start in the hospitality industry came at age 14, working as a kitchen porter for a local

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | LO C AL F L AVOR

resort. As he learned, his responsibilities expanded. Eventually, he moved to the United States to attend a university in Ohio. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in hotel management and culinary arts, Black returned to the Caribbean for four years, working as an executive sous chef. His next sous chef job took him to the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis, where he had the opportunity to learn under James Beard-recognized chef Andreas Kisler. After spending some time working at the Ritz in Paris, chef Black accepted the position as executive chef at the then-soon-to-be-reopened Skirvin Hotel and its Park Avenue Grill. Since that time, Black had contemplated creating a chef ’s table concept of his own, allowing him the freedom to feed guests whatever was fresh, in season and on his mind. In October 2019, he and his partner Rudy Khouri made that dream a reality, alongside their other two concepts, La Baguette and Black Walnut. The kitchen and dining spaces at Grey Sweater are inviting and open, giving guests more than just a meal – it allows them to experience the artistry of the process. One should expect a visit to Grey Sweater to last two to three hours, depending on the number of courses selected. The sensory experience plays out chapter by chapter as each dish is presented. Rather than delivering a printed menu, the server personally explains each course and how it is intended to be enjoyed. The most satisfying way to experience Grey Sweater is to be uninhibited. After you make your reservation, you will be contacted by a member of the hospitality team to confirm your booking and discuss any allergies or dietary restrictions. The best advice I can offer is to refrain from limiting your possibilities. If you are not allergic to it, don’t rule it out. Surprises are around every corner, and you might miss out on an unexpected favorite bite if you rely on preconceived notions. AMANDA SIMCOE

Photo courtesy Ghost Dragon Express

TA S T E | FIR S T BI T E

Ghost Dragon Express

Meals at Grey Sweater can last two to three hours depending on the amount of courses a diner selects. Photos courtesy Day Date Inc.

During the three years since it opened, the big and glitzy Bond Event Center has hosted numerous glamorous weddings and black-tie charity galas. Then, the pandemic stopped those events cold, leaving the McNellie’s Group with a huge, empty, state-of-the-art kitchen. The restaurant group has always been in the dream fulfillment business, flawlessly recreating the perfect Irish bar, the perfect side-street bistro, the perfect deli, the perfect 1950s bowling alley. And now, they’ve salvaged this kitchen by recreating the Chinese takeout food that’s a player in so many childhood memories. Yes, Ghost Dragon Express has crab Rangoon and egg rolls. Yes, they have pork lo mein and sesame chicken. There’s even some kung pao and General Tso’s. You can get sweet and sour pork and wash it down with egg drop soup. Chef Ben Alexander spent months developing each recipe to make it not only as good as you remember, but better, featuring childhood favorites along with more sophisticated ‘adult’ fare, such as Hong Kong-style roasted duck, Sichuanese mapo dofu, and char siu, Cantonese-style barbecued pork. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery only. ghostdragonexpress.com BRIAN SCHWARTZ

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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TA S T E | CHEF CHAT

THE KING OF BARBECUE When he’s not at competitions, Donny Teel serves up delicious meats at his roadside stand in Sperry.

ONLINE

SEE TEEL’S AWARD-WINNING RIB RECIPE AT OKMAG.COM/TEEL Right: Teel’s ribs have won numerous awards in his 25 years on the competitive barbecue circuit. Below: When he’s not on the road, Teel serves up delicious meats at Buﬀalo’s Barbecue. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

n the world of competitive barbecue, there are two big contests a year, and to some, it’s more important as the Super Bowl and World Series combined. There was one glorious year when Oklahoman Donny Teel attained barbecue immortality by winning first prize at both of them. But those victories were still far in the future the summer that a much younger Donny decided to join his cousins in Sperry and build a big outdoor smoker. They learned by trial and error, and through entering a few local cookouts. Just by chance, Donny’s neighbor at the time was Mike McMillen of Mac’s Barbecue in Skiatook. Donny noticed that Mike was on the road a lot, dragging his rig to contests. Donny asked Mike how he could do that, and before long, Donny was loading his smoker onto a trailer and hitting the road, too.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

