TulsaPeople April 2021 by TulsaPeople

GREENWOOD’S ‘RENEWAL’

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS April 2021

THE HOME & GARDEN ISSUE

Gavin and Beth Downing with sons Wylie and Frazier

HITTING THE ROAD: 3 PERSPECTIVES

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Business Leaders with Heart

EMPATHETIC. ENTREPRENEURIAL IMPACTFUL LEADER. State Sen. Kevin Matthews is well known for his work in the Oklahoma Legislature and being the driving force behind the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. What many may not see firsthand, however, are the simple acts of kindness that Sen. Matthews shares away from the headlines.

On a recent afternoon, standing outside of the Reed Community Foundation where he mentors youth, Sen. Matthews welcomed the approach of a woman who sought nothing more than prayer. Greeting her by name, Sen. Matthews took a moment to pray with the woman who recently had lost two loved ones to COVID-19. “I, like others, know Kevin to be an impactful state senator and civic leader. The more you get to know him, these random acts of kindness are not so random after all,” says Tom Bennett Jr., Chairman of First Oklahoma Bank. “His heart and spontaneous ability to empathize, without considering it a distraction, are a rare quality for most men. But for Kevin, the foundation of who he is and what he stands for is compassion for others.” Sen. Matthews’ community involvement encompasses many organizations, including serving on advisory boards for Meals on Wheels and the Veterans Hospital Tulsa. He is the membership chair of the 100 Black Men of Tulsa mentoring organization and founder

of the YES Youth Entrepreneur Shadow Program, which gives small stipends to young people to shadow business owners and inspire them to become business owners. As founder and chair of the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, Sen. Matthews hopes this year’s commemoration will encourage discussion and understanding about the carnage that overtook the Black Greenwood community in 1921 as well as the resourcefulness, resilient spirit and innovation that existed within the community.

is our history in Tulsa, in Oklahoma, and in the United States,” he says. “We should all participate in learning and telling this story.” One of the barriers to people in Black and Brown communities is lack of access to capital, which makes having a good banking relationship essential, says Sen. Matthews. “At First Oklahoma Bank, they care about me as a person and what I’m trying to do in my community. It’s not just about money to them. Good business usually benefits all involved in the long run.”

“My hope is that we humanize the people who lost their businesses, homes, and lives during this tragedy and that we realize this

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APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 35 ISSUE 6

P. 103 Pastries, salads and more at Cafe Yum

· Checking in with Chuck Lamson, Tulsa Botanic Garden’s new CEO. · Philbrook Museum of Art’s historical tempietto. · A female ﬁreﬁghter’s perspective. · Boss Mom Crew creates a virtual network of business-minded women.

25 ABOUT TOWN · Tulsa’s birding fever. · Guitar House of Tulsa’s new midtown storefront boasts more room, more tunes. · Spring sports around T-Town. · Fire fallout at Marshall Brewing Co.’s taproom.

41 GREENWOOD: ‘RENEWAL’ As Greenwood rebuilt after its 1921 destruction and thrived through the mid-century, outside issues led to a forced decline. BY CARLOS MORENO

46 LEGENDS: JUDY EASON MCINTYRE Former state legislator continues to serve her community. BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

51 NATURAL BEAUTY Home in the Osage Hills blends modern design with natural aesthetics. BY KIM BROWN 4

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

60 RV FEVER

The RV lifestyle has hit record speeds around town. Hear three perspectives on why this vacation vehicle has become a home on wheels. BY JANE ZEMEL

65 WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN Local nonproﬁts and their customers beneﬁt from others’ donated items. BY ANNE BROCKMAN

69 LIFESTYLE · Broken Arrow’s sip and plant shop. · Four regional ﬂoral destinations. · Tulsa’s residential real estate market. · Connie Cronley wishes she were her dog.

97 TABLE TALK · Cheers to weekend brunch. · French Hen’s new downtown digs. · Three chicken salad recipes. · Cafe Ole is a Brookside staple.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 56 79

Home and Garden Proﬁles Top Real Estate Professionals

ON THE COVER

Gavin and Beth Downing with sons Wylie and Frazier PHOTO BY MICHELLE POLLARD

MICHELLE POLLARD

What’s cooking

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FROM THE EDITOR

“Feeding the birds is good karma.”

