Oklahoma Magazine January 2023

Tracing separate property or assets in a divorce can be an important issue for lots of individuals. Take a situation where somebody has a 401k or IRA before marriage. They have put money into this account before marriage.

They then get married. After marriage, they continue to contribute to this 401k or IRA. At this point, pre-marital separate funds and marital funds are being mixed.

The parties then file for divorce. In these situations, the one spouse is often asking that the entire 401k or IRA be divided in the divorce. The spouse who had funds in these accounts before marriage argues that the pre-marital portion should be set aside to them entirely. And they argue that only the funds put in

during the marriage should be divided through the divorce.

The reality, however, is that the separate funds need to be traced out from the account. This often requires a forensic accountant reviewing statements and doing an analysis to determine the amount that was in these accounts during the marriage.

At a minimum, parties may need to subpoena the statements from the date of the marriage to try to determine the amount that was in there. However, it can often be hard to obtain statements at the exact date of the marriage.

In addition to 401ks or IRAs, tracing can be important for other assets like bank accounts, investment accounts, whole life insurance policies, and other assets where a party might have built up cash value before marriage. In some instances, a party might consider having a prenuptial agreement drafted before getting married.

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child

custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law, estate planning 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.

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

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Oklahomans of the Year

A coach, an engineer, an executive director, a musician, a CEO, a forensic artist. What’s the common thread here? All of these describe Oklahoma Magazine’s 2022 Oklahomans of the Year. e pro led honorees worked diligently to bring renown to Oklahoma over the past year in their own ways – whether that was through bolstering business, molding well-rounded athletes or sharing the beauty of music.

Creating a Healthier You

New year, new you. Experts weigh in on staying motivated for workouts, creating sustainable healthy habits, understanding the downsides of diet culture and beating the post-holiday blues.

Oklahoma. It’s who we are. Caretaker, caregiver and Oklahoma proud. Dr. Parker is more than just part of the Saint Francis family—she’s part of our promise to improve the health of the communities we call home.

Ryan Parker, M.D. • Emergency Medicine Physician and Associate Chief Medical Officer

Happy 2023! To beat the post-holiday blues, we're transitioning from jingle bells to wedding bells and diving into all things matrimony! at’s right, January welcomes the Oklahoma Wedding special section (starting on page 45), where we o er all the tips and tricks to make your big day a breeze. Catch scrumptious spreads of catered dishes and cakes, plus owers, designer gowns, accessories and honeymoon recommendations.

We also take a look back at the last year and spotlight a few people who made it better. Our Oklahomans of the Year picks worked diligently in 2022 to spread the joy, and our highlights run the gamut – from a legendary coach to an entrepreneur, musician and CEO (page 26).

Getting t is typically on the top of many people’s resolution lists. If you’re in that majority, ip to our annual Health and Wellness feature (page 30). We sit down with the pros to discuss weight loss, healthy eating, diet culture and the psychology behind enjoying your workout.

e magazine is chock-full of other great content this month, including a piece about inventions made in Oklahoma or by Oklahomans (page 10); a review of a popular new cantina in Bixby (page 34); and a look into the fascinating world of entomology (page 11).

Here’s hoping 2023 is your best year yet!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

What’s HOT at OKMAG.COM

COMING IN JANUARY

If you can't get enough wedding content, visit okmag.com for additional goodies, including bonus jewelry images, plus designer dresses, catering, accessories, cakes, owers and more!

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THE STATE

A Legacy of Excellence

Alongside its annual induction ceremony, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame o ers educational enrichment for students of all ages.

Among the Hall of Fame’s many offerings are the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (above), as well as free programming for field trips and family fun (below and facing page).

Photos courtesy the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

What do Wiley Post, Kevin Durant and Reba McEntire have in common?

Not only have they called Oklahoma their homes at one point or another, but they’re also Oklahoma Hall of Fame members.

Founded in 1927 by Anna B. Korn, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame selects up to 10 people to be inducted into its honorary ranks each year. Korn established the organization, which was formerly known as the Oklahoma Heritage Association, in celebration of Statehood Day.

Civic leader Elizabeth Fulton Hester and congressman Dennis T. Flynn were the rst people to receive this induction honor. Although Hester and Flynn hailed from Georgia and Pennsylvania, respectively, they had a major in uence on the state in its infancy. Hester was known for her missionary work and support of women’s su rage, and Flynn had a well-established political career.

Since its rst induction in 1928, the organization has recognized 730 members. For each class of inductions, the OHOF holds a televised ceremony that showcases their lives and contributions.

Opening its Museum, Expanding its Reach

Although the induction ceremony is its longest-running tradition, the OHOF has steadily expanded over the years. In 1975, the organization launched a publishing house that distributes books to educators and students across the state. Since its genesis, Oklahoma Hall of Fame Publishing has released more than 180 titles.

e OHOF also rolled out scholarship opportunities to local high school students, including its Oklahoma Scholarship Competition and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship, in the 1990s. Any high school student can participate in the competition by taking an online Oklahoma history test. ose with high scores receive a minimum of $1,000.

“We give out anywhere from $70,000 to $77,000 [in scholarships] every year,” says Michelle Sopp, director of marketing and communications for the OHOF.

In 2007, the organization opened the doors to its Gaylord-Pickens Museum, which hosts several interactive and rotating exhibits. Constructed in 1927, the building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and often serves as a venue for weddings and special events.

“We still have original tile work, marble and

Honduran Mahogany,” says Sopp. “ e building is just gorgeous because of all the original architecture.”

Educating Students of All Ages

Central to its mission is extensive educational programming, which reaches over 600,000 people annually. rough its o erings, the organization hopes to promote pride in the state, support educators and engage people of all ages.

Every second Saturday of the month, the OHOF o ers free admission as a part of its themed Free Family Fun Days. Oklahoma Hall of Fame members oftentimes lead group activities.

“We had Bart Conner, who is an Olympic gymnast, teach a tness class with pumpkins,” says Sopp. Similarly, the organization hosts Homeschool Days on a quarterly basis. is program features self-guided and sta -led activities as well.

One of the OHOF’s most popular programs is its free eld trips, which extend to all Oklahoma K-12 students. School groups can receive free admission, a fuel stipend and specialized tours by contacting the museum in advance. For groups that cannot travel, the organization o ers three traveling pop-up exhibitions, e Pioneer Spirit; Generosity; and Individualism, along with complementary curricula that meet Oklahoma Academic Standards at no cost.

To kick o the new year, the GaylordPickens Museum will unveil an art exhibition called Re ection Symmetry on Jan. 10. It will feature artwork from Lawrence Na and Jason Wilson through March 25.

“We are constantly looking at ways to meet Oklahomans where their needs are,” says Sopp. “We really want people to recognize that Oklahomans are amazing, and we believe that Oklahomans are changing the world.”

Nominating Hall of Famers

Selecting candidates to induct into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame can be rigorous. e organization accepts nomination forms from the public, receiving an average of 80 to 100 applications annually. To be considered, nominees must meet three criteria: they must reside or be a former resident of Oklahoma; have performed an outstanding service to humanity; and have brought honor or distinction to the state through their e orts.

Once the application window closes, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame sends all nominations to an anonymous committee of members for consideration.

“ ey understand what it’s like to wear our medallion and have that distinction to their name,” says Sopp. “ ey try to whittle it down to around eight [people] or so, but honestly … it gets very

di cult, as so many people are deserving of this honor.”

After the anonymous committee reaches its decision, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame quickly noti es the new class of inductees. “It’s a fun process to let each class know that they have been nominated,” says Sopp. “People are so thrilled and honored.”

FAITH HARL

Raising Residents

Artist-in-residence programs thrive around the state.

“Every single piece is a self portrait, a re ection of me,” says Moriah Gonzales, who has always been an artist, but didn’t consider becoming one professionally until the pandemic. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in May 2020, she planned to travel to Australia and pursue a graduate degree in environmental studies. As the world went into lockdown, however, Gonzales pursued the arts.

“I don’t want to say the pandemic was a good thing, but I’m happy how life panned out,” she says.

She decided to stay in Oklahoma and now splits her time between her studio in Norman, working as a bartender at the Cohiba Lounge, and her artist-inresidence program with the Paseo

Arts Association.

Gonzales has bene ted from the program by being actively involved with OKC’s artistic community.

“It’s nice to be surrounded by artists – getting to know other people and looking at their work and feeling inspired. I’ve kind of missed that artist community after graduating college,” she says.

While at the Paseo, she’s been working on a portrait series about the inspiration she’s found from the women in her life.

e Paseo Arts Association sees the artist-in-residence programs as bene cial to up and coming creators.

“We want to lift them up and help support them,” says Amanda Bleakley, the Paseo Arts Association’s executive director. e

association also works with the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City by allowing artists to apply every year for a studio residence. e artists are able to work in the studio space, are given a stipend, and are encouraged to interact with the hotel guests.

“I would say the most rewarding part is seeing how the program helps them, and seeing where they go from there,” says Bleakley.

e current artist in residence at the Skirvin is LaQuincey Reed, a sculptor who focuses on western artwork, speci cally the representation of Black cowboys. Originally from Oklahoma, his previous work includes work on the Brookgreen Gardens’ exhibit on Emerging Stars in American Sculpture and assisting with the Oklahoma Land Run monument. He has also taught art at di erent public schools in Oklahoma. While he’s been at the Skirvin, Reed has worked on commissions and monuments for di erent organizations around the state and nation.

“ e experience has been great; I’ve met people from all over the country,” he says, some of whom have even wanted commissions.

Whether you’re applying to galleries or schools around the world, a lot of organizations look for residencies on your resume, says Gonzales.

“I would “recommend [these programs] to any artist,” she says. “ e Paseo has helped me and taught me a lot,” speci cally in pursuing di erent goals and building her portfolio.

Gonzales hopes to apply to different galleries around the nation once she’s nished with her tenure at the Paseo. She even wants to go for another residency in France.

“My life goals are to be happy, travel and do art,” she says. “And the Paseo residency has been a great stepping stone to do that.”

OLIVIA MCCOURRY

Moriah Gonzales serves as an artist-in-residence with the Paseo Arts Association.

Art entitled I Live In My Own Mind by Gonzales, photo courtesy Amanda Bleakley

A Tribute to Unsung Heroes

Did you know that Oklahoma City is home to one of the nation’s largest re ghter museums?

Located east of the OKC Zoo in the Adventure District, the 10,000-squarefoot Oklahoma Fire ghters Museum and Fallen and Living Fire ghters Memorial Complex includes exhibits of the Oklahoma re service; antique re apparatus and equipment dating back to the mid-1700s; and over a dozen restored re trucks.

“Completed in 1969, this building is totally funded by Oklahoma State Fire ghters Association members,” says Gene Brown, the museum director and a retired re ghter. “And they keep it going through their dues. We’re working now towards a $9 million expansion because we’ve outgrown this building.”

Founded in 1894, the OSFA was Oklahoma and Indian Territories’ rst remen’s association. Today, the OSFA is a clearing house for

training, safety and legislative initiatives related to its members.

e OSFA museum houses Oklahoma’s rst re station, originally located at Fort Supply in Indian Territory. Inside the 1869 structure is the hose cart, which drew water from horse troughs and ponds – although bucket brigades still existed at that time.

“ e Guthrie Fire Department was one of OSFA’s founding members, and we have their 1919 Seagrave Engine,” says Brown.

ere’s also a Hunneman & Co. hand pumper, built in Boston. e company, owned by Paul Revere’s apprentice William Hunneman, built the apparatus, fabricating some parts in Revere’s copper rolling mill. A re ghter’s helmet from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire is on display, alongside 5,500 re ghters’ patches from around the world.

“We’ve got tidbits of everything,” says Brown. “We have a fully functioning, early 20th century re alarm system that would have been mounted on a pole, and opened with a key, to report a re. And

although we have a lot of Oklahoma artifacts, we also have global artifacts. We get visitors from everywhere, including a lot from Europe.”

All school grades and age groups can enjoy the museum, which gives a half-price admission discount for groups of ten or more. And the gift shop o ers many souvenirs, including some made by re ghter-owned businesses.

“Oklahoma has about 944 re departments, and probably 85% of them are volunteer re departments,” says Brown.

Volunteer re departments get a lot of their operating funds through events, such as pancake breakfasts. But any re department fundraisers appreciate support. Donate to OSFA, a 501c3, through their website: osfa. info. e museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2716 N.E. 50th.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Important Memorials

The museum’s sobering monument, the Fallen and Living Firefighters Memorial, sits just outside. Names of Oklahoma firefighters are engraved on 48 panels, with up to 500 names on each. Names of those who died in the line of duty, from 1894 to the present, are engraved in the Wall of Valor.

“Visitors often tell us about their relatives who died fighting Oklahoma fires, and the names aren’t listed on the wall. We add those names if our research verifies the information,” says Brown.

The memorial includes “Just Another Day,” a monument designed by artist Shahla Rahimi Reynolds, wife of an Oklahoma City Fire Department battalion chief.

e Oklahoma Fire ghters Museum shines a light on truly brave individuals.

Among attractions at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum include a Guthrie Fire Department 1919 Seagrave Engine (above) and engraved panels with names of fallen Oklahoma firefighters.

Photos by Carol Mowdy Bond

Innovation and Inventions

Whether you credit the unique history of the state; the sorts of people who have always been drawn to this region; or just happenstance, the innovation and invention that have taken place in Oklahoma, and by Oklahomans, has impacted lives across the globe.

e “Oklahoma Standard” of resilience, perseverance and high expectations can be traced through the history of the state, as its citizens faced challenges and responded with inventions that made a di erence.

A discussion of invention in Oklahoma would be incomplete without mention of one of Oklahoma’s most recognizable names: Sequoyah. e prominent Cherokee developed a syllabary, a set of written symbols, for the tribe’s spoken language, allowing them to communicate via written text. He likely developed this system as he made his way from Tennessee to near present-day Sallisaw, according to e Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, a publication of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Other inventions by Oklahomans may seem, on the surface, to have a lesser impact, but each has played a role in the history of the state. One example is the shopping cart, invented by Sylvan Goldman in 1936. is invention, along with the ingenuity of Goldman, helped revolutionize the grocery industry.

Another example solved a parking problem in downtown Oklahoma City through

the invention of the parking meter by OKC journalist Carl Magee, patented in 1931. Magee was set to the task at the behest of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce where he served as chair of the tra c committee.

However, though Magee did create a company for production of the parking meter, innovation in the oil and gas industry far outpaces all other industries for impact in Oklahoma.

“ e yield sign [also invented in Oklahoma], the shopping cart, those things were great, but they didn’t have as much of a nancial impact as these oil industries [inventions],” says Larry O’Dell, director of communications and development at the Oklahoma Historical Society.

According to O’Dell, examples of inventions that, while perhaps less ubiquitous, made a larger economic impact on the state include the seismograph, which helps nd underground oil; the submersible pump, which makes pulling oil out of the ground easier; and the portable drilling rig, which made drilling easier and quicker.

And there are many more where those came from. ere were a variety of companies that rose from these and other inventions including such recognizable names as Ditch Witch, Texas Instruments and Halliburton – employing thousands of people and greatly impacting the communities in which they reside.

BONNIE RUCKER

Weather Radar, which had its first operational prototype installed in the state; the shopping cart, invented by Oklahoman Sylvan Goldman; and the parking meter, invented by Oklahoman Carl Magee. Photos by Roger Klock and Meyers

through the decades.

Singer Patti Page, who originally hailed from Claremore, recorded the first song using overdubbing in a studio. This technique is used by a single vocalist, recorded multiple times with tracks laid over one another, to simulate the sound of a group. The practice is standard in the music industry today.

Whether they were created by Oklahomans or in Oklahoma, there are a bevy of inventions with state roots.

Inventions with Oklahoma ties include the NEXRAD, or Next Generation

Photo Shop, courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

(Studying) A Bug’s Life

Oklahoma State University

You may think of bugs as a nuisance – but they provide the world with $70 billion in services and account for 85% of Earth’s animal life. About 35% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators to reproduce, with 100,000 insects pollinating 250,000 kinds of owering plants. And some insects are natural predators, eliminating pests that harm food crops.

