Oklahoma Magazine May 2023

LUCKY FOR YOU, THERE’S NOTHING TO DO HERE.

In Nebraska, we believe that only boring people get bored. So we invent our own fun. Like when we realized that a livestock tank would float, and thought, “It’s a boat.” Soon, “tanking” became the preferred method of meandering down our slow-moving rivers. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if it sounds as good to you as it did to us, go to VisitNebraska.com for a free Travel Guide. And welcome aboard.

Entering Barbecue Country

Oklahoma harbors a passionate grilling and barbecue fanbase, whether folks are eating out or creating masterpieces at home. We o er resources for budding pitmasters, explore new grilling tech and trends, and present some BBQ do’s and don’ts from local experts.

36

Women in Business

Female leadership dominates a wide array of Oklahoma industries – but in some sectors, their presence is lacking. We take a look at the hard facts as they relate to Oklahoma women in executive level positions, and explore the many resources available to female entrepreneurs.

40

Finance: Investing 101

Homework is essential when it comes to investments. Finance experts from BOK Financial and Regent Bank educate on the fundamentals.

44 e Frontiers of Creativity

Over the past decade, Oklahoma has seen an unprecedented uptick in enthusiasm for lm and music projects. To bolster that passion, entities like the Oklahoma Film and Music O ce work diligently to connect national and international creatives to talented folks right here in our state.

52 Where and When

The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to catch a show at the Majestic Theatre or enjoy a bite from an array of food trucks in Klyde Warren Park, our arts offerings will feed more than just your imagination. Whatever your all is, you’ll find it here. Go to VisitDallas.com for more inspiring things to see and do.

Majestic Theatre, Downtown Dallas

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Spring has mostly certainly sprung in Oklahoma (read: I’m already overheated), and we’ve got plenty of dynamic content to go along with it.

It’s high time to clean o that grill and get to cookin’ – and we present our annual Barbecue and Grilling feature in tandem (page 32). We discuss tips and tricks at the grill, plus international BBQ styles and safety measures to enact this summer.

May also welcomes our Women in Business spotlight (page 36), highlighting the myriad resources Oklahoma o ers to female entrepreneurs. We also o er a listing of women-owned businesses and take a look into which sectors are doing well (and not so well) as it pertains to female executive representation.

Our Investing 101 spotlight is a must-read for those looking to dive into the nance world (page 40). Experts weigh in on red ags for potential investments, educate us on the lexicon of nancial buzzwords and o er di erent avenues to investing at any age.

Oklahoma is also experiencing an unprecedented enthusiasm for lm and music – we talk to a few of the institutions around the state that help to bolster that passion starting on page 44.

Stick around for suggestions on outdoor enrichment in our State cover (page 6), as well as a look at a soon-to-open Mexican restaurant in Tulsa (page 48) and updates on infrastructure projects at the OKC Fairgrounds (page 16) and the Gilcrease Museum (page 19).

All that and more is just a page turn away; happy reading!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DANIEL SCHUMAN

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER

VIDA K. SCHUMAN

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

JOHN WOOLEY

GRAPHICS MANAGER

MARK ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

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Oklahoma. It’s who we are.

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

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

THE STATE

Outdoor Enrichment Awaits

Traces of spring can be seen in Oklahoma as early as March, with the blossoming of tulips, da odils and dogwood trees. By May, Oklahoma enters a liminal space, suspended between spring and summer. Temperatures rise. e soil warms. Plant life ourishes. is transition between seasons is an ideal time to visit Oklahoma’s parks and gardens. Places like the Tulsa Botanic Garden, Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park and OKC’s Myriad Botanical Gardens continue to push the limits of what they can grow – despite tumultuous temperatures.

“People need beauty in their lives,” says Maureen He ernan, president and CEO of the Myriad Gardens Foundation. “I think that

the more time you spend in green spaces, the more you can appreciate what they have to o er.”

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Tucked away in the rolling Osage Hills, the Tulsa Botanic Garden is a serene escape from the busyness of the city. e garden, which is located on a 170-acre lot eight miles northwest of downtown Tulsa, comprises a Children’s Discovery Garden, lush oral terraces, a seven-acre lake and the Cross Timbers Nature Trail.

For the month of May, visitors can expect to see a variety of ora, including roses, canna lilies, catmint, ginger and yuccas. e garden also hosts several programs and special events. On May 4, the garden puts on its nal Band and Blooms, with a live

musical performance from the Tulsabased country soul act Pilgrim. e garden is also gearing up for its annual family friendly fundraiser, Day in the Garden, or “DIG,” which takes place May 13 from 3 to 6 p.m.

“ ere will be lots of kids activities, food and drink, and games,” says Chuck Lamson, CEO of Tulsa Botanic. “People can experience all that the garden has to o er.”

Earlier that day, the garden holds its Second Saturday Dog Day, giving visitors an opportunity to bring their four-legged friends to the garden.

Summer also ushers in an exciting expansion. In June, the garden will open two new features: the Bumgarner Lotus Pool and the Stanford Family Liberty Garden. ese additions will nearly double the size of

Celebrate the warming weather at gardens, parks and green spaces around Oklahoma.

Flora is in full bloom this month at various gardens and green spaces in Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy Myriad Botanical Gardens

the estate.

“We are always trying to…bene t members and pique the public’s interest,” says Lamson. “In the 20 short years that we’ve been here, we’ve made a lot of progress. We have things to see that make it worth the trip.”

Honor Heights Park

Named as a tribute to veterans, Honor Heights Park has become one of Muskogee’s most popular outdoor attractions.

e park, which is known for its hearty azalea bushes, spans a 132-acre site that includes shing spots, walking trails, picnic shelters and tennis courts. For the month of May, the park’s garden beds take on a rainbow theme, showcasing owers and plants of all hues.

Starting Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, Honor Heights opens its Papillon Butter y House. For a small admission fee, visitors can enter an open-air captive sanctuary lled with 12 di erent species of butter ies. Visitors can also check out the park’s arboretum.

“We have over 500 memorial trees,” says Brooke Hall, assistant director of recreation at Muskogee Parks and Recreation. “It’s a great shaded area.”

For those who crave a sense of adventure, Hall recommends hiking to the Rock Waterfall.

“It’s quite the trek up and down the waterfall, but it’s so beautiful,” she says. “It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

Park leadership has also focused on improving accessibility by paving sidewalks throughout all areas of Honor Heights.

“ ere’s lots of di erent options [of things to do] in our park, whether you want to jog our trails or take a picnic in the park,” says Hall. “We are an outdoor space for everyone.”

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City’s downtown, Myriad Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre green escape that features ornamental gardens, a dog park, a children’s garden and carousel, art installations and a bevy of other amenities. At the end of last year, the nonpro t opened its newly renovated Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a project that totaled $11 million.

Some of the new features include a gift shop, a cloud portal sculpture, a bromeliad terrace and a two-story cascading waterfall. Renovations also improved accessibility, with wider pathways and an additional elevator.

“It was a gut renovation,” says Heffernan. “And it’s really come together beautifully.”

Inside of the multi-level conservatory, visitors can view over 100 species of exotic plants, including co ee plants, avocado trees and sugarcane.

“People can really start to appreciate how fundamental these plants are to our lives, and throughout the world,” says He ernan.

e nonpro t also hopes to foster an appreciation for plant life during its OKC Flower and Garden Festival, taking place May 13. Nearly 50 di erent vendors will come together to sell gardening supplies, succulents, jewelry and handmade crafts. During the event, parents can keep their kids entertained at the Children’s Garden Festival, which o ers hands-on activities in the Children’s Garden.

No matter the season, one of the things that makes the Myriad Botanical Garden unique is that its garden grounds are free to the public.

“You can be an o ce worker who comes over for a walk, or a low-income family that enjoys all the outdoor amenities,” says He ernan. “We want to provide a beautiful, clean and vibrant space with a variety of programs that will be of interest to anybody, from kids to adults.”

FAITH HARL

Don’t miss:

The Gathering Place in Tulsa; Ray Harral Nature Park and Center in Broken Arrow; Woodward Park and Gardens in Tulsa; Scissortail Park in OKC; Martin Nature Center in OKC; and Will Rogers Gardens in OKC.

Alongside beautiful blooms, green spaces in Oklahoma offer programming like concerts and kids’ events.

Above photo courtesy Myriad Botanical Gardens; below photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Gardens

Collectors Welcome

Amassing antiques has been a passion for centuries. Collectors find joy in discovering and preserving items from the past, whether it’s furniture, radios, paintings, ceramics or cars.

Tulsa Antiques and Bottle Club

The appeal of antique collecting lies in the stories that these objects tell. Each item has a unique backstory, and collectors like Henry Tankersley can delve into the past and discover the item’s secrets.

“I was a banker for nearly 50 years ... and caught the antique bug from a co-worker who restored antique furniture,” he says. “I began acquiring Victorian-era furniture for my house. I searched for Coca-Cola items and became intrigued by early drugstores, relating to their soda fountains, eyecatching signs and total quackery.”

For some, the thrill of the hunt is the most exciting part of collecting. Scouring antique shops, flea markets and estate sales for hidden treasures is a challenge that many collectors relish.

Tankersley is the president of the Tulsa Antiques and Bottle Club. The club has about 60 members who

collect everything from bottles and jars to antique advertising, postcards, toys, lamps, art deco items, ceramics, stoneware, insulators and tools.

“I have been a club member for about 25 years, and for the last 35 years, have been assembling an entire latter 19th/early 20th-century American drugstore,” says Tankersley. “It occupies every room of my house, which I call the 1910 Drugstore Museum.”

According to Tankersley, collecting should not be solely about financial gain. People should appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the acquired items.

“These days, relatively few people earn significant income from dealing in antiques,” he says. “The operators of antique shows, auctioneers and a few antique shop owners are among the few who do. Most dealers in antiques earn little in net income from doing so; they do it because they love it.”

Oklahoma Vintage Radio Collectors

Some collectors, like Tankersley, specialize in a particular era or style; others, like Jim Collings, focus on

niche items like radios.

“There are numerous varieties of radios and equipment made since World War I days,” he says. “Most collectors focus on one aspect of the type of radio after collecting everything when they start out. This is usually due to space considerations.”

Collings has a little of everything but mainly sticks to rarer items. He’s also the Oklahoma Vintage Radio Collectors president and says the club has about 90 members. They host a biannual swap meet on the second Saturday of April and October. Swap meets include a silent and verbal auction, raff le of a donated radio, and an equipment contest with about 14 categories. They also have monthly meetings and a newsletter.

Antique collecting can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows individuals to connect with the past and preserve its beauty and history for future generations.

Whether for personal enjoyment or financial gain, collectors should approach their hobby with passion, knowledge and reverence for the stories these objects tell.

ALAINA STEVENS

Antique enthusiasts scour Oklahoma for one-of-a-kind nds.

The Tulsa Antiques and Bottle Club has been around for decades, and now has about 60 members.

Photo courtesy Tulsa Antiques and Bottle Club

Early Detection Saves Lives

The Most Advanced 3D Mammogram Technology

Fact: One in eight Oklahoma women will develop breast cancer.

Fact: 90% of those cases can be successfully treated if detected early.

INTEGRIS Health offers 3D tomography, the most advanced and accurate mammogram screening available. Schedule your appointment at 1-855-MYMAMMO—some of our locations even offer Saturday or evening appointments.

Please don’t wait. Early detection of breast cancer results in better outcomes. Get the peace of mind you deserve.

Metro Locations

INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital

INTEGRIS Health Comprehensive Breast Center

INTEGRIS Health Edmond

INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center

Lakeside Women’s Hospital

Much More than Bingo Halls

Casinos in Oklahoma utilize cutting-edge technologies and o er luxury amenities.

Casinos have consistently offered ample opportunities for gaming and gambling fun, but these havens of entertainment are rapidly evolving.

“Today, our casinos are more than just bingo halls,” says Robert Tehee, director of marketing at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.

With 454 rooms and suites, Hard Rock o ers a bevy of amenities beyond traditional gaming – and many are realizing they can travel just a few hours to enjoy all types of fun at the casino.

Leadership at Choctaw Casinos and Resorts has also taken notice of the shift in goals of some of their guests.

“ ere’s an expectation for a resort experience,” says Wendy Carter, executive director of marketing for the Choctaw Nation Division of Commerce. “[ ey want] something for the family, and other things to do besides gaming. We call it ‘gaming plus.’”

Both Hard Rock and Choctaw present a wide range of options beyond the gaming oor. At Hard Rock, guests can nd restaurants – both casual and ne dining – a sports bar, and a country music and dance hall. Many guests even come for community events and weddings hosted at the facility.

“ ese amenities allow them to come in and experience something that maybe they’re wanting

A Look Ahead

Changing legislation drives many of the shifts with tribal gaming. As new laws and regulations come to pass, the casinos work to stay up to date for their guests.

Potential future opportunities, such as sports betting and changes in digital offerings, are at the forefront of their plans.

“We’re always preparing in the background for whatever comes new in legislation,” says Carter.

to do initially, and then we can get them out on the gaming oor in hopes that they love the games, win some money and start their gaming adventure from there,” says Tehee.

Choctaw Casinos and Resorts boasts a spa, pools and a hefty line-up of concerts. ey have also branched out with o erings for the whole family, including restaurants, a bowling alley, cinema, arcade, family-friendly pool and numerous food court-style dining options.

Gaming and gambling continue to be the most popular draws –but even gaming itself has seen changes in recent years. In part due to more adults today having grown up with video games, the popularity of “skill-based” games has seen a rise in recent years, says Carter. ese take away the random nature one might expect and instead involve some critical thinking.

“We do see that the [video game era] consumer does enjoy that kind of game that puts a little bit of the outcome in their own hands,” she says.

But Carter goes on to add that the traditional, three-reel slot machines remain the favorites, despite the waxing and waning popularity of other types.

Whether visitors are there strictly for gaming or to enjoy some of the many amenities, tribal

casinos continue to change with the times and o er their guests all the attractions and activities they could imagine.

“It’s an exciting time; there’s a lot on the horizon for tribal gaming in Oklahoma,” says Carter.

BONNIE RUCKER

Above: The Reserve Lounge at Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant offers a place to imbibe, relax and recharge.

Photo courtesy Choctaw Casinos and Resorts

Right: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa offers an iconic welcoming beacon – a massive, well-lit electric guitar.

Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa

A Gem of an Idea

Edmondite Hannah Barnthouse created a booming jewelry and accessories business right at her kitchen table.

Sparkly Origins

Barnthouse collected vintage jewelry for years with her mom, who is an antique dealer. The mother-daughter treasure hunts were a big part of Barnthouse’s childhood – and have continued into her adult years.

“I remember my mom always encouraged me to dress how I wanted, and it quickly became a form of self expression for me as a child, adult, and now in my career path,” says Barnthouse. “My inspiration comes from the beauty around me, primarily from vintage fashion, but also historic eras, flower arrangements and even art. It’s always my goal to help people sparkle on the outside, but more importantly on the inside as well.”

During the height of the pandemic, Edmond native Hannah Barnthouse used vintage jewelry to make hair clips and headbands at her kitchen table. She says the accessories looked like candies in her hair.

When she initially wore her creations, friends and strangers alike approached Barnthouse with interest. is was the impetus of her new career – she subsequently launched Hair Candy By Han (HCBH).

“I quickly found community,” she says. “And gems created a family and a safe place for me and my customers during a very tumultuous and unsettling time. is was an escape for all of us.”

As she mined her inner sparkle and produced more jewelry, there was an uptick in demand. So she moved from her kitchen into an Edmond ful llment warehouse, using both Instagram and her website to sell glimmering creations.

e public took notice, and fast. In fact, while scrolling through her Instagram account, Barnthouse was surprised to nd a message from celebrity Paris Hilton. Barnthouse and Hilton communicated back and forth, and Hilton eventually placed an order. e socialite even posted several photos of herself with Barnthouse’s jewelry on her feed.

Barnthouse isn’t slowing down with her bling. In fact, she says, “we would love to see our gems on Lady Gaga, Beyoncé

and Kim Kardashian.”

Every HCBH creation is eyecatching and versatile, meant to be worn dressed up or dressed down, layered, or as standalone pieces. HCBH uses a plethora of colorful glass Swarovski gems, imported from Wattens, Austria.

Of all the brand’s products, the best selling piece is the trademarked Rainbow Earring design – speci cally the classic pearl rainbows. e earring styles come in numerous sizes including mini, midi, specialty, regular, baby jumbo short, baby jumbo long, jumbo short, and jumbo long.

e Statement Bracelet is designed to make a fashion splash in the most versatile yet elevated way possible – and it seamlessly matches the OG Rainbow Necklace.

e line is ever-growing and even includes gem-enhanced

clothing, sunglasses and ear cu s. e hair accessories are known as hair candy or “Skittles.” And for game day customized earrings, customers can choose their team colors. HCBH works to make sporting seasons chic.

“ e details and the art are conversation starters,” says Barnthouse. “And it genuinely makes me happy.”

With a brick and mortar store set to open in June, Barnthouse has a lot to look forward to.

“My storefront will be an extension of the brand and should feel like a hug, and look like you’ve walked into a jewelry box,” she says. “You can expect life-size gems, sparkles like never before seen, and the aesthetic of your wildest dreams. My hope is it’s the catalyst to many stores to come!”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Oklahoman Hannah Barnthouse is set to open her first brick and mortar jewelry and accessories store this June.

Photo by Allyson Bias Photography

A Serene Staycation

Often independently owned, a bed and breakfast (B&B) is a small hotel, usually wrapped in personal experiences and quaint charm. Oklahoma o ers a handful.

