Oklahoma Magazine February 2021 by Oklahoma Magazine

FEBRUARY 2021

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

How bars and breweries stay relevant

IMAGE MATTERS

Head-to-toe touch-ups

SENIOR HEALTH Safety measures as you age

EDUCATION PREVIEW

A year in review: online learning

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WARREN CLINIC 24/7 VIRTUAL URGENT CARE No matter what time it is or where you are in Oklahoma, you can conveniently connect to a locally-based Saint Francis provider through Warren Clinic 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care. Through a simple video visit, adult and pediatric patients with minor illnesses or non-emergency conditions can be evaluated and provided with a treatment plan. To access Warren Clinic 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care through your smartphone or computer, visit saintfrancis.com/urgentcare or sign in to your Saint Francis MyChart account to start your visit.

*If you are experiencing severe illness, a major injury, symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or shortness of breath, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

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Mikimoto M C ollec tion

TABLE OF CONTENTS

F E B R U A RY 2 0 21

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

Down the Hatch

The liquor landscape in 2021? Full of possibilities. After a variety of watering holes shut down last year (and many never re-opened), the surviving bars, breweries and restaurants are now looking to stay relevant. We explore the world’s obsession with hard seltzers, learn some wine basics and review home bar essentials.

State

Meteorologists work around the clock to keep Oklahomans safe and informed.

10 11 12 13 14 16

18 20 21 22

49 50 51

A Look to the Future It’s been a tumultuous year for higher education, and students, professors and administrators have felt the heat. We talk to some of Oklahoma’s universities about the last year of virtual learning, ways to drum up motivation for at-home instruction, study tips and lucrative degree programs.

Paving a Path to Health

Taking measures to avoid falls, staying active, eating right and keeping open lines of communication with your physician will lead to prime golden years.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Destinations Burgh Island channels the 1930s for a trip back in time. Health FYI Outside the Metro

Taste

The new owners of Whispering Pines are invigorating this cozy Norman getaway.

Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When

54 56

Image Matters

The field of aesthetics grows more technologically advanced every day. From non-invasive procedures to surgical improvements, offerings abound to help put your best face (and body) forward.

Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts

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

FEBRUARY 2021

Life and Style

FEBRUARY 2021

If you’re on the hunt for a great school for your child, Oklahoma is teeming with private educational opportunities for elementary, middle and high school. With Oklahoma Magazine’s Private School Guide, you can learn more about the things that matter.

Design Social Justice History Education Clubs Insider

Art exhibitions, NBA games and BMX fun comprise February in Oklahoma.

Private School Guide

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

How bars and breweries stay relevant

IMAGE MATTERS

Head-to-toe touch-ups

SENIOR HEALTH Safety measures as you age

EDUCATION PREVIEW A year in review: online learning

ON THE COVER:

FEBRUARY WELCOMES BACK OUR FEATURE ON ALL THINGS ALCOHOL. THIS YEAR, WE COVER EVERYTHING FROM HOME BAR ESSENTIALS TO THE MANY WAYS WATERING HOLES ARE STAYING RELEVANT IN 2021.

Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ

Should I Text My Lawyer?

Text messages are a common way of communicating. Instead of picking up the phone or drafting an email, many like the ease and quickness of sending a text. For this reason, many clients text their lawyer in a divorce or family law matter. Text communications can be short and to the point. Clients can also attach photos and videos to texts. Is texting an effective form of communication for clients going through a divorce or family law matter? There are no black and white rules in terms of texting. There are also no rules or statutes that explicitly prohibit lawyers from texting their clients per se. Some lawyers might be willing to text their clients, while other lawyers might not want to do so. Some lawyers may not even be tech-savvy enough to text with their clients. First, texting is often short and to the point, as explained above. The lawyer or the client could misinterpret the shortness of the communication, causing miscommunication, an increase in fees, or frustration. Many conversations instead require a lot more dialogue and analysis than a short text message exchange. Second, texting is not always the most secure way of communication. Texting is not encrypted communication. This fact makes it easier for others to intercept or read the

conversation. Third, it is possible a client puts the phone down and somebody else picks it up and reads the communication. With texts, it can be quick and easy to see recent communication and attorney-client privilege could be jeopardized. Fourth, text communication often does not make its way into a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s file. It can be hard for a lawyer to print off the texts and actually get them into the file. It can be cumbersome for the law firm or lawyer (and expensive for the client in terms of legal fees) to print the text communications. Thus, when a client requests their file at the end of the case, the texts might not be there. As it relates to important matters, the client may want that text communication if they did not retain it on their own device. Fifth, text communication lacks the formality of other types of communication. The lack of formality can cause some clients to say things spontaneously to their lawyer. This can be damaging to the attorney-client relationship if they are upset or angry about something. Email is typically more secure because it is encrypted. Email is also a bit more formal and allows for lengthier communication. The lengthier communication can often lead to better and more effective communication. Additionally, it is easier for a lawyer to print off an email chain and put that chain into the client file. For most clients, they appreciate this on the back-end when the case is over. Finally, while texting is easy and convenient, with most smartphones, a client can send an email just as quickly as a text. In terms of convenience, sending an email versus a text is comparable. Of course, phone calls, video confer-

ences, or in-person meetings can often be more effective than email or text communication. While many clients want instant answers in the heat of the moment, if the situation can wait, the best communication can often take place by phone, video conference, or in-person. 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.

To schedule a consultation:

855-805-0595

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.

Tulsa County Office

6660 S. Sheridan Road, Suite 240

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Oklahoma County Office 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 411 W

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR After a rather chaotic January, you may be itching for a drink. Luckily, February welcomes our spotlight on all things alcohol. We talk to some of Oklahoma’s most popular watering holes about the ways they stay relevant in a saturated market, plus the skills you need to tend bar and the world’s unwavering obsession with hard seltzers (page 44). The last year in education has been (and please forgive my use of this hackneyed word) unprecedented. In this month’s higher learning preview, professors, administrators and students alike give their reflections on the last two semesters of online instruction. We also discuss motivation tips, lucrative degree programs and ways to graduate with some ‘real-world’ expertise (page 24). Those looking to enact a little visual self-enhancement should check out our Image Matters feature (page 40). Learn about some surgical and non-invasive improvements from head to toe, ways to establish realistic expectations before a procedure and tips on when to begin anti-aging measures. We also delve into senior health, covering important safety measures for older adults living alone, plus a run-down of some common ailments and how to avoid them, and ways to be a good caregiver to an ailing parent (page 36). Other highlights include a look at justice funds in Tulsa and OKC that are helping the state’s black residents thrive (page 11); a piece on what it takes to become a meteorologist (page 7); and a write-up on a charming bed and breakfast in Norman (page 48). Stay safe and sane, Oklahoma. Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

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MARY WILLA ALLEN

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What’s HOT at

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Digital media is a popular and lucrative career choice. In tandem with our state story on the subject, we talk with area schools about their comprehensive programs. Stick around for a chat with Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and FIRST Robotics, which both foster a love for robotic creations in Oklahoma.

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Copyright © 2021 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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How are you feeling today? Check in with your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors. Ask them, “How are you feeling today?” Someone you know may be delaying important emergency care, chronic care or emotional care. Remind them to get the care they need. Remind them to reconnect with their doctor about ongoing care needs, and that delaying care could impact their health in a negative way. Remind them to ask about emotional health needs and health concerns that might be weighing on them. At Ascension St. John, appointments are available, with strict precautions in place for your safety in our care. Doctors are offering virtual visits. And when your friends and family need care more urgently, our emergency rooms and urgent care clinics are open and ready.

Share this message. And find the care you need at GetStJohnCare.com

The Future Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait, Why Should You?

You Belong Here. Tulsa Community College knows planning for your future is important now more than ever. To help you feel safe and secure weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering a variety of courses - from fully online and online live to blended and face-to-face classes - to support your need to learn, while keeping your future plans and your health and safety, on-track and on-budget. TulsaCC.edu

THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

WEATHERING THE STORM Meteorologists work around the clock to keep Oklahomans safe and informed.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Center in Norman utilize the newest technology to keep track of Oklahoma’s mercurial weather patterns. Photo courtesy NOAA

eteorology is a pretty broad topic. You can point your barometer toward studies in severe weather, atmosphere, hurricanes, climate change, wind patterns, radar research and development or even different instrumentation. Even better, Oklahoma is one of the best places in the nation to study most of those topics. Kaitlin Frost travels the U.S., speaking to K-12 students about meteorology as the outreach coordinator for the National Weather Center/College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Frost

works in OU’s one-of-a-kind facility, dedicated to meteorology education, where federal, state and university entities work together. The federal partner, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is also in the building. OU has the largest meteorology degree program in the nation and is an innovator in severe weather and radar research. Frost says meteorologists are first responders, and if you choose that career, finding the right school is important. “Each school has its own specialty research area,” she says.

Rick Smith, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office at OU, says jobs are ample. “Entry level jobs in the NWS are available in the 122 local forecast offices across the country and at our national forecast centers,” he says. “You need at least a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or other natural sciences.” Michael Biggerstaff, Ph.D., is a professor of meteorology at the NWS. He explains that while being bright and determined are great for future meteorologists, you really need “an

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | S TA R T I N G O F F Top to bottom: The National Weather Center oﬀers events for those interested in learning more about meteorology. Continual research and vigilance is key when tracking Oklahoma weather. Photos courtesy NOAA

innate passion for weather. Nearly all our students developed an interest in the atmosphere typically between five and ten years old.” Biggerstaff himself was only five when he decided to study weather. The trio of experts agree that

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

math, physics, chemistry and computer science are key to meteorology – and it’s smart to have a good foundation in those areas before college. During undergrad, “look for student research positions,” suggests Biggerstaff. “We hire many of our undergrads to assist in the research enterprise, giving them a leg up in competition for graduate school or jobs in the private sector.” Other options are available, however. “You can get your bachelor’s in meteorology, and go into the Air Force or Navy, where they’ll train you more, and then you are a federal meteorologist,” says Frost. “The military has over seven different U.S. centers that focus on weather.” Other career options include private weather companies that sell specific forecasts for things like shipping, concerts and sporting events. And, of course, broadcast meteorologists keep the general public informed on TV. No matter the path you choose, Oklahoma is a great place to be. “Scientists never want to be bored,” says Biggerstaff. “Oklahoma weather makes it one of the best places to be a meteorologist. Norman has the third highest concentration of weather-related jobs in the U.S. Most meteorologists would love to be here in the spring storm season.” But, Smith adds, “weather is everywhere, and there are job opportunities across the country.

Oklahoma weather can be frustrating and stressful. But those challenges make being a meteorologist here an interesting, rewarding experience.” A meteorologist’s day depends on the type of job. For many, hours can be long. “At the NWS locations, they have cots and food available,” says Frost. “Sometimes the weather is so bad you can’t leave the building.” Smith adds that a typical day can be 10 hours. “Your daily schedule depends on your job duties. Broadcasters have well-defined deadlines and have to put together their materials on a tight schedule,” he says. “And they perform public outreach, staying engaged with the local community.” At the NWS, Biggerstaff says, “there are forecasters working eight hour shifts around the clock, every day. On a quiet weather day, we produce routine forecasts for general weather, aviation and fire weather, as well as climate information. We interact with our television meteorologist partners, and our partners in emergency management and public safety. We’re active on social media.” KWTV News 9 meteorologist Lacey Swope, based in Oklahoma City, enjoys how diverse the state’s weather is. “The way the dynamics come together in Oklahoma make it a dream come true for a lover of atmospheric science,” she says. “At a television station, we throw everything at covering the weather. Storm trackers, dual-pol radar, helicopters and more. Being part of a team like this is amazing. I also love getting paid to talk about something I love.” But Swope admits the dynamic nature of Oklahoma’s weather keeps her and numerous other meteorologists on their toes. “It requires monitoring 24 hours a day. New data is always flooding in and has to be analyzed,” she says. “This takes away from family time and personal life sometimes. The weather doesn’t care if it is a holiday, a birthday, or if you don’t feel well. It has to be covered, and it is our job to keep people informed.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

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

GET MOD ABOUT IT Mid-century modern aesthetics in architecture, fashion and design have an avid following in Oklahoma.

The Okie Mod Squad brings together those interested in mid-century modern design. Photo courtesy Okie Mod Squad

t started with cocktail parties. “So we could see each other’s homes,” explains Terri Sadler, an early member of what became known as the Okie Mod Squad. Then, the small group created a Facebook page about all things mid-century modern and opened it to the public. “And that’s when it exploded,” says Sadler, who is also the marketing director for Fitzsimmons Architects in Oklahoma City. The Okie Mod Squad is mostly an online group, with more than 8,500 followers, and members share a love of architecture, design and fashion from the late 1930s to the early 1970s.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

“It started for me with fashion,” says Dawn Harth, who came up with the name for the group. “I’ve always loved 1960s styles. People on Halloween would ask to borrow things from my wardrobe for their costumes.” Harth knew she had found her perfect home when she first laid eyes on the 1962 architect-designed ranch style house her family purchased in 2008. “When you buy a house like this, you find other people who like this style, and we all stalk each other,” she says with a laugh. After they moved into the house in northwest Oklahoma City, Harth says, they no-

ticed fingerprints on the windows where people had been looking inside while it was for sale. Joe Jeldy, owner of ReModernOK in Oklahoma City, helps people fill their homes with mid-century décor from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. “I inherited a lot of antique furniture, turn-of-the-century stuff,” he says. “I woke up one day and said to myself that I appreciate the antiques, but it’s not my style. My daughter says it was my mid-life crisis.” Jeldy sought out mid-century modern pieces at estate sales, thrift stores and anywhere else he could find them. As his business grew, he started buying out entire estates and working with European importers. His hottest sellers are credenzas, dining room sets, lamps and barware. “I fell in love with the lines and the design and the history of this style,” he says. “My customer base is the millennials to the older customers who grew up in this era.” Melissa Hunt, executive director of the Oklahoma City Foundation for Architecture, says the big event of the year is Oklahoma Modernism Weekend, which features a swap meet, lecture series, fashion show, home tour and car show. The Okie Mod Squad recently became a committee of the foundation, which will help with fundraising and organizing Modernism Weekend, says Hunt. The name will not change, and the Okie Mod Squad Facebook page and blog will remain the same. Jeldy says when he was asked to help with Modernism Weekend, he was delighted to encounter “a group of like-minded people, who like to sit around and be nerds and talk about it.” Mid-century modern architecture is “a contemporary aesthetic, often with lots of glass, and a lot of emphasis on the function,” Hunt says. Quail Creek in Oklahoma City has many such homes, says Hunt, and “there are pockets of them around town.” Tulsa, Enid and Cushing also have fine examples of mid-century modern buildings, Sadler says. KIMBERLY BURK

T H E S TAT E | S O C I A L J U S T I C E

A STEP FORWARD

Shiloh Camp, an OKC Black Justice Fund grant recipient, was created to provide a fun and educational summer experience for OKC’s innercity children. Photo courtesy Shiloh Camp