These days, there’s a lot of money floating around competitive barbecue – rich young professionals towing around $100,000 grills paid for by corporate sponsors. But Donny did it all on his own. “Nowadays, anyone can learn [barbecue] by watching a YouTube video or by taking a class,” he says. “But in my day, the only way to learn was to get a bottle of bourbon, take it to a contest, find an old grizzled veteran and pour him a few drinks and hope that when you got him drunk enough, he’d spill some of his cooking secrets.” Skip ten years ahead and Donny’s era of glory began with a plan. “Listen,” Donny told his friend and fellow-griller Bart Clarke: “I found a contest over in Lynchburg, Virginia, and they’re giving out big money prizes. Now, it’s 18 hours away, and I can’t drive alone and be back in time for work. But if you come along, we can do it.” So they went, setting up their tent to the jeers of the big North Carolina contingent who heard there were a bunch of newbies from Oklahoma. Those jeers turned to respect when, the next day, Bart and Donny came back from the judging carrying an armload of trophies ... including first prize. After that, the duo often traveled together for the long hauls, calling themselves the Boys from Tornado Alley. For shorter runs, Donny went

with his wife, Cindy. The American Royal, one of the two summits of barbecuing, was a long haul. So, in 2004, Donny and Bart pitched camp among the 500 other teams. The next day, they entered a lesser contest and Donny made a mistake that burnt the ribs past redemption. Discouraged, the duo came back fighting the next day, winning first prize. And that win got Donny and Bart a place in the next Jack Daniels BBQ World Championship – the second summit – and Donny won that one, too. Fast-forward another few hundred thousand miles down the road. By now, Donny’s been on the contest circuit for 25 years. He still rises at 6:00 a.m. every weekday to put the wood on the fire in his barbecue pit – a trailer parked in Sperry dubbed Buffalo’s Barbecue. From there, he sells some of Oklahoma’s finest barbecue from morning until it sells out. But 20 or 30 times a year, he and Cindy head off to a competition. Why? “Well, we just like it,” he says. “It’s something me and Cindy share. And we have so many friends out there. We know all about their kids, their jobs, their dreams. If I break an axle outside of Indianapolis, a few phone calls and I’ll find a friend of a friend to fix it.” BRIAN SCHWARTZ

TA S T E | TA S T Y T ID BIT S

WALDO’S CHICKEN AND BEER

RIVIÈRE MODERN BÁNH MÌ

Photo courtesy Magnolia Bistro

banana cake and the coconut milk waffle. 905 N. Hudson Ave., Oklahoma City; riviereokc.com

Photo courtesy Rivière Modern Bánh Mì

Found in a light-filled brick building, Rivière Modern Bánh Mì is an experience like none other – a mélange of cuisine that draws from both Vietnamese and French influences. Appetizers include Gangnam-style fries with bulgogi, beer cheese fondue, scallion and eggs; and the tempting Vietnamese egg rolls. Non-banh mi options include a tomato curry bisque and the pho chicken noodle soup. Try a banh mi on French banquette, like the Miss Saigon with grilled lemongrass, marinated pork, pickled carrot slaw, jalapeño, cucumber, cilantro and housemade aioli. Side dishes include tasty wok-fried green beans or the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. Sweets include the Vietnamese

MAGNOLIA BISTRO

A chef with a quarter century of fine dining experience helms Magnolia Bistro, where you find both Creole and Cajun cuisine in an elegant setting. The owners encourage communication before your visit to address any questions about their Cajun food. A menu favorite? The fried green tomatoes starter with remoulade sauce, topped with shrimp. Whether as an appetizer or chosen as an entrée, the crab beignets are delectable fusions of crab cake and fritter. The Magnolia salad contains baby mixed greens, red onions, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, croutons, and protein options like blackened chicken, salmon or shrimp. Specialties include crawfish gumbo and traditional jambalaya. Choose from a variety of po’boys, or try the southern fried catfish. 722 N. Broadway Ave., OKC; magnoliabistro405.com

SHAWARMA SHACK

Discover the eclectic allure of Lebanese street food at Shawarma Shack, which offers curated culinary selections from Houssam Elsoueissi, a Beirut native with 35 years of restaurant expertise. Truly authentic menu choices include the perfected shawarma sandwich and gyros with beef and chicken, cooked on a skewer to juicy perfection. Lacing many dishes are homemade sauces like tahini and tzatziki. Check out the variations of kebabs, soups, salads and traditional favorites like grape leaf dolma – all with the spices and cooking techniques of Lebanon. Meal-ending sweets include rice pudding and baklava. 1342 E. Hillside Dr., Broken Arrow; shawarmashackba.com TRACY LEGRAND