Cedar Rock Inn

Tecumseh Perryman, a Creek Nation allottee, built his home in 1890. Now reimagined as Cedar Rock Inn at Redbury Farms, the B&B rests among 55 acres in the foothills west of downtown Tulsa. Five suites with attached baths, a three-course breakfast and a wooded walking trail with a pond add to the ambiance.

Owner Sandi Dittman says on April 4, Cedar Rock began its monthly, free pop-up-market with vendors in the barn, along with a food truck and live music. Guests should bring chairs or blankets for free Music On e Lawn weekly events through June.

Black Mesa Bed & Breakfast

Black Mesa B&B is two miles north of Kenton near the base of Black Mesa – Oklahoma’s highest point with an elevation of 4,973 feet. e B&B sits on a working ranch, the Roberts Ranch. Vicki and Monty Joe Roberts live in a 1910 native rock farm house, and they share their kitchen with guests who make their own lunches and dinners.

e historic chicken house, well house and other buildings are now bedroom suites, along with the newly built Sunrise Room, which looks like a 19th century picture postcard. Black

Mesa o ers country breakfasts and ve rooms; two have attached baths.

e others have access to bath houses.

ere’s an outdoor grill, and each suite has a microwave, co ee maker and fridge.

Referred to as ‘Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret,’ Black Mesa B&B and the area at large draws hikers, birders, star watchers, shermen, hunters and rock hounds.

“We have very clear dark skies,” says Monty Joe. “And we have at least 200 species of birds that come through.

ere are no gas stations or restaurants. Come with groceries and a full tank of gas. e closest place is Boise City, which is 36 miles away and has limited amenities.”

Grandison Inn at Maney Park

In 1904, railroad magnate James Maney built his three-story, 7,000-square-foot home, one of Oklahoma’s nest examples of Victorian architecture.

Located in OKC, the mansion is now the Grandison Inn at Maney Park B&B, and features a grand staircase plus parlors. A pet-friendly venue that’s also open to kids, the inn o ers eight bedrooms with private baths. Most baths have a two-person Jacuzzi. Visitors opt for continental-style breakfasts, and full breakfasts on weekends when they can savor such favorites as Grandison salsa eggs and apple French toast.

GHOSTS GALORE

Originally a 1907 Victorian home in Guthrie, Stone Lion Inn B&B offers breakfast at a 200-year-old French country kitchen table, where guests can enjoy French pressed coffee, fresh fruit in rum cream, quiche, muff ins and Canadian bacon. The stately old mansion’s bathrooms even have clawfoot tubs.

But Stone Lion is known as one of Oklahoma’s most haunted places. In the 1920s, the mansion became a funeral home, and today’s owners, employees and guests attest to frightening encounters and spooky experiences.

The inn is also known for its weekend murder mystery packages. Guests check in on Friday night, assume a character role and dress the part for a 1920s-1940s murder mystery, with the event concluding by Saturday morning.

Located in OKC, the Grandison Inn was once the home of railroad magnate James Maney.

Photos courtesy Grandison Inn

Historical bed and breakfasts present guests with ample amenities ... and lots of stories, too.

Good for the Heart

Tulsa’s Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 11 is co-chaired by a passionate father/daughter duo.

In his eighth year of working with the American Heart Association (AHA), Dan Simoni, managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Tulsa, continues to be moved by the startling statistics surrounding women’s heart health. And he’s shared his passion with his daughter, high school senior Rhianna. Together, they are the community volunteer co-chairs of the 2023 Tulsa Go Red for Women Movement.

e Go Red movement is an AHA worldwide initiative, intended to increase women’s heart health awareness and help improve the lives of women everywhere. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. In addition, over 44% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Dan says he was compelled to get involved after seeing the lack of equity when it came to the knowledge, understanding and underlying research between men and women’s heart health – as well as the overall awareness of the di erent ways men and women experience symptoms.

“It immediately caused me to think of my mother, who has su ered and still su ers from heart disease,”

says Dan. “Women are also signi cantly less likely than men to receive bystander CPR.” is is another alarming fact that has in uenced his family’s decision to devote time and attention to AHA’s cause. is year’s Go Red for Women campaign theme is ‘Be the Beat!’ to emphasize the importance of knowing hands-only CPR. According to the AHA, hands-only CPR – chest compressions without rescue breaths – when performed by a bystander, has been shown to be as e ective as CPR breaths in the rst few minutes of an outof-hospital sudden cardiac arrest for an adult victim.

“Resuscitation that is purely handsonly CPR makes this life-saving e ort a little less complex and less intimidating,” which will hopefully encourage more individuals to learn CPR and take action in an emergency, says Dan.

As event co-chair, Rhianna has also helped raise funds and awareness about women’s heart health, especially in younger women, by sharing the AHA message throughout the community and partnering with organizations such as jewelry designer Kendra Scott.

“I hope to inspire others that are under the misconception that our young age is a limitation,” she says. “Instead, our age provides a di erent perspective of how we can make an impact for those who come after us.”

Other Oklahoma initiatives the Simoni family hopes to bring awareness to include addressing disparities and inequities in maternal health and ensuring all Oklahoma children have access to clean, safe drinking water via water bottle lling stations in schools.

WHAT: Tulsa Go Red for Women

Luncheon

WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa – Warren Place, Tulsa

e Go Red For Women Movement is sponsored nationally by CVS Health and the campaign culminates with the Tulsa Go Red for Women Luncheon on May 11.

REBECCA FAST

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: 918-891-0957 tulsagored.heart.org

Dan Simoni and his daughter, Rhianna, are the community volunteer co-chairs for the 2023 Tulsa Go Red for Women Movement.

Photo courtesy American Heart Association

Oklahoma Oddities

Some people leave a mark on the world through scienti c discovery or philanthropic e orts. Others have a more unique approach; they make a name for themselves by building roadside spectacles that have caught the attention of countless travelers over the years. Pay a visit to one of these oddities for a one-of-a-kind experience on your next road trip around Oklahoma.

Spider VW Bug (Lexington)

Towering 15 feet high with red fangs, the Spider Volkswagen (VW) Bug alongside U.S. Highway 77 was one of 2,500 Volkswagens in Robert Leroy Wilson’s collection. He began collecting Volkswagens in his forties, and eventually opened Wilson’s Volkswagen, a salvage and repair business, in Lexington in 1978.

e auto-shop owner also had a passion for racing. Wilson participated over a dozen times in the Great Race – a precision race in which competitors would drive Pre-World War II automobiles for distances up to 3,000 miles. Believing that Lexington could be the next Indianapolis, Wilson built the Lexington 77 Speedway in 1984. He constructed the Spider VW Bug as an advertisement for his track and shop.

e speedway eventually closed in 1996. And when Wilson passed, his Volkswagen collection went to auction … sans the Spider VW Bug. In 2019, Lexington local Tim Short started a Facebook page called “Save the Spider’’ to rally e orts to restore the bug. e page has garnered nearly 2,000 followers.

The Round Barn (Arcadia)

A healthy fear of tornadoes was William Odor’s possible reasoning for constructing the Round Barn in Arcadia. Built in 1898, the barn – and others of the same shape – were commonly believed to be able to withstand cyclones. Others speculate that he adopted the circular shape because it could hold more mules compared to square barns.

Odor constructed the two-story barn by soaking 2x4 planks in the river until they were malleable. Once nished, he used the barn for keeping his livestock and hay. Odor also installed a hardwood oor, so his farm workers could use it as a dance venue on the weekends.

e barn fell into a state of dilapidation after sitting vacant for many decades. When its roof collapsed in 1988, several preservationists banded together to restore the structure. e Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society now operates the Round Barn, which houses a museum and gift shop. Many locals claim that the Round Barn is the most photographed Oklahoma attraction of all time.

The Blue Whale (Catoosa)

Appearing on televisions and in newspaper cartoons, the Blue Whale in Catoosa is heralded as one of the most iconic stops along Route 66. (Even Sir Paul McCartney is rumored to have visited.)

e 80-foot-long aquatic structure sits on a small pond and features a diving board and slide. Hugh Davis, former director at the Tulsa Zoo, spent two years building the whale as an anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta. She was especially fond of whales, and the couple had a history of caring for animals together. In their retirement, they opened Nature’s Acres, an amusement park where they raised alligators and snakes.

Hugh nished construction in 1972 and opened the attraction to the public alongside his park. During its heyday, the Blue Whale became a popular public swimming hole that attracted hundreds of daily visitors. Although the whale is recognized for its vibrant hue, the couple once debated painting the whale black like an Orca. ey settled on blue instead because it would seem friendly to those passing by.

Also visit: Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, Foyil; Toy and Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley; the Full-Size Transformer, Stillwater; the Atomic Cannon, Fort Sill.

FAITH HARL

Unique roadside attractions are sprinkled across the state.

Above: Arcadia’s Round Barn was built in 1898 and was primarily used to house livestock until it was turned into a tourist destination.

Photo by Jim Argo courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

Right: The Blue Whale in Catoosa was constructed by Hugh Davis as an anniversary present for his wife, Zelta. Stock image

Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

Under new leadership, Tulsa’s Mayfest returns with a renewed vigor.

The future of Tulsa’s beloved arts festival, Mayfest, is in good hands.

Ahha Tulsa, which took control of the event in 2020, ceased operations late last year. e unexpected closure left the continued existence of Mayfest uncertain – but the University of Tulsa swooped in to save the day. TU, led by president Brad Carson, purchased what was then the Hardesty Arts Center at 101 E. Archer St. and took charge of operations for the festival almost immediately after the nonpro t announced its closure. Despite a rapid acquisition, there were only about 100 days to plan the event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“Brad Carson charged his team with ensuring the dedicated volunteers behind the annual arts festival had what they needed to create a Mayfest be tting a golden anniversary, while upholding the traditions that thousands of attendees have come to expect,” says Mona Chamberlin, the university’s director of marketing and communications.

Mayfest began ve decades ago as “Jubilee ‘73” to celebrate the Junior League of Tulsa’s 50th anniversary. Mayfest volunteers and leadership have worked diligently to honor those roots and “inject history into this year’s Mayfest wherever possible,” says Chamberlin. “Junior League of Tulsa will return and have a presence to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Area businesses and volunteers have collected posters from former Mayfest events, which will be on display in the galleries at 101 E. Archer Street.

“Also at 101 E. Archer, the Invitational Artists Gallery, sponsored in part by the Gelvin Foundation, returns to feature

the work of past Mayfest artists and celebrate their commitment to the festival.”

Mayfest’s general schedule and o erings will remain the same as in years past, with activities running throughout the Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District. e university is partnering with several area businesses to o er four performing arts stages in 2023, where guests can enjoy everything from dance to theatre to live music. Visitors can also expect a variety of food and drink options. Admission remains free to the public.

Of course, art is the jewel in the Mayfest crown. Visual artists from around the globe – and across the

Mayfest 101

WHEN:

May 12-13, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

May 14, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District, downtown Tulsa

THINGS TO KNOW: Mayfest is a pet-friendly festival for wellbehaved, leashed pets that are current on their vaccinations.

No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed at Mayfest.

LEARN MORE: tulsamayfest.org

city – will be selling their original works throughout the festival’s three day span. Expect an array of mediums, including clay, digital media, pastels, glass, prints, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and wood.

While circumstances surrounding the planning time weren’t ideal, Chamberlin says Tulsans’ passionate dedication to the cause has helped exponentially.

“Mayfest volunteers have made all the di erence,” she says. “ e University of Tulsa sta and faculty are working hand-in-glove with the incredible cadre of volunteers who have made Mayfest such an amazing festival for half a century.”

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Stephen Smith joins Mayfest 2023 as a juried artist from Tulsa. His paintings are created using thickly textured paint, applied with spatulas and painting knives.

Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

The Horse Show Capital of the World

There’s a new kid on the block at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds: a state-of-theart event center, the Fairgrounds Coliseum, which broke ground earlier this year. While the 216,164 square-foot coliseum is being built, the Jim Norick Arena will continue to host events; estimated time of coliseum completion is April 2025. Spearheading the vision for this new coliseum are a variety of experts, including J. Scott Munz, OKC Fairgrounds executive vice president of marketing, and Zac Craig, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Amenities

e Coliseum will have rst-class patron amenities. Topping that list are the concourse and suites, along with a full-service restaurant and ample seating.

e Coliseum will have an open concourse – a large open area at the front – Munz says, so that when you leave your seat, you will still have a view of the arena oor.

“It will have an open design,” Munz says. “[ e building] is a new and modern design.”

ere will be seating for more than 7,000 people, which includes arena

seating, a lounge and suites along with retractable seating options.

“ e Coliseum will seat about 4,700 in its 21-inch padded seats for horse shows,” says Craig. e retractable seating will allow exibility for di erent event con gurations – from bull riding to concerts to basketball.

Other amenities include upscale concession areas, an A/V suite and a sophisticated catwalk system.

Economic Impact

In 2018, Crossroads Consulting, based in St. Petersburg, Fla., conducted a strategic assessment for a potential new fairgrounds coliseum.

“Among many detailed ndings,” says Munz, “they determined that the proposed new Fairgrounds Coliseum is estimated to generate $233.1 million in direct spending – which would produce $408.1 million in total output.”

e ndings – which Munz reminds are from ve years ago – also showed 3,990 total jobs annually in a stabilized year. And, it was estimated that during the coliseum’s construction period, there would be one-time economic impacts to the local economy with the purchase of materials, supplies, labor and professional fees.

Meanwhile ...

e Fairgrounds Coliseum will be built to the south of the Jim Norick Arena, and Craig says “events will be taking place at Jim Norick until the new coliseum is completed.”

e Jim Norick Arena, constructed in 1965, will maintain its scheduled roster of events, such as the AQHA World Championship Show, the OKC Barrel Futurity, and the Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals. Other non-equine events include the Shrine Circus, Disney On Ice and numerous graduation ceremonies, as well as youth basketball games and other sporting events.

“ e Norick is very busy,” says Munz. “It is critical we keep the building open.”

Over the past 20 years, improvements have been made to upgrade the equine facilities on the property.

e Fairgrounds Coliseum, a $126-million project, is funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue, along with other funding sources.

“We plan to remain the horse show capital of the world and book national and international equine events,” says Craig. “ is new arena will only help.”

GINA A. DABNEY

With the construction of a new coliseum at the OKC Fairgrounds, the state cements itself as an international equine hub.

Set to open in the spring of 2025, the Fairgrounds Coliseum is a product of OKC’s city-funded MAPS 3 and MAPS 4 projects. Rendering courtesy Visit OKC/OKC Fairgrounds

Hiking Highlights

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy nature, and many may not realize the state has some great trails to explore, from our northernmost corners to the Texas border. Here are some popular hiking destinations in Oklahoma:

WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE

Lawton

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this refuge o ers hiking trails that range from easy to di cult, taking hikers through rugged terrain – including the famous Mount Scott, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains/ visit-us/trails

TURKEY MOUNTAIN

URBAN WILDERNESS AREA

Tulsa

If you’re looking for a lush canopy of native Oklahoma trees, a good spot for birdwatching, winding trails, serene ponds and ancient boulders, Turkey Mountain is the place to be. e 600-acre park is in the Osage Hills near the Arkansas River. Some trails may be closed due to an improvement project, so be sure to check out the website for

maps, safety tips and park rules. riverparks.org/experience/turkeymountain

GEORGE M. SUTTON WILDERNESS PARK

Norman

In need of an easy trail? George M. Sutton Wilderness Park has just what you need. Visitors can enjoy the 1.4-mile loop trail with a small lake, gazebo and paved walking/ jogging path. You can also sh and bird watch. normanok.gov/residentsvisitors/parks-recreation/parks/ george-m-sutton-wilderness-park

BEAVERS BEND STATE PARK

Broken Bow

Whether you’re looking for a 1- or 12-mile hike, Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma has a variety of paths for you to explore. Named in honor of a former Oklahoma governor, the David Boren Trail includes seven smaller trails that can be mixed and matched to suit your time limit and skill level. e trails o er vantage points of the park’s lakes and wildlife. visitmccurtaincounty.com/ activities/outdoor-adventure/hiking

GLOSS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Fairview

Gloss Mountain State Park, known for its Cathedral Mountain Trail, provides hikers with panoramic views of prehistoric mesas and buttes. It’s about 1.5 miles round trip with a slight elevation, and if you’re looking to capture the scenic view, the best time to go is during sunrise or sunset. stateparks.com/gloss_mountain_ state_park_in_oklahoma.html

ELK MOUNTAIN TRAIL

– CHARONS GARDEN WILDERNESS AREA

Indiahoma

is 2.3 mile hike concludes with vistas of the Wichita Mountains and Charon Garden Wilderness.

ere are many boulder scrambling opportunities at the top and lots of wildlife present throughout – including the colorful boomer lizard.

alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/ elk-mountain-trail--2

TURNER FALLS PARK TRAILS

Davis

e Turner Falls area has a bevy of trails that all lead to the pièce de résistance: a 77-foot waterfall with numerous caves. Stick around for castle ruins and plenty of beautiful spots to sit and take it all in. turnerfallspark.com

TRAVERTINE CREEK TRAIL

– CHICKASAW NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Sulphur

Connecting the Travertine Nature Center and Pavilion Spring, the Travertine Creek Trail is a fairly easy trek for beginners, o ering a mostly level pathway with gentle slopes. is is also a pet-friendly area.

nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Remember to check the weather and trail conditions before setting out on any hike, and always bring plenty of water and snacks. If you’re looking for more trails to explore, visit alltrails.com to nd locations, maps, di culty levels and more.

ALAINA STEVENS

Trails with varying degrees of di culty call to outdoor enthusiasts.

