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2011-12 | imagesstillwater.com 速

stillwater, oklahoma

COLLEGE TOWN PERKS Residents have easy access to Oklahoma State attractions

SURF ON OUR TURF Restaurants offer plenty of diversity

Cheer or Participate City overflows with recreation options

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2011-12 edition | volume 4 速

Stillwater, Oklahoma co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 surf on our turf

Restaurants offer plenty of diversity

14 College Town Perks Stillwater residents have easy access to OSU attractions

18 cheer or participaTE Stillwater overflows with recreational opportunities

22 CAPTURING THE NEW ECONOMY OTRP spearheads push for high-tech jobs

d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 26 Biz Briefs 28 Chamber Report 29 Economic Profile 30 Image Gallery 34 Health & Wellness 36 Arts & Culture 38 Sports & Recreation 40 Education 43 Local Flavor 47 Community Profile 48 Through the Lens on the cover Photo by Jeff Adkins Wakeboarding on Lake Carl Blackwell

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Digital Edition

Residential Surf on

Our Turf

Sales & Service

RESTAURANTS OFFER PLENTY OF DIVERSITY

STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

• Chilled water systems

estaurants offer a slice of the good life in Stillwater, with a diversity of menus and dining experiences. Sometimes the food choices in a college town may be limited to burgers and fries, but that’s not the case in Stillwater. Of course, burgers are still one of the important staples of life for students and other residents, and the city is home to top hamburger spots such as Eskimo Joe’s, Louie’s Grill & Bar, Boomarang Diner and Kruize ‘n’ Burger. For pizza lovers, places like The Hideaway and Mazzio’s are a can’t-miss, while anyone who likes yogurt and smoothies should make it a point to visit Landry’s, Fresh Berry and Orange Leaf. Meanwhile, diners into natural and health foods have options such as the takeout café at Nature’s Supply, and the daily lunch special at Seretean Wellness Center. Steaking Their Reputations Rejoice, steak lovers. Stillwater is home to upscale dining destinations such as Joseppi’s Italian Kitchen, DaVinci’s, Freddie Paul’s Steakhouse and the upscale, student-run The Ranchers Club, located on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

• Boilers • Geothermal systems – IGSHPA accredited installer • Radiant floor heating • BBB Accredited Business • New construction • All metal duct work • Carrier hi-efficiency units • Infinity control systems and zoning • Indoor air quality

The 12-ounce prime New York strip steak, served with parsley butter, whipped potatoes and green beans at The Ranchers Club

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STiLLWaTER, OKLahOma

COLLEGE TOWN PERKS Residents have easy access to Oklahoma State attractions

SURF ON OUR TURF Restaurants offer plenty of diversity

Facts & Stats Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

City overflows with recreation options

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Almanac

Welcome to Stillwater An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Born Leaders

Sports Prowess Oklahoma State University football inspires excitement and loyalty, and creates a sea of orange and black on game days. A longtime fixture in the Big 12 Conference’s South Division, OSU’s 48 national team titles puts it behind only Stanford, the University of Southern California and the University of California Los Angeles on the all-time title list. From football to soccer, baseball to golf, OSU sports represent a history of success that most collegiate programs can only dream about. In fall 2009, Cowboys fans got even more to cheer about with the completion of the new home of Cowboy football. Boone Pickens Stadium is now a stateof-the-art complex with unrivaled facilities for daily operations and convenient location.

Stillwater residents were born to lead, at least with a little help from Leadership Stillwater, a program designed to identify and prepare future leaders of the community. The first class graduated in January 1984, and since then more than 400 people have participated in the program. Those participants have gone on to serve on volunteer boards and committees in a range of community initiatives. Leadership Stillwater educates its students with more than 60 hours of classroom-style learning, with resources and instruction from civic leaders, government officials, educators, and experts in a range of fields.

Photo Courtesy of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

Green and Clean With the green movement in full swing, Stillwater is doing its part to keep up with the trend. Oklahoma State University has partnered with Clean Energy to open a compressed natural gas fueling station in Stillwater. Added bonus? It’s easy on the pocketbook. CNG, a clean burning alternate fuel available in the United States, is almost $1 per gallon less than gasoline and more than $1 per gallon cheaper than the national diesel average. But the perks extend far beyond the cost; CNG is cleaner and less corrosive than earlier diesel fuels. The station is located on the corner of Western and Lakeview.

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Now, Here’s the Kicker Some big name brands call Stillwater home. One of the best known is Kicker, a manufacturer of amplifiers, subwoofers and components. The company is owned by Stillwater Designs. What began in Stillwater as a two-person operation building speaker systems for churches and auditoriums has morphed into a successful car audio manufacturing company that today employs more than 220 people.

Fun Things to Do n Discover new talent in music by visiting Red Dirt music venues. n Grab your friends and bowl a few games at Frontier Lanes.

Shop ‘til You Drop Small-town Stillwater offers the shopping options of a city twice its size. Local shops line the streets, ranging from eclectic gift shops to fashion boutiques and fun kids specialty stores. Flourishes Flowers, Décor & More and The Beadery in Downtown Stillwater take care of gift shopping needs, with miscellaneous items ranging from jewelry, art and accessories to an impressive selection of flowers at Flourishes. The unique boutiques Elizabeth’s and Wooden Nickel near campus offer multiple women’s wear lines, while Elizabeth’s also carries plenty of signature sorority offerings. Parents and the younger set alike will also enjoy the wares at Butter Bean Children’s Boutique and Wiggles and Giggles.