Photo courtesy Shawarma Shack

Photo courtesy Waldo’s

At Waldo’s, everything is made from scratch, and the chicken is cooked two ways: brown sugar-brined fire roasted and southern fried. Sides are comfort food heaven, from collard greens to coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese. The sauces and dressings are freshly made every morning, since every single item is a signature, handmade dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick drive-through or a sit-down meal with a cold beer, Waldo’s provides that down-home experience. Appetizers include the tempting cheddar biscuit basket and fried pickles. For entrées, you can get your chicken in a basket with tenders or wings; in a bowl with the chicken scratch salad; or on the bun with the fried chicken sandwich. Don’t miss the Fowl Mouth with fried thigh, habanero oil, cheddar, jalapeño slaw, mayo and house sauce on a toasted bun. 4923 E. 71st St., Tulsa; waldoschicken.com

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Holiday Gift Guide Richard Neel Home

PLENTY MERCANTILE

Christmas Cocktail Ornaments, 3.5” - 6”. $18 - $25

Sustainable Goods & Gifts

3742 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa 918.742.4777 richardneelhome.com

Multiple locations in Edmond and OKC 405.888.7470 plentymercantile.com

Painted Door Gift Boutique

Adorn

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The Cook’s Nook

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9146 S. Yale Ave. Ste. 110, Tulsa

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124 E. Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City 405.235.4410 painteddoor.com

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

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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

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

TULSA BALLET PRESENTS: THE LOST NUTCRACKER Dec. 17-20

Cox Business Convention Center Enjoy a socially

distant holiday show to keep the Christmas spirit alive. tulsaballet.org

CONCERTS PAUL THORN Dec. 2

Cain’s Ballroom See this crooner with Paul Benjaman and the Oklahoma Specials.

cainsballroom.com

BJ BARHAM Dec. 6 Cain’s

Ballroom Cain’s Ballroom welcomes BJ Barham to Tulsa’s timeless honky tonk for a reserved, socially distant show. cainsballroom.com

WILLIAM CLARK GREEN Dec. 12 Cain’s Ballroom

Hailing from Flint, Texas, William Clark Green visits Tulsa for one night only. cainsballroom.com

DEAD METAL SOCIETY

Dec. 12 The Vanguard Rock

out at Vanguard with Dead Metal Society.

thevanguardtulsa.com

ART TAC AT AHHA Through

Dec. 19 ahha Tulsa This year marks the 32nd Tulsa Artists’ Coalition (TAC) juried exhibition. Selected from roughly 200 submissions, the 100 objects on view represent recent work by TAC members. ahhatulsa.org

O N T H E S TA G E

HOLIDAY MAGIC ABOUNDS

You’ll still be able to find some holiday magic on the stage this month. Tulsa Ballet presents The Lost Nutcracker from Dec. 1720 at Cox Business Convention Center. This socially-distant show offers holiday-centric pieces from three worldrenowed choreographers. Patrons can also purchase tickets to a virtual livestream at tulsaballet.org. THE LOST NUTCRACKER The OKC Philharmonic offers A Classic Christmas on Dec. 4-5 at Civic Center Music musical features staff and students from Herbert W. Hall. The show blends a variety of sentimental holiday Armstrong College, Imperial Academy and Armstrong favorites in a safe environment. Dance. The Oklahoma City Ballet presents The Nutcracker Adjusting to fit the times, Lyric Theatre’s rendition (Short & Sweet) from Dec. 12-20 at Civic Center Music of A Christmas Carol, running through Dec. 27, takes Hall. This year’s production has been shortened to one place at the Harm Homestead this year in an outdoor act, but still includes all your favorite characters. production where guests walk from scene to scene. In Edmond, Armstrong Auditorium hosts Paul – In Miami, enjoy Miracle on 34th Street! from Dec. 3-6 Ambassador in Bonds from Dec. 19-21. Portraying the at Miami Little Theatre, or visit Gaslight Theatre in Enid final imprisonment of the Apostle Paul in a Rome, the for holiday classic Little Women on Dec. 4-6 and 10-12.

Women have long been the creative force behind Native art. philbrook.org

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE Through Jan. 3 Philbrook In

the Lower Spotlight Gallery, visitors can explore artists’ interpretation of independence through an installation of prints from the Kent Bicentennial Portfolio.

philbrook.org

ART AND ARCHEOLOGY

Through Jan. 17 108 Contemporary East coast

fiber artist Diane Savona uses her artworks as a means of historic preservation.