Striving for racial equity, justice funds in OKC and Tulsa help black residents thrive.

fter former President Donald Trump announced he would hold a campaign rally in Oklahoma on Juneteeth, “everybody’s eyes were on Tulsa,” says Sherry Gamble-Smith, president and CEO of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Tulsa’s Juneteenth celebration. Bowing to criticism, Trump changed the date to June 20, and a groundswell of support for the African-American community made the Juneteenth celebration, held the day before the rally, a rousing success. Organizers then created the Tulsa Justice Fund, “for people to donate to the cause of standing up for justice, with all that was going on and is still going on,” says Gamble-Smith. Donations allowed the committee to ramp up the entertainment, engage the Rev. Al Sharpton as keynote speaker and “pass out a lot of hand sanitizer and masks,” says Gamble-Smith. The daylong event on Greenwood Avenue attracted people of all races and ethnicities, some of whom had never heard of Juneteenth. This holiday, also known as Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas, to inform residents that President Abraham Lincoln had freed

those enslaved, and that slave owners had to comply with the Emancipation Proclamation. This year’s Juneteenth celebration will be centered on the Tulsa Race Massacre centennial, and the Tulsa Justice Fund will help with new events, such as an art exhibit and short film festival. In Oklahoma City, 17 black-led organizations were awarded grants in November by the OKC Black Justice Fund, an initiative designed to be a quick response to calls for racial equity after the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. Cecilia Robinson-Woods, superintendent of Millwood Public Schools, served on the committee that disbursed nearly $300,000 in grant money, donated primarily by Oklahoma City foundations. Robinson-Woods said 60 of the 66 organizations that submitted requests were black-led. “I was surprised at how many organizations were working toward social justice in the black community,” says RobinsonWoods. “I learned a lot about the spirit of the black community.” The applicants were striving “to equip our residents to take advantage of opportunities, to be informed, to have good health,” she continues. Angela Hawkins, MD, is a member of the

Oklahoma Black Physicians Alliance, which was awarded a grant for start-up costs. “Our goal is to improve the health care disparities that we are seeing in the black community,” says Hawkins. “To create awareness, help the community get more access to treatment, and empower people to feel more comfortable advocating for themselves.” Self-advocacy, Hawkins says, includes getting appropriate preventive treatment, keeping chronic conditions under control and knowing the right questions to ask health care providers. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed plans for a health fair, but the OBPA has had a good response to educational videos posted on its Facebook page. “Historically, when you look at healthcare in African-American communities, we started out as having separate clinics that were poorly funded. The percentage of black patients insured is still less than the general population,” says Hawkins. “And there is still some level of bias in healthcare,” such as how people of color are treated for pain in hospital emergency rooms. OBPA and other grant recipients look to take steps toward a more equitable Oklahoma. KIMBERLY BURK

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

A HIDDEN LEGACY Rufus Cannon, a 19th century Deputy U.S. Marshal, was one of the most important African American lawmen of his time.

Rufus Cannon took down a bevy of criminals in Oklahoma Territory in the 19th century. Photo courtesy Kim Alene Ansberry/ Find a Grave

ake yourself back to the last decade of the 19th century, in what would become the state of Oklahoma – which was then divided roughly in half into Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory. The area was still reeling from the consequences of the Civil War and the forced placement of Native tribes. Outlaws and desperados took advantage of this reality to cause problems, but there were good guys too. Rufus Cannon was one of them. Cannon was a Deputy U.S. Marshal during this period who was, according to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, one of the most important African American lawmen in Oklahoma Territory. Born in Arkansas in 1847, Cannon also had Cherokee heritage. Much of Cannon’s activity as a Deputy U.S. Marshal took place during rough-and-tumble times in this part of the country, and his calling was a dangerous one. “Since the U.S. Marshals’ inception in 1789, over half of the marshals, deputies and posse [members] that have lost their life in the line of duty have lost it in Oklahoma,” says Mike Sheriff, historian and Living History educator with the Oklahoma Historical Society. Sheriff is recognized as an authority on the topic of U.S. Marshals in Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Marshals enforced law and order in the territories, and their deputies were charged with finding the outlaws hiding out there. But the laws were complicated when it came to who could make arrests in which territory. Deputies held commissions out of the federal courts in either Guthrie ( for Oklahoma Territory) or Fort Smith, Ark. ( for Indian Territory). But Cannon was commissioned out of both, which made him unique and effective. “Less than 5% of U.S. Marshals carried commissions out of both [Guthrie and Fort Smith], that was very rare, that way he could go across that line,” says Sheriff. Deputy Cannon made arrests throughout the territory, but his most famous tales involved two outlaws with recognizable names – Jesse Jackson and William “Bill” Doolin. During a gun battle with the Henry Starr gang, Cannon shot and captured Jesse Jackson, an infamous train robber. And, while riding with noted Deputy U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas, Cannon was instrumental in ending the career of Doolin, a member of the Dalton gang. Sheriff describes the scene: “Doolin comes walking down [the street] with a Winchester across his arm, leading a wagon.” He was taking his wife and child and purportedly trying to leave the territory to start a new life, Sheriff says. But Doolin’s crimes caught up with him, and a member of Cannon’s posse killed him. To this day, no one knows exactly who fired the shot. One newspaper gave credit to Cannon, but this was later retracted and Thomas was credited. Though it was a treacherous time in a wild place and he was doing dangerous work, Cannon went on to live to the venerable age of 103. He died in 1950 in Kansas City, going to show that the good guys do, sometimes, win. BONNIE RUCKER

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

T H E S TAT E | E D U C AT I O N

EVOLVING IN A VISUAL WORLD Graphic and multimedia design classes prepare students for lucrative futures.

Careers in digital media are competitive, and schools like Tulsa Technology Center prepare students to stand out from the crowd. Photo courtesy Tulsa Technology Center

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areers surrounding graphic design and animation are a necessity in the digital age. Luckily, schools and educational centers in Oklahoma are providing courses to expand students’ knowledge of digital media. Scott Williams, Ph.D, Tulsa Technology Center’s chief instruction officer and associate superintendent, says the school offers two programs that correspond to careers in graphic design and multimedia design. “Each program prepares students to acquire the credential and industry certifications,” he says. “Tulsa Tech aligns its programs with industry needs so students who successfully complete our programs and acquire certifications/credentials can be competitive in today’s ever-evolving workforce.” The visual graphic design and multimedia design courses help students express unique artistic vision, design and produce creative projects, create a strong foundation in digital design, utilize industry standard software and develop a professional design portfolio for their future careers, says Williams. “As media – more specifically digital media – plays an important role in how a company or organi-

zation communicates with its customers or stakeholders, graphic design and similar technical skills will be a critical component for success,” he says. “Its popularity is representative of both ‘industry need’ and characteristics common in careers that combine an artistic outlet with high levels of producing tangible results.” Tulsa Tech animation instructor Tony Johnson says not only is the digital design career field growing more and more relevant, but it is now quite a competitive market. “I feel we are living in a time where people seek visual information as fast as they can get it, can consume it, can be entertained, or informed by it,” says Johnson. “And this means our field is more relevant than ever.” Tulsa Tech provides an experience that touches on many different subjects and provides information and projects for the students, allowing them to explore this career field without the daunting expense of a traditional college experience, Johnson says. “This might save them some money, sure, but it really saves them time,” he says. “By helping them find their focus, we’ve potentially saved them from hours of wasted college credits and lost opportunities pursuing dead ends.”

Tulsa Tech has sister schools across Oklahoma that offer programs in design, photography and digital media. Students in the OKC metro can visit the MooreNorman Technology Center, and most four-year universities in Oklahoma offer a graphic design program or something similar. In the Tulsa area alone, the technology center is not the only place allowing Oklahomans to explore these interests. Nicole Burgin with Tulsa Community college says the school offers digital media as an interdisciplinary area of study, combining computer science, art, video, music, journalism/mass communications and design. With design and animation gaining more and more popularity in Tulsa, the Tulsa metropolitan area predicts a 7.4% increase in graphic design jobs by 2025, says Burgin. These design courses are not only for the people interested in pursuing careers in these fields either. “The combination of work readiness skills, combined with technical competency, can benefit students across multiple industries,” says Williams. “It’s a definite way to differentiate yourself.” KAYLIE COTTEN

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

TOMORROW’S TECHIES TODAY Robotics groups provide STEM students with a creative outlet.

obotics creations from Oklahoma’s children and young adults educate and entertain, and clubs are continuing with a few pandemic restrictions. Every year in Oklahoma, more than 5,000 students visit the FIRST Robotics Competition to strut their technical stuff, with children as young as kindergartners up to high school seniors joining in the fun. In order to prepare for such competitions, clubs around Oklahoma help mold science-savvy future professionals, with after-school opportunities to learn STEM skills via hands-on computer aided design, mechanical assembly and collaborative competition among peers. “The competition, right now, is mostly virtual,” says Harold Holley, the competition’s Oklahoma director. “We usually reserve space for 1,000 spectators and media. But right now, we’re finding other way for teams on the local levels to demonstrate their prowess where they are. Some teams meet virtually, some are in person and socially distanced, and all are following the rules, as its documented live on Zoom, with judges watching from afar as the teams complete their missions.” Adults and college students participate as mentors and coaches by providing assistance in everything from budget creation to planning the steps to execute an ideal robotic design, says Holley. For those feeling intimidated, you don’t have to be an engineering student to participate. Small children competing start with Legos and, as age and experience progress, “it gets very technical, using professional, industry-level components and the same lab-use software that engineers use,” says Holley. “When they compete, it’s different than typical high school competitions, like football team versus team. In most robotics competitions, alliances are formed with other schools, and your alliance is also competing with other alliances; the alliance is what wins,” he continues. “It teaches gracious competition, because ev

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

The FIRST Robotics Competition brings together talented students who need to collaborate to win. Photo by Cynthia White Photography

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FOR BONUS ONLINE CONTENT, VISIT OKMAG.COM/ TOMORROWSTECHIES ery two and a half minutes, your alliance partner changes, and your ‘enemy’ turns into your partner, and you don’t want to, for example, break a partner’s robot from completing a challenge, like stacking cubes or climbing. You work together as alliances to score points in each round to add up to an average score. At the end of the tournament, it goes into a championship round.” Robotics is an all-ages endeavor with many facets, says Xan Black, executive director of the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance. “Robotics have been around a long time, gaining popularity in the past two decades especially,” says Black. “FIRST Robotics is a huge, internationally popular program and includes partners like the Office of Naval Research, for example, for underwater robotics. There’s a lot of

different types, including air, land and sea robots that students can build and compete with as a team.” Student creations can get extremely technical on the high school level, says Black, with robots completing tasks like throwing a Frisbee into a small slot, dumping recycling bins or other complicated maneuvers, some inspired by current events. “When the teens were rescued from that cave in Indonesia, that led to more water competitions where the robotics are tasked with retrieving an object through obstacles,” says Black. “This teaches kids of real-world relevance. We want this hobby to help them see jobs in Oklahoma, with ties to Williams, American Airlines and many more, and for them to see a way forward with science.” TRACY LEGRAND

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THE PROFESSIONALS FINANCIAL ADVISOR What are some solutions in today’s challenging retirement income environment? Given the record low interest rates, you might want to consider other strategies to generate retirement income that is sufficient to meet your ongoing needs. Here are five strategies. 1. Maximize Social Security. The later in DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® life you begin collecting Social Security, the higher your monthly benefit. 2. Give dividend-paying stocks a closer look. Stocks that pay a competitive dividend can help generate income and a reliable form of “built-in” return in your equity portfolio. 3. Try to boost Roth IRAs. Distributions from Roth IRAs have the potential to be free of taxes. 4. Consider a “bucket” strategy for your investments. Segment your retirement portfolio into three “buckets” that represent different time periods when you’ll need to tap those dollars. 5. Add stability with annuities. Annuities can generate a consistent stream of income for a set period of years, over the course of your lifetime, or the lifetime of you and another person.

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

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

SWINGIN’ OUR WAY Morey Sullivan and the Brazo Valley Boys look to make western swing appealing to future generations.

The band is pictured here on stage at Tulsa’s beloved Cain’s Ballroom. Photo courtesy Morey Sullivan

n our current book, TwentiethCentury Honky-Tonk, co-writer Brett Bingham and I devote a good number of pages to the role Tulsa played in the development and popularization of the music that came to be known as western swing. The Oklahoma part of the story started after bandleader Bob Wills brought his group, the Playboys, across the Red River, changing its name to the Texas Playboys and, after a short stint in Oklahoma City, hooking up with the powerful Tulsa radio station KVOO. A year or so afterwards, in 1935, the third leg of the three-legged stool was added: the Cain’s Ballroom, which became the band’s home base and the site of the famed noon shows and dance broadcasts. The Cain’s was the kitchen where Wills concocted his musical stew, adding ingredients as he went along. Building on a base of Southwestern fiddle music, he threw in dollops of big-band swing, pop, Dixieland jazz, blues, country and Mexican music. His experimental

