Oklahoma Magazine January 2024

JANUARY 2024

Things to Do in 2024 Beat the post-holiday blues

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he t f o n e Sev brightest state’s leaders

Most Popular Burbs

Where young professionals are laying down roots SPECIAL IS

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Oklahom Wedding a

A guide the big dto ay

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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O K L A H O M A M AG A Z I N E V O L . M M X X I V, N O . 1

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24 Oklahomans of the Year

A history making mayor. A groundbreaking tribal leader. An intuitive CEO. A life changing nonprofit leader. A pioneer in education. Two titans of healthcare. Our Oklahomans of the Year shine their lights on various industries in the state – making Oklahoma a better place to be.

31 Jump-Start Your Year

New year, new you? How about new year, healthier you instead? Experts discuss ways to achieve true mind-body wellness, along with helpful information about sleep habits and whether or not ‘detoxing’ is really worth the hype.

34 Most Popular Burbs: Young Professionals

Oklahoma Magazine takes a deep dive into the many bustling neighborhoods and districts that make up our major metros – places where you can work, play and above all else, live.

37 Things to Do in 2024

If the post-holiday blues are getting you down, we’ve got the perfect antidote: a listing of exciting events, offerings and updates to look forward to in 2024.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

State We all love the OKC

Thunder – but Oklahoma harbors several other successful sports teams that boost both the local economy and state morale.

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16 16 18 19 20 22 23

40 41 42 43

44 47 48

Infrastructure Sports Education Hobbies Business History Insider

Life and Style Destinations Albania should be next on your travel to-do list.

Health FYI Outside the Metro Scene Spotlight

Taste Kevin Lee is revamping his OKC-based restaurant to better represent his journey as a chef.

Local Flavors Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When Usher in a new year with countless community events.

Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts

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SPECIAL SECTION:

Oklahoma Wedding

The Oklahoma Wedding special section covers all portions of your special day – from “Will you?” to “I do!”

ON THE COVER: JUST IN TIME FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, OUR ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS FEATURE WILL HELP YOU CREATE SUSTAINABLE GOALS AND FOSTER TRUE MIND-BODY CONNECTION.

From all of us at INTEGRIS Health,

Congratulations to Timothy Pehrson on being named one of 2023’s Oklahomans of the Year.

Recognized by Oklahoma Magazine.

Partnering with people to live healthier lives. integrishealth.org

OKLAHOMA LET TER FROM THE EDITOR Happy 2024, Oklahoma Magazine readers! Whether 2023 was the best, worst, most boring or most interesting year of your life, you’re probably still aiming for improvement in the months ahead. Perhaps the most common of resolutions is getting fit – or fitter – and sticking to a good diet. We offer tips and advice from the experts on how to be the best you possible in our annual Health and Wellness feature, starting on page 31.

January is always an exciting time for us, as we release our Oklahomans of the Year selections. In this month’s issue, we’ve got quite the line-up of history making Okies, in industries ranging from politics to healthcare, education, philanthropy and business. See who made the cut now starting on page 24.

If you’re anything like me, you may start to get a little, well, bummed after the holidays conclude. The biggest downer, in my opinion, is the lack of stuff to look forward to! Acting as a perfect antidote, our brand-new Things to Do in 2024 feature highlights a variety of community events, performances and infrastructure updates coming to Oklahoma in 2024 (page 37). If this doesn’t cure your winter blues, I’m not sure what will!

Also new in 2024 is our first in a four-part series dubbed Most Popular Burbs.

The inaugural iteration explores the many areas of Tulsa and OKC where young professionals enjoy living and working – complete with a guide to that district’s food, drink, entertainment offerings and community events (page 34).

And we’d be remiss to exclude the fact that January is our annual Oklahoma Wedding issue (starting on page 49)! Enjoy photo-rich spreads of catered dishes, cakes, bouquets and designer gowns, alongside some planning advice and a few honeymoon suggestions.

Happy 2024! Let’s make this a good one.

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Root for the Home Team

We all know and love the OKC Thunder – but Oklahoma harbors several other successful sports teams that boost both the local economy and state morale.

OKC Blue; photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

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the team won 90 regular season games, which is the team’s most during the Bricktown Era – since 1998 – and the most generally since 1965 (91 wins).

Notable players who have moved onto the majors include Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs), Walker Buehler (LA Dodgers) and Nelson Cruz (Washington Nationals), among others. The team is the TripleA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, meaning many players move up to the majors through the LA-based team.

“When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2020, 16 of the 26 players on the roster, and 8 of the 9 on the field when the final out was made, were former OKC players,” says Freedman.

porting events appeal to a broad range of people – from die-hard fans to those just looking for a fun night out on the town. If you’re on the hunt for another team to follow or just an event to visit, support one of these Oklahoma-based sporting franchises.

OKC Dodgers Baseball

Photo courtesy P Bar Farms

The Oklahoma City Dodgers “has been continuous since 1962,” says Alex Freedman, the team’s director of communications. “The team was known as the 89ers from 1962 to 1997, the RedHawks from 1998 to 2014 and the Oklahoma City Dodgers since 2015.”

The Dodgers won league titles in 1963, 1965, 1992, 1996 and 2023. Last season,

Photo courtesy OKC Dodgers

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

FC Tulsa Soccer

FC Tulsa is Oklahoma’s premier professional soccer club. Founded in 2015 as the Tulsa Roughnecks FC, the team relaunched under its current name prior to the 2020 season. That’s due to brothers and Tulsa natives J.W., Ryan and Kyle Craft, who purchased the franchise. FC Tulsa plays in the USL Championship, the second division of U.S. soccer.

In February 2020, the team signed the first broadcast television deal in club history. Additionally, FC Tulsa became the

Photo courtesy FC Tulsa

sixth professional U.S. club to represent the PUMA brand.

Despite the 2020 pandemic, the team finished with a record-breaking campaign that saw the club go 6W-2L-7D, snagging a USL Championship playoff berth – the second in club history.

FC Tulsa offers an adult indoor league for ages 16 and over. Plus, the Craft family launched north Tulsa’s first fullyfunded youth soccer league. FC Tulsa Training Academy also offers soccer camps and clinics.

Photo courtesy OKC Spark/Hope Heinen

Photo by Daniel Galli

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

OKC Blue; photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

The team’s inaugural season ended in August; in the eight-week summer season, the team amassed 21 wins.

Additionally, pitcher Donnie Gobourne was the WPF strikeout leader with 104 strikeouts in only 16 appearances.

Photo courtesy OKC Spark/Hope Heinen

Tulsa Drillers Baseball

OKC Spark Softball

With the USA Softball Hall of Fame complex in Oklahoma City, it makes sense that OKC is the softball capital of the world. Thus, the 2022 launch of OKC Spark Softball created a boon for women’s fastpitch in the state. One of four teams in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch League, the Spark is the newest team in both Oklahoma and in women’s pro fastpitch at large.

Swinging into action during June 2023, the team’s first six games, played at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Gerry Pinkston Stadium in Edmond, included a roster featuring fan faves from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. These days, most Spark home games are played at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.

Double-A minor league team the Tulsa Drillers is the affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club and currently plays in the Texas League. The team began in 1977, when the two-year-old Lafayette Drillers were moved to Tulsa, keeping the name.

The Drillers have been Texas League champions four times – in 1982, 1988, 1998 and in 2018. Notable pro players that got their starts with the Drillers include retired pitcher Ubaldo Jiménez, retired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and currently LA Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.

OKC Blue Basketball

The Oklahoma City Blue competes in the NBA G League as a member of the Western Conference. The franchise began in 2001 as the Asheville Altitude in Asheville, N.C. The team relocated to Tulsa as the Tulsa 66ers. In 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder purchased the team, relocating them to Oklahoma City.

As a professional basketball team affiliated with the Thunder, the Blue plays home games at OKC’s Paycom Center.

As of this writing, the team is ranked 18 of 31 teams in the league.

Tulsa Oilers Hockey

In terms of on-ice performance and longevity, the Tulsa Oilers hockey team is one of the most successful professional sports franchises in North American history.

Founded in 1928, the team has a 90+ year history, and began as an expansion member of the American Hockey Association. During the team’s inaugural season, the Oilers won the American Hockey Association Championship.

The Oilers team has existed as four separate franchises in five different leagues. In 2013, the Stevens brothers purchased the Oilers. Fans may enjoy home games in Tulsa’s state-of-the-art BOK Center, which is the 42nd largest indoor entertainment venue in the U.S. As of this writing, the Oilers are ranked No. 4 in the Western Conference of the ECHL. Photo courtesy Tulsa Drillers

CAROL MOWDY BOND

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

A Slice of Cowboy Country

OKC’s Stockyards City is both a cultural hot spot and a major economy driver.

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nabled in part by the intersection of numerous railroads and a massive western livestock market, Oklahoma National Stockyards emerged during 1910 as a public livestock market in southwest Oklahoma City. Massive packing plants simultaneously arrived next door to ‘the Yards,’ producing all kinds of meat products. These included Morris & Company, which later became Armour & Company, as well as Schwartzchild & Sulzberger, which later became Wilson & Company. As a result, a small city known as Packingtown enveloped thriving enterprises.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the four-block Packingtown area, renamed Stockyards City Historic District, is perched where Exchange Avenue and Agnew Avenue intersect I-40 and I-44. While fully renovated and modern, the area remains an island within OKC, with ambiance and appearance that haven’t changed much in the last century. The buildings are a bit weathered and the hitching posts are gone, but cowboy hats and boots are sold and worn everywhere, along with all things western.

The thriving

Stockyards City emerged in the 1910s and still provides ample tourist and business opportunity today.

Photos courtesy Stockyards City

area is home to historic and even worldfamous business ventures. Two of those, birthed in 1910, include the iconic Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and Exchange Pharmacy – OKC’s oldest continually operating restaurant and pharmacy, respectively.

A host of other well-known shops and businesses cater to famous and global visitors, farmers, ranchers and locals.

Those include National Saddlery, founded in 1926, which is a major go-to location for buckaroo gear. Additionally, the Professional Rodeo Association headquarters, which opened many doors for females in the rodeo world, is over 2,400 members strong and resides in the district. There are also authentic American Indian shops, plus trendy and cutting-edge retailers.

The Stockyards City Main Street Association keeps businesses buzzing and growing. The group’s annual familyfriendly events, which lasso big crowds, are reminders of the Old West flavor that never really left the area.

Rousing Beginnings During Oklahoma’s early years, influential politicians pushed hard within the state’s landscape to create a sturdy infrastructure. This initiative included the 1910 transition of the state capital from Guthrie to OKC, the latter of which boasted a population of 60,000 at the time.

Part of this plan involved generating OKC’s first major industry – the Yards plus packing plants – an enterprise hub that created 2,400 jobs and held firm as OKC’s largest employer for years.

A commercial district mushroomed around the hub, plus housing and transportation, meeting the needs of workers, and farmers and ranchers who brought their livestock into the district.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

But in the beginning, railroads and cattle drives were integral to the Yards’ origins. During the area’s first year in operation, over half a million farm animals thundered onto the scene. Hay, corn and oat sales hit over $74k by 1934. The Yards evolved into a cattle auction in 1961, became the nation’s number one cattle market by the 1980s, and the largest cattle auction in the world by 1996.

Over 102,000,000 head of livestock have now passed through the Yards, which includes 32 acres of cattle pens, plus real cowboys on horseback, and is the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market.

The venture has a contemporary and global presence that continues as a major cog in the area, state and national economic engine. Along with ranchers and buyers, the public is welcome at Monday and Tuesday auctions, with times posted on Facebook every Sunday night.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

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

Sweeping Down the Lane Curling combines camaraderie and athleticism for enthralling play.

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he state of Oklahoma and the Winter Olympics have something in common: both harbor athletes who are passionate about the sport of curling. And those Okie enthusiasts are hoping others will want to slide into the fun.

Curling is a sport in which two teams of four players each slide granite rocks, also called stones, down a sheet of ice toward a target. Each team tries to get more of its stones closer to the center of the target.

Fans of the sport say it’s a game that appeals to a variety of ages and ability levels. Curling also creates camaraderie among players, be it through league play, tournaments or just enjoying a drink after a match. Tulsa and Oklahoma City both offer clubs where players come together to compete or learn how to play.

“We just have a great time,” says Eric Vardeman, founder and president of the Tulsa Curling Club. “It’s a very social sport and a very social group. You can be as competitive as you want, or you can be as recreational as you want.”

Fair warning, though – curling can be addictive.

“I did one class and I got hooked,” says Mark Ngo, president of the Oklahoma Curling Club in OKC. The Oklahoma City club meets at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond, while the Tulsa club currently plays at the Oilers Ice Center. Ngo and Vardeman say that the Winter Olympics often spur interest in the sport locally, and both are encouraged by the passion they’ve seen so far. They hope their respective clubs can help grow a love for the sport, too.

Ngo says his dream “is to get enough memberships that we could start moving forward to get our own facility.” Vardeman mentions that the Tulsa group is excited about soon moving into the new WeStreet Ice Center, which is expected to open next year and will offer the club more space.

Those who are curious about curling can check out either club’s instructional classes to get started. For more information, visit okcurling.com and tulsacurlingclub.com.

Typically played from fall to spring, curling involves two teams of four players, who slide granite rocks down a sheet of ice toward a target.

Photo courtesy Tulsa Curling Club

Getting Started Want to give curling a go?

Vardeman and Ngo offer tips for that first class.

• Dress in layers. It may be cold on the ice initially, but you’ll warm up fast and may want to shed some clothes.

• Wear comfortable, rubbersoled athletic shoes. Curlers

don’t play on ice skates.

Instead, there are sliders that fit on shoes for play. Both clubs provide the equipment needed to participate in an instructional class.

• Give yourself some grace.

It’s OK if you struggle a bit in your first classes. “It’s not a

hard sport to learn, it’s just going to take some time to learn it,” says Vardeman.

• Make having fun the primary goal. Don’t take it too seriously. “We just ask people to have a good time,” says Ngo.

SHARLA BARDIN

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

Helping to Heal

Art therapy assists people in exploring their thoughts and feelings nonverbally.

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ounded in 1969, The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families and communities through active art-making, creative processes, applied psychological theory and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

While this activity may not be the most popular form of therapy in and of itself, the field continues to grow due to passionate scholars of the craft.

Maureen Harvey, who has a masters in human relations with a concentration in art therapy from the University of Oklahoma, leads art and nature groups for personal growth at Shawnee’s MabeeGerrer Museum. Previously, she worked at the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City as a creative arts therapist, retiring in 2014. Harvey says that because trauma is stored in the primitive part of the brain, art therapy helps to resolve it.

“Art therapy,” she says, “helps build a bridge from pictures – primitive – to language – logic.”

In her 18 years working within the acutecare inpatient psychiatric ward at the VA Medical Center, Harvey had an effective process with each patient. After receiving a large piece of paper and oil pastels, the patient was asked to draw anything they liked.

This process revealed the patient’s current state of mind.

Corretta Harding, who has a doctorate in international psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, as well as a masters of human relations from the University of Oklahoma, has a private art therapy practice in Oklahoma City.

Anyone seeking art therapy can expect to participate in an assessment, goal setting and art activities to address issues and set goals. An art therapist is trained to understand how different art mediums can help a person explore topics in a nonverbal way.

Harding, who has provided coaching ser-

vices to people within the U.S. and overseas, has worked with children in therapeutic foster care and learned about their history, thoughts and trauma through art therapy.

“The children didn’t have that pressure of how they should, or could, say anything,” she says.

Brittany Dray, a licensed marital and family therapist, as well as a board certified art therapist, works at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health in Oklahoma City.

Art therapy, which can help with coping, self-expression, self-efficacy and pain management, can benefit anyone and everyone – including entire communities. For example, Dray was a part of “Oklahoma’s Largest Puzzle Ever-ish,” a project created through the hospital in collaboration with artists Gabriel Friedman and Denise Duong.

“The 90-piece puzzle continues to foster community spirit through its public display, sharing the visual stories of patients and families,” she says.

Getting Involved

GINA A. DABNEY

Those interested in becoming an art therapist should visit arttherapy.org for a list of approved programs. You can also visit the art therapy credentialing board at atcb.org/ new-applicants.

Those wanting to instead receive/participate in art therapy should check if a provider has current national art therapy credentials at atcb.org/find-a-credentialed-arttherapist.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

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

The Art of Playing Cosplay has avid enthusiasts within Oklahoma’s borders.

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n a world saturated by video games, anime, comic books, and popular TV shows and films, cosplaying is a popular way to show enthusiasm and form a community of like-minded individuals.

The term ‘cosplay,’ short for costume play, was coined sometime in the mid-1980s, but the activity has been around long before that.

“Cosplaying is a hobby and artistic expression in which individuals dress up in costumes and accessories to represent specific characters from anime, manga, video games, movies, TV shows and other forms of pop culture,” says Rachel Karch, an administrator with the group Oklahoma Cosplayers. “Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the hobby, cosplay is a creative and inclusive space where everyone can enjoy and express their love for their favorite character.”

The amount of involvement can vary from individual to individual – all depending on how deep you want to go.

“Cosplay doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Jake Hookham, co-chair for Cosplay Alliance Tulsa. “It isn’t just the costume, it’s about the player and their connection to the character.”

Cost is always a factor, but if you’re not flush with cash, that doesn’t have to stop you.

“Some cosplayers simply enjoy wearing costumes they’ve purchased or put together with minimal effort, and this is perfectly fine and welcomed within the community,” says Karch. “The beauty of cosplay is that

Cosplay, or costume play, allows enthusiasts of TV shows, movies, comic books or anime to dress up as their favorite characters.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Cosplayers

it accommodates a wide range of enthusiasts, from those who devote countless hours and resources to their craft, to those who approach it as a fun and casual way to express their fandom.”

Hookham is currently building two costumes from Power Rangers and Five Nights at Freddy’s, both of which will, in total, cost him a little under $400.

“Where costs are saved is being thrifty – finding the materials and doing the work yourself,” says Hookham. “Where costs are increased is when you commission an artist to build or create an outfit for you.”

Getting Involved

Although New York and San Diego are some of the biggest places to show off your cosplay, Oklahoma is no slouch to the scene. New World Comic Con, OKPop, Tokyo in Tulsa, Sooner Con, StarWars Fest and Okicon are a few of the most well known events in the state.

“There are also many cons put on by local libraries, such as the Sapulpa STEAMCON and other one-day events,” says Hookham.

Besides Oklahoma Cosplayers and Cosplay Alliance Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to many groups dedicated to the activity.

“There’s OKIE Super Heroes; they use cosplay to raise funds for sick children as well as visit them in the hospital,” says Hookham.

There are divisions of Star Wars fan groups such as the 501st and Rebel Alliance.