MARIA MARTINEZ: MASTER ARTIST Through

108contemporary.org

Martinez’s sleek ceramic pieces catapulted her to fame, securing her legacy as one of the most influential Native artists of the 20th century.

Gilcrease An elemental

HEARTS OF OUR PEOPLE: NATIVE WOMEN ARTISTS

WEAVING HISTORY INTO ART: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF SHAN GOSHORN

Jan. 3 Philbrook Maria

philbrook.org

Through Jan. 3 Philbrook

Photo courtesy Tulsa Ballet

READY FOR AN EXCITING DECEMBER? 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.

LANDSCAPES ON FIRE: PAINTINGS BY MICHAEL SCOTT Through Feb. 21 force of nature, fire contains immense power to create and destroy. gilcrease.org

Through March 28 Gilcrease

There’s something about having a message in a vessel shape that makes people curious and engaged. gilcrease.org

THE EXPERIENCE: IMAGINE Ongoing ahha Tulsa This completely

new art environment continues ahha’s tradition of large-scale, semi-permanent, interactive art. ahhatulsa.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 XFN 369 Dec. 4 River Spirit Casino Resort Join UFC star Frank Mir cage-side when Xtreme Fight Night presents

the eight-man welterweight kickboxing tournament.

riverspirittulsa.com

HUNTER JUMPER EXHIBITORS OF OKLAHOMA FALL FINALE

Dec. 4-6 Expo Square People from surrounding states travel to participate and watch the display of equestrian skills at the Oklahoma Fall Finale. hjeo.com

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA FOOTBALL Dec. 5 H.A.

Chapman Stadium See the

Golden Hurricane in action versus the University of Cincinnati.

tulsahurricane.com

micro sprint racing event in the country. tulsashootout.com

COMMUNITY FOOD TRUCK WEDNESDAYS Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Guthrie Green Every Wednesday,

grab some tasty eats and gather on the grounds of Guthrie Green. guthriegreen.com

AMERICAN BULLY KENNEL CLUB PRESENTS: JINGLE BULL SHOWDOWN II Dec.

5 Cox Business Convention Center Enjoy a canine

extravaganza at the Cox Business Convention Center.

VEGAS TUFFEST JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND WESTERN CHRISTMAS

coxcentertulsa.com

see some fast-paced, high action barrel racing and calf roping. johnsonsportline.com

Oklahoma’s largest indoor farm show with over 400,000 square feet of exhibits is a great end-of-year opportunity to view all the latest in agricultural and ranching equipment. exposquare.com

Dec. 10-14 Expo Square Come

TULSA SHOOTOUT Dec. 30-Jan. 2 Expo Square The

Tulsa Shootout is the largest

TULSA FARM SHOW

Dec. 10-12 Expo Square

PHILBROOK FESTIVAL

Through Dec. 26 Philbrook

Enjoy thousands of holiday lights, music and fun for the whole family. philbrook.org

RHEMA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Through Jan. 1

Rhema Bible Church Join in the fun at the Rhema Christmas lights display and witness over two million shimmering lights synchronized to Christmas music. rhemalights.org

BROKEN ARROW ICE RINK Through Jan. 4 418

S. Main St. Skate under

the festive twinkle lights at Broken Arrow’s only outdoor skating rink. rosedistrict.com

WINTERFEST Through Jan. 23 Downtown Tulsa

Downtown Tulsa is transformed into a festive wonderland during Winterfest, an annual holiday tradition. tulsawinterfest.com

DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

IN OKC

ADRENALINEPUMPING ACTION

PERFORMANCES

OKC PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS: A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS Dec. 4-5

Gear up for football galore this month. You can catch the University of Tulsa at home on Dec. 5 as they take on the University of Cincinnati. Sooner fans can watch the University of Oklahoma battle Baylor on Dec. 5 at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. And while Oklahoma State University hosts no home games this month, they play Dec. 5 and 12 against Texas Christian University and Baylor, respectively. Visit okstate. com/sports for viewing options. At River Spirit Casino Resort, watch some UFC madness at XFN 369 on Dec. 4, which offers an eight-man welterweight kickboxing tournament. You can also find a few equine events around town. First up is the Hunter Jumper Exhibitors of Oklahoma Fall Finale on Dec. 4-6 at Expo Square, followed by the NRHA Futurity and Adequan Championship Show through Dec. 5 at Oklahoma State Fair Park. The month rounds out with the Vegas Tuffest Junior World Championship and Western Christmas show on Dec. 10-14 at Expo Square, which offers barrel racing and calf roping. Return to Expo Square for the Tulsa Shootout from Dec. 30-Jan. 2. This year, the largest micro sprint racing event in the country is trimming down attendance to adhere to pandemic protocols, so visit tulsashootout.com for more information.