My backyard birdfeeder has provided my family

sandpipers, which breed in the Arctic, along the

Before the big February snowstorm, I added

On p. 38, outdoors expert Kelly Bostian lends

plenty to chirp about over the past year.

another to our inventory: a bright red metal hopper feeder that hangs along our back porch where we can see it from the living room. Biscuit,

our 5-year-old Heinz 57 dog, watches the window

Arkansas River.

his knowledge about birding in Tulsa — where

to go, what to see and the tools you need to take up the hobby. Kelly holds a special place in my heart. When my dad, Sam Powell, retired from

to see who is there and promptly alerts me when

the Tulsa World, Kelly was named the new out-

that has scattered on the sandstone patio. It’s usu-

I’m so glad he could share his knowledge and skill

a squirrel dares to steal a sunflower seed or two ally when I’m in the middle of an interview or

conference call as I work from home. The girl has

doors editor. He is a gifted writer on many topics. with TulsaPeople readers.

The April issue is bursting with spring-,

perfect timing.

home- and garden-related stories. As we were

Cronley, I let her know of my new purchase. She

think our entire team was eager and excited for

Th rough emails with columnist Connie

updated me on what was going on in her backyard

and informed me of the karmic responsibility I

planning this edition in the depths of winter, I the new season on the horizon.

home that embraces the landscape of the sur-

vious states of existence, viewed as deciding their

gardening (p. 74), destinations for regional garden

fate in future existence.” I like rolling it into the

theme of paying it forward. An action that benefits someone or something else. What can I do

road trips (p. 72) and a local shop’s succulent savvi-

catching countless sunsets (p. 60). And we ask

many flocks to our skies and yards. While tend-

ing my garden I’ve seen a red-shouldered hawk swoop down from a tall oak into a spot of grass

to snatch prey. On a recent morning walk I heard

EDITOR CITY EDITOR DIGITAL EDITOR ABOUT TOWN EDITOR

Anne Brockman Morgan Phillips Tim Landes Blayklee Freed

EDITORIAL CONSULTING Missy Kruse, The Write Company CREATIVE DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

Madeline Crawford Georgia Brooks Morgan Welch Michelle Pollard Greg Bollinger

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Andrea Canada Josh Kampf Rita Kirk CONTROLLER Mary McKisick DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Amanda Hall

MEMBER

TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

We chat with a Tulsa family who hit the road

and rabbits — that call my backyard home?

One of the many things I love about my mid-

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller

ness make for a plant lover’s dream (p. 70).

this past year to live from their pop-up camper,

town neighborhood are the trees. They attract so

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 P: 918-585-9924 F: 918-585-9926

rounding Osage Hills on p. 51. Tips for raised-bed

to help the cardinals, robins, mourning doves,

house sparrows — and, yes, even the squirrels

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

These pages will let you see a custom-built

had unknowingly undertaken. Karma is defined

as “the sum of a person’s actions in this and pre-

Volume XXXV, Number 6 ©2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage.

conducting business, attending school and RV experts about the recreation boom that saw campsites full of new visitors last year.

It’s safe to say spring has sprung, and it’s defi-

nitely something to chirp about. Time to go refi ll my birdfeeder. TP

Langdon Publishing Company sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue of Tulsa People was printed on recycled fibers containing 20 percent post-consumer waste with inks containing a soy base blend. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally, meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together. Disregard any TulsaPeople subscription solicitation that is not directly mailed from the Langdon Publishing office at 1603 S. Boulder Ave. Contact Langdon Publishing directly if you are interested in subscribing or renewing your TulsaPeople subscription.

two owls calling back and forth.

About Town Editor Blayklee Freed took up

birding last summer as a safe, socially distant way to visit friends. Trips to the Arkansas River and Mohawk Park opened her eyes to all the differ-

ent, interesting sights and sounds one could see in birding. Her most fascinating find: seeing least 6

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Anne Brockman EDITOR

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Ellen Weatherholt, curator of the Children’s Discovery Garden, cuts tulips at Tulsa Botanic Garden in spring 2020 to make bouquets for patients at area hospitals.