Photo Courtesy of Patrick Bumpas, AIA, Red Prairie Design Group

It’s a Wonderful Life

Kids have their own place to play at the Oklahoma WONDERtorium, a hands-on children’s museum started by two Stillwater families. In 2006, the Museum Without Walls education program was established and quickly gained popularity, reaching more than 11,000 children in a three-year period through five inquiry-based programs based on science and literacy. The success led to the realization that a permanent learning facility for children was needed, and thus the Oklahoma WONDERtorium was born. The permanent facility recently opened at 308 West Franklin, north of Stillwater High School, and features displays such as a multilevel Discovery Tree complete with an interactive treehouse, rope bridges and slides.

n Explore the campus of Oklahoma State University, which hosts many attractions, from exciting sporting events to top museum exhibits. n Create your own beads and rock jewelry at Countryside Studio & Gallery. n Spend a night under the stars at Camp Redlands. n Take a tour of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum to see the very best of wrestling history. n Express your creativity in an art class at the Multi Arts Center. n Cast your fishing rod or just enjoy the scenic view at Stillwater’s numerous lakes.

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Almanac

Star Power Success seems to follow Oklahoma State University graduates. Its impressive alumni roster includes some well-known names and familiar faces. Country music star Garth Brooks attended the university on a track scholarship and graduated in 1984 with a degree in advertising. Then there’s T. Boone Pickens, an American financier who chairs the hedge fund for BP Capital Management, and who graduated with a geology degree in 1951. Today, he is ranked by Forbes as the 328th richest person in America. Other famous faces include Pro Football Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders.

Stillwater

Stillwater At A Glance Population (2009 estimate) 45,300 Location Stillwater is in north-central Oklahoma, midway between the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Beginnings Stillwater was unofficially founded on Dec. 12, 1884, when Capt. William L. Couch tried to settle the land but was thwarted by the military. He dubbed the area near Stillwater Creek the “town of Stillwater.” But things really moved forward on April 22, 1889, when the Oklahoma Territory officially opened. Contact information Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St. Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: (405) 372-5573 Toll-Free: (800) 593-5573 Fax: (405) 372-4316 www.stillwaterchamber.org

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Stillwater

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Surf on

Our Turf Restaurants offer plenty of diversity

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By jeff adkins

The 12-ounce prime New York strip steak, served with parsley butter, whipped potatoes and green beans at The Ranchers Club

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The Ranchers Club is actually situated on the first floor of the Atherton Hotel, which is attached to the OSU Student Union Building. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet for hotel guests and the public, and lunch that features a variety of sandwiches, salads, steaks and burgers. Dinner has several menu options and an extensive wine list that includes South American selections. “We are certainly known for our steaks, and people drive here from as far as Edmond, Enid and Tulsa for our food,” says Lyn Putnam, sales and marketing manager with The Ranchers Club. “The restaurant has an elegant, fine-dining atmosphere but has décor that showcases the ranch culture of Stillwater, with antler chandeliers and cowhide on the backs of chairs. Plus there are Western paintings throughout the dining area.” Three-Layer Mousse The chef is Chris Becker, and The Ranchers Club has even garnered recognition for its pastries, thanks to offerings such as mascarpone cheesecake and threelayer mousse. “But it’s really our entrees like thick New York strip steak and lobster bisque that make The Ranchers Club what we are today,” Putnam says. “We’re open seven days a week. Come see us.” The Terrace at Meridian Technology Center has a cafeteria open to the public. Hot-Pot Spot Those who like Oriental cuisine will have their taste buds satisfied at restaurants such as Kyoto, Sushi House and Tokyo Pot. The staff at Tokyo Pot offers a dinneronly experience with unique cuisine and atmosphere. “We have 13 tables and present food in a hot-pot style, where small stoves are brought to each table and the meal is cooked in front of the customer,” says Dean Chen, manager of Tokyo Pot. “Our entrees include vegetable platters, rice and choices of chicken, ribeye, pork and seafood, and we get great reviews. Having the meal prepared right in front of the customer makes the Stillwater dining scene even more interesting than it already is.”

Prime ribeye cooked in a hot pot of boiling water, soy and sugar (right) accompanied with garlic, chili and soy sauces (top left) and steamed rice (bottom left) at Tokyo Pot in downtown Stillwater

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College To

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wn Perks Stillwater residents have easy access to OSU attractions

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By jeff adkins

iving near a major university has its perks. Just ask the residents of Stillwater, home to Oklahoma State University. Several OSU events and attractions are open to the public, perhaps the most famous being the annual Oklahoma State Homecoming. The homecoming celebration every October has become more than a fall football game, thanks to involvement from the entire community. “Most homecomings are typically just a Saturday afternoon football game, but Stillwater goes above and beyond to make it a huge deal,” says Cristy Morrison, director of the Stillwater Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It has been called America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration, starting on a Monday and finally winding up on Sunday.” Morrison says the week features much of Stillwater decorated in Oklahoma State’s primary school color of orange, even to the point of campus dorm rooms decorated in orange lights. “The OSU Alumni Association is in charge of campus activities, but all of Stillwater benefits because it brings thousands of visitors into town for the week to spend money,” she says. “One of

Visitors tour the Heritage Hall museum on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