“Many of these groups can be found on social media platforms like Facebook, where members share their work, discuss techniques and organize meet-ups or events,” says Karch. “These communities provide cosplayers with valuable resources, support and opportunities to connect with others who share their interests.”

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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T H E S TAT E | B U S I N E S S

Safety, Diversity and Tourism

Sporting and athletic commissions help our state thrive.

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ongressman and former University of Oklahoma quarterback J.C. Watts once said: “I like to call the ethos I grew up with ‘Oklahoma values.’ But you’d be just as accurate if you said ‘American values.’ Except for our lack of a seacoast, Oklahoma has a little bit of just about everything that’s American.”

And what’s more American than sports?

Baseball has been referred to as “America’s pastime,” but the same could be said of many competitive offerings. After all, Oklahomans begat a broad range of athletes, from Jim Thorpe and Mickey Mantle to Shannon Miller and John Smith, one of the greatest American gymnasts and wrestlers, respectively.

Sporting and athletic commissions help to bolster athletes like these, as well as sporting events around the state. Oklahoma’s State Athletic Commission was created to protect, maintain and improve the safety and welfare of participants in combat sports, as well as educate the general public. Combat sports are known more specifically as professional boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing. The OSAC also compiles a list of upcoming events in the combat sports arena and is covered by the Oklahoma State Health Department.

The Tulsa Sports Commission focuses on

The Tulsa Sports Commission promotes sporting events and draws tourism to the city. Photo by Press Pause Films courtesy the TSC

promoting and drawing events to the Tulsa area to build tourism, which contributes significantly to the local and state economy.

One powerful example of this work is how in 2022, the Tulsa Sports Commission brought the Pro Golf Association (PGA) Championship to Tulsa, which contributed to Tulsa’s biggest year in tourism history. The event attracted 24,526 visitors to town, who occupied 62,077 hotel rooms over the course of the championship. During the event, 156 of the most elite golfers competed at Southern Hills Country Club; the event had a $157 million impact on Tulsa’s economy with an average $4,844.50 of spending per visitor.

This contributed to the most successful tourism month in Tulsa’s history.

Sports tourism is also big for OKC, says Adam Wisniewski, Visit Oklahoma City’s vice president of sports.

“Our job is to utilize sports to create an economic impact and tourism,” he says.

“We want to bring sporting events here that will make people outside of Oklahoma City visit our destination, and take their outside dollars and spend them here with our local

restaurants, hotels and attractions.”

According to figures provided by Visit OKC, during their last fiscal year (Aug. 2022 through July 2023), sporting events they supported generated an estimated economic impact of $92 million. The positive economic impact of the OKC Thunder can’t be understated; when the previous Seattle SuperSonics became the Thunder, their exit from Washington was reported to have cost the city over $12 million. In year one in OKC, the Thunder reportedly infused an additional $525 million into the economy.

Athletic commissions are charged with keeping sports and spectators safe, while also attracting new and diverse sports to Oklahoma to keep our economy thriving.

JEFF THOMPSON

What’s Ahead

With OU leaving the Big 12 Conference and joining the Southeastern Conference, game attendance and overall economic impact are expected to grow substantially in 2024.

In Tulsa, the Hardesty National BMX Stadium will host Round Five of the UCI (United Cycliste Internationale) BMX Racing World Cup on April 27, which is also expected to bring in significant tourism revenue and focus global attention on Tulsa’s world-class BMX facility.

Tulsa is set to host round five of the BMX Racing World Cup in April. Photo by Tyler Layne Photography courtesy the TSC

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

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

A Ghostly Site

Oil booms happened across Oklahoma –including in Drumright (above) and Slick (middle). Photos courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society

Common in Oklahoma, ghost towns tell unique stories of days past.

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hat is it that is so compelling about the idea of a ghost town? Wind blowing through tall, unkempt grasses around the crumbling remains of buildings. Ancient town signs decaying and hanging haphazardly from old posts. Buildings standing creepily derelict is enough to pique the interest of even the most casual observer. These sorts of scenes fill the imagination with a fuller, busier time in the life of a former town.

There are several reasons a town can pop up, seemingly overnight, then fade away into history.

One major contributor to this phenomenon in Oklahoma? Oil booms.

The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture describes in detail the culture around the oil fields of the early twentieth century when “black gold” was putting this new state on the proverbial map. The promise of wealth and employment that surrounded the discovery of oil caused people to arrive in droves – and towns to spring up quickly.

Those towns that seemed to develop overnight on the heels of oil discoveries often had interesting naming conventions.

Many were named for oil companies such as Wolco – named for the Wolverine Oil Company – and Carter Nine – named for the Carter Oil Company. And a favorite for anyone studying Oklahoma history, Whiz

Bang, was named for a popular joke magazine of the time, Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang.

Empire City is another oil boom town with a unique name, and a unique story.

This town near Duncan sprouted up in the late 1910’s, but had all but disappeared just a few decades later. However, in the 1980’s, according to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma

History and Culture, the city was expanded and the population blossomed back up to nearly 1,000 in 2010.

Slick seems like an appropriate name for an oil town, but in reality it was named after an oil tycoon, Thomas B. Slick. In 1920, the town of Slick, in Creek County near Bristow, benefited from the oil industry as well as a railroad line to the town. At its largest, Slick had a reported population of more than 5,000. However, by 1930, the population had shrunk to less than 500 and the railroad was abandoned.

Oil boom towns were not unique to Oklahoma, but their proliferation in our state adds color and intrigue to the history. And while most of them have only left behind the occasional cemetery or dilapidated building, the stories remain to inform us of the fascinating past of Oklahoma.

BONNIE RUCKER

What is a Ghost Town, Really?

According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, referencing John W. Morris’s Ghost Towns of Oklahoma, the definition of a ghost town is one that either no longer exists at all, any remaining structures are no longer used, or the population has declined by at least 80% from its peak. Using this definition, Morris estimates that Oklahoma has more than 2,000 of them.

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

Tulsa Terrors

A new documentary follows the direct-tohome-video movie boom of the late 1980s, which began in part due to some tenacious Oklahomans.

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hanks to RSU TV – northeastern Oklahoma’s publictelevision station – and its senior producer-director, Bryan Crain, I was recently able to co-produce and direct a documentary that I’ve been itching to do for a long time. Called Tulsa Terrors, it’s all about the direct-to-home-video horrormovie boom of the mid-1980s and how it was ignited right in T-town. I was on the scene as a Tulsa World entertainment writer at the time, so I was lucky enough to have witnessed firsthand the start of the whole phenomenon and how it impacted home entertainment across the country and even the world.

Briefly, this is what happened: A local company, United Entertainment (which is now VCI Entertainment), was doing quite well as an independent home-video distributor, shipping its product to video stores (remember those?) all over the world. Then, the head of the company, Bill Blair, got an idea. All of the movies his business handled had either been shown in theaters or on TV first, or at least had been aimed for one or both of those markets. Why couldn’t someone shoot a film directly for home video, with no aspirations for theatrical release? He just happened to have a script he’d cowritten called The Sorority House Murders.

So he dusted that off, connected with the husband-and-wife filmmaking team of Christopher and Linda Lewis, and their subsequent picture, Blood Cult, hit the market in 1985.

It cleaned up, too, leading to a couple more United Entertainment productions – The Ripper and Revenge – and kicking off a huge groundswell of direct-to-video pictures, as video companies all across the country stampeded toward the gold mine that Bill Blair had discovered.

Having been on the sets of all of those Tulsa features as a World writer, I was well-acquainted with how they were made and the impact they had. But what I didn’t fully realize was the fact that Bill Blair and United Entertainment/VCI had been pioneers well before Blood Cult came along.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

A variety of direct-to-home-movie gems were created and distributed in Oklahoma.

Photos courtesy Bob Blair

“Dad was a visionary,” says his son, Bob Blair, who’s now VCI Entertainment’s president and CEO. “He had a lot of great ideas. Some of them came to fruition, and some had other people get hold of them and make them a reality. But he was always ahead of the curve.”

It’s hard to imagine now, but until the mid-1970s, watching a movie of your choosing at home wasn’t easy. You had to have a sound projector, and you had to rent the film on reels – which wasn’t cheap. It was definitely a niche market, but a relatively robust one.

That non-theatrical niche was served by several different film-rental firms around the country, including Tulsa’s United Films, founded with Bill Blair’s personal movie collection. Over the years, it became a family operation, with Bob’s brother Don, now retired, and their sister Rebecca, currently VCI’s office manager, coming aboard early.

“I started sweeping and mopping floors, taking the trash out, in the early ’60s, when I was eight or nine,” recalls Bob. “Eventually, I went to college and put in a couple of years, and then an opportunity came up at the company.

At that time, we had branches in Albany and Denver, and the person running the Albany office left. Dad sent the lady who was manager of our film lab to Albany to run that branch, and he asked me if I wanted to manage the lab. That was about the time I got married, and I was tired of school, so I said, ‘Heck, yeah. I’ll do it.’

“That was in 1972. In 1976, Dad started a video division, and we started transferring film over to 3/4-inch Umatic [cassette] tape to service the growing cable-TV business, which was looking for movies and documentaries and things like that. He created a new company, Video Communications Inc. – VCI. Shortly thereafter, Sony came out with the Beta-

max recorder. For Dad, that’s when the flashing lights went off and the sirens blared and he thought, ‘Hey, I can put movies on those little cassettes and sell them to consumers.’

“So that’s what we did,” he adds. “We were one of the very first pioneers in releasing movies [on tape] to the homeentertainment market. At that point, it was really nothing more than mail-order companies, until another company bought some [video] rights from 20th Century-Fox and turned it into a booming business.”

The boom continued as the VHS format came along to compete with, and ultimately triumph over, Betamax. Into the ‘80s, a consumer could rent movies in either format at video stores, which had popped up across the country like mushrooms after a summer rain. At its peak, the Blockbuster chain had some 9,000 locations across the world; but independent mom-and-pop stores, as well as those in smaller chains, accounted for many more.

“At one time,” says Blair, “there were probably over 50,000 rental stores, with new ones popping up every week. And they had a voracious appetite for putting movies on their shelves. It was becoming increasingly difficult for us to compete with the companies that were shelling out big advances at that time to producers, so we decided, well, let’s see if we can produce something ourselves that’s of enough quality to be successful.”

The Blairs and the Lewises opted to shoot on video, a decision influenced by a couple of things. At the time, Chris Lewis’s sister, in New York, was making hour-long soap operas in the video format. Also, VCI had recently acquired a shot-on-video

movie called Copperhead. Its producers had intended to blow it up to 35mm for theatrical release, but, recalls Blair, “it just really didn’t work out that way. But it did give us the idea: ‘Why can’t we do that with something maybe a little better, a little more commercial?’ So Dad pulled out that old script, and we were fortunate to have someone like Christopher Lewis, and his wife, Linda, in town to help us out.”

(Lewis, the son of Golden Age Hollywood star Loretta Young, was at the time a news anchor for a Tulsa TV station.)

It’s always hard to pinpoint the absolute beginning of anything, and certainly there were some earlier filmmakers who might have been happy with only a home-video release, but Blood Cult was the first one to hit big on a national level.

“There were always independent producers out there making movies – some of them shot on film, some maybe on video,” Blair notes. “But it seems like their intent was always to go theatrical. We were the first to embrace the idea and say, ‘We’re going to make this strictly for the home-video market.’ And it worked. It created a pretty good stir in the business. It didn’t take long for our competitors to realize what we were doing, and they jumped on board. It became a big deal.

“I always compared it to made-fortelevision movies. Some of those movies were as good as anything that was being released theatrically. So why not make something just for the home-video market?”

VCI’s three home-video horror features have, over the years, become cult items, as evidenced by their upcoming reissues by the noted DVD company Vinegar Syndrome, which specializes in restored and extras-laden editions of horror and other genre pictures. Meanwhile, Blair and VCI have moved into the digital age with their catalog, which can be found at vcientertainment.com “I guess I caught the film-addict bug from my dad,” says Blair with a chuckle.

“It’s just incredibly rewarding when you create a film that people seem to enjoy, or you bring them an old classic film and make it look as good or better than it did when it was released. I’ll probably keep doing this as long as I physically can – and hopefully, there’ll be someone to come in and take my place.”

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The ClearLift is a non-ablative, Q-switched laser that firms and tightens the skin, reduces fine linesand wrinkles, and treats pigmentation while avoiding damage to the skin’s outer layer. ClearLift is quick and easy and can be performedon the face, neck, chest, and other sensitive areas of the body such as the hands, elbows, and knees. This procedure stimulates collagen and when used consistently, is an excellent option to help rejuvenate, maintain, and improve the skin.

Cristie Lehr-Hawkins. M.D., Fig - For Inner Good - Medical Spa 8921 S Yale Ave - Tulsa, OK 74137 918.932.8810 - figtulsa.com

1. Prioritize saving for your own retirement. If you make it a priority to have enough saved when you retire, your kids won’t have to worry about providing you with financial support later in DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® life. 2. Be strategic with your financial gifts. Like other monetary goals, it’s important to add gifts of cash to your overall financial plan.

When you treat cash gifts separately, you shortchange other priorities such as retirement. 3. Consider alternate approaches to helping your kids. There may be ways to help your kids other than by dipping into savings. Encourage them to take financial responsibility when they can do so. 4. Have conversations about money. Your willingness to talk about your finances is a valuable example for your adult children. So too is your attention to your retirement savings. I encourage parents to invite their adult children to attend a financial planning session with a financial advisor.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management 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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JOHN WOOLEY

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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LIFE & STYLE

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

Turning Tides and A Welcomed Surprise

With year-round comfortable temperatures, friendly locals, picturesque views and diverse cuisine, Albania is the place to be.

All photos by Gina Michalopulos Kinglsey

Albania should be next on your travel to-do list.

U

nexpected and delightful, the Albanian Riviera provides quite the getaway. Whether you travel directly there or ferry over from the Greek island of Corfu, you’ll enjoy your time in this enigmatic country. Often overlooked as a Mediterranean country, Albania has stunning coastal scenery, as well as gloriously untamed vegetation.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Located in the Ionian Sea, Albania sits within the serenity of that vista. The city of Saranda offers a variety of excursions.

Its name is the Greek word for “forty” since it’s named for the Monastery of the Forty Saints. The port town sparkles with sunshine and florals, and tour buses transport you up the winding town roads for a scenic drive. Albania is experiencing a sort

of “renaissance” in recent decades after political changes in 1991; after an oppressive political regime, it finally opened its borders to foreigners. Resorts and lovely hotels decorate the hillside along the route to the famous and historic archeological site of Butrint (a UNESCO site).

Butrint was an ancient Greek, and later Roman and Ottoman, settlement. En-

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

sconced in the forests of the southern border of Albania, Butrint actually overlooks Corfu, Greece. Surrounded by wetlands and marshes, the ancient ruins are an interesting combination of archeology and wilderness. You’ll tour the theater, two castles, the remaining city walls and baptistery all located within the verdant, natural setting.

Butrint, derived from the word, “Buthrotos,” means “wounded bull.”

This symbolism comes from the myth of a bull escaping from the nearby island of Corfu, and returning to the mainland of Albania, thus becoming a sign from the gods to build a settlement in that particular spot. Reportedly in later years, Julius Caesar utilized it as a Roman colony for his soldiers who defended him in Pompeii. Butrint was a significant trading center and port, but once the marshes formed around it, the site was eventually deserted. The wetlands are picturesque and the nearby cafes set among the wooded environs are a welcome respite after touring the site.

The Balkan cuisine of Albania is utterly delicious. Enjoy a lunch or dinner buffet under draping bougainvillea and a view of the port before taking a seaside promenade stroll spent at one of the many sparkling beaches.

Family-friendly aquatic activities and an abundance of ice cream shops are part of the fun. Fresh seafood is one

of the many culinary options – but keep in mind that there’s a variety of cuisine. The ever-changing microclimates and landscapes in Albania contribute to the huge array of crops.

From the Albanian Alps to the central plains and the coastal fishing, there are many opportunities for agritourism. You can learn to cook traditional meals and experience farm to table excursions. Some excursions offer a visit to a rescue animal farm, learning how to milk a goat, taking a cooking class and enjoying a five-course meal.

From misty fortresses to medieval monasteries, agritourism and beach resorts, Albania is diverse. This travel writer considers it to be a burgeoning tourist destination due to its idyllic location but also the effort of the citizens striving to elevate its reputation.

The latter was evident in the safety and hospitality of the city of Saranda where tour guides emphasized the importance of improving the formerly negative atmosphere of crime.

Other highlights along the riviera include the Blue Eye, which is a naturally occurring phenomenon that resembles a human eye. People jump into its turquoise waters which are so crystal-clear, its depth is visible. Highlights like the latter are part of why Albania can be enjoyed approximately year-round due to its 300 days of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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

Protecting What Matters

Traumatic brain injuries are prevalent in America and have various causes.

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very year, approximately 2.8 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and one in 60 people are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability, reports the Brain Injury Association of America.

Donald Thomas Schleicher, D.O., M.S., a neurosurgeon with Warren Clinic Neurosurgery in Tulsa, says that the qualifications for a traumatic brain injury are “any injury to the head that alters the way the brain functions, either chemically via neurotransmitters, physically via hemorrhage or stretching/tearing of nerve fibers, or cognitively.”

Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe.

“A unique class of head injury is concussion, which is a type of mild TBI,” says Schleicher. “The rating scale is based on the glascow coma score (GCS) which is a measure of the patient’s level of alertness following the injury. Thankfully, most traumatic brain injuries do not require the involvement of a neurosurgeon.”

Most TBIs occur in young adults up to age 24 and older adults over 70.

“The most common causes of TBI across all age categories is motor vehicle injuries, 18

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

blunt force injuries, falls and assaults,” he says. “The elderly population is at a higher risk of injury from low level falls, given the overall fragility and other characteristics of the elderly population. And children are more susceptible to blunt force trauma – oftentimes through sports, and unfortunately through trauma, both accidental and non-accidental.”

Concussions: Knowing the Signs

For parents, a common concern during both daily activities and organized sports is the potential for concussion – and it’s important for all of us to recognize the symptoms.

“The medical definition of concussion is a head injury that results in a mild TBI with symptoms that can include: slowed cognition, increased somnolence, headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision and difficulty concentrating,” says Schleicher.

According to the Brain Injury Research Institute (BIRI), an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. Between the years 2001 to 2005, children and youth ages 5-18 years old accounted for 2.4 million sports-related emergency depart-

ment visits annually, of which 6% or roughly 135,000, involved a concussion.

BIRI also reports that among children and youth ages 5-18 years old, the five leading sports or recreational activities which account for concussions include: bicycling, football, basketball, playground activities and soccer. In addition, high school athletes who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a second one.