COURTESY TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN

RETURN TO SPRING

ulsa’s magniﬁcent tulip season is short-lived in a normal year, but in 2020 it was all but wasted at Tulsa Botanic Garden. Along with so many other local attractions, the Garden shut down in response to COVID-19’s arrival in Tulsa. Unfortunately, the long-awaited tulips had just begun to bloom. Despite the timing, staff were able to safely spread a little joy. “We cut some tulips and delivered them to some of the hospitals,” says LORI HUTSON, the Gar-

den’s director of communications and outreach. “And so that was a nice thing to at least be able to share them that way,” as well as through social media. The Garden reopened to the public in May and has had timed entry and safety protocols in place since. The tulips’ bloom schedule depends on the weather, but Hutson says they can typically be seen at the Garden through late April. Book your visit at tulsabotanic.org. TP

READ P. 14 FOR MORE ON TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN’S NEW CEO. TulsaPeople.com

NOTEBOOK BY MORGA N PHILLIP S

DVIS to create

MONARCH GARDEN Rather than have its traditional fundraising gala, the Monarch Ball, in 2021, Domestic Violence Intervention Services is raising funds for an outdoor space for survivors of domestic or sexual violence to reflect and begin their journey to healing. The organization is consulting with a Master Gardener, a conservationist and the chair of the Monarch Initiative of Tulsa on initial planning for the garden, which will be a certified monarch waystation located at the DVIS outpatient facility, 3124 E. Apache St. Only native Oklahoma plants will be utilized to ensure the space is sustainable. The garden also will feature a children’s area with raised beds for digging and a rock garden designed to provide butterflies with hydration. The fundraising campaign is called Monarch Evolved. To sponsor, call 918-508-2709 or email jday@dvis.org. Kavin Ross, left, who is chairman of the 1921 Mass Graves Public Oversight Committee, and members of the committee and excavation team supervise the test excavation of the “Original 18” area of Oaklawn Cemetery on Oct. 20, 2020. Based on the initial findings of at least 12 coffins buried in an unmarked mass grave, the team is planning a full excavation of the site, possibly in June.

‘THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY’

— Kavin Ross, chairman of the 1921 Mass Graves Public Oversight Committee, on the City of Tulsa’s continued requests to conduct geophysical scanning in the privately owned Rolling Oaks Memorial Gardens, 4300 E. 91st St., which has been identiﬁed by the Committee as another possible location for mass graves.

SPRING CLEANING Tulsans can participate in the City of Tulsa’s “virtual creek cleanup” April 1024 by registering at tulsastreams.com. Team leaders can choose the date, time and location of their cleanup from a list of 20 locations. If necessary, trash bags, safety vests, disposable gloves and trash grabbers can be provided while supplies last by calling 918-591-4325. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt when supplies are returned.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

CHANGING OF THE GARB The Tulsa Drillers, in conjunction with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, have announced plans to wear a special patch in May 2021 to raise awareness and encourage Drillers fans to educate themselves about the Massacre while honoring victims and their families. The Drillers will wear patched jerseys for all May games played on ONEOK Field, located in the historic Greenwood District. Additionally, in honor of Juneteenth 2021, the Drillers will wear throwback T-Town Clowns jerseys for three games, June 11-13. The T-Town Clowns, a popular team from the historic Negro Baseball Leagues era, played at Lacy Park, 2134 N. Madison Place, from 1952-1965. The Drillers first wore replicas of the T-Town Clowns’ original jerseys during the 2011 season. Both jerseys will be available for purchase using an auction process with proceeds benefiting the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center and the Lacy Park baseball field renovation project, respectively.