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Photo Courtesy of the OSU Alumni Association

the big events is a Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-off, which is open to everyone. Other activities during the week include a Residential Life Bash, a Cowboy Corral, street painting and the very popular campus walkaround, which more than 70,000 people attended last year.” OSU Arts and History Attractions Meanwhile, an OSU-related attraction that is open to the public year round is Gardiner Art Gallery, located in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts on campus. Gardiner hosts 10 exhibits a year, four of which feature visiting artists, and the gallery’s permanent collection includes more than 300 pieces by artists such as Jasper Johns, Salvador Dali, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Motherwell and Imogen Cunningham. In addition, OSU recently purchased the Postal Plaza building on South Husband Street in Stillwater and will eventually transform it into another gallery for the university’s growing art collection. For performing arts fans, OSU

hosts an annual Orange Peel entertainment extravaganza each fall that brings musicians and comedians to Stillwater for the public to enjoy. And since Oklahoma State sports are a big component of life here, residents can view the history and strength of the university’s sports teams by visiting the Heritage Hall museum, which contains trophies, memorabilia and other items that span more than a century. “The front area of the museum showcases Oklahoma State steadily growing as a university after it was first founded in 1890,” says Shelly Parke, Heritage Hall coordinator. “Then, visitors can move from exhibit to exhibit to see the impressive athletic accomplishments.” Parke says the various displays include national championships, salutes to academic All-Americans, Olympian recognition and a Hall of Honor. “The museum opened in 2001 and has steadily grown, so today there’s a lot to look at,” she says. “There is a lot to absorb in one visit.”

Clockwise from top left: OSU’s Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts; Oklahoma State Homecoming; Various trophies and sports memorabilia on display at the Heritage Hall museum; Visitors tour the Heritage Hall museum.

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Cheer

Participate Stillwater overflows with recreational opportunities Story By Jessica Mozo | Photography By Jeff adkins

hen the Fourth of July rolls around, Stillwater’s Boomer Lake area overflows with as many as 10,000 spectators for the city’s annual Boomer Blast event, a three-day community celebration featuring wakeboarding and wake skating competitions, concerts, fireworks, a family fishing tournament, Sno-cone and watermelon eating contests, and children’s activities. “Boomer Blast is a great opportunity for friends and neighbors to get together. There’s a lot of Stillwater community pride and American patriotism,” says 18

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Amy Jo Frazier, recreation supervisor of aquatics, concessions and special events for the City of Stillwater. “It has been a local tradition for at least 15 years, and people really look forward to it.” Stillwater Trails and Parks Boomer Lake is just one of Stillwater’s many recreational assets, with opportunities for disc golf and hiking or biking the 3.2mile Kameoka Trail at Boomer Lake Park. Stillwater administrators are committed to providing residents with a high quality of life, and that dedication shows in the city’s large number of recreational offerings. “It’s all about getting off the

couch, getting to know your neighbors and maintaining your quality of life and health,” Frazier says. “Many people don’t put recreation as No. 1 on their to-do list, but recreation is essential for good health – and if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Bicyclists love the 27-mile mountain bike trail at Lake McMurtry, while families and children appreciate Stillwater’s 11 community playgrounds. “We have three children, and we spend a lot of time at area lakes and playgrounds,” Frazier says. “A new playground opened at Southern

Lake Carl Blackwell

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“It’s all about getting off the couch, getting to know your neighbors and maintaining your quality of life and health.”

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Woods Park in 2010, and kids love it. Strickland Park also has a big playground with stuff for little and bigger kids.” Golfing and Swimming in Stillwater Golfers flock to Lakeside Golf Course, home of the legendary Oklahoma State University golf team. The 18-hole course offers tournaments, lessons and leagues and is repeatedly named one of Golf Digest magazine’s Best Places to Play. Love to swim? The City of Stillwater Municipal Pool is located

in Couch Park and is open from the end of May to mid-August. The 400,000-gallon pool has six 50-meter lanes, a 12-foot diving well, two slides, a gated wading pool for young children and a concession area with shaded seating. “Every year, we teach more than 1,000 kids to swim through our Learn to Swim program,” Frazier says. “The state of Oklahoma has more waterfront than any other state because we have so many ponds and lakes, so it’s very important for kids to learn to swim. We have awesome

American Red Cross-certified lifeguards, and they take pride in our swim lessons.” Stillwater residents will soon have another place to play in the water. The Stillwater Community Endowment Fund is working to raise $300,000 to construct a new downtown splash pad – a water playground with a series of decorative, water-spraying pipes and nozzles. The opening date has not been determined. “We are still in the early planning stages while we raise funds for this project,” says Michelle Matheson, president

of the Stillwater Community Endowment Fund’s board of directors. “We hope, like in other communities, the splash pad will add to the quality of life in Stillwater.” Stillwater Lakes and Spectator Sports Lake Carl Blackwell is a popular destination among camping, boating and fishing enthusiasts. The lake is brimming with hybrid striper, catfish and crappie, and campgrounds and picnic areas are available year round. Lake McMurtry also offers fabulous

fishing and is stocked with bluegill, bass, catfish, walleye and saugeye. Lake McMurtry hosts an annual Youth Fishing Tournament every June for kids ages 6 to 16. Sports fans who would rather cheer than participate can take a seat at one of Oklahoma State University’s many sporting events. The OSU Cowboys and Cowgirls have won 50 national championships in wrestling, golf, basketball, baseball, cross country and equestrian competitions, so it’s fitting that the university refers to itself as “The Campus of Champions.”