Gloss Mountain State Park in Fairview offers views of prehistoric mesas and buttes.

Photo by James Pratt/ Oklahoma Tourism

Wrangling Some Wins

Devout fans have a new team on Oklahoma soil to help satisfy their football enthusiasm – the OKC Wranglers. e former site of Crossroads Mall in Oklahoma City will eventually transform from fashion to football and house the Wranglers for the majority of its season.

Part of the United Football League (UFL), the OKC Wranglers are led by head coach and Oklahoma native J.D. Runnels. Runnels, a 2002 graduate of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, set records during his high school career and went on to play for the University of Oklahoma, in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers, and in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Many believe it was high time Oklahoma got a professional football team.

“Oklahoma City has a strong and passionate sports fanbase, with a rich tradition of supporting football at all levels, from high school to college,” says Joe McClendon III,

commissioner of the UFL. “ e city’s love for football [will] translate to a solid support for a pro football team.”

McClendon says the city’s central location in the U.S. makes it easily accessible to fans from across the country and could help build a large, dedicated fan base.

“ e city has experienced signi cant growth and development in recent years, making it an attractive location for businesses and individuals,” says McClendon. “A pro football team could help boost the city’s economy and pro le further.”

Players on the 2023 roster includes a mix of familiar names from Oklahoma colleges and universities, as well as a lengthy list of players from other states –you can see the whole line-up at okcwranglers. com.

POTENTIAL RIVALS

“ e star players will begin to make themselves known during training camp,” which started on April 26, says McClendon. “We have several players with some impressive football back-

grounds, and we look forward to seeing what they can do.”

In the meantime, team o cials are inviting local high school bands to submit requests to play during the team’s home games – at halftime, and pre- and post-game. Interested schools can email contact@okcwranglers.com for more information.

“With a new team comes new rivalries,” says McClendon. “ e team will likely have a roster of fresh, young talent, eager to make their marks in the league. is can be an exciting time for fans, as you get to watch these players develop and grow into their roles on the team. In addition, the Wranglers will be active in the community, organizing events and initiatives to give back to the fans who support them.”

Tickets are available starting at $25 per seat. Season ticketholders can purchase di erent levels of packages that include free parking, meal deal tickets and postgame meet-and-greets. Games begin in May; the Wranglers play in OKC on May 13, June 10 and 24, and July 1, 15 and 22. Check the website for exact locations.

“Oklahoma City has shown tremendous support, and we look forward to some exciting action this spring,” says McClendon.

DEBI TURLEY

A new professional football team in OKC means our state now has skin in the game.

A Cultural Touchstone Evolves

e already acclaimed Gilcrease Museum will soon o er greater historical impact following major upgrades.

Gilcrease Museum – or more formally, the omas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art – is an integral part of many memories for those who have lived in the Tulsa area in decades past. Whether it was middle school trips, weekend jaunts or visits as an adult to fully appreciate the massive collection, Gilcrease has been a consistent part of the artistic culture in Oklahoma since its Tulsa opening in 1949. But the future for Gilcrease holds even more promise, as it’s currently closed for a complete overhaul in the form of a new construction.

is large undertaking has dual purposes, says Susan Neal, the museum’s executive director. e rst is to o er a totally new visitor experience to its loyal patrons. e second is for the new building to

keep this valuable collection safe for centuries of posterity. Neal mentions that within the museum walls are over 12,000 years of history; the new construction will allow Gilcrease, an art and history museum, to have the look, feel and experience of a 21st century cultural attraction.

e construction is going well, with three of its six stories complete, says Neal. e nished product will be 93,000 square feet, with two subterranean oors. To support the project, Gilcrease has raised almost $40 million from private sources.

“[ is] lets us know that we have the support of the community behind this e ort, and we’re excited that we can see the nish line in sight,” says Neal.

But she also reports that the museum still needs to raise an

additional $20 million by the end of the year to stay on track. is money will be used to nish the exhibits, including the media, exhibit furniture fabrication, and complete reinstall of the collection.

As long as funds are raised, enthusiasts can expect to plan their next visit by the middle of 2026.

“I hope what people will nd, when they come to visit Gilcrease, is that they’ll nd themselves,” says Neal. “Because the stories that this collection can tell are so relevant to not just our history, but to our current day and our future. I think people will enjoy learning, and I think that the environment that we will create is going to be beautiful.”

BONNIE RUCKER

Outdoor Amenities

In discussions with the community about concepts for the new Gilcrease, many mentioned the idea of incorporating the grounds into the museum itself –so that’s now part of the plan. The new facility will include an outdoor amphitheater and two outdoor terraces with views of Osage Hills, Stuart Park and downtown Tulsa. There will also be 14 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that will connect to the Tulsa trail system.

“We’ve done this with the idea that that’s what the visitors want – to see the grounds incorporated into the museum experience,” says Neal. “To be in a beautiful outdoor setting on 460 acres just a few minutes from [Tulsa’s] urban center is really extraordinary.”

An aerial rendering depicts the revamped Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, set to open –should all go according to plan – by mid-2026.

Photo courtesy Gilcrease Museum

Support Local, Eat Local

e warmer weather welcomes farmers’ markets to communities around Oklahoma.

Farmers’ markets, along with allowing patrons to support local makers, are a great alternative to chain grocery stores. Popular items include everything from seasonal produce and dairy products to meat and owers. Many vendors sell prepared food like breads and jams, along with household/garden plants and homemade crafts.

In addition to the more traditional products, each of Oklahoma’s farmers’ markets boasts a bevy of unique vendors, o ering not just products but some services, too – including Edmond’s knife sharpeners and Tulsa’s ceramics creators.

April to October is prime farmers’ market season in Oklahoma, although some markets held indoors are open all year long.

Emily Young, Edmond’s farmers’ market manager, encourages visitors to ask questions and get to know the vendors and their stories.

“Understand what they’re doing,” she says. “It helps to build more con dence and trust.”

Young elaborates that it’s that positive relationship between a vendor and a customer that farmers’ markets strive to cultivate. ose relationships are powerful, ultimately separating a visitor’s experience from that at a chain grocery store.

“When you shop at a farmers’ market, you are meeting the people who have dealt with your food,” she says.

Farmers’ markets bene t the local economy and community. When visitors spend money on domestic goods, it keeps the demand high and money local. Markets’ dairy, meat, produce and baked goods are fresh and have little to zero preservatives, promoting healthy eating habits as well.

Young says guests should visit as often as they like, and stay as long as possible.

“Every purchase you make, every post on social media and every shared experience promotes and advocates for small businesses,” she says.

Oklahoma government program Shape Your Future – shapeyourfutureok.com

– has devoted an entire page to helping visitors plan their rst or next visit to a local farmers’ market. One of the most valuable tools is a link to an online directory of all the farmers’ markets in the state, answering frequently asked questions and making it easier for people to nd their closest market.

Programs of Note

If you’re interested in delving further into Oklahoma-created food, check out OK Grown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in conjunction with Double Up OK (DUO), and the Seniors Nutrition Farmers Market Program (SNFMP).

According to Oklahoma’s o cial government website, markets that qualify as “OK Grown” must sell “100% Oklahoma grown products,” or “in counties adjacent to a bordering state, the farmers market is allowed to have 20% of their products be grown in that bordering state.” Most Oklahoma farmers’ markets are designated as OK Grown.

SNAP is a program designed to help low-income families purchase nutritious foods, promoting healthy eating. SNAP partnered with DUO so that SNAP bene ts can be used at farmers’ markets. According to doubleupoklahoma.org, people just need to “go to the information booth at a participating market, use your EBT card to purchase SNAP-eligible items or SNAP tokens, and receive $1 in Double Up OK tokens for every $1 spent in SNAP.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, the main goal for the Seniors Nutrition Farmers Market Program (SNFMP) is to “provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.” Arriving early to get a prime selection of produce, bringing recycled grocery bags, totes and cash, and trying new and healthy foods to promote better eating are just some of the tips on the website; it also includes recipes and a free, family-friendly farmers’ market scavenger hunt.

CHLOÉ ZOELLNER

Farmers’ markets provide an excellent chance to get to know producers in your area.

Photos courtesy Edmond Farmers’ Market

Preservation and Celebration

e Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society advocates and commemorates.

Formal education and training have created great success for many Oklahomans, and the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society (OHEHS) is a nonpro t organization committed to preserving and celebrating the higher education system in the state of Oklahoma.

e OHEHS, along with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Historical Society, are in a tripartite partnership to establish the nation’s rst state higher education archive.

Founded in 1994 and housed in the research division of the Oklahoma Historical Society, the Oklahoma Higher Education Archive is available for students, educators and the general public. It is also searchable through the society’s online catalog.

John Feaver, Ph.D., the immediate past president of OHEHS, believes the preservation of heritage is one of the strongest tools to educate the citizens of Oklahoma.

“As the society is concerned with the heritage and the history of higher

where [the system] will be going in the future, unless one understands where it comes from,” he says.

The Future of Higher Education

Feaver and Belinda Biscoe, Ph.D., who is the current OHEHS president, believe that higher education is undergoing a profound transformation, further emphasizing a need for a deeper understanding of Oklahoma’s past – accomplishments and failures. is knowledge aids Oklahoma’s success in a changing education system, allowing the state to become more competitive in a global context.

“‘Tomorrow’ is not a hundred years away, we’re maybe talking about next year,” says Biscoe, concerned that a state unaware of its history might not be able to adapt to change. She believes higher education teaches people to be “nimble, taking that learning and applying it in other ways.”

One of the society’s biggest goals is to educate others about the critical importance of higher education in the state.

“People are sometimes unaware of the fact that education and quality of life are woven together,” says Biscoe, adding a list of potential bene ts as byproducts when a state’s citizens are well-educated, including: higher so-

but mighty,” applauding all the volunteers that keep the society running. ere is a capital campaign hoping to generate enough money for minimum sta ng.

“If we had additional resources, we would be able to expand our work,” says Biscoe.

Long term goals include forums, webinars, blogs and outreach programs to involve citizens (those especially looking for higher education opportunities) around the state.

e society also wishes to build a stronger community with higher education institutions.

Celebration is something the society does well, promoting the belief that by celebrating greatness, the state will see it multiply. ere is an annual induction banquet for the Higher Education Hall of Fame, recognizing high achieving professionals in scholarship, teaching, research, administration, sta support, outreach and public service.

“Systems do not maintain their vitality, their energy, unless they celebrate themselves – unless they recognize that they have accomplished certain things of value, and that there are reasons to stay together, stay e ective as an organization,” says Feaver, boasting of the hundreds of inductees.

“History, tradition and legacy,” says Feaver. “ at is what we are try-

Each year, the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society has a Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Pictured below are the 2022 inductees.

Photo courtesy OHEHS

Understanding Film Noir

For eight years now, I’ve been writing, co-producing and co-hosting a television show called Film Noir eatre. From the beginning, it’s aired on RSU TV, Channel 35 – northeastern Oklahoma’s public-television station, headquartered on the Rogers State University campus in Claremore. For the rst two seasons, RSU TV’s then-program manager, Jennifer Sterling, was on the air with me. When she left for another state, I was afraid the show might be over. But Royal Aills, the station’s general manager, had other ideas.

As it turned out, he also had a new co-host in mind.

First, a little backstory: In the late ’90s, director Leo Evans and I did a movie called Cafe Purgatory, signing up a number of top-drawer Tulsa-area actors for the project. Based on a one-act play I’d written, the picture was set in a greasy-spoon diner, which turned out to be a way station in the afterlife where recently deceased people waited to see where they might be going next. Among them was Elvis (played wonderfully by Presley tribute artist Darwin War-

ner), and our script called for him to befriend a teenage girl who was also marking time in the cafe.

Leo and I knew whom we wanted for just about every role, but we were stumped when it came to casting the teen. en, Milton Berry, who played a cold hearted criminal in the lm, suggested his barely teenage daughter, Ana.

I believe it was the rst lm Ana Berry ever did, and Leo and I immediately saw that she was a natural.

Despite our best e orts, some good reviews and publicity, and its being given the Crowd Pleaser Award at the 1999 Fort Worth Film Festival, Cafe Purgatory never received a major-label homevideo release. Ana, however, went on from that debut to a career in television, movies and internet programming on both coasts, ultimately returning to Tulsa, where her continuing media work came to include hosting original shows for RSU TV. She, as you probably have surmised, was the person Royal Aills had in mind for my new co-host. Of course, in the nearly 20 years since I’d seen her,

she’d grown up, but she continued to radiate the kind of talent and presence that had made her such a Cafe Purgatory standout.

Our reunion happened back in 2017, and Ana and I have been doing Film Noir eatre together ever since. Not only has she brought beauty, energy and humor to our commentaries – she’s also the only one of the two of us who can pronounce “ lm noir” without a trace of what a college instructor once called my “Okie French.”

Which leads us to a question: Just exactly what is this lm noir we’re presenting?

e literal translation is “dark movie.” at appellation was coined by French critics in the late 1940s to describe a certain style of feature lm that was being made in Hollywood following World War II. During that time, these pictures wouldn’t have been known as lms noir – the term didn’t really catch on in America until some time later. Instead, they would’ve been called melodramas, or thrillers, or maybe crime stories. It was their dark, or noir, elements that caused the French critics to begin gathering them under one umbrella.

Nearly 80 years later, students and a cionados of the genre still don’t entirely agree on what quali es as a lm noir. Some, for instance, feel that the look of the lm is the most important thing –that there must be lots of shadows and darkness (preferably with rain) and neon-lit urban streets. However, it seems to me that if noirs share a common theme, it’s that the unpredictability of life, the vagaries of fate, trump everything else in a person’s life, and if fate chooses to throw you for a loop, through little or no fault of your own, there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.

One of the great examples of this approach is a wonderful low-budget picture called Detour, which was released by the tiny Hollywood company PRC in 1945. In it, B-picture leading man Tom Neal plays Al Roberts, a New York club pianist who decides to hitchhike to the West Coast to see his vocalist girlfriend, who’s gone out to try her luck in the movies. From

A local program explores lms noir through the vast history of cinema.

The film noir creation Detour (above) is one of several movies discussed during the Film Noir Theatre program, hosted by John Wooley and Ana Berry (facing page).

Photos courtesy John Wooley

the very rst of the picture, the scenes are imbued with a sense of hopelessness; it’s not giving away anything to say that you’ll know, very early on, his quest is not going to end with a joyous reunion.

Getting a ride with a garrulous bookie who’s driving all the way to L.A., Al thinks that maybe things are nally going to break his way. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t be more wrong. When his benefactor dies suddenly on the road, Al decides to appropriate his car and money and drive on toward the Paci c, setting into motion a sequence of events that includes an illadvised relationship with a fellow hitchhiker, memorably played by another B-movie star, Ann Savage.

At the conclusion of the picture, in a voiceover, Al sums up what I think is the driving force behind all true lms noir. “Fate,” he muses, “or some mysterious force, can put the nger on you or me for no reason at all.”

Some have said that this emphasis on fate was a part of the American mindset following World War II, when a lot of military personnel returned home from combat weary, disillusioned and questioning why the things they thought they’d been ghting for and the realities of their post-war lives just didn’t mesh. It’s an idea that would help account for the fatalism in these pictures, as

well as for the liberal doses of fatalism’s rst cousin, cynicism. Many if not most lm noir protagonists, Neal’s Al Roberts included, are wrapped in a shroud of world-weariness that comes out not only in their encounters with others, but also in the actions they choose to take.

Detour also highlights several other noir touches, including the element of alienation, of a gulf between people that can never be successfully bridged. Al never really connects meaningfully with anyone in the lm; even his girlfriend, whom he plans to marry, leaves only a few days before they’re to wed, leaving him with a less-than-passionate kiss. en, there’s the femme fatale character, a staple of many of these features – and, indeed, of literature in general for a good long time. Essentially, she’s a symbol for bad choices, a mysterious woman who gets involved with the male protagonist and ends up doing him no good whatsoever. In Detour, it’s perhaps fated for Al to make the mistake of picking up a snappish female hitchhiker. Ann Savage is brilliantly creepy in the part; her character of Vera is recognized by a lot of noir fans as one of the greatest of the noir femme fatales.

While most lms noir came out in the waning years of Hollywood’s Golden Era, they usually weren’t big-budget productions.

Instead, they were crafted by the major studios’ B-picture units or, as is the case with Detour, lmed and released by smaller out ts. With Detour, as with many others of its kind, the lack of production money actually enhances the look of the picture, giving it a threadbare quality that works perfectly with the down-and-out lead character. (One of the touches that characterized director Edgar G. Ulmer was his use of fog machines in his low-budget epics – not only to provide atmosphere, but also to help cover up the cheapness of his sets.)

In addition to Detour – which clocks in at a little over an hour’s running time – this year’s edition of Film Noir eater includes ve other vintage movies, any of which should give you a pretty good idea of what noir is all about. e series airs every Sunday at 7 p.m. over RSU TV, Channel 35.

JOHN WOOLEY

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Microneedling, also known as natural collagen induction therapy, is one of the most popular treatments to obtain younger, firmer, and more radiant skin. This procedure utilizes a small pin-shaped device containing very-fine needles which perforate the top layers of the skin, activating the skin’s natural repair process and helping produce more collagen and elastin. Microneedling has many benefits such as a reduction in pore size, thickening of the dermis with improved skin tone and firmness, skin tightening, and softening of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help with acne scarring, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. This treatment can be performed year-round, on all skin types, with minimal downtime. Platelet Rich Plasma or Exosomes can be added to further improve results and healing time. The most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, and chest with patients noticing significant results after just one treatment. To schedule an appointment or find out more information on microneedling, call Fig Medical Spa at 918-932-8810.