“ e creepy thing is there’s more than a million kinds of bugs that scientists know about,” says Wyatt Hoback, Ph.D., an Oklahoma State University professor of entomology and plant pathology. “Insects are the Jekyll and Hyde of organisms, eating 20% of the world’s food production, but generating four out of ve bites of our food. Caterpillars are the worst pests for crops, but they become beautiful butter ies, which help pollinate. And insects are the deadliest animal on the planet, transmitting diseases like malaria – the planet’s deadliest disease – and killing one million humans annually. Yet insects such as dung beetles are important.”

Hoback says that entomology is “a super important degree. You can do anything with the degree. A good entomology student needs to be curious and needs to be creative, looking to solve applied problems.”

Due to history-insect-related issues after World War II that created a false sense of security, Hoback says only a handful of university entomology pro-

grams survived. Why? Because entomologists did a good job of killing bugs. So, funding and training for entomologists shriveled up.

But OSU’s Department of Entomology and Pathology provides one of those few degree programs. De ning entomology as “the study of the most numerous and diverse form of life on Earth: insects,” the program allows students to explore the diversity of nature by studying arthropods and their interactions with plants, animals and human culture.

Majors include bioforensics; insect biology and ecology; and pre-veterinary and pre-medical services, with minors in entomology and pest management. OSU o ers two master’s and two doctoral degree options, as well. Interactive learning, hands-on opportunities and possible department employment prepare students for careers.

Entomologists, simply put, eliminate bad bugs while enabling good bugs, so there’s a plethora of entomology-related

Insect Adventures

Learning about bugs is cool on OSU’s Stillwater campus, where OSU Extension’s Insect Adventure is one of the nation’s largest interactive live-arthropod exhibits. The exhibit offers faculty-guided research projects in forensics, medical/veterinary sciences, ecology, conservation, stored products and applied agriculture.

As Oklahoma’s only live insect petting zoo, the venue welcomes the public. Guests may hold a foot-long millipede or pet a tarantula, and interact with more than 25 species of living arthropods.

careers. Hoback says insects cause human diseases, leading students to medical careers. And they cause animal diseases, pointing to veterinarian careers. A sampling of other careers include: agrichemical industry researcher; conservation technician; environmental consultant; epidemiologist; extension educator; forensic scientist; insect diagnostician; military entomologist; museum curator; and pest control operator/owner.

OSU’s Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory (PDIDL) provides accurate diagnoses of plant diseases and insect pests, as well as how to control them. e PDIDL o ers plant disease and insect identi cation services to extension agents, individuals, consultants and commercial producers.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Entomology – the branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects – has a popular degree program at Oklahoma State University.

o ers students one of only a handfull of entomology programs in the country.

Photos courtesy OSU

A Winding Journey

L-R

Being a visual artist, curator and artist advocate is no easy task, but it’s one that Courtney Brooks takes on with enthusiasm.

Brooks is an Atlanta-based independent artist who created the curatorial project Journey of a Black Girl, as well as other experimental works with watercolor, acrylic, oil paints and photography.

So how’d she nd herself with Oklahoma ties? She’s currently the guest curator at the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition in OKC, where you can see her work on display.

She credits her mother for sparking her love of music and all things creative.

“My earliest memories of art are of [my mom] creating paper collages from her ’80s and ’90s Jet magazine collection,” says Brooks. After winning third place for a painting she did of a Victorian-style home, Brooks says her mother continued to encourage her as she explored her passion.

“Being from Denver, I did not see a lot of artists who looked like me,” she says. “Now, my art life has blossomed in Atlanta, where I get to work, collaborate, meet and befriend artists who look like me every day.”

Every artist has their inspirations, favorite styles and creators – even if it’s not always an easy task to whittle it down to one or two.

“Choosing favorites tends to be di cult for me because I want to give so many creatives their owers,” she says. “Growing up, I would say collage artist Romare Bearden, abstract artist Alma omas and sculptor Augusta Savage, along with a host of present artists, including Nick Cave, Grace Kisa and C. Flux Sing,” she says. ey all inspire her to dedicate herself

more to her own vision.

“ eir various styles and con dence to approach new mediums and subject matters are true to self, and explore narratives that teach and excite viewers,” says Brooks. “All of the artists’ work reminds me that there are no limits, and to keep educating and challenging myself.”

The Future

Brooks’ horizons look promising, with plans for more work and further honing her own vision.

“One of my passion projects is to revisit my photography journey focusing on the Black diaspora,” she says. “Back in 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Rousseau, Haiti, and spend time with the community there. I was able to connect and take photos of the people and experience their culture. I plan to create a life size acrylic painting from the digital images I have archived.”

On top of that, Brooks also plans to circle back to something she holds very dear.

“I am revamping Journey of a Black Girl, a curatorial project I created that grew into a creative business, focusing on the artistic wellness of Black girls and women,” she says.

Never content to stay in place, Brooks aims to continue pushing the boundaries of art in every way possible, opening avenues for new voices.

“I am always on the mission to curate more public art exhibitions and provide visual space for artists and creatives of color nationally, though all genres of art,” she says.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Artist Courtney Brooks

works to push boundaries and open avenues for new voices.

L-R first row: BREAKIN; artist-in-residence mural in Atlanta, photo by Will Feagins Jr.; Tight Like Glue.

second row: Brooks poses near her 2020 public art installation, photo by Timberhouse Films; Universal Being, wood and metal sculpture by Brooks.

Healing with Mini Horses

Mini horse farms o er tranquility, entertainment and lots of cuteness, too.

You’ve likely seen miniature horses at fairs or expos, but did you know they’re also involved with therapy?

Oklahoma is home to a few mini horse farms that serve the state.

Peaceful Ponies

Located in Sapulpa, Peaceful Ponies Foundation provides healing therapy to people with the help of equines, speci cally miniature ponies. ese highly trained animals are dedicated to visiting those in need. Visits are therapeutic and are not only comforting to patients, but to caregivers, too.

Carol Hotubbee and her husband, Carl, operate this nonpro t organization. Peaceful Ponies has three mini ponies: Rosebud, Kiwi and Sally. Carol trains the ponies in the “real world,” such as Tulsa’s Riverwalk. Rosebud, she says, is “particularly accustomed to people; she’s very well known in several communities.”

“She knows how to pose for the camera,” says Carol.

e husband and wife duo have been in-state since 2016, but Carol started training and working with mini ponies years ago. 250-300 pounds of muscle, these animals have a low center of gravity, giving them extra power to kick. So, Carol looks for certain characteristics in a therapy mini pony ... including calm demeanor, trainability and empathy.

How Minis Can Help

e ponies visit a variety of places, such as nursing and retirement homes. Clients who have received mini pony therapy include everyone from children on the autism spectrum to veterans with PTSD and victims of sex tra cking.

Peaceful Ponies serves clients of all ages. Just being with the mini pony helps each person be “in the present moment,” says Carol. “If we can lift up someone, we’ve done our job.”

Activities with a Mini

Visits to see the ponies at the farm itself are available by appointment. Clients can braid the mini’s manes or walk them along one of the trails, built by Carl.

T&M Stables and Mini’s on a Mission

Mindy Stewart and her husband Trayson own T&M Stables and Mini’s on a Mission, a nonpro t organization. e 200-acre ranch located in Delaware, Okla., has been in Trayson’s family for ve generations. Mindy, a life-long equestrian, provides animal-assisted therapy to promote healing.

“I’m an equine specialist life coach,” she says.

She explains that science proves that just petting an animal relieves stress, describing the action as “calming and therapeutic.”

Genetic Differences

Minis are under four inches in height and their demeanor can be described as “sweet and calm,” says Mindy. e American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) registries have two categories, A and B, with the B class minis being a bit larger.

At the top of the list for caring and keeping minis are: appropriate nutrition, hoof care and dental care, along with grooming and vaccinations.

T&M Stables, based in Delaware, Okla., provides 200 acres and plenty of animal-assisted therapy.

Rosebud knows 90 words and 45 commands; she will give kisses to calm someone, and can circle, jump and smile on command.

“We can be a little oasis,” says Carol.

See more on the company’s website, peacefulponies.org, or call 918-248-0723.

“ e minis need the same treatment as standard-sized horses,” says Mindy.

Visit T&M Stable’s Facebook, or call 918-629-8549 for appointments.

GINA A. DABNEY

Photo courtesy T&M Stables

A Pre-Statehood Passion

Libraries are a vital part of a community – a belief our state recognized from the beginning. Even before statehood, in 1890, the rst legislative assembly of the territory of Oklahoma passed legislation to create the territorial library, and the state’s strong a nity for access to libraries began.

Natalie Currie, director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries – the entity that serves as state library, state archives, and the records administrator for the state government – recognizes the value in this long history.

“ at really speaks to me, because that tells me that even before we became a state, our state forefathers already knew how important libraries were,” she says. e current-day department is an independent state agency, led by a seven-person board of directors who were appointed by the governor and con rmed by the senate. ey have about 35 employees who serve various roles, from archivists to library resource experts to consultants who help with library development statewide.

“We are really fortunate in this state that we have at least one public library in every county, but that was a hard-fought process,” says Currie. “It’s really important to us to make sure that no matter where you choose to live, that you have access to amazing library services.”

In addition to running the state library, the ODL provides a range of services to support libraries throughout the state. ey administer and distribute both federal and state funding that provides for collections enhancement and a wide variety of programming -

everything from early learning literacy programs, homework and job search help, veteran bene ts assistance, citizenship test preparation and much more. A team of development consultants advise every library in the state on best practices and provide ongoing support.

e department manages the archives of the state government and has developed a wide variety of digital collections, available for research online. ese records are accessible to everyone and play an important role in bolstering government transparency, says Currie.

And this e ort to provide information and education continues into new initiatives by the department. Looking to the future of the ODL, access to technology for all is a major goal. e agency has spearheaded projects including digital skills training, providing private access to telehealth services within libraries, and supporting local libraries in their e orts to provide one-on-one technology training to their communities.

“ e library is a safe, welcoming environment for them to learn and be exposed to these technologies, and learn to use them in a really supportive environment,” says Currie. “Libraries are all about making sure that there is equal access and opportunities for all, regardless of your economic circumstances.”

BONNIE RUCKER

A Library in Every Community

“It is important to have a library in every community, because it is a reflection of that individual community,” says Currie.

A big metropolitan library may not be the best fit for someone living in a more rural area, she says. But the library in that small town is embedded in the community. Leadership is from that community and they know the needs of its members. They can make sure that the library services reflect the needs and the personality of that community.

Interested in bringing a library to your community? Contact the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to speak with a library development consultant by calling 405-521-2502 or emailing info@libraries. ok.gov.

Libraries have been important to Oklahomans since the 1890s; the Oklahoma Department of Libraries upholds that enthusiasm.

Oklahoma Department of Libraries employees range from archivists to resource experts and consultants.

Photo courtesy the ODL

The Future is Collaborative

What began in 2017 as an idea among friends for an adult playground has become so much more.

Oklahoma City’s Factory Obscura is a collaborative company that provides jobs for artists; creates new experiences for the community; and supports arts education. It seeks to create a di erent way to experience art – one that engages and inverts the senses while encouraging play and joy.

Visitors can touch, crawl and explore the many details within the art experience. You’ll nd a variety of textures, materials, sounds and light with which to interact.

It’s also designed to be enjoyed by and accessible to everyone, so it’s a place for people to connect through shared experiences.

Kelsey Karper, co-founder and director of logistical creativity at Factory Obscura, says there are few places like this collective, but even the ones that exist are quite di erent.

“While there are other examples of immersive art around the country, each re ects the artists who made them, and all are unique experiences that are built and operated in their own ways,” she says. “We have been excited to see other organizations and artist groups create temporary immersive or experiential art projects around the state.”

e team at Factory Obscura believes the “future is collaborative,” and every project requires a team of multidisciplinary creatives to achieve. ey’re guided by an agreement referred to as the Code of Collaboration.

“We work together to design, fabricate

and install immersive art experiences and handcrafted environments of visuals, sounds, textures and interactivity,” says Karper. “In the design process, the team focuses on some key qualities and elements that de ne our work: collaboration, immersion and interactivity, universal design, future positivity and wonder.

“For example, when we built Mix-Tape in our permanent space in downtown Oklahoma City, we brought together a multidisciplinary team of creatives, gave them a set of parameters to guide them to a cohesive concept, and worked collaboratively to design, build and install it together,” she continues.

Factory Obscura works with artists in a variety of ways. ere are forms on the website for submitting work to retail shops and booking inquiries for performing artists. e team also occasionally invite artists for special events or projects; follow them on social media or sign up for their mailing list to be alerted on new happenings.

Factory Obscura also has a new experience open through June 4 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman, entitled SYNESTHESIA. It’s inspired by the museum’s permanent collection, particularly the work of Olinka Hrdy. ere is also a Factory Obscura pop-up shop inside the museum. Find more details at factoryobscura.com/synesthesia.

In 2023, you’ll nd a full slate of events, performances and new experiences at the company. e team also loves to throw a good party; you can nd events by visiting tickets.factoryobscura. com/events.

ALAINA STEVENS

Immersive art experience Factory Obscura wows Oklahomans and visitors across the country.

Factory Obscura, based in downtown OKC, offers its guests immersive and collaborative artistic experiences.

Photo by Dylan Johnson

on to other work, including Parton, who found himself performing regularly as a solo act around Denver.

“I started playing so much in Colorado that by 2005, I was going up there once a month for a week or ten days, sitting down up there for ve or six gigs, and then coming on back,” he recalls. “I did that for three years.”

Ultimately, it made sense for him to relocate, so he did. And like any pro, Parton adapted to his new situation. While it may be a stretch (not to mention a cliché) to say he reinvented himself, there’s no doubt he had to alter his stage persona a little bit to synch up better with the jobs he was getting.

“I did kind of tone down the sideburns and the crazy-hair stu and the eyeliner,” he explains, “because the shows that actually paid money, good money, where I didn’t have to have an [outside] job, were all breweries and farmers’ markets and resorts, stu like that, where you were playing to people who liked every kind of music. So even my writing – instinctively, I think, or maybe intrinsically – started taking on a more poppier, even romcom-soundtrack kind of sound. And I started adding covers that were a little more palatable to people outside the rockabilly thing.”

As Parton fans might imagine, the songs he chose to cover were frequently adventurous. ey included Courtney Barnett’s 2013 release, “Avant Gardener,” which he rst heard one morning as he was waking up in his apartment in Manitou, Colo.

It’s Great to be Back

It’s hard for both Brian Parton and me to believe that the last time I interviewed him for a story was more than a quarter of a century ago. at was in 1996, when I was on the back side of my 23-year stint as an entertainment writer for the Tulsa World, and he was on the rise as the front man for Brian Parton and the Nashville Rebels, a raucous rockabilly trio that included the crackerjack Tulsa musicians Bill Padgett on drums and David White on bass. e group was a regional favorite for several years before disbanding in 2002. Afterwards, the members all went

“She was saying, ‘Halfway down High Street, Andy looks ambivalent. He’s probably wondering what I’m doing getting in an ambulance,’” Parton remembers. “And when I heard her rhyme ‘ambivalent’ with ‘ambulance,’ I sprang up from the bed and said, ‘I have to meet this person!’”

at happened a few months later, when the Australian performer came through Denver on her rst American tour. He saw the show, they talked, and then, about four months later, Barnett was announced as one of the featured acts in Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Festival.

“I’d never heard of it, but it was a big thing in Austin, and she was going to be on it with the New Pornographers, Modest Mouse – everybody was going to be there,” he says. “And you know how it is: If you’re in the business, you can’t go to Austin for somebody else’s show without trying to work at least one day yourself

Musician Brian Parton integrates comedy into his dynamic sets.

A talented musician, Brian Parton has recently added comedy elements and humorous anecdotes to his sets.