Along with knowing the symptoms of a head injury, Schleicher offers these recommendations.

“A word of caution – any significant injury to the head can cause lasting effects on your cognition, emotional lability, focus and ability to concentrate,” he says. “The NFL, NHL and other major league sports teams are recognizing the devastating effects of chronic and repetitive head injury. Please ensure that yourself and your children take the proper safety precautions while participating in any activities that can lead to a head injury ... and are properly equipped with current and undamaged protective equipment. Please always wear your seatbelt, and always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.”

REBECCA FAST

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

Mood-Boosting Foods

The power of what we eat is stronger than you think.

W

ouldn’t it be nice if we could just eat our way into great moods, all while remaining healthy? Well, recent research claims that goal is well within the realm of possibilities.

According to the Mayo Clinic, serotonin and dopamine play a major role in affecting our brain chemistry through the intake of certain foods. While it is no surprise to diet-conscious individuals that some meals make us feel more satisfied than others, the proof is now in: according to the National Institute of Health, approximately 90 to 95% of the receptors that respond to serotonin are located in the gut.

The Mayo Clinic recommends boosting moods by ensuring the following healthy foods are part of a daily diet: • Low-fat dairy – Fat free or skim milk, cottage cheese, yogurt • Whole-grain products – Oatmeal, brown rice, buckwheat • Olive oil • Fruits • Lean meats – Skinless chicken breast, venison, salmon • Fresh vegetables • Legumes and nuts – Lentils, chickpeas, almonds and cashews • Fish

If the food selection choices listed sound a lot like the popular Mediterranean diet, you are on the right track! Such foods contain a minimum of salt and sugar and provide optimal quantities of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, B vitamins and folate.

The American Heart Association explains on its website that despite the name, some “comfort” foods end up having the opposite effect on our brains. One reason for this unexpected outcome is that items high in saturated fats, sugar and refined flour activate inflammation in our bodies.

Additionally, many indulge in poor food choices when eating as a group, whether in a restaurant or at home. Food becomes part of a social and cultural experience, and its healthiness (or lack thereof) is less significant in our minds than the socializing aspect of the gathering.

For most people, eating is inherently connected with pleasure. But if one puts a little effort into menu planning, it’s not too difficult to find food items or entire meals that both satisfy cravings and help mental and physical health.

But where to start? One suggestion toward achieving this goal is to experiment with different styles of cooking and to use fresh foods rather than prepared goods.

Ask relatives for recipes that have passed down through generations. Have childhood memories of certain dishes? A few minutes of searching online can bring to light instructions to make almost any meal.

No matter what’s driving the desire to change eating habits and improve mood, remember it will take time for your body to process the new routine and adjust accordingly. Start small by removing unhealthy items with little or no real health benefits, and gradually replace these items with foods rich in folate and fiber. Foods to minimize include those that are high in refined carbs – like white rice, pasta and pizza – as well as processed meats and items high in sugar. Do you reach for a can of soda several times a day? Replace it with water, coffee or tea.

Remember – an occasional treat won’t hurt, but reaching for healthier foods will encourage full mind-body wellness.

DEBI TURLEY

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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L I F E & S T Y L E | O U T SI D E T HE ME T R O Tonkawa’s Heart in the Park labyrinth draws townsfolk and visitors alike.

Photo by Ken Crowder

Staying Together Small but mighty Tonkawa is rich with collaboration and creativity.

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he 1990s axiom that “it takes a village” is proved year-round in the northern Oklahoma town of Tonkawa, where the community spirit is paramount in pulling off events such as giant Christmas and Independence Day celebrations, and the city’s very own film festival.

“We have many community partners,” says Cristy Crumrine, executive director of the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, which annually spearheads most of the town’s activities. “We are the hub, but we couldn’t do it all without everyone working with us. This community works well together.”

Indeed, the town’s very name, Tonkawa, is translated from the Tonkawa Indian Tribe’s language, and means “they all stay together,” according to the Chamber’s website.

Tonkawa, with an estimated population of just over 3,500, is in Kay County, ten miles west of Ponca City. It was founded after the Land Run of 1893 and incorporated a year later.

The community spirit is perhaps demonstrated best by a heart-shaped, 45-foot-wide labyrinth in downtown’s Centennial Park that Crumrine says attracts visitors annually, and by the Tonkawa Film Festival, started four years ago. This year’s iteration is set for April 19-20 at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC).

The festival, featuring a variety of short films – 20 minutes or less, says festival director James Oxford – has grown significantly since its launch as a Tonkawa Chamber project. Oxford says that going forward, the festival will be sponsored by the newly formed Tonkawa Film Commission, with any profits going toward putting on future festivals. Oxford says the film festival is an outgrowth of his longtime interest in film making, but couldn’t happen without the community and NOC’s backing.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Crumrine and Scott Cloud, NOC’s public information director, each say taking on an undertaking as daunting as a film festival represents another example of Tonkawa pulling together for the common good. The Tonkawa Film Festival has grown from just over 50 submissions the first year to some 240 entered so far this year, Oxford says.

Entries cover the gamut, including drama, comedy, horror, animation and documentary.

“Anything under 20 minutes, we’ll at least consider it,” he says.

Oxford says the festival is a “great cultural thing” for Tonkawa, with a goal of attracting filmmakers from everywhere.

Last year, he said, about 30 filmmakers attended, including one from Australia.

To make the festival stand out from the thousands of others worldwide, Oxford says the idea of a coinciding parade was conceived. Past parades have featured police cars, fire trucks, filmmakers riding in mule-pulled wagons, and local residents dressed as movie characters. This year’s parade will be April 20 in the downtown area. The festival itself will include sessions Friday and Saturday night in NOC’s Wilkin Hall.

Cloud says the college is heavily involved in community projects, and is one of Tonkawa’s largest employers.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship, where both parties utilize each other. We try to be a good partner with our community,” he says.

HENRY DOLIVE

DID YOU KNOW? Northern Oklahoma College is a community college located in Tonkawa, offering 45 associate degree programs with branch campuses in Enid and Stillwater. It was Oklahoma’s first publicly-supported community college.

Fall student enrollment totaled about 3,200, says Cloud, with about 250 students living on campus. The A.D. Buck Museum of Science and History is also located on campus, and private tours can be arranged through NOC. The McCarter Museum, owned by the Tonkawa Historical Society, is located in downtown Tonkawa and features artifacts from the 1893 Land Run, Tonkawa’s early days and a World War II German prisoner of war camp that was located just outside the city.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce 580-628-2220 tonkawachamber.org City of Tonkawa 580-628-2508 tonkawaok.gov Northern Oklahoma College 580-528-6200 noc.edu

Tonkawa’s annual film festival runs April 19-20 this year.

Photo courtesy Tonkawa Film Festival

Tonkawa Film Festival 580-628-2220 tonkawafilmfestival.com

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

Dwight Adams, John A. “Rocky” Barrett, Madeline Manning Mims, Judith James, Barry Pollard, Bill Lance, J Mays; 2023 Induction Ceremony, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC

Alexander Mickelthwate, Mark Beutler; A Very Merry Pops, OKC Philharmonic

Cathy Keating, Jane Jayroe Gamble; 2023 Induction Ceremony, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC

Stephanie Swicker, Debbie Lindsey, Shelly Douglas, Nathan Hart; Go Red for Women, American Heart Association, OKC

Marnie Taylor, Gail Lapidus, Pat Potts, Ginny Bass Carl; The Visions Awards, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, OKC

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Erin Engelke, Brandi Bowers, Samantha Vu, Ashleigh Gibson; Project Woman Fashion Show, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

Melinda Stinnett, Kathy Taylor, John Chandler; 2023 Collins College of Business Hall of Fame ceremony, University of Tulsa

Jaiden Ford, Janieire Hagen, Nyla Lovell, Marjorie Atwood; Art Party, Tulsa Girls Art School

Shelta Sneed, Janelle Whitt, Sherri Wise, Drew Crawford; An Evening of Distinction, Osteopathic Founders Foundation, Tulsa

Stacy McNeiland, Irene Gianos; Board gathering, CARE Center, OKC

Leslie Lawson, Natalie Dooley, Karen Wille; AWARE Luncheon, Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma Chapter, Tulsa

Bruce & Jan Saxon, Brian Greene; Greene lecture event, Tulsa Town Hall

Lori Decter Wright, Lyndon Meyer, Sarah Coburn, Aaron Beck; Sarah Coburn Benefit Concert, Tulsa Opera

L I F E & S T Y L E | SP OT L IGHT

PEGGY V. HELMERICH DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR AWARD GALA

T

he 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 to acclaimed authors who have written a distinguished body of work and made a major contribution to the field of literature and letters. Alongside the recognition, the honoree receives a $40,000 cash prize and an engraved crystal book.

The 2023 honoree was New York Times bestselling novelist Amor Towles. He is best known for his three critically acclaimed novels – Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Lincoln Highway.

They have sold more than 6 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Marydith Williams, Janie Funk, Denise Payne

Kim Brilz, Jenny Helmerich, Pam Hillis

Photos by Jessica Karin Trout

Margaret Erling, Susie Wallace

Ken Busby, Dixie Busby, Veronique Conway, Phil Cline

Denny Mask, Justin Parks, Cailtin Walsh, Zak Helmerich

Sam & Ana Shiverick

Cheryl Chambers, Linda Frazier

Phil Cline, Marydith Williams, Paul Williams, Veronique Conway

Amor Towles, Peggy Helmerich

Lissa Hair, Amor Towles, Peggy Helmerich, Kimberly Johnson

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Oklahomans of the Year

A groundbreaking tribal leader. An intuitive CEO. A pioneer in education. A history making mayor. A transformative nonprofit leader. Two titans of healthcare. This year’s Oklahomans of the Year shine their lights on various industries in the state – making Oklahoma a better place to call home.

By Faith Harl and Tracy LeGrand

TIMOTHY PEHRSON

President and CEO, INTEGRIS Health Joining INTEGRIS Health in 2018 as president and CEO, Timothy Pehrson has led efforts to transform the healthcare system through proactive, patient-centered reforms. Before stepping into his role at INTEGRIS, Pehrson served as Regional Vice President and CEO of Continuous Improvement at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, Utah, for 18 years. During his time at Intermountain, Pehrson received recognition as a “Healthcare Hero” by Utah Business Magazine.

Starting a new chapter in Oklahoma was a big transition for Pehrson and his family.

However, with a bit of time under his belt here, he now considers Oklahoma his home.

“As I learned more about INTEGRIS Health, and its impact on Oklahomans, I couldn’t resist the opportunity – and my wife Janice was up for the adventure. We never expected to fall in love with Oklahoma, but that’s exactly what happened,” he says.

During his tenure at INTEGRIS, Pehrson has collaborated alongside the state legislature to move away from providing care on a fee-for-service basis, a compensation model that unfortunately prioritizes quantity of services over quality of care.

“In the new world, we will be rewarded and incentivized to think about people’s total health. Over time, value-based care improves the health of people at a more affordable cost, which is exciting for Oklahomans,” he explains. Pehrson says that these reforms will begin to take effect at INTEGRIS beginning in April.

Pehrson also faced the challenge of leading the INTEGRIS staff through the COVID-19 pandemic less than two years into his appointment. Witnessing the personal sacrifice that caregivers and physicians made inspired him.

“I saw their goodness as they treated people with dignity in their dying moments and acted as surrogate family to patients when their families could not be there due to safety precautions,” he says. “The pandemic reminded me of the great people that work in healthcare, and how much communities rely upon healthcare workers in difficult times.”

When reflecting on his career, Pehrson says that he prioritizes trust over recognition – a principle that guides him in his leadership.

“Trust is earned by providing high quality, well-coordinated healthcare,” he says. “When I see our caregivers and physicians coming together to deliver on that promise, I am delighted, because it means someone in our community is alive today because of our work.”

- FH 24

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Timothy Pehrson says leading INTEGRIS through the COVID-19 pandemic gave him even more respect for everyone involved in the healthcare industry.

Photo courtesy INTEGRIS

BROOKE TOWNSEND

Director of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Lifelong Oklahoman Brooke Townsend serves the state in various ways – all with the singular goal of improving life for those in the community.

“Upon graduating from OSU, I was introduced to a community role at the Oklahoma Caring Foundation through contacts I had made during my undergraduate internship with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy,” she says.

“I’ve now been at the Oklahoma Caring Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma for 23 years. I’m proud of my commitment to the community, and the opportunity my role in corporate community relations affords me, as I currently serve on the boards of directors for six non-profit organizations across the state.”

Townsend’s flagship initiative is the Oklahoma Caring Van Program; the nine mobile units deliver immunizations to protect children and adolescents from dangerous illnesses at no cost to their families. Its purpose, she says, is “to improve the health of Oklahomans, one

child at a time. The way to remove barriers to accessing healthcare is to meet families – and particularly children – where they spend their days. We partner with childcare providers, schools and other community organizations to serve Oklahomans.”

Acting as executive director of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation is not Townsend’s only responsibility; in her role as director of community affairs for BCBSOK, Townsend’s day-to-day is rich with challenges and opportunities.

“I have the very best job,” she says. “I spend my days connecting with community organizations that share the same values as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and are working to improve the health and wellbeing of Oklahomans.

We build relationships on behalf of the company and support communities where we live and do business.”

The last year has been highlighted by accomplishments.

“The team has worked incredibly hard,

launching a new major grants program, forming innovative partnerships with organizations, and the Caring Van team is on track to serve more than 10,000 Oklahomans [in 2023],” she says. “Personally, I am very proud of the leadership I have been in a position to provide to the nonprofit organizations I serve this year.

The work is challenging and incredibly fulfilling.”

Townsend, who resides in Oklahoma City with her husband and two children, says she has a lot to be grateful for.

“Most of all, I’m happy that my daughters are thriving and growing to be strong young ladies,” she says.

- TL

One of Brooke Townsend’s many responsibilities at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is leading the Oklahoma Caring Van Program, which offers mobile immunizations to children and adolescents at no cost to families.

Photo courtesy BCBSOK

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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DAVID HOLT

Mayor, City of Oklahoma City; Dean, Oklahoma City University Law School Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt broke several records when he was elected in 2018. He is OKC’s first Native American mayor, hailing from the Osage tribe. He is also the youngest mayor of Oklahoma City since 1923, and was the youngest mayor of a U.S. city with more 500,000 residents when he first took office.

He is also exceptionally popular, winning his first election with 78.5% of the vote and his second, in 2022, with more votes than any candidate for Mayor since 1959. These are impressive stats on their own, but exceptional for any sort of political leader in today’s divisive climate.

Holt credits Oklahoma City’s nonpartisan electoral system, in part, for his successful career.

“I get to build coalitions of nonextreme Republicans, Democrats and Independents,” he says. “That’s the only way to actually get things done.”

During his first term, Holt rallied voters in support of MAPS 4, a debt-free public improvement program that will help enhance the quality of life and the job market for OKC residents. MAPS 4 funds many important city projects, from the improvement of transportation systems to the construction of the Clara B. Luper Civil Rights Center.

OKC Mayor David Holt recently cinched a deal with the Thunder to remain in the city until at least 2050.

Photo courtesy the City of OKC

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Looking back on 2023, Holt says that renegotiating the Oklahoma City Thunder’s commitment to play in Oklahoma City beyond 2050 was one of his greatest accomplishments. In mid-December, OKC voters passed a measure to fund a new $900 million downtown arena to aid in that effort, extending the MAPS 4 one-cent sales tax for an additional six years.

“I’m not sure the people of Oklahoma City will ever truly know how much the deck was stacked against us in retaining the Thunder, but keeping them was vital to our future,” he says. “There is no question that 2023 will be remembered for cutting the deal to keep the team here for 30 more years.”

In addition to holding public office, Holt is the vice president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Dean of the Oklahoma City University Law School.

As a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City, helping improve the local community is personal to Holt.

“This is my hometown, and it’s America’s twentieth-largest city. So it’s easy to care; it’s rewarding to have this opportunity to demonstrate how democratic government can effectively function.”

If Holt’s year wasn’t busy enough, he also made it onto the prestigious TIME100’s Next list for “engineering new solutions to society’s most pressing problems,” according to TIME. “It was an honor,” says Holt. “Being a big city mayor is the best job in American politics.”

- FH

OUR PURPOSE. OCCC.EDU 4 0 5 . 6 8 2 .1 6 1 1

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Congratulations Dr. Natasha Bray on being selected as one of the 2023 Oklahomans of the Year

Your leadership and accomplishments make us proud that you lead the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation.

We look forward to the graduation of the inaugural class in May of 2024.

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JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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MAUTRA STALEY

President, Oklahoma City Community College Mautra Staley, Ed.D., made history with her 2022 appointment as president of Oklahoma City Community College; she is the first woman and first person of color to serve in that role.

Staley’s other accolades are vast – she was named among the 100 Women to Know in North America by KNOW WOMEN, as well as National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. Strong female leadership as a child, Staley says, helped her become who she is today.

“I was born in Oklahoma City and raised in Ardmore by the matriarch of our family, my incredible grandmother,” she says.

“She provided me with a solid foundation, despite the many challenges and obstacles faced in my life.”

Staley, a first-generation college graduate, has “always valued the importance of education,” she says. “My passion in this area has motivated me to pursue my career path. The role I play in facilitating and influencing learning pathways inspires me to work hard every day to serve students, employees and anyone who engages with OCCC.” OCCC educates more than 18,000 students, has a top 25 film program in the U.S. and Canada, a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and a highly ranked nursing program. Additionally, the college is the state’s largest provider of micro-credentials. Staley sees these cornerstones of excellence and is aiming even higher. How? By properly equipping students, faculty and staff with the tools they need to succeed.

“We are continuing to seek innovative ways to provide education, services and pathways at OCCC. There is something for everyone at the college,” she says. “Our students come to us with a variety of academic needs, and we aim to meet students where they are on their education journeys. Our goal at OCCC is to be the conduit for students that facilitates fulfilling their dreams.”

Outside work, Staley is heavily involved in a variety of efforts; she is a keynote speaker, board director for the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs and a commissioner for the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission. Balancing her many responsibilities would seem to many a Herculean task, but Staley has it down to a science.

“I maintain a steadfast commitment to positive energy that allows me to prioritize my responsibilities to my family, to OCCC and to the community,” she says. “Like so many other inspiring women, I am a wife and a mother, a friend and a mentor, and all of these roles comprise who I am professionally.”

- TL

Mautra Staley, Ed.D., made history as the first female and first person of color to act as president of Oklahoma City Community College.