COURTESY

“After 100 years of social injustice, here is our chance, on our watch, to right a wrong. While we attempt to repair a trust that was broken a century ago by Tulsa’s homegrown terrorists, the world is watching our every movement as we go through this unique process. There are Tulsans today who desire to do the right thing for those who were massacred, for those who were not given proper burial rights, and for the most part, for those who were disposed of like common urban trash in the summer of 1921. As chairman, I’m even willing to extend an olive branch to the owners of the Rolling Oak Memorial Gardens cemetery, who own the forgotten, desecrated and suspected gravesite. Together we can talk this process out and have a proper investigation. There is no room for the blame game 100 years later. In my family, we practiced not focusing on who messed up. Instead, we focus on how to solve the problem so that we won’t repeat problem. So Tulsa, let us all evolve and move forward. By working together, we all can be on the right side of history ... this time.”

I AM TULSA Kendall Williams works at Tulsa Fire Department’s Station 4, which covers downtown and west Tulsa.

I AM A FEMALE FIREFIGHTER Kendall Williams is one of less than two dozen Tulsa women on the job. STORY AND PHOTO BY TIM LANDES

Tulsa Fire Department ladder truck pulls into Station 4’s bay and comes to a stop. The driver’s door opens and out pops Kendall Williams. “You should see the looks I get when people see me driving this thing,” Williams says as she leans against the front bumper. The basket connected to the ladder hangs about 5 feet above her head. On Feb. 16, she spent a frigid afternoon in that basket 100 feet high as she helped extinguish a three-alarm fi re at Fischer Brothers Office Supply, 1738 E. Sixth St., next door to Marshall Brewing Co. (see p. 36). Th is August will mark 30 years since Debra Kuffel and Norita Brown took the oath to become TFD’s fi rst female fi refighters. Brown is still on the job and is a role model, according to Williams. They are two of the nearly 20 women on staff out of 676 fi refighters. It’s Williams’ fourth year on the job, and it’s not one she ever imagined doing until a chance encounter with a group of fi refighters at the Helmzar Challenge Course led to her apply. She had quit her Wagoner County law enforcement job after six years, was recently divorced and was running a CrossFit gym when she signed up for the academy. “We had four females in my academy class, which is the most females in a class that we’ve 12

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

had so far,” says the 35-year-old. “I’ve always been an athlete. I grew up on a ball field, so I’ve always been more on the active side, and I like to get dirty. I’m not a high-heeled businesswoman.” She says it’s more socially acceptable for women to work in law enforcement than in fi refighting, and it took her time to adjust to the new way of life. She describes her fi rst year as “mind blowing” in learning how to adapt and thrive in a new environment that she says is “definitely a guy’s job.” She cites finding the right station and crew in her second year on the job as the breakthrough she needed. That, and she can easily carry a 24-foot extension ladder on her shoulder. “I don’t mind working hard. I’ve been a CrossFitter. I coach at a gym, all that kind of stuff,” says Williams, who coaches at Dynamic Sports Development. “You really just have to prove your worth a lot more, I feel.” Not only does Williams drive the ladder truck, she also serves on TFD’s urban search and rescue team. To date, she has been deployed three times for hurricane response. She says her toughest day on the job came last spring in Bird Creek when she was on the rescue crew that recovered the body of 2-year-old Tony Crook. “That sucked, especially when you’ve got your own kids,” Williams says. “I supervised sex

offenders for six years, so I had dealt with that horrible crap on the job. Thankfully that’s the only child (victim) I’ve had to deal with. I’m glad we were able to find them (the bodies of Tony and his 3-year-old sister, Miracle) and bring the family closure, but that was a tough week.” Williams is a member of the group Tulsa Metro Female Firefighters, which is hosting Camp Fierce on May 22-23. It is a camp for women 15 and older who are interested in learning more about the fi re service. EMSA and Oklahoma National Guard also will take part in the event. The group also publishes the calendar “Tulsa Metro Women on Fire,” with proceeds going to Hydrants of Hope, a nonprofit started by late Tulsa fi refighter Mark Meyer to help fight pediatric cancer. Williams says proceeds from the calendar, in its third year, have raised about $50,000 and counting. On April 24, Tulsa Metro Female Firefighters will host a camp for kids with cancer at TFD’s training center. “We’re donating bikes and PlayStation 4 controllers and stuff like that to kids who either have cancer or they’ve recovered from it,” Williams says. “Right now we’ve got about 40 kids. It’s fun. I will never be able to write a big check out of my own pocket, so it’s cool to be able to help in this way.” TP

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Shining Honor Project workers have cleaned and restored headstones in four Tulsa cemeteries.