Photo courtesy John Wooley

while you’re down there. So I started looking around for a gig – and ended up on that festival.

“My daughter, Kelsey, was a big fan [of Barnett] too, and they took a photo together,” he adds. “It was pretty great.”

e Colorado scene was also pretty great for Parton, whose following around the Denver area spread to audiences in surrounding cities like Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Boulder. But, of course, nothing lasts forever, and a downturn was inevitable. Parton traces it back to the year 2018, when, he remembers, “four of my best rooms dropped music, another one closed, and another cut the price they were paying. at last one was in Breckenridge, and it wasn’t worth driving through Vail Pass in four inches of snow at three o’clock in the morning – as good as I was at it – to make a hundred bucks, when I was getting three before.”

He blames the situation, at least partially, on rising rental costs in the area.

“Nobody there can a ord to go out anymore,” he says. “We’re talking about people with computer-science backgrounds and doctorates in physical therapy, all making 80 or 90 thousand or more a year. But, you know, when your rent’s $1,500 to $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment that leaks, and you’re still paying on a student loan, eventually the ski slopes and restaurants and nightclubs are going to su er. I think that’s what was happening.”

While living in Colorado, Parton had returned to Tulsa for an occasional show, often at the behest of local club owner Donnie Rich. e most high-pro le of those jobs was his performance at the much-ballyhooed bene t for the Outsiders House Museum, when several members of e Outsiders movie cast returned to Tulsa.

“I was the musical entertainment for that,” notes Parton, “and it was really fun. [Outsiders star] Darren Dalton loved my act. I just wish I knew how to schmooze better; we might be writing something together right now.”

Ultimately, Parton made the decision to move back to his longtime hometown. One of the rst local jobs he got on his return was playing at Tulsa’s Blackbird on Pearl. At that appearance, in addition to doing his songs, Parton performed George Carlin’s “I’m A Modern Man,” a monologue

that gained fame after the late comedian opened his 2005 HBO special with it.

“Yeah, I’m covering comedy now,” says Parton with a chuckle. “I’m even getting laughs. I’d done ‘I’m A Modern Man’ at the Starlight in Tulsa one night, back in 2018, and there were some stories and stu that just extemporaneously happened, too. Sarah Wagner [the well-known Tulsa singer-songwriter] was there, and she said, ‘Man, you might want to start working more of that into your shows. It really goes over.’

“So, for the rst time in my life, I’m trying to be funny [on stage],” he says with another laugh. “And it’s working out.”

Parton adds that he might have tried adding comedy to his act much earlier in his career if he hadn’t talked to another Tulsan, the nationally known standup comic Barry Friedman, about the business.

“It was like 20 years ago, and I asked him, ‘How long is a set in comedy?’” recalls Parton. “I thought they were all around six minutes, like on the Tonight Show.

“And he said, ‘Oh, about 45 minutes.’

“I went, ‘No kidding? You actually have to sit down at the writing table and try to be funny?’ at just seemed like something I shouldn’t ever think about doing. But then Sarah said I should.”

It was Wagner’s observation, he says, that helped lead him into adding more original comedic material to his performances. And when it comes to the balance between comedy and songs in his shows these days, Parton gets very speci c.

“It’s like 73% music and 27% stories and funny stu ,” he says. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m a comic, because I really like [producer, comedian and Seinfeld cocreator] Larry David. I move and work in those kinds of circles, you know, and if I ever do something for him, I want him to like me – and he’s credited with saying, ‘I hate guitar comics.’”

Parton laughs again, before letting me know that all of this doesn’t mean he’s not still writing new songs. In fact, he says, there’s one he wrote speci cally to celebrate his return to T-town.

“It’s called ‘It’s Great to be Back in Tulsa,’ and it is. It’s great to be back in Oklahoma, because I can say ‘y’all’ again!”

JOHN WOOLEY

THE PROFESSIONALS

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

The most common answer is wealth in excess of $500,000 that’s passed down to loved ones. Here are some strategies for growing it: 1. Be a strategic saver. Rather than leaving wealth accumulation to chance, strategic savers set goals and work to actively increase their savings. 2. Invest in stocks. Investors who are serious about income growth utilize the stock market. 3. Invest in real estate. Historically, property values have increased over time, making homeownership a leading method of wealth accumulation. 4. Pass along financial wisdom. families find it beneficial to discuss their financial decisions with their adult children. 5. Consider “Giving While Living.” Plans for sharing generational wealth can include giving now rather than waiting to hand down assets after death.

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A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 2431 E 61st St, Suite 400, Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009 David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com

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“So, for the first time in my life, I’m trying to be funny on stage. And it’s working out.”

LIFE & STYLE

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

Dapper Dubrovnik

is southern Croatian city beckons with history and entertainment in equal measures.

Calm and chic, the harmonious duotone of beige and red architecture in Dubrovnik creates that serene “red tile style.” Cypress trees and terraced neighborhoods cut through the landscape, converging and visually plunging into the harbor. Old Town is one of the world’s best and most perfectly preserved medieval cities.

Muted and pristine, not fussy or ornate, Dubrovnik has a quiet con dence. A musical background doesn’t de ne it; while other cities are enhanced by accordions, bouzoukis or bagpipes, in Dubrovnik, you’ll hear only the soft crash of waves upon the shore. e streets of the walled town shimmer with cleanliness.

As soon as you enter the portal by the “moat,” you have crossed into a historic time zone ... and architectural heaven. Every cafe entices and presents full-bodied aromas of Croatian cuisine. e “palace hotels” are full of

glamor, decor and valuable art. e free cable car is a nice hub for people to appreciate the panorama of the harbor below. Hints of Venetian, pastel architecture mixed in with the stately fortress ramparts give Dubrovnik that alluring combination of both elegance and erceness. One wonders how long the process must’ve taken to build such a forti cation. Each stone, window, arch and staircase adds to the intricate blueprint of the mysterious castle. Game of rones fans enjoy walking tours, recalling scenes vividly and enthusiastically.

A common activity seems to be gelato-strolling; gelato shops on every corner entertain the shoppers with their myriad of avors. At dinner time, the golden hour (which could basically be every hour there) is a visual seduction of luminous hues. People open their shutters and gaze onto the veiled and benighted

promenade for a few last looks of the day. While children kick soccer balls in the plaza, pedestrians enter churches, drawn to the artifacts and aromatic incense inside.

While every restaurant is superb, some particular recommendations are:

• Nautica

• Kamenitsa

•

Pupo Fish Restaurant

Dining al fresco extends the evening entertainment because of live music and costumed guards. Restaurant chairs have blankets, so diners can warm themselves while enjoying the brisk weather. Waiters don’t rush you in Old Town. ey let you linger – and even better, you are allowed to sit at tables later in the evening with your own beverages, long after the dinner crowd is gone. is is helpful, too, because nights last long inside the castle as people interact on the staircase nearby.

Retreating back to your boutique

Dubrovnik presents visitors with a calm ambience, a slow pace and plenty of history.

Photos by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

hotel is heavenly because they are small versions of art galleries. ey’re minimal on space but massive on an artistic scale because of the sophisticated impact of that beauty. Suggestions include:

• Pucic Palace

• Prijeko Palace

Croatia is beautifully curated in every way; scenery, cuisine, jewelry, art, architecture, hospitality. Two bar recommendations are:

• Ca e Bar Buza, to view cli jumping behind the fortress walls;

• Zton Bardfor, for the sheer experience of being outside at this height and perspective of the Adriatic Sea. e sun beats down on you (unless you sit under the awning) while you watch intrepid divers and jumpers soar and splash into the sea. Dads sh together while their young daughters catch tiny sh in pails and feed them to the stray cats on the seawall. Saturday mornings in Dubrovnik seem like a life every family craves. Just watching it reincarnated this writer’s own childhood with a European father. e night harbor is illuminated by colorful boats that are the jewels of the sea. Dapper Dubrovnik has it all.

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

Driver Safety 101

Whether it’s blazing hot or freezing cold, some common sense tips can help on the road.

Cooler temperatures bring out the desire to hit the open road, visiting well-loved places in Oklahoma and nding new spots to make memories.

Leslie Gamble, manager of public and government a airs for AAA Oklahoma, gives a few tips on driver safety before embarking on your next road trip.

“No one ever plans to have car trouble or nd themselves in a crash,” she says. “Yet, in Oklahoma alone, AAA provided roadside rescue services for nearly 81,000 motorists between Memorial Day and Labor Day last year.”

e side of the road is one of the most dangerous places to be, she says.

“If you experience a vehicle problem, pull o the road, as far as possible away from tra c,” she advises. “Turn on your hazard [ ashing] lights. Many motorists don’t follow Oklahoma law and move over – a lane away – from a vehicle with ashing lights on the roadside or the shoulder. It’s risky just to get out of your vehicle to try to determine what’s wrong.”

Cars are more likely to break down in excessive heat or cold, she says.

“Although it may seem obvious, be sure your car has plenty of gas in extreme temperatures. Becoming stranded because you have run out of fuel in these conditions is

Must-Have Items for the Car:

• Cell phone and charger

• Jumper cables

• Flashlight and batteries

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable snacks

• In winter: jacket, hat, gloves, blanket, de-icer

not just inconvenient, it can be life threatening,” she says.

Gamble also mentions that having a back-up plan can save time and keep you safe.

“ ose who have a roadside assistance plan, like AAA, can rest assured they are only a call away from help,” she says. “Always have a fully-charged cell phone with you when driving and have a phone charger as well. Call for help and wait inside the vehicle.”

Minor Accidents

In the event of a fender bender or other small car accident, Allen Rock, an insurance manager with AAA, o ers a few tips.

“First, make sure no one is injured,” he says. “If there is any concern [about injuries], call 911 immediately. Pull o to the side of the road or into a neighborhood or parking lot, if possible. Get yourself and your passengers out of the way of any oncoming tra c to protect your safety.”

Rock urges owners to take photos of the damaged vehicle and be sure to obtain auto insurance information from all drivers involved in the collision. is includes each person’s name and phone number, as well as their insurance companies and policy numbers. If an individual does not have insurance information, get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number and car tag number.

“Provide your insurance information to those involved,” he continues. “Never admit fault. Let police and claims adjusters do their work. Contact the police so you can have a police record of the incident, especially on public roads. Notify your insurance agent to discuss the incident once you are in a safe place and have wrapped up details at the scene of the crash.”

DEBI TURLEY

The Pros and Cons of Sodium

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in some foods – but most of the time, it gets added to our diets through processed items and an enthusiastic overuse of the salt shaker. However, while sodium can seem ‘bad,’ it’s an essential nutrient that keeps our bodies functioning properly, says Katie Eliot, Ph.D., RDN, an associate professor with the OU College of Allied Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

“We need sodium from our diets to maintain water and electrolyte balance throughout the body,” says Eliot. “Sodium also helps with important functions like nerve impulses and muscle contractions.”

She says that while the body technically only needs approximately 500mg of sodium to work e ectively, the recommended daily range for most adults is between 1,200-2,300mg. However, the American Heart Association reports that Americans consume an average of 3,400mg per day.

“Much of our dietary sodium comes from processed and prepared foods,” says Eliot. “While one teaspoon of table salt contains an entire day’s worth of sodium, packaged foods and restaurant meals can contain up to twice that amount.”

Some of the harm-

ful e ects of having high sodium include high blood pressure, and risk of heart failure and stroke.

“If a high sodium intake leads to high blood pressure, this can put extra stress on the heart, which, over time, can lead to heart problems,” she says. “Some people are more sensitive to salt than others, so they will see a greater decrease in blood pressure when cutting back on sodium. is is a great reason to work with a registered dietitian to nd out how much sodium you’re eating, and if cutting back would help your health.”

While the majority of people intake more sodium than needed, there are those who are also at risk for having too little sodium in their diets.

“Older adults and individuals taking certain medications are at risk for low blood sodium. is does not necessarily mean they need to increase their salt intake, but they should check with their doctor or dietitian if they are concerned,” says Eliot. “Athletes who exercise for more than an hour at a time – especially if it is in a warm climate – need to be careful to replace sodium that is lost during exercise to avoid dangerously low blood sodium levels.”

If you’re looking for ways to reduce sodium in your diet, Eliot says instead of focusing just on limiting sodium, think about increasing your fruit and vegetable intake.

“Fresh or frozen versions of these foods are naturally lower in sodium and provide a critical nutrient, potassium, which is good for heart health, and often low in diets that are high in processed foods,” she says. “Use the percentage daily value on a label – if one serving of a food has greater than 20% of the daily value, it is a high sodium food. You can teach your taste buds to like less salty foods, but give it some time. Try gradually decreasing salt intake to help you stick to a lower sodium diet long-term.”

REBECCA FAST

While this mineral typically gets a bad rap, its importance in the body is understated.

Travelers exiting Interstate 35 for Murray County attractions must first pass through Davis – and while the city is relatively small in size, it offers visitors several reasons to delay a trip to their final destination.

Davis, with a population of just under 3,000, is situated two miles east of I-35. Seven miles east lies the county seat of Sulphur; the Chickasaw National Recreation Area; the Lake of the Arbuckles; the Chickasaw Nation’s luxurious Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa; and its worldrenowned Chickasaw Cultural Center.

“We’re kind of the gateway,” says Ricky Harness, Davis’ city manager, who also doubles as manager of Turner Falls Park.

Acknowledging the attractions in and close to Sulphur, Harness says it makes sense to Davis off icials to offer visitors something special on their way.

“They will drive through Davis to get there, and we want them to take time to hit our shops and restaurants as they pass through,” he says.

Davis began as an agricultural center, and owes its existence to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. But unlike other cities in the state that are in decline, Davis has maintained steady growth – from 1,346 in 1900 to today’s figure.

Oklahoma Historical Society records show that Davis takes its name from 1880s dry goods dealer Samuel H. Davis, who successfully petitioned for a Santa Fe railroad depot near his establishment, later obtaining a post of-

fice designation in 1890.

Davis’s refurbished Santa Fe Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and houses the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum. Displays there depict the area’s history.

A major draw is the city’s scenic Turner Falls Park. With its famous 77-foot waterfall, swimming area and camping opportunities, the park draws between 300,000 and 350,000 people annually, says Harness. The city has spent about $1 million over the past year updating bathhouses and cabins and adding several shade structures to the lower park area.

Work planned during the winter off-season includes widening roadways throughout the park, and adding six to eight bunkhouses and 12 “tepees,” which Harness describes as authentic-looking Sioux tepees – but these are equipped with power, air conditioning and furnishing.

“It will be luxury camping,” he says.

He adds that a park ranger program, launched last summer, will be expanded next season.

“It was mainly for customer service, but they do have enforcement responsibility as well,” says Harness. The rangers are trained to assist people in getting around inside the park and finding their designated campsites.

For more adventurous souls, Davis also houses the 6,500-acre Crossbar Ranch and Off road Park, advertised on its website as offering “some of the most diverse off road terrain for every skill level and any type of off-road vehicle.”

Kim Trotter, who represents the management company which operates the park, says that while the past hot summer was “brutal” for visitation numbers, the park is otherwise hugely popular with riders, mainly from Oklahoma and Texas. It was especially popular, she says, during the height of the pandemic, when all types of outdoor recreation flourished.

She says riders have brought nearly any type of off road vehicle imaginable to the park.

“I’ve seen things out there ... that I don’t even know what they are,” she says. “It’s quite fun to see what people bring.”

Primitive camping and RV hookups are available, and city off icials are working on developing a common pass, good for both Crossbar Ranch and Turner Falls Park.