Civic Center Music Hall

Join the Oklahoma City Philharmonic this December for a simple yet elegant blend of sentimental holiday favorites. This classic Christmas show features Mandy Jiran and host Vince Leseney. okcphil.org

CANTERBURY VOICES PRESENTS: CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS Dec. 6

Civic Center Music Hall

The evening is filled with beautiful, traditional Christmas favorites and new holiday classics, including an audience sing-along.

canterburyokc.com

OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET PRESENTS: THE NUTCRACKER (SHORT & SWEET) Dec.

12-20 Civic Center Music Hall This year’s production

is shortened to one act, but still includes all of the favorite characters from the dancing snowflakes to the Kingdom of Sweets. okcballet.org

PAUL— AMBASSADOR IN BONDS Dec. 19-21

Armstrong Auditorium Staﬀ

and students from Herbert W. Armstrong College, Imperial Academy and Armstrong Dance team up for their sixth full-length musical to be presented on the Armstrong Auditorium stage. armstrongauditorium.org

LYRIC THEATRE PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Hunter Jumper Association

Through Dec. 23 Harm

Homestead Lyric Theatre celebrates the diamond anniversary of its production of A Christmas Carol with an all-new outdoor production.

CONCERTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE IMAGINARIES

Dec. 11 Tower Theatre Enjoy

a Christmas-themed concert.

towertheatreokc.com

SMALL TOWN MURDER

Dec. 19 Tower Theatre Listen

to some tunes and relax at the Tower Theatre.

ART FIND HER WEST Dec. 12May 16 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The American West is diﬀicult to define and far more complex than stereotypes suggest.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

KIOWA AGENCY

ART

EXHIBITIONS ABOUND

Don’t forget to plan a trip to one of Oklahoma’s premier museums this month. Ahha Tulsa offers TAC at Ahha through Dec. 19. This juried exhibition of the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition showcases 100 objects on view, representing works from a variety of local creators. At Philbrook, Spirit of Independence runs through Jan. 3. Visit the Lower Spotlight Gallery to explore artists’ interpretation of independence through an installation of prints from the Kent Bicentennial Portfolio. At Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman, Kiowa Agency runs through Jan. 17. The showcase highlights works from six Kiowa artists who studied at the University of Oklahoma from 1927 to 1929. The works display the artists’ Native American culture. Also at FJJMA, OK/LA runs through May 7. This exhibition offers the work of six former Oklahomans who left the state in the late 1950s for Los Angeles. In Oklahoma City, Find Her West runs from Dec. 12-May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The photographs and other archival items from the museum’s Dickinson Research Center reveal the diversity of life in the American West.

lyrictheatreokc.com

towertheatreokc.com

HUNTER JUMPER EXHIBITORS OF OKLAHOMA FALL FINALE

nationalcowboymuseum.org

WEST: THE AMERICAN COWBOY Through Dec. 13 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum This

showcase revisits the enduring iconic symbol

of America’s pioneering spirit with a fresh, inspiring and contemporary view.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

TUCKER SMITH: A CELEBRATION OF NATURE Through Jan. 3

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

This exhibit is a retrospective, with work ranging from Smith’s early years as a professional artist to his most recent paintings.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

SHARED LIVES, DISTANT PLACES: RECENT ACQUISITIONS IN PHOTOGRAPHY SHARE Through Jan. 10 OKCMOA

The exhibition provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of people, conflicts and historical events around the world at various moments in time. okcmoa.com

KIOWA AGENCY Through Jan. 17 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman

From 1927 to 1929, while at the University of Oklahoma, six Kiowa artists created many paintings featuring their tribe’s culture.

ou.edu/fjjma

POSTWAR ABSTRACTION: VARIATIONS Through

OK/LA Through May 7

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman This exhibition

features the work of six former Oklahomans who left the state in the late 1950s for Los Angeles: Patrick Blackwell, Joe Goode, Jerry McMillan, Ed Ruscha, Paul Ruscha and Mason Williams. ou.edu/fjjma