How can I financially plan for a family member with special needs?

You may worry about your child’s financial future if their condition limits their ability to earn a living. There are steps you can take to help ensure your child has sufficient financial resources.

1. Fund an ABLE account. Thanks to The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, families can participate in a tax-advantaged savings program for a family member with a qualifying disability that occurred before age 26. 2. Establish a special needs trust. This can provide financial security by creating an income stream to a loved one with special needs. 3. Buy a life insurance policy. Consider purchasing a whole or term life insurance policy that names your loved one as the beneficiary when you die. 4. Ask the courts to appoint a guardian. When an adult family member with special needs has significant assets or property and is unable to manage their own financial affairs, a guardianship may be appropriate. 5. Watch out for scammers. Individuals with disabilities may be more vulnerable to identify theft and other scams. 6. Consult the experts. Talk to your financial advisor for ideas and guidance on ways to safeguard the financial well-being of your child.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime

A

Wealth Management

- figtulsa.com

DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

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

DR. CRISTIE HAWKINS

LIFE & STYLE

The Allure of Athens

This travel writer’s memories of former visits to Athens evoke gra ti, pollution, tra c and other details that major cities often include. However, a recent trip to Greece revealed details far more positive. Consider spending more time in Greece’s capital before connecting to islands and mainland cities. Immerse yourself in the enlivened metropolitan energy, which you’ll nd to be contagious. Leave yourself time to absorb the museums while savoring the shopping and sumptuous cuisine of the enchanting Plaka – a popular Athenian neighborhood.

Lodging

So tel, the airport hotel, provides

you with the ease of ying to other destinations quickly. When you return from the islands or the mainland, stay at Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square in the center of it all. You quite literally step out onto Syntagma Square into the realm of all things Athenian.

Footsteps away from the hotel is the Parliament building (and former palace) at the tomb of the unknown soldier, where the changing of the guard takes place hourly. e square is abuzz with people emerging from the subway stop.

Endless blocks of chic shops and cafés adorn the sidewalks through the Plaka. e toasty smell of freshly baked pretzels from the kiosks wafts

through the air. e gra ti looks more artistic than ever before. e aromas of grilled meats and seafood ll the cafés. A fresh Greek “horiatiki,” or salad with feta cheese chunks and oregano, is a perfectly refreshing lunch.

Dining and Shopping

Achillion Leather Sandals and Bags does custom ttings for gladiator sandals; it’s a cultural excursion in and of itself to simply watch the sta work their magic. Kolonaki is another shopping area of sophistication.

Dine at Giouvetsakia Greek Tavern on 144 Adrianou St., also in Plaka. For dinner, eat at Milton’s on Adrianou 91. Find the Hermion Restaurant at Pandrosou 15.

e capital city of Greece can indulge any traveler with luxury lodgings and excursions galore.

From refreshing cuisine to museums, historic sites and on-the-water fun, Athens has something for everyone.

Photos by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley unless otherwise marked

Excursions

e National Gardens of Athens feature the palatial Zappeoin building. What Central Park is to New York, these gardens are to Athens. Duck ponds, trails and towering trees enhance this shady forestfeeling in the center of urbanity.

e National Archeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum are stupendous. Drive a distance away to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which many people nd more breathtaking than even the Parthenon – probably due to its sublime seaside view.

However, right there in the center of Athens is the Benaki Museum, and to call it a must-

see is an understatement. is multi-level museum is housed in a former mansion. Several oors of cultural artifacts are mesmerizing with their life-sized replicas. Ascending each level of this ornate building elevates your comprehension of the culture.

e Hotel Grande Bretagne is not just a hotel – it’s an experience. You can dine there without being a guest. e hotel’s famous Alexander Bar is perfect for having champagne in the atrium to celebrate your arrival. is bar has been featured in Forbes for its historic tapestry of Alexander the Great; it’s a masterpiece of grandeur.

e special touches of the hotel

include a bedside treat of amaretto and tru es. Spend time in the cigar bar courtyard or the rooftop swimming pool. Enjoy an evening cocktail on the rooftop bar, or dine at the breakfast bu et. e rooftop view of the Parthenon at breakfast or at night is unforgettable.

Nearby Islands

Consider a day trip or extended time at the nearby Saronic islands of Hydra, Aegina, Poros or Spetses. An express train to the limestone cli top monasteries of stunning Meteora is also accessible from Athens – but Athens alone is a destination!

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

Understanding ADHD

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites attention-de cit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. A study by the National Survey of Children’s Health reported one in 11 school-aged children had a diagnosis of ADHD.

However, Courtney Sauls, D.O., a pediatrician with Ascension St. John Health System in Tulsa, says this doesn’t necessarily mean that ADHD is increasing – but rather that the health community has become better at diagnosing and treating children at an early age.

“ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that a ects higher executive functioning, like memory, organization, attention, impulsivity and decision making,” says Sauls. “Children are typically diagnosed as early as ve or six years of age, but can be diagnosed at age four and up by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.”

School-aged children, she says, are commonly diagnosed following a comprehensive evaluation with their pediatrician, parents and/or their school through a screening known as the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales.

“ADHD is characterized by three subsets: inattentive, hyperactive or a combination of the two,” says Sauls. “Children must meet a criteria of at least six characteristics of at least one of the subtypes, and it must a ect them across multiple environments, like school and home life.”

When navigating an ADHD diagnosis, she says it’s important to know that ADHD is a disorder – a real disease that deserves medical treatment when needed.

“Untreated ADHD can cause distress at home, school and in social environments, can pair with anxiety or depression and prolong into adulthood,” she says.

Treatment Options

Research studies continue to

try and determine what causes ADHD, but at this time there’s no known cause – although studies have shown genetics play an important role. Fortunately, there are many medications available now to help manage ADHD in children. While most people have heard of ‘stimulant’ medications such as Adderall or Ritalin, Sauls says there are once daily long acting variants of these medications that work well for children.

“ ere are also newer ‘non-stimulant’ medications available that may work well for some children,” she says. “Typically, the pairing of medication and therapy and working with the school for an IEP [individualized education program] or 504 plan is the best comprehensive approach for a child who has ADHD.”

Due to production issues and higher de-

mand, partly from an increase in adult ADHD diagnoses, there’s been a shortage of branded and generic versions of Adderall that has put a strain on patients.

“ is has posed a problem for many patients of mine, particularly older teens and college age students as they have transitioned to a short acting medication that may work better with a uctuating schedule,” says Sauls.

She encourages parents or caregivers to discuss any concerns about ADHD with their pediatrician.

“Hyperactivity and impulsivity are common for young children and toddlers, but your doctor can help you tease out if it’s out of the ordinary,” she says. “Your pediatrician can also be a resource for connecting you to local psychiatric resources and testing, and help guide you and your child on the next steps.

Also, a great resource is CHADD.org, which is in the information website for the organization Children and Adults with Attention-De cit/Hyperactivity Disorder.”

REBECCA FAST

A common neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD has treatments beyond fast-acting stimulant medication.

Musical Roots

Honoring a Prolific Athlete

Atwo-bedroom house that was onced owned by one of America’s greatest sports heroes brings more than the occasional visitor to Yale, a community of about 1,200 in Payne County.

e Jim orpe Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the only home the acclaimed Olympian owned in his lifetime, says Cindy White, Yale’s Chamber of Commerce treasurer.

But the orpe Home isn’t the only thing that brings people to town, says Chamber president Brian Porter Jr. He and others are interested in seeing Yale succeed, pointing to the recent establishment of an economic development authority, a new tax structure and a couple of businesses, alongside housing construction.

“We’re starting to see some progress,” he says. “Our goal is to spur progress in our community.”

Yale marks the aforementioned athlete’s memory with the annual, family-friendly Jim orpe Day celebration in the city’s Jim orpe Park on the rst Saturday in May. Porter says the Chambersponsored event annually draws a sizable crowd for the food trucks, games, street vendor sales and 5K fun run.

Visitors can also check out what is thought by some historians to be the site of the Civil War Battle of Round Mountain, just outside

town. e 1861 battle, sometimes known as the Battle of Red Fork, was a key early skirmish in the Civil War as Union, Confederate and Native American factions fought for control of vital trade routes and Indian Territory itself.

Yale was founded in 1895 on what had been Pawnee Reservation land, with the original town site 1½ miles east of the current location, when a general store owner named Sterling Underwood set up a post o ce inside his store.

Two stories explore the origin of the town’s name, according to a history on Yale’s o cial website. One has it that the name was taken after a lock in Underwood’s store, and the other holds that a traveling salesman from Yale, Iowa, named the town. Either way, the new town site was established on the Eastern Railway route, which began serving the town in 1902. It existed as a farm community until 1913 when oil was discovered in the area, brie y bringing prosperity.

orpe, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, is believed to have been born May 28, 1888, in the Seminole County community of Econtuchka. He died March 28, 1953, in Lomita, Calif. He was considered one of the most versatile athletes of his time, and was the rst Native American to win an Olympic gold medal, nabbing two

American jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and vocalist Chet Baker was born in Yale in 1929. In recent years, Yale has hosted several Chet Baker jazz festivals honoring the musician, who died in 1988.

top prizes in the 1912 Olympics, in classic pentathlon and decathlon. He also played collegiate and professional football, basketball and baseball.

He was controversially stripped of his Olympic medals because he brie y played semi-professional baseball before the Olympics. His wins were restored in 1983, and in 2022, orpe was again recognized as the sole champion in both events.

e orpe home now contains replicas of several of the athlete’s medals and trophies, and is preserved much as it was when orpe, his wife and his children lived there, says Linda Frick, president of the Jim orpe Memorial Foundation. She says the twobedroom home receives a steady number of visitors annually.

“A lot of people from other states seem to know who Jim orpe was,” she says.

e museum grounds also include a log cabin that was the rst homestead in Payne County. orpe sold the home in 1923, and in 1968 it was purchased by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

orpe’s athletic success has been a big in uence of Yale youngsters through the years, says White – especially the boys.

“All of the guys wanted to be like Jim orpe,” she says.

HENRY DOLIVE

Yale, hometown of Jim orpe, o ers tourists a slice of history.

Yale’s Jim Thorpe home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo by Jim Argo courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

Prepping for Aquatic Adventures

With Memorial Day fast approaching, it’s a good idea to review general boating and swimming safety rules before taking that rst trip to the lake or pool. Mike Mize, Oklahoma’s Boating Law Administrator, o ers some advice.

1. Be aware of changing shoreline depths.

Mize says that one factor often overlooked as it pertains to water safety is the everchanging shoreline depths and drop o s, especially when escorting young children to the state’s lakes.

“As the lake levels uctuate due to rain or draw down, the amount of shallow shoreline also uctuates,” says Mize. “Inevitably, the water will drop o into much deeper water, and it only takes a few seconds for a child to drop out of sight and be in serious trouble. Children should always wear a comfortable and proper tting personal otation device (PFD) while swimming or wading.”

Mize suggests adults take turns being the “designated person” to keep eyes on the youngsters while they are in the water, wherever that water may be.

2. Understand age and license restrictions for watercraft.

Oklahoma does not require people to have a license to drive a boat or other watercraft. However, a child under 12 may not operate any powered vessel over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC) or a sailpowered vessel 16 feet or more in length. If a child is over 12 but under 16, he or she can complete a boating safety education course. If passed, the child can drive a craft on the water if accompanied and supervised by a competent person over the age of 18.

3. Remember the rules

for drinking and boating.

Drinking and boating shouldn’t mix.

“Obviously, the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs while boating can have serious consequences,” says Mize. “ e boating rules mirror on-the-road-driving rules, in that a person is considered under the in uence with an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, measured in a person’s breath or blood.”

4. Use common sense.

Mize further suggests always wearing a PFD.

“Ninety percent of all drowning victims were not wearing a PFD,” he says. “Never gather and oat or swim in the area of a running engine – carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly and overtake a person before they even realize it, and it can have fatal e ects.”

Another danger at the back of a vessel is the potential for a propeller strike.

“Never jump o the back of a vessel while the engine is running, and never start the engine when any of the boat’s occupants are in the water,” he adds.

If you are planning alone time on the water, always let someone know where you’re going, when you plan to return and what boat ramp you’ll be using.

“Utilize an engine cut-o switch,” says Mize. “If used properly, these devices will shut the engine down should the operator be thrown from the operator’s position.”

If an in atable toy, raft or other item starts to drift away due to wind, do not attempt to swim after it.

“Many people risk their lives or drown trying to retrieve a $5 raft,” says Mize. “And never attempt to swim across a cove. Swimmers always underestimate the distance and overestimate their swimming ability.”

DEBI TURLEY

Oklahoma presents myriad on-the-water activities, but safety should always be the rst priority.

Paddle under ancient cypress trees on Hornor Neck Lake in the St. Francis National Forest. Then, drive just 15 minutes to Helena-West Helena to sample local spirits at Delta Dirt Distillery. When you travel in The Natural State, you’ll feel far away but still be near everything. Plan your trip at Arkansas.com.

Hornor Neck Lake, near Marianna

Tracy Rinehart, Tim Tebow, Brad Rinehart; 30th Annual William Booth Society Gala, The Salvation Army - Tulsa Area Command

Kurt Barron, Lenice Stanford, Mindy & John Taylor; Founders Dinner, Iron Gate, Tulsa

Jack & Stephanie Allen; Carnivale, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Tulsa

Kulsum & Dr. Jamal Siddiqui; Carnivale, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Tulsa

Gentry Johnson, Brandon Miller, Pat Stunkard, Alicia Conner Todd; Sip for Sight Eye-Conic Event, Vizavance, Tulsa

Polly Nichols, Molly Fuhrman, Becky Roten, Lil & Bob Ross, Ed Martin, David Thompson, David Rainbolt; E. C. Joullian Distinguished Citizen Award Ceremony, The Boy Scouts of Oklahoma Last Frontier Council, OKC

Becky & Barry Switzer; OKC Ballet Ball 2023: The New West, OKC Ballet

Bailey Gordon, Kylee Claire Rainbolt, Jo Lynne Jones, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye; OKC Ballet Ball 2023: The New West, OKC Ballet

R. Lynn Rose, Andrea Nichol, Jonathan Nichol; “Arts! Arts! Arts!” Gala, University of Oklahoma, Norman

Virginia Meade, Arden Barrett, Sandy Meyers, Mary Anne Harroz, Betty Crow; “Arts! Arts! Arts!” Gala, University of Oklahoma, Norman

Steve Cavender, Tarah Warren, Camryn Browning, Rick Cavender; Subaru Giveaway Event, Cavender Subaru of Norman/Tenaciously Teal, OKC

Stacy McNeiland, Chris Hofen; Brave Ball, The CARE Center, OKC

Jean Ann Fausser, M. Teresa Valero, Myra Block Kaiser; 10th Anniversary Party, 108 Contemporary, Tulsa

Angela & Sean Kouplen, Terri & Roger Ramseyer; 30th Annual William Booth Society Gala, The Salvation Army - Tulsa Area Command

Jana Emerson, Lori McGinnis-Madland, Sandra Thornton; Street Party, Street School, Tulsa

Entering Barbecue COUNTRY

Oklahoma harbors a passionate grilling and barbecue fanbase, whether folks are eating out or creating masterpieces at home. We offer resources for budding pitmasters, explore new grilling tech and trends, and present some do’s and don’ts from local experts.

By Tracy LeGrand

Getting Started

Growing one’s skills at the grill is attainable through trial and error – and other resources such as online classes from the major barbecue brands.

Interested grillers can check out YouTube tutorials to learn how to get started on a gas grill, the di erences between heat sources, how to set up or build various items and just about everything in between.

Locally, some restaurants in both OKC and Tulsa o er periodic classes – a quick internet search will yield helpful results.

For a formal opportunity to learn on a regular basis, Forge Barbecue Co. formed Tulsa Barbecue School in 2017 to teach the ner points of handcrafted, wood- red barbecue. e curriculum is backed by expert grillers, barbecue societies and a network of pitmasters.

Tech at the Grill

ere is an ever-evolving arsenal of grilling gadgets and gizmos, like precision cookers, high-powered portable griddles and one-touch grill cleaning systems for those looking to up the ante on their home set-ups.

True-infrared tech is relatively new and addresses the issue of food dryness as a result of traditional gas and charcoal. is technology cooks with heat waves as opposed to heated air. Temperatures can get as high as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit – much hotter and more efcient than the standard technique.

e Meater App gives cook time estimates and helps ensure you don’t over- or undercook di erent meats going on the grill simultaneously.

Used by professionals for decades, precision cookers work by circulating heated water, cooking food to the exact set temperature needed for grilled perfection.

Whether camping, tailgating or cooking in the backyard, high powered portable griddles are versatile, making it easy to cook up anything a full-sized grill can. With its at surface, a griddle can also cook bacon, eggs, pancakes or any other goodie you might want, and some models come with both a grill and griddle surface combo.

BBQ Trends

Hot summers paired with abundant beef and other grilled goods are big business, a trend re ected worldwide as annual market revenue for grills and roasters ranges from $4 to $7 billion.

As to style, fusion barbecue – a culinary blend – is rising at many new up and coming restaurants nationwide. With fusion ‘cue, chefs are mixing a variety of cooking styles and cuisines together.

For some pitmasters, trends are eschewed in favor of a secret and curated barbecue alchemy. Chuck Gawey, owner of Albert G’s Bar-B-Q in the Tulsa area, focuses on consistency and proven methods.

Matt ompson, vice president of operations for RibCrib, has noticed a few trends sticking, and his team has subsequently integrated them into the menu.