HENRY DOLIVE

Marnie Taylor, Bill Major, Glenda Love Williams; Visions, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, OKC

Natalie Taylor, Ken Callen, Christopher Kelle, Gregg Conway, Chan Hellman; volunteer event, Tulsa Boys’ Home

Brad & Kim Henry, Cathy & Frank Keating; 241 Fundraiser, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, OKC

Linda Marie Arredondo, LaRue Stoller, Donna Cason; 241 Fundraiser, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, OKC

Janna Moss, Laura McPartland, Lisa Craig, Jenelle Schatz; AWARE Luncheon, Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter, Tulsa

Lisa Synar, Cynthia Brindley, Natalie Evans; Environmental Excellence Award Dinner, OKC Beautiful

Alexander Mickelthwate, Jane Jayroe-Gamble, Susan Powell, Mark Beutler; Coming Home for Christmas, OKC Philharmonic

Reagan Burleson, Tarah Warren, Annie Whitfield; grand opening event, Tenaciously Teal, OKC

Bob West, Jon Meacham; John Lewis and the Power of Hope event, Tulsa Town Hall

Periann Pulliam, Miya Lewis, Alicia Terry; holiday party, Upward Transitions, OKC

Paula Marshall, Lee Copeland, Heather Gaglio, Erin Engelke, John Meyer; HJ and Anne Meyer Counseling Clinic ribbon cutting, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

Taylor Graham, Aaron Squirrel, Rod Porter, Christian Pearson, DJ Petty; Canterbury Christmas, Canterbury Voices, OKC

Francis Manning, Tamara Pollard; College of Engineering & Natural Sciences Hall of Fame induction, University of Tulsa

PEGGY V. HELMERICH DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR AWARD GALA

e Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award is given by the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library. Its purpose is to give formal recognition, on behalf of the Tulsa County community, to acclaimed authors who have written a distinguished body of work and made a major contribution to the eld of literature and letters. Alongside the recognition, the honoree receives a $40,000 cash prize and an engraved crystal book.

Due to illness, Elizabeth Strout was unable to accept the 2022 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, so there was no honoree for 2022. However, Ann Patchett, 2014 Helmerich Award winner, graciously agreed to step in as the featured speaker for the Distinguished Author Series.

Photos by Jessica Karin Trout

Zak Helmerich, Tina White, Peggy Helmerich

Earl & Janie Funk

Sharon Bartlett, Beverly Dieterlen

Ann Patchett, Peggy Helmerich, Pam Hillis, Jenny Helmerich

Zachary Helmerich, Caitlin Walsh, Ann Patchett, Peggy Helmerich, Andy Dunn

Denise Payne, Peggy Helmerich, Ann Patchett, Kim Johnson

Peggy Helmerich, Ann Patchett

Dixie Busby, Ken Busby

Ann Patchett, Ellen Duecker, Christy Cronin

Lissa Hair, Mercedes Rumley, Nicklaus Ramsey, Denise Payne

Lissa Hair, Pam Hillis, Susie Wallace, Susie Woody

Budge & Mary Ann Lewis

Earl & Kimberly Johnson, Joy Lee, Lynn & Bill Peacher

Oklahomans of the

A coach, an engineer, an executive director, a musician, a CEO, a forensic artist. What’s the common thread here? All of these describe Oklahoma Magazine’s 2022 Oklahomans of the Year. The profiled honorees worked diligently to bring renown to Oklahoma over the past year in their own ways –whether that was through bolstering business, molding well-rounded athletes or sharing the beauty of music. Regardless of the avenue, these Oklahomans helped to make our land grand.

Harvey Pratt

Forensic artist in law enforcement, artist Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt has assisted in thousands of arrests, and in the identi cation of hundreds of human remains, as a forensic artist. In recent years, his talents helped him nab the Smithsonian National Museum’s American Indian competition for the National Native American Veterans Memorial. His piece, Warriors’ Circle of Honor, is now located on the museum grounds at the National Mall.

As a child, Pratt was drawn to law enforcement and military because of family involvement, but his art skills were also encouraged at St. Patrick’s Indian Mission in Anadarko. Later, Pratt joined the Marine Corps and then the Midwest City Police Department. His rst witness description drawing resulted in an arrest and conviction.

Pratt says he nds great satisfaction in solving crime via art, and in opportunities for continuing education, with credentials including the FBI National Academy and FBI Composite School. He continues to teach classes and consult on cases. While doing work with the Cheyenne and Arapaho o ce, Pratt heard about the Native American veterans’ memorial.

“I said ‘let me dream on it,’ and the next morning, I had an idea on how to reach all 573 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. by using the circle, the elements and the cardinal points,” he says.

Pratt’s design has come to life following an e ort full of collaborations, postponements and learning curves in navigating government contractual speci cities, he says. e result is an interactive work of living art.

“It was a labor of love, and we’re proud that our memorial was completed on time and in budget, with no federal money involved,” he says. “All money was donated money by tribes and friends of Indian people.

“Native people, men and women, are in the military per capita more than any other race or ethnicity,” says Pratt. “I’ve been asked why Indians ght for this country when treated poorly, and my thoughts are that God gave the Americas to Indians rst. It’s our land, too. It’s important that the nation recognize Native American involvement.”

Although the memorial is to honor Native American veterans speci cally, Pratt says it’s designed for all people, including “those of the past, those ghting now, and for the future of our grandchildren’s grandchildren,” he says. “And we invite all veterans, not just Indians, to feel that blessing and energy. We’ve gone at night and are happy to nd it’s not just Native people who are sitting there to feel the blessing and energy.”

Harvey Pratt, along with being an accomplished forensic artist, teaches classes, consults on cases, and recently unveiled his piece, Warriors’ Circle of Honor, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Photo by Abraham Farrar

By Tracy LeGrand and Faith Harl

Patty Gasso

Head softball coach – University of Oklahoma

YearAmong college softball coaches nationwide, University of Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso has an unrivaled record; she’s led the Sooners to the Women’s College World Series 15 times and has earned the school six national championship titles – most recently in 2022. Career honors include induction into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012; winning Big 12 Coach of the Year 14 times; earning most Big 12 wins by a coach in league history at 376, as well as most wins by a coach at OU at 1,395.

While nabbing the 2022 championship title was exhilarating, Gasso is most proud of her athletes’ conduct during the tournament.

“Watching members of our team reach out to our opponents and ask them to join them in the circle for a prayer after games – and just watching them celebrate the national championship as a team and through their faith – I’ll never forget that,” she says.

Gasso, born and raised in California, bonded with her mom over a love of the LA Dodgers. She was a natural athlete, but was always drawn to coaching.

“I always knew I wanted to coach and teach, because I felt like if my mom could’ve chosen what she wanted to do, that’s what she would have chosen,” she says. “I knew I didn’t want to miss that opportunity.”

Gasso works hard to foster a sense of family within her team.

“I love being around the players, and my style is very much e cient, hardworking, game-like,” she says. “I’m not afraid to say what I have to say, but it’s always in a way of getting a player to understand what I’m trying to say, without demoralizing them or making them feel that they’re not good enough.”

In a career lled with success, community connections are treasured. Gasso says the 2013 season – following the Moore tornadoes – was likely the most important of her career.

“We were right in the middle of postseason play, and we took it upon ourselves to make that season about this state, the city of Moore and the university, and how we could bring relief, joy and pride … because it was so devastating for so many people,” she says. “ rough our play and actions, we can change people’s lives without saying a word.”

Gasso is also known for setting high academic standards for her athletes.

“We have to keep pushing, with the expectation of understanding how important academics are in this life. If you stop learning, you stop growing,” she says. “It’s always been about bringing them in as girls, and having them leave as women. We have to be better rounded than just softball players; we have to be ready to go out and create a life for ourselves.” -TL

An accomplished athlete and coach, OU softball’s Patty Gasso won her sixth national title in 2022.

Photo courtesy OU Athletics

Pamela McCauley

Engineer, educator, author Innovating and inspiring others are the fuel that has driven Pamela McCauley, Ph.D., to become an award-winning engineer and educator. Although she’s one of the most prominent researchers in ergonomics and biomechanics, McCauley grew from humble beginnings.

She moved to OKC as a teenager. After graduating from high school at sixteen, McCauley studied industrial engineering at the University of Oklahoma, and in 1993, she became the rst African American woman in the state to graduate with a doctorate in the subject.

She credits her father as one of the biggest in uences in her decision to pursue her career.

“My father passed last year,” McCauley says. “I get choked up just thinking about how proud he was of his baby, who got a doctorate degree from OU – the school he wanted to go to but was unable to because he was a Black man.”

In forging a path of her own, McCauley acknowledges her challenges. In her memoir, she discusses discovering that she was pregnant at the age of 15. McCauley persevered with support from family and teachers.

“So many other women could have the same experience, but we oftentimes don’t encourage them,” she says.

is lesson of helping others is one that McCauley has embodied throughout her career. In 2012, she became a Fulbright Scholar and led disaster recovery e orts in New Zealand. ree years later, she became a Je erson Science Fellow with the U.S. Department of State and traveled to third-world countries to research healthcare service delivery for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

McCauley is most proud of her work as program director of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps. ere, she helped diversify the program’s participants and challenge the status quo for granting promotion and tenure.

For her impact, McCauley has earned several distinctions and awards, including the “Technologist of the Year” from the Women of Color in Technology’s Conference. In 2022, McCauley was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

“I’ve been blessed with a lot of recognition, and I’m so humbled by it,” she says. “But there’s nothing like being loved and appreciated at home.”

Currently, McCauley serves as the Associate Dean of Academic Programs at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Looking ahead, McCauley says that she hopes to continue to impact the STEM community.

“I’m still very excited about work,” she says. “I’ve been so fortunate to have an amazing career with challenges and ups and downs, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

David Nimmo

President/CEO

– Chickasaw Nation Industries

Growth is necessary for the Chickasaw Nation to continue to thrive, says David Nimmo, president and CEO of Chickasaw Nation Industries. Nimmo, who has provided leadership to the Nation in various capacities for more than two decades, says CNI has recorded signi cant development in the last year, despite pandemic challenges.

“Our mission as a business is to build a company that can support a nation, so growth is important for us to reach that point where our distributable income can provide resources to enhance quality of life for every tribal member,” says Nimmo. “Last year … we saw 36% growth on the top line and 28% growth on the bottom line. Although it seems COVID was somewhat behind us, it is not behind us in terms of the federal government – which is our primary customer. For us to continue to have growth is a signi cant accomplishment.” e pandemic changed the way people do business, and CNI molded with the times through ingenuity and exibility.

“I can’t take credit; I’m proud of our team in developing new approaches,” he says. “ ey’re doing a fantastic job.”

CNI continues to look toward the future.

“ e organic growth of acquisition is one of the things we’ll be looking at, because our business is principally government contracts, and that’s a cycle of three to ve years,” he says. “In other words, 20-30% of our business falls o annually and we have to keep replacing that in order to grow bigger. In order to be big enough to support a nation, we continue to grow.” at mission of moving the Nation forward drives Nimmo.

“We’re not creating wealth to buy a new Maserati,” he says. “We’re creating resources for healthcare and housing and eyeglasses and education.”

A born-and-raised Oklahoman, Nimmo says traveling around the country for his job has made him love the state even more.

“ e quality of the people of Oklahoma is our hidden asset. Companies we acquire have an immediate a nity for us because they see the good neighbor and genuine attitude and are drawn to it,” he says. “ is state, as a whole, has that down-to-Earth spirit, and it’s just really pleasant to live and work here. What we have is special and doesn’t exist everywhere. It’s hard to see, you just have to live in it to know.” -TL

Pamela McCauley works diligently to impact the STEM community worldwide.

Photo courtesy Women of Color Magazine

Chickasaw Nation Industries CEO David Nimmo says he’s focused on one thing moving into 2023: growth for the company and the Nation as a whole.

Photo by Shevaun Williams

Joanne Davis

Executive director – OKC Black Chamber of Commerce

It’s not necessary to be a nonpro t behemoth to create a positive impact for minority-owned small businesses. is realization and other hard-won professional acumen drive Joanne Davis.

“ e Chamber empowers Black and minority-owned businesses and economic interests across Oklahoma by sharing resources, building relationships and advocating for equal opportunity and equitable outcomes,” says Davis. “Founded on the desire to empower Black and minority-owned businesses and unite the community at large, the chambers exist to serve as an economic and professional resource, relationship builder and advocate.”

After retiring as a strategic source manager reporting to Tinker Air Force Base, Davis continued helping small businesses succeed in sustaining large governmental supply or service contracts. She enjoys a form of continuance in this eld within her current role.

“Like any nonpro t, the job of executive director is bringing in money,” she says. “But as a smaller chamber, I feel that the mission is also advocacy and assistance.”

Davis began her tenure with the Chamber right around the start of the pandemic, and chose to focus on assisting businesses with money relief and grant applications.

“Small businesses often don’t have technology beyond their phones, and these governmental applications can take more than that to attain the contract, so they can get their piece of the pie,” says Davis. “For me, assisting with that is part of advocacy.”

e future for Davis means fostering more connections.

“We will continue to connect our members with good attorneys, with accountants who help them understand things like their business expenses and what it takes to access more business capital,” she says.

And looking back over the last few years, Davis is motivated by the success she’s seen.

“It’s special, to see people survive,” she says. “To see those who had been on the precipice of closing doors … but because they got additional funds or services, they’re still here. Maybe they got money to add on an outdoor area or received legal assistance. Lease negotiation can make all the di erence for a small business, and helping when someone negotiates with their landlord to create a winwin situation – these are big highlights for me.” -TL

Kyle Dillingham Musician

Whether on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, performing for royalty or teaching as a musician-in-residence, musician Kyle Dillingham lives out his love for Oklahoma in all he does. e Enid-born violinist’s earliest memories are steeped in his grandpa’s beloved Western Swing tunes wafting from the radio, all across the Land Run-settled homestead that is still in the family – going on six generations.

Dillingham’s love of music is a passion that deepened with his fated acquisition of a garage sale violin the summer before fourth grade. Soon, Dillingham was immersed in lessons, jam sessions and opportunities for serious ddling that eventually led to meeting Roy Clark and performing at the Grand Ole Opry while he was still in high school. As an accomplished ddler, Dillingham earned scholarships and entry into international diplomacy through university-based musical ambassadorships. Recent highlights include an invitation to ailand as a featured artist in a performance for ai royalty. ough happily honored, this Oklahoma musician says he’ll always return home.

“ rough the years, there have been opportunities to move to Nashville, Chicago and New York,” he says. “I was intentional from the beginning to remain based here and use my talents and energy to invest in music development and the entertainment industry of our state. ere’s been what seemed like better opportunities at that moment … but I knew the best was for me to be in Oklahoma.

“I bring Oklahoma wherever I go. My ddle was made in Oklahoma. I write songs that re ect the spirit of Oklahoma. I can’t help but feel that there is, culturally, something special here that makes its people especially capable and welcoming to those from other places.”

ough he’d been featured with other artists as a teen at the Grand Ole Opry, it wasn’t until 2019 that Dillingham got his big solo moment.

“I heard the announcer say, ‘And from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma…’ and it wouldn’t have been the same if I’d moved to Nashville. And in ailand, at the king’s palace in front of the social elite of that country, they ew in a violinist from Oklahoma as a featured

Among her many duties at the OKC Black Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Davis assists businesses in obtaining grants and negotiating lease agreements.

Photo courtesy Joanne Davis

Musician Kyle Dillingham has had numerous opportunities to relocate for his work, but stayed in Oklahoma to invest in the state’s music development, he says.

Photo courtesy Kyle Dillingham

Health

By Rebecca Fast

Get Moving

Once you’ve decided to commit to a new exercise routine or just healthier choices across the board, you don’t want to lose momentum. It’s important to plan ways to stay motivated.

John Jackson, personal trainer and owner of Impact Fitness in Tulsa, says your tness, nutrition and health should be a lifestyle

– and not just a block of time each day or week. Instead, consider the many ways you can keep moving in your daily life.

¶ Creating a

If you like social activities, he says to look for ways to exercise with others: grab friends to play tennis or join a running club. If you prefer a more tailored approach, consider hiring a trainer for a personalized program. Ultimately, it’s all about staying active.

“Resistance training, total body aerobic

YNew year, new you. Experts weigh in on staying motivated for workouts, creating sustainable healthy habits, understanding the downsides of diet culture and beating the post-holiday blues.