From left: Setting out on a canoe ride at Lake Carl Blackwell; Chuck Streit rides the 27-mile mountain bike trail at Lake McMurtry; Lifeguards give children swim lessons at the municipal pool.

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Business

Capturing the

New Economy Oklahoma Technology Research Park spearheads push for high-tech jobs

Story By Joe Morris Photography By jeff adkins

tillwater has a 160-acre message for technology companies looking for a place to call home: We’ve got room. The Oklahoma Technology & Research Park (OTRP) is located in town and continues to bring in a mix of high-tech, cutting-edge employers. OTRP was designed specifically for tech-based or knowledge-driven firms, with customizable space that can be a single laboratory or an entire floor, even an entire building. Stillwater, OSU, Meridian Technology Center Collaborate In addition to its facilities, the park also benefits from the collaborative team behind it. In addition to the City of Stillwater, Meridian Technology Center and Oklahoma State University also spearheaded the project, and the synergy those entities bring is a promotional tool itself, says Joshua McKim, director of economic development for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

“That consortium shows that we have multiple entities who can all bring a different approach, and a different strength, to hightech job growth and economic development,” McKim says. “When companies are looking at us, they see that our stakeholders here all act together harmoniously, and that they are willing and eager partners in any new business venture. We think that’s really huge.” The site is capable of 1 million square feet of lab, office and support facilities, and thus far has drawn interest from companies whose products range from agricultural biotechnology to aerial systems, thermal imaging, sensors and nanotechnology. A major tenant is FLIR, a world leader in the thermal-imaging infrared camera market. The company, which designs, manufactures and markets cameras, serves both private- and public-sector clients, and now operates a facility out of the OTRP. What’s more, their presence is helping to draw similar firms as well as feeder businesses.

OTRP Plans New Buildings “The intent of the park was to have a place to spin our technology, to commercialize and grow what’s coming out of OSU,” McKim says. “But we also wanted to have some major tenants who would spur further development. We have that with FLIR, because we’re already seeing spinouts of smaller, similar companies and even individuals who are starting companies. That’s always encouraging, because it helps us grow at many different levels.” While there’s still plenty of land to be had, occupant-ready facilities are another matter. In fact, the park has been so successful that it is almost out of built-out space, but that will be a short-term issue. And it’s one that McKim is happy to have. “We’re figuring out what our next space needs to be, so that we can decide what kind of spec building to put up,” he says. “There are a lot of options to consider, but that’s a problem we’re more than happy to contend with.”

Research is performed in a lab housed in the Venture One building at the Oklahoma Technology & Research Park.

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define stillwater’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$479 million Annual retail sales

$11,949 Retail sales per capita

$81 million Annual hotel and food sales

3,161 Total number of firms

Photo Courtesy of Sara Bradshaw Ray

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

Stillwater Convention & Visitors Bureau Biz: Destination marketing organization Buzz: The Stillwater Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) promotes the long-term development and marketing of Stillwater, focusing on convention sales, tourism marketing and service. The Stillwater CVB has been representing hotels, meeting facilities, attractions, restaurants and other providers serving travelers for more than 25 years. www.visitstillwater.org 26

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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Biz: Chocolate and sweet shop Buzz: Located downtown and serving various confections, such as handmade fudge, caramel apples and boxed chocolates, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a staple when it comes to tasty treats. www.rockymountain chocolatefactory.com Bradshaw Centre Biz: Virtual office Buzz: Bradshaw Centre provides spaces for individuals, groups and support staff to work, with both fully furnished and unfurnished offices available, as well as cubicles and conference rooms. Tenants can also enjoy amenities such as high-speed Internet access, mailing services and storage areas. Owned by Jeanette and Gerald Bradshaw, the center has been serving the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professionals for more than 30 years. www.bradshawcentre.com Furniture Showcase Biz: Furniture store Buzz: Furniture Showcase offers a variety of furnishings suitable for any home, and has a wide selection of brands such as Lane, LaZBoy, Ashley and Bassett. This family-owned business is located in a historic building that was once the Leachman Theater, a popular movie house frequented by locals and Oklahoma State University students from the 1940s to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s. www.stillwaterfurnitureshowcase.com Central Rural Electric Cooperative Biz: Member-owned electric company Buzz: The Central Rural Electric Cooperative (CREC) works to provide electricity to the nine districts it serves. Operated by its members, CREC is a democratic organization in which an elected board of trustees acts as decision-makers. In addition, CREC offers several programs for kids, such as Be Safety Smart and YouthPower Energy Camp, to teach them about safety, leadership and cooperatives. www.crec.coop

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Business

Chamber Report Chamber’s strategic plan relies on five core elements

structure is only as good as its supporting elements, an approach the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is taking to shore up its future. The chamber is finalizing a plan, which will have five major components, or pillars, to drive the organization forward. They include economic development,

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membership retention and recruitment, finance and leadership. Within each pillar will be specific action items and strategic multiyear plans to move forward, so the overall plan also serves as a road map for growth and success, says Ashley Crouch, the chamber’s communications and public relations specialist.