Photo courtesy OCCC

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

BILL LANCE

Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation A fifth-generation Oklahoman, Bill Lance is the first-ever Secretary of State for the Chickasaw Nation. Before this appointment in 2022, Lance was the longest-serving Secretary of Commerce in Chickasaw Nation history, and also served as administrator of the tribal health system. Notable achievements under his leadership include a tripling of the Nation’s annual net income, the creation of more than 7,000 jobs, and the opening of the 370,000-square-foot Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada. Alongside his ample day-to-day responsibilities, Lance actively serves on multiple community and corporate boards – “too many to mention,” he says. His honors include becoming a Global Achievement Honoree by Sister Cities Oklahoma City International, as well as his inductions into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business.

There’s no precedent – or predecessor – for his current Secretary of State position, meaning he’s writing the script himself. In addition to serving as a key policy advisor to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Lance says, “I oversee all of the executive branch related to the tribal state, federal and community policy work, and work with many, many trade associations – like the American Gaming Association, where I am on the executive committee and general board. For the past ten years, I’ve been a delegate representative of the Chickasaw Nation Intertribal Council.”

Looking forward, Lance will continue to mentor and coach various executives within the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, now that he’s transitioned out of the role he held since 2009. Additionally, he continues to provide advice and counsel to many commercial LLC boards owned by the Nation.

When asked which of his many accomplishments he’s most proud of as they relate to the Nation, Lance mentions those that have positively affected the most people.

“Because I was involved initially in our healthcare system, I’m proud of the advancements we’ve made in our healthcare facilities and services within the Chickasaw Nation, ensuring better access and quality of care for our people,” he says. “I am also honored to have been at the helm of the Commerce Department during its exponential growth and business diversification efforts as envisioned

by Governor Anoatubby. These initiatives have not only strengthened our community, but also secured a vibrant future for our next generations.”

- TL

As the Chickasaw Nation’s first ever Secretary of Commerce, Bill Lance is in an unprecedented and exciting position to help improve the Nation.

Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives

NATASHA BRAY

Dean, OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation Born and raised in Oklahoma, Natasha Bray, D.O., has a passion for improving healthcare in rural and underrepresented communities. Serving as the dean for the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation (OSU-COM-CN), she has helped trailblaze educational programming for the nation’s first and only tribally affiliated medical school.

OSU-COM-CN opened its doors in 2020. Located in Tahlequah, the school offers a specialized program called the Tribal Medical Track, which prepares medical students for a primary care residency at tribal facilities in Oklahoma. Bray believes that giving students the opportunity to work in the communities they will serve helps them better understand and treat the unique health challenges of their patients.

To expose students to tribal culture, OSU-COM-CN works alongside Cherokee leadership. The facility houses over 190 artworks from Cherokee artists and a collection of Native American literature.

“We recognize that so much of how we interact with each other is based on stories and personal experiences, and how those are shared,” Bray says.

Working at OSU-COM-CN is a meaningful opportunity for Bray, especially since she earned her medical degree in osteopathic medicine from OSU-COM. After graduating, Bray completed her residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and secured a fellowship at the Cambridge Health Alliance.

Bray has played a major part in the development, accreditation and delivery of graduate and undergraduate programs at several educational institutions. For five years, she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Designated Institutional Official at Broward Health in Florida. She was also the Associate Dean of Clinical Medicine at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Through her role at OSU-COM-CN, Bray hopes to inspire a new generation of students to dream big.

“We want every kid in Oklahoma to feel like they can become a physician, pharmacist or nurse,” she says.

In 2024, OSU-COM-CN will celebrate its first graduating class of 46 future physicians.

“It’s been an extremely powerful learning opportunity,” she says. “I can’t overstate the talent of our students and their willingness to lean into their experiences to serve their communities. It is an inspiration to me every day.”

- FH

WARREN ROSS

CEO, Ross Group Almost 30 years ago, Warren Ross became a project manager and engineer at a small contracting company owned by his father, Jesse. Through steady, organic growth, the business – now Ross Group Construction Corporation – has secured multimillion dollar projects and expanded to three locations with over 125 employees.

Ross himself has grown alongside the company, eventually stepping into the positions of chairman and CEO. Working alongside his father, Ross learned how to lead by example.

“The respect and adoration that I feel for my dad is immense,” he says. “His integrity in honoring his agreements, regardless of the actions of counterparties, has become the standard by which we operate – we deliver on our commitments,” he says.

Ross Group has built – both literally and metaphorically – a reputation for helping transform downtown Tulsa, spearheading projects like the restoration of the Tulsa Club Hotel and construction of the Vast Bank Building. In 2023, Ross Group completed the engineering, procurement and construction of two dehydration plants in less than 120 days.

“These challenges are the types of projects that make memories and stories, as well as give us the motivation to accept the next challenge,” says Ross.

However, the path to success has not come without its obstacles. In 2002, Ross Group took out a hefty business loan.

To pay it off, the company needed to muster up $50,000 weekly.

Despite the financial pressures, Ross upheld the decision to keep the company privately owned.

“The independence that I have enjoyed in building the business is not something that I am willing to compromise by admitting external investors and a board of directors,” he says. “It has taken me 28 years working to appreciate the discipline that my dad had for his entire career.”

In the coming year, Ross Group will finish the historical restoration of the Exchange within the Sinclair Building in Tulsa, which was originally built in 1919 by oil tycoon Henry Sinclair.

When complete, the building will provide additional housing in downtown Tulsa.

Self-improvement is also on Warren Ross’s agenda for 2024.

“I plan to keep working on my leadership development for at least another 30 years,” he says. “As an eternal optimist, I anticipate improvement and evolution.”

- FH In 2024, Warren Ross of Ross Group aims to evolve both his leadership style and the many projects on his roster.

Photo courtesy Ross Group

As a graduate of OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, Natasha Bray, D.O. now leads the next generation of medical students through their training at OSU-COM-CN. Photo courtesy OSU-COM

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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CONGRATULATIONS TO

Brooke Townsend

Education Preview

on being named a 2024 Oklahoman of the Year

Oklahoma Magazine offers a special guide to education each February, aimed at helping parents who are planning ahead to fall 2024 enrollment.

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA A D V E R T I S I N G @ O K M A G .C O M

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12/6/23 11:42 AM

New year, new you? How about new year, healthier you instead? Experts discuss ways to achieve true mind-body wellness, along with helpful information about sleep habits and whether or not ‘detoxing’ is really worth the hype.

By Rebecca Fast

FORMING HEALTHY HABITS

If your list of New Year resolutions includes any health goals, a great place to start is improving your immune system – especially as the cold and flu season lingers on.

“Remaining generally healthy is the best way to boost your immune system,” says Catherine Mims, M.D., an internal medicinepediatrics physician with OU Health in Oklahoma City. “Having an overall healthy diet, participating in regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and lots of hand washing are some of the best ways to protect yourself during the winter from infection. Additionally, wearing a mask if sick or around others who are sick is a great way to protect against illness.”

Weighing in on taking a daily multivitamin, Mims says most people don’t need one if their diet includes fruits, vegetables and some form of protein.

“However, there is emerging evidence that low vitamin D levels can be associated with a lower immune system,” she says. “In the United States, we are often vitamin D deficient due to our excessive time spent indoors, so it may be a good thing to consider taking a vitamin

D3 supplement if you do not spend much time outdoors. Lastly, women who are menopausal often need additional calcium and vitamin D as well for bone health. But, otherwise, most people get their daily vitamins from their diet. However, if your doctor has instructed you to take a particular vitamin, you should continue.”

Along with a healthy diet is the need for physical activity to reduce your risk of disease and increase bone and muscle strength.

“The general recommendation is that each person gets 150 minutes of dedicated exercise per week,” says Mims. “I recommend that when starting an exercise goal that each person be realistic.

Going from zero to 150 minutes is unlikely to be successful, and may even cause injury. As such, I recommend dedicating 20 minutes to vigorous exercise twice weekly. I particularly recommend actually naming the two days and the time that you expect to exercise and be very specific with your goal. For example, ‘my goal is to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes on Monday and Thursday at 6 a.m.’ This helps to avoid the generic ‘I want to exercise more’ goal and actually sets up measurable expectations. I also recommend finding a form of exercise that you actually like and finding a person to do it with in order to help with accountability.

As a person develops the habit of two days per week, they may find that they naturally want to increase to more days as they start to enjoy exercising more.”

For those who struggle to go to the gym, Mims suggests using an app that offers exercise classes and programs such as Peloton or BODi, formerly Beach Body.

“Lastly, give yourself grace when you do not meet your goal and never wait to restart your goal,” she says. “There is no need to wait until 2025 to start a new exercise goal if you find that you have not been meeting the New Year’s Resolution you set for 2024.

Start again right away!”

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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POSITIVE & HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES

The New Year can bring upon a bevy of emotions. For some, it feels like a fresh start and new beginning. For others, it may be a reminder of unmet goals or regrets.

“It can affect us all differently,” says Julie Burnshire, RPT, LCSW, a therapist with Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital in Tulsa. “Much like a recipe...there are many variations to the same dish. We can choose the lens on which we see the New Year through.”

She says it’s often our circumstances that guide how the season affects us.

“If there have been a number of significant life events in the year, then one might be more inclined to see the upcoming year as trying,” says Burnshire. Adding that in turn, one who has had a more successful or optimistic year will feel more positive and hopeful about the upcoming year.

“The shift we have control over is that each day is an opportunity to lead our internal system to reset in the

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

direction we would like to go even when circumstances do not match up,” she says.

So how do you shift your perspective and support a healthy outlook toward 2024? Burnshire shares the following ways to cultivate a positive mindset.

“Movement is very helpful,” she says.

“Simple, short bursts of movement – even as little as 30 seconds to two minutes can encourage our internal system to reset. Put on a song, something silly or a personal favorite, and let your body move.

Priming is also an excellent source of changing one’s state of being. Tony Robbins has a great priming video that can be found on YouTube.”

She also shares the reminder that words are powerful.

“Find one quote on a topic you would like to focus on, such as motivation, inspiration, spiritual,” she says. “Write it down and post it up in a place where you will read it aloud at least one time a day for a week at a time. The next week add another quote, then another, and another. This will create a legacy belief that you speak over yourself.

Any shift you can make in your day is a great start. A one degree difference in a plane flying from JFK to LAX could land the plane in the Pacific Ocean. So imagine what a one degree shift in your day can do with these tools.”

And for those making New Year resolutions, Burnshire says it’s helpful to begin by being curious about the ‘why’ behind the resolution.

“Why do you want to make the resolution?” she says. “For example, you may want to take more time for family and friends. Explore your why...why is time with family and friends important? It could be much needed time away. Then go another layer beyond that answer.

Continue doing that until you find the answer that moves you emotionally. That is your true why. With this example, the true why could be that once my parents passed away, quality time became more valuable. And so the why for my resolution has more meaning than simply taking time off. I might be more inclined to follow through with the resolution knowing it has a deeper purpose for accomplishing it.”

She also shares that a goal without a plan is just a wish.

“A mentor of mine calls them ‘wishalutions,’” she says. “I can decide I want to learn to make an amazing new recipe. But if I do not put a plan in place to try out new recipes, the goal turns into a wish.

Learning how to set goals, plans and action steps takes practice. Much like brushing teeth. We did not know how to the first time we tried. It took repetition. There is no failure in practice. Only learning and experience for the next step.”

DO I NEED TO DETOX?

In the health and wellness industry, there exists a vast array of products promoting the benefits of a health ‘cleanse’ or a body ‘detox.’ But does your body need to be cleansed of harmful toxins? MD Anderson Cancer Center debunks some of the myths involving body detoxification.

Myth: The body needs help to detox.

Fact: The short answer is no, it doesn’t. A longer explanation is that our body’s complex systems naturally ‘detox’ the body. The liver alone performs hundreds of functions, including filtering the blood and removing harmful toxins and waste.

Myth: Detoxes restore health.

Fact: Not exactly. Choosing to begin eating a healthy and well-balanced diet is always beneficial. However, some damage cannot be undone.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by the buildup of fat in the liver of a person who drinks very little to no alcohol and most often affects people who are overweight or obese. Once fat develops in the liver, it stays there and no medication can prevent or reverse NAFLD. Instead, it’s mostly preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.

Myth: Detoxing is safe.

Fact: Unfortunately, detoxing diets can be dangerous.

Many ‘cleanses’ and ‘detox’ plans adhere to very restrictive eating or fasting regimens and may incorporate various herbs, supplements, and even enemas. These severe restrictions can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stomach issues, diarrhea and fatigue.

Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center

SLEEP: QUALITY VS. QUANTITY

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the quality of your sleep is as important as the quantity. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to wake up feeling rested, but if those hours are spent in poor sleep, then you miss the full benefits. Sleep quality is typically measured by the following elements: sleep latency, sleep waking, wakefulness and sleep efficiency.

Sleep latency measures how long it takes you to get to sleep, and it’s considered good sleep quality if you’re able to fall asleep within 30 minutes or less after you go to bed.

Sleep waking tracks how often you wake during the night, as frequent waking disrupts sleep. It’s best if you wake only once or not all. In turn, measuring wakefulness considers how many minutes you spend awake during the night after you’ve gone to sleep. The goal for good sleep quality is to have 20 minutes or less of wakefulness throughout the night.

Lastly, sleep efficiency refers to the amount of time you truly spend sleeping – which should be 85% or more for the best health rewards. To learn how to calculate your sleep efficiency, visit the National Sleep Foundation at thensf.org.

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Most Popular Burbs: Young Professionals Oklahoma Magazine takes a deep dive into the many bustling neighborhoods and districts that make up our major metros – places where you can work, play and above all else, live. First, we focus on young professionals, and where they’re tending to lay down roots in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

By Mary Willa Allen

Young Pros: What Do They Want?

First, we should pose the question: What do young professionals want in their neighborhoods? Of course, we can’t speak for everyone, but generally young professionals want to live in a place that: Has other young professionals.

From networking opportunities to social events, young people want to be around other young people.

Is affordable. Often, the words ‘affordable’ and ‘housing’ are difficult to find in a sentence – or a place – together. A young professional just starting out in his or her career wants to live in a place that’s not breaking the bank.

Has a sense of being ‘up-and-

coming.’ Young professionals want to feel like they’re living in a trendy spot that harbors hidden gems. Ideally, new offerings would be popping up consistently to keep them entertained.

Is easily traversable. Whether this means it’s walkable, bike-able, has clear access to public transit or plenty of options for parking, young professionals – and well, all of us – want to live in a place they can easily navigate.

Offers various food/drink options.

Whether it’s an after-work happy hour or a gathering of friends at a farm-to-table restaurant, dining and drinking options should be ample.

TULSA

Cherry Street

Cherry Street mixes plenty of food offerings with bars, retail shops and a bevy of weekly, monthly and annual events. This area is perfect for social butterflies, work-out buffs and foodies.

Places to dine: Kilkenny’s, Andolini’s, Smoke, Palace Café, Society Burger, STG Gelateria, Nola’s, Prairie Fire Pie, Prossimo Places to shop: Pinot’s Palette, Nest, Peace of Mind Bookstore, Slade, Cyclebar, Pierson Gallery, Diamond Cellar Places to drink: Coffee House on Cherry Street, Empire, Summer Moon Coffee, Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Offers other entertainment options.

We’re talking state-of-the-art museums, theaters, weekly community events, retail shops, galleries and centers for the performing arts.

Offers work-from-not-home spaces.

Whether we want to believe it or not, the work atmosphere is shifting drastically.

Many young professionals are working from home ... and when they get cabin fever, they want to pivot to a coffee shop, incubator, rent-a-desk locale or something similar.

So, where in Tulsa and OKC can young professionals find some, if not all, of these must-haves? Well ...

Cherry Street, Tulsa; photo courtesy Explore Cherry Street

Tulsa Arts District

A bustling area of Tulsa’s downtown, the Arts District combines creative endeavors with multi-use business buildings and dining options galore. This area is perfect for those who love music, theatre, high-end dining and those who work downtown.

Places to visit: Tulsa Theater, Cain’s Ballroom, The Vanguard, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Guthrie Green, Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa Glassblowing School, 108 Contemporary Events to enjoy: Hop Jam, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Williams Route 66 Marathon, First Friday Art Crawl Places to dine and drink: Valkyrie, Bar 46, Chimera, The Tavern, Bull in the Alley, Gypsy Coffee House

Tulsa Arts District; photo courtesy Visit Tuls a

ct, Tulsa; Blue Dome Distri it Tulsa Vis sy rte photo cou

Kendall Whittier

Kendall Whittier is one of seven certified cultural districts in the state, with unique offerings from shopping to dining to entertainment. This area is perfect for young professionals who love hidden gems, independent art and movies, and thrifting.

Places to visit: The Whittier Square clock tower, Circle Cinema, Campbell Hotel, Ziegler Art and Frame Places to dine: Pancho Anaya Bakery, Freddie’s Hamburgers, Calaveras, et. al., Notion Coffee Events to enjoy: Kendall Whittier Food Truck Festival, Kendall Whittier Mercado Places to shop: Ever Something, Jo and June

Pearl District

The pedestrian-friendly, multi-use vibes of the Pearl District make it a premier arts and entertainment destination. This area is perfect for young professionals who like breweries, outdoor activities and musical history.

Places to visit: Centennial Park, Veterans Park, Josey Records, The Church Studio, LivyLu Places to drink: Dead Armadillo Brewery, Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. Events to enjoy: Tulsa Punk Rock Flea Market Places to dine and drink: Freeway Café, Ike’s Chili, Bramble Breakfast and Bar, El Rancho Grande, Cirque Coffee Roasters

Blue Dome

An entertainment hub with a sleek assortment of restaurants and bars, Blue Dome is the place to be downtown. This area is perfect for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action – no matter what that action is!

Places to drink: Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge, Max Retropub, Arnie’s Bar, Red’s Places to dine: McNellie’s Public House, Andolini’s Sliced, Juniper Restaurant, JINYA, Dilly Diner, Yokozuna, Albert G’s Barbecue Events to enjoy: Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, Tulsa Mardi Gras Parade Places to visit: Tulsa PAC, Hotel Indigo

hittier Dis Kendall W ma in the Circle Cine Circle Cinema tesy photo cour

Albert G’s Barbecue and Dilly Diner in the Blue Dome District, Tulsa; photos courtesy Visit Tulsa

East Village

East Village District serves as a bridge between the Blue Dome and the Pearl, with an emphasis on the arts, shopping and delicious cuisine. This area is perfect for those who don’t want to live quite downtown but still want to be near the trendiest spots in town.