§ Creating

activity, Pilates or even a consistent dog walk can increase your heart rate,” he says. “ is will increase lean muscle mass and help stabilize your musculoskeletal system. Start moving your body a few minutes a day and increase every workout. Ultimately, you will look and feel better, and moreover, improve your sleep patterns to give you energy for your day.”

And the e ects of movement impact more than your body.

“ e mental, physical and spiritual focus helps create balance in all aspects of life,” he says. “I often take time for a prayer before diving into my day. Your ability to focus will enhance your workouts and signi cantly help you attain tness goals.”

Healthy Weight Loss in the New Year

Living healthier and losing weight are often top New Year’s resolutions. January is meant to feel like a fresh start, but changing habits can be hard.

Melody Hawkins, chief nancial o cer of BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center, recommends beginning with realistic and achievable goals that you can do every day.

“Oftentimes, weight loss journeys stop too soon because people try to change their entire way of eating and lifestyle overnight,” she says. “So make small goals, stick to them, and as they become habits, slowly incorporate new goals.

“Also, give yourself some grace and celebrate the little victories each day. If you did not make it to the gym, but parked far away from the o ce and took the stairs ... or if you vacuumed your whole house while wearing ankle weights, that is a victory, too. Weight loss is a process, and the goal is to make a diet a lifestyle so that you no longer have to ‘diet.’”

She says simple steps to get started could include increasing your water intake to a gallon each day the rst week or limiting fast food to once a week if you typically eat it often.

However, despite the best of plans, Hawkins says that one of the biggest obstacles the professionals at BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center see is people feeling defeated before they even get started. She says that’s why they o er weight loss assistance through the combination of a coach with clinical expertise in weight loss, along with a physician who can design a personalized plan to begin the weight loss journey.

“Also, we often hear that weight loss is so hard because people are often doing it alone in their homes,” she says. “Weight loss works best when it’s a full-family change, or if you have a partner. But that often is not the case. We love having dedicated weight loss specialists who coach our patients every single week during a complimentary o ce visit. Over the past 45 years that our physician has been practicing weight loss, we have found that having an accountable partner who is also certi ed in the area is invaluable.”

Personal trainer John Jackson (middle) says fitness and nutrition should be a lifestyle, not just a block of time each day.

Photo courtesy John Jackson

Beating Post-Holiday Blues

At the start of a new year, many people may feel a sense of sadness or extra loneliness –a bit of post-holiday blues.

Ginny Salach, LCSW, a therapist with Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, part of the Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, explains that we can experience these low spirits because we miss all of the special moments of the season: the food, traditions, activities and anticipation that come with celebrating with family and friends.

“When the holidays are over, there is a loss of all that stimulation,” she says. “ e tree is put up, decorations and lights are put away and we go back to our daily routines. is lack of stimulation can cause a big let down and sadness.”

To help work through those feelings, it can be good to shift your focus.

“Get back to your hobbies or nd a new hobby,” says Salach. “Watch your favorite TV show or movie – something uplifting, happy or funny, and/or plan something you want to do in the new year. Having something to look forward to gives us hope and helps us move forward.”

However, if you have a friend or loved one who seems to be depressed or especially struggling after the holidays, Salach suggests starting a conversation.

“Use open ended questions to see if they are aware of how they are feeling and if they are willing to talk,” she says. “If they are willing to talk about it, then continue the conversation. Sometimes people just need to talk and have someone listen.

Beating the post-holiday blues can be achieved through exercise, eating right and involvement in therapy – perhaps with Norman Regional’s therapy dog, Macaroni. Top and bottom photos courtesy Norman Regional Health System

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Diet Culture

e term ‘diet culture’ is a trending topic that’s sparking discussion and encouraging change. While explanations and interpretations may vary, diet culture is most often considered society’s belief that thin is ‘ideal’ and points to a higher social status or moral goodness. In short, diet culture says foods are good or bad, and only a thin body is a healthy body.

“Ultimately, diet culture is harmful,” says Jenny Lange, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Norman Regional Health System. “We are not all meant to be the same size or eat the same diet. at’s just not how it works. Diet culture capitalizes on our insecurities and pro ts on them.”

She says the reason diet culture is so popular is because it provides black and white information.

“ e gray area, where the majority of good nutrition advice lies, isn’t popular,” says Lange. “You don’t see very many popular in uencers who make a lazy dinner with microwaved canned vegetables, a sandwich and ice cream. e realistic dinners and lunches don’t get views, and don’t portray a perfect image.”

Laure DeMattia, D.O., an obesity and family medicine physician specializing in medical weight management with Norman Regional Health System’s Journey Clinic, says diet culture is not only harmful but it often back res, especially for women, because it’s based on shame and comparison.

“I tell my patients that body image is a slippery slope that needs our attention,” says DeMattia. “Patients will tell me, ‘I’ll be happy when I lose 20 more pounds,’ but I want people to be happy whatever their weight is. I want people to have a more

peaceful relationship with their body. It’s a work of art.”

Courtney Lundy, a registered dietitian with the Journey Clinic, believes diet culture’s focus on outward appearances, rather than health and wellness, leads to disappointment – and can potentially increase health risk factors.

“ ere are plenty of thin people that are unhealthy, so the idea that thin equals healthy can be dangerous,” she says. “Unrealistic body standards can also be taxing on mental health and lead to disordered eating. Motivation behind the desire to be thin is important as well. If the motivation is focused on outward appearance – to look good, to impress or please someone else, to be a certain size, or to wear certain clothing – that is eeting. However, if the motivation is focused on quality of life or inward feel-

ings – to be able to ride a roller coaster with your child/grandchild, to be able to tie your own shoes, to reduce medication use, or to prevent chronic disease – that is lasting. e desire to lose weight is not all bad, if health is being considered.”

Lundy points out that obesity is a growing concern, and Oklahoma currently ranks fourth worst in obesity for the U.S., with 36.8% of adults in the state being obese.

“Obesity has been shown to increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, hypertension, sleep apnea and several types of cancer,” she says. “Getting to a healthy BMI can drastically reduce those risks. However, a healthy BMI is not always viewed as thin or skinny. Diet culture is harmful because it is creating a weight-obsessed society, rather than a society focused on health and wellbeing.”

The experts at BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center utilize a weight loss coach and physician to help clients look and feel great.

Photo courtesy BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center

The Perfect Collaboration

Most people around Oklahoma grew up eating barbecue, but Justin Carroll wasn’t one of them – his family couldn’t a ord it. After he got steady on his own two feet, however, he dipped his toe into that world.

One ne day in 2016, Carroll says, “I don’t remember why, but I decided to buy a brisket and cook it on a friend’s smoker. A miracle happened and it was delicious!”

After that, it took him three years of trial and error to learn what he’d done right, and how to do it again consistently. ose were fun years.

“It caught my interest and became an obsession,” he says. “I loved the idea of watching re, controlling smoke, the science of it. e aerodynamics, the temperature, how the shape of the smokestack a ects the meat, how you can change a few simple things and make your product unique.”

Carroll formulated a way to make

his brisket uniquely his. For much of the twelve hour smoking process, he wraps the bottom in a loose foil receptacle, a “foil boat,” so the liquid fat collects at the bottom and the brisket cooks in it, like a con t. At the same time, the top is exposed to smoke.

If you were one of the many who waited in line a year or two ago to get brisket from Carroll’s food truck – 1907 Barbecue – before he sold out (and he always did, very quickly), you’d likely remember catching a glimpse of him –a tall, energetic man working quickly over the smoker, despite the 115 degree heat in his truck. He barely had time to take your order. But one of the few people who came so many times that Carroll managed to talk with him was a man named Andrew Aguero.

Aguero came of age in Karnes City, Texas, which he describes as “a small, Hispanic-dominated town way south of San Antonio. We didn’t have white bread

there, we grew up eating tortillas.” e families who have lived for countless generations in that area –just north of what’s now the Mexican border – have developed their own take on Mexican cuisine, and Aguero grew up eating all the local specialties his mother and grandmother cooked so very well: carne guisada, pork verde, arroz con pollo.

“And I never knew I was eating Mexican food,” Aguero wryly recalls. “We just called it food.”

Aguero has made a career in the restaurant industry. He was general manager of MAD Eats, Erik Reynold’s restaurant in Owasso. Later, he went to San Antonio to open a restaurant with Andrew Weissman, a James Beard-nominated chef and restaurateur. And, unlike Carroll, Aguero did grow up with barbecue, but down in Karnes, they called it barbacoa and made it the traditional Mexican way,

Justin Carroll and Andrew Aguero team up to lead 1907 Cantina in Bixby.

1907 Cantina in Bixby welcomes diners to enjoy delicious barbecue with Mexican influence.

Photos courtesy 1907 Cantina

using an outdoor pit. It was natural for the two chefs to hit it o . ey decided to open a restaurant together – 1907 Cantina.

It’s a lively, casual place in the middle of the old Bixby town center, just southeast of South 151st Street. You’ll nd a lot of Aguero’s mother’s favorite recipes here, including the carne guisada (beef stew) and the pork verde. But there’s a di erence – carne guisada and pork verde are normally made like a stew. But here, to make pork verde, they cube the pork, toss it in a chile verde marinade with tomatillos and jalapeno, and then Carroll puts it in his smoker at around 250 degrees for four hours. After that, they bring it inside and stew it. e carne guisada is made with Carroll’s brisket, smoked for 12 hours before they stew it.

“And it’s better that way!” says Aguero. “Don’t tell his mom!” adds Carroll.

ere’s another thing you shouldn’t tell his mom. Dishes like carne guisada are usually served on plates. But at the Cantina, says Aguero, “everything is eaten with your hands,

everything is on a taco.” Why? “Because everything tastes better on a tortilla!”

e tortillas come from a tiny factory in north Tulsa, Tortilleria de Puebla.

“ ey have the best corn tortillas I’ve ever had,” says Aguero, “except for my grandmother’s.” Most of the toppings are traditional dishes from Aguero’s family, but some are made with what Arguero describes as “fun stu we came up with.”

ere’s a sausage taco based on the wraps served at football games south of San Antonio. All of the tacos are a delight, bursting with avor. Perhaps the best is the brisket taco, made with the very same slow-cooked brisket that delighted Carroll’s fans at the food truck (and still delights them at their spot at Mother Road Market). It’s smoked for 12 hours in Carroll’s huge, 1,000 gallon smoker in a truck parked near Mother Road, and then brought to Bixby daily, where it’s enlivened by Aguero’s blend of pico, queso fresco, candied jalapeno, chipotle and pickled onion. It’s the perfect collaboration.

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Emma Elle’s Italian Kitchen

Travel to far west Oklahoma City, and you’ll nd Emma Elle’s Italian Kitchen, serving authentic Italian food and wood- red, Neapolitan-inspired pizzas. But it’s not just the food that makes this little gem of a restaurant special – it’s also their commitment to supporting the community.

Owner Cameron Wilson used his love of pizza as inspiration to create an Italian eatery featuring those delicious pies, plus pasta and entrees with limited ingredients. When you take a bite, you’ll taste each individual component.

Wilson strives to source ingredients from local farmers and purveyors; the wagyu and Angus beef come from Domenica Farms, and the Iberico pork from Scissortail Steading. ey also partner with Oklahoma’s Sabati Wines for their house red and rosé.

e menu is small but mighty. Kathy’s lasagna is a standout dish with housemade bolognese and whipped ricotta cheese. e real star of the show is the ve wood- red pizzas on the menu. Each comes out blistered and beautiful after being cooked inside the imported Italian Stefano Ferrara Forni pizza oven. e Carnivore, made with house-made sauce, mozzarella and locally raised beef and pork is a must-order.

With a bright dining room providing a view of the open kitchen, guests can relax and watch as their meals are made. A dedicated to-go area ensures that even those in a hurry can enjoy great food. For a quick lunch, try the caprese salad or fettuccine Alfredo with grilled or hand-breaded fried chicken.

Save room for dessert, created by Yukon’s 9 oh 6 Bakery. e limoncello cake is light with just the right amount of sweetness, while the tiramisu cake is a decadent way to nish your meal.

Emma Elle’s is open Mondayursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 4401 Grant Blvd., Suite ree, Yukon; emmaelles.com

NICKY OMOHUNDRO

Photos by Ronda Williams/Lucky Lemon

A Melting Pot of Flavor

Laura Szyld blends French, Argentinian and Italian in uences at Ganache Patisserie.

ou are enveloped in the delectable scent of fresh pastries and desserts as soon as you enter Ganache Patisserie in OKC’s Chisholm Creek. e pastry case is lled with classic croissants and macarons, as well as more unique creations like hazelnut cream pain au chocolat and yusu-blackberry bonbons. Each is as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

Laura Szyld and her husband, Matt Ruggi, had a dream to make people happy with their food, so they moved to Oklahoma and opened Ganache, a European-style bakery and cafe, in March 2018. Szyld is originally from Argentina and Ruggi is from Italy. After she graduated from the Escuela de Arte Gastrónomico with a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, the couple traveled around Europe and trained further in France and Italy before coming to the states.

Ysays. “Sitting down to the table was a sacred moment. We needed to sit down, talk about the day, share a meal and connect over food.”

Although she’s classically French-trained and prepares mostly French cuisine, there are still touches of home that she can’t live without. Alfajores or caramel pu s – cornstarch cookies with caramel – are an Argentinian and Italian mix. Cornettos are sweet honey street croissants that are a mix of an Argentine medialuna and a classic Italian cornetto. en there are the dulce de leche macarons.

Combining French, Argentinian and Italian avors work well together for Ganache, and people are receptive to it. e savory dishes o er a touch of sweetness, but the sweet dishes aren’t too sweet.

In July 2022, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art approached Szyld about o ering sweet and savory grab-and-go options inside the newly renovated Museum Store.

Originally from Argentina, chef Laura Szyld was raised to believe that sitting down to a meal with family was “sacred.”

While living in Connecticut, Szyld’s father was recruited to work at OU. He convinced the couple to visit Oklahoma, describing the state as “a perfect secret – a great place to live.” e couple came, fell in love with the state, and felt it was a great spot for them to grow their business, because “people had a growing interest in food and new ideas,” says Szyld.

What she loves most about her job – and the reason she became a chef –is her ability to make people happy through food.

“As a kid, I loved to invite people over, cook for them, and have parties,” she says. “I realized that making people happy through food made me happy. Some people nd joy in art and some in music. But I nd joy in food; it lls my heart to see others enjoying what I do.”

In Argentina, sitting down to dinner together was a big deal in Szyld’s family. Her grandmother did a lot of cooking and her parents enjoyed entertaining.

“ e idea of sharing meals started from the beginning, even though they [Szyld’s parents] weren’t always cooking,” she

“I’m really excited about it; it’s going to be a great space,” she says, “It’s a great quick service with great food.”

is past fall, “Museum Store x Ganache!” opened, serving a mix of favorite pastries and new o erings like beef empanadas and the MOA tart – pistachio frangipane with cherries, milk chocolate ganache and raspberries.

NICKY OMOHUNDRO

LAURA’S FAVORITE PUMPKIN SOUP

“I created this recipe by taking inspiration from my grandmother’s sweet soups and my time working at the animal kingdom lodge with their African spices. You can replace the squash for sweet potato, carrots or parsnip for a different twist. It is also a great base for risotto or pasta sauce.”

1 quart Vegetable stock

1 large Butternut squash

2 small Onions

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Ginger

1/2 teaspoon Coriander

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

1 teaspoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon Pepper

2 or 3 tablespoons Honey

1/2 cup Heavy cream

Chop the onions and butternut squash into large chunks.

Sauté the onions with extra virgin olive oil or butter.

Cook them in low heat until they are translucent and taste sweet. Add the butternut squash and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the outside of the squash starts to feel soft.

Add the spices and cook for one more minute.

Add the stock and boil covered until all the vegetables are soft. Blend with a processor or blender until smooth.

Add heavy cream and honey and adjust seasonings. Serve with brioche croutons and enjoy!