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

nature led him to try just about anything – as long as people could dance to it. As a result, the western-swing sound cooked up from his ever-changing recipe became wide open and fluid. Others added and subtracted to the formula, coming up with their own variations. One of the most successful was a singer, songwriter, guitarist and bandleader named Hank Thompson. Born 20 years after Wills, Thompson not only played many of the same venues with his Brazos Valley Boys; he also maintained his predecessor’s keen sense of experimentation. Thompson’s lengthy recorded oeuvre includes such outside-thelines albums as 1972’s Cab Driver (A Salute to the Mills Brothers) and 1975’s Hank Thompson Sings The Hits of Nat King Cole – both tributes to pop artists – and one from 1967 called The Countrypolitan Sound of Hank Thompson’s Brazos Valley Boys, a disc with symphonic leanings. (Thompson’s longtime manager, Jim Halsey, has told me the Countrypolitan LP was an effort to expand the band’s audience outside the boundaries of western-swing and country.) Thompson passed away in 2007, having spent some five decades as a recording artist and live attraction. His Brazos Valley Boys, however, have continued under the direction of bassist and vocalist Morey Sullivan, playing jobs on their own and

occasionally releasing new discs. And, just as that experimental musical spirit passed from Bob Wills to Hank Thompson, Thompson’s willingness to work other genres into his music extends to the current version of the Brazos Valley Boys. For evidence, check out the band’s new disc – its first since 2006. Called Swingin’ Our Way, it features a couple of tunes that’ll be familiar to western-swing fans, “Blues for Dixie” and “Brain Cloudy Blues,” along with 11 others taken from genres ranging from country (the Red Foley hit “Midnight”) to big-band jazz (Johnny Hodges’ “Blues O’Mighty”) to hard bop (Charlie Parker’s “Ornithology”) to ’70s rock (“This Masquerade” by Leon Russell). Plenty of classic pop music and a dash of R&B (courtesy of the Ray Charles composition “Hallelujah I Love Her So”) complete the package. It’s an adventurous collection, and it makes perfect sense to Sullivan. Swingin’ Our Way, he says, “contains material from each genre of music that, together, form western swing: country, Dixieland, big-band swing, jazz and blues. I feel it’s a western-swing ‘roots’ album from the Great American Songbook. “I took seriously what Hank told me many times: ‘Be yourself; don’t copy anyone,’” he adds. “This CD is exactly that. We are doing our own thing, while honoring the BVB who were before us, and whose shoulders we are on.” The Brazos Valley Boys have long had strong Oklahoma connections. Not only did Hank Thompson work out of both Oklahoma City and the Tulsa area during various stages of his life; many of his band members – a couple of great ones, fiddler Curly Lewis and drummer Paul McGhee come immediately to mind – hailed from northeastern Oklahoma. Of the current group, steel-guitarist J.D. Walters and trumpeter Mike Moore come from the Tulsa area, as does Gary Sullivan, who not only played drums but also recorded the group in his Broken Arrow studio. Longtime western-swing and jazz guitarist Joe Settlemires, who turns in particularly nice work on “Blues O’Mighty,” is from Oklahoma City. And while Sullivan himself currently

resides outside of Kansas City, he spent a good decade, from about 1975 through ’85, in Tulsa. He lived there, in fact, when he started with the Brazos Valley Boys in ’79 – and, like many musical Tulsans in the ’70s, he became acquainted with hometown hero Leon Russell, which might have something to do with the inclusion of “This Masquerade” on Swingin’ Our Way. “He wasn’t a buddy, but I knew him, and I loved that song and thought it was just so insightful and emotional – just a gut-wrenching song,” says Sullivan. “I thought it ought to be a duet, because it takes two people, in this case, to have a masquerade. So to have both a male singer and a female singer was the obvious thing to do.” On Swingin’ Our Way, Sullivan’s daughter Elizabeth sings “This Masquerade” with her father. It’s one of the most powerful, and most adventurous, tracks on the album. In fact,

Sullivan feels that it’s the most adventurous. And that’s just fine with him. “We went out and tried to do an album like this because I’m very concerned that western-swing music is just going to flutter off and die someday,” he explains. “I don’t know of a lot of young people who are getting involved in it, or want to be involved in it. There are some, I know, but not a lot. I go to these western-swing festivals, and it’s a bunch of old people like me.” He laughs. “Three or four years ago,” he adds, “we played with [ former Texas Playboys vocalist] Leon Rausch at the western-swing festival in Snyder, Texas. Leon wanted to open the show, so we opened and then I listened to two or three bands after us, and we all played just about the same songs, you know? I love that music, but it struck me that we’re doing the same old stuff, over and over again, without including new tunes. And

we’ve got to include them to get the attention of younger people, who would love western swing if they were exposed to it.” Sullivan knows that this approach doesn’t come without risks. He remembers his former boss telling him about what happened when the Thompson album of Mills Brothers covers came out. “Hank told me himself that he was lambasted by the purists, the western-swing purists,” recalls Sullivan. “He was out of the boundaries of his caste.” The same thing, Sullivan notes, happened to his own band at another western-swing festival south of the Red River. “One of the instrumentals we were doing was a song by [jazz great] Miles Davis, ‘Kinda Blue,’” he remembers. “And we heard that we were not welcome in the future because we did a Miles Davis tune. Now, we were doing all the regular old [westernswing] tunes, but when we did

that, somebody just didn’t like it, didn’t like the fact that we were doing things beyond the normal catalog.” Sullivan and the rest of the band might run into the same sort of resistance from some quarters with their new disc. That doesn’t, however, seem to concern its leader at all. “You know, I don’t care any more if I’m in trouble, because I truly believe what we’re doing is what we ought to do,” he says. “I’m not going to just fall in line and try to sound like Bob Wills every time we play, or even try to sound like the old Brazos Valley Boys every time we play. Everything – including the tectonic plates of Earth – are moving and changing. We have to change as well. As the old saying goes, ‘if you’re sitting still, you’re going backwards.’” Information on Swingin’ Our Way can be found at brazosvalleyboys.com. JOHN WOOLEY

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LIFE & STYLE

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

ENGLAND’S GLAMOROUS ART DECO ISLAND HOTEL Burgh Island channels the 1930s for a trip back in time.

For those in search of a remote yet glamorous getaway, Burgh Island provides the perfect mix. Photos by Victoria Gibbs courtesy Sapience Communications Limited

tep back in time with me. It’s the late ’30s. Mickey Mouse is about to battle an army of brooms carrying water buckets in Fantasia; Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis are luring us into “air-chilled” movie theaters; the number one song is Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine” by Artie Shaw; and Agatha Christie is writing Evil Under the Sun, a murder mystery featuring an engaging Belgian detective named Hercule Poirot, who finds himself on holiday at a secluded beach resort in Devon when mischief ensues. The resort in question is, in fact, Burgh Island, off the United Kingdom coast along the English Channel. Specifically, the Burgh Island Hotel, the only thing on Burgh Island besides a pub. In 1929, Archibald Nettlefold, a filmmaker, bought the island and built a hotel in a full-throated salute to an exciting, new style that was becoming popular: Art Deco. Thankfully, the hotel has embraced it ever since. To close the loop on the whole Poirot thing, the clincher is that Agatha Christie wrote Evil Under the Sun while staying on Burgh Island in a writer’s cabin she built for her personal use. It’s located below the hotel

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

L I F E & S T Y L E | D E S T I N AT I O N S right on the water; it’s been updated and it’s rentable. Christie also wrote And Then There Were None in that cottage. But back to our star, the hotel itself. Inside those doors, it’s the 1930s (with Wifi) and the illusion is complete. The staff is meticulous in their attention to detail, from the Burgh Island bespoke toiletries to the love and care given the hundreds of remarkable Art Deco pieces of furniture, light fixtures, fabric and artwork. Each of the 25 rooms and suites bears the name of a longtime friend. There’s the Noel Coward Suite, the Josephine Baker Room, the Lord Louis Mountbatten Room and the Bentley Room, named after W. O. Bentley, who in 1920 designed and built the revolutionary Bentley 3 Litre automobile. Monsieur Nettlefold owned three. Dinner in the Grand Ballroom is always a dress up affair – dress up as in black ties and evening dresses. But it’s worth it. The dinners are fabulous, matched only by the free-flowing Art Deco ambiance that permeates the exquisite ballroom itself. Prefer to not dress up? No worries, the hotel’s Nettlefold is a very fine seafood restaurant whose maritime connection extends into an area they call the Captain’s Cabin. Because that’s what it is – the actual captain’s cabin from the HMS Ganges, a warship built in 1821. Meanwhile, in the hotel’s fabled Palm Court, the peacock domed glass ceiling, velvet furniture and elegant stylings of the 1930s makes you feel like Jean Harlow or Clark Gable as you enter. The lounge is a sedate tea room by day and a full-service cocktail bar at night. Jazz musicians and dance bands perform weekly, and murder mystery weekends are held regularly. If you feel like exploring, there are good walking trails. Ruins of a small chapel are up at the top of the hill. It’s thought it was also

used as a huer’s hut, from which watchmen would raise a “hue and cry” when they saw shoals of pilchard fish. The pub the fishermen frequented, the Pilchard Inn, is still there. They’ve been serving up good food and drink since 1336. Yes – 1336. Burgh is a tidal island, which means

it’s really only a part-time island. At low tide, it’s not an island at all. You can walk to it. But at high tide, when the causeway is submerged, the hotel calls out their one-of-a-kind raised-platform Sea Tractor to ferry guests to and from the mainland, 270 yards away. CHUCK MAI

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

A HAPPY HEART Keeping this vital organ pumping along at a strong and steady pace is crucial for overall wellness.

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In addition, more than 650,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, which comes out to one in every four deaths. “Heart disease is any pathologic process that leads to a breakdown in the heart’s ability to perform its function,” says Richard Kacere, a cardiologist with Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. “The most common type of heart

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

disease is coronary artery disease – the basic process where the arteries develop plaque buildup and blockages which restrict blood flow.” He says those at highest risk to develop heart disease, especially of the coronary arteries, are those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and a family history for heart disease at a young age. Christina Murray, a cardiologist with OU Health in Oklahoma City, says coronary heart disease can affect people younger than you might think. “Two in ten are less than 65 years of age,” says Murray. “We see the classical type of heart attack – STEMI – even in people in their 30s. Incidence rates, or how likely someone in the population is to suffer the disease, are overall down, but still too common.” She says the newer blood pressure guidelines are more aggressive than those used in the past. “Normal blood pressure is defined as a 120/80,” says Murray. “Though people may feel ‘normal’ at a higher blood pressure, over time, that may take a toll. We often find that there are subtle symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness or even fatigue that can be improved with treatment of elevated blood pressure.” Other common heart diseases include heart failure and atrial fibrillation. “Heart failure is classically thought of as fluid retention associated with shortness of breath and swelling ... and can be very manageable with medications and improve significantly over

time,” says Murray. “Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, which puts you at risk for stroke or heart failure if not well-managed. Today’s engaged patient may detect their own rhythm abnormality through use of an Apple watch or another wearable. It’s important to then partner with a physician on controlling the disease and assessing need for other medications, such as blood thinners.” Kacere says many heart disease risk factors are preventable and can be improved by lifestyle changes. “It has been well established that populations of people around the world who eat a mostly plantbased diet of a broad spectrum of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts tend to have much lower rates of heart disease,” says Kacere. “These people also tend to live healthier lifestyles in general, with daily exercise of some kind, community relationships, practicing a faith, getting adequate sleep, etc.” Murray offers the following heart healthy recommendations: • Control your blood pressure; • Don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke or tobacco; • Manage your cholesterol and start medications if you are in key risk groups – elevated cholesterol, diabetic or known vascular disease; • Follow a heart healthy diet (DASH/DASH Mediterranean) and when appropriate, restrict sodium; • Get regular exercise (150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of high intensity exercise); “Most importantly, don’t be afraid to seek help from a physician,” says Murray. “Cardiology and primary care physicians are dedicated to helping to you improve outcomes and will be eager to partner with you to get you on the right path.” REBECCA FAST

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

CENTERING THE MIND Meditation can ease anxieties and help participants live more peaceful lives.

fter such a tumultuous year, has there ever been a greater time to learn how to better manage stress? If you listen to local yoga and meditation experts, that answer would be a resounding, “No!” “Meditation is an ancient discipline that helps us pull away from the busy, chaotic world and connect to our inner self, to realize peace and bliss and come to a state of relaxation,” says Dee Mathis, the founder and owner of Free Spirit Yoga Studio and Meditation Sanctuary in Oklahoma City. She adds that there are many types of meditation, and she believes it’s very helpful to have a guide or teacher when learning the discipline. Some of the benefits of meditation can include better breathing, soothing pain, calming nerves, increasing brain power, allowing better sleep and improving one’s concentration. “Meditation calms your mind, calms your body, calms your brain and calms your nervous system,” says Mathis. “Stress is well known to lead to much disease and illness. Meditation helps to calm frustration and depression and helps us drift into peaceful sleep.” When Mathis was confronted with an stressed parent who had an 8-year-old daughter having panic attacks, Mathis agreed to put together a relaxation program for the child so the little girl could avoid taking medication for her anxiety. “I also teach a more advanced form of meditation called heartfulness,” she says. “We meditate on the divine light in the heart, the place of love.” Mathis urges would-be practitioners to visit the website to learn more at heartfulness.org. Victor M. Parachin is the director of the Tulsa Yoga Meditation Center. While he says there is no single definition of meditation that is complete or exhaustive, he finds a definition by John H. Clark to be useful which, in part, states meditation is ‘a method by which a person concentrates more and more upon less and less.’ “The most effective way to learn meditation is to take private lessons with an experienced meditation teacher and/or to sit regularly with a group,” says Parachin. “After that, regularly meditating will deepen one’s practice.” For those with a tendency to fidget, there are several options. “Not everyone is comfortable sitting silently,” says Parachin. “So other styles of meditation include chanting meditation, mantra meditation, visualization, guided meditation and trataka meditation, which involves gazing at a candle or image.” Parachin says simple experimenting can lead a person to find the right fit. “Try silent meditation, and, if that works, keep doing it,” he says. “If it doesn’t work, try another way. Trying a variety of styles will generally lead a person to something that resonates with their personality and needs.” Want to break a sweat and center your mind? Yoga, according to Parachin, is a meditation practice in and of itself when done alone, when each movement is done mindfully, linked to the breath. “It’s a little more challenging to do yoga as a meditation in a group class setting, though a good teacher will offer some meditation at the beginning or at the end of the session,” he says. DEBI TURLEY

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & ST YLE | OUTSIDE THE METRO

A VISIT UP NORTH Bartlesville has a wildlife preserve, museums and architecture galore.