Places to visit: American Theatre Company, Studio 308, Sweet Boutique Places to drink: The Boxyard, Open Container, Hodges Bend (after renovations), Fur Shop, NEFF Brewing Places to dine: East Village Bohemian Pizzeria, Lowood (after renovations), Alley Catch Ranch, Rose Rock Microcreamery, MASA Food Truck Inheritance Juicery in th e Blue Dome Dist photo cour te rict, Tulsa; sy Visit Tulsa

trict, Tulsa;

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Automobile

Deep Deuce District, OKC; phot o cour tesy Visit OKC

C tesy Visit OK C; photo cour Bricktown, OK

OKC

oto cour tesy Vi

The Paseo

Bricktown

It’s safe to say Bricktown is the entertainment hub of the entire city of OKC, with sporting events, museums, plus dining and drinking options galore. This area is perfect for those who want to be smack-dab in the middle of the action and don’t mind some ruckus.

Places to visit: American Banjo Museum, Brickopolis, Bricktown Comedy Club, The Criterion, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, Pearl’s Crabtown Places to dine: Fuzzy’s, Culprits, Bourbon St. Cafe, Pearl’s Crabtown Events to enjoy: Baker Street Escapes, Bricktown water taxis, OKC Dodgers games at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Deep Deuce

Rich in history, Deep Deuce beckons with live music, modern living, dining and drinking, all in a walkable community. This area is perfect for those who love jazz, history and delicious cuisine.

Places to dine: Bar Cicchetti, Black Walnut, Grey Sweater, The Blok, Deep Deuce Grill Places to visit: 1032 Space, Artspace at Untitled, Deep Deuce Dog Park Places to shop: Bone Dog Boutique Deep Deuce

District, OKC;

The Paseo Distric

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

The Plaza

Food, galleries, retail, performance – the Plaza is truly a mixture of the best OKC has to offer. This district is perfect for those who have a broad range of interests, but want to shop, dine and appreciate all things local.

Places to dine: Empire Slice, Ma Der Lao Kitchen Places to shop: Bad Granny’s, Magoo’s Places to visit: DNA Galleries, Everything Goes Dance, Lyric Theatre, OKC Improv, Paint N’ Cheers Events to enjoy: Plaza District Festival, Small Business Saturdays

Midtown OKC

Oklahoma City’s Midtown is a cozy and welcoming area nestled just north of the business district in downtown OKC, with plenty of options for living, as well as bars, restaurants and shopping. This area is perfect for those who work downtown but still want access to a bustling nightlife.

Places to dine: Barrios, Capital’s Ice Cream, The Garage, Howdy Burger, Café Cuvee, Barkeep Supply, The Grove, R&J’s, Ludivine Places to shop: Floral and Hardy, Commonplace Books Places to visit: Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Midtown Mutts Dog Park

sy Visit OKC

tric esy the Paseo Dis t, OKC; photo court

Art is at the heart of the Paseo District, which beckons with trendy shops, the newest dining and plenty of walkable destinations. This area is perfect for artists, foodies and those in search of community camaraderie.

Places to dine: Burger Punk, Frida Southwest, Oso on Paseo, Red Rooster Events to enjoy: Paseo Farmers Markets, First Friday Art Crawls, Paseo Arts Festival Places to shop: Betsy King, Paseo Pottery, Curated Vintage Vault, Studio Six Places to visit: Theatre Upon a Swan, This Land Yoga, Contemporary Art Gallery, JRB Art at the Elms

t

Automobile Alley

In the heart of downtown, the funky Automobile Alley has everything you need for a sojourn off the beaten path. This area is perfect for creatives, fans of breweries and those who love experimental art.

Places to dine: Hatch, Nashbird, Jimmy B’s, Parlor OKC, S&B’s Burger Joint Places to drink: Prairie Artisan Ales, Twisted Spike Places to visit: Oklahoma Contemporary, Factory Obscura, Knox Studios, Recess OKC

sit OKC

WHEELER DISTRICT, OKC; PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

Things to Do in 2024

By Gina A. Dabney

Let’s be honest – January is one of the more humdrum months of the year. The joys of the holidays are behind us, with no major celebrations on the horizon. Combine that with the bleak weather and you may be feeling a bit of the blues.

The perfect antidote to post-holiday sadness? Finding things to look forward to, of course!

Oklahoma Magazine presents Things to Do in 2024: a comprehensive listing of upcoming community events, infrastructure developments, concerts and other gatherings you can mark on your calendar to uplift the spirits.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

You’re probably feeling a little ho hum after the departure of all things festive. Fear not – there are plenty of community events to experience in 2024. Whether as a spectator or a participant, you’ll find goodies in OKC and Tulsa alike.

OKC

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, March 22-24. Held at the National Cowboy Museum & Western Heritage Center, Red Earth welcomes talented creators who showcase a myriad of contemporary and traditional art including paintings, jewelry and beadwork.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in art from renowned Native artists,” says Jenna Lovelace, communications manager for Visit Oklahoma City.

Additionally, spectators can enjoy Native dance presentations and musical performances.

OKC Memorial Marathon, April 26-28.

OKC ZOO

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

Each race – be it a 5K, fun run, half or full marathon, begins with 168 seconds of silence in honor of those killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

“Whether you choose to participate in the race or cheer from the sidelines, the Memorial Marathon’s mission stays the same: remember,” says Lovelace.

The largest entered race is the half-marathon, which winds through downtown, the Capitol and around northeastern OKC. Runners and spectators from around the world gather to honor those killed, those who survived and those changed forever.

Paseo Arts Festival, May 24-27. More than 90 juried artists from across the country showcase their work, which ranges from painting and sculpture to jewelry and woven goods. Enjoy live performances from dancers, spoken word artists, folk singers and jazz musicians. Fun fact: The Paseo, which was built in 1929, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Women’s College World Series, May 30June 7. The NCAA Women’s College World Series is held at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.

CHISHOLM CREEK, OKC PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

“We are incredibly proud to be home to the USA Softball Hall of Fame,” Lovelace says, “and we welcome the excitement surrounding softball season in Oklahoma City.”

Oklahoma Regatta Festival, TBD. This paddlesports event at RiverSport OKC features rowing, kayaking, dragon boating and whitewater rafting. The USRowing Club National Championships and USRowing Masters National Championships will be combined for 2024 and held in the state’s capital city. See both day and night racing on the Oklahoma River.

Fiestas de las Americas, TBD. This festival happens each year during the month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage month that starts Sept. 15 and coincides with independence days in several Latin American countries. What began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson was expanded to a month-long celebration by President Ronald Regan in 1988. Oklahoma’s festival starts off with a grand parade.

“Live performances, beautiful art and Spanish cuisine,” Lovelace says, “are just a few things guests can anticipate at this incredible festival.”

SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA, OKC PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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TULSA

FREEDOMFEST, TULSA

Mayfest, May 10-12. Located in downtown Tulsa, this annual (and truly beloved) event is dedicated to the promotion of education surrounding the arts and humanities. There is a notable roster of visual artists, music and food in celebration of all things creative, filling downtown Tulsa’s streets with beauty.

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, June 7-9. Since 2006, this event on wheels has been anchored in downtown and rides along the banks of the Arkansas River.

“Each day of competition takes place in a different downtown district and offers options for all biking levels and ages,” says Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism.

The event culminates at Riverside’s Cry Baby Hill, where spectators gather to cheer on the racers and celebrate in a Mardi-Grasstyle block party.

Freedomfest, July 4. At River West Festival Park, watch the fireworks display over the Arkansas River. Enjoy the day with picnics, kids’ activities and live concerts.

Tulsa State Fair, Sept. 26-Oct. 6. This is the city’s largest familyfriendly event, which provides educational experiences and entertainment to boot. Rides, delicious food, games –what more could you want?

Oktoberfest, Oct. 17-20. This annual event, which was recently ranked by USA Today voters as the fourth best of its kind in the nation, will return to River West Festival Park in 2024. The festival features over 200 taps of German and local beer, live bands, crafts

CONCERTS, MUSICALS, SHOWCASES, OH MY!

Slough off the last few months of chaos by attending these entertaining events in early 2024.

TULSA

Celebrity Attractions presents: Hairspray, Jan. 2-7. Broadway’s Tony award-winning musical comedy set in the 1960s plays at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Celebrity Attractions presents: My Fair Lady, Feb. 27-March 3.

With the help of Professor Henry Higgins, Eliza is molded into a lady by perfecting her speech and etiquette. Playing at the TPAC. Tulsa Symphony presents: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone In Concert, March 9. Enjoy a live symphony orchestra performing at the TPAC, playing every note of this beloved movie’s score.

Tulsa Symphony presents: Chamber Music Series – Beethoven, March 15. Held at the First Presbyterian Church, this series offers an intimate musical look into one of the world’s most lauded composers.

OKC

OKC Broadway presents: Les Miserables, Jan. 16-21. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Playing at the Civic Center Music Hall.

OKC Broadway presents: Wicked, Feb. 21-March 10. Discover what happened in the land of Oz from a different angle. After all, so much happened before Dorothy dropped in. Playing at Civic Center Music Hall.

OKC Philharmonic showcases at the Civic Center: Rachmaninoff, Jan. 13; Mariachi Los Camperos, Jan. 26-27; Brahms, Feb. 3; and Bravo Broadway, Feb. 16-17.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

PHOTO COURTESY FREEDOMFEST

and Bavarian cuisine. The event is modeled after Oktoberfest Munich in Bavaria, Germany, and Tulsa’s gathering has a lot to offer.

“One of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany, this immersive beer and cultural festival includes authentic food, carnival rides, kids’ activities and the highly anticipated Dachshund Dash, which provide fun for the whole family,” says McKenney.

Route 66 Marathon, Nov. 23-24. Run 26 miles on the famous Route 66 in Tulsa. Additional races include the half-marathon and marathon relay.

Can’t Miss Concerts

BOK Center, Tulsa: Trey Songz with Monica, Carl Thomas and Adina Howard, Feb. 10 Eagles with Steely Dan, Feb. 13 Winter Jam with Crowder, Lecrae, Cain and Katy Nichole, March 1 LANY, March 5 Paycom Center, OKC: Turnpike Troubadours and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Jan. 11 Drake with J. Cole, Jan. 21 Fallout Boy with Jimmy Eats World, March 9 Katt Williams, March 12 Winter Jam 2024, March 14

GENERAL OKIE GOODNESS

If none of the previous options are putting you in a good mood, why not make a visit to some of Tulsa and OKC’s most beloved spots? No reservations – and oftentimes, no money – needed.

Tulsa

Delight in the myriad natural destinations in Tulsa.

“Nature lovers will not want to miss Tulsa’s floral hotspots this spring,” says McKenney.

The Gathering Place – Experience the gorgeous cherry tree blooms in the Chapman Adventure Playground. The collection of trees are inspired by Japan’s flowering displays.

Philbrook Museum – Stroll the museum’s formal gardens for the annual magnificent blooming of the tulips.

Woodward Park – See a variety of plants, trees and blooms at the Conservatory, which turns 100 this year.

Tulsa Botanic Garden – Explore the many plant varieties here and take a walk through beautifully manicured lawns.

“The Tulsa Botanic Garden recently opened their Stanford Family Liberty Garden and Bumgarner Lotus Pool,” McKenney says, “which will add even more vibrancy to the attraction this spring.”

GATHERING PLACE, TULSA

PHOTO COURTESY TULSA REGIONAL TOURISM

OKC

Bricktown Canal Tour – This mile-long water taxi ride, located in the heart of downtown’s entertainment district, takes about 40 minutes.

The tour guide will offer historical facts along the way.

Chuck Wagon Festival – Learn more about Western heritage at this annual event held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Held May 25- 26 this year, the festival has food, demonstrations and contests.

“The museum goes all out to provide guests with an authentic cowboy experience,” says Lovelace.

Martin Park Nature Center – Learn about nature in this serene, suburban environment. Enjoy hikes along 2.5 miles of woodland trails, education programs and the interactive learning center.

CHISHOLM CREEK, OKC

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

PLENTY MERCANTILE, OKC PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OKC

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES AND DEVELOPMENTS

Our state’s capital city is expecting many updates in 2024 due to the MAPS 4 initiative.

One of these is the Homelessness Project; it includes $55.7 million to address affordable housing and homelessness in Oklahoma City. Working in partnership with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, the project will provide various affordable housing options. The MAPS 4 funding will be used to leverage other funds and partnerships, which will increase the investment to more than $450 million. Accompanied by wrap-around services from existing providers, the funding will be implemented using a “housing first” approach.

“This strategy focuses on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing, then providing additional services as needed,” says Kristy Yager, director of public information for the City of Oklahoma City.

Additionally, the OKC Fairgrounds Coliseum continues to make headway. The 216,164-square-foot coliseum, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025, will be the new home of major national, state and local events attracting visitors from around the world.

“This project is taking shape,” says Yager of the $126-million project, funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue and other funding sources.

Across the state, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is working diligently.

Recently, ODOT’s executive director Tim Gatz presented work plans to the nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, which approved ODOT’s eight-year construction work plan for federal fiscal years 2024-2031. This plan contains close to $9 billion in state and federal investments in highway improvements. The commissioners also awarded 25 contracts totaling almost $90 million to improve highways, roads and bridges statewide.

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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TASTE

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

Going His Own Way

Kevin Lee is revamping his OKC-based restaurant to better represent his journey as a chef.

C

hef Kevin Lee has palate-forming childhood memories of waking up to a seafood breakfast – pulled fresh from the ocean that morning and prepared by his grandparents in Korea.

“I’ve always enjoyed food,” he says. “Both sides of the family are great cooks. On my father’s side, my grandmother was a trained chef, and on mom’s side, my grandmother is just a great cook who had seven children and cooked for her family her whole life.

All of this opened my palate from early childhood, making me open to textures and flavors most little kids wouldn’t be.

“I remember I was about six,” he shares.

“I was happy to eat a whole plate of beef tartare. I love food and exotic, different things.”

Fast forward to now, and Lee is a regular face on the Food Network; you can often see him compete – and win – on shows like Iron Chef and Superchef Grudge Match. Alongside that, he’s continuing to hone his culinary craft into a new chef-driven restaurant concept. Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee is expected to debut this month in the OKC location of his previous restaurant.

Born in Norman, Lee has lived and worked all over the United States and spent extensive time traveling overseas, especially in Korea. Of the new restaurant concept, 40

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee will be a revamped version of the current restaurant, showing everything from short ribs to braised beef shank.

Photos courtesy Birdie’s

Lee says: “We’re changing the vibe, the interior, and starting fresh.”

The itch to change, he says, “started with trips to California. And though I enjoyed having a family vibe restaurant, I spent time with other chefs, including mentors, and just needed to focus on being a chef again.”

The new menu will better represent him and what he most likes to create.

“Rather than traditional Korean, those

flavors will be presented in new ways and styles, speaking to who I am as a chef, as a Korean-American who’s lived in Oklahoma, Vegas, Seattle, the East Coast – just all over the place. I have a unique niche when it comes to flavors of food because of experiencing different flavors in other countries that most people haven’t.”

Lee feels confident that Oklahomans are ready for his new flavor profiles, textures and innovations.

“Korean barbecue is very easily relatable to American palates. We’ll have short ribs, steak entrees, braised beef shank, and these will be fun and familiar, but with a unique spin,” he says. “We will offer fresh raw crudo dishes, stone pot rice dishes, as well as house-made kimchi. One spin is kimchi pancakes served with ranch dressing.”

Lee anticipates the challenges and the creativity involved in his new concept, but is ready to do things his way.

“When I cooked as an executive chef, I always had to cook to fit the concept, not the way I wanted or could,” he said. “Now I can finally be who I am and not worry about responses. Oklahoma City diners are ready for new experiences, and I am ready to cook my food.”

TRACY LEGRAND

TA S T E | LO C AL F L AVOR S

A Taco Treasure Trove

Nestled somewhat inconspicuously amongst a sea of downtown Tulsa’s white and gray buildings is a colorful mural, which beckons you into a new restaurant.

In the heart of the Arts District, Rosa Cantina resides in Mixco’s old locale. Inside, the decor is lighter than before, with Mexican influences, an open dining room and a friendly staff.

The succinct menu focuses on tacos – with options including carne asada, pork adobada, fried shrimp, chorizo and short rib barbacoa on either flour or corn tortillas. Toppings range from pickled cabbage to avocado, black cherry crema, sweet jalapeno tartar and citrus coleslaw.

If your tummy is rumbling the moment you enter the building, apps run the gamut. Try a queso crock with chorizo or esquites, or indulge in wings, pulled pork nachos or birria flautas.

The drinks – which the restaurant itself call “damn strong,” are a standout. Try a signature like the margarita or Paloma, or venture to the funkier mezcal tequila cocktails like the Batanga, with Coca-Cola and fresh lime, and the Elderman, with elderflower liqueur, Cappelletti and fresh grapefruit. Others to try include the Oaxacan Old Fashioned with tequila, house agave and orange bitters, and the Mesa Verde, with gin, ancho liquer, agave and fresh lime. You’ll leave full and happy, guaranteed.

Photo courtesy Rosa Cantina

Banh-Tasticly Tasty

With light wood, green accents, floor-to-ceiling windows and ample indoor and outdoor dining, Riviere Modern Banh Mi in central OKC is as beautiful as its menu is delicious.

You’ll likely visit the restaurant the first time for its namesake sandwiches, all of which have punny names and are served on 8-inch French baguettes. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Standouts include the Pho’Rench Dip, with beef, grilled onion and jalapeno aioli; the Banh Fire with fried

Photo courtesy Riviere Modern Banh Mi

chicken, Sriracha buffalo sauce, pickled carrot and cucumber; or the James Banh, with traditional Vietnamese charcuterie, pate, house-made aioli and maggi seasoning. But banh mi isn’t the only thing on the menu. You can start off with lettuce wraps, meatballs, fritto misto or egg rolls, and enjoy rice and noodle bowls with protein options like bulgogi, teriyaki chicken, lemongrass pork and crispy tofu. Other mains range from pho to curry, fried rice and garlic butter noodles.

Spirits are amble at Riviere.

Alongside wine, sake, soju and prosecco, there are a variety of local beers, both bottled and on draft. A few of the house cocktails include the Yuzu Daddy with yuzu vodka and liqueur, coconut mix, lemon and ginger beer; the Jamesean Iced Coffee with Jameson cold brew whiskey, Vietnamese iced coffee and cinnamon brown sugar; and the El Chingon, with jalapeno cucumber tequila, lime, pineapple syrup and bitters.

MARY WILLA ALLEN JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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TA S T E | CHEF CHAT Brian Green, originally from St. Louis, now leads the charge at Tulsa’s Noche.

Photos courtesy Noche

Back to the Beginning Chef Brian Green of Noche brings Mexico City to Tulsa.

H

e’d never admit it, but Brian Green is bone-tired.

Executive chef at Tulsa’s Noche, he’s been working fifteen hour days for three weeks straight, with only one day off: Thanksgiving. That’s what you have to do if you’re opening what could be Tulsa’s most exciting new restaurant, with a kitchen where excellence is the norm. Besides, it’s always been that way for Green.