Photo by Nicky Omohundro

Quincy Bakeshop

OKC’s Quincy Bakeshop, located inside the Bradford House Hotel, o ers diners a variety of delicious (and beautiful) baked goods. You can choose from a bevy of options, including croissants (chocolate, almond, ham and cheese, triple cheese), as well as savory and sweet danishes, sausage rolls (cheddar and jalapeno), an assortment of scones and even some cardamom buns. e spot also serves up macarons, brownies, lemon bars, cookies, tea cakes and pecan bars to satisfy that sweet tooth. If you’re hosting an event, Quincy caters and creates custom cakes and cookies, too. 1235 N.W. 38th St., Suite 010; quincybakeshop.com

INHERITANCE JUICERY

With a focus on real, allorganic food and cold-pressed juice, Inheritance Juicery is an aesthetically pleasing downtown and south Tulsa hotspot, perfect for those looking to eat healthy and enjoy the ambiance. Alongside a hefty menu of juices, wellness shots, smoothies and smoothie bowls, Inheritance serves up a mouthwatering food menu. Favorites include the beet Reuben, with roasted beets, havarti, sauerkraut and vegan dressing between rye bread; as well as the sweet potato grilled cheese, with cheddar cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded kale and balsamic glaze. Stick around for a variety of grain bowls, quesadillas, soups and even some cocktails. 108 S. Detroit Ave.; 6333 E. 120th Ct., Unit E., Tulsa; inheritancejuicery.com

The Dog House Tulsa

A hidden gem food truck typically parked at 37th and Harvard in Tulsa, the Dog House welcomes no-fuss diners for yummy hot dogs and burgers. Menu highlights include the Tulsa Dog, topped with mustard, jalapeno relish, onion, bacon and BBQ sauce, as well as the New Yorker, with mustard, onion and sauerkraut. For those on the hunt for a a funkier option, the Mercury Dog is a popular pick, o ering cream cheese, jalapeno relish and raspberry jam. e truck also serves up burgers – ‘In and Out style’ – as well as chips and drinks. 3711 S. Harvard Ave. A, Tulsa; doghousetulsa.com

La Cocina de Doña Nena

La Cocina de Doña Nena ushers in OKC diners for tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine. Start out with guacamole cheese crisps or bean nachos, then follow up with a wide assortment of quesadillas, tostadas, burritos or fajitas. For a great value, order a ‘Plato Delicious’ – with options ranging from classic combo plates to tamale dinners or Angelo’s Special – replete with relleno, chicken enchiladas, and rice and beans. For the fussy eaters, fear not – some ‘Platos Americanos’ o erings include sh and chips, fried chicken and grilled tilapia. Top o the evening with sopapillas or an. 3710 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City; la-cocina-de-donanena.edan.io

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy

Quincy Bakeshop

Photo courtesy Inheritance

Photo courtesy La Cocina de Dona Nena

Photo courtesy The Dog House

WHERE & WHEN

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN

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

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

HOWIE MANDEL Jan. 13

River Spirit Casino Resort Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. riverspirittulsa.com

THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS: 1776 Jan. 13-29 Tulsa

PAC American ‘herstory’ comes to life with a new twist on a classic musical. tulsapac.com

PERFORMANCE

STARTING OFF 2023 WITH A BANG

Stave o the post-holiday blues with some on-thestage goodies this month.

In Tulsa, the PAC is abuzz. Kick things o with 1776; the show, which explores the founding of the United States, gets a feminist twist in this eatre Tulsa version, where all the Founding Fathers are played by women. Don’t miss Tulsa Symphony’s rst showcase of 2023 with Invigorating: Proko ev’s Symphony No. 5 on Jan. 14, featuring guest conductor Ottorino Respighi. And you can round out the month with Jesus Christ Superstar on Jan. 24-29, brought by Celebrity Attractions – which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

HAIR LOSS? HAIR THINNING? HAIR

TULSA SYMPHONY PRESENTS INVIGORATING: PROKOFIEV’S SYMPHONY NO. 5 Jan. 14 Tulsa

PAC Enjoy a riveting symphonic showcase with guest conductor Ottorino Respighi. tulsasymphony.org

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

QUICK & SIMPLE.

PRESENTS: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Jan. 25-29 Tulsa PAC Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. celebrityattractions.com

CONCERTS

At the Civic Center Music Hall, the OKC Philharmonic brings two shows this month. e rst, Nordic Soundscapes, runs Jan. 7, o ering soothing tunes and a relaxed ambiance. e second, Disney in Concert, runs Jan. 27-28 with a variety of tunes from childhood memories. Stick around the Civic Center for e Book of Mormon, running Jan. 13-15 courtesy of OKC Broadway. Edmondites have their share of goodies at the Armstrong Auditorium, including e Five Browns on Jan. 12 and Bush, Marshall, Meyer and Meyer on Jan. 31.

NO TRAUMA. NO DISCOMFORT.

NOTICEABLE RESULTS WITH ONE TREATMENT. BASELINE

HANGOVER BALL Jan. 1 Cain’s Ballroom Start off 2023 at Cain’s Ballroom’s annual Hangover Ball, where you can jam to great music. travelok.com

Around the state, you can enjoy Gaslight eatre’s presentation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from Jan. 21-29 in Enid, as well as a performance from Nilaja Sun on Jan. 26 at the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Center in Chickasha.

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Tulsa Enjoy crooner Josh Turner for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

SHANE SMITH AND THE SAINTS Jan. 21 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Don’t miss Shane Smith and the Saints as they rock the Hard Rock. hardrockcasinotuksa. com

NELLY Jan. 26 River Spirit

Casino Resort Diamond selling, Multi-platinum, Grammy Awardwinning rap superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist and actor, Nelly, has continually raised the bar for the entertainment industry. riverspirittulsa.com

OKLAHOMA R & B BASH

FEATURING KEITH SWEAT & MORE Jan. 28 BOK Center The Oklahoma R&B Bash, featuring Grammy-nominated performers Keith Sweat and Jagged Edge along with Next, Lloyd and J. Holiday is headed to BOK Center. bokcenter.com

ART

THREE RING ART THING Jan.

7-21 Living Arts Faith Green curated Three Ring Art Thing, a group exhibition featuring Faith Green, Tanner Kerley, Bryan Turnham and Adam Koloff. livingarts.org

PRESERVE / DECAY Jan.

7-21 Living Arts Enjoy an expansive body of work by artist Mirella Martinez. livingarts.org

VISIONMAKERS

2022 Through Jan. 22 108

Contemporary VisionMakers2022 is 108 Contemporary’s signature juried biennial exhibition of contemporary fine craftbased artists in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. 108contemporary.org

SHOP 108 Through Jan. 22 108

Contemporary The gallery features handcrafted and winter-themed work made by local artists, perfect as gifts for loved ones this holiday season. 108contemporary.org

SLUMGULLION: THE VENERATE

OUTPOST Ongoing Philbrook Museum of Art Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

SPORTS

TULSA OILERS Jan. 7-29 BOK Center See the Oilers take on a variety of competitors. bokcenter. com

CHILI BOWL Jan. 9-14 Expo Square Enjoy some automobile racing madness at Expo Square. exposquare.com

TULSA NATIONALS Jan. 13-15 Expo Square Some of the best wrestlers in the world descend upon Tulsa for the national competition. exposquare.com

AMERICAN FINALS RODEO Jan. 19-21 Expo Square It’s a rodeo extravaganza at Expo Square for three days. exposquare.com

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW Jan. 30 BOK Center WWE Monday Night Raw returns to Tulsa’s BOK Center. bokcenter.com

COMMUNITY

ROUTE 66 CHRISTMAS CHUTE Through Jan. 1 101 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa The Route 66 Christmas Chute is a unique experience in downtown Sapulpa. You will be amazed as you walk under blocks and blocks of Christmas lights and decorations. route66christmaschute.com/ RHEMA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Through Jan. 2 Rhema Bible Church, Broken Arrow Join thousands of annual visitors at the Rhema Christmas Lights and witness over three million shimmering lights synchronized to Christmas music across 110 acres. rhemalights.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL Jan. 6 Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. travelok.com

TULSA TOWN HALL PRESENTS: JEAN CHATZKY Jan. 13 Tulsa PAC American journalist Jean Chatzsky is a personal

finance columnist, financial editor of NBC’s TODAY show, AARP’s personal finance ambassador, and the founder and CEO of the multimedia company HerMoney. See her speak live thanks to Tulsa Town Hall. tulsatownhall.com

SECOND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR Jan. 14 100 E. Second St. Take a fun and educational walking tour during the Second Saturday Architecture Tour. tulsaarchitecture.org

TULSA MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE Jan. 16 N. Detriot Ave. and John Hope Franklin Blvd. Head to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade through Tulsa to honor a legend and celebrate freedom with the community. travelok.com

GO SHORT, GO LONG, GO VERY LONG Jan. 21 Tulsa River Parks Trail System This annual 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K is back again with distances for every level of runner or walker. travelok.com

SCOTTISH CLUB OF TULSA’S ROBERT BURNS NIGHT Jan. 21 Broken Arrow Event Complex You don’t have to be Scottish to join in on this fun and festive celebration of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. travelok.com

GREEN COUNTRY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Jan. 27-Jan. 29 Expo Square Prep your home for spring and summer at this annual show. exposquare.com

TULSA BOAT, SPORT AND TRAVEL SHOW Jan. 30-Feb. 5 Expo Square Lovers of outdoor recreation should visit this show. exposquare.com

CHARITABLE EVENTS

BRIDGE TO EXCELLENCE SERIES Jan. 18 Online Bridge to Excellence is a 5-session peer cohort experience to sharpen an organization’s implementation of the principles and benchmarks in the Standards for Excellence curriculum. okcnp.org

TULSA REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING 2023 Jan. 26 Cox Business Convention Center Each year, the Tulsa Regional Chamber formally inau-

WHERE & WHEN

gurates the board chair during its Annual Meeting and Inauguration. coxcentertulsa.com

TOYLAND BALL Jan. 28 Cox Business Convention Center Toyland Ball, held every January, is the Parent Child Center of Tulsa’s annual signature fundraising event. coxcentertulsa.com

IN OKC PERFORMANCES

OKC BROADWAY PRESENTS: CATS Through Jan. 1 Civic Center Music Hall CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America. okcbroadway.com

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: NORDIC SOUNDSCAPES Jan. 7 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy works including Aeriality and three songs by Bjork. okcphil.org

THE FIVE BROWNS Jan. 12 Armstrong Auditorium The 5 Browns, Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae, all attended New York’s Juilliard School and are the only family of five siblings ever accepted by the prestigious institution. armstrongauditorium. org

OKC BROADWAY PRESENTS: THE BOOK OF MORMON Jan. 13-15 Civic Center Music Hall The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” okcbroadway.com SHEN YUN 2023 Jan. 21 Civic Center Music Hall Dust off your memory of what a more compassionate world used to be like. okcciviccenter.com

OKC PHIL PRESENTS DISNEY IN CONCERT –MAGICAL MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES Jan. 27-28 Civic Center Music Hall For most of us, some of our earliest childhood movie

memories involved a Disney film. Now, we invite you to come and relive those memories, as we present some of the most memorable moments from the wonderful world of Disney. okcciviccenter.com

CONCERTS

THE STEEL WOODS Jan. 5 Tower Theatre Enjoy this trio for one night only. towertheatreokc.com

WILL GAINES Jan. 12 Beer City Music Hall Don’t miss singer Will Gaines at his album release party. towertheatreokc.com

BUSH, MARSHALL, MEYER, MEYER Jan. 31 Armstrong Auditorium Mandolin virtuosos Sam Bush and Mike Marshall, two of the greatest names in bluegrass, combine with the great classical/bluegrass composer and bassist Edgar Meyer and Edgar’s son George on violin for the kind of special collaboration. armstrongauditorium.org

ART

SOMBREROS TEXANAS AND BOSSES OF THE PLAINS: COWBOY HATS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Through Jan. 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum This exhibition examines the development of what is known today as a “cowboy hat” using the museum’s permanent collection. nationalcowboymuseum.org

LA CASA QUE NOS INVENTAMOS: CONTEMPOARY ART FROM GUADALAJARA Through Jan. 9 Oklahoma Contemporary La casa que nos inventamos provides an opportunity to consider how, since the 2000s, one city in Mexico has built upon its rich cultural history as the capital of the state of Jalisco. oklahomacontemporary.or HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ROSE FAMILY GLASS COLLECTION Through Jan.

15 OKCMOA Highlights provides visitors with a deeper contextual understanding of OKCMOA’s collection of Chihuly glass by showcasing the broader story of the Studio Glass movement. okcmoa.comg

ABBAS KIAROSTAMI: BEYOND THE FRAME

Through Jan. 15 OKCMOA Kiarostami: Beyond the Frame is a multimedia, retrospective survey of artworks by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist, Abbas Kiarostami. okcmoa.com

LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDOWS TO THE WEST

Through Feb. 19 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum From 1991 to 1996, Wilson Hurley devoted his life and artistic skills to creating five enormous triptychs that depict the grandeur of the American western landscape. nationalcowboymuseum.org

FUGITIVE SPEECH Through April 30 Oklahoma Contemporary Featuring seven artworks by three artists, Fugitive Speech explores acts of personal testimony in the face of social, cultural and historical odds. oklahomacontermpoary.org

ART OF THE NORTHWEST COAST Through May 1 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum From painted totem poles to ben wood boxes, northwest coast artwork is known across the world. nationalcowboymuseum.org

OUTLAWMAN Through May 7 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Using the museum’s material culture object collection, works of art, and the Glenn Shirley Collection in the DRC, this exhibition examines the often-thin line separating the outlaw from the lawman. nationalcowboymuseum.org

YOU HAVE DIED OF DYSENTERY Through May 7 National Cowboy and Western Heritage

Photo by Evan Zimmerman

JOSH TURNER Jan. 18 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

SPEAKERS, PARADES AND YOGA

Despite the cold, there’s plenty to do in Oklahoma this month.

In Tulsa, visit the PAC for a presentation and talk from Jean Chatzky – renowned journalist, editor and nance expert – on Jan. 13, courtesy Tulsa Town Hall. If you resolution is to get t, try the Go Short, Go Long, Go Very Long event on Jan. 21 at the Tulsa River Parks Trail system; you can opt for a 5, 10, 25 or even 50k walk/run. ere’s no shortage of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on Jan. 16, including Tulsa’s parade starting at N. Detroit Ave. and John Hope Franklin Blvd.; OKC’s celebration at Myriad Botanical Gardens; and Muskogee’s showcase at the Martin Luther King Community Center.

In OKC, visit the Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show from Jan. 13-15 at the fairgrounds if you’re on the hunt for your next DIY project. Other can’t-miss events include the Edmond Ice Rink, running through Jan. 15 at Mitch Park, along with Myriad Botanical Garden’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Jan. 21.

You can get your ‘zen’ on at the Winter Big Om Yoga Retreat, running Jan. 6-8 at Sequoyah State Park and Lodge in Hulbert. Or, if you’d like a sharp left turn (literally), visit the Mad Dog Demolition Derby on Jan. 21 at the Claremore Expo Center, replete with the sounds and sites of crushed metal and smashed cars.

Museum “You have died of dysentery” is a line from the famous ‘game over’ screen from The Oregon Trail series of computer games. The quote also calls out the connection between Western themed play and the often-dark realities of history. nationalcowboymuseum.org

CHIHULY THEN AND NOW: THE COLLECTION AT TWENTY Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

SPORTS

OKC THUNDER BASKETBALL Jan. 3, 6, 8, 18, 25, 27, 30 Paycom Center Don’t miss the state’s NBA team take the court against regular season adversaries. paycomcenter.com

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 3, 8, 14, 21, 31 Lloyd Noble Center, Norman The OU women’s basketball team takes the court. soonersports.com

OKC BLUE BASKETBALL Jan. 3,8, 18, 25 Paycom Center Enjoy plenty of home games with the OKC Blue. paycomcenter.com

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA MEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 4, 14, 21, 28 Lloyd Noble Center, Norman Enjoy the OU men’s basketball team as they take on regular season foes. soonersports.com

REDLAND RENDEZVOUS Jan. 7-8 OKC Fairgrounds See skilled high school volleyball players as they compete for top honors. okcfairgrounds.com

COMMUNITY

FIRST WALK Jan. 1 Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Start your new year off with a leisurely stroll around the Oklahoma City National Memorial. travelok.com

OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS

Through Jan. 1 OKC Zoo This winter, go wild and fill your holiday season with the magic of light! okczoo.org

EDMOND ELECTRIC’S LUMINANCE: AN ENCHANTED STROLL Through Jan. 1 Mitch Park Experience the joy of the holidays during Edmond Electric’s Luminance - An Enchanted Stroll in Mitch Park. travelok.com

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK Jan. 6 Paseo Arts District Visitors can enjoy art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

ARCADIA LAKE EAGLE WATCH Jan. 6-8 9000 E.