Honoring veterans

A DIFFERENT SORT OF PITCH Former Drillers owner now leads Tulsa Botanic Garden. BY STEPHEN HUNT

uch of Chuck Lamson’s life has been baseball. In 1979, the New Jersey native came to Tulsa to pitch for the Drillers, which he did until 1981. He then worked as Drillers’ head groundskeeper and sold tickets before becoming majority owner. “As an East Coast guy, I didn’t have any idea what Oklahoma was like,” he says. “I got into downtown and went wow, this is a modern city. It was very clean and (has) a lot of friendly people.” In 2010, after overseeing construction of ONEOK Field, he sold his stake in the Drillers. Since then, Lamson has been an executive in residence at the University of Tulsa overseeing management and marketing internships in the college of business, and consulting with buyers and sellers of minor league franchises. In mid-January, he embarked on another challenge: becoming CEO of Tulsa Botanic Garden.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

“I saw the vision of the people who founded it and the quality of the attraction,” says Lamson, who replaced F. Todd Lasseigne. “We’re only 12 minutes from downtown. Because it is in Osage County, some people feel we’re off the beaten path. We’ve got to create more awareness of how close we are because I think once people get to the garden, they realize it’s a pretty neat little place.” One of the fi rst projects on his plate is the Bumgarner Lotus Pool, a water garden featuring lilies, lotuses, irises and other waterloving plants, and an art deco bridge slated to begin construction this fall. On deck is the All Seasons Garden, which encircles the Lotus Pool and offers a blend of unique seasonal plants, a project in the fundraising stage. “We have 170 acres and a plan to develop 65-70. There’s some real growth opportunities and some challenges,” Lamson says. “I’m diving in and hopefully can make a positive impact in a short period of time.” TP

AND CREATING JOBS Thousands of deceased military veterans and their spouses have clean headstones thanks to the hard work of crews from Shining Honor Project. The nonprofit launched in April 2017 as a way to honor those who served our country, while also providing job opportunities for people with developmental challenges. “This gives our Honor Team members an opportunity to contribute to their community, giving them meaningful work as well as money in their pocket,” says Erin Wambold, Shining Honor executive director. “They feel valued as all people should. Also, we feel the veterans would feel proud to know their headstones are being honored through this kind of work.” Shining Honor partners with Gatesway Foundation and A New Leaf to provide funding for their clients to clean and restore veteran headstones. The workers receive an income that exceeds minimum wage. Wambold says 100% of donated funds go to the partner agencies to provide the paychecks, cover transportation and purchase supplies. To date workers have spent 9,139 hours cleaning and restoring headstones in Clinton Oaks, Oaklawn, Memorial Park and Rose Hill cemeteries in Tulsa. Wambold says the team members learn valuable life skills and gain confidence through the work, and the only things that have slowed them down are the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather. The operation also has expanded to Montana, where Shining Honor partners with Lighthouse Christian Home, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities. For more information on the Shining Honor Project, visit shininghonor.org. — TIM LANDES

PASSIONS: GREG BOLLINGER; SHINING HONOR: COURTESY

Tulsa Botanic Garden’s new CEO, Chuck Lamson, discusses a rendering of the Bumgarner Lotus Pool with Lori Hutson, director of communications and outreach.