Feb. 14 OKCMOA The half-

BLAZING A TRAIL

BEAUX ARTS AT 75

in the American West faced specific challenges that their Eastern counterparts often did not, such as lack of health care on the frontier and lack of property rights.

century or so following the end of World War II was one of the most fertile periods in the history of abstract painting. okcmoa.com Through April 25 OKCMOA

The Beaux Arts collection is an especially playful and eclectic body of work that includes everything from an idyllic summer landscape to a kitschy 1980s “altarpiece.” okcmoa.com

Through May 16 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Women

nationalcowboymuseum.org

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: WESTERN WILDLIFE

Through July 11 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The

animals of the American

nationalcowboymuseum.org

RENEGADES: BRUCE GOFF AND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Ongoing 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. gibbs.oucreate.com

SPORTS UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL

Dec. 5 Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman Enjoy some

home game fun in Norman. soonersports.com

NRHA FUTURITY AND ADEQUAN CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Through Dec. 5 Oklahoma State Fair

Park The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) presents one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines in the world.

nrhafuturity.com

COMMUNITY

AROUND THE STATE

PERFORMANCES

MIAMI LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET! Dec.

3-6 Miami Little Theatre By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working for Macy’s as Santa Clause, where he unleashes waves of good will. miamilittletheatre.com

GASLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS: LITTLE WOMEN Dec. 4-6, 10-12

Gaslight Theatre, Enid

This play tells Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale of awakening in a simple and eﬀective manner. gaslighttheatre.org

ART ANSEL ADAMS IN OUR TIME Through Jan. 3

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. See the beauty of

the United States through the lens of Ansel Adams and 24 contemporary photographers who have been influenced by his work. crystalbridges.org

REPTICON REPTILE AND EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW

AFTER THE LAST SUPPER

and Exotic Animal Show features vendors with reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise. repticon.

free focus exhibition puts a spotlight on a single work from the Crystal Bridges collection. crystalbridges.

Dec. 5-6 Oklahoma State Fair Park The Repticon Reptile

com

CLEVELAND COUNTY CRAFT SHOW Dec. 12

Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Norman This

show features home decorating, handmade, seasonal and specialty items presented by over 90 crafters.

clevelandcountyfair.org

NATIVE AMERICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET AND INDIAN TACO SALE Dec. 19 5320 S.

Youngs Blvd. Feast on Indian tacos prepared fresh by members of the OK Choctaw Tribal Alliance in Oklahoma City. travelok.com

HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS Through Dec. 20 399 N.W. Tenth St. Venture over to

Midtown during the winter holidays and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking the lot by Bleu Garten. okcpopups.com

VIRTUAL SAINTS SANTA RUN Through Dec. 31 Virtual Take a festive walk or run on your own route during this year’s virtual Saints Santa Run.

downtownindecember.com/ saints-santa-run

DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER Through Jan.

31 Downtown Downtown in December presented by Devon is a series of holiday events and attractions in the heart of Oklahoma City. downtownindecember.com

Photo courtesy Philbrook

Lois Smoky (Bou-ge-Tah), U.S., Kiowa, 1907–1981, Courtship, 1930; Tempera on paper, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Acquisition.

West are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit.

Through March 28 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. This

org

STATE OF THE ART

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

Bridges opens 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

PHILBROOK FESTIVAL

craftspeople who create it. travelok.com

POLAR EXPRESS

PAJAMA PARTY Dec. 5 Three Rivers Museum, Muskogee While watching

the Polar Express on screen, Santa’s elves deliver hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, cookies and a bag of popcorn. 3riversmuseum.com

POTEAU CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 5 Dewey

Ave., Poteau Bundle up

and bring the family to downtown Poteau to see an old-fashioned evening Christmas parade featuring floats, cars, bands and Santa himself. poteauchamber.com

WOOLAROC WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS Through Dec. 20 Woolaroc Museum and WIldlife Reserve, Bartlesville Visitors to

TERRY DON WEST BULL RIDING SCHOOL Dec. 5-6

this much-loved event are invited to drive through a spectacular display of more than 750,000 glistening lights. woolaroc.org

Learn the art of bull riding from a seasoned professional and world champion. travelok.com

WALKS Dec. 21 Spiro Mounds Archeological Center, Spiro These

SPORTS 31965 Arbeka Rd., Henryetta

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL Dec. 5, 12 Away Enjoy two OSU football games this month from the comfort of your home. okstate.com