Second St., Arcadia Come out and witness bald eagles displaying their grace and beauty during the Arcadia Lake Eagle

Watch in Edmond. travelok.com CREST ON ICE Through Jan. 8 2550 Mt. Williams Dr., Norman Enjoy a holiday ice skating adventure in Norman. crestonice.com

OKC BOAT & RV SHOW Jan. 13-15 OKC Fairgrounds If you’re gunning for some travel this summer, visit the OKC Boat and RV show for great deals. okcfairgrounds.com

THE OKC GEM, JEWELRY AND BEAD SHOW Jan. 13-15 OKC Fairgrounds Creative makers should swing by the OKC Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show. okcfairgrounds.com

EDMOND ICE RINK Through Jan. 15 Mitch Park The Edmond Ice Rink returns for its 12th season. edmondicerink.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION IN THE GARDENS Jan. 16 Myriad Botanical Gardens Celebrate the life and legacy of MLK at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in the Gardens. myriadgardens.org

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Jan. 21 Myriad Botanical Gardens The whole family is invited to this family-friendly event, featuring food trucks, kids’ crafts, cultural presentations and calligraphers. myriadgardens.org

53RD ANNUAL RV SHOW Jan. 26-29 OKC Fairgrounds Don’t miss this exciting RV show in OKC. okcfairgrounds.com

DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER Through Jan. 27 Downtown Spend your holidays experiencing fun activities as downtown Oklahoma City is turned into a winter wonderland. downtownindecember.com

OKLAHOMA QUARTER HORSE HALL OF FAME AND CONVENTION Jan. 27-28

Embassy Suites by Hilton Celebrate the individuals, horses, ranches and businesses who significantly impacted Oklahoma’s equine industry at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Convention. okqha.org/ hall-of-fame

DEVON ICE RINK Through Jan. 29 Myriad Botanical Gardens Get ready for another great winter of outdoor ice skating. downtownindecember.com

CHARITABLE EVENTS

EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING Jan. 31 Online Build essential skills for effective public speaking. okcnp.org

THE STATE PERFORMANCES

PAULS VALLEY OPRY Jan. 7

Pauls Valley High School The Pauls Valley Opry revived a 1960s and 1970s tradition built on traveling the state to play country, rock and

folk music in a variety of clubs. travelok.com

THE CEMENT OPRY Jan. 7 410 N. Main, Cement The Cement Opry is a monthly live variety show held in the Jesse James Ballroom, which is located above the Cement Museum. travelok.com

STRIDE BANK CENTER PRESENTS: MARC RUBBEN Jan. 15 301 S. Independence Ave., Enid Experience a live dinner performance by the 2019 Ventriloquist of the Year, Marc Rubben, at Enid’s Stride Bank Center. stridebankcenter.com

GASLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS: ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Jan. 21-29

Gaslight Theatre, Enid For two special weekends in January, get your tickets and surrender to the magic as Enid’s Gaslight Theatre brings Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life gaslighttheatre.org

DAVIS-WALDORF PERFORMING ARTS SERIES PRESENTS: NILAJA SUN Jan. 26 DavisWaldorf Performing Arts Center, Chickasha The actress, known for her work in television shows including Law & Order and 30 Rock, will captivate audiences as she recounts emotional experiences from her years spent teac ing in New York’s inner-city schools. usao.edu/arts-and-culture

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Jan. 28 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Enjoy an evening of riveting music with the CSO. mcknightcenter.org

CONCERTS

TRAVIS LEDOYT Jan. 6 Apache Casino Hotel, Lawton Witness an actionpacked performance by the “World’s Best Tribute to Young Elvis,” as Elvis impersonator Travis LeDoyt takes the Apache Casino Hotel stage. travelok. com

JOURNEY Jan. 27-28 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See one of the most lauded rock bands in Durant for two nights. choctawcasinos.com

SPORTS

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 2, 7, 18, 21 Gallagher-Iba Arean, Stillwater The men’s basketball team plays at home. okstate.com

ALL STAR TEAM ROPING Jan. 7-8 Claremore Expo Center All Star Team Roping is a new and exciting format that is designed by team ropers to put the contestants first. travelok.com

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 7, 14, 25

Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater The women’s basketball team plays regular season foes this month. okstate.com

INTERNATIONAL

RODEO Jan. 12-15 Lazy E.

FINALS

Photo courtesy Big Om

BIG OM YOGA RETREAT

MLK PARADE

Photo courtesy MLK Tulsa

THE JANUARY BLUES

Although it’s typically a dud month at the cinema, January o ers a few exciting gems this year.

Uh oh, it’s January! e month of sadness is here – because the sun is still going down too early and some of the worst movies wind up coming to theaters. Let me warn you, the selection is a little bleak this month. I have a choice few to share with you, along with some older recommendations to balance it all out.

when it comes out on Jan. 6.

The Last of Us, a television adaptation of a video game, debuts on HBO on Jan. 15.

Starting the month with horror feels right, and M3GAN covers all the bases. Starring Allison Williams (Get Out) as a successful roboticist, the movie follows her life after she adopts her niece, Cady. She creates a robot doll to keep Cady company, using advanced arti cial intelligence. Said doll becomes increasingly protective of Cady, so, obviously, the doll is going to go bad and murder people ... which is exactly what you’re there to see. e kills look inventive, and the trailer keeps showing the doll dancing in bizarre ways which are, at best, horrifyingly comical. Only time will tell if this will be a fun or cringeworthy ride

For your television x, check out the highly anticipated e Last of Us. Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, this show looks to break the ever-persistent curse of video game adaptations being average at best, and at out awful at worst. Starring Pedro Pascal ( e Mandalorian, Game of rones) and Bella Ramsey (also Game of rones), the story focuses on Joel and Ellie, a smuggler and a teenage girl, who must make their way across a post-apocalyptic United States. e video game was widely praised for its story and characters, so here’s hoping HBO can bring that to the screen with the same feelings and power. e series debuts on Jan. 15.

For a curveball, check out the anime Chainsaw Man. Based on the hit manga of the same name, the story is set in a world where devils are born from human fears, and a taskforce of Devil Hunters exists to take them down. e protagonist, Denji, gains the ability to transform into the titular Chain-

saw Man, a guy with chainsaws for arms and a bonus one sprouting from his head. He quickly joins the taskforce to nd more meaning in his mundane life. e animation is absolutely stunning and both the story and hero feel extremely fresh for an increasingly oversaturated market. Be warned, it is very violent. e twelve episode season one is available to stream on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

If you’d like an animated blast from the past, check out Interstella 5555. A musical science ction lm from 2003, it is the visual companion to the electronic music duo Daft Punk’s second album, Discovery. e plot concerns the capture and rescue of an interstellar pop band and contains no dialogue and minimal sound e ects, an almost unheard of novelty. e music and animation are the stars of the show, and everything still shines just as brightly as it did nearly twenty years ago. It’s currently streaming on the Roku Channel.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Photograph by Shane Harvey/HBO

BASKETBALL, RODEO, RACING AND HOCKEY

ere’s no doubt – January belongs to basketball. Watch NBA team the OKC under play at the Paycom Center on Jan. 3, 6, 8, 18, 25, 27 and 30; along with the OKC Blue on Jan. 3, 8, 18 and 25. College basketball is also in full swing; the Sooners play at the Lloyd Noble Center Jan. 3, 8, 14, 21 and 31 for women and Jan. 4, 14, 21 and 28 for men. e Cowgirls play at home at the Gallagher-Iba Arena Jan. 7, 14 and 25, and you can catch the Cowboys on Jan. 2, 7, 18 and 21.

If you’re over the b-ball frenzy, there are other options. e BOK Center welcomes the Tulsa Oilers from Jan. 7-29, as well as WWE Monday Night Raw on Jan. 30. Tulsa’s Expo Square hosts a few exciting sporting events, too: the Chili Bowl race Jan. 9-14; the Tulsa Nationals wrestling competition Jan. 13-15; and the American Finals Rodeo on Jan. 19-21.

At the Claremore Expo Center, enjoy All Star Team Roping from Jan. 7-8. Other can’t-miss events include the International Finals Rodeo from Jan. 12-15 at Guthrie’s Lazy E. Arena and the Duncan Monster Truck Wars on Jan. 21 at the Stephens County Fairgrounds.

Arena, Guthrie Saddle up and get ready to cheer at the International Finals Rodeo. travelok.com

KICKER AMA ARENACROSS AND FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS SHOW Jan. 20 Lazy E. Arena, Guthrie Prepare for a day of thrilling dirt bike races at the annual Kicker AMA Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross Show in Guthrie’s Lazy E Arena. travelok.com

COMMUNITY

FIRST DAY HIKE Jan. 1 Statewide Head to one of Oklahoma’s many state parks for a first-day-of-theyear hike. travelok.com

YUKON ICE RINK

Through Jan. 2 500 W. Vandament Ave. Part of Yukon’s Christmas in the Park event, the Yukon Ice Rink welcomes skaters of all ages for the holiday season. yukonicerink.com

WINTER BIG OM YOGA

RETREAT Jan. 6-8

Sequoyah State Park and Lodge, Hulbert Relax and reach a sense of inner peace at the Winter Big Om Yoga Retreat. travelok.com

KNID AGRIFEST Jan. 13-14 Chisholm Trail Expo Center, Enid KNID Agrifest, northwest Oklahoma’s largest farm show, provides informative seminars and demonstrations as well as vendor booths, activities and more. travelok.com

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION

Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Community Center, Muskogee This event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a parade and festive floats. travelok.com

WESTERN HILLS

WINTER BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Jan. 19-23

The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park, Wagoner Come out and enjoy gospel and traditional bluegrass music during the Western Hills Winter Bluegrass Festival. travelok.com

MAD DOG DEMOLITION DERBY Jan. 21 Claremore Expo Center Come see and hear one of the loudest events in Claremore, full of crushed metal and smashed cars. motorheadevents. com

DUNCAN MONSTER TRUCK WARS Jan. 21

Stephens County Fairgrounds, Duncan Experience the thrill of 12,000-pound monster trucks in head-to-head competitions at Duncan Monster Truck Wars this January. travelok.com

TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT Jan. 28 CCC Lake, Perry Enjoy a day of fishing fun at Perry’s CCC Lake. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish, smallest fish and biggest stringer. travelok.com

ELEVATING THE ARTS

Stillwater’s McKnight Center for the Performing Arts presents a world-class evening of music by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 28. e evening’s program including selections from Ludwig van Beethoven and Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky.

Considered one of the best orchestras in the world, the Chicago Symphony will present an evening that “is all symphonic, with no soloists, which is brilliant programming on their part,” says Mark Blakeman, the Marilynn and Carl oma Executive Director of the McKnight Center. “ is will introduce the entire orchestra.”

e symphony, founded in 1891, has been touring for 130 years.

28.

“We feel it is important to undertake these tours as ambassadors for the city of Chicago and state of Illinois,” says Je Alexander,

Stillwater’s McKnight Center welcomes the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for an historic concert.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra visits the McKnight Center for a performance on Jan.

Photo by Todd Rosenberg Photography

Photo by Allen Wilcox

CHILI BOWL

was abandoned by her mother.

sisters.

president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. “People all over the world are excited to hear the Chicago Symphony.

ere’s a rich history of touring and recording, along with 62 Grammys. It’s an exciting time for everyone, as the musicians get to perform for new audiences in new venues. We’re excited to be at the McKnight Center and have heard wonderful things from other orchestras who performed there.”

is will be the last season for Riccardo Muti, director of the Chicago Symphony, before his retirement, “making the event a unique opportunity,” says Blakeman. “It’s subjective – but it’s safe to say he’s one of the most highly accomplished living conductors today, known especially for two decades of world class operatic conducting in Milan, and also with Chicago Symphony for more than decade. So coming to the

conclusion of his career is really special.”

One of the agships for the McKnight Center is the mission to bring the best orchestras in the country to OSU.

“ ose conversations have long time horizons, with the complexity of orchestra calendars combined with conducting sta and guest artists,” says Blakeman. “Talks with Chicago started in 2017, and we continue to have these conversations with orchestras in the U.S. and Europe, as it can easily take three to ve years. We feel like we’re doing important work here to serve the region and Oklahoma, by bringing world class performances to an intimate setting – ones you might not otherwise see in a 1,100-seat venue.”

Alexander says the timing became right for another domestic tour, as there were concerns for possible COVID-19

restrictions overseas.

e McKnight Center opened in October of 2019, says Blakeman, and is re ective of OSU’s commitment in bringing great art and culture opportunities to campus.

“It’s been part of a multi-prong strategy of the university to elevate the arts, which continued with the opening of other museums over the years,” says Blakeman. “Combined with donors who have particular passion for programming, Billie and Ross McKnight started an endowment to provide resources to bring artists to this community that wouldn’t come to a place of Stillwater’s size typically. is gives us resources to program as if in a larger market than we are. e McKnights want the best of the best brought to campus to give students opportunities they didn’t have when they were here.”

TRACY LEGRAND

Elizabeth Gray

Executive director of the Civic Center Foundation and the general manager of OKC Broadway, Elizabeth Gray graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in engineering, then worked at Walters Power International. Shortly after, she received a mayoral appointment to the Civic Center Foundation’s board of directors, and in 2015, she became its rst executive director. In time, her team took over the management of the Civic Center Music Hall from the City of Oklahoma City, as well as management of OKC Broadway. Gray lives in OKC with her husband and son. We caught up with Gray and got her thoughts on ..

... how her job has evolved over the years.

Being on the board of directors for the Civic Center Foundation is quite di erent than overseeing all the operations of the Civic Center Music Hall! As a board member, we’re tasked with general oversight of the organization, but that often came in the form of monthly/quarterly committee meetings. As executive director, it is a 24/7 job. My time on the board was extremely bene cial in that I was a part of the decision making for where the organization is now, and it gives me a greater insight, now, as to what’s important information to share with the board and their vision for the future.

... utilizing her engineering degree.

Interestingly enough, my role is not very “artsy,” it is very much business oriented. My engineering degree has helped streamline processes and problem solve to move the Civic Center Music Hall operations from where they were to where they are today – and hopefully progress even more in the future. A special thanks to all my programming and statistics professors from OU, because Excel is a life-saver in the business world!

... her proudest accomplishment.

Every day there is a new accomplishment to be celebrated, but probably the No. 1, looking back over the past seven years, is the enhanced relationship that we, the music hall management, have formed

with the resident user groups. We now communicate better and complement each other’s goals in ways that were previously non-existent. I feel as if we truly are partners in furthering performing arts in Oklahoma City. My second greatest accomplishment is building a team that often acts more like family – the ‘family’ that you enjoy spending long days with.

... her favorite Broadway show.

I didn’t grow up frequenting performing arts events or attending Broadway musicals, so I still consider myself a ‘rookie’ Broadway connoisseur. One of the most moving musicals I’ve ever seen has been Come From Away. Not only because it’s a true story based on the events of 9/11, but also because it tells a part of the story few have ever heard.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the highly anticipated return of Hamilton next spring.

... what she’s looking forward to.

e successful completion of the renovation currently underway at the building. It will be the culmination of almost a decade’s worth of research, planning and work, and is going to enhance the patron experience exponentially. And to have a state-of-theart Little eatre will open up doors to all sorts of other arts organizations.