Growing up in St. Louis, he spent a lot of time with his grandparents.

“They kept me busy with cleaning, yard work – there was always something going on,” Green recalls. “The best part was cooking. Once a week, we cooked for the whole extended family. We’d decide the menu over morning coffee before I went to elementary school.”

In high school, learning by the book bored him. One day, a teacher at Bishop DuBourgh High asked him what he wanted to do in life.

“The only two things I enjoy in life,” Green told her, “are drinking beer and cooking.”

The next day, she brought him a handful of pamphlets about cooking school. He decided to get a temp job at a restaurant to see if he liked the life. He snagged a Yellow Pages and found a name he liked: Wolfgang Puck. Phoning the restaurant, he was told that they were short-staffed for a big event that evening. So, he found himself cooking at a gala for 800 people.

Cary McDowell was the lead chef, and Green ended up working for him, off and on, for almost a decade.

“There’s not much I do today that I didn’t learn from Cary,” says Green. “What awed me was his total confidence. He 42

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

always looked like he’d been cooking for a million years. I wanted to be like that.”

After, Green moved to New York and landed a job at one of New York’s best, Cafe Boulud. There, Green learned “complete military training in culinary finesse.

Everything you thought you knew got tossed out the window. I learned how to show respect for everything I did, from the way I dressed to each ingredient of a dish to the china dishes themselves.”

By 2015, Green wanted to go home. He got a job with James Beard award-winning chef Kevin Nashan, and worked for several years at Peacemaker, Nashan’s seafood restaurant in St. Louis, then followed Nashan to Tulsa.

“We brought Peacemaker to Tulsa and we had a blast,” says Green, who has been working in Tulsa ever since.

A favorite menu item at Noche is the Yucatan-style pork shoulder.

Like many in the industry, the pandemic took a toll on Green and he thought of quitting. ‘Stay in Tulsa,’ a friend told him, ‘I have someone you should talk to.’ That someone was restaurateur Sheamus Feeley, and he persuaded Green to help him open Noche.

“Our goal,” Green says, “is to bring something awesome here that otherwise you’d have to go to Mexico City to get.”

It wouldn’t have been possible, Green is certain, if Feeley hadn’t signed Marco Herrera on to be chef de cuisine. Herrera grew up in El Paso, and in recent years he’s devoted himself to studying and cooking the cuisine of Mexico. He was one of the chefs at Et Al., Tulsa’s James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant.

“He’s the real deal and we complement each other,” says Green.

Of Noche, Green says: “Oh, I love this restaurant. I love the smells. There’s a plancha and an oven and a woodfire grill.

When I come in and there’s meat on the grill, it brings me back to my grandma’s house. When I came there as a child, there was always the aroma of something cooking. It’s amazing how things come back to the beginning. Almost destiny, you’d say.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ SEE GREEN’S TOMATILLO SALSA RECIPE AT OKMAG.COM.

TA S T E | TA S T Y T ID BIT S La Roma Pizza

This no-frills pizza/Middle Eastern joint is the perfect stop for a quick – yet absolutely delicious – bite in Tulsa.

As its name suggests, La Roma Pizza is known for its savory pies.

Classic renditions include mozzarella, veggie, supreme and all-meat, but you can also venture into specialties like the R.J.’s – with an olive oil base, Feta, onions and jalapenos, or the Mana’eesh, with olive oil, za’atar spice mix and light cheese.

The perfect pairing with your pie is La Roma’s lasagna or spaghetti.

You can also choose from a variety of Middle Eastern goodies including falafel, gyros, shawarma, tawook, stuffed grape leaves and baba ghanoush.

If you’re feeling particularly peckish, platters are available of the aforementioned cuisine, along with lentils and rice or cabbage rolls.

Anton’s Craft Kitchen

Anton’s believes delicious food is what your family deserves – and the team in OKC works to make every moment great. Dishes at the restaurant are made from-scratch and to-order, with options for both lunch and dinner.

Photo courtesy Anton’s Start off with spinach and eggplant dip or garlic lemon fries, then venture over to the sandwiches that include chicken Parmesan, cheese steaks and grilled chicken. Burgers are available all day and include the Swiss mushroom and craft onion burger. Other mains are the garlic lemon chicken, shrimp maisa, fried catfish and the harvest medley, with broccoli, onion, pepper, tomato, olives, mushrooms and craft sauce.

Perfect for groups, Anton’s offers family meals that serve between 6-8 people, along with a kid’s menu, catering and various desserts.

Photo courtesy La Roma

Sparky’s Eatery

Located in Hennessey, Sparky’s offers everything from pasta to salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizza. Breakfast and brunch menu items include a litany of sandwiches, as well as cinnamon rolls, burritos and hearty platters. For lunch, Sparky’s specialty (and it’s self-proclaimed obsession) is the chicken sandwich – and there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to its iterations. Try the Cajun, honey Dijon, BBQ, teriyaki or queso blanco versions.

Other goodies include classic sandwiches like the turkey bacon avocado and ham and turkey club, alongside buffalo chicken wraps and Angus beef burgers.

Enjoy baked pastas including the pesto chicken and the Supreme – with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions and black olives – as well as numerous pizza and salad options. In short, even the pickiest eater can find something to enjoy at Sparky’s!

Photo courtesy Sparky’s

Mizu Ramen Sushi

Photo courtesy Misu

Ramen, sushi, bowls, oh my! Mizu has everything you crave on a cold winter day.

Starters kick your meal off with a bang. Try the octopus salad, hot karaage ( fried chicken), gyoza (potstickers) or spicy edamame. Next, you can’t go wrong with one of many ramen dishes.

Classics include the seafood, with spicy broth, shrimp, scallops, narutomaki (cured fish) and mushrooms, along with the miso, with pork broth, corn and green onion.

The sushi menu is split in a variety of categories – signature, deluxe, classic, new style and traditional. Standouts are the Crazy Cowboy, with crab salad, tempura flakes and sesame, and the Volcano, with baked scallops, masago and spicy mayo.

Last but not least, the bowls range from curry rice to chashu don – braised pork belly and steamed rice.

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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WHERE & WHEN G R E AT T H I N G S TO D O I N O K L A H O M A

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

IN TULSA

PERFORMANCES

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS PRESENTS: HAIRSPRAY Jan.

2-7 Tulsa PAC You can’t stop

the beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. celebrityattractions.com

THE CLASS ACT COMEDY TOUR Jan. 5 Cain’s Ball-

room See comedians David

Bates, Garrett Barbee and Zach Amon live. cainsballroom.com

TULSA YOUTH OPERA PRESENTS: AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS Jan.

6-7 Tulsa PAC The Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. tulsapac.com

TULSA SYMPHONY PRES-

ENTS: EBB & FLOW Jan. 13 Tulsa PAC This Tulsa

Symphony performance will definitely be a “10!” Sarah Hicks is not only an in-demand composer – she is an educator, arranger, Emmy-winning producer, writer, and speaker. tulsasymphony.org

THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS:

ANNIE Jan. 19-Feb. 4 Tulsa PAC Leapin’ Lizards! It’s one of

the world’s best-loved musicals.

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Little Orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in Depression-era New York City. theatretulsa.org

WORLD STAGE THEARE PRESENTS: CHOIR BOY Jan.

26-Feb. 4 Tulsa PAC The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir. Can he find his way inside the hallowed halls of this institution if he sings in his own key? tulsapac. com

ANTHONY JESELNIK Jan.

27 River Spirit Casino Resort Anthony Jeselnik is a

stand-up comedian widely known for his Netflix specials, podcast and Comedy Central roasts. riverspirittulsa.com

SIGNATURE SYMPHONY PRESENTS: INSPIRA-

44

PERFORMANCE

KICKING OFF 2024

Celebration by the Norman Philharmonic on Jan. 15 Start your new year off right with a variety of perforat McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church; and mances and showcases on the stage.

Armstrong Auditorium’s presentation of the Vida In Tulsa, Celebrity Attractions starts strong with Guitar Quartet.

Hairspray, running Jan. 2-7 at the Tulsa PAC. Other Around the state, don’t miss comedian John goodies at the PAC include Amahl and the Night Mulaney at Winstar World Casino and Resort in Visitors on Jan. 6-7; the show, presented by Tulsa Thackerville on Jan. 20; Gaslight Theatre’s presentaYouth Opera, follows the three kings and their trip to tion of As You Like It, Jan. 20-28 in Enid; and Come Bethlehem. Stick around for Tulsa Symphony’s Ebb From Away, Jan. 23-24 at the McKnight Center for the and Flow, playing Jan. 13 with in-demand composer Performing Arts.

Sarah Hicks. Theatre Tulsa welcomes its first show of the year at the PAC: Annie, running Jan. 19-Feb. 4. Other can’tmiss performances this month include comedian Anthony CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS Jeselnik at River Spirit Casino Resort on Jan. 27 and Signature Symphony’s Inspirations, playing at the TCC Van Trease PACE on Jan. 27.

In OKC, the Civic Center Music Hall beckons with performances galore. Begin the month with the OKC Philharmonic, which offers Rachmaninoff ! on Jan. 13 and Funky Fresh & Sugar Free on Jan. 14. Stick around for Les Miserables, presented by OKC Broadway, coming to town Jan. 16-21. Other performances in OKC include comedian Trey Kennedy on Jan. 13 at the CritePhoto courtesy Celebrity Attractions rion; the Dr. Martin Luther King

1

TIONS Jan. 27 TCC Van Trease

PACE This concert features an adaptation of Georges Bizet’s fiery and controversial Carmen by Rodion Schedrin, where the opera is now transformed into ballet and features strings and percussion to convey this passionate work. The Tulsa Youth Symphony joins the Signature Symphony on the first part of the program. signaturesymphony.org

CONCERTS

RANDY RODGERS BAND Jan. 5 River Spirit Casino Resort Fronted by singer-song-

writer Randy Rogers and featuring Geoffrey Hill (guitar), Jon Richardson (bass guitar), Brady Black (fiddle), Les Lawless (drums) and Todd Stewart (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, keyboards), the Randy Rogers Band was founded in San

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

Marcos, Texas. riverspirittulsa.com room.com

State of Craft is open to all

KEITH SWEAT Jan. 11 River Spirit CASEY DONAHEW Jan. 25 Cain’s 108|Contemporary members and

Casino Resort Keith Sweat is a

Ballroom See the country crooner features the broad media utilized

by members such as fiber, wood, ceramics, glass, metal, installations brook.org and more. 108contemporary.org SLUMGULLION: THE VENERATE BRETT WILSON: THE SHAPE OF OUTPOST Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to NATURE Through Feb. 11 Philbrook In 1929, when Brett Weston partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgulwas only eighteen years old, his black-and-white photographs were lion, a full-scale log cabin built exhibited internationally amongst from the skeleton of a late-1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org HERE BE DRAGONS: MAPPING those by well-known photograTHE REAL AND IMAGINED Jan. phers of the moment, including 17-Dec. 29 Philbrook This exhibi- images by his renowned father, TULSA OILERS HOCKEY Jan. 5-7, Edward Weston. The younger tion presents artworks from the Philbrook collection that span over Weston would distinguish himself 12-13, 26-28 BOK Center Cheer on the Oilers as they take on opponents three hundred years of history, and over the following decades as an at home. tulsaoilers.com important mid-century formal that build a sense of place, ALL STAR TEAM ROPING Jan. photographer. philbrook.org whether real or imagined. philExpo Square See rodeo pros brook.org WYETH: TEXTURED VISIONS OF 6-7 from across the country compete THE STATE OF CRAFT Through NATURE Through June 9, for top prizes. exposquare.com 2024 Philbrook Through three Jan. 21 108 Contemporary The successive generations, the boun- CHILI BOWL Jan. 7-13 Expo

Harlem, N.Y born songwriter/record on his Bars & Beer Joints acoustic tour. cainsballroom.com producer/vocalist/actor/radio personality, with a career that GENERATION RADIO Jan. spans 24 years of record breaking 27 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and trail blazing musical contribu- Tulsa Enjoy this concert with tions. riverspirittulsa.com vocalists from Rascal Flatts and Chicago. hardrockcasinotulsa.com SCHOOL OF ROCK WINTER

CONCERT Jan. 12 Cain’s Ballroom Enjoy a concert from the

members of the performance based music education center, School of Rock. cainsballrom.com

VINCE NEIL Jan. 12 Hard Rock

Hotel and Casino Tulsa Hear the legendary voice of Vince Neil as he performs a variety of deep cuts and hits. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

STONEY LARUE Jan. 20 Cain’s Ballroom Enjoy the Red Dirt tunes of artist Stoney LaRue. cainsball-

tifully creative Wyeth family closely observed the world around them to produce artworks that reflect their textured visions of nature. phil-

ART

SPORTS

W H E R E & W H E N | EN T ER TAINM ENT Square Enjoy a week of exciting

racing events with great package deals. exposquare.com

AMERICAN FINALS

RODEO Jan. 18-21 Expo Square Athletes from around the

region come to Tulsa for the exciting American Finals Rodeo. exposquare.com

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING: UNLEASH THE BEAST Jan.

19-20 BOK Center PBR’s (Profes-

LENCE SUMMIT Jan.

30 Legacy Plaza Standards for Excellence is a nationally accredited curriculum that teaches best practices for nonprofit management, governance, and legal compliance.

The Standards for Excellence curriculum includes 78 benchmarks for best practices. okcnp.org

sional Bull Riders) elite Unleash The Beast will buck into Tulsa January 19 20. bokcenter.com

IN OKC

19-21 Expo Square Wrestling

FOLKLOREADA 2024 Jan.

TULSA NATIONALS Jan.

enthusiasts won’t want to miss this exciting national competition. exposquare.com

COMMUNITY

RHEMA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Through Jan. 1 Rhema

Bible Church, Broken Arrow Walk

PERFORMANCES

6 Civic Center Music Hall Get

7 418 S. Main St. Skate under the

festive twinkle lights at Broken Arrow’s only outdoor ice skating rink. baicerink.com

SECOND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR Jan. 13 100 E.

Second St. Take a fun and

educational walking tour during the Second Saturday Architecture Tour. tulsaarchitecture.org

Center Music Hall Cameron

Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. okcbroadway.

25 Armstrong Auditorium, Edmond “Personable, humor-

13 Civic Center Music Hall See

BA ICE RINK Through Jan.

OKC BROADWAY PRESENTS: LES MISÉRABLES Jan. 16-21 Civic

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: RACHMANINOFF! Jan.

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL Jan. 5 Downtown Tulsa

elok.com

rial United Methodist Church,

Norman Join the Norman Philharmonic and the University of Oklahoma’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a special concert honoring the lauded civil rights leader. normanphil.com

com

center.com

Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. trav-

NORMAN PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION Jan. 15 McFarlin Memo-

ready for an unforgettable experience, travel to various regions of Mexico through dance, music and traditions full of culture, color, and the joy that characterizes Mexico all around the world. okccivic-

through Rhema Bible Church’s campus and witness over three million shimmering lights. rhem-

abiblechurch.com

concert! okcphil.org

the first Philharmonic performance of the year with guest conductor JoAnn Falletta and Geroge Li on piano. okcphil.

org

TREY KENNEDY Jan. 13 The Criterion See this Oklahoma comedian on his Grow Up Tour. criterionokc.com

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: FUNKY FRESH & SUGAR FREE Jan. 14 Civic Center

Music Hall Join the OKCPHIL

orchestra and special guests, the Sugar Free Allstars for this exciting kindie rock

VIDA GUITAR QUARTET Jan.

ous and engaging,” the Vida Guitar Quartet are four of the UK’s most exceptional guitarists, appearing on North America’s and Europe’s most prestigious stages for classical guitar. armstrongauditorium. org

CONCERTS

DRAKE WITH J. COLE Jan. 25-26 Paycom Center See two legends of hip hop/rap on the It’s All A Blur Tour. paycom-

center.com

CHICKASAW NATION AND OKC PHIL PRESENTS: MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS Jan. 26-27 Civic Center

15 Oklahoma Contemporary The Soul is a Wanderer is

DISTURBED Jan. 27 Paycom

Center Multi-platinum rock

band Disturbed announced a 23-date Take Back Your Life 2024 North American Tour with a stop in Oklahoma City. paycomcenter.com

ART

TRADITIONAL COWBOY ARTS ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION AND SALE Through Jan. 2 National Cowboy &

Western Heritage Museum Join the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association in their mission to preserve and promote their disciplines and the role of these tradtional crafts in the cowboy culutre of the West through education and exhibition. nationalcowboymuseum.

titans of country music on one stage for two concert runs. paycomcenter.com

wake, shower, scroll, go to school and work. These rituals and routines offer comfort in a

TULSA MARTIN LUTHER JR. KING DAY PARADE Jan. 15 N.

ARTNOW: THE SOUL IS A WANDERER Through Jan.

ensemble was originally formed in the early 1960s, and has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. okcphil.org

org

19-20 Paycom Center See two

rary.rog

Music Hall This mariachi

TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS AND JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT Jan.

ROUTINES & RITUALS Jan.

chaotic world, but doing the same thing, again and again, can make anyone bored and frustrated. Routines & Rituals reflects the patterns and personal experiences of current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. oklahomacontempo-

12-May 6 Oklahoma Contemporary Life is routine. We sleep,

the latest iteration of Oklahoma Contemporary’s biennial ArtNow exhibition. oklahoma-

contemporary.org

NATIONS AT WAR! FIELD SKETCHES OF A PAWNEE WARRIOR Through Jan.

seum.org

FIRST LOOK: NEW TO THE MUSEUM Through March

17 OKCMOA First Look: New to the Museum showcases a variety of genres and art movements, from traditional still lifes, landscapes and portraiture to street photography, abstract paintings and conceptual art. Featuring a wide range of mediums and styles, the objects on display explore the overarching idea of space. okcmoa.com

ITALY’S LEGENDARY COWBOYS OF THE MAREMMA, PHOTOGRAPHS

BY GABRIELLE SAVERI Through May

5 National Cowboy and West-

21 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Most

ern Heritage Museum The butteri, or Italian “cowboys” — hailing from the lands spanning from the plains of northern Lazio up through the coastal Italian region of Maremma into southern Tuscany — have a long-standing connection to Buffalo Bill and the history of America’s Wild West. nationalcowboy-

org

EVA SCHLEGEL: MULTIPLE VOICES Through Jan. 13,

people assume Native American ledger art was limited to the North American Great Plains. Known for their colorful and realistic depiction of Indigenous life, these drawings were socially validated and extremely accurate. nationalcowboymuseum.