A At Woolaroc, visitors can enjoy mountain man encampments with dedicated guides. Photo courtesy Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

FOR MORE

INFORMATION: Visit Bartlesville: 800-364-8708 visitbartlesville.com Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve: 918-336-0307 woolaroc.org Price Tower Art Center: 918-336-4949 pricetower.org Frank Phillips Home: 918-336-2491 frankphillipshome.org

new welcome center under construction at the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve is just one of the reasons a quick getaway trip up U.S. 75 to Bartlesville is well worth a thought, as spring beckons and the COVID-19 threat (hopefully) wanes. The city of an estimated 35,000-plus people has several other attractions that complement Woolaroc, the 3,700-acre working ranch and museum that was once the country retreat of Phillips Petroleum Company founder Frank Phillips. Located about 12 miles southwest of Bartlesville off State Highway 123, Woolaroc is undergoing big changes, says Kaci Fouts, the operation’s strategic planning director. Most notable of these changes is a new welcome center in the revamped former heritage center, which will offer indoor dining for the first time, along with a new playground for youngsters. Fouts said Woolaroc’s spring and summer schedule hasn’t been finalized, but that the indoor dining facility is something visitors have asked for. The center replaces an area that has become outdated and wasn’t handicap-accessible. In addition to indoor dining, the welcome center will serve as a venue for weddings and other events. “We’re pretty excited about it,” she says. But Woolaroc is only one of the attractions that make Bartlesville an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or extended stay. Start with downtown’s 19-story, copper-and-concrete Price Tower – a skyscraper designed by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally planned for New York City, it was built instead in downtown Bartlesville for the A.C. Price Pipeline Company. Price Tower includes an art gallery, restau-

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

rant that offers a “chef in residence” program, and a 19-room boutique hotel. Throw in the city’s 20th century, neo-classical Frank Phillips home, add the Phillips Petroleum Company Museum and the Bartlesville Area History Museum, and you’ve got a steady line-up of attractions. Visit Bartlesville’s executive director Maria S. Gus says it isn’t hard to find accommodations to suit nearly every budget. “We have about 600 hotel rooms, downtown and on U.S. 75 – midrange and budget,” she says. In addition to the Price Tower, downtown accommodations include the 100-room Hilton Garden Inn. Downtown, the Price Tower Art Center was originally designed for Manhattan in 1929 as one of a cluster of three apartment towers, according to the Price Tower website. It wasn’t built due to the Great Depression’s economic effects. Wright built it instead in Bartlesville and nicknamed it “The Tree that Escaped the Crowded Forest” of Manhattan. New to Bartlesville’s downtown area is Tower Center at Unity Square that opened in May, says Gus, which hosts a variety of public events plus a summer concert series. “It’s our version of urban green space, and the community has really embraced it,” she says. The opulent, 26-room Frank Phillips mansion, managed by the Frank Phillips Foundation, was built in 1909 and remains almost entirely unchanged since Phillips and his family lived there. It offers visitors a fascinating look at how one of Oklahoma’s most prominent families lived in the early years of Oklahoma statehood. HENRY DOLIVE

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FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

A Look to the

Future

By Kimberly Burk

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tumultuous year for higher education, and students, professors and administrators have felt the heat. We talk to some of Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universities about the last year of virtual learning, ways to drum up motivation for athome instruction, study tips and lucrative degree programs.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

A Year in Review: Online Learning

Left: OSU’s Stillwater campus welcomes students back with masks and social distancing. Photo by Gary Lawson courtesy Oklahoma State University Below: With a few adjustments, students at OU continue to learn and thrive. Photo by Travis Caperton courtesy the University of Oklahoma

Phil Gibson, a University of Oklahoma biology professor, described himself as “an old dog, and not much for changing my ways.” Then, COVID-19 happened. Colleges across the state locked down after spring break in 2020, finishing the semester with remote-only classes. Then, fall classes were either online or masked-up, socially distanced affairs. “I’ve been teaching for 32 years,” says Gibson, “and the pandemic has caused me to completely re-think why I teach and how I teach.” When exams went online, for example, cheating may have become an issue. “I started talking to my colleagues and told them the problem is, we’ve taught the students that what is important is memorizing,” he says. “So, it’s incumbent on me to write better questions, and to make them think.” Gibson developed a podcast, BioTA, producing seven episodes during the fall. He was motivated by what he calls “science denial. I kept hearing a lot of really dumb stuff about COVID and viruses. I use it to address bad information,” he says.

Tulsa Community College kept classes online during the summer as faculty geared up for fall. “We really shored up and invested in resources,” says Angela Sivadon, the school’s senior vice president and chief academic officer. “We had a 40-hour workshop called Online Teaching Fundamentals. Some faculty had never taught online.” Consistency was key, Sivadon says, with attention paid to small details, such as placing the syllabus for every course in the same spot on the Zoom software. “Faculty shared ideas,” she continues. “Library staff did research on best practices. It was really a concerted effort from everybody at the college to make sure we delivered the same quality education across the board.” Susan Johnson, associate vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, says student input was crucial for online teaching success. Classes were about 50/50 online and on-site in the fall, Johnson says, and for the spring semester, “we still have a healthy mix of online, remote-in and face-to-face. We’ve learned from students that they want options.” Deborah Moore-Russo, who teaches math at OU, says that while she had previously taught online, many of her colleagues had not. To help, the math faculty “put in all kinds of hours making sure we knew how to do things,” she says. “On Zoom, we taught ourselves how to go into individual breakout rooms. We learned to display our screens. We made sure we knew how to capture videos and post videos, and looked at different ways to have active student learning.” To help students deal with absences caused by quarantines, instructors made changes during the fall semester, such as giving five calculus exams rather than three, “so each exam was not such a big event,” says Moore-Russo. Susan Stansberry is a professor in educational technology at OSU in Stillwater who built the school’s online teaching certificate program. “I’ve been ready for this since 1998,” she says. “You can provide an outstanding learning experience online.” Stansberry has taught online-only for several years, helping graduate students perfect their virtual teaching skills. Her department offers workshops for kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, which were discounted and revised to better meet needs during a stressful time. “It made me realize how little I was paying attention to the social-emotional aspect of teaching,” she says. “It forced me to pay more attention to the needs of my students, who are adults, and some of them working. Some have families.” Melissa Craft, an OU Health Sciences Center nursing professor, says her college prioritized hands-on learning. “We pivoted to providing didactic courses online so that we could preserve hands-on learning in lab, simulation and clinical settings, as these are challenging to substitute in the virtual environment,” she says. “Students learned how to don and doff PPE, quarantined as necessary, observed social distancing whenever possible and learned how to be a COVID-19 ready nurse.” These students also came out in droves to help with community COVID testing. “Every time we have opened up sign-up sheets for our students to participate with us on the front lines, our needs have filled within minutes,” she says. “Our students are so ready to make a difference in ending this pandemic.” FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Ways to Motivate

Moving work and school online brings a lot of challenges – one of the biggest being finding that motivation to work at home. Students and professors alike felt the struggle. Soon after the fall semester got underway at Oklahoma State University, student Paige Thomas adopted a strict schedule. If she adhered to it during the day, she rewarded herself in the evening. She learned that some treats are more beneficial than others. “The emotional weight of living through a pandemic made unhealthy eating more attractive,” says Thomas, a Jenks native who graduated in December with a degree in strategic communications. “I’m a sucker for Hershey’s Kisses.” Her classes were online, and she viewed the lectures at designated times during the day, working around her campus job as an editorial intern. “I gave myself a good chunk of time in the evenings to go work out and to hang out with friends,” says Thomas. “Living in the sorority house, it was nice to always have people around. But a lot of friendships were strained because we were spending a lot more time together.” Jessica Farquhar, student success coordinator at the Northeastern State University Advising Center, says some of her students struggled at first with the technological aspects of going online, while others got derailed by how the pandemic affected their personal lives. “I ask them what happened, how they can change it, and we do a learning strategies assessment,” says Farquhar. “I encourage them to build a calendar on Google Calendar.” Phil Gibson, a biology professor at the University of Oklahoma, says he was actually energized by the process of moving his classes online. “I was nervous as can be, starting the class this fall. Now I’m looking forward to the spring,” he says in early January. “I would not be disappointed if they wanted me to keep lecturing online.” Gibson says he could work mostly from home, but goes to campus to record his lectures. “If I stay home, I will go out in my garden and start piddling,” he says. “My dog will distract me.”

Lucrative Degrees

COVID-19 has not dissuaded nursing students at Tulsa Community College, says Angela Sivadon, senior vice president and chief academic officer. In fact, she says “the pandemic has encouraged many people to go into nursing and healthcare occupations.” Nursing students, she says, “still wanted to do their clinicals even though they were at higher risk. They wanted to graduate and be able to go out and help in the community.” Nurses have been called the “Swiss army knife of health care,” says Melissa Craft, associate professor in the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing. “Nurses work on the streets taking care of homeless people, they work with people who are dying and want to stay in their homes surrounded by loved ones and receive relief from pain and distress, they work with new mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression and need support, and they work with drug addicts who are trying to stay clean long enough to get a new heart valve.” Starting salaries for four-year degree nurses range from $55,000 to $80,000 a year. Engineering, information technology, education, communication, business and energy management are other good career choices, says Christy Caves, executive director of the Center for Career Development and Professional Engagement at the University of Tulsa. Top employers of TU graduates include Haliburton, Honeywell, Phillips 66, BOK Financial, ONEOK, St. John Medical Center, Saint Francis Health System and Paycom. The average starting salary is $72,918 for graduates of the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, which includes majors like computer science, petroleum engineering and cyber security. Business graduates have an average starting salary of $71,888 annually; health sciences graduates start at $51,165; arts and sciences graduates start at $43,616.

Above: Students at OPSU observe distancing guidelines for in-person classes. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Panhandle State University Right: Lecture halls look a bit diﬀerent at TCC this semester. Photo courtesy Tulsa Community College

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

TAHLEQUAH • MUSKOGEE • BROKEN ARROW • ONLINE

You Belong

HERE!

#23 BEST

REGIONAL COLLEGES WEST 2021

OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY 24577 Oklahoma Panhandle State University.indd 1

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Career-Ready Degrees Affordable Tuition Engaged Faculty Online Class Options

Go2NSU.com

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FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Nailing College Applications

Prepping for the ‘Real World’

MaKenze Anderson says a variety of experiences prepared her to enter the “real world” after graduating from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell. “I learned a lot from my family, and I was very fortunate to work at one of the local banks through all my summers and Christmas breaks,” says Anderson, a Boise City native who holds an agricultural business degree and now works for OPSU as an Academic Resource Center coordinator. Anderson recommends the kind of job experience she gained while in college, and the Academic Resource Center offers job placement assistance for undergraduates, graduating seniors and alumni. Employers post openings on the Aggie Job Board, and students can send resumes to potential employers directly from her department. Students can drop by anytime for advice and help with resumes, and career fairs are held annually. During the career fairs, she says, “they set up in the hallways, and students can bring their resumes and gain a lot of networking skills just learning how to talk to employers.” There’s also a senior-alumni mixer at a restaurant in nearby Guymon, where employers provide appetizers and students dress professionally, bring their resumes and talk to employers in a more relaxed setting. OPSU also offers business classes where students can learn skills such as salary negotiation and managing retirement accounts, Anderson says.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

The college admission process is either automatic or holistic, according to the University of Oklahoma admissions office. Automatic admission guarantees entrance to students with certain GPAs, test scores and/or class ranks. OU uses the holistic process, based on a variety of factors such as student life and letters of recommendation. The essay, according to the admissions office, “is a way to express creativity and to show us who you are. This is your time to shine about what kind of person you are outside of your academics.” OU accepts up to three letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or coaches. “Letters of recommendation help us understand you from the perspective of others,” according to tips for submitting a college application found on the OU website. On the application form, students should list high school activities such as leadership roles, community service and work experience.

Study Tips

Self-discipline is often the first skill a college student needs to acquire, says Jessica Farquhar, student success coordinator at the Northeastern State University Advising Center. “My students often have a steep learning curve with time management,” she says. “Things go smoother after that.” Instructors are there to help, but they expect their students to read the syllabus and not count on frequent reminders about project due dates, says Farquhar. “You need to study two to three hours outside of class for each hour spent in class,” she continues. “And just reading your notes is not studying.” All-night cramming is a bad idea, she advises. “A good night’s sleep will help you utilize your thoughts,” she says. “It’s better to go over your notes 30 minutes a day throughout the semester.” And study groups, she says, are good ... if they don’t turn into social events. Students at NSU mask up to attend in-person courses. Photo courtesy Northeastern State University

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Year after year, Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 classes continue OKLAHOMA to impress. Don’t miss the 2021 honorees in our April issue. Advertising opportunities available. Contact advertising@okmag.com or call 918.744.6205

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Learn more about applying to medical school at medicine.okstate.edu.

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FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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EXPLORE the possibilties Virtual Open House Feb.23 Private tours offered by appointment Monday-Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. For virtual campus tours and more information about admission or financial aid, call 918-879-4755. Or visit hollandhall.org/admission/open-house.

Address/phone/website

Enrollment

Student/teacher ratio

Grades

Standardized testing

Foreign languages/sports programs/arts and music programs

Number of teachers with advanced degrees

Scholarships and/or needbased financial aid

Uniforms

All Saints Catholic School

299 S. Ninth St., Tulsa/918-251-3000/ allsaintaba.com

370

12:1

PreK-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

French, Latin, Spanish/ Yes/Yes

Yes

Augustine Christian Academy

6310 E. 30th St., Tulsa/918-832-4600/ acatulsa.org

200

10:1

PreK-12

Other

Hebrew, Latin/No/Yes

Yes

Bishop Kelley High School

3905 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa/918-627-3390/ bishopkelley.org

941

11.76:1

9-12

ACT

French, Latin, Spanish/ Yes/Yes

Yes

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

801 N.W. 50th St., OKC/405-842-6638/ bmchs.org

740

12:1

9-12

ACT, EXPLORE, SAT

French, Latin, Spanish/ Yes/Yes

Yes

Casady School

9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave., OKC/405749-3100/casady.org

949

16:1

PreK-12

ACT

Arabic, Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Cascia Hall Preparatory School

2520 S. Yorktown Ave., Tulsa/918-746-2604/casciahall.com

535

10:1

6-12

ACT, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, SAT, other

Chinese, French, German, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Christian Montessori Academy

3702 S. 90th E. Ave., Tulsa/918-628-6524/

10:1

Ages 3-12

None

Crossings Christian School

14400 N. Portland Ave., OKC/405-842-8495/ crossingsschool.org

1,055

20:1

PreK-12

Heritage Hall

1800 N.W. 122nd St., OKC/405-749-3000/ heritagehall.com

890

16:1

Holland Hall

5666 E. 81st St., Tulsa/918-481-1111/ hollandhall.org

1,006

Holy Family Classical School

820 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa/918-582-0422/ holyfamilyclassicalschool.org

Immanuel Lutheran Christian Academy

Religious aﬀiliation

School

Guide

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect school for your child, Oklahoma offers a variety of private educational opportunities for elementary, middle or high school. With Oklahoma Magazine’s Private School Guide, you can learn more about the things that matter, like tuition rates, student/teacher ratios, religious afﬁliations and scholarship/ﬁnancial aid offerings.