“We notice that a lot of pitmasters –especially the younger ones – are really pushing the idea of what barbecue is in the southwest United States, ” he says. “We’re seeing a lot of experimentation of craft barbecue menus, and it gets us taking chances – like when we introduced Redneck Nachos, [which are] potato chips fried in-house, then topped with pulled pork, a black bean and corn medley, queso, a swirl of barbecue sauce and pickled jalapeños.

“It’s not traditional, but we brought it out and people really like them. So we’re asking: ‘What does barbecue look like in the 21st century?’ We’re keenly aware of our history and what we learned in competitions years ago, and now are seeing exciting things we never thought about until now.”

TRENDS INCLUDE:

• A Spanish grilling method, la plancha is performed on a slab of slate over ames, giving e ortless heat control and an absence of are-ups, along with the ability to cook evenly, as the stone acts as a griddle.

• Vegetarian and plant-based BBQ options include elote, which is corn roasted on the grill, often brushed with vegan mayonnaise and sprinkled with plant-based cotija cheese and chili powder. Other veggie favorites include Idaho potatoes sliced into wedges; mushroom burgers marinated overnight; and the classic plant-based hot dogs and veggie burgers.

• Another favorite is to skewer veggies into kebabs, brushing them with oil and seasoning and serving with barbecue sauce. Choices include tofu steak, cauli ower steak and seitan. On the naturally sweet side, grilling turns fruit into a luscious treat. Try jackfruit, peaches and pineapple.

“Ribs and brisket are mainstay meats at Earl’s Rib Palace,” says Richard Rea, the restaurant’s operating partner. “They are the highest-quality cuts of meat and therefore get the prime real estate in our smokers.”

Photo courtesy Earl’s Rib Palace

The Perfect Pairings

Using sauces and spices to zest up your BBQ is a creative expression in cookery, and Oklahoma is home to a variety of concoctions including Smokmaolma Barbecue, Tumblin 5 BBQ, Brushy Creek Barbecue, D’Lynn’s Family BBQ Sauce, Antler’s BBQ Sauce, Knotty Pine Barbecue and so many more. e website madeinoklahoma.net is a great resource for those looking to shop local.

Some seasonings pair best with speci c meats. Chicken goes well with dill weed, rosemary and anything citrus – including the peel and juices, especially in a marinade.

For turkey, try the warmth of cumin or the classic pairing of sage. For an Asian air, turkey blends well with star anise.

Goose and duck are enhanced by rosemary, and experts say this herb balances the intensity of the fatty poultry. Red pepper akes and cinnamon increase texture and tenderness.

Beef goes well with yellow mustard powder, onion, garlic and basil.

Try the classic avor pro le of lamb with mint or other options like curries and turmeric for a depth of richness.

Sage enhances pork and turkey. Other optimal pork pairings include juniper berries for a tart complement to pork’s sweetness, or caraway with its licorice ourish.

Grilled sh and seafood bene t from a citrus zing with lemongrass, or try oregano with freshwater sh.

International Barbecue Styles

It’s not just Oklahoma, nor the U.S. at large, that’s enamored by the nuances of barbecue. Varied grilling styles can be found throughout the world.

Wandering the streets of Jerusalem, you’ll nd shipudim, a ubiquitous lamb meat kebab. Meat on a stick is a popular street food in Ghana, and is known as chichinga; it typically comes with beef or lamb rubbed with suya – a mix of ground spices, peanuts and hot peppers.

In the Philippines, chicken or pork

inihaw is often, but not always, on bamboo skewers and the word is a general Tagalog term meaning ‘grilled’ or ‘roasted.’ Pickled kimchi is South Korea’s most famous culinary export ... followed closely by Korean barbecue, often cooked at the table and typically avored by toasted sesame oil, the sweet heat of gochuijang (chili paste) and savory doenjang soybean paste.

Yakitori is Japan’s beloved barbecue o ering, with skewered and grilled chicken parts including cartilage, liver and thigh, marinated in sake, ginger, soy sauce, garlic, mirin and often a touch of brown sugar.

South African barbecue is braai – usually pork, lamb or beef cooked over a wood grill.

Albert G’s Bar-B-Q has it all – from brisket to pulled pork, ribs, turkey breast, bologna, smoked chicken and hot links.

Photo courtesy Albert G’s

Billy Sim’s brisket is smoked for 12-14 hours overnight before diners enjoy – whether alone or as a delicious topping.

Photo courtesy Legendary Q Brands

Ask the Experts

Safety at the grill is paramount. Experts weigh in on some do’s and don’ts.

DO:

• Keep pets and children at least three feet away from the grill.

• Keep a clean grill, free of fat buildup. Scrape it clean between uses.

• Place charcoal and propane grills outdoors, a safe distance from structures, railings and eaves.

• Ensure a gas grill is open before lighting.

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using a propane grill for the rst time each year by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose.

• Call the re department and distance yourself from the grill if a re becomes unmanageable or you smell a strong gas odor.

DON’T:

• Add any ammable liquid to an already started re.

• Place starter uid close to heat sources.

• Spray water on re are-ups.

• Skewer meats together that cook at different paces.

• Leave the grill unattended.

• Forgo a meat thermometer.

• Cross-contaminate or place cooked meat on a plate that also holds raw meat.

• Wear loose clothing or anything that could catch re easily.

Diner Favorites

e grill is ready and the smoker’s at the perfect temp. So which meat – and which cuts – are your next decisions.

“Ribs and brisket are mainstay meats at Earl’s Rib Palace,” says Richard Rea, the restaurant’s operating partner. “ ey are the highest-quality cuts of meat and therefore get the prime real estate in our smokers. Coming in at a close third is our smoked bologna – less traditional for sure, but a tasty slice of meat when you’re looking to get o the beaten BBQ path.”

RibCrib’s ompson weighs in: “We like St. Louis style ribs because they’re very meaty and avorful. Baby backs are leaner and spareribs are untrimmed and much larger, and so we feel like St. Louis style has a ton of avor and is easy to eat. I also think we do a great job with our pork butt, as it’s a juicy, tender meat that’s very exible, and you can do a lot with it once done smoking. One of our most popular meats is smoked chicken breast. We slather, season and smoke skinless chicken, and folks love it.”

Whitney Beavers with Legendary Q Brands, owner of Billy Sims Barbecue, says they utilize the entire beef brisket, and it’s “smoked for 12-14 hours overnight. Both cuts – chopped and sliced – appeal to many di erent palettes. We use boneless white meat chicken breast that we slice and season to perfection,” she says. “We use the pork butt, which is actually the shoulder of the pig. After smoking and seasoning overnight, this is a de nite fan favorite that is ordered often, whether it be as a dinner or atop our famous Heisman Sandwich.”

Gawey with Albert G’s also has his stand-outs.

“Brisket goes all night and is ready in the morning,” he says. “It’s always going to be about the brisket, ribs and pulled pork. And Oklahoma loves the smoked bologna and the smoked wings that are quick fried to order.”

Dubbed the ‘Dirty Deed,’ this RibCrib dish serves up St. Louis ribs, sliced smoked sausage and pulled pork.

Photo courtesy RibCrib

By Kimberly Burk

industries – but in some sectors, their presence is lacking. We take a look at the hard facts as they relate to oklahoma women in executive level positions, and explore the many resources available to female entrepreneurs.

Resources for Female Entrepreneurs

Melanie Anthony can o er plenty of reasons why women should launch their own businesses.

“A woman who goes into business for herself has the opportunity to earn more,” says Anthony, who is the senior director of marketing and development for the nonpro t REI Oklahoma – an economic development agency.

“A woman who owns her own business has more exibility,” Anthony continues. “She can adapt her schedule.”

And female business owners are more likely to put time and money back into their communities, says Jennifer Edwards, manager of REI’s Women’s Business Center.

“ ey invest in keeping business local, especially with other women in business,” she says.

But entrepreneurship is seldom an easy path. e Women’s Business Center, established in 2002, addresses the particular challenges women face – including less access to capital as opposed to male business owners. ere’s no membership fee at the WBC, and most workshops are free. Last year, 2,400 women were served.

When women come together for the workshops, Edwards says, “it’s a safe place to dig a little deeper and bounce ideas around.”

REI, based in Durant, provides services designed to stimulate economic growth in Oklahoma’s 77 counties.

Business consultant Audrey Hathorn has volunteered since 2015 with SCORE Oklahoma City, which o ers educational services to entrepreneurs and smallbusiness owners.

“Most of my mentees have questions about nances and about overhead – which is employees,” says Hathorn. “ ey want to know how to get employees to stay, and how to boost morale.”

SCORE’S Women’s Entrepreneur Resource Hub focuses on empowering women by o ering mentorship, education and networking opportunities.

“Women, more than ever, are leading the charge,” says Hathorn. “We are being vocal about our careers and our development.”

Oklahoma women are starting their own businesses in areas including nancial services, internet technology and real estate, says Hathorn. Bookkeeping, event planning and environmental services are also growth areas for women entrepreneurs, says Edwards.

“Service-based industries are where women are starting businesses,” says Edwards. “We are seeing a lot of professionals transition out of traditional workplaces and go into business for themselves.”

Edwards loves helping women with their business plans. Lenders like to see the business concept explained, and to see that potential business owners have put in the time to research their industries.

“It’s one of my favorite purposes behind writing a business plan – getting that passion laid out on paper,” she says. “It ensures that I get to know where they want to go with the business.”

Recruiting Female Leadership

Hathorn doesn’t mind admitting there were some scary moments when she left her corporate job to launch Ampli y, a business consulting rm. But she also knew she had done certain things right. She paid her dues by working more than 20 years in human resources. She knew that small businesses, especially, could bene t from her expertise, having worked with many as a volunteer for SCORE. And she started her business as a side gig in 2018 before taking it full-time in December 2022.

Women are under-represented at the executive level in some of Oklahoma’s most important industries, and casting aside self-doubt can be one key to moving forward, business leaders say. at applies to moving up the corporate career ladder, as well as striking out on one’s own to help other women break the glass ceiling, just as Hathorn is doing.

“Women, by our nature, are a little bit more risk-averse,” says Edwards. “We like having all our ducks in a row. We like to have the money in order, all the pieces in place, the business plan perfect. But things don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes you have to take that next step, to take that leap.”

When women aren’t present in management roles in industries such as energy, it makes it di cult for companies to attract a diverse workforce, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides policy recommendations for the energy sector.

“If women are not advancing in the energy sector, there will be fewer role

models and mentors to attract more women,” according to the IEA. “Furthermore, if women working in the energy sector are unable to advance in their careers, they will be motivated to change sectors.”

Saadia Zahidi, head of the World Economic Forum’s Center for the New Economy and Society, says industries with a poor track record of hiring and promoting women can acquire skills held by other companies that do better. Corporate training on unconscious gender bias is one example. Companies can also provide scholarships and mentoring for female STEM students.

“Businesses and governments need to take a much more customized approach to ensuring that the right talent is being developed for these industries,” says Zahidi.

Some Oklahoma companies have women’s groups, where female workers mentor one another and share ideas, says Hathorn.

“A lot of great things are said in those meetings,” she says, “but sometimes they are more aspirational. We need to get those ideas outside of those groups and make them policy.”

Not every woman wants to move into management, Hathorn says, “but they need to see that there is an opportunity for it, that there is room for development at that company.”

A Look at the Facts

In Oklahoma and across the business world, gender gaps in leadership persist. But some of the news is good as it pertains to female executive level representation; a recent analysis by Equilar, which provides corporate leadership data, determined that the growth of women in leadership roles accelerated to an average pace of 6.9% between 2016 and 2021. at’s up from a 3.8% growth rate in the prior ve years. Women now hold about 14% of executive positions worldwide, up from 8% in 2010, according to a CNBC report.

But progress is not equal across industries, as in the energy sector, where women hold just 9% of executive o cer roles.

at would suggest Oklahoma is short-changing itself, because rms with more women at the senior executive level outperform those with lower representation, according to Bank of America Global Research.

When an industry lags in gender diversity, it’s “damaging to economic growth, income equality and social inclusion,” says the IEA.

e outlook seems better for millennials, the IEA reports, with women in the 30-40 age group taking on leadership roles at a much higher rate than previous generations. at’s especially true for the natural gas utilities and renewable energy sectors.

Some countries also do better than others, with Russia, Australia and the United Kingdom reporting the highest representation of women in energy.

Women do dominate in representation and leadership roles in Oklahoma and elsewhere in industries such as education, healthcare, nutrition, the arts and social services. But the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University notes that those tend to be lowerpaying occupations, and Oklahoma already has a gender earnings gap that’s about 5% higher than the national average.

If equal pay were a reality in Oklahoma, the Spears school reports, women’s earnings would increase by about $5.4 billion annually, and the poverty rate for working women would be reduced by nearly 50%.

One bright spot is that the percentage of women-owned businesses in Oklahoma grew by nearly 10 percent between 2015 and 2019, the Spears school reports.

Women-Owned Businesses

Women own a diverse set of businesses in Oklahoma. For those thinking of creating their own companies and are looking for inspiration, check out “women-owned certi ed businesses” on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website – okcommerce.gov.

Women who obtain the certi cation make the selection process easier for companies and state agencies seeking diversity in their hiring of contractors, vendors and suppliers, according to the Commerce department website.

Listed in alphabetical order, the certi ed businesses range from A-1 Sta ng and Recruiting, owned by Gale Parker of Oklahoma City, to Zyzer LLC, an asphalt contractor owned by Starla Wittrock of King sher.

ere’s also Carrell Trucking in Ardmore, owned by Brenda Carrell, and Rosie Lowe’s Micro Machine in Tulsa, which, since 1982, has machined small parts for the aerospace, geophysical, rearms and electrical industries. Based in Edmond, Watkins-Conti Products is owned by Allison Conti and develops solutions for life-altering healthcare di culties.

With a slogan of “Because Chatter Matters,” Chatter Marketing of Tulsa is owned by Heather Berryhill and specializes in advertising, marketing, branding and digital services. Clients there have included Merry Maids, Andy’s Frozen Custard, ONE Gas and the city of Sapulpa.

If your goal is to open a women-owned business in Oklahoma, resources exist to help you, and the sky’s the limit.

Finance: Investing 101

By Gina A. Dabney

Investment Resources

Among the variety of resources for rst-time investors are banks, brokers, investment advisors, nancial planners and websites such as NerdWallet or investor.gov.

Another resource is your employer. Liu Liu, director of investment research and management at BOK Financial, says that often, employers provide retirement plans, which include a retirement calculator that helps keep on track with saving goals. Also, check out the nancial wellness tools that assist in creating a budget, identifying goals and measuring the progress toward those goals, as well as evaluating your portfolios and insurance coverage.

“Additional resources include podcasts, books and even social media,” says Liu.

One social media resource she suggests is an online program by chief investment strategist Steve Wyett. Each week he posts a market roundup via LinkedIn that discusses an array of investment topics.

Homework is essential when it comes to investments. Finance experts from BOK Financial and Regent Bank school us on the basics.

Save, Save, Save

e key to investing is to save; Sean Kouplen, chairman and CEO of Regent Bank, says that saving and investing go hand in hand.

“You can’t a ord to invest without rst growing your savings,” he says, “and without investing, your savings will be eaten by in ation over time.”

e rst step, Kouplen advises, is to establish an emergency fund. is fund should be liquid, meaning that you can make a withdrawal any time without a penalty. e emergency fund should hold enough money to cover living expenses for at least three months.

“A simple checking or savings account is a good option for your emergency fund,” he says.

Next, establish medium-term savings. is is your savings for large expenses over the next two to six years, for vacations, renovations or educational opportunities. ese funds don’t have to be completely liquid, and you will want to earn a higher return than you’d get with a standard checking or savings account.

“Consider investing in safer options like xed income investments or conservative ETF [exchange-traded funds] portfolios,” says Kouplen.

Step three is to focus on long-term savings, which is your money to rely on in retirement. is segment is for long-term investments using your 401(k) or IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

Things to Consider Before Investing

e prime investing advice that most nancial professionals give, Kouplen says, is to diversify your investments.

“Basically, don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” he says.

Make sure you have diversity in the types of assets you purchase, the sectors in which the assets are tied to, and the geographic location of your assets. Also, invest in mutual funds or ETF portfolios, which are managed by professionals who use their expertise to capture the right balance of di erent assets from every sector of the economy.

“Some assets will go down and some will go up, but over time, the right asset mix should go up with much less risk than a single stock,” says Kouplen.

Another tip is to keep your fund costs low.

Liu advises to examine income, spending, any debt, plus the cost of servicing those debts, emergency funds and any other nancial obligations or goals in a holistic manner before investing.

“Investing should be considered as part of nancial wellness for all of us,” she says.

Types of Investments

ere are several investment types, or asset classes, to choose from. Rating the types of investments, from conservative to aggressive investments, Liu lists cash; deposit products and money market accounts or money market mutual funds; bonds, which are debt securities issued by governments and companies; xed income mutual funds; stocks, meaning ownership of a company; equity mutual funds; and real estate investments, commercial and residential.

Many of the investment solutions in the marketplace can also be used, which take care of asset allocation and investment selection for you, she says. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

“It is always great to reach out to a nancial advisor as well,” Liu says.

Mutual funds, index funds, and ETF portfolios, Kouplen says, are options to keep your assets diverse. Since these are professionally managed, the asset types are varied, designed to protect you in di erent environments.

“ ere are as many types of investments as there are stars in the sky,” Kouplen says.

And as you get more sophisticated, there are countless price investment options, including investing in private companies, commodities, price debt placement and commercial and residential real estate.

“ ese options require specialized knowledge, but can generate enormous returns,” Kouplen says.