COMMUNITY CHOCTAW POWWOW

Dec. 4-6 Choctaw Event Center, Durant Experience

a weekend’s worth of festivities at this tribal gathering. travelok.com

NATIVE AMERICAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dec. 5 Glenpool Conference Center The tenth annual

Native American Christmas Market welcomes everyone to shop and learn about Native American art from the actual artists and

WINTER SOLSTICE

special guided tours are oﬀered at Oklahoma’s only prehistoric Native American archaeological site and inspire an appreciation for the natural rhythm of nature and the seasons. okhistory.org

H O L I D AY S

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GALORE

Activities abound to get you into the holiday spirit this month. In Tulsa, the Philbrook Festival runs through Dec. 26, with holiday lights, music and fun for the whole family. One of the most popular displays in the state, the Rhema Christmas Lights event at Rhema Bible College offers two million lights to stroll under this year, through Jan. 1. Those looking for some winter activities should visit the Broken Arrow Ice Rink through Jan. 4 on Main Street. Guests can skate under festive lights at the city’s only outdoor rink. And, as always, Arvest Winterfest continues the tradition of a variety of winter activities, like skating and breakfast with Santa, through Jan. 23 in downtown Tulsa. In OKC, the traditions of Downtown in December include a series of holiday events and attractions in the heart of the city though Jan. 31. From virtual runs to light displays and streetcar rides, this community event has it all. Poteau’s Christmas Parade takes place on Dec. 5 on Dewey Avenue and features floats, festive bands and even a visit with Santa. Other light displays can be found around the state, include Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. The event offers a drive-through display of 750,000 glistening lights through Dec. 20. Kingfisher Winter Nights, through Dec. 27 at Kingfisher City Park, sees the space ablaze with millions of lights.

LIGHTS ON THE ISLAND

FANTASY LAND OF LIGHTS Through Dec. 30

dedication to the displays, the spectacular light show has grown with radiant color each year.

Enjoy the music, synchronized lighted tunnel, animated displays and thousands of lights decorating the park.

Through Dec. 25 Dewey Ave., Poteau After years of

poteauchamber.com/ lightdisplay

KINGFISHER WINTER NIGHTS Through Dec. 27

Kingfisher City Park See

millions of lights set historic Kingfisher Park ablaze this holiday season during Kingfisher Winter Nights. kingfisher.org

Johnstone Park, Bartlesville

fantasylandoflights.com

LIGHTS FROM THE HEART Through Dec. 31

Purcell Lake, Purcell Grab

a hot cocoa to-go and get ready to gaze upon a twinkling holiday wonderland.

cityofpurcell.com

CHICKASHA FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Through Dec. 31 Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha Recognized

as one of the top holiday

light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights.

chickashafestivaloflight.org

FOR MORE EVENTS IN TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM. DECEMBER 2020 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

H O L I D AY M A R K E T P L A C E

A FAREWELL TO 2020 From our family to yours

Merry Christmas

Murphy Jones Moving Co.

A bizarre year in cinema concludes with a couple of theatrical releases, streaming options and a tribute to Citizen Cane.

o movies are ... back? Maybe? November proved to be a gigantic issue for bigger films, with more delays and shifts to digital platforms. Even December isn’t safe, as Dune – the science fiction book-to-film adaptation starring everyone from Javier Bardem to Zendaya – was rescheduled for October 2021.

In Theaters

For now, there are still some must-sees coming to theaters, so let’s start with one that already 11/9/20 1:38 PM got pushed, and hopefully won’t again: Free Guy. Ryan Reynolds stars as Guy, a non-playable character in a computer game who becomes aware that his world is not what he thought it was. Jodie Comer, Joe Keery and Taika We offer personalized care Waititi also show up in supportfor your pets and you ing roles, both to aid Guy and after they have passed. stand in his way. It’s definitely • Cremation service going for a blockbuster vibe, with • Urns big explosions and slick digital • Remembrance items with effects, coupled with comedy and customization options a character with a heart of gold. Director Shawn Levy cut his teeth on these kinds of films with the Night at the Museum trilogy and others like Date Night and Real Steel. It’s set to release Dec. th 11, and should hopefully bring those looking for action and jokes back to the cinema. 10/16/18 10:42 AM If, instead, you want a more somber drama, try The Father. Starring Anthony Hopkins as a man struggling with dementia and Olivia Coleman as his daughter trying to deal with everything after moving in with 1706 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa him, the film premiered back in 918.582.0288 | www.roycemyers.com January at Sundance. It received Featuring artists Susan Eddings Perez and Kevin Box universal praise for the acting and for its depiction of this devastating disease. Directed by Florian Zeller and based off his 2012 play Le Pere, The Father and its raw performances are sure to tug at heartstrings, especially for anyone who has gone through something similar. The movie is scheduled for release on Dec. 18.