Annual tuition

Private School

$5,107-$5,857

$7,500 $9,975 (Catholic

Catholic

Inter-denominational

parishoners)

Catholic

Yes

$10,325 (Catholic) $14,515 (Standard)

Catholic

Yes

$21,370 (Highest grade)

Episcopal

Yes

$15,925

Augustinian Catholic

Spanish, French (UpperElementary)/No/Yes

$7,000

Christian

ACT, SAT, other

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$9,575-$10,250

Non-denominational

PreK-12

ACT, EXPLORE, SAT

Chinese, French, Spanish/ No/Yes

Yes

$10,000 - $21,250

None

10:1

PreK-12

ACT, SAT

Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish/No/Yes

Yes

$7,700-$21,625

Episcopal

153

16:1

PreK-8

Other

Latin/Yes/Yes

Yes

$5,000-$7,500

Roman Catholic

400 N. Aspen Ave., Broken Arrow/918-251-5422/ilcanews.org

150

12:1

K-12

Other

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$6,850 (K-8) $7,900 (9-12)

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Lincoln Christian School

1003 N. 129th E. Ave., Tulsa/918-234-8150/ lincolnchristianschool.com

920

16:1

PreK3-12

ACT, EXPLORE, Iowa Test of Baic Skills, Other

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$7,799

Non-denominational

Marquette Catholic School

1519 S. Quincy Ave., Tulsa/918-584-4631/ marquetteschool.org

468

22:1

PreK3-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$5,671

Catholic

Messiah Lutheran Church and School

3600 N.W. Expy., OKC/405-946-0462/ messiahlutheranschool.com

101

15:1

PreK-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Spanish/No/Yes

Yes

$5,550

Lutheran

Metro Christian Academy

6363 S. Trenton Ave., Tulsa/918-745-9868/metroca.com

946

10:1

PreK3-12

EXPLORE, Stanford Achievement Test, Other

French, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$6,765-$11,115

Non-denominational

Mingo Valley Christian

8304 S. 107th E. Ave., Tulsa/918-294-0404/mingovalley.org

325

11:1

PreK-12

ACT, SAT, Terra Nova

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$8,330-$10,160

Non-denominational

Mizel Jewish Community Day School

2025 E. 71st St., Tulsa/918-494-0953/ mizel.org

8:1

PreK-5

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Hebrew/No/Yes

Yes

$8,220

Jewish

Monte Cassino School

2206 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa/918-746-4238/montecassino.org

752

10.3:1

PreK3-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

French, Latin, Spanish/ Yes/Yes

Yes

$6,900-$11,950

Catholic

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School

2801 S. Shartel Ave., OKC/405-6318865/mountstmary.org

387

12:1

9-12

ACT, EXPLORE, SAT

French, Latin, Spanish/ Yes/Yes

Yes

$11,650

Catholic

Regent Preparatory School of Oklahoma

8621 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa/918-663-1002/rpsok.org

525

12:1

PreK-12

Other

Latin, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$4,300-$10,700

Christian

montessorilearning.org

(Multi-age classrooms)

$12,275 (Standard)

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Student/teacher ratio

Grades

Standardized testing

Foreign languages/sports programs/arts and music programs

Number of teachers with advanced degrees

Scholarships and/or needbased financial aid

Uniforms

Annual tuition

Religious aﬀiliation

American Sign Language, French, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$7,300

Christian

(Depending on grade level)

Infants-12

ACT, EXPLORE, SAT, Other

German, Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$11,040-$14,825

None

162

13:1

PreK3-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

None/Yes/Yes

Yes

$4,621-$5,717

Catholic

223

15:1

K-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$5,670 (Parishioner) $7,081 (Standard)

Catholic

12:1

PreK3-5

Other

None/No/Yes

Yes

$5,760 (PreK) Tuition Free (K-5th)

Non-denominational

Enrollment

Other

Address/phone/website

PreK3-12

School

12:1

Rejoice Christian School

13407 E. 106th St. N., Owasso/918-516-0050/ rejoiceschool.com

1,000

Riverfield Country Day School

2433 W. 61st St., Tulsa/918-446-3553/ riverfield.org

560

Saint Catherine School

2515 W. 46th St., Tulsa/918-446-9756/ saintcatherineschool.org

School of Saint Mary

1365 E. 49th Place, Tulsa/ 918-749-9361/schoolofsaintmary.com

Solid Foundation Preparatory Arts Academy

4025 N. Hartford Ave., Tulsa/ 918-7947800/ sfpaeagles.com

4:1-15:1

St. Pius X Catholic School

1717 S. 75th E. Ave., Tulsa/918-627-5367/school.spxtulsa. org

350

17:1

PreK3-8

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$5,379

Catholic

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

505 E. Covell Road, Edmond/ 405-341-9541/smesedmond.org

190

6:1

PreK-5

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$3,700-$9,700

Episcopal

Town and Country School

8906 E. 34th St., Tulsa/918-296-3113/ tandcschool.org

165

6:1

1-12

ACT, Other

None/Yes/Yes

Yes

$13,540-$14,880

None

Undercroft Montessori School

3745 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa/918-622-2890/undercroft.org

210

11:1

PreK-8

ACT

Spanish/No/Yes

Yes

$11,000

None

University School at the University of Tulsa

326 S. College Ave., Tulsa/918-631-5060/ uschool.utulsa.edu

190

5:1

PreK3-8

Stanford Achievement Test

Chinese, Spanish/No/Yes

Yes

$13,000

None

Wright Christian Academy

11391 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa/ 918-899-3465/ wrightchristianacademy.com

220

10:1

PreK-12

ACT, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, SAT, Terra Nova

Spanish/Yes/Yes

Yes

$6,075 -$7,295

Non-denominational

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

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

6/21/18 11:36 AM

EDUCATION GUIDE

COMMAND YOUR FUTURE AT

CASCIA HALL TULSA’S PREMIER CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY WE’RE PROUD TO BE PATRIOTS

GET TO KNOW

METRO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY METRO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IS PLEASED TO OFFER WEEKLY TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT OUR FULLY ACCREDITED, COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL SERVING STUDENTS IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL.

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2020 GRADUATE STATISTICS 64 $7.2M 33 Merit-based College Scholarships Offered

AP Scholars

Oklahoma Academic Scholars*

8,115

Caritas Service Hours Performed (Over three years)

59 National Honor Society

99%

of Students Matriculated to a College or University

*Academic Scholars have a 3.7 or higher uweighted GPA and a 27 ACT or 1220 SAT Statistics based on 67 students in the Class of 2020

KEY DATES CASCIA HALL PRIVATE CAMPUS TOURS

FEBRUARY 24 REGISTER TODAY AT

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FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

1/11/21 11:03 AM

EDUCATION GUIDE

THE PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE IS MORE THAN JUST A PORTRAIT. It’s a journey—a road map around and through the experience of every Casady School graduate. That’s what we express with our logo for Portrait of a Graduate. The outline of our lake, around which each grade is housed, provides the perfect shape from which we crafted the

Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, ﬁnancial aid program, athletic, and other school-administered activities.

For more information, contact Rebecca Skarky, Director of Admissions, at 405-524-0631 ext. 123

color layered with each other forms a symbol reminiscent of our Cyclone. But more importantly, every piece comes together to build on one another. To build a portrait of a community, a portrait of a life, a portrait of a graduate.

9500 NORTH PENNSYLVANIA AVE. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73120 405.749.3200 | WWW.CASADY.ORG Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, For more information, and loan programs, athletics, and other generally or national andschool-administered ethnic origin. It does not discriminateprograms on the contact Rebecca Skarky, basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in accorded or made available to students at religion, the School. Director of Admissions, at administration of its educational policies, ﬁnancial aid program, athletic, and other school-administered activities.

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ENROLLMENT

405-524-0631 ext. 123

Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in basis of race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, ﬁnancial aid administration of its educational policies, ﬁnancial aid program, athletic, and other school-administered activities. program, athletic, and other school-administered activities.

For more information, For more information, contact Rebecca Skarky, contact Rebecca Skarky, Director of Admissions, at Director of Admissions, at 405-524-0631 ext. 123 405-524-0631 ext. 123

Pre-K through eighth grade 600 NW 44 Street, OKC 405-524-0631 westminsterschool.org

1/5/21 11:23 AM 24600 Westminster School.indd 1

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IS OPEN! TulsaSchools.org/enroll2021

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

1/12/21 8:38 AM

Pre-K

600 NW 405-52 westm

EDUCATION GUIDE

$1M+

941

Completed in 2018-2019

Honors Courses Offered

AP Courses Offered

Total Enrollment

Average Class Size

39,000+

Christian Service Hours

in Tuition Assistance Given in 2020-2021

NATIONAL MERIT

9 Finalists and 2 Commended Scholars in the Class of 2020 65 BK Semifinalists in the last 9 years

ATHLETICS 20 Varsity Sports 104 OSSAA State Titles | 269 Individual Titles 30 Academic State Championships

3905 S Hudson Ave, Tulsa, OK www.bishopkelley.org 918-627-3390 A CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THE LASALLIAN TRADITION

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Paving a Path to Health By Carol Mowdy Bond

Taking measures to avoid falls, staying active, eating right and keeping open lines of communication with your physician will lead to prime golden years.

IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES

Aging comes with new challenges, but the National Council on Aging stresses that certain habits provide numerous benefits to seniors. Those include staying active, keeping track of underlying chronic conditions, reviewing medications, getting your eyes checked and assessing your home. Falls, after all, are a major risk to seniors – a risk that is mostly preventable. “We can all help keep older adults in our lives safe from injury and independent longer,” says Jeromy Buchanan, the Director of Aging at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “Did you know that every minute of each day, someone 65 years or older falls in the U.S.? One out of four older Americans will fall each year, and falling once

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

doubles an older adult’s chances of falling again. “Falls are not a normal part of aging,” he continues. “Look around your home for potential hazards. Enlist the help of family or a neighbor who may be more likely to notice things that you don’t. Install grab bars in bathrooms, get rid of slippery throw rugs, or add rubber backing, keep passageways inside and outside well lit and free from clutter and debris.” Buchanan references acl.gov/ programs/health-wellness/fallsprevention for anyone looking for more tips and advice. Insung Kim, a physician specializing in geriatrics at Tulsa’s Warren Clinic, says that falls cause significant morbidity and mortality in the older population. She also suggests

keeping track of anything that might cause an accident, like foot stools, electric cords, pets and a lack of night lights. But risks aren’t just inside the home, she says. “As vision, hearing, memory and quick reflexes diminish over time, motor vehicle accidents are common,” she says. Both Kim and Buchanan encourage discussions with doctors about the effects of any medications – because they can cause dizziness, confusion and balance issues. This, in turn, increases the risk of both falls and vehicle accidents. “Be sure to have regular checkups with your doctor to see if any interventions can help improve age-related loss of function,” says Kim. “Also, have family monitor for diminishing function and discuss these changes with loved ones.”

BECOMING A CAREGIVER

Many children with aging parents are faced with the prospect of becoming their caregivers. While that situation may be right for many, there are several factors to consider before making that change, along with healthy habits to employ during the caregiving period. “Each care giving situation is unique, but there are some common suggestions that family caregivers should consider,” says Buchanan. “Understand your parent’s emotions to ease their concerns. It is important to assist them in coping with chronic conditions, loss of independence and other agingrelated issues. Seek out a support group to talk to others who are having similar experiences. Find ways to get a break or respite from your care giving role. Engage in activities that will help you recharge, reset and rally for the next challenge. Embrace movement such as a walk in the park. Try meditation to check in with yourself.” Buchanan offers okcares.org and the Senior Info Line, 1-800-211-2116, as additional resources.

AVOIDING AILMENTS

As a person gets older, the risks of developing certain diseases and ailments rises. These include diabetes, depression, obesity, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, arthritis, and respiratory, skeletal and cardiovascular related conditions. However, there are ways to manage those risks and nip developments in the bud. Exercise enhances disease prevention, says John Jackson, a personal trainer in Tulsa. Aerobic and strength training exercises help with circulation, muscular fitness, depression and sleep. Staying active also increases or maintains coordination and muscle tone that may keep you steady on your feet and keep your reactions sharp. A few ways to stay heart healthy and keep muscles toned include walking, gardening or taking various exercises classes. Eating a balanced diet, taking medications as prescribed, being aware of health changes and seeking necessary medical attention are all important. The National Council on Aging encourages older adults to get their vision checked. Vision changes as one ages, so it is important to make sure your prescription is up to date and to screen for any eye-related diseases like cataracts and glaucoma, which are usually treatable when caught at an early stage. “I suggest prayer and meditation for balance in life,” adds Jackson. FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TRAIN THE BRAIN

Some of our brain cells stiﬀen as we age, and as a result, we experience decline in memory and cognitive abilities. However, a variety of techniques exist to slow that process. “Physical activity and socializing are important in slowing the brain’s aging process,” says Kim. “Keep your brain active and alert. Stimulate your brain daily through things like Sudoku or a crossword puzzle. Learn something new, such as a language. Chat with family or friends and keep up with current events.” Jackson adds: “Consistent modified exercise increases the volume of both gray and white matter in regions of the brain after six months.”

CREATING A HEALTHY RAPPORT

Jackson, Buchanan and Kim agree that regular checkups are crucial for seniors to stay independent as long as possible. Keep routine appointments and maintain an open line of communication with medical providers. Discuss all health changes. “We assess our patients for early depression, fall risk and medication compliance,” says Kim. “This is coupled with a physical examination and blood work when necessary to assess any changes in a person’s condition.” Buchanan adds: “The Oklahoma Human Services Advantage nurses believe a healthy rapport with your doctor will help you feel comfortable to ask questions when medical attention is needed.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

FITNESS AT ANY AGE

Jackson reminds that exercise is beneficial for all age groups ... if instructed correctly. “For example, I would not advise seniors to do back-to-back days of strength training,” he says. “A physical therapist, personal trainer or strength coach should be able to provide an exercise prescription based on your level of ability and health. I would suggest flexibility and balance movements along with cardio and strength movements if the individual is physically able.” As we grow older, an active lifestyle is even more important for health. “Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger,” says Buchanan. “It helps keep your joints, tendons and ligaments flexible. In the aging population, exercise can prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well being, strengthen social ties and improve cognitive function.” Different levels of exercise are appropriate for different age groups, says Kim. “Depending on your functional level, do keep moving. Try to get a goal for 5,000 steps a day,” she says. “If you cannot walk daily, stand up and move every hour if possible. For very active seniors, consulting with a trainer can help set goals. Try exercises such as tai chi, which reduces falls and improves balance.” It’s never too late to start an exercise routine, and consistency is more important than intensity. Find something you enjoy and start at a level that’s easy to maintain. Older Americans Act Services offer fitness programs across the state; learn more by calling the Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.

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Image Matters By Rebecca Fast

The field of aesthetics grows more technologically advanced every day. From noninvasive procedures to surgical improvements, offerings abound to help put your best face (and body) forward.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Head-to-Toe Improvements

Face

Fine lines and wrinkles, along with age spots, can dull your complexion and age you beyond your years. Fortunately, there are several nonsurgical options to help revitalize your appearance and foster a more youthful glow. “Botox continues to be one of the best things you can do to improve ‘movement wrinkles’ on your face, which can really smooth the aﬀected area,” says Kristen Rice, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Utica Square Skin Care in Tulsa. “More mild treatments that give a boost to the complexion include Hydrafacial, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and Clear + Brilliant. More substantial treatments that can accomplish this are BBL (broad band light) and resurfacing treatments such as microneedling

and Fraxel Dual. BBL helps to improve skin texture, brown spots and red discoloration, so it is a very popular option, as it takes care of all three issues with a single treatment.” She says fillers, when placed correctly in appropriate amounts, can also help restore a more youthful contour to an aging face, and smooth out wrinkles in areas such as the cheeks, around the mouth, chin, and the nasolabial folds. Melody Hawkins, practice manager for BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center in Broken Arrow, says two great options to achieve younger and more smooth-looking skin are Intense Pulse Light therapy (IPL) and HydraFacialMD. “IPL therapy is used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation or sunspots and tighten pores,” says Hawkins. “It also is great for those looking to remove age spots, freckles or varicose veins. This treatment can be done in a quick, 30-minute appointment, usually in three to five treatments. HydraFacialMD, on the other hand, is a medical facial that cleanses, extracts and hydrates the skin while simultaneously infusing it with medical-grade serums, tailored to your specific skin’s needs. A HydraFacial treatment generally takes about one hour and can be used as a one-time treatment for a special event or as often as once a month, as part of a regular skin care regimen.” There are a variety of other choices to improve the appearance of the face, whether you’re trying to slow down or reverse the eﬀects of aging. Along with a good skin care routine, hydrafacials and light chemical peels can help keep skin smooth and fresh. Botox and fillers come into play when lines and wrinkles are more than superficial. FaceTite, a radio frequency treatment of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, can tighten skin 25 to 30% and delay the need for a facelift by five to seven years. Surgical face-lifts are also a common request for those looking for a more extensive approach.