Investing At Different Ages

ere are di erent levels of investing as it pertains to age and nancial stability. Whether you are a college student with limited funds, in your early 30’s just starting a family, in your 40’s with a stable, established job or in your 50’s or older preparing for retirement, there are strategies that can t your life.

“Generally speaking, it is best to start investing early because compounding goes a long way in growing your assets,” Liu says. “However, it is never too late to start.”

In general, Kouplen says, your investments should be more aggressive when you are younger and more conservative as you age. e markets, which will have ups and downs, tend to rise over time, meaning that the younger investors have more time to recover. However, if you are post-retirement, don’t invest in higherrisk options – because there may not be enough time for the asset to recover its value.

Red Flags

When listening to an investment pitch or reading about an opportunity, there are some red ags to watch for. Liu cautions that investments with a guaranteed high return that are unusual for the type of investment are a red ag. Also, be wary of vague language around fees.

Kouplen o ers a few smart questions to ask the person presenting this investment opportunity:

• Does the person requesting the investment have their own money wrapped up in it?

• Do they have experience in this type of investment?

• How will they bene t if you invest?

• What is the exit plan for the investment?

• If the investment does not perform well, how will you get paid back?

He also alerts red ag issues including missing documentation; strategies that are overly complex; high pressure sales tactics; and incredibly high pro ts that are promised.

“If it sounds too good to be true,” Kouplen says, “it probably is.”

Vocab to Know

Bear/Bull Market: A bear market is a prolonged period of falling stock prices. A bull market is any market in which prices are advancing in an upward trend.

Capital Gain vs. Loss: e di erence between a security’s purchase price and its selling price, when the di erence is positive, is a capital gain. A capital loss is the amount by which the proceeds from a sale of security are less than its purchase price.

Certi cate of Deposit (CD): A savings account that holds a xed amount of money for a xed period of time, such as six months, one year, or ve years. In exchange, the issuing bank or credit union pays you interest.

Diversi cation: e process of owning di erent investments that tend to perform well at di erent times in order to reduce the e ects of volatility in a portfolio.

Dividend: A portion of a company’s pro t paid to common and preferred shareholders.

Equities: Shares issued by a company which represent ownership in it.

Fund: A pool of money from a group of investors in order to buy securities.

Individual Retirement Account (IRA): A tax-deferred account to which an eligible individual can make annual contributions. ere are several types including the Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA and Simple IRA.

NASDAQ: National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations system. NASDAQ is a computerized system that provides brokers and dealers with price quotations for securities traded over the counter.

Stock: A long-term, growth-oriented investment representing ownership in a company, also known as equity.

Valuation: An estimate of the value or worth of a company –the price investors assign to an individual stock.

Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life®

The Standard of Living Established by the Parties During Marriage

They then might argue that they need spousal maintenance (or alimony) so that they can enjoy this same lifestyle after the marriage. If there are minor children involved, they might argue that the same lifestyle should be maintained for the benefit of the children as well.

ty who is seeking maintenance consult with an attorney about their specific situation to ensure that all the factors are appropriately looked at in their case.

Spousal maintenance cases can be one of the most contentious issues in divorce. States previously referred to spousal maintenance as alimony. In some states, the term is still used today. In many cases, one issue that can come up is the standard of living established by the parties during the marriage. In other words, one party may allege that they should receive an award of spousal maintenance. And one of the justifications for it is that they need it to maintain the standard of living that was established during the marriage.

The argument, oftentimes, revolves around the lifestyle a party had during the marriage. For example, a party might cite the general area in which they lived. They might point to the types of activities and possessions in which they became accustomed. In some circumstances, they might point to items that one might consider more wants than needs, like vacations, spa appointments, country club memberships, etc.

The laws in every state vary in some ways based on what a court looks for in ordering spousal maintenance. Thus, it is important that any party consult with an attorney who is licensed and competent to practice law in their jurisdiction.

Having said that, the lifestyle of the parties during the marriage can be one factor a court looks at in terms of ordering maintenance. Missouri does, as an example, list the standard of living during the marriage as one of the relevant factors in maintenance calculations. The same is true in Illinois as well as it relates to spousal maintenance.

But if you look at the statutes in Missouri and Illinois, there are various other factors that the court must look at in terms of spousal maintenance and the calculation of maintenance, including the need of the party seeking it. So, the standard of living of the parties during the marriage, while relevant, isn’t the end of the analysis.

This makes it critical that any par-

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters.

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.

THE FRONTIERS OF CREATIVITY

Over the past decade, Oklahoma has seen an unprecedented uptick in enthusiasm for film and music projects. To bolster that passion, entities like the Oklahoma Film and Music Off ice work diligently to connect national and international creatives to talented folks right here in our state. We explore resources, programs and educational pathways offered here, as well peek into the myriad creative projects on the horizon.

Encouraging Imagination

Oklahoma is home to a rich history as it pertains to the lm and music industries. ankfully, several organizations have been established over the years to preserve this knowledge and heritage.

e Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, located in Muskogee, boasts over 100 inducted members. Established in 1997, it holds live concerts every week and has a museum full of memorabilia donated by past inductees.

e Oklahoma Movie Hall of Fame, also located in Muskogee in the iconic Roxy district, is home to a plethora of Oklahoma movie chronicles. Situated inside the Roxy eater, the museum has a special induction ceremony held each year to welcome new members to its elite ranks.

e Oklahoma Film and Television Academy is a newly formed organization focusing on the development of a production-ready workforce for the state of Oklahoma. Located in Spencer, the academy has entry

level classes such as ‘Film Crew 101’ and ‘Set Ready,’ and intermediate classes ranging from ‘Assistant Directing’ and ‘Set Decorating’ to ‘Production Coordinating’ and ‘Script Supervising.’ Sta ers includes people working in the industry currently, such as:

Steve Mathis – A professional ga er, or chief electrician on a movie or TV set. (Credits: Halloween, Mrs. Doubt re, or: Ragnarock)

Dean Georgopoulos – A digital imaging technician. (Credits: Birdman, Gravity)

Alisha East – Assistant director and production assistant. (Credits: e Mandalorian, Conjuring 2, Modern Family)

e Oklahoma Film and Music O ce is a onestop-shop to get all your Oklahoma lmmaking and music updates. e organization strives to support and connect local, national and international lmmakers with Oklahoma’s skilled and talented crew, production services and locations. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the o ce touts a website (ok lmmusic.org) that’s full of helpful tools and resources to nd/apply for local projects.

CREATIVITY

By Drew Joseph Allen

Films of Note

Although the lm industry in Oklahoma has been growing exponentially over the past decade, lms about Oklahoma – or lmed in the state – have been getting created for a good while. Well known movies like Twister and e Outsiders, both shot in the state and containing stories centered on it, are highlights, both critically and nancially.

“Twister created an annual stream of tourists, along with real and pseudo weather scientists and storm chasers traveling to the state as far as France, Japan, Korea, Australia and the UK,” says Oscar Ray, operations manager for Roxy eater.

More blockbuster lms, like Martin Scorcese’s upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon starring Leonardo DiCaprio, wound up lming in the state because of projects like Twister

“ at big budget Hollywood movie helped to encourage the growing number of independent motion picture producers and helped grow the state’s lm festival circuit,” says Ray.

Other notable lms include Oklahoma!, e Grapes of Wrath, and Minari.

“Obviously Killers of the Flower Moon spent the most money, but in reality, every movie shot in Oklahoma has a positive impact on the state’s bottom line,” says Ray. “And each new movie or television show produced here says: ‘Give Oklahoma a try.’”

Film and Music Education

If you’re looking to get educated in the arts, Oklahoma has quite the list of options.

For music enthusiasts wanting to learn more about the craft, both the Oklahoma Music Academy and Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) are solid choices. e Oklahoma Music Academy, located in Tulsa, has a wide variety of programs including violin, voice, bass, guitar and drums, along with summer programs. ACM@UCO, on the other hand, o ers two fully accredited Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees and three associate degrees, all focused on preparing students for careers in the music industry.

Major colleges with lm and music programs in-state include Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa.

Oklahoma Music Genres

Music stemming from Oklahoma is vast and ever-changing.

“What seems like the one genre of music that is strictly Oklahoman, at least in the country side, is called Red Dirt music,” says Tony Corbell, executive director at the Oklahoma Music HOF. A large number of musicians have worked under this umbrella term, including Bob Childers, often called the father of Red Dirt music, and Steve Ripley.

Of course, Red Dirt isn’t the only genre of music Oklahoma is known for – we’ve got major stakes in country as well. Other native musicians include Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

As for notable history moments from the state, Corbell says Merle Haggard’s song “Okie From Muskogee” is high on the list.

“It was recorded here in Muskogee at our Civic Center in 1969,” he says.

Another milestone moment came when Leon Russell founded the famous Church Studio in Tulsa.

“It became the hangout of many, known for the Tulsa Sound and as a great place to play and collaborate,” he says.

Reservation Dogs, a popular TV show following the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma, films in-state.

Photo courtesy FX/ Shane Brown

Tulsa King follows New York mafia capo Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone), who must set up shop in Tulsa following his 25-year stint in prison.

Photo courtesy Brian Douglas/Paramount+

On top of that, summer camps are great ways to get experience or enrichment in a condensed time frame. Oklahoma Children’s eatre, which has been running out of OKC for over 35 years, has multiple camps for varying ages with workshops and lessons. For high school students, e Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute in Quartz Mountain State Park is a two week intensive that trains participants in the visual, literary and performing arts. Students are selected through blind auditions. Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art ou? and Holes) was a student from 1980-1982.

Animation and the Rise of AI Art

If instead your focus is on TV and lm animation, Oklahoma has plenty of opportunities.

Oklahoma City University has a Game Design and Animation program, while Oklahoma Christian University o ers its Gaming and Animation degree. e University of Central Oklahoma also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design while the University of Tulsa has a Motion Graphics and Animation program.

More recently, the world of animation has been rocked by articial intelligence programs, which comb the internet for thousands of pieces of art and then generate something similar. is technology comes with complications for animators if a company is looking to improve its bottom line.

“AI art devalues the actual creation and value of artwork,” says Jessica Doll, an Oklahoma-based 2D animator working in the TV animation industry. “AI art relies on massive, large-scale art theft in order to exist. If it didn’t have that preexisting work to scrape from, we wouldn’t have AI art.”

As a person a ected by this technology, Doll understands the future consequences AI art presents.

“It feels innocent, but it steals and it takes away people’s livelihoods, and it doesn’t care about the rami cations of its actions,” she says.

Oklahoma Film Projects

Oklahoma has become a hot spot for major motion pictures and television to shoot over the past several years.

“Since the launch of the state’s new lm initiative program in 2021, Oklahoma has recruited lm and television projects from major production studios as well as supported local and independent lmmakers from across the globe, all of which contribute to the growth of our state’s lm ecosystem,” says Jeanette Stanton, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music O ce.

Movies like Reagan (a Ronald Reagan biopic starring Dennis Quaid), Killers of the Flower Moon (a historical drama surrounding the killings of oil-rich Osage citizens), and American Underdog (a true story about an NFL MVP) all shot in the state within the last few years.

High pro le television shows like Reservations Dogs and Tulsa King also utilized the state recently, and employed hundreds in the process.

According to the Oklahoma Film and Music website, both Oklahoma City and Tulsa rated high on the list for Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2022.

“Oklahoma’s lm industry is currently seeing an unprecedented appetite for lm making, and the momentum is overwhelmingly positive,” says Stanton. “We hope to continue our upward trajectory in the year ahead with the continued support of our state, city and tribal leadership.”

A major slice of Oklahoma music history is found at Tulsa’s Church Studio, which recently underwent a massive reconstruction and is now open to the public.

Photo courtesy Church Studio

Political biopic Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid, filmed many of its scenes in Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy Matthew Little/MJM Group

A variety of resources exist for aspiring filmmakers, including the Film Education Institute of Oklahoma’s workshops.

Photo courtesy Freestyle Creative + Nam Duong

“

I’m a third generation restaurateur,” says Sheamus Feeley. “And my family’s been farming even longer, so my whole life has been based on food. I’m a total country kid, and my earliest childhood memory is me and my cousin on my grandma’s porch in northwest Arkansas, topping and tailing green beans from her farm. For us, Tulsa was the big city; we’d go ice skating at Williams Center and shopping at Utica Square.”

At fteen, Feeley had a chance to visit a much larger space, Mexico City, but the buildings or crowds aren’t what he remembers best.

“On my very rst day, I went out exploring, and I saw two women – street vendors – selling what I later found out were tlayudas from Oaxaca,” he says. “It was a crowded, noisy street, but when I bit into one, space and time stood still. It was so vibrant, so good! at was the rst time I tasted authentic Mexican food, and it’s my most vivid food memory ever.”

ese childhood memories set Feeley on the path to opening a grand and vibrant Mexican restaurant in Tulsa. A journalism student at the University of Arkansas, he took time o in his junior year to visit Peru. He found himself living in Huancayo, a small city nestled in the Andes with an

elevation of over 10,000 feet. He went to market every day and helped his landlord’s mother with the cooking.

ere, he realized he was destined to be a chef, not an academic. He got a job working for Wolfgang Puck in Denver, started an acclaimed restaurant in Napa Valley – “chef Sheamus Feeley is a genius!” wrote one food blogger – then worked for a company that owned a string of large, elegant restaurants, ending up as executive chef and vice president. en started his own restaurant company – Food is Family. He, along with his partner, got the idea of building a place in Denver that would capture the rich, vibrant restaurant culture of Mexico City. It would have seriously good food. en, on a visit to Tulsa, an old friend took him to see the Vast Bank building just west of the Drillers’ Stadium. He remembered how Tulsa had mesmerized him since childhood and he thought, ‘Why not build it here?’ So he did, and he named it Noche. As of now, the restaurant is slated to open at the end of May.

And what a glorious place he’s building! Brian Green’s the chef; you may remember his great work at La Tertulia, where he served up Santa Fe-inspired cuisine.

Alfredo Aguilera, who has worked as a

beverage director in some of Mexico’s top hotels, is here to design a drink roster based on liquors you’ve probably never heard of, as well as some you surely have. ink tequila, but also think sotol, distilled from rare plants found in the Chihuahuan desert, and raicilla, a liquor invented 300 years ago in Jalisco.

“We want to give people things they’re familiar with,” says Feeley, “and slowly introduce them to things they’re not. It’s Oklahoma, so we’ll do fajitas with pecansmoked short ribs, and even queso. It’s my mom’s recipe, you’ll love it!”

But there’ll also be whole sh with guajillo-arbol salsa; aguachiles; roasted mushroom tamales avored with requeson, marjoram and epazote; and cochinita pibil. is famous dish from the Yucatan features pork shoulder wrapped in banana leaves, cooked overnight with sour orange and annatto. Large groups (10 to 14 hungry guests) can order a whole pork shoulder made that way.

“It comes to the table with lots of salsas, pickles, limes, a whole kaleidoscope of color, and then we peel back the banana leaf wrapping and it perfumes the entire table. And it’s fun,” says Feeley. “Great food doesn’t have to be overly serious, it can be fun.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Aaimpa’ Cafè

If you want to learn about a culture or its people, a great way to do so is by exploring its cuisine. In the heart of the Chickasaw Nation, Aaimpa’ Cafè o ers an authentic taste of Native American cooking.

e Chickasaw Cultural Center located in Sulphur is dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Chickasaw culture. Its on-site restaurant, Aaimpa’ Cafè (aaimpa’ meaning ‘a place to eat’), has been an integral part of that mission. Not only does it provide sustenance to visitors, but also serves as a gateway to learn more about the Chickasaw tribe.

In February 2023, the restaurant, led by executive chef Josh Faulkner, re-opened its doors after an extensive renovation, replete with a new menu. Traditional dishes still have a special place – with options like grape dumplings, the buf-

Dalesandro’s

Dalesandro’s bustling bistro is somewhat of a hidden gem on Tulsa’s Boston Avenue. Tucked in nicely next to Burn Co. Barbeque, FarmBar and Tacos X Mezcal, this Italian mainstay is in good company.

Dalesandro’s small menu means one thing: the chefs here know exactly what they’re doing, what tastes good and what their diners want. Begin with an antipasti – the carpaccio, caprese and asparagus are all smart choices. Or get a Caesar salad for the table.

Classic entrées won’t disappoint, ranging from linguine with basil, garlic and tomatoes; to pollo arrosto, with half a grilled chicken, angel hair pasta and red sauce. Other must-tries include the stu ed shells, with a blend of three cheeses and homemade Italian sausage, as well as the carbonara, with cream sauce and two kinds of bacon, plus peas and Romano cheese.

e star of the show is the sword sh piccata. Enjoy an eight ounce, hand-cutlet of sword sh, breaded with herbs and fresh Parmesan cheese, sautéed in butter, baked and served over angel hair pasta with piccata sauce.

ose with a sweet tooth can nish o with the chocolate gateaux – made with Belgian Callebaut chocolate.

Dalesandro’s also o ers an impressive wine collection, by the glass and the bottle, as well as a reserve collection, beers and a full bar. e spring/

falo burger, and pashofa (a soupy dish made from cracked white corn), served with fry bread. e ree Sisters Salad returns as well, combining corn, beans and squash in an arrangement inspired by the traditional planting method. However, the new additions to the restaurant’s fare bring a fresh twist to traditional Chickasaw avors. Enjoy venison stew, made with a hearty blend of sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spices. Or bite into a delicious charbroiled elk burger, served on a brioche bun from the newly expanded grill o erings. e menu is diverse – o ering options for vegetarians, meat lovers and everyone in between.