OPEN FOR BUSI-

NESS Through Feb. 28 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum It takes

a team effort to create an Artist™. From all the side jobs an artist takes on to support their craft, to the spouse or partner who helps build their brand, the work of an artist is more than simply taking brush to canvas. nationalcowboymu-

museum.org

2025 Oklahoma Contemporary Multiple Voices is the first

public artwork in the United States by Eva Schlegel, the Austria-born and -based artist known for engineering steel and mirrors into spectacular, architectonic sculptures. okla-

homacontemporary.org

CHIHULY THEN AND NOW: THE COLLECTION AT

Detroit Ave. & John Hope Franklin

Blvd. Head to the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade through Tulsa to honor a legend and cel brate freedom with the community. mlktulsa.com

GO SHORT, GO LONG, GO VERY LONG Jan. 20 Tulsa River Parks Trail System This annual

5K, 10K, 25K and 50K is back again with distances for every level of runner. travelok.com

GREEN COUNTRY HOME & GARDEN SHOW Jan.

26-28 Expo Square Prepare for the warmer months at this annual expo. cmg.com

TULSA BOAT, SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW Jan. 29-Feb.

4 Expo Square Those with a love for the water and any summer activities won’t want to miss this expo. tulsaboatshow. com

CHARITABLE EVENTS

AUTHOR ALTON CARTER SPEAKING EVENT Jan.

6 Bartlesville Public Library Oklahoma author Alton

Carter speaks about his experience growing up in foster care, taking steps to change his future, and succeeding and writing his first book. okcnp.org

EMPOWERING VETERANS FOR SUCCESS - COFFEE BUNKER’S COHORT FOR VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES Jan. 26 Leadership

Tulsa This seminar is for military veterans and their spouses, aiming to explore the interconnectedness of leadership, military service and community engagement. leadershiptulsa. org

STANDARDS FOR EXCEL-

SPORTS

2

OKC THUNDER

JANUARY WELCOMES IT ALL

You’ll enjoy a dynamic combo of sporting events in every corner of the state this month.

In Tulsa, the highly ranked Oilers continue their home games at the BOK Center on Jan. 5-7, 12-13 and 26-28. If micro-sprint racing is more your speed, don’t miss the Chili Bowl event, Jan. 7-13 at Expo Square. You’ll want to circle back to the BOK Center Jan. 19-20 for the Professional Bull Riding’s Unleash the Beast rodeo event.

Pro, semi-pro and college basketball are all in full swing this month. Our beloved NBA team, the OKC Thunder, plays at home – the Paycom Center –Jan. 2, 11, 13, 23, 29 and 31. Stick around the arena for the G-League OKC Blue on Jan. 2-3, 9-10 and 21. OU’s b-ball Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images offerings can be found at Norman’s Lloyd Noble Center on Jan. 6, 13, 27 and 31 for the women and Jan. 6, 17, 23 and 27 for men. In Stillwater, visit the Gallagher-Iba Arena on Jan. 2, 6, 16, 23 and 27 for the Cowboys and Jan. 10, 17, 20 and 28 for the Cowgirls.

Other sporting goodies around the state include the Stampede at the E, Jan. 3-6; the International Finals Rodeo, Jan. 11-14; and the Kicker AMA Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross Show, Jan. 19-20 – all at Guthrie’s Lazy E Arena.

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

45

W H E R E & W H E N | ENT ER TAI NMENT 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 BASKET-

BALL Jan. 2, 11, 13, 23, 29, 31 Paycom Center Join the

Thunder for electrifying nights of basketball. okcthunder.com

OKC BLUE BASKETBALL Jan. 2-3, 9-10,

21 Paycom Center Watch the

OKC Blue take on other teams in the league. paycomcenter. com

REDLAND RENDEZVOUS Jan. 6-7 OKC Fair-

grounds See this exciting weekend of volleyball up close and personal. okcfairgrounds.

com

OKLAHOMA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Jan 6., 13, 27,

31 Lloyd Noble Center, Norman Cheer on OU Women’s

Basketball as the team competes at home. soonersports.com

OKLAHOMA MEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 6, 17, 23,

27 Lloyd Noble Center, Norman Cheer on OU Men’s

Basketball as the team competes at home. soonersports.com

COMMUNITY

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

ARCADIA LAKE EAGLE WATCH Jan. 5-7 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

OKLAHOMA CITY SPIRIT

FAIR Jan. 6-7 Reed Conference Center, Midwest City Attend the Oklahoma City

Spirit Fair to pick up new spiritual gifts and must-have items.

Enjoy this fun and welcoming fair, open to all. spiritfair.com

CREST ON ICE Through Jan. 7 2550 Mt. Williams Dr., Norman Enjoy ice skating in

Norman this holiday season. crestonice.com

OKC RV & BOAT SHOW Jan. 12-14 OKC Fairgrounds Prepare for the

warmer months at this annual expo. okcfairgrounds.com

EDMOND ICE RINK Through Jan. 15 Mitch Park, Edmond Enjoy holiday ice

skating on 5,600 square feet of ice. edmondicerink.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION IN THE GARDENS Jan. 15 Myriad

Botanical Gardens Celebrate the life and legacy of MLK at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in the Gardens. myriad.org

2024 OK HOME + GARDEN SHOW Jan. 19-21 OKC Fair-

grounds Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or some gardening tips, the

46

Home and Garden show has you covered. okcfairgrounds.

com

DEVON ICE RINK Through

Jan. 29 Myriad Botanical Gardens Get ready for another

great winter of outdoor ice skating at the Devon Ice Rink. myriadgardens.org

CHARITABLE EVENTS

MIX, MINGLE, MANIFEST: YOUNG NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS EVENT Jan. 11 Oklahoma

Center for Nonprofits Start out the new year by creating a vision board with your peers!

Whether you’re setting professional goals, seeking personal growth, or envisioning positive change, this event is your canvas to manifest your aspirations. okcnp.org

MARKETING SUMMIT Jan.

23 Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Join the OKCNP for

this 1-day training on marketing in the nonprofit sector.

Marketing operations in the nonprofit sector are regularly managed by professionals serving in multiple roles.

Consistently applying sound marketing principles shapes up to be no easy goal and can often be difficult to determine for the non-marketing professional. okcnp.org

6 Pauls Valley Junior High School Auditorium 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

JOHN MULANEY Jan.

20 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville See one

of today’s most popular comedians live. winstar.com

GASLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS: AS YOU LIKE IT Jan. 20-28 Gaslight Theatre, Enid Grab a seat at Gaslight

Theatre in Enid to see Shakespeare’s As You Like It this January. gaslighttheatre.org

COME FROM AWAY Jan.

23-24 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater On

9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11. mcknight-

rotating selection of talented bluegrass performers on the second Saturday of each month. groveok.org

IAN MUNSICK Jan. 19 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Up-and-coming coun-

try crooner Ian Munsick visits Durant. choctawcasinos.com

LYLE LOVETT Jan. 19 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville See this popular

musician with his live band for one night only. winstar.com

CASEY DONAHEW Jan.

20 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Country star

Casey Donahew visits Oklahoma. choctawcasinos.com

OLD DOMINION Jan.

26-27 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant The Award-

com

BOYZ II MEN Jan. 12 Winstar

PAULS VALLEY OPRY Jan.

GROVE BLUEGRASS SHOW:

World Casino and Resort, Thackerville One of the most

iconic music groups of the 90s is on tour now. winstar.com

KICKER AMA ARENACROSS & FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS SHOW Jan. 19-20 Lazy E

Arena, Guthrie Prepare for two

days of thrilling dirt bike races at the annual Kicker AMA Arenacross & Freestyle Motocross Show. lazye.com

CENTRAL 4D BARREL RACERS Jan. 27-28 Heart of Oklahoma Expo, Shawnee Make your way to the

Heart of Oklahoma Expo in Shawnee to see riders compete in the Central 4D Barrel Racers event. shaw-

SPORTS

water Watch the Cowboys take the court. okstate.com

American country artist Clay Walker live on tour. winstar.

Luther King Community Center, Muskogee Travel to Muskogee

1 Statewide Multiple state

nos.com

CLAY WALKER Jan.

12 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville See

four days of high-intensity rodeo action at the International Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena. wcrarodeo.com

Arena, Guthrie Get ready for

neeexpo.com

OKLAHOMA STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 2, 6, 16, 23,

CONCERTS

INTERNATIONAL FINALS RODEO 54 Jan. 11-14 Lazy E

farm show, provides informative seminars and demonstrations as well as knowledgeable vendors. enidlive.com

Cowgirls take on mid season foes at home. okstate.com

winning country band Old Dominion plays a two-night run in Durant. choctawcasi-

center.org

THE STATE

PERFORMANCES

MIDNIGHT HOLLOW Jan. 13 517 W. Tenth St., Grove Head to Grove for a

27 Gallagher-Iba Arena, Still-

STAMPEDE AT THE E Jan.

3-6 Lazy E Arena, Guthrie Experience the incredible

rush of rodeo action at The Stampede at The E in Guthrie. wcrarodeo.com

OKLAHOMA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Jan. 10, 17, 20, 28 Gall-

gher-Iba Arena, Stillwater The

COMMUNITY

FIRST DAY HIKE Jan.

parks welcome visitors for a New Year’s Day Hike. travelok. com

NAVAJO WEAVING

CLASS Jan. 4-6 Shepherd’s Cross, Claremore Learn how to

weave in the Navajo tradition at Shepherd’s Cross in Claremore. This weekend class will teach participants all about the complicated yet beautiful art of weaving. shepherdscross.com

KNID AGRIFEST Jan. 12-13 Chisholm Trail Expo Center, Enid KNID Agrifest,

northwest Oklahoma’s largest

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION Jan. 15 Martin

for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade & Celebration. This event honors the legacy of Dr. King. muskogeechamber.org

WOODWARD RODDERS CAR

SHOW Jan. 19-20 Woodward County Fairgrounds Calling all

car enthusiasts, don’t miss the annual Woodward Rodders Car Show! woodwardeventcenter. com

DUNCAN MONSTER TRUCK WARS Jan. 20 Stephens County Fairgrounds,

Enid Experience the thrill of 12,000 lb monster trucks in head-to-head competitions at Duncan Monster Truck Wars. stephenscountyfairandexpocenter.com

MAD DOG DEMOLITION DERBY Jan. 20 Claremore

Expo Center Make your way to the Mad Dog Demolition Derby at the Claremore Expo Center for an evening of fun and car smashing. claremore.com

RED RIVER SHOWDOWN GO-KART RACING Jan.

26-27 Stephens County Fairgrounds, Enid Cheer on

go-kart racers as they compete in the annual Red River Showdown in Duncan. stephenscountyfai-

randexpocenter.com

COMMUNITY

3

CHILI BOWL

HIGH-OCTANE FUN

Although the holidays are behind us, you can still get your skate on at the following: Broken Arrow’s ice rink, 418 S. Main, through Jan. 7; Norman’s Crest on Ice, 2550 Mt. Williams Dr., through Jan. 7; Edmond’s ice rink, Mitch Park, through Jan. 15; and OKC’s Devon ice rink, Myriad Botanical Gardens, through Jan. 29.

In Tulsa, monthly events beckon – visit the First Friday Art Crawl in downtown Tulsa on Jan. 5 or the Second Saturday Architecture Tour at 100 E. Second St. on Jan. 13. Other must-visits include the Tulsa Martin Luther Jr. King Day Parade, beginning at N. Detroit Ave. and John Hope Franklin Blvd. on Jan. 15, as well as the Go Short, Go Long, Go Very Long races on Jan. 20 throughout the Tulsa River Parks Trail System. In the latter, runners can choose between 5-, 10-, 25- and 50K races. Lastly, venture to Expo Square for the Green Country Home and Garden Show on Jan. 26-28 and the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show on Jan. 29-Feb. 4.

Offerings are varied in Oklahoma City and range from the ArcaPhoto courtesy Chili Bowl dia Lake Eagle Watch on Jan. 5-7 to the Oklahoma City Spirit Fair – where visitors can pick up new spiritual gifts – on Jan. 6-7 at the Reed Conference Center. Head to the OKC Fairgrounds for the OKC RV and Boat Show from Jan. 12-14 and the OK Home and Garden Show from Jan. 19-21. Lastly, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in the Gardens runs Jan. 15 at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Around the state, visitors can enjoy the First Day Hike on Jan. 1 at a variety of state parks. For some highOctane action, visit: Duncan Monster Truck Wars, Jan. 20 at Enid’s Stephens County Fairgrounds; the Mad Dog Demolition Derby, Jan. 20 at the Claremore Expo Center; and the Red River Showdown Go-Kart Racing event, Jan. 26-27, also at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. Lastly, head to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Celebration on Jan. 15 at Muskogee’s Martin Luther King Community Center.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024

W H E R E & W H E N | FILM AND CINEMA

SLEEPER HITS AWAIT

Some potential hidden gems are concealed in one of cinema’s slowest months.

I

to write the script and star in her original role as Ms. Norbury, with another return performance by Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall. Don’t miss out on being so fetch when it arrives on Jan. 12.

For a heist film, try Lift. Kevin Hart stars as a world class thief who is tasked with robbing a plane midflight. If he fails, he goes to prison for all his previous illegal deeds. Vincent D’Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket) and Jean Reno (Leon) also show up as a part of Hart’s crew and the main antagonist, respectively. The trailer is full of corny jokes and Ocean’s 11-style robbery shenanigans. If you’re bored on a Friday night, this movie might do the trick when it lands on Netflix Jan. 12.

Lastly, for an anime film nearly 25 years old, grab tickets for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Originally released in 2001, the film follows the bounty hunters Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed as they deal with an international terrorist who plans to use a biological weapon on innocent civilians. Based on the wildly popular anime of the same name, the film has beautiful animation, wonderful voice acting and some great fight choreography. Knowing a bit about the show helps, but it’s not needed to enjoy the story. It’s in theaters January 21-23.

t’s January! As usual, the pickings are slim, but we’ll see what we can cobble together for one of the most depressing months of the year!

First up is Night Swim. Based on a short film, the plot revolves around the Waller family as they move into a new fixer-upper, only to find that a supernatural presence haunts the backyard swimming pool. The trailer is essentially an extended scene of the popular pool game Marco Polo. I’m not sure how good the idea of “spooky water” will be, but with horror producer hot-shots James Wan (director of The Mean Girls; Photo courtesy Paramount Pictures Conjuring) and Jason Blum (producer that might just be enough to get you to of sleeper hit M3GAN), this could have the theaters when it opens Jan. 12. some hidden ingredients I just can’t see For a musical twist on a classic comedy, yet. Dive into the deep end on Jan. 5. check out Mean Girls. Based on the hit For some good ol’ action, look no Broadway musical ... which is based on further than The Beekeeper. Jason Statham the hit 2004 film ... which is based on the stars as Mr. Clay, a former operative in hit 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes, a group called Beekeepers. Now he’s an this iteration takes the original plot actual beekeeper. When his friend gets and adds in music and dance. Starring robbed, he naturally takes it upon himself Angourie Rice (The Nice Guys) as Cady, to absolutely obliterate all the criminals and relative newcomer Renee Rapp as involved. The trailer has lots of death, bee Regina (who played the same role in the jokes and the ever popular “this one guy Broadway musical), the film looks like an took out all my men” lines. The plot seems excellent trip back in time with a few fun comically undercooked, but Statham is a changes to the formula. Tina Fey returns lauded action star through and through;

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

MARKETPLACE

Annual Inventory Clearance Sale

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Mike Neal

P

resident and CEO of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Mike Neal has been working to improve the city since he took the job in 2006. Before moving to Oklahoma, Neal led chambers in Nashville and his hometown of Monroe, La. Outside work, Neal is involved in a variety of community efforts, including serving as the board chair of the Oklahoma Academy – a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the state through public policy. Neal and his wife, Jana, have two daughters. We caught up with Neal and got his thoughts on ...

... the best part of his job.

The opportunity to be involved in so many different projects every day, and to work with a highly supportive business community, Chamber board and a phenomenally dedicated and devoted staff. I value and appreciate the partnerships we’ve developed with the mayor, city council members, county commissioners, state and federal elected officials, and legislative delegations – and our extremely collaborative tribal partners.

I’m a people person, so I get energized by having the opportunity to work with so many talented partners.

... how Tulsa has transformed during his 17+ year tenure.

Downtown Tulsa is almost unrecognizable from what it was. Progress has been tremendous. We now have an extraordinary ability to attract events – and to showcase Tulsa to visitors during events like the PGA Championship, NCAA wrestling, USA Gymnastics, USA BMX and so many others. We’ve also seen tremendous growth across the region.

There used to be competition between Tulsa and the suburbs, but now we work together and understand that a win for one is a win for our entire region. We have fabulous regional chambers and regional economic development partners who do such outstanding work in their respective communities, work that benefits us all.

... where he’d like Tulsa to be by 2050.

I’d like to see that Tulsa has attracted a num48

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ber of new corporate headquarters.

I’d like to see that we have continued to build on our thriving manufacturing base while taking advantage of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, the Port of Inola, the Port of Muskogee and the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor to further grow our economy.

I know we will continue to support and build on our legacy industries of energy and aerospace/aviation.

I look forward to completion of the new low water dam adjacent to Gathering Place, but also other low water dams, so we can more fully utilize the Arkansas River for recreational purposes.

Our region should continue to build on the success of the Tulsa Remote program in attracting talented young people from all across this country and around the world to come to Tulsa for job and career opportunities, and to raise families.

In the next decades I’d like to see our entertainment districts more fully developed, contributing to an even more vibrant downtown, bustling wider community and suburbs. And as a golf fan, I look forward to us regularly hosting future PGA Championships and U.S. Opens at Southern Hills Country Club.

... what he’s looking forward to.

The continued growth and progress of the Chamber. We will continue to pursue our mission of transforming the Tulsa region by attracting and retaining employers, talent and tourism in support of long-term prosperity.

We will go after big goals in our strategic areas of economic development, tourism, government affairs and community development.

I’m also looking forward to the continued progress of our city – our downtown development, and utilization of the BOK Center and ONEOK Field. Both of those venues have been enormous catalysts for public and private investments. Outstanding publicprivate partnerships have been developed in collaboration with the city, county and state, as well as with our federal and tribal partners.

And I’m excited about the opportunity to jump start construction of a new convention center hotel in downtown Tulsa, adjacent to a new medical district that is being expanded

by OSU and the new VA hospital.

... the Oklahoma Academy.