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

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ICONIC TULSA

PHILBROOK TEMPIETTO A SMALL BUT CHERISHED ICON OF 1920S OPULENCE BY GEORGIA BROOKS

DESIGNED BY DELK In the late 1920s, oil tycoon Waite Phillips brought architect Edward Buehler Delk, designer of the Country Club Plaza shopping center in Kansas City, Missouri, to Oklahoma to do work for Phillips Petroleum. Delk designed multiple projects for Phillips, including the Philtower and the Phillips’ personal home, Villa Philbrook, and its Tempietto.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

IN THE GARDEN Philbrook’s East Formal Garden that descends toward the Tempietto was designed by landscape architecture firm Hare and Hare in conjunction with the house and Tempietto. In 1933, Hare and Hare did a strikingly similar design for the municipal rose garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. S. Herbert Hare was influenced by the Villa Lante in Bagnaia, Italy, for both the Philbrook and the Fort Worth designs. REFLECTIONS The Reflecting Pool near the Tempietto was originally a swimming pool for the Phillips family. Delk designed two changing rooms to be tucked into the small hill under the Tempietto, which Philbrook staff speculates were likely built but later

ﬁlled in. When looking east or west, either the Tempietto or Villa are reﬂected in the pool. LOVING MEMORIES Staff estimates that Philbrook has hosted 648 weddings since 1995. About 75% have taken place at the Tempietto. In correspondence, the Phillips family and Delk referred to the Tempietto as the “Temple of Love.” On your next visit look at the stone in the center of the Tempietto: It is loosely shaped like a heart. The bench within the structure is dedicated to Tom Manhart, a celebrated Tulsa artist and professor of ceramics at the University of Tulsa from 1962-1999. His wife, Marcia Manhart, worked at Philbrook for 40 years, serving as director from 1983-2003. TP

BHADRI VERDUZCO

LITTLE TEMPLE Tempietto means “little temple” in Italian. It is a Classical form called a monopteros — a round building with columns instead of walls — common in Greek and Roman architecture. In European and American garden design, buildings inspired by Classical temples were often included in extensive gardens to serve as ornamental focal points.

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640 Nonprofits Received Donations

Investments and insurance are not insured by the FDIC; are not deposits or other obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate. All investments are subject to risks, including possible loss of principal. TulsaPeople.com

ROOTS

MEET AND GREET

NAME: Danielle Melton KNOWN AS: Founder of Boss Mom Crew, an online community of moms who are professionals and/or entrepreneurs. She also is an adoptive and foster mom, as well as the director of a local Head Start program. Bossmomcrew.com has a members-only online business directory and hosts business-related masterclasses and virtual networking events. Laura Lemon, right, founded Lemon Laine, a skin care/beauty/wellness company featuring over 100 lines of all-natural products with stores in Nashville (pictured) and Houston.

Tulsa native creates concierge-style beauty and wellness stores. BY BRIA BOLTON MOORE

aura Lemon’s entrepreneurial journey can be traced back to Cascia Hall’s middle school hallways, where she sold homemade lip balms to friends. After graduating high school in 2004, Lemon went to the University of Kansas, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2008. Now 35, Lemon has always been interested in the beauty industry (her fi rst job was as a makeup artist at Saks Fifth Avenue in Utica Square), but her commitment to natural beauty began when she was on the Walmart headquarters beauty buying team from 2008-2009 and launched natural beauty products in about 2,000 stores. “It wasn’t until working at Walmart that I learned about natural beauty and the importance of clean ingredients in our skincare,” Lemon says. “I really couldn’t unlearn the information, and I knew if I stayed in the beauty industry, I wanted to be in the natural industry.” Lemon worked for walmart.com until 2011, followed by beauty brands in San Francisco. In 2016 she moved to Nashville. Within six months she opened Lemon Laine, a natural

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

beauty and wellness shop; she opened a Houston location in 2018. The colorful stores specialize in providing personalized recommendations for beauty and wellness — products ranging from concealer to collagen creamer — and feature an oil bar where custom facial oils are blended on the spot. “Having been in the beauty industry for so long, I just felt like there was a missing piece in the retail experience,” Lemon says. “I wanted it to not be overwhelming but fun and approachable and friendly, and also to curate an assortment that’s good for you.” When the COVID-19 pandemic kept people from brick-and-mortar shopping, Lemon launched Club Lemon Laine, an annual membership that offers unlimited virtual and inperson consultations, as well as exclusive access to the online shop. In addition to makeup and skincare, Lemon Laine carries wellness options like supplements, protein powder and CBD products. “If you don’t feel good, you’re not going to look good,” Lemon says. TP