Aaimpa’ Cafè is open TuesdaySaturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cookies and beverages are served until 4 p.m.

summer cocktail menu is in full e ect. Try the lemon basil prosecco with vodka, fresh muddled basil and lemon juice; or the ‘Rozay Spritz,’ replete with rosé, vermouth, muscato simple syrup and soda water over ice. Pro tip: Dalesandro’s has one of the most relaxing and visually pleasing patios in Tulsa – utilize it!

1742 S Boston Ave., Tulsa; dalesandros.com

MARY WILLA ALLEN

867 Charles Cooper Memorial Rd., Sulphur; chickasawculturalcenter.com NICKY OMOHUNDRO

Top three photos courtesy Dalesandro’s, bottom photo by Stephanie Phillips

Photo courtesy Chickasaw Cultural Center

Showcasing Indigenous Cuisine

Loretta Barrett Oden leads irty Nine, the restaurant at OKC’s First Americans Museum, in celebrating Native American dishes.

Loretta Barrett Oden’s life and work demonstrate the power that food has in connecting us to our cultural heritage. As a chef, lecturer, food historian and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oden has made it her mission to celebrate and preserve traditional Indigenous cuisine. rough her work at irty Nine Restaurant at OKC’s First Americans Museum, she is protecting the past and inspiring the next generation of chefs.

Oden’s journey in the culinary industry began with her rst husband, whose family owned a popular Shawnee barbecue restaurant, Van’s Pig Stand. After moving to OKC and raising her two sons, Oden then decided to “travel some and learn about what native foods are all about.”

Traveling to Tokyo and conducting cooking demonstrations featuring native ingredients was an experience that stayed with her.

“Not only was it a surreal experience with such a large city and so many people, but the people had an absolute fascination with everything Native American,” she says.

Criss-crossing the U.S., Oden spent several years documenting Native American cuisine and its unique regional avors. She discovered that “full bellies listen well. When everyone has eaten and we are settling back in chairs, it is time to converse and get to know one another.”

She later wrote and hosted a PBS series, Seasoned With Spirit: A Native Cook’s Journey, proving food can be an incredible tool for both connection and storytelling.

In 1993, Oden, together with her son Clay, opened Corn Dance Café in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Unlike other area restaurants that focused on the southwest, the cafe celebrated the diversity of native recipes across North America.

After a decade there, Oden returned to Oklahoma in 2003. Since the inception of the First Americans Museum (FAM) nearly

20 years ago, Oden has lent her passion and expertise surrounding Indigenous food to the project’s leaders. Today, life has come full circle for her at irty Nine Restaurant. She doesn’t “liken this to a swan song, because that sounds too much like an ending. I look forward to bringing together all the work and the endeavors I’ve done over the years, to come back home, and share the food and what I’ve learned with family and friends in Oklahoma.”

As a consulting chef, Oden is involved in all aspects of menu development: “What to cook, how to cook it, the ingredient base, and so on,” she explains. She describes her approach to food as “updated Indigenous cuisine for today, that through food history, can inform diners about who we are – that we are still here, and we have some pretty good food.”

When you look at the 39 tribes that call Oklahoma home, it’s clear they came from every direction, bringing with them diverse cuisine. e menu is an expression of that diversity. e grass-fed bison is sourced from Sayre, Oklahoma’s Benjamin Lee Bison Ranch or, when available, directly from tribes including Cheyenne and Arapaho. Blue corn is featured in the pumpk’n cheesecake’s sugar cookie crust. Corn is the highlight in the popcorn crème brûlée, with avorful corn stock reduction and popcorn-infused cream.

Plans are underway for a summer

teaching garden on the outdoor patio, where children attending FAM camps can learn about eating healthy foods while “playing in the dirt.” Oden is looking to the future and loves working with young minds, “with hopes to plant fresh seeds in those minds,” she says.

Food is a way to connect with the past, and it’s also a way to celebrate the present and the times ahead. Oden hopes to “reacquaint the coming generations with what’s out there and what’s possible for the future.”

NICKY

OMOHUNDRO

Loretta Barrett Oden believes her work at Thirty Nine is a conglomeration of her many culinary experiences around the world.

Photos courtesy First Americans Museum

Big Al’s Healthy Foods

A Tulsa favorite for over 50 years, Big Al’s strives to make healthy food taste delicious. A solid collection of both vegetarian and nonvegetarian options, Big Al’s is also customizable for vegans. Favorites include the grilled chicken wrap with cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, sour cream and homemade hot sauce, as well as the Avocado Delight sandwich with provolone, sun ower seeds, tomato, lettuce and alfalfa. Try a variety of salads, paninis and side items like hummus, too. Smoothies are made with real fruit and honey, and the juices are fresh pressed right in the kitchen. 3303 E. 15th St., Tulsa; bigalstulsa.com

Guyutes

Described as serving “elevated street food,” Guyutes in Uptown OKC takes its name from a Phish song – a favorite band of the restaurant’s owners, Jarrod and Wayne. Aiming to o er a well-rounded menu, Guyutes has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options on its brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Brunch favorites include the wrapped steak and eggs, chilaquiles and breakfast burritos; lunch highlights are the bevy of sliders, street tacos and pizzas. Dinner, too, is a delicious a air, with such o erings as the Pip – a wrap with Cheeto-crusted chicken, black bean puree and avocado, as well as the Guyute – braised pork belly topped with chipotle honey glaze and nished with garlic basil whipped cream on a fried wonton. ere are plenty of beers, wines and specialty cocktails at the ready, too.

730 N.W. 23rd St., OKC; guyutes.com

District Burger

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious burger in no-fuss digs, District Burger in Broken Arrow might be your new favorite spot. Serving up locally sourced, grass-fed beef, District is sure to satisfy. e star of the show, of course, is the range of burger options – from the classic Prime with American cheese, lettuce, mayo and caramelized onions, to the Sigma, topped with cheese, lettuce, bacon and eggs. For the omnivores, enjoy options like the black bean and ‘Impossible’ patties. Other o erings include loaded salads, chicken sandwiches and delicious shakes. Add rosemary garlic fries, onion straws or fried pickles, too. 219 S. Main St., Broken Arrow; facebook.com/dist.burger

The Mantel

In the heart of Bricktown, award-winning ne dining can be found at the Mantel. Featuring low lighting and chic digs, the restaurant is best known for its seafood and chops. Diners can begin with a bevy of appetizer options, including risotto croquettes, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes or beef bruschetta. Land and sea options abound for main courses, ranging from let mignon, duck breast and pesto chicken mac and cheese to mahi mahi, blackened sea bass and scallops. e Mantel’s wine list is extensive – 36 wines available by the glass and over 100 by the bottle. If you’re doing a late lunch or early dinner, visit from 4:30-5:30 p.m. daily for happy hour pricing, which gets you 20% o all food.

201 E. Sheridan, OKC; themantelokc.com

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy District Burger

Photo courtesy the Mantel

Photo courtesy Big Al’s

Photo courtesy Guyutes

WHERE & WHEN

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

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

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

BROWN BAG IT: TPAC

SHOWCASE May 3 Tulsa

PAC The Performing Arts Center has wonderfully talented singers, dancers, actors and musicians who perform during Brown Bag It events. tulsapac.com

AMERICAN THEATRE

COMPANY PRESENTS:

AMERICAN BUFFALO May

6-13 Tulsa PAC Three smalltime hustlers want a bigger cut of the American dream. tulsapac.com

THEATRE TULSA PRES-

ENTS: KINKY

BOOTS Through May 7 Tulsa

PAC The dazzling story of a struggling factory owner and an ambitious entertainer, Kinky Boots follows them as they create a line of stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! theatretulsa.org

TULSA BALLET PRESENTS:

SIGNATURE SERIES May

11-14 Lorton Performance

Center Tulsa Ballet closes out the season with an always unforgettable evening made up of three works by three superstar choreographers. tulsaballet.org

THEATRE TULSA ACADEMY PRESENTS: 101 DALMA-

TIANS – KIDS EDITION May

13-14 Tulsa PAC Pet owners Roger and Anita live happily in London with their large brood of dalmatians, but when the monstrous Cruella De Vil plots to steal the puppies for a new fur coat, they rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue. theatretulsa.org

TULSA OPERA PRESENTS: INTO THE WOODS May

14 Tulsa PAC Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical interweaves timeless fairytales and explores the consequences of its characters’ wishes and quests. tulsaopera.com

NICK OFFERMAN May

19 River Spirit Casino

Resor Join Nick Offerman for a night of deliberative talking, mirth and music. riverspirittulsa.com

TULSA SYMPHONY PRESENTS LUMINOUS: BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 3 EROICA May 20 Tulsa

PAC Enjoy music from the symphony with guest conductor Sarah Hicks. tulsasymphony.org

CONCERTS

KEB’ MO’ May 4 River Spirit

PERFORMANCE

SHOWS GALORE

Live showcases are around every corner in May. At the PAC, kick o the month with eatre Tulsa’s presentation of Kinky Boots, running through May 7. Tulsa Opera’s nal showcase of the season, Into the Woods, runs May 14 at the PAC; the classic Sondheim musical interweaves a variety of timeless fairytales. Tulsa Symphony also presents a May showcase at the PAC – Luminous: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 Eroica on May 20. Other Tulsa goodies include Tulsa Ballet’s Signature Series, May 11-14 at the Lorton Performance Center; and a comedy show from Nick O erman on May 19 at River Spirit Casino Resort.

In OKC, visit the Civic Center Music Hall for a smattering of shows. First is OKC Ballet’s Shorts, May 5-7, which presents three iconic ballets in one performance. Next, stick around for OKC Phil’s Oklahoma Stories on May 13, which acts as a tribute to a variety of Oklahomans during the Clara Luper Centennial celebration. Comedian Tim Allen visits the Civic on May 19, and you won’t want to miss Hamilton, running May 24-June 4 courtesy OKC Broadway. Mosey down to the Oklahoma History Museum for Canterbury Voices’ presentation of Crescendo on May 18 as well.

Pauls Valley and Cement o er their monthly opries on May 6 at Pauls Valley High School and 410 N. Main St. in Cement, respectively. Lastly, don’t miss Gaslight eatre’s presentation of Arsenic and Old Lace on May 12-20 in Enid.

Casino Resort Keb’ Mo’ stands as one of the most accomplished and respected artists working in contemporary roots music today. riverspirittulsa.com

BRETT YOUNG May 5 River

Spirit Casino Resort Brett Young has already cemented his status as country’s master over matters of the heart. riverspirittulsa.com

EVERCLEAR May 6 Hard Rock

Hotel and Casino Tulsa American rock band Everclear visits Tulsa. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

BRET MICHAELS May 12 Hard

Rock Hotel and Casino

Tulsa Poison’s frontman Bret Michaels rocks the Hard Rock. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

KANE BROWN May 12 BOK

Center Multi-platinum, five-time AMA award-winning entertainer Kane Brown announced his Drunk

OKC BALLET 1

or Dreaming Tour bokcenter.com

LIZZO May 20 BOK Center Lizzo has announced the second North American leg of her wildly successful 2022 tour. bokcenter. com

LITTLE BIG TOWN May 20 River Spirit Casino Resort Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home nearly 20 awards. See them live at River Spirit. riverspirittulsa.com

BRYAN WHITE May 24 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Bryan Shelton White is an American country music singer and songwriter who visits Tulsa for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa. com

ART

MARILYN ARTUS: ASSORTED

AMERICAN COMMENTARY Through May 21 108 Contemporary This solo exhibition is sure to provide insight and perspective on American society while using mixed media and ephemera. 108contemporary.org

REMBRANDT TO MONET: 500 YEARS OF EUROPEAN PAINTING FROM JOSLYN ART MUSEUM

Through May 28 Philbrook Immerse yourself in European masterworks at Philbrook. philbrook.org

ROBERT PETERSON: HOMECOM-

ING Through June 11 Philbrook Museum of Art Lawton, Oklahoma based artist Robert Peterson’s stunning portraiture depicts the diversity of the Black experience and pushing against stereotypes. philbrook.org

FLORAL RESILIENCE Through June 25 Philbrook Across time, flowers have been a source of inspiration for artists, not only for their beauty but

also for their symbolic—and sometimes secret—meanings. philbrook. org

ALEXANDRE HOGUE: HUMAN/ NATURE Through June 25 Philbrook Growing up in Texas, Alexandre Hogue saw the devastation of the Dust Bowl firsthand. He responded in his artwork. philbrook.org

SLUMGULLION: THE VENERATE OUTPOST Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with awardwinning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

SPORTS

TULSA DRILLERS BASEBALL

May 2-7, 9-14, 23-28 ONEOK

Stadium The Drillers return for spring and summer games. milb. com/tulsa

SIMULCAST HORSE RACING May

4-Nov. 4 Expo Square Don’t miss a variety of horse racing fun at Expo Square. exposquare.com

BREEDER’S INVITATIONAL May 13-27 Expo Square Equine excellence will be around every corner at the exciting Breeder’s Invitational. exposquare.com

TULSA OILERS INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE May 13, 27 BOK Center The indoor football league comes to life. bokcenter.com

TULSA FC SOCCER May 19 ONEOK Field The Tulsa FC plays at home versus the Memphis 901 FC. fctulsa. com

COMMUNITY

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL May 5

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

GERMANFEST May 5-7 1429 Terrace

Photo by Shevaun Williams

Dr. Dine on authentic German fare, listen to live polka music and watch as skilled folk dancers grace the stage. gastulsa.org

TULSA INTERNATIONAL

MAYFEST May 12-14 400 S. Main St. Experience an outdoor tribute to the arts and music at the 50th annual Tulsa International Mayfest. tulsamayfest.org

MAGIC CITY BOOKS PRESENTS: TOM HANKS May

13 Tulsa PAC Magic City Books is thrilled to welcome Academy Award winning actor and bestselling author Tom Hanks for an exclusive in-person event to celebrate the release of his first novel. tulsapac.com

SECOND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR May 13 100

E. Second St. Take a fun and educational walking tour during the Second Saturday Architecture Tour. tulsaarchitecture.org

TULSA FESTIVAL OF KITES May 13-14 Tulsa Wind

Riders Gather to watch colorful, interesting shapes catch some serious air. travelok.com

BIXBY BBQ ‘N BLUES FESTIVAL May 19-20 Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum, Bixby One of the largest barbecue competitions in Oklahoma features two days of mouthwatering barbecue and great music. bixbyrotarybbq. com

TIME TRAVELERS VINTAGE

EXPO May 20 Expo

Square Enjoy vintage everything at this exciting expo. exposquare.com

JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN

NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM May 24-26 Oklahoma State University – Tulsa Attend the John Hope Franklin National Symposium to discuss reconciliation and learn about active advocacy efforts to heal racial divides worldwide. jhfnationalsymposium. org

DISCOVERY AWARDS May

25 Tulsa PAC Presented in partnership with Celebrity Attractions, the Discovery Awards highlight and award excellence in high school musical theatre. tulsapac.com

THE WORLD OF BOB

DYLAN May 30-June 4 100 E.

Second St. As part of Tulsa’s premier festival of art, Switchyard, The World of Bob Dylan will bring together scholars, critics, journalists and fans to study Dylan and the impacts of his work. dylan.utulsa.edu

CHARITABLE EVENTS

TASTE OF TULSA May

5 Cox Business Convention Center Visit this exciting event that benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. bbbsok.org

ARIAS AND ALES May

6 Marshall Brewing Co. Sip some great beer and enjoy helping out Tulsa Opera. tulsaopera.com

MEMORY GALA May 6 The Vista at 21 Save the date for this celebration in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. alz.org

RUN FOR THE ROSES May

6 Pavilion at Expo Square There’s no other event like the Tulsa Boys’ Home’s annual signature Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby party. tulsaboyshome.org

DIG: DAY IN THE GARDEN May 13 Tulsa

Botanic Garden Spend time in the great outdoors to benefit Tulsa Botanic Garden and its many programs. tulsabotanic. org

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE:

EQUALITY GALA 2023 May

13 Cox Business Convention Center Oklahomans for Equality presents the BOLD Party with a Purpose – replete with cocktails, dinner and an anniversary celebration program. okeq.org

CONSERVATION ON TAP May 19 NEFF Brewing Tulsa Zoo’s premier beerdrinking event features unlimited samplings from local breweries, distributors and home brewers. tulsazoo. org

IN OKC PERFORMANCES

OKC BALLET PRESENTS: SHORTS May 5-7 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy three iconic ballets in one performance. okcballet.org

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: OKLAHOMA STORIES May 13 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy a tribute to iconic Oklahomans during the Clara Luper Centennial celebration. okcphil.org

CANTERBURY VOICES PRESENTS:

CRESCENDO May 18 Oklahoma History Museum Celebrate 19 years of Artistic

Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson’s leadership at Canterbury Voices. canterburyokc.com

TIM ALLEN May 19 Civic Center Music Hall Allen continues to perform stand-up shows to sold-out crowds across the country. okcciviccenter.com

OKC BROADWAY PRES-

ENTS: HAMILTON May 24-June 4 Civic Center Music Hall Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. okcbroadway.com

CONCERTS

TECH N9NE May 4 The Criterion See the energetic Tech N9NE in concert. criterionokc.com

BROOKS AND DUNN May

5 Paycom Center Brooks & Dunn is bringing their Reboot 2023 Tour to Oklahoma City with special guests Scotty McCreery and Megan Moroney. paycomcenter.com

GRUPO FIRME May

6 Paycom Center Grupo Firme is bringing the ¡Hay Que Conectarla! Tour 2023 to Oklahoma City. paycomcenter.com

EL FANTASMA May 19 The Criterion Alexander García is a Mexican singer-songwriter of regional Mexican music known professionally as El Fantasma. criterionokc.com

ART

PLAYING COWBOY Through May 7 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Since the publication of the first dime novels and the worldwide tours of Wild West shows in the 1880s, children across the globe have “played cowboys and Indians.” nationalcowboymuseum.org

OUTLAWMAN Through May

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

YOU HAVE DIED OF DYSEN-

TERY Through May 7 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum “You have died of dysentery” is a line from the famous ‘game over’ screen from The Oregon Trail series of computer games. The quote also calls out the connection between Western themed play and the often-dark realities of history. nationalcowboymuseum.org

FIGHTERS FOR FREEDOM: WILLIAM H.