“We want to stay focused on what our priorities are, and so each of these pillars represents a driving force for the chamber,” Crouch says. In the area of membership, for example, the plan addresses economic conditions and other impediments to growing the rolls. While many factors are outside the organization’s control, the goal is to increase value for members, which can be done through more value-added services and activities. That will help with recruitment and retention, and also raise the chamber’s profile in the business community. Economic factors also come into play. A challenging economy means the organization is running leaner than ever. That said, there are still ways to generate revenue, which will allow for an expanded roster of programs and services. All aspects of the plan involve forecasting and trending, which will help the chamber be proactive to the economic and business climate. That’s a huge change, and a vital one, Crouch says. “We are working off bigger ideas, so our board developed some long-term strategies,” she says. “We want to make sure our members know what is available to them, and that our potential members know about all the programs and activities we have.” That kind of visibility has been key to the chamber’s success, says Gregg Bradshaw, the chamber’s current board chair. “This is the black-and-white blueprint for how we are going to function now and into the future,” Bradshaw says. “It lays the groundwork for our committee structure, our goals and all the other aspects of what we’re all about. Those five pillars address all the issues very effectively.” – Joe Morris

Economic profile Business climate Stillwater is home to a diverse mix of business and industry, from manufacturing to advanced technology, and offers a highly educated workforce and low cost of doing business. Among its export industries are marine engines, printing and publishing, floor covering, wire products, software, food and related products, and research.

Tax Structure

INCOME

3.5%

$21,377

City Sales and Use Tax

major employers 5,000+ Employees Oklahoma State University

0.75% 4.5%

Stillwater Medical Center

State Sales Tax

Stillwater Public Schools

$34,697

County Sales Tax

700-999 Employees Wal-Mart

Per Capita Income

Average Annual Household Expenditure

WORKFORCE

8.75%

38.8%

Total Sales Tax

White-Collar Jobs

400-699 Employees City of Stillwater

Transportation

Mercury MerCruiser OK State Dept. of Career Tech 100-399 Employees Kicker Stillwater National Bank Quad Graphics Armstrong Worldwide Industries Nomadics Frontier Electronics National Standard Meridian Technology Center

Stillwater Regional Airport 2020 W. Airport Rd. Stillwater, OK 74075 (405) 372-7881 stillwater.org/airport

60.9% Blue-Collar Jobs

resources

OSU/Stillwater Community Transit System 1006 W. Hall of Fame Stillwater, OK 74078 (405) 744-2832 www.transit.okstate.edu

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St. Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: (405) 372-5573 Toll-Free: (800) 593-5573 Fax: (405) 372-4316 www.stillwaterchamber.org

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Image Gallery

Heritage Hall museum at Oklahoma State University Photo by Jeff Adkins

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Image Gallery

Jogging on the Oklahoma State University campus Photo by Jeff Adkins

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A rainbow over Lake Carl Blackwell Photo by Jeff Adkins

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photos by Jeff Adkins

Health & Wellness

A fitness specialist works with a member at Stillwater Medical Center’s Total Health.

A Picture of Health Oklahomans achieve maximum health results in Stillwater

ealth care in Payne County extends far beyond the doctor’s office into the Stillwater community, where wellness classes and preventative health programs are keeping Oklahomans active and healthy year round.

Stillwater Medical Center Leading the way in preventative health and wellness is Stillwater Medical Center, a 119-bed not-forprofit hospital facility. Their Total Health program offers residents of north-central Oklahoma a complete medical fitness center and physical rehabilitation program. Each member undergoes a comprehensive fitness assessment upon joining and works with a fitness specialist

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to set goals and create a customized workout plan. Members then utilize Total Health’s exercise equipment, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, and educational resources. Fitness classes offer something for all ages and include Zumba, yoga, boot camp and water aerobics in Total Health’s warm-water pool. Through the Community Benefit Committee of Stillwater Medical Center’s Heart of the Community mini-grant program, schools, churches, youth groups, businesses and community coalitions receive up to $1,000 funding for efforts that promote cardiovascular health, nutrition, childhood obesity prevention or tobacco use prevention and/or cessation. The committee grants

$9,000 to area organizations each year, and has distributed more than $56,000 locally since 2006. “People in Payne County have some great ideas to promote and improve wellness, but too often lack the funds to make a project happen,” says Shyla Eggers, director of public relations for Stillwater Medical Center. “Stillwater Medical Center is pleased to provide the Heart of the Community mini-grants and help move these projects forward.”

Seretean Wellness Center at OSU Also in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University’s Seretean Wellness Center is striving to make OSU the healthiest campus

in the nation. The 25,000-squarefoot center opened in January 1991 and operates 17 programs, with an annual budget of $1.5 million. Monthly membership to their O-Zone Fitness Center provides group exercise classes, cardio equipment, free weights and individual machine weights. Massage therapy, nutrition counseling, physical therapy and other services also help members achieve optimal levels of physical and mental health. Additional student services provided by OSU’s Seretean Wellness Center include health screenings, peer education and healthy food choices in resident halls. The center also administers several state and federally funded programs for Oklahomans, including tobacco and drug use prevention programs. – Melanie Hill

Baker Animal Clinic

Maria Di Gregorio, DVM James Baker, DVM Joseph McCann, PhD

Focusing on complete care through medicine, dentistry and surgery to improve the quality of your pet’s life. Emergency services, reproduction and boarding are available.

2003 N. Boomer Rd. Stillwater, OK (405) 372-4525 www.bakeranimal.com

photos by Jeff Adkins

Arts & Culture

Red Dirt Rising Stillwater is the home of Red Dirt music

ou know you’re in a college town when the live music scene literally rocks. Case in point: Stillwater, home to a major university and the rise of Red Dirt. “There’s a thriving music scene in Stillwater,” says Amy Jackson, general manager of Joseppi’s Italian Kitchen. “You can find pretty much any kind of music you like here.” Eclectic sums up the Stillwater music scene. Whether you’re looking for a honky-tonk, a college bar or dinner with a little background music, you’ll find it in Stillwater.