... her life outside work.

I work a lot! But when I’m not, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 ½ year old son. Outside of those activities I enjoy being a member of Rotary (Club 29) and serving on the Children’s Center Foundation board of directors.

Photo courtesy the Civic Center Foundation

Wedding 101

Before you can enjoy your marital bliss, you’ve got some planning to do. We o er tips and tricks to help you create a streamlined, beautiful, joyous and, well, perfect wedding day.

By Mary Willa Allen

STARTING OFF

After the anticipated proposal, reality may set in when you realize just how many things you need to do. Fear not! We can help. We explore a handful of the major decisions and o er some tips on how to pull that proverbial wedding trigger.

PICKING A COLOR SCHEME

Picking the hues you’ll see in images for the rest of your life can be a bit daunting. If you’re not sure where to start, try:

• Grabbing inspiration from your venue: Look around, see what colors naturally occur and pick a scheme that will complement those hues.

• Consider the season: While it’s your day and you can choose whichever colors you want, some schemes will make more sense for di erent seasons. ( ink dark reds and greens for winter, or pinks, yellows or oranges for summer.)

• Use the handy-dandy internet: Places like Pinterest can supply you with inspiration, along with wedding websites like the Knot, which o er color scheme quizzes to see which way you’re leaning.

• Look at the big picture: While you may love a funky lime green or a hot pink, remember that your scheme will be everywhere, including bridesmaids dresses, tablescapes and ower arrangements. If you’re not prepared to see it everywhere you turn, scrap it.

A FEW TRIED-AND-TRIED COLOR SCHEMES INCLUDE:

Earthy: Greens, browns and light pinks

Raspberry: Dark pinks, light grays, dusty pinks and creams

Blues: Mixed shades of blue, from navy to baby blue and periwinkle

Black and blush: Blacks, blush pinks and creams

PICKING A DRESS

ere are (literally) millions of dress options at your ngertips. So where do you start?

• Pick a few silhouettes, but stay open: It’s more than OK to come to a wedding dress boutique with certain silhouettes in mind, alongside a few cuts/shapes you know won’t work for you. However, be open to the possibility that your dream dress may look a little di erent than you planned.

• Prepare for wonky sizing: ere’s no way around it, bridal sizing is a bit weird. Be prepared to see a larger number than your normal size as you try on dresses.

• Have your budget set, but know how much you’re willing to bend: Ah yes, you’ve found your dream dress, but it’s thousands over your budget. To avoid an impulse buy, have your limit set in stone. If you’ve got leeway, con rm exactly how much, and let a trusted friend or family member know so they can hold you accountable.

• Make appointments: e last thing you want to do is bombard a boutique that’s unprepared for an hours-long event.

• Keep your shopping group limited: Remember that no one but you will be wearing your dress, and plan your audience accordingly. Too many cooks in the kitchen can lead to your feeling confused or insecure.

• Bring wedding shoes and look put together: Don’t come to your dress appointment looking like you just rolled out of bed. It will be much easier to get the full picture of how you’ll look (and feel) on your big day if you’re made up and have on the right footwear.

THE DRINK DILEMMA

TREND FORECAST

Want to stay on-trend? Here are a few predictions for 2023:

• More candid photos of the couple and their friends: Via the professional photographer, of course. Posed shots are great, but sometimes the beauty is found in the unplanned moments.

• Mismatched bridesmaids dresses: While the trend of ‘same color, di erent cut’ has been popular for a while in the bridesmaids realm, brides are moving towards totally di erent colors and textures for di erent wedding party members.

• High-cut slits on wedding dresses: If you’ve got it, aunt it!

• Disposable cameras at tables: is is a trend that’s making a comeback. is way, the bride and groom can see snippets of so many people’s experiences at their celebration.

• Petite bouquets: is is becoming more widespread for the bride, her bridesmaids and for tablescapes – it’s both minimalist and budget-friendly.

• Private last dances: More couples are opting to send guests out for the farewell while they have a quiet moment to themselves.

Perhaps one of the most hot-button issues surrounding weddings: how much alcohol should you be providing to your guests? Some claim an open bar is the only way to go. Others think it’s A-OK to o er just beer and wine. Some o er a certain amount of drink tickets, with a cash bar after.

OTHER OPTIONS

INCLUDE:

• A bubbly bar: ink lots of Prosecco and varied juices.

• Local options: A spread with local wines, beers and spirits could be just the ticket, and you may even get a bulk discount.

• Cocktail hour: O er an open bar for an hour or so, then switch over to cash or beer and wine.

• His and hers cocktails: Make two or three unique cocktails that best exemplify you and your partner.

WEDDING FINANCES

Perhaps the least exciting thing about planning your wedding? Sorting out your nances and setting that all-important budget. Before you make any purchases, create a plan with the goal to save money where you can. Here are some tips:

• Create a solid budget first thing: Simple advice, we know, but this will set the tone for the rest of your planning. Ensure that you’re allocating funds to every last detail, from gratuities to overtime fees, rentals and even postage. Also, stay vigilant that you’re not going over budget on certain items. If you are, have a plan in place for where you can cut.

• Determine who is paying for what before you start: If you’re lucky enough to have nancial contributions from others, get a clear number from them early on, and ensure their money is going towards what they want it to.

• Set priorities: Wedding planning is no walk in the park, and will likely require compromise. Make sure you’ve got your dealbreakers set and know where you’ll be OK bending a bit.

• Keep track of how much you’ve spent: Some couples opt to open up a credit card speci cally for wedding expenses, especially if the card o ers rewards or airline miles after spending a certain amount. (Free honeymoon, anyone?)

• Differentiate between cheap and frugal: Do you want to save money? Yes. Do you want your wedding to look or feel cheap? Absolutely not. Don’t beat yourself up for splurging on certain items; just ensure you’re scrimping on others. For example: you want the dream venue? Consider a less expensive dress or cheaper alcohol o erings.

• Start early: is one’s easier said than done, but if you give yourself a wide grace period, you’ll likely avoid impulse purchases, spending extra money on one-day shipping or rush tailoring.

• Opt for in-season flowers: Yes, you might love daisies and sun owers, but if you’re having a winter wedding, consider switching to something in-season to save money. If your wedding is big, ask about bulk discounts on your orders.

• Go minimalist: If you’ve got a tight bottom line, you can still make your wedding beautiful. And lucky for you, minimalist aesthetics are all the rage. Keep tablescapes simple, along with your wedding bouquets, dresses, cake and cocktails.

GREEN FLAGS VS. RED FLAGS

As you’re on the hunt for a caterer, orist, planner or other creative partner for your big day, keep your eyes peeled for both green and red ags at rst meetings, or even before.

Green flags:

• Fast and e ective communication

• Up-front pricing and contracts, with extra fees labeled and explained • Flexibility and ability to handle changes or special requests • Various samples of work • Positive reviews and recommendations • A strong website and social media presence • Competitive pricing

Red flags: • Bad reviews or no reviews at all • Zero back-up plans or exibility

Unhappy sta ers

Slow communication

Limited examples of work

Outdated website or zero social media presence

Too-good-to-be-true pricing • Confusing or long-winded contracts

WEDDING ETIQUETTE

Do: Fill out the RSVP card accurately and on-time

Don’t: Forget to RSVP and show up anyway, or RSVP late

Do: Respect the guest list numbers

Don’t: Ask if you can bring a plus-one if your invitation didn’t give you that option

Do: Defer to the registry for gifts

Don’t: Regift something you already had, or go o -registry (unless already approved)

Do: Con rm the dress code and look up examples online if you’re unsure

Don’t: Bug the bride and groom for out t approval

Do: Attend both the ceremony and reception

Don’t: Skip one in favor of the other

SAY YES TO HARD ROCK.

When you get married at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino it will be as memorable for your guests as it will be for you. Contact the sales and catering office today to book your wedding reception and/or hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests: 918.384.7462

Classic Beauty

e essence of a brilliant bride can be found through designer inspiration.

Jenny Packham

Morilee by Madison Garner

Atelier Pronovias

Oscar de la Renta

Vera Wang Bride

Oscar de la Renta

Jenny by Jenny Yoo

Berta Privee

Atelier Pronovias

Ines by Ines Di Santo

Oscar de la Renta

A Slice of Delight

Bakers around Oklahoma make decadent, delicious treats for the big day.

All photos courtesy the bakers unless otherwise marked

All Things Cake, Tulsa

Andrea Howard Cakes, OKC; photo by Andrea Howard

Zoe Cakes Unlimited, Tulsa

Rosebeary’s Bakery, OKC

Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery, Tulsa; photo by Katy Turner Photography

Merritt’s Bakery, Tulsa

Amy Cakes, Norman; photo by Kristen Edwards

Amy Cakes, Norman; photo by Rae Tay

Photography

Ling’s Cakery, OKC

You Need A Cake, Edmond

Nosh and Nourish

Catered dishes run the gamut, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters.

Soft shell street tacos; Quail Springs Culinary, OKC

Demarco of Brooklyn pizza; Andolini’s Tulsa

Braised beef short ribs; Ludger’s Catering, Tulsa; photo by Andi Bravo

Assorted charcuterie, corn and sliders; Quail Springs Culinary OKC

Edamame, salmon and tuna poke, and the ITR salad; in the raw, Tulsa

Shrimp crostini with cucumber; Aila’s Catering and Events, Tulsa

Granola yogurt fruit tarts; Just Catering by Orr, Tulsa

Charcuterie board; JTR Group, Tulsa; photo by Valerie Wei-Haas

Left, T-B: Honey goat cheese bites, herbed meatballs, salmon bagel crisps. Middle, T-B: Fried chicken and waffle sliders, ricotta fritter. Right, T-B: Bruschetta, shrimp and grits; JTR Group, Tulsa; photo by Valerie Wei-Haas

The Cherry on Top

After you’ve donned the dress, make sure to top it o with stunning accents.

Diamond

Crystelle

Diamond

L

Céleste

Goshwara

Brilliant

All photos courtesy the store/designer unless otherwise marked

Pearly midi veil, Grace Loves Lace

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2023

Inspire bridal headband, Maria Elena Headpieces; photo by Madison Aycoth

Amour crisscut earings, Diamond Cellar

Amber petite tiara, Eden Luxe Bridal

Sophia simulated diamond and faux pearl tiara, Eden Luxe Bridal

earl earrings, Diamond Cellar

white leather pumps, Gianvito Rossi

Cellar earrings, Diamond Cellar

Cellar earrings, Diamond Cellar

sandal, Gianvito Rossi

Inseparable bridal comb, Maria Elena Headpieces; photo by Madison Aycoth

Céleste tiara, Diamond Cellar

rings, Diamond Cellar

Céleste diamond necklace, Diamond Cellar

Céleste diamond necklace, Diamond Cellar

Céleste diamond bracelet, Diamond Cellar (previously Bruce G. Weber)

A Bouquet of Beauty

Local orists bring the heat with dazzling arrangements.

Ever Something, Tulsa; photo by Holly Felts Photography

Rootstock Floral Design, OKC; photo by Meg Rose Photography

Morrison Floral Company and Greenhouses, OKC

Toni’s Flowers and Gifts, Tulsa

Toni’s Flowers and Gifts, Tulsa

La Paz, Mexico

Heavenly Honeymoon Hideaways

One of the most exciting parts of planning the wedding? Picking the honeymoon destination, of course. We o er a few suggestions.

Okay, the wedding is a fait accompli. Now it’s time to do something folks have been doing since the fth century – enjoy a moon (month) of fun, adventure and the drinking of fermented honey. But where does one do this? Well, here’s a quintet of suggestions for your consideration.

La Paz, Mexico

e city of peace is in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, 95 miles north of Los Cabos. e Paci c Ocean on one side, the Sea of Cortez on the other.

Down along the waterfront, a wide promenade called the Malecon bustles with shops, bars, restaurants and laughing children.

When you’re not taking in spectacular sunsets, swim with whale sharks. ey’re big but gentle and friendly. Hike the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and discover hot springs, waterfalls and hidden lakes.

e calm, turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez are perfect for sea kayaking, while sport shing enthusiasts go after sail sh, tuna and marlin.

Modern Mexican cuisine reigns supreme in La Paz, with dishes like grilled baconwrapped shrimp stu ed with cheese served with cilantro dressing. Shoppers note: Several ne art galleries dot the city, and the handmade pottery is exquisite. Stay at the Costa Baja Resort in La Paz, Baja Sur.

Mykonos, Greece

It’s safe to say this tiny island in the Cyclades of Greece has a reputation for all-night partying, which is understandable given the clubs don’t really get going until 1 a.m.

But save some daylight for exploring. Pack up towels, sunblock and water, rent a moped and take a good look at the island’s 33 square miles of gorgeous rolling terrain, native vegetation and, in the south, sandy beaches.

In Mykonos Town, the isle’s largest community, narrow streets and inviting walkways are lined with small shops and curious eateries. e occasional church is all Greek, with blue domes and whitewashed walls.

On the opposite shore, the 18th century Venetian-style homes and

Mykonos, Greece

shops of Little Venice were built right up to the waterfront with balconies stretching out above the sea. e area’s restaurants and taverns do a brisk business, especially around sundown when the western sky glows red and orange. Stay at arroe of Mykonos Boutique Hotel.

The Hamptons, New York

Romance seems to grow, mature and blossom in the Hamptons. For escaping couples, there’s so much to do: ride bikes along the coast, explore windmills and lighthouses, attend wine tastings, visit adorable 1800s villages and check out the beaches.

e Hamptons may only be two hours east of NYC on the eastern end of Long Island, but the vibe does a 180 from Manhattan hustle to Gatsby.

Slip o your shoes on Cooper’s Beach in Southampton, where large stretches of soft sand invite leisurely walks. Main Beach in East Hampton is another good one. Hikers will gravitate to Montauk Point State Park and lighthouse, whose 860 acres o er terri c views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound.

East Hampton has some good shopping, as does Southampton, but in truth, intriguing shops and art galleries seem to pop up unexpectedly even in rural areas. Stay at Gurney’s Inn Resort and Spa.

Bergheim, France

e original moat has been lled in, but 14th century forti ed walls and nine towers still surround this Beauty and the Beast village in northeast France, enclosing a cobbled main street, thriving marketplace and brightly painted, half-timbered, ower-bedecked houses. Walk the ramparts for panoramic views of the undulating countryside, expansive vineyards and the medieval Chateau de Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.

History bu s will love the Place

d’Arme, a charming square lined with the church, town hall and well-kept homes. Shop for chocolates, woodcrafts and wine.

Outside the town walls are the vines, the source of Bergheim’s notoriety as one of the best wine-producing regions in France. It’s often visited as part of a tour of the Alsace Wine Route, a 105mile trek that traces a line from north to south, broadly following the eastern edge of the Vosges mountains through picturesque towns and wonderful vineyards. Stay at La Cour du Bailli Suites and Spa, Bergheim.

Bamboo Forests of Japan

ey’ve been described as serene, magical and other-worldly. Eighty feet tall and ramrod straight, natural Moso bamboo stalks tower over trails through the

Sagano Arashiyama forest in western Kyoto along the Katsura River at the base of the Storm Mountains. It’s a feast for the senses. Even the sound of the often-photographed bamboo swaying in the wind has been declared an o cial Japanese soundscape. Walk or grab a rickshaw.

e entrance to the forest is adjacent to the Tenryu-ji Temple, a vast Zen temple with superb gardens and ponds. If you’re feeling hungry, sample the yudofu (boiled tofu), conger eel, matcha or Japanese pickles.

Nearby, the Iwatayama Monkey Park on Mt. Iwata is home to more than 100 wild macaque monkeys, which visitors can feed via an enclosed observation hut. e views of Kyoto from the mountain are splendid. Stay at Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho (Kyoritsu Resort).

CHUCK MAI

The Hamptons, New York

Bergheim, France

Bamboo Forests of Japan

Shades of Beauty