Neck and Chest

As you age, your skin loses some of its elasticity. Rice says loose skin around the neck area, often called ‘turkey neck,’ can be targeted in several ways. “If there is excess fat causing fullness in this region, Coolsculpting or Kybella are great options,” she says. “Sagging skin under the

chin can be improved by tightening procedures such as Thermage, occasionally by use of fillers along the jawline and cheeks, but often is best treated by surgical correction.” For the chest area, regular sun exposure can cause a speckled appearance. “A ‘speckled chest’ is very satisfying to treat,” says Rice. “My favorite treatment is BBL HERO – Scition’s newest IPL technology – which can target brown spots that are commonly found on the chest, and can also target redness on the neck and chest – the medical term is poikiloderma – in the same treatment session.” Hawkins recommends combining treatments, specifically Ultherapy for laxed skin and Kybella for unwanted fat. “Ultherapy is an ultrasound-based technology and is the only FDA-approved procedure to lighten, tone and tighten skin,” says Hawkins. “As for the unwanted fat, Kybella is the goldstandard in treating submental fullness, more commonly referred to as a double chin. Kybella is a small injection that actually destroys fat cells in the treated area, giving a person permanent results.”

Stomach, Legs & Buttocks

Rice says common complaints in the areas of the stomach, legs and buttocks include cellulite, excess fat, skin laxity and lack of muscle tone. “There are devices that target each of these areas,” says Rice. “Some work better than others, depending on the patient and the specific problem area. For example, Thermage can be beneficial for skin laxity, but some patients need surgical correction to meet their expectations.” For those seeking minimally invasive procedures for these problem areas, Tim R. Love, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon at Tim R. Love Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in Oklahoma City, oﬀers BodyTite, which uses the same radio frequency assisted liposuction as FaceTite. According to Love, BodyTite is the first FDAapproved non-surgical procedure designed to sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat while simultaneously shrinking and tightening skin. BodyTite procedures are performed with local sedation, and ideal treatment areas include the chest, abdomen, arms, breast, knees, hips, and inner and outer thighs. FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

What People Want

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the top five cosmetic minimallyinvasive procedures are Botox, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal and intense pulsed light. The top five cosmetic surgical procedures are breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping and facelifts.

Mentally Preparing for Plastic Surgery

If you decide that plastic surgery is right for you, it’s important to prepare yourself and maintain realistic expectations during recovery. After all, one of the main reasons for patient dissatisfaction after surgery is that results do not meet sky-high hopes. In the age of heavy photo filters and body-editing apps, it can be hard to keep your head out of the clouds. Having frank conversations with your surgeon about what to expect is key. Prepare yourself for ample healing and recovery time, and pay attention at consultations, especially if/when your surgeon presents visual aids that most accurately depict what you’ll look like after surgery.

A Growing Field

Plastic surgery technologies continue to advance, specifically providing more nonsurgical methods that deliver major results with shorter recovery times. The field of plastic and aesthetic medicine has changed dramatically over the last decade, says Love. “New technologies are providing exciting opportunities, allowing us to oﬀer our patients options far beyond traditional surgery,” says Love. “Non-surgical regenerative approaches now available include the use of a patient’s own stem cells, platelets and nanofat.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

The use of Inmode’s Morpheus8 radio frequency microneedling stimulates the growth of collagen like no man-made filler can do. FaceTite and BodyTite have been welcomed additions to our arsenals of non-surgical radio frequency assisted liposuction, which is able to remove unwanted fat as well as tighten.”

2021 Trends

For 2021, a variety of aesthetic upgrades remain popular. For non-invasive choices, dermal fillers, Botox and chemical peels remain in high demand. For surgical trends, liposuction, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and hair transplants are 2021 hot ticket items.

Anti-Aging Treatments

When should you begin to combat the signs of aging? Rice says it varies by person, and by two primary influences – genetics and lifetime environmental exposure – most notably sun exposure and smoking. “Many people start noticing some wrinkles in their skin in their late 20s/early 30s, and by mid/late 30s to early 40s people notice sagging skin,” says Rice. “A person will benefit the most from cosmetic corrective treatments if they start shortly after they start to notice the issue. The longer you wait, the more pronounced the issue, and the more diﬀicult to correct. I personally do not recommend starting before there is an issue for two reasons. One, if there is nothing to correct, it is likely a waste of money, and two, most of these treatments do not come without risks, so you could be creating an issue where there wasn’t one to begin with.”

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The liquor landscape in 2021? Full of possibilities. After a variety of watering holes shut down last year (and many never re-opened), the surviving bars, breweries and restaurants are now looking to stay relevant. We explore the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s By Tracy LeGrand obsession with hard seltzers, learn some wine basics and discover home bar essentials.

Down t h e

Hatch

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Staying Competitive

It would take a looooong while to visit each of Oklahoma’s bars, breweries and distilleries. After all, Marshall Brewing Company founder Eric Marshall watched his sector go from roughly 1,500 breweries nationwide to 10,000 in just a few years. So how do entrepreneurs keep their establishments relevant? Lindsey Hogan, brand manager for OKC’s Stonecloud Brewing Company, says she and her colleagues keep their eyes on the trend forecasts. “Beer trends continue for barrel-aged stouts and big IPAs, and people are gravitating to easy-drinking lagers with lower ABVs,” she says. “And we predict a sour beers resurgence.” Along with looking ahead, another way to remain relevant in a crowded market is looking back, says Noah Bush, owner of Tulsa’s Hodges Bend. “What’s old will always become new again; classics get rediscovered,” he says. “But trends will always change, so the key is to makes sure the drink you make is made with care and quality ingredients.” Some watering holes remain popular by their service and long-standing reputations. Ashley Sutton, the food and beverage manager at Summit Club, says this long-time Tulsa favorite thrives through “providing the utmost service to our guests. Our staff know members by name and can usually have their drink ready as soon as they walk in the door.” Edna’s, an OKC bar that offers the famous Lunchbox, existed long before anyone checked social media for cool quotients. Tammy Lucas, owner and daughter of the eponymous founder, says trends don’t impact this longtime favorite unfettered by fads. But in today’s digital world, social media is a must for most. “We use social media to provide a glimpse of what your experience will be like at our location, and [it] lets our customers know what we have available on draft and in cans to-go,” says Hogan. But even excellent service and mouthwatering drinks didn’t stand a chance against the pandemic. “It has been devastating to the industry as a whole,” says Lucas. “It breaks my heart. Being shut down was awful, but on the positive side, it gave us the opportunity to focus on our expansion project, which is nearing completion.” Stonecloud re-opened in January, and Hogan says the pandemic forced the crew to think outside the box. This resulted in the release of new one-off beers and a collaboration with designer Kenzie McFeely to create unique artwork for each can. Despite a tough 2020, Oklahomans pulled through for small businesses in many respects. “We are so grateful for the support we have received during these tough times and hope people will continue to support other local small businesses as we move forward and try to recover,” says Marshall. “I am hopeful that people will spend the extra dollar or so to support local knowing how much that means to their community and the people struggling to survive the aftermath of this unprecedented situation.”

Along with its popular brews, Stonecloud Brewing has created a variety of hard seltzers to keep up with public demand. Photo courtesy Stonecloud Brewing Company

Hard Seltzer Obsession

Fruity, fizzy, too much will make you dizzy – hard seltzers are the ‘it’ drink of the moment ... and have been for quite awhile. Many Oklahoma brands, seeing the world’s enthusiasm for this libation, decided to get in on the fun. “With so many brands hitting the market last year, we knew we wanted to do something different, so we use real fruit in our recipes,” says Hogan, who helped with the release of Stonecloud’s Selzer Solo Spritz and upcoming Neon Sunshine and Stonecloud Lite. “With a culture so heavily focused on fitness and personal health, I think the hard seltzers are a no-brainer for the current market,” she says. “We have enjoyed perfecting the brewing process for our hard seltzers. They allow us a chance to learn and explore another avenue of flavors and technique. Beer is still our most popular offering, but we are happy to have a few delicious hard seltzers available.” And while one might assume knowledgeable bartenders turn up their noses at such a simple concoction, that’s not the case. “They’re popular because they’re ridiculously delicious and refreshing,” says Bush. “I think that people live this duality in their minds that for something to be good it has to be complicated ... which in no way is true. Some of the greatest, most classic drinks have the least ingredients.”

Edna’s in OKC remains a popular watering hole by its stellar reputation. File photo

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Life Behind Bars

Sunrise and sunset bookend a bartender’s life. They’re awake to see both, after all, with some midday sleep time before 10-12 hours of, oftentimes, pure chaos and a lot of multi-tasking, says Christopher Andrukaitis, bartender at Tulsa’s Hodges Bend. “I always liked playing bartender in college,” he says. “I knew I wanted to work in the craft cocktail movement, in high-end hospitality service at the best venues.” The key to a happy life as a bartender includes cherishing regular customers, being open to meeting new people and forging strong friendships with “other comrades also working until 5 a.m.,” he says. “To make it as a bartender, you have to keep a lot going and you have to love it; no sane person would do it otherwise. I’ve been a bartender for seven years and learned to make it priority to take care and eat healthy, or your body will fail you.”

Looking Ahead

Echoed by several pros in the business, the ongoing trend in cocktails and alcohols in general is a craving for quality, higher-end options. “Eclectic bourbons are catching on,” says Andrukaitis. “People are splurging and expanding their palates on high end whiskey, scotch and gin. Japanese gin is making a comeback because their whiskey is nuanced, using peppercorns, flowers – not just juniper.” Bush seconds: “According to my friends in the liquor stores, the trend has been for higher ticket items. People are spending for higher ticket items ... so palates are a bit more educated and discerning. And there are so many wine-based products on the market right now. Cap Corse Mattei has been my favorite thing this last year. It’s versatile in a cocktail, and I’ll pour myself some on the rocks while I’m cooking and before I get into some wine at dinner.”

Wine ABCs

If you’re in the wine aisle, things can get confusing pretty quick. From merlot to sauvignon blanc to riesling and pinot noir – what can you expect with each variety? REDS:

Cabernet sauvignon: Bold, acidic and dry, this red wine variety pairs best with hearty, salt-laden meals like steak. The cab is popular with established wine drinkers and packs quite a punch. Merlot: Fruity and smooth, the merlot pairs best with light, veggie-based meals. Think of it like the cab’s opposite in the red wine world. It’s a great introductory wine for new drinkers. Pinot noir: Somewhere between a cab and a merlot, the pinot noir is a solid choice for the intermediate wine drinker. With few tannins, it’s lighter than a cab and fruity like a merlot, but with a more rounded taste. Pair it with salmon or chicken. WHITES:

Chardonnay: The go-to white wine, chardonnay is fruity, full-bodied and smooth, but diﬀerent countries have their own take on this blend. Pair it with creamy dishes. Sauvignon blanc: This variety is dry, tart and slightly fruity, for those looking to avoid the sickly sweet. Pair this with a variety of cheeses or seafood. Riesling: Perhaps the world’s most popular dessert wine, riesling is sweet and light. Pair is with – you guessed it – desserts, or something with spice. Vintage Wine Bar is Tulsa’s go-to spot for numerous wine varietals. Photo courtesy Vintage Wine Bar

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Tulsa’s Hodges Bend provides a variety of artful, handcrafted cocktails. Photo by Jessica Karin Trout

Home cocktail supplies

Having the right essentials makes home-mixed libations a treat. “Vodka mixes well with pretty much anything,” says Lucas. “Ratios can be crucial to certain cocktails, so having a jigger is a vital addition. If you’re going to get fancy, you might want to keep bitters and fresh fruit handy. Sutton adds that along with a jigger, an at-home bar should include “a shaker, strainer, bottle opener, corkscrew and ice bucket with tongs.” What she dubs the “essential boozes,” along with vodka, are dry gin, white rum, reposado tequila and whiskey, with “extra-credit boozes” being dry and sweet vermouth, St. Germain, Campari and Cointreau. Along with mixers like juices, tonics and sodas, Sutton advises: “Never forget your garnishes and simple syrups. You can infuse fruit, herbs, nearly anything into a syrup to really add the extra wow factor to any cocktail. And always have a cold bottle of bubbles ready.”

Recipe Corner

Bartenders at Tulsa’s illustrious Summit Club share three tantalizing cocktail recipes.

Ashley Sutton’s twist on an Aviation: 1 ounce Empress gin 1 ounce Fresh lemon juice .75 ounces Tempus Fugit Liqueur de Violettes .75 ounces Vergnano Marashino liqueur Noah Eagan-Rowe’s variation on a Pimm’s Cup, Shimmering Pimm’s: 1.5 ounces Pimm’s No 1 1.5 ounces Cucumber-infused vodka .75 ounces Simple syrup .5 ounces Fresh lemon juice Top with Prosecco Shaye McNamara’s Tequila Mockingbird: 2 ounces Blanco tequila 1 ounce Lemon juice 1 Egg white .75 ounces House made pecan syrup .5 ounces Townshend’s Spiced Tea liqueur

Alcohol Dependency in 2020

As a controlled substance, alcohol can lead to binge drinking and dependence – also known as alcoholism. During pandemic isolation, some have slid into dependency, characterized by drinking despite health risks, developing a tolerance, feeling strong cravings and experiencing symptoms of withdrawal after not drinking, like nausea, anxiety, hallucinations and even seizures. In some cases, dependency can mean needing to drink to stop tremors or combat hangovers. To drink less and avoid peer pressure, try a mocktail to blend in and avoid temptation. For more serious issues, seek out a healthcare provider to oversee safe withdrawal, and utilize support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. If necessary, many clinics offer in-patient care. Learn more at niaaa.nih.gov.

Colorful and delicious, the Aviation is a Summit Club original. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

Left: Marshall Brewing’s Big Jamoke is a popular seasonal Porter. Photo courtesy Marshall Brewing Company Right: Hodges Bend combines ambiance and high-quality cocktails. Photo by Jessica Karin Trout FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

OFF THE BEATEN PATH The new owners of Whispering Pines are invigorating this cozy Norman getaway.