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Background Music

College Hangout

“We’re pretty lucky because at Joseppi’s, you can not only enjoy great music every weekend but you can get a full-course meal as well,” says Jackson. Joseppi’s features live music every Saturday night, with musical stylings ranging from blues and jazz to bluegrass. If you’d rather enjoy a beverage and appetizers with your music experience, Zannotti’s Wine Bar is the place for good music and great wine. Live bands perform every Tuesday and Saturday from 8-10 p.m.

Of course, the college town reputation brings with it a certain expectation when it comes to live music. Luckily, Eskimo Joe’s, local bar/restaurant/college hangout delivers. Well known for its cheese fries, souvenir mugs and t-shirts, Eskimo Joe’s transforms into a top music venue every Thursday night. The intimate setting provides a great way to get close to some of Stillwater’s favorite local bands, as well as a few national acts who have made their way to the college stage, and

it’s the place to go if you’re looking for rock or pop.

The Rise of Red Dirt Stillwater’s claim to music fame is as the home of Red Dirt music. Red Dirt is best classified as folk or alt-country, and gets its name from the red Oklahoma soil. As far as finding it, Tumbleweed and Willie’s Saloon are iconic anchors to Stillwater’s string of clubs, and feature a healthy dose of Red Dirt. A few local acts have risen to the top and claimed local Red Dirt fame. Bob Childress, the Red Dirt Rangers and Medicine Show are all well-known around town. “The Red Dirt Rangers always draw big crowds, and a lot of different bands will bring their own group following,” Jackson says. Local legends aside, Stillwater has played host to a few bona fide superstars. Tumbleweed, Stillwater’s resident honky-tonk, opened in 1981, and has seen a string of famous acts such as George Strait and Charly McLain grace its stage. Country music star Garth Brooks even worked as a bouncer while he attended Oklahoma State University. He gave his first performance at Willie’s Saloon, before he blazed his legendary path into country music superstardom. Clearly, good music isn’t hard to come by in this small town. “We don’t really have a problem finding bands. We stay pretty booked,” Jackson says. – Karen Schwartzman

From left: Bluegrass band Steelwind plays at Eskimo Joe’s; The band Holding Space performs on the outdoor stage at Stonewall Tavern.

Other Arts Attractions

in OSU’s Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts, which also hosts national, student and faculty exhibits.

Read about Stillwater’s many other performing and visual arts attractions online at imagesstillwater.com. Highlights include:

Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History The city’s earliest days are interpreted in the lower level of the Sheerar Cultural and Heritage Center, a former church built in 1928.

Town and Gown Theatre This long-established community theater group presents four plays and a musical annually, and launched an improv troupe, Cueless Improv, in 2009. Gardiner Art Gallery See Dalí, Calder and others at this gallery

Washington Irving Trail Museum Explore the area’s history from the mid to late 1800s at the same site where Irving, America’s first internationally acclaimed writer, once camped.

i m ag e ss t i l lwat e r . co m

Stillwater Country Club

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Jeff Adkins

Sports & Recreation

In the Swing of Things Golf in Stillwater is way above par

he Stillwater club scene is in full swing these days, with five nice golf courses located within the city itself, plus two others in neighboring communities. Here is some background and interesting points on each:

Karsten Creek Golf Club Renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio put this 18-hole layout together. In 1994 it was named Best New Course in the U.S. by Golf Digest. Today, Karsten Creek is a public venue and is home to the Oklahoma State University’s men’s and women’s golf programs.

The Links at Stillwater This public golf course features 18 holes rated as championship caliber by the United States Golf Association. An unusual aspect is its aqua driving range, where golfers hit practice balls into a pond.

White Barn Estates The public, nine-hole, par-3 course is situated in a subdivision.

A highlight is the reasonable price, ranging from $15 for 18 holes on weekdays to $20 on weekends.

By the Way There are two well-thoughtof golf courses in surrounding communities. The Golf Club at Cimarron Trails is an 18-hole public course in Perkins; Perry Golf & Country Club is a private nine-hole venue in Perry. – Kevin Litwin

“Where we know our customers by name”

Lakeside Golf Course Lakeside is a par-70 venue originally designed in 1945 by then-Oklahoma State golf coach Labron Harris. Golf Digest rated Lakeside as One of the Best Places to Play in Oklahoma for 2008/2009. The public course is actually the former home of OSU’s golf teams.

Stillwater Country Club This private facility also formerly hosted the Oklahoma State men’s and women’s golf teams. The par-70 layout at Stillwater Country Club plays much longer than its 6,524 yards, thanks mainly to water hazards and out-of-bounds that come into play on 15 of the 18 holes.

723 S. Walnut Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 624-3535 tel (405) 624-3536 fax

www.charliesdrug.com i m ag e ss t i l lwat e r . co m

photos by Jeff Adkins

Left to right: A graphic design class at Meridian Technology Center; Nursing students practice clinical skills at Northern Oklahoma College; Morrill Hall on the campus of Oklahoma State University

Prepping for the Future Stillwater Students are covered Through College and Beyond

Stillwater Public Schools

equipment and complete other improvement projects.