The Oklahoma Academy is a statewide, nonprofit/nonpartisan membership organization founded by Gov. Henry Bellmon in 1967 to bring public attention to the major

Photo Photocourtesy courtesyRob Tulsa Ward Chamber

CLOSING THOUGHTS

policy issues facing the state, and to provide objective research, develop consensus public policy recommendations and act as a catalyst for positive change on those issues. One way the Academy achieves this mission is through its annual Town Hall conference. The Academy just finished up this year’s Town Hall, which focused on our need for housing in Oklahoma. The commitment of the Town Hall participants to foster a dialogue on affordable, accessible and attainable housing was vital in addressing the pressing issues our state is currently facing. The Academy will release those recommendations at a press conference this month. In my second year as board chair, I will lead the Academy in launching a substantial $5 million endowment campaign. The achievement of this long-term investment will secure Governor Bellmon’s vision for years to come.

... his off-time.

In the early mornings you can find me at the gym. In the evenings I’ll be at a ballgame or a concert at the BOK Center. I’m a huge sports fan and enjoy watching football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey – and maybe occasionally attempting to play golf. I also walk 10 to 12 miles a day, so I am constantly moving. About twice a year, you can also find me at the Neal Family Vineyards in Napa Valley.

WEDDING OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE PRESENTS:

SPECIAL SECTION Oklahoma Magazine is here to help you plan your big day. The following pages include trend forecasts, planning advice, plus beautiful spreads of cakes, catered dishes, flowers, designer weddings gowns and more.

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Wedding Planning 101 Designer Gowns Cakes Catering Flowers Accessories Honeymoons Attire Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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OKLAHOMA WEDDING | PL ANNING

A World-Class Wedding

No matter how you spin it, weddings are a lot of work. From venues to caterers, florists, DJs and everything in between, you’re likely looking for some guidance. Not to worry, Oklahoma Magazine has you covered!

By Mary Willa Allen

PLANNING: RULES OF THUMB If you scour the internet, odds are you’ll find wedding advice ranging from logical to downright bonkers. But there are a few tried and true bits of guidance that most people can agree upon. A few include:

Think long and hard before landing on a wedding date.

You may jump at the chance to secure your dream venue, or your dream price, no matter the time of year. But careful consideration should be given to the exact date you land on. Think about the people you most want there – does that date work for them? How about weather conditions? Are there any major events in your city that will coincide with the date you desire, making parking, availability and general logistics more difficult?

Prioritize your guests.

This day is about you and your betrothed, no doubt about it.

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But remember that your guests should also be a priority on your big day. Don’t make them wait outside in the heat or cold for longer than you’d be willing to endure. Ensure food and drink are ample, and served at the correct time.

Additionally, make sure you’re selecting a venue that can comfortably accommodate all of your guests.

Get ready to edit.

Hire a planner.

Trust the experts.

If budget allows, a planner will greatly relieve you of some major stress – from dealing with vendors to delegating tasks, handling interpersonal disputes and everything in between.

Utilize credit.

Firstly, ensure your credit score is tip-top before embarking on the large financial journey that is throwing a wedding. After that, research credit card bonuses and perks, and consider signing up for the best deals. While it will take major forethought and budgeting, credit card reward points can help tremendously with airfare, honeymoons, down payments and more.

After getting all your ducks in a row, you’ll more than likely have to trim some fat somewhere to make the day work. This editing could look like a lot of things – from cutting down your guest list to your bridal party, dress budget, number of hors d’oeuvres or total cocktails on the menu.

At the end of the day, those in the wedding industry likely know more than you when it comes to planning the big day. Don’t be afraid to rely upon, or defer to, their judgment if you’re unsure about something.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

In today’s world, we may use the term ‘red flag,’ a little too liberally. Regardless, your wedding vendors shouldn’t have any. So, what should you look for when booking these all-important vendors?

In all vendors: A strong social media presence, or at least an up-to-date website Up-front pricing Quick and friendly communication Openness to suggestion/collaboration

In a venue: Up-front contracts with clear language A happy and enthusiastic staff Back-up plans or offerings in case of inclement weather or emergency

In a caterer: A variety of positive feedback – not only of the food’s taste, but it’s appearance, temperature and delivery Competitive – but not incredibly low – pricing.

Positive reviews

In a florist: That in-person bouquets look exactly as they do on social media A designer that can, and has, created your floral aesthetic before

In a baker: The opportunity for a cake tasting A variety of positive feedback – not only of the cake’s appearance, but its taste and how it was delivered

TREND FORECAST

Wedding trends seem to be changing every time you look. Experts agree that in 2024, the following will be seen more often than not:

intimate, and more couples are realizing they’d rather keep those words between themselves. The pro of this is a shorter ceremony, meaning more time to party!

Mixed company:

Candid photos:

Although the tradition conveys that the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other until the ceremony or first look, many couples are eschewing that belief in 2024.

Some wedding parties are getting ready all together, while other couples opt to hang out alone with their soon-to-be-spouse before the ceremony starts.

Late night bites: If you’re planning a celebration that goes past 10 p.m., odds are your guests may get hungry again after dinner and drinks.

Enter the late-night bite! From food trucks to pizza by the slice, many couples are bringing in another food option at the end of the evening – a sort of edible wedding favor, if you will.

Private vows: Vows can often be incredibly personal and

From disposable cameras on reception tables to an editorial photographer, we’re seeing a shift away from numerous posed shots and a greater focus on capturing a wedding’s beautifully unplanned moments.

Mini dresses: Whether brides are opting for a shorter dress just for the reception or for the entire sha-bang, minis are cycling back into style.

of the day, and will likely give the couple some good laughs.

More sitting: No, we don’t mean a move away from the dance floor. Instead, you’ll likely see more wedding parties sitting down in the front row instead of beside the bride and groom. Not only does this allow the most important people to the couple to be able to see the ceremony, but it also keeps from drawing focus away from the couple.

Audio guest books: Many creative couples are setting up a phone at the reception, where guests can ‘leave messages’ of advice and love as opposed to signing a guest book. This better captures the essence JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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ETIQUETTE 101

You’d think in the year 2024, people would know how to act at a wedding. But some things still need to be reiterated. Here are some equiette tips for anyone involved in the special day:

FOR THE COUPLE: Don’t put registry information on the wedding invitation – You’ll have plenty of time to tout your registry. Your wedding inviation isn’t the time to start.

Always be on time – Your family and friends are working hard to help you plan your special day. Ensure that you’re always on time to showers, parties, fittings and the like so no one starts feeling slighted.

Don’t expect guests to pay for things day-of – Many of your guests and wedding party members have likely pitched in financially before your big day, from buying new outfits to transportation costs. Don’t ask them to pay for things at the wedding itself – like a cash bar on honeypot donation.

Don’t make guests wait – Barring major emergencies or usual circumstances, your wedding and reception should start on-time.

Remember to value your guests’ time.

Avoid a singles table – Coming alone to a wedding shouldn’t be an ostracizing experience.

Make sure your single guests are seated with their friends, not relegated to a table with other singles.

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FOR PARENTS/ ELDERS OF THE COUPLE: Don’t micromanage or make executive decisions – We know, you’ve done this before and just want to help. But remember that as a parent or elder of the couple, your job is to help in the ways the couple needs you to, not how you want to help.

Be upfront about budget contributions – Whether you plan on paying for the entire shindig or aren’t able to contribute anything, don’t dance around that conversation or use your finances as a bargaining chip.

Prepare your speech in advance – No one wants to hear a meandering speech, not even coming from the bride and groom. Make sure your delivery is well-rehearsed and succinct.

Remain positive about planning elements – So you hate the dress, the food, or the color scheme. Oh well. Keep that to yourself ! The only thing you’ll be doing is making the couple feel bad about something they enjoy.

Don’t invite anyone that’s not on the guest list – No explanation necessary.

FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY:

FOR GUESTS:

Prioritize the bride or groom – A simple bit of etiquette, but something that can often be forgotten. Even if things are a bit inconvenient or over-thetop, remember that this is the special day of someone you love. Just go with it! (Within reason, of course.)

RSVP on time – And if you don’t, prepare to lose your spot at the event. Most RSVPs can be made online now, no excuses!

Stick to the registry – No, the couple probably doesn’t want a hand-painted birdhouse. They worked hard to create a registry of the things they want and need – use it!

Stay engaged – The last thing a couple wants to see when they look out into the crowd is a bunch of people on their phones or talking to one another. Stay focused during the ceremony, and make sure to be present and social during the reception.

Don’t take any fashion risks – The couple has a vision for the wedding, so make sure you stick to the recommended dress theme. No feather boas ... unless requested!

Help plan – Everyone, even the couple, has a life outside planning this wedding. Make sure to offer as much help as your bandwidth allows.

Be prepared to pay for certain aspects of the wedding – For most wedding party members, the celebration isn’t a free ticket to paradise. Be prepared to shell out cash on portions of the celebration, from bachelor/bachelorette parties to clothing, make-up or accessories.

Block off the entire wedding day – Your friend’s wedding day is not the time for additional errands or obligations.

From sunrise until long after sunset, your priority should be the wedding and the wedding only.

Tulsa | Jenks | Owasso | Broken Arrow

andopizza.com | @andopizza |catering@andopizza.com

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OKLAHOMA WEDDING | DESIGNER GOWNS

Inspiration Overload

All photos courtesy the designers unless otherwise marked.

These designers have their finger on the pulse of wedding dress trends for 2024.

Oscar de la Renta

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Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Monique Lhuillier

Photo by Jose Villa

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Gahlia Lahav Le Reve Collection

Photo by Savanna Sturkie

Photo by Laura Gordon

Photo by Dudi Hasson

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Carol Hannah

Esé Azénabor

Anne Barge, Blue Willow

Arava Polak

Photo by Laura Gordon

Anne Barge, Blue Willow

Alon Livne White

Badgley Mischka

Photo by Dudi Hasson

Alon Livne White

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Ines Di Santo

Photo by Jose Villa

Photo by Jose Villa

Grace Loves Lace

Grace Loves Lace

Jenny Packham

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier

Jenny Packham

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

Galia Lahav Le Etoile Collection

OKLAHOMA WEDDING | DESIGNER GOWNS

Monique Lhuillier

Oscar de la Renta

Reem Acra

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Vera Wang

Reem Acra

Pronovias

Oscar de la Renta

Pronovias

Vera Wang

Nicole Milano

Pronovias

Oscar de la Renta

GUESTS

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Photo by Jose Villa

OKLAHOMA WEDDING | CAKES

Feeling Sweet

Oklahoma-based bakers shine with wedding cakes galore.

You Need a Cake, Edmond

Quincy Bakeshop, OKC Amy Cakes, Norman Andrea Howard Cakes, OKC Ling’s Cakery, OKC

Amy Cakes, Norman Kupcakz Bakery, Tulsa

All photos courtesy the bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tulsa and OKC

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O K L A H O M A W E D D I N G | C AT E R I N G

Dig In

Oklahoma caterers bring the deliciousness to a variety of diners around the state.

Stuffed chicken breast, JTR Catering, Tulsa; photo by Valerie Wei-Haas

Southwest canapes, McNellie’s Catering Group, Tulsa

Charcuterie board, Quail Springs Catering, OKC

Charcuterie boats, Andolini’s Catering, Tulsa

Cocktail shrimp, Catering by PARTYSERVE, Tulsa

Gelato, Andolini’s Catering, Tulsa

Fajita bar, Ted’s Cafe Escondido, statewide

All photos courtesy the company unless otherwise marked.

Cheeseburger sliders, Quail Springs Catering, OKC

Phyllo cups with goat cheese pesto, Running Wild Catering, OKC

Rasberry mocktail spritzer, Bello Charcuterie, Tulsa; photo by Ryanne Marie Photography

Pizza, Andolini’s Catering, Tulsa

Caprese spread, Chef’s Touch Catering, Tulsa

Sushi spread, In the Raw, Tulsa

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OKL AHOMA WEDDING | FLOWERS

Love in Bloom

Florists work their magic to add a touch of nature to the big day.

Mary Murray’s Flowers, Tulsa

Rootstock Floral, OKC

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Toni’s Flowers and Gifts, Tulsa

Penelope and Lu, Broken Arrow; photo by Blue Elephant Photography

Divine Designs by Mandy, Tulsa

Rootstock Floral, OKC

All photos courtesy the florist unless otherwise marked

Toni’s Flowers and Gifts, Tulsa

OKLAHOMA WEDDING | ACCESSORIES

A Dash of Sparkle

You’ll need something shiny to complement that perfect dress, right?

A. Jaffe brilliant round eternity band, Diamond Cellar

14KYG Shy Creation diamond pave hoops, Diamond Cellar

14KWG Shy Creation diamond infinity pendant, Diamond Cellar 8KWG blue sapphire and diamond bracelet, Diamond Cellar

Assael pearl earrings, Diamond Cellar

Sapphire and diamond earrings, Diamond Cellar

Penny Preville diamond confetti necklace, Diamond Cellar

A. Jaffe Eternity Band, Diamond Cellar

Maelle comb with crystal and pearl, Maria Elena Headpieces

Meline comb with crystal and pearl, Maria Elena Headpieces

Adeline pin with crystal and pearl, Maria Elena Headpieces

A La Mode choker with detachable bow, Maria Elena Headpieces

Maria Elena Headpieces photos by Madison Aycotch; Diamond Cellar photos courtesy Diamond Cellar All item prices upon request

Sabine headband with opal, ivory, crystal and pearl, Maria Elena Headpieces

Nicolette crown with blue shade, opal, crystal and pearl, Maria Elena Headpieces

Reve de la Mode purse, Maria Elena Headpieces

JANUARY 2024 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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OKLAHOMA WEDDING | HONEYMOONS

Shetland, Scotland

Honeymooning Havens

Can’t decide where to visit after the big day?

Check out this quintet of romantic settings.

Marseille

It’s been said that if you go to France and don’t visit Marseille, then you haven’t really seen France. The city is the country’s second largest, a wonderful souffle of European and African cultures overlaid with a deep sense that all is well, bon enfant. This translates into a Mediterranean port city long on charm, great restaurants and clever distractions.

Marseilles, France

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One of those diversions is Le Panier, the old quarter. Hilly, narrow cobblestone streets carry addresses for local artisans, boutique shops and colorful bistros reflective of the many centuries of those who came before. Couples might be inclined to stroll the waterfront Corniche Kennedy Boulevard, known for its two miles of restaurants, terrific views and photographers.

There are beaches (you’re on the French Riviera after all) and the art, both indoors and streetside, is par excellence.

Stay at Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port near the water – complete with two restaurants, spa, gym, rooftop bar and panoramic views of Marseille’s exquisite Old Port.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah (key-wuh) Island is a ten-mile sliver of land running parallel to the coast of South Carolina, 21 miles from historic downtown Charleston. It’s named after the Kiawah Indians, the people who greeted the English in 1670.

The island now is filled with private homes and villas, tennis courts, pristine beaches and the star of the show: golf.

The five championship golf courses at Kiawah Island Golf Resort include the Ocean Course, one of just four U.S. courses to have hosted every major PGA event.

Frolic with dolphins and explore the wildlife of the barrier island via kayak or paddle board on guided nature tours.

Power boat excursions are available, and there are also folks who will teach you how to surf.

The beachfront Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort features guest rooms with handcrafted armoires, desks and beds. Schedule a personalized spa treatment after chasing birdies.

Shetland

Way above the Scottish mainland, past Orkney on a tack toward Norway, lie the Shetland Islands; wide open spaces and hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline accented by luscious greenery. Fans of the BBC drama series Shetland will recognize the heather-clad hills.

On the southern tip of the Shetland mainland, you’ll see puffins, fulmars and razorbills around historic Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. From nearby 300-foot cliffs, on calm days, look for minke whales, harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.

Across the islands, the celebrated ponies now number about a thousand.

Small museums here and there, such as the Shetland Museum in Lerwick, give visitors insights into how the Shetlands were settled by the Picts, the Vikings and the Scots. Shoppers will love the sweaters made of Shetland wool and Celtic jewelry handcrafted on the islands.

Fort Charlotte Guest House offers luxury accommodations in a 130-year-old native stone B&B overlooking the harbor in the heart of Lerwick.

Christchurch

Wedged between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, the city named after a college in Oxford sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Following the awful earthquakes of 2011, Christchurch bounced back in funky fashion with colorful murals, boundary pushing architecture and natural urban landscapes. Imagine lazy Sunday afternoons, punting down the Avon River past the roses of Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

There’s a growing arts scene in central Christchurch and wine-making is making a comeback north of town. Book a table for two on board the old-timey Christchurch Tramway Restaurant and be sure to ride

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Christchurch, New Zealand the gondola for dramatic views of the Canterbury Plains and the Alps.

At the International Antarctic Centre, experience simulated winter storms, take a field trip on a Hägglunds all-terrain amphibious vehicle and get nose-to-nose with the center’s little blue penguins. Christchurch is the world’s primary entry point into the Antarctic.

Stay at the Observatory Hotel Christchurch – Victorian architecture, down comforters and a 24-hour fitness center.

Ho Chi Minh City

with its relaxed pace and sidewalk cafes.

The war is remembered in some detail at the War Remnants Museum and more than 20,000 documents, films and artifacts. Visitors can enter actual Cu Chi tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war.

The Ben Thanh Market is Vietnam’s largest with 1,500 vendors trading in textiles, cosmetics, food and souvenirs. Leave time for a river cruise on the Mekong Delta.

At the end of the day, pamper yourselves at the Reverie Saigon, an uber-chic hotel occupying the top floors of downtown’s gleaming Times Square Tower.

Ho Chi Minh City in the south of Vietnam CHUCK MAI drives that nation’s economic engine with a dizzying whirlwind of youthful entrepreneurial Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam exuberance. Formerly known as Saigon, the city neatly balances Vietnamese tradition with modern verve on elegant tree-lined thoroughfares, where age-old pagodas share the street with gleaming skyscrapers.

Two themes permeate HCMC’s culture: 60 years of French rule (ending in 1954) and the Vietnam War. The French influence is obvious in the city’s architecture, its cuisine and in the French Quarter

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024 Peter Langner

Monique Lhuillier

Bella Bridesmaids

Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids

Monquie Lhuillier

Peter Langner

Peter Langner

Thread All photos courtesy the designer

Galia Lahav

Dessy

Esé Azénabor

Gahlia Lahav Le Etoile

BRIDESMAIDS

Birdy Grey

Azazie

O K L A H O M A W E D D I N G | AT T I R E

Make An Impression

While it’s not your time to steal the spotlight, you can still look noteworthy as a bridesmaid or guest.

GUESTS

GET MARRIED AT OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY Congratulations on your engagement!

Oklahoma Contemporary provides unique indoor and outdoor spaces and cutting-edge exhibitions — an always artful complement to your guests’ experience.

Visit okcontemp.org/weddings to reserve your special date!

okcontemp.org | 405.951.0000 | events@okcontemp.org Wedding of Lee Brandon and Drew Dorsey. Photo: Rad Love

When it’s TRUE LOVE only ™ a TRUE JEWELER will do

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