Hearty meat dishes abound at Whispering Pines –including the pork with chef-made chutney sauce. Photo courtesy Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast

hough it has been in business for more than 20 years, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast has remained somewhat of a hidden gem, unknown by many. The property’s new owners intend to change that. Located on 20 acres just off Highway 9 in Norman, Whispering Pines features three guest rooms in the main building and four separate cottages. A fine dining restaurant with a spacious patio can accommodate an intimate party of two or much larger gatherings. A charming gazebo set among four acres of

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

vineyards offers a picturesque spot perfect for weddings. When the previous owners decided they were ready to retire last year, they put the word out that they were interested in selling the property. Dawn Vo and her husband, Dzuy Pham, visited nearby friends who mentioned the opportunity. They insisted that they weren’t interested ... but curiosity got the best of them. As Vo and Pham strolled the property on that September day, “something kind of whispered in our ears,” says Vo. She recalls that

on their way home to Tulsa, where the couple owns two boba tea shops, “we didn’t say a word – we just knew what we wanted.” After that visit, they returned to Whispering Pines a few more times, and after each, they became more certain that their career paths were about to change. A former ICU nurse, Vo now spends her time “giving the property the TLC it has needed,” which means trimming trees, clearing debris left from a recent ice storm and doing some renovations. After the change in ownership

announcement, some longtime guests had concerns that Whispering Pines would lose its original charm. Fears quickly calmed when Vo assured guests that they would preserve the warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the rooms remain the same, the restaurant received a complete makeover before reopening in December (after several months on hiatus due to COVID-19). While the restaurant design may be new, chef Santaro Kchoa has been at the inn for more than 20 years. He and his sous chef Chinda Kchoa, who also happens to be his wife, offer various protein options, and for vegetarians, the chef customizes entrees based on what is seasonally available. On a recent visit, my husband and I enjoyed several dishes that were as beautiful as they were delicious. The ragout of escargot is combined with shiitake mushrooms and served alongside puff pastry. The poached pear salad

tops mixed greens with slices of pears poached in wine, blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette. Entrees abound. The seared duck breast is served with crème de cassis (blackcurrant) sauce, and the 14-ounce ribeye is accompanied by a rich demiglace. Both dishes arrived cooked precisely as ordered, and both were excellent. Though we didn’t exactly save room for dessert, we tried the crème brûlée and the chocolate mousse cake anyway ... and both were well worth the splurge. Whispering Pines’ new property manager, Amelia Acosta, who joined the team in November, describes the management team as a family. “Though we are all different ethnicities, we’re already all a family here,” she says. Acosta, along with Vo, coordinates the booking of special events. For those looking for the perfect place to hold weddings, rehearsal dinners or even family reunions, the staff can handle it all. An on-site wedding planner is available and can help arrange everything from photography and flowers to catering and cake service. Vo, who moved with her family to Oklahoma as a teenager, says that while she never anticipated this type of career change, she knows this is where she and Pham are meant to be raising their three children. “All of these different things that I get to do every day – it doesn’t even really seem like work,” she says. “It’s like a dream, like being on vacation every single day.” AMANDA JANE SIMCOE

Top to bottom: The restaurant oﬀers seafood, including fresh roasted salmon. The lamb rack is a diner favorite. Photos courtesy Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast

FOR MORE

INFORMATION: thewhisperingpinesinn.com 405-447-0202

TA S T E | LO C AL FL AVOR

Photo courtesy Rustic Chophouse

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

RUSTIC CHOPHOUSE

Joe Garrett, the general manager and part owner of Broken Arrow’s swanky new steakhouse, looks every inch a Marine. And he was – deployed to Djibouti 20 years ago. Like all Marines, he’s a team player. Ask him what makes Rustic Chophouse special, and he won’t mention the tuna tartare, made with a blend of Japanese ponzu sauce, black bean relish and crème fraîche that makes your mouth come alive. Not one word about the rich, memorable crab cakes with orange lobster cream, or the perfectly cooked puff pastry that coddles the salmon Wellington, or the smooth, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. No mention, even, of the glorious, sizzling, USDA-Prime steaks, dry-aged for 28 days. Instead, he’ll point to a distinguished grey-haired server. “That’s Rick. He worked at Michael V’s for 12 years and French Hen before that. There’s Aaron,” he continues, pointing toward a sleek, grey-toned metallic bar next to the floor-to-ceiling plate-glass windows. “He worked at Four Seasons Portland. There, in the kitchen,” and he nods toward a stocky, capable man in front, his hands a blur as he preps. “That’s Rigo Vazques, our executive chef. This is a team, and everyone here is an essential worker. We wanted to build a really nice steakhouse for Broken Arrow, but we didn’t want a stodgy, expensive place you’d visit once a year. We tried to make it cozy, warm, inviting and fun, a place where people would come back to once or twice a week, a place which people would think of as their own.” 210 S. Main St., Broken Arrow; rusticchophouseba.com BRIAN SCHWARTZ

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | CHEF CHAT

THE WONDER OF IT ALL A duo of pastry chefs keeps Amelia’s in Tulsa brimming with fresh goodies.

Morgan Barkley and Emily Price provide Amelia’s in Tulsa with numerous baked treats. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

ONLINE

TO SEE PRICE AND BARKLEY’S RECIPE FOR BLUEBERRY AND CORIANDER MUFFINS, VISIT OKMAG.COM/ PRICEBARKLEY

welve years ago, if you’d been invited to visit the skyscraper that housed one of New York’s most powerful Wall Street law firms, you might have seen Emily Price hard at work, helping write legal briefs for multimillion dollar cases. She started work at 10 a.m. and finished, sometimes, long after midnight. Ask her today what time just one aspect of her job – making sourdough bread – starts, and she’ll tell you it never actually stops. “This morning at 7 a.m.,” she says, “I mixed the dough. A few hours later, I started stretching and lifting.” That’s what forms the long chains of gluten molecules, the foundation of baking. “I never knead or force the dough; I stretch and encourage it,” she says. “After 90 minutes of that, I let the dough rise. There’s a lot of complex chemistry going on, and I’m not a chemist. I learn

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

hands-on. I learned at Stonehorse, and Tim Inman trained me by having me bake hundreds of loaves, five days a week for 3 years.” A few years before Emily joined her law firm – and on the other side of the country – an Arizonan woman arrived at culinary school in San Francisco. Morgan Barkley realized she wanted to make the world sweeter, so she opted to become a pastry chef. “People think of baking as something quaint and cute, something girls can do,” says Barkley, 20 years later. “What they don’t realize is that it is very labor intensive and it relies a lot on math and science.” It look both women some time to get used to the complexity of the form. “For at least a year, I felt like I was wandering in the dark,” says Price. “After a year of constant failures, it became an extra sense. I could sense when the dough had proofed enough. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship.” The pair first met in Tulsa’s Stonehorse kitchen. “We’d bake alone, taking the long overnight shifts,” says Barkley. “We’d know that if something went wrong, there was no one

else to help – we must rely on each other. And that was neat.” After a few years working there, they took off on their own, first as a weekly pop-up sponsored by Kitchen 66, and then as a bakery at Mother Road Market called Bakeshop. Now the team works at Amelia’s in downtown Tulsa, providing a full line of bread, desserts and catering options. They plan to keep the new Amelia’s market fully stocked when it re-opens in a few months. “Working at Amelia’s and collaborating with [executive chef] Andrew [Donovan] and [owner] Amelia [Eesley] is like coming back to family,” says Barkley. “Andrew is so supportive, so collaborative ... and he’s fun to talk food with. And it’s all about respect for food. It’s about listening to the food, bringing the food’s natural flavor out. It’s not about putting yourself in the food. You can’t bake bread if you have a big ego. The bread doesn’t care what you want.” Price continues: “And then there’s the wonder of it all. What you can do with an egg just blows my mind. I never stop being in awe and wonder about what you can do in a bakeshop.” BRIAN SCHWARTZ

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

MAGASIN TABLE

BRAVOS MEXICAN GRILL

The guacamole is fresh, the fajitas are sizzling and the service is friendly at Bravos Mexican Grill, a new concept of authentic Mexican cuisine in an upscale, contemporary setting. Appetizer selections include savory queso variations and tortilla chicken soup. Nachos are an entrée category all their own, with selections including fajita nacho, taquitos nacho and supreme. Ensalada choices are ample and include the classic taco salad with house-made fried shell filled with beef or chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream. The menu features fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos and tasty combos along with specialties in chicken, beef and seafood. For dessert, ask for the sweet of the month or choose a traditional favorite flan, churros rellenos or sopapillas. Happy hours and specialty nights vary at different locations. Locations across the Tulsa metro; bravosmexicangroup.com

Photo courtesy Bravos

Photo courtesy Magasin Table

Found in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley, Magasin Table is known for its hip and casual vibe, and, more importantly, its Vietnamese cuisine served with a modern twist. Appetizers include panko shrimp balls, egg rolls with lettuce wraps, potstickers and other traditional favorites. Banh mi (sandwiches) are rich and tasty with choices including grilled eggplant, garlic fried tofu, lemongrass chicken or beef, and braised pork belly with quail eggs. Bowl entrees come with a base of rice or vermicelli (pasta) and an array of ingredient choices such as grilled pork, shrimp or salmon and other savories like Chinese sausage, garlic tofu, panko shrimp and more. The pho – also known as noodle soup – options include oxtail, filet mignon, rare steak, meatball, beef brisket, meatball, chicken and more. 19 N.E. Eighth St., Oklahoma City; facebook.com/MagasinTable-2037790372981948

2020

SUNSHINE BAKING CO.

Photo courtesy Sunshine Baking Co.

Baker Savannah Tillman and her crew are up daily before the sun to produce, from scratch, the delectable pastries of Sunshine Baking Co. With a daily shop menu and seasonal offerings, sweet creations cover every category of dessert, baked good and pastry. The goodies run the gamut – from cookies, brownies and chocolate croissants to savory biscuits and hand-rolled stuffed croissants, replete with meats and cheeses. Blueberry muffins are offered daily, along with a muffin of the month. Scones come in a variety of flavors. Goodies continue with cinnamon rolls and honeysweetened baked oatmeal. For breakfast, try a frittata or croissant sandwich. Cookies, dessert bars and cakes galore are great gifts and perfect for a celebratory or ‘just OPEN 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. DAILY because’ indulgence. 7705 S. 918-742-4563 Walker Ave., Oklahoma City; sunshinebakingco.com 3310 E. 32nd, Tulsa, Oklahoma TRACY LEGRAND

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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

READY FOR AN EXCITING FEBRUARY? 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.

O N T H E S TA G E

SPORTS

CHAMBER MUSIC, R&B AND BALLET

HOOPS AND HORSES

The month may be short, but it’s teeming with performing arts events to catch in Tulsa and OKC. You can stay warm and cozy at home while watching Chamber Music #6 on Feb. 11. This virtual concert from Signature Symphony features Ben Hay on the trumpet. To purchase tickets, visit signaturesymphony.org. If R&B is more your style, River Spirit Casino Resort offers a socially-distant Boyz II Men performance on Feb. 26. In Edmond, Armstrong Auditorium presents Mark Jenkins and Friends on Feb. 2. This Oklahoma native brings his piano playing, composing and singing skills to Oklahoma for one night only. For those who miss watching the art of dance live, OKC Ballet’s The Firebird runs at Civic Center Music Hall on Feb. 12-14. Firebird tells the story of Prince Ivan, who, after discovering a group of maidens are being held captive by an evil sorcerer, realizes his only hope is a tiny, magical bird. Fans of female country singers can’t miss Heartland on Feb. 19-20 at Civic Center Music Hall. The showcase honors a variety of legendary women in the genre, from Kacey Musgraves to Dolly Parton and Shania Twain. And you’ll want to stick around Civic Center for OKC Phil’s Shostakovich: Burst of Energy on Feb. 27 with the talented Valery Kuleshov on piano.

Fans of motorcross are excitedly awaiting the BMX Sooner Nationals on Feb. 12-14 at Tulsa’s Expo Square. This adrenaline-pumping competition offers events for men and women of all age groups and skill levels. For those looking to view some mixed martial arts action, XFN Xtreme Fight Night 369 runs Feb. 19 at Tulsa’s River Spirit Casino Resort. See some talented MMA fighters OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER duke it out for the top prize. Basketball enthusiasts have been chomping at the bit for some gameplay after last year’s wonky schedule. Luckily, the Oklahoma City Thunder plays a variety of regular season games this month at Chesapeake Energy Arena. See chesapeakearena.com for a full schedule. And, we’d be remiss to forget equine showcases. The Rogers County Spring Horse Show runs Feb. 20-21 at the Claremore Expo Center, where horse enthusiasts, talented riders and a variety of breeds converge. Photo by Shevaun Williams

1 FIREBIRD

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

CHAMBER MUSIC #6

Feb. 11 Virtual Enjoy this

concert from home as Ben Hay performs with Signature Symphony.

signaturesymphony.org

CONCERTS JOSH WARD Feb. 20 Cain’s Ballroom See this country crooner with special guest Jake Bush.

cainsballroom.com

RAMON AYALA Feb. 20 River Spirit Casino Resort

Ramon Ayala has been an accordionist, vocalist and

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

songwriter for over 40 years.

riverspirittulsa.com

BOYZ II MEN Feb. 26 River

Spirit Casino Resort Boyz II Men remains one of the most iconic R&B groups in music history.

riverspirittulsa.com

CHARLEY CROCKETT Feb.

26-27 Cain’s Ballroom This country singer performs four

times over two days, with both early and late shows. cainsballroom.com

ART

vessel shape that makes people curious and engaged.

gilcrease.org

ENDURING SPIRIT: NATIVE AMERICAN ART Ongoing

FACETS Feb. 6-March 21 108 Contemporary Facets

Gilcrease For millennia,

108contemporary.org

THE EXPERIENCE: IMAGINE Ongoing ahha

explores the way coded information relates to its visual representation.

LANDSCAPES ON FIRE: PAINTINGS BY MICHAEL SCOTT Through Feb. 21

Gilcrease An elemental

force of nature, fire contains immense power to create and destroy. gilcrease.org

EXPRESSING YOUR VOICE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY Through

Indigenous people shaped the Americas, from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. gilcrease.org

Feb. 12-14 Expo Square The Sooner Nationals feature events for men and women of all age groups and skill levels.

AMERICANS ALL!

riverspirittulsa.com

ahhatulsa.org

Ongoing Gilcrease Drawn

ahhatulsa.org

WEAVING HISTORY INTO ART: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF SHAN GOSHORN

MASTERWORKS FROM THE GILCREASE COLLECTION Ongoing

There’s something about having a message in a

BMX SOONER NATIONALS

usabmx.com

photos in this exhibition were taken during a five-week cell phone photography class.

Through March 28 Gilcrease

SPORTS

Tulsa This completely new art environment continues ahha’s tradition of large-scale, semi-permanent, interactive art.

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.

March 22 ahha Tulsa Community Gallery The

significance – there are many qualities to consider when defining a masterwork in a museum collection. gilcrease.org

gilcrease.org

Gilcrease Beauty, fame,

craftsmanship, historic

XFN XTREME FIGHT NIGHT 369 Feb. 19 River Spirit

Casino Resort Enjoy an

evening of exciting mixed martial arts.