Northern Oklahoma College

While Stillwater is well-known as a college town, the schools of higher learning get a direct supply of well-prepared freshmen every year, thanks to the Stillwater Public Schools system. Students in the district have a reputation for leading the state with ACT and SAT scores, and their hard work is rewarded with phenomenal community support. The district will receive $61.5 million over the next few years to promote excellence in education with modern, state-ofthe-art facilities. New buildings are in the works to replace Highland Park and Will Rogers, and renovations are slated for eight other schools. The money also will help purchase new technology, textbooks, band and orchestra instruments,

Oklahoma State University

The view from Northern Oklahoma College is a long one, given that it was founded in 1901 – six years before the territory became a state. It continues to live up to its nickname, Little Harvard on the Plains, with its many degree and certificate programs as well as the Gateway Program, a collaboration between NOC and OSU that allows students who want to go to college but aren’t quite there academically to attend classes at NOC-Stillwater to begin earning college credit and boost their overall readiness.

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Many of those well-rounded students find their way across town to Oklahoma State University, which draws heavily from the local community but also has students from around the state, nation and more than 100 different countries. The university works to plug into the local school system in Stillwater and surrounding counties, creating a synergy that’s the envy of many other college towns. OSU’s Center for Innovation and Economic Development ensures that local entrepreneurs and small-business owners aren’t left out either, letting those individuals tap in to the university’s many services as needed.

Meridian Technology Center More options are on tap at the Meridian Technology Center, which offers 34 programs, classes

Education

and seminars for specific careers that include construction, information technology and health sciences. The facility also offers individual courses for local businesses and industries. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Joe Morris

By the Numbers

>90%

of Stillwater residents have earned a high school diploma

>50% have earned a college degree

25%

hold a post-graduate degree

i m ag e ss t i l lwat e r . co m

Top 10

Cities to Defy Death

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traverse city Michigan

Stillwater made the list.

rock springs Wyoming

See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

stillwater Oklahoma

Top 10 Cities to Defy Death

Glasgow Kentucky bend Oregon twin falls Idaho

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

Local Flavor

Participants can try dishes like Eskimo Joe’s cheese fries or a slice from The Hideaway at the annual Taste of Stillwater.

Educational Eating Taste of Stillwater serves up funds for schools

here’s plenty of drizzle-andsizzle served up every March at the Payne County Expo Center. That’s where Taste of Stillwater showcases more than 30 restaurants in a casual, familyfriendly evening of food sampling, with all proceeds going to the Stillwater Public Education Foundation to benefit classroom programs within the Stillwater Public Schools district. “This one evening always takes place on a Tuesday in late March after spring break, and the 30 or so restaurants participating are generous by donating and then serving samples of their food to the public,” says Jenifer Bartley, Taste of Stillwater executive director. “Tickets to the public sell for $12, and people go from booth to booth to sample any foods they want from 5:30-7:30 p.m.”

Restauranteurs are advised to bring food for about 400 people, though the event is usually attended by more than 1,000. “Not everyone in attendance goes to every restaurant booth, so that’s why we say bring enough food for 400,” she says. “Each restaurant usually offers about five of their top menu items in bite-size portions, and some even bring desserts. The evening is a big mega-buffet.” Bartley says restaurants are represented from the fast food industry, coffee shops, Italian cuisine, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Greek and American.

Event Funds Classroom Grants “As for the proceeds, Stillwater Public Education Foundation was formed in 1984 by a group of

citizens to provide additional financial support to the school system, raising money through fundraisers,” she says. “Money raised at Taste of Stillwater goes to a grant program, with teachers applying twice a year for grants that will enhance what is being taught in their classrooms. It can go toward equipment, supplies or even an idea that will help students.” Bartley says the Foundation awards a total of $25,000$30,000 to the school district each year. “Taste of Stillwater itself raises $10,000-$13,000 annually, and then the Foundation has other fundraisers,” she says. “Great food along with our schools and teachers – that’s what Taste of Stillwater is all about.” – Kevin Litwin i m ag e ss t i l lwat e r . co m

visit our

advertisers All American Insurance www.allamericanagency.com B&L Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. www.bandlheatandcool.com Baker Animal Clinic www.bakeranimal.com Cedar Oaks Apartments & Duplexes www.cedaroaksapartments.com Center for Executive & Professional Development www.cepd.okstate.edu Century 21 Global Realtors www.c21global.com Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discount Drug www.charliesdrug.com Chickasaw Telecommunications Inc. www.ctsiok.com Cimarron Casino www.cimarroncasino.com Donna Rhinehart Real Estate www.terriblehousekeeper.com Keen Energy Services www.keenenergyservices.com Keystone Engineering & Land Surveying Inc. www.keystone-els.com La Quinta Inns & Suites www.lq.com Payne County Exposition Center www.pcexpocenter.com Re/Max Signature www.stillwatersignaturerealestate.com

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1

3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

Real Estate Professionals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dolores Lemon & Associates www.stw-realestatepros.com Stillwater Medical Center www.stillwater-medical.org Stillwater Milling Company www.stillwatermillingcompany.com Stillwater Steel & Welding Supply www.stillwatersteel.com The Hideaway www.originalhideaway.com Tiger Drug Wes Watkins Center www.okstate.edu

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Oklahoma’s chief source of agricultural income is the production of beef cattle, and the state is among the top five sources of beef in the United States. Eat like a local and use locally raised beef in this recipe for:

Beef and Mushroom Kabobs cup olive oil

1/3

cup soy sauce

1/2

cup lemon juice

1. Mix oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour into a Ziploc bag and add beef cubes. Seal bag and refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

2 tablespoons prepared mustard 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2. When ready to cook, preheat grill. In a large bowl, pour boiling water over the mushrooms and let stand a few minutes. Drain mushrooms and thread on skewers, alternating between marinated meat and mushrooms.