JOHNSON PICTURING JUSTICE

Through May 14 OKCMOA

William H. Johnson celebrated black activists and their accomplishments even as he acknowledged the realities of racism, violence, and oppression they faced and overcame. okcmoa.com

ART AND ACTIVISM AT TOUGALOO

COLLEGE

Through May 14 OKCMOA

Co-organized by the American

COMMUNITY BARBECUE, ARTS, FESTIVALS AND 5KS

It’s a busy month for community events.

In Tulsa, celebrate heritage with Germanfest, running May 5-7 at 1429 Terrace Drive. Participants can enjoy live music, dancing and delicious eats. Celebrating its 50th year, Tulsa International Mayfest runs May 12-14 at 400 S. Main St. See gorgeous wares from local artists, and enjoy live music and food. Keep the good vibes going at Bixby BBQ ‘n’ Blues Festival, running May 19-20 at Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum. Other community events to visit are the John Hope Franklin National Symposium, May 24-26 at Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campus, as well as e World of Bob Dylan event, May 30June 4 at 100 E. Second St.

In OKC, the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Scissortail Park is a can’t miss, as it’s one of the largest celebrations

Federation of the Arts and Tougaloo College, Art and Activism at Tougaloo College examines the birth and development of this unique collection—the first in Mississippi dedicated to modern art. okcmoa.com

EVA SCHLEGEL: MULTIPLE VOICES Through June 10

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. oklahomacontemporary.org

ARTOONS Through July 26

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Presented in conjunction with the Toys R Western and You Have Died of Dysentery exhibitions, ARToons will continue the playful nature of the exhibitions on display throughout the Museum at the same time. nationalcowboymuseum.org

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

SPORTS

23RD ANNUAL COWBOYS OF COLOR RODEO May

6 OKC Fairgrounds Enjoy an

exciting day full of rodeo events. okcfairgrounds.com

CENTRAL 4D BARREL

RACE May 6-7 OKC Fairgrounds Equine experts descend upon the fairgrounds. okcfairgrounds.com

BIG 12 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP May 11-13 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Stadium See the best collegiate softball players compete for top prizes. big12sports.com

OKC DODGERS BASEBALL May 16-21, 30-21 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark See the Dodgers play at home. milb.com/ oklahoma-city OU BASEBALL May 16, 18-20 L. Dale Mitchell Park, Norman The Sooners take on a variety of foes during America’s favorite pastime. soonersports.com

COMMUNITY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY

WALK May 5 Paseo Arts

District Visitors can enjoy art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

OKC CINCO DE MAYO

FESTIVAL May 5 Scissortail Park Gather the family and your friends and head to Scissortail Park to celebrate at one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Oklahoma City. scissortailpark.org

AUTISMOKLAHOMA OKC

5K May 5 Stars and Stripes Park Challenge yourself to

in the city that presents authentic music, dancing and scrumptious fare. Head to the OKC Fairgrounds for Budweiser’s Custom Car SuperShow, racing into town on May 20. Fans of Red Dirt country music should head to Stillwater’s Tumbleweed Dance Hall for the annual Tumbleweed Calf Fry, May 4-6. Other events of note include the Norman Pride Festival Weekend, May 5-7 at various locations; the Jim orpe Celebration and Memorial 5K, May 6 at Jim orpe Park in Yale; the Prague Kolache Festival, May 6 on the 1100 Block of Main Street in Prague; and the Arts for All Festival, May 12-14 at Shepler Park in Lawton. Final highlights include the Stilwell Strawberry Festival, May 13 in downtown Stilwell, and the Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride, May 20 at Bartlesville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve.

WHERE & WHEN | ENTERTAINMENT

run your best time during the AutismOklahoma OKC 5K. travelok.com

CALDERÓN DANCE FESTI-

VAL May 7 Plaza

District Honor the life of local dance instructor Shannon Calderón during the Calderón Dance Festival. plazadistrict. org/calderon

LIVE ON THE PLAZA May

12 DNA Galleries Live on the Plaza is the district’s monthly block party and art walk. You’ll be able to find live entertainment, art, food and all things local! dnagalleries. com

MOTHER’S DAY DESSERT

CRUISE May 14 Regatta

Landing Treat your mom to delicious bite-sized desserts and mimosas at the cash bar while onboard the climatecontrolled vessel. okrivercruises.com

OKLAHOMAN CAREER

FAIR May 16 OKC Fairgrounds If you’re on the job hunt, visit the Oklahoman Career Fair. okcfairgrounds. com

BUDWEISER’S CUSTOM CAR SUPERSHOW TOUR

2023 May 20 OKC Fairgrounds Visit the Bennett Event Center for an exciting day of car-tastic fun! okcfairgrounds.com

CHARITABLE EVENTS

TFI OKLAHOMA GOLF

TOURNAMENT May

4 Cherokee Hills Golf Club Play a few rounds of golf to benefit children in the foster care system. tfifamily. org

AMERICAN TOURIST: CINCO DE MAYO May

5 OKC’s Historic Farmers Public Market American Tourist is Upward Transitions’ annual fundraising event that supports programs to serve central Oklahoma. upwardtransitions.org

OSTRICH EGG BREAKFAST

AT THE OKC ZOO May 6, 13, 20, 27 OKC Zoo Oklahoma City’s most celebrated breakfast event, Ostrich Egg Breakfast, returns as a series featuring a breakfast buffet and Zoo admission. okczoo. org

RIDE FOR A REASON May

6 The Chicken Shack, Arcadia Enjoy a poker run, live music, cornhole tournament, raffle and more. bcsoklahoma.com

OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME 2023 CLASS

ANNOUNCEMENT

LUNCHEON May 25 Oklahoma Hall of Fame The outstanding individuals selected for induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for 2023 will be announced to the public. okcnp.org

THE STATE PERFORMANCES

PAULS VALLEY OPRY

May 6 Pauls Valley High School

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

variety of clubs. travelok. com

THE CEMENT OPRY May

6 410 N. Main, Cement

The Cement Opry is a monthly live variety show held in the Jesse James Ballroom, which is located above the Cement Museum. travelok.com

GASLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE May

12-20 Gaslight Theatre, Enid This crime comedy is based on the life of Mortimer Brewster – a prominent New York newspaper writer who’s recently become engaged to his neighbor’s daughter. gaslighttheatre.org

CONCERTS

ASHLEY MCBRYDE May

12 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See crooner Ashley McBryde in concert for one night only. choctawcasinos.com

38 SPECIAL AND BLUE OYSTER CULT May

27 Riverwind Casino, Norman Enjoy these two bands as part of Riverwind’s Beats and Bites festival. riverwind.com

SPORTS

DUNCAN PRORODEO May

5-6 Stephens County Fair and Expo Center, Duncan Join the excitement at the Stephens County Fairgrounds for PRCA Professional Rodeo action as cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country compete. travelok.com

OU AND OSU SOFTBALL May 5, 6, 7 Cowgirl Stadium, Stillwater Rival softball teams the OU Sooners and OSU Cowgirls play three games back to back in Stillwater. soonersports.com/okstate. com

OSU BASEBALL May 5-7, 12-14 O’Brate Stadium, Stillwater The Cowboys take the field at home. okstate.com

WILL ROGERS STAMPEDE PRCA RODEO May

25-29 Will Rogers Stampede Arena, Claremore Make your way to Claremore for all the excitement of the annual Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo. rodeoticket.com

COMMUNITY

FLOATING FOUNDER

SCAVENGER HUNT May

1-June 30 Downtown

Yukon Enjoy a family friendly outdoor scavenger hunt for all ages, spotlighting Yukon’s history along Main Street a.k.a. Route 66. $1k in prizes are up for grabs! yukon66mainstreet.com

TUMBLEWEED CALF

FRY May 4-6 Tumbleweed Dance Hall and Concert Arena, Stillwater The annual Tumbleweed Calf Fry features a massive lineup of Red Dirt country music. cal ry.com

DOWNTOWN FOOD TRUCK

THROW DOWN May 5 801 Texas Ave., Woodward Bring your appetite to Woodward’s Downtown Food Truck Throw Down and enjoy various delicious foods from Oklahoma

SPORTS

GETTING ACTIVE IN OKLAHOMA

Get ready for a bevy of outdoor sporting events this month.

In Tulsa, the Drillers play America’s favorite pastime at home – the ONEOK Stadium – on May 2-7, 9-14 and 23-28. Stick around ONEOK for a Tulsa FC soccer match on May 19. Simulcast horse racing stampedes into Expo Square starting on May 4, as does the Breeder’s Invitational, from May 13-27. And you won’t want to miss the Tulsa Oilers indoor football league, with games May 13 and 27 at BOK Center.

In OKC, you can get your ll of baseball with the OKC Dodgers at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, playing May 16-21 and 30-31. e OU baseball team plays at Norman’s L. Dale Mitchell Park May 16 and 18-20. Take a short

vendors. woodwardmainstreet.com

DIAMOND DAZE FESTIVAL May 5-6 Sallisaw High School The Diamond Daze Festival is an annual outdoor event that brings residents and visitors together for entertainment, food and fun. sallisawchamber.com

NORMAN PRIDE FESTIVAL WEEKEND May

5-7 Various locations, Norman Celebrate the LGBTQ2SIA+ community during exciting city-wide events at Norman Pride Weekend this May. normanokpride.org/pride2023

ROSE ROCK MUSIC

FESTIVAL May 5-7 304 S.

trip to Stillwater to see OSU baseball, May 5-7 and 12-14 at the O’Brate Stadium. Other sporting events include the 23rd Annual Cowboys of Color Rodeo on May 6 and the Central 4D Barrel Races May 6-7, both at the OKC Fairgrounds, as well as the riveting Big 12 Softball Championship, May 11-13 at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Stadium in OKC. Speaking of softball, don’t miss three back-to-back softball games between the rivals of OU and OSU, May 5-7 at Stillwater’s Cowgirl Stadium.

Around Oklahoma, visit the Duncan ProRodeo on May 5-6 at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center, or the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, May 25-29 at the Will Rogers Stampede Arena in Claremore.

Main St., Noble Come to the Rose Rock Music Festival in downtown Noble for a fun-filled weekend featuring plenty of family activities. travelok.com

JIM THORPE CELEBRATION & MEMORIAL

5K May 6 Jim Thorpe Park, Yale Honor the legacy of famous Oklahoman and Native American Olympic medalist Jim Thorpe at the Jim Thorpe Celebration and Memorial 5K in Yale this May. travelok.com

PRAGUE KOLACHE

FESTIVAL May 6 1100

Block of Main St. The annual Prague Kolache Festival celebrates the

Czech heritage and founding of Prague, Oklahoma. praguekolachefestival.com

SPRING FEST Through May 11 Collinsville Veterans Building Spend some time with family and the Collinsville community at the city’s Spring Fest. travelok.com

ARTS FOR ALL FESTI-

VAL May 12-14 Shepler Park, Lawton The Arts for All Festival is southwest Oklahoma’s largest free juried arts festival, drawing people from Oklahoma and Texas for a weekend of art, entertainment and tantalizing foods. lawtonartsforall.org/festival

STILWELL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May

13 Downtown Held since the 1940s to promote the strawberries grown in the area, the annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival has become one of Oklahoma’s most-loved hometown traditions. strawberrycapital.com

ALPACA FARM

DAYS May 13-14 Magnolia Blossom Ranch, Newcastle At the National Alpaca Farm Days event, visitors can celebrate the unique farm animals with familyfriendly fun. magnoliablossomranch.com

WOOLAROC SPRING

TRAIL RIDE May

20 Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, Bartlesville Watch for buffalo, elk, deer or longhorn cattle on this trail ride that covers approximately 15 miles of scenic terrain. woolaroc. org

OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Through June 4 The Castle of Muskogee Step back in time to the 16th century with Queen Elizabeth I of England and over 400 entertainers and artisans as they create the boisterous Village of Castleton at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. okcastle.com

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL

Photo courtesy OU Athletics

DYNAMIC OFFERINGS ABOUND

May cinema presents a breath of fresh air.

We’re ve months into 2023, and cinematic o erings don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. is selection may involve some superheroes, action and comedy, so maybe you’ll nd something worth heading to the theatre for.

Starting us o is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Closing the trilogy of lms, all written and directed by James Gunn, the movie wraps up the story of StarLord (Chris Pratt) and his ragtag group of mis ts as they deal with a new enemy and the mysterious past of Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper). Although Gunn was red from production early on, he was later rehired and lming appears to have run as smoothly as possible. One of Marvel’s most cohesive set of lms, largely due to a singular voice being in charge, the third volume will hopefully bring the trilogy to a satisfying end when it hits theaters on May 5.

For an action thriller, look no further than e Mother. e story follows an ex-assassin, Jennifer Lopez, who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter – whom she cut contact with much earlier in her life. e trailer gives the impression that Lopez is a no nonsense killer ready to take down any person who gets in her way. It will be released to Net ix on May 12, but if you need a holdover lm featuring Jennifer Lopez as a U.S. Marshall chasing down a thief played by George Clooney, make sure to watch the 1998 lm Out of Sight!

If exploding cars and nonsen-

sical plots are your thing, then you already know about Fast X.

e tenth lm in the Fast and Furious franchise of ever-changing names, the plot involves Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew dealing with Cipher (Charlize eron) and newly added bad boy of the week, Dante (Jason Momoa). My guess is that it will be a convoluted, laughably fun/comically stupid reworking of past lms to invent new reasons for “plot” to happen. e trailer is bonkers and full of ght scenes, explosions and breaking of the laws of physics. It’ll be all about family when it crashes into theaters on May 19.

If you need some comedy after all that action, check out About My Father. Written by and starring Sebastian Maniscalco, the semi-autobiographical story centers around Maniscalco, playing a loose version of himself, and his imminent proposal to his girlfriend. Issues arise when his father, played by Robert De Niro, wants to tag along for the weekend retreat ... and his traditional Italian values clash with everything else. e lm looks sweet and charming, with some of Maniscalco’s signature bits from his standup career mixed in. It releases on May 26.

Lastly, don’t sleep on Confess, Fletch. Released last year and starring Jon Hamm, the soft reboot of the franchise that originally had Chevy Chase in the titular role is an excellent crime comedy with good laughs, a great cast and an engaging mystery to solve. It’s now streaming on Showtime.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

©Disney

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6837-F S. Memorial Tulsa • 918.254.1611 visionsunique.com

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Tad Jones

Tad Jones, executive director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums, is a Claremore native and graduate of Oologah High School and the University of Tulsa. Jones served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1998 to 2010; during his tenure, he held leadership roles including the House Education Appropriation Chairman and the House Majority Floor Leader. After helming the Grand Lake Association, Jones came to Will Rogers Memorial Museums in 2014. We caught up with Jones and got his thoughts on ...

... how he got involved with the museums.

I grew up in Claremore and went to school in Oologah, so I have been around the museums all my life. When the position came up to be the director in 2014, it was a dream opportunity to be a part of the legacy of such an inspirational and impactful gure as Will Rogers. I have been the director since then and have absolutely loved sharing Will.

... what the memorial and museums offer.

e Memorial Museum in Claremore houses the largest collection of Will Rogers writings and memorabilia in the world. Visitors can visit 12 galleries to learn about Will’s life and in uence, and they can also visit the tomb where he and family members are buried. e Birthplace Ranch where Will was born is just 12 miles up the road near Oologah, and visitors can see the White House on the Verdigris where

Will was born and raised.

... whether his political background has helped in this role.

I think it has de nitely helped. We desperately needed a new HVAC system when I arrived, and we were able to get funding for that. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people through my time in the legislature, and those relationships continue to be important to the future of the museum, through funding, support and activities.

... the future of the museum.

We are extremely excited about the future of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. We will be receiving funding from an Oklahoma Historical Society bond package to build a new building for o ces, collections and events; have a new entryway; and solve ADA issues throughout the museum.

We will also be updating all our exhibits to create the Will Rogers – World Citizen Experience. We will be inspiring people from all over the globe with Will’s life and character traits that made him so beloved.

...

how

people

can

get involved.

Our website, willrogers.com, has lots of information for visitors, and we have a fantastic volunteer group called the Ropers who help out with events throughout the year. ey greet people from all over the world. Volunteer information is also on our website.

... the best part of his day.

We have a great sta at the Memorial and we have so many wonderful events for the community. Each day brings something new, and I love seeing people come to the museum and smile as they learn about Will or participate in our activities.

... how to help.

When the museum was built in 1938, not only did the Oklahoma legislature invest in the Memorial, but people from all over the country helped fund the building. We are asking the same as we renovate the Museum, as our world needs a positive role model citizen and there just isn’t anyone better than Will Rogers. If you want to help with our e orts, you can visitwillrogers.com and click on the World Citizen Experience button. We would love everyone’s help as we keep Will’s legacy alive.

... his day-to-day.

Right now, most of it is preparing for the renovation of the museum. I am working to raise money and prepare for the major update to the facility over the next few years.

Photo courtesy Tad Jones

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