43RD OKLAHOMA KIDS WRESTLING ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Feb. 19-20 Expo Square Some of the best student wrestlers in the state compete at this two-day event. okwa.us

HOOSIER ARENACROSS NATIONALS Feb. 19-20

Expo Square Enjoy motorcross at its finest during this national competition. hoosierarenacross.com

TULSA BOAT, SPORT AND TRAVEL SHOW Feb. 1-7

Expo Square Be among the first to see 2021 model boats, RVs and thousands of other outdoor accessories all under one roof, at the absolute best prices of the year. tulsaboatshow.com

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL AT CIRCLE CINEMA Through Feb. 2

Circle Cinema/Virtual Circle Cinema is an oﬀicial satellite screen for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. circlecinema.org/sundance

FOOD TRUCK WEDNESDAYS Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Guthrie Green Every Wednesday,

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

FIRST FRIDAY ART

CRAWL Feb. 5 Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa

Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. Every first Friday of the month, visitors can explore artwork inside galleries, studios and museums and catch a few live music performances. travelok. com

COMMUNIT Y

EVERYTHING NICE

Community events run the gamut this month. At Expo Square, those in the market can visit the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show from Feb. 1-7. Visitors can peruse brand new boat, RV and outdoor accessory models at great prices. Signature Symphony presents Connecting the Dots #12 on Feb. 23. The virtual event combines a variety of musical topics, with discussions led by Signature musicians. At OKC’s Oklahoma State Fair Park, the Repticon Reptile and Exotic Animal Show runs Feb. 13-14. If you’re looking to adopt, this event offers vendors with reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise. And you can jam out to some TULSA FISHING AND jazz at the virtual SWOSU Jazz FesHUNTING EXPO Feb. 12-14 tival on Feb. 11-12, where a variety Expo Square Come hear from the pros about of renowned jazz musicians take the best techniques for the stage. catching diﬀerent species of fish native to the area.

Through the Connecting the Dots series, Signature Symphony musicians act as virtual hosts, guiding you through a variety of musical topics.

signaturesymphony.org

blooming industry from the experts. exposquare.com

IN OKC

CONNECTING THE DOTS #11 Feb. 11 Virtual Through

the Connecting the Dots series, Signature Symphony musicians act as virtual hosts, guiding you through a variety of musical topics. signaturesymphony.org

3 SWOSU JAZZ FESTIVAL

rebelstreetshows.com

CONNECTING THE DOTS #12 Feb. 23 Virtual

OK CANNABIS SUMMIT AND EXPO Feb. 10-11 Expo Square Learn about this

Photo courtesy SWOSU Jazz Festival

COMMUNITY

PERFORMANCES

MARK JENKINS AND FRIENDS Feb. 2

Armstrong Auditorium Born to a family of musicians, Oklahoma-based pianist, singer, composer and arranger Mark Jenkins has performed alongside such

greats as Branford Marsalis and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

songwriters in this exciting symphonic experience.

OKC BALLET PRESENTS: THE FIREBIRD Feb. 12-14

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: SHOSTAKOVICH – BURST OF ENERGY Feb. 27 Civic

armstrongauditorium.org

Civic Center Music Hall The

legend returns as Prince Ivan discovers a group of maidens held captive by an evil sorcerer. His only hope for their rescue is a tiny magical bird. okcballet.org

HEARTLAND: THE WOMEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC Feb. 19-20 Civic

Center Music Hall Honoring

the journey of women in country music, Heartland celebrates the music and life stories of legendary

okcciviccenter.com

Center Music Hall Enjoy

a riveting concert with Valery Kuleshov on piano.

okcphil.org

CONCERTS BOYS OF SUMMER Feb. 4

89th Street The Boys of

Summer tour is now in its seventh year, and brings the world’s biggest social media influencers and artists across the U.S. to you.

89thstreetokc.com

JOHN MORELAND Feb. 12 Tower Theatre See this

crooner with special guest Will Johnson.

towertheatreokc.com

OKCMOA This exhibition

ART SPIRO AND THE ART OF THE MISSISSIPPIAN WORLD Feb. 12-May 9 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

This exhibition answers the questions: How did these incredible works of art and other treasures from all over North America end up hidden for hundreds of years, and why?

nationalcowboymuseum.org

ART

Photo by Joseph Mills courtesy OKCMOA

FROM PHOTOGRAPHY TO OPTICAL ART

history and culture of the continent. In OKC, Spiro and the Art of the Mississippian World at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum runs Feb. 12-May 9. This will be the first major museum exhibition on the Spiro Mounds of southeast Oklahoma. And you won’t want to miss Moving Vision: Op and Kinetic Art from the Sixties and Seventies at OKCMOA from Feb. 20 to May 16. This exhibition highlights one of the great strengths of the museum’s permanent collection – the highquality holdings in optical and kinetic art.

Revisit ongoing exhibitions and explore new showcases at Oklahoma’s numerous museums. In Tulsa, 108 Contemporary presents Facets from Feb. 6-March 21. This stunning show explores the way coded information relates to its visual representation. ahha Tulsa’s Community Gallery offers Expressing Your Voice Through Photography until March 22. The photos in this show were taken during a five-week cell phone photography class, part of ahha’s Artists in the Schools program. At Gilcrease, patrons can enjoy ongoing exhibitions including Enduring Spirit: Native American Art and Masterworks from the Gilcrease Collection. The former explores the ways Indigenous people shaped the Americas; the latter offers a variety of obMOVING VISION: OP AND KINETIC ART jects and works that shed light on the art,

MOVING VISION: OP AND KINETIC ART FROM THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES Feb. 20-May 16 highlights one of the great strengths of the museum’s permanent collection – the extensive, high-quality holdings in op (optical) and kinetic (movement) art.

okcmoa.com

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. ou.edu/fjjma

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

nationalcowboymuseum.org

BLAZING A TRAIL

Through May 16 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Women

in the American West faced specific challenges that their Eastern counterparts often did not.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: WESTERN WILDLIFE

Through July 11 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The

animals of the American West are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

RENEGADES: BRUCE GOFF AND THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Ongoing Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman The American

School refers to the imaginative school of design and practice that developed under the guidance of Bruce Goﬀ. gibbs.oucreate.com

FROM THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

W H E R E & W H E N | ENTER TAINMENT OKC THUNDER GAMES

Feb. 1, 5-6, 14, 16, 22, 24, 26-27 Chesapeake Energy Arena

Enjoy home games with the state’s only professional sports team. chesapeakearena.com

COMMUNITY FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY

WALK Feb. 5 Paseo Arts District Visitors

Ark. This free focus

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

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

can enjoy art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. Over 80 artists and 25 businesses participate, all within walking distance.

ROGERS COUNTY SPRING HORSE SHOW

REPTICON REPTILE AND EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW Feb. 13-14

brings equine enthusiasts, riders and a wide variety of breeds to Claremore.

thepaseo.org

Oklahoma State Fair Park

This event features vendors with reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages and merchandise. travelok.com

AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART Feb. 19-21 State

Fair Park An Aﬀair of the Heart is known for its quality and variety of merchandise. aaoth.com/

heartofoklahomacity

AROUND THE STATE

PERFORMANCES

THE CEMENT OPRY Feb. 6

410 N. Main, Cement The Cement Opry is a monthly live variety show held in the Jesse James Ballroom.

cementcommunityassociation. com/cement-opry

PAULS VALLEY OPRY Feb. 6

Pauls Valley High School Auditorium Hear the Memory

SPORTS Feb. 20-21 Claremore Expo Center This horse show

visitclaremore.org

LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO Feb. 20-21 Stephens County Fair and Expo Center, Duncan Western-minded

youth take to the arena to showcase their horse riding and roping skills.

travelok.com

COMMUNITY MEDICINE PARK PLUNGE WEEK Feb. 1-6 Various locations, Medicine

Park This week-long winter event invites everyone out to enjoy a dance, guided hikes, live music, educational lectures, high tea and the famed Polar Bear Plunge. medicinepark.com/festivals

ANCIENT TRAIL TREK

Feb. 6 Keystone Ancient Forest, Sand Springs The

Ancient 5K Trail Trek in oﬀers magnificent views and an exciting course.

Makers Band live each month as touring musicians and local talent layer on their unique vocals. travelok.com

runsignup.com/Race/ Info/OK/SandSprings/ AncientTrailTrek

DAVIS-WALDORF PERFORMING ARTS SERIES PRESENTS: SHAKESPEARE IN JAZZ Feb. 18 Virtual Enjoy

Virtual Enjoy the sounds of

an online, live performance by award-winning composer and pianist Daniel Kelly. usao.edu/arts-and-culture

ART CRAFTING AMERICA Feb.

6-May 31 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Featuring

over 100 works in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass and more unexpected materials, Crafting America presents a diverse and inclusive story of American craft. crystalbridges.org

AFTER THE LAST SUPPER Through March 28 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville,

VIRTUAL SWOSU JAZZ FESTIVAL Feb. 11-12

renowned jazz musicians during the 51st annual festival.

swosujazz.weebly.com

LAWTON RV, BOAT AND OUTDOOR LEISURE SHOW Feb. 12-14

Comanche County Fairgrounds, Lawton Come

see what’s new in outdoor recreation at this annual event.

lawtonrvandboatshow.com

OKLAHOMA COUNTY JUNIOR SPRING LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb.

18-20 Jones High School Agricultural Facility, Jones

Whether it’s comparing commercial heifers, swines or sheep, there is something for everyone at the livestock show. extension.okstate.edu

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

MINARI

crystalbridges.org

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

THE MONTH OF LOVE A horror comedy, Sundance favorite and anime series mesh for an eclectic February in cinema.

re things back to normal? Are movies being released on the date they originally claimed? Who knows! I’m writing this in advance and I unfortunately can’t time travel. I am, however, cautiously optimistic that the theatrical release I’ve got on the list will come out on time. It’s the month of love, and I sure would like to give some to theaters, because boy, do they need it. My theatrical hopeful, Minari, stars Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), and focuses on a Korean-American family that moves to rural Arkansas in the mid 1980s in search of the American Dream. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung as a semi-autobiographical piece on his upbringing, the project was primarily filmed in Oklahoma in 2019 – I was even an extra on the shoot! (I’m almost 100% positive my scene was cut, but I was definitely there ... please believe me, I’m very cool.) The scenery looks striking and the story will almost certainly pull some heartstrings. It has already played at Sundance and was released digitally with a very positive reception – here’s hoping the Oscars don’t pass this one over. The film releases in theaters on Feb. 12. On the digital front, since that seems to be a far safer bet these days, I’m recommending a horror comedy called The Wolf of Snow Hollow. Written, directed and starring Jim Cummings, the story is set in a small Utah town that is seemingly

being attacked by a werewolf. Cummings plays officer John Marshall, an alcoholic single father who tries desperately to get everything under control while his aging father and boss – played by the late Robert Forester in his final role – struggles with the idea of stepping down as sheriff. It mixes the bizarre comedy and dark horror extremely well and at 85 minutes, doesn’t overstay its welcome. Cummings has an acting style I find fascinating, making choices it seems only he could pull off, and it’s great to see Forester for one last hurrah. The film is available to rent on Amazon Prime and other video on demand sites. This last one is a bit of a Hail Mary, but take a chance with me: Death Note. I’m referring to the anime series, not the embarrassing American live action film. The show adapts the Japanese manga of the same name and centers around Light Yagami, a genius teenager, who stumbles across an otherworldly book called the Death Note which grants the power to kill anyone who has their name written in the pages. Even if anime isn’t really your bag, I implore you: at least watch the first episode. The set up is fast and engaging, the characters all well written, and the English dub is some of the best voice acting in the business. All episodes are streaming on Netflix. I promise you, it’s worth the trip. DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Photo courtesy Melissa Lukenbaugh/A24

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

TRICIA EVEREST

ne of the philanthropic backbones of OKC, Tricia Everest is a fourth-generation Oklahoman who graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Oklahoma School of Law. After serving as Assistant Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma, Everest decided to spend her time leading a variety of initiatives geared towards helping the marginalized in OKC. She was the founding chair of two non-profits: Palomar, which removes barriers for abuse victims to access the resources they need; and ReMerge, which diverts mothers from prison and empowers them to build healthy foundations for themselves and their children. She now works at the Oklahoma City Criminal Justice Authority. We caught up with Everest and got her thoughts on ...

As chair of the OCCJA, I serve as the primary contact for the community, the media, the county and for the staff of the Oklahoma County Detention Center (since our takeover of the jail on July 1, 2020). The Authority is a public body, and I serve with a total of nine trustees and, as chair, lead our public meetings.

... ReMerge.

In 2010, 25 agencies came together to build what is now ReMerge. Inasmuch Foundation was asked to be the seed funder, and I believed it would change the landscape of criminal justice. Instead of just funding, I wanted to be hands-on. I specialized in the prevention of child abuse and neglect in law school and spent quantitative time in juvenile court. Without interventions, the cycles would continue. When we lock a woman up for drug violations, my primary concern is what happens to the kids. If women were not hooked on drugs or being used as an accomplice by abusive partners, they wouldn’t be breaking the law. By diverting the mothers from prison and providing wrap-around services towards the root causes, we keep families together, and the kids have a pathway to a better life. As an aside, almost every participant has experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or childhood trauma, and had Palomar existed sooner, they may have never entered into criminalistic behavior.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Photo courtesy Tricia Everest

... her role at the OCCJA.

... Palomar.

In 2015, then Oklahoma City Police Department chief Bill Citty called me and said there was a woman that had the answer to breaking the cycles of abuse, addiction and incarceration, and asked if I would I help her. If the chief of police knew these things mattered to me, I needed to know no more and agreed wholeheartedly. Kim Garrett was running the victim services unit for OCPD to assist in all cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, stalking and cyber bullying. She recognized that victims received brochures and then, in their most vulnerable, traumatic time, were left to navigate systems that would be difficult for anyone under normal circumstances. She researched, and the best practices are to have all resources working together. In February 2017, when we opened Palomar, Oklahoma City’s family justice center, it was the first time lawyers, detectives and advocates assisting these cases had ever met each other in person, much less worked in the same building.

One provider said that what used to take seven weeks of phone tag now happened in seven minutes. Most of Oklahoma’s worst rankings are directly related to unaddressed trauma, and the more we can work together, new solutions evolve – and we will break the cycles.

... her passion for philanthropy.

To whom much is given, much will be required. I knew three sets of my greatgrandparents, all of which invested in the community and people. Each generation has followed the example. My family provided me with the opportunity to be of service, and a blueprint to do so. By investing time and money into people and organizations, I have a unique perspective to hopefully bridge people together that otherwise may never meet. Together we are better. Now more than ever, bringing different perspectives to the table is necessary and fundamental ONLINE for our society FOR MORE, VISIT moving okmag.com/everest forward.

HOW EMERGENCY CARE SHOULD BE.

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Getting us all to a healthier place.