1 clove garlic, minced 11/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 11/2 pounds lean beef round or chuck, cut in 1-inch cubes 12-16 mushroom caps

3. Grill over hot coals for 5 minutes with lid down. Turn skewers and grill for 5 more minutes with lid up.

Boiling water

A Stillwater ‘Tradish’ Since 1957

laugh DRINK tasty famoustradition

memories

YUM enjoy

A Stillwater ‘tradish’ since 1957. Hideaway Pizza is Oklahoma’s oldest pizzeria. Thirty-five individual toppings and six different sauces to choose from, and a distinct crust that is home to the original Hideaway. College students, alumni and Stillwater residents alike have enjoyed great pizza over the years. We are also known for our hand-breaded fried mushrooms, a hot and tasty Hideaway favorite.

pizza More than just great pizza, since the early days to today we are known for our welcoming atmosphere, enjoyable staff and fond memories.

We welcome you to be a part of a Stillwater tradish! 230 S. Knoblock • Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 372-4777 www.originalhideaway.com

the original

1/2

Stillwater , Okl ahoma Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Melanie Hill, Joe Morris, Jessica Mozo, Karen Schwartzman Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance Conzett Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web designer II Richard stevens Web developer i Yamel Hall Web Account Manager Lauren Eubank Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Integrated Media Manager Scott vonCannon color imaging technician Alison Hunter Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin content Director/livability.com Lisa battles Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Images Stillwater is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Stillwater Chamber of Commerce 409 S. Main St. • Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: (405) 372-5573 • Fax: (405) 372-4316 www.stillwaterchamber.org Visit Images Stillwater online at imagesstillwater.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

The Association of Magazine Media Member

Custom Content Council

Member Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

S t i l lwat e r

community profile Snapshot The quality of life in Stillwater is so delightful that it has been touted as Oklahoma’s Friendliest City and The No. 6 Best Small City in America. Residents enjoy excellent education and a reasonable cost of living.

time zone Central

CLIMATE

July Average High

January Average Low

37” Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

Household Information

Ethnicity:

82% White

5% Black

Age:

24 Median Resident Age

36% 19 and Under

53% 20-54

Cost of Living

11%

$41,248

55 and Over

3% Hispanic

10% Other

Transportation

10 minutes Median Travel Time to Work

Closest Major Airport:

Median Household Income

$101,971 Median Home Price

$636 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

Marital Status:

26% Married

74% Single

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC / KOKC) 7100 Terminal Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (405) 680-3200 flyokc.com Located approximately 58 miles from Stillwater

STAMP OUT BREAST CANCER WITH YOUR FEET.

STILLWATER (405) 377-5550

CUSHING (918) 225-1766

Check us out on the web to see what we can offer you!

www.stillwatersteel.com i m ag e ss t i l lwat e r . co m

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Stillwater through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments. From Our Photo Blog: Stillwater Sometimes shooting a cover can be a challenge, especially when it involves a statue. While shooting photos for Images Stillwater, I tried every possible angle at different times of the day on four different days. Each time, I was trying to get a different sort of look at the Spirit Rider statue by artist Jim Hamilton, just to have multiple options to choose from. Most of the time, the sky was either totally blue or totally gray, which made for a pretty boring backdrop, so I added several off-camera strobes to give it a more dramatic look. On the two occasions that I had interesting cloud formations, I shot the statue as a silhouette to emphasize the big Oklahoma sky …

Posted by Jeff adkins

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

Steelwind Bluegrass Band in Stillwater 48

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Churches

Ad Index

8 All American Insurance

C2 Keen Energy Services

4 B&L Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

28 Keystone Engineering & Land Surveying Inc.

35 Baker Animal Clinic

C4 La Quinta Inns & Suites

29 Cedar Oaks Apartments & Duplexes

29 Payne County Exposition Center

41 Center for Executive & Professional Development

C2 Century 21 Global Realtors

39 Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discount Drug

27 Chickasaw Telecommunications Inc.

8 Cimarron Casino

C3 Donna Rhinehart Real Estate

1 Re/Max Signature

5 Real Estate Professionals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dolores Lemon & Associates

24 Stillwater Medical Center

46 Stillwater Milling Company

47 Stillwater Steel & Welding Supply

45 The Hideaway 2 Tiger Drug C3 Wes Watkins Center

Planning a Move? Whether buying or selling, for all your real estate needs, call me!

SOLD

Donna Rhinehart, gRi, CRS (405) 612-0509

Find the latest information on all of my listings at www.terriblehousekeeper.com or e-mail me at drhinehart@stw-realestatepros.com

Amenities

Guest Room FeAtuRes

• Free Bright Side Breakfast™

• Free Wired and Wireless High-Speed Internet Access

• Free Local Calls

• Microwave/Refrigerator

• Free Parking • Meeting Facilities Available • Indoor Swimming Pool • Fitness Center • Pets Welcome

• Cable Television • Coffee Maker • Hair Dryer • Iron with Ironing Board • Dataport Phones/Voicemail • Alarm Clock

5285 W. 6th Ave. • Stillwater, OK 74074 • (405) 564-0599 • (405) 564-0598 Fax