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W H E R E & W H E N | F I L M AN D CINEM A

Streaming

On the streaming front, Netflix releases Mank. Starring Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz, the story focuses on the screenwriter and his troubles writing Citizen Kane with Orson Welles, along with the myriad issues that arose during production of what is now considered one of the best films of all time. Directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network) and written by his late father Jack Fincher, the film also features Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins and Charles Dance. The trailer indicates the movie will pay tribute to Citizen Kane by being shot in black and white with monaural sound. This is the first film from Fincher since 2014’s Gone Girl and is likely a big award contender. It’s available to stream starting Dec. 4. If you want a television show to binge while you try and forget 2020 happened, Showtime brings you the legal drama miniseries Your Honor. Bryan Cranston stars as a wellrespected judge who tries to help his son after a hit-and-run goes very, very wrong. Michael Stuhlbarg plays the primary antagonist – the head of a vicious crime family. The trailer promises intense drama, action, deceit and many terrible choices for Cranston’s character. It will premier sometime this month. Hang in there – at least 2020 is almost over! DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

H O L I D AY M A R K E T P L A C E

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

AGNIESZKA RAKHMATULLAEV

... the appeal of OKC Phil.

The combination of its tremendous legacy and extraordinary potential. The organization has benefited from decades-long remarkable leadership that brought the Philharmonic national recognition. I saw this position as an exciting opportunity to continue this legacy, while exploring some new horizons, in partnership with our phenomenal music director Alexander Mickelthwate. We are so fortunate to have a world-class orchestra formed by some of the finest musicians of our region. For all these reasons, I simply couldn’t pass the opportunity of leading the OKCPHIL.

... best moments thus far, and future goals.

My proudest moment is our “re-imagined” 2020-21 season. It is the result of some remarkable team work of the entire staff, the vision of our music director, support from our board and collaboration with our musicians. Many orchestras remain silent for this fall and beyond, and we at the OKCPHIL remain committed

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2020

Photo by Shevaun Williams

orn in Poland, raised in Turkey and a resident of the U.S. since 2000, Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev has always been driven and surrounded by music. “I come from a musical family,” she says. “My mom is a violinist; my aunt is a pianist; my brother plays the cello; my husband is a bassoonist; and his entire family are all musicians.” A formally trained violinist, Rakhmatullaev has performed with orchestras across the world and taught students of varying ages. In 2007, she transitioned into arts management and has held positions at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, Houston Symphony and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. She also completed a prestigious orchestral management fellowship program with the League of American Orchestras. Rakhmatullaev arrived in OKC in September 2019 – along with her husband Marat and their now two-year-old daughter Anna – to begin her role as Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s executive director. We caught up with her and got her thoughts on ...

to bringing back orchestral music to our community, despite all the challenges of a global pandemic. We worked tirelessly for months, exploring all the possible options, and having to re-image every single aspect of our operations. But we came up with a plan. Our collective goal is simply to make it all happen. Of course, as you can imagine, that’s easier said than done!

... navigating COVID-19 her first year on the job.

There is no doubt that the pandemic affected every single aspect and every single person in the OKCPHIL family. We had to cancel all of our concerts and programs since March. But we continued to find ways in which to share music with our community, even during the lock-down. Our musicians and Alexander produced some wonderful videos that attracted thousands of viewers across the world, of diverse repertoire, ranging from Billy Joel to Tchaikovsky. Music can provide an outlet to share and experience emotions, healing and unity, all much

needed during this very challenging time. We look forward to bringing a wide range of performances at Civic Center, across the city, and on virtual platforms throughout this season, knowing that music will play an integral part of the recovery process for our entire community.

... what she’s excited about.

Experiencing a live orchestral performance – there is nothing like being surrounded by the waves of sound that evoke a range of emotions and transport you to a different place and time. I also look forward to deepening our impact through a variety of education and community engagement performances, which will allow us to serve people of all ages.

... OKC.

We have fallen in love with this beautiful city, its amazing offerings, and, most importantly, the genuine people that made us welcomed from the moment we got here. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of, and we feel extremely fortunate.

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