Why do you think Boss Mom Crew has grown so quickly, to a community of over 8,000 members across the country? I think a lot of it has to do with COVID. Not only are there a lot of moms that feel lonely in their journey and motherhood, but now we’re coordinating our kids, now we’re working from home and we can’t leave for connection. So I think it was a lot of word of mouth because it’s like, “OK, now this is mommy time, and I can do it virtually.” I don’t have to leave, and a lot of times we can’t leave with the pandemic. Is there a deeper meaning for you? I’m just thankful, as an African American woman, for being able to create a space for all moms with different backgrounds, different beliefs, different ethnicities to come together — especially right now with the racial divide and political divide. I am doing my part. And it makes me feel good that I’m bringing all these different people together with the one thing we have in common, which is being a mom and looking for community and uplifting each other. — MORGAN PHILLIPS

For more on Boss Mom Crew, scan this QR code with your smartphone camera.

ROOTS: CAROLINE SHARPNACK; MEET AND GREET: KENDALL MEHTA

SERUMS TO SUPERFOODS

MUSIC ON THE PORCH Thursday Evening Music Series

Gilcrease will offer live music on the front porch of the Gilcrease House every Thursday evening beginning April 1. The socially distanced concerts will also feature a food truck, beer and wine cash bar, outdoor family activities and timed admission to the galleries. Tickets are limited, so visit gilcrease.org to get yours today!

APR. 7

Rev. Marlin Lavanhar Senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church

APR. 21

Carlos Moreno Author of “The Victory of Greenwood”

Subscribe for FREE on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Spotify!

PROSPERITY

TULSA TALKS APRIL GUESTS:

Presented by:

» ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT » REGIONAL TOURISM » GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS » COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT YOUR PARTNER IN PROSPERITY

TULSACHAMBER.COM TulsaPeople.com

Tulsa Talks Pod Cast - TulsaPeople-2.625x4.875.indd 1

12/18/19 3:22 PM

BIZ WHIZ Emily Reh, director of market development and customer programs for ONE Gas, on the rooftop patio of the Reunion Apartments

Covers

POWER OF PARTNERSHIP ONE Gas works with developers to get natural gas in multi-family units. STORIES BY MORGAN PHILLIPS

hen it comes to heating and powering the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors, natural gas is where it’s at: That’s the message ONE Gas’ Emily Reh is sharing all over the country, as well as right here in Tulsa. In Oklahoma, multi-family units have primarily been developed as all electric, explains Reh, the director of market development and customer programs for the Tulsa-based natural gas utility with assets throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. However, she says natural gas is not only more efficient, but also more reliable, as evidenced by the recent polar vortex that impacted electricity in the southern U.S. Households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $879 per year compared to homes using electricity for those applications, according to the American Gas Association. Reh says homes with an “energy choice” — as opposed to homes that are solely electric — also have higher resale value, which benefits single-family developers. But there are financial incentives for multifamily developers, too. ONE Gas’ multi-family reimbursement program reimburses developers and builders up to approximately $4,000 per unit for the venting and the piping costs associated with installing natural gas in each unit. “With that financial incentive on top of our energy-efficiency rebates for gas appliances, it makes a multi-family development with both natural 20

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

gas and electricity comparable (cost-wise) to an all-electric development,” Reh says. In 2019 Tulsa-based Rose Rock Development Partners renovated the 93-year-old Adams Building, 403 S. Cheyenne Ave., into 65 apartments. Th rough conversations with Reh, the company utilized natural gas incentives to outfit units with gas furnaces, water heaters and ranges. More recently Rose Rock did the same at the 80-unit Reunion Apartments, 9 E. Fourth St. It also added an outdoor living space to the roof of the 104-year-old structure. “They’ve incorporated more of a luxury environment by utilizing natural gas appliances such as an outdoor grill and outdoor fi replaces,” Reh says, adding that projects like this drive occupancy. Rose Rock CEO Steven Watts says the Adams and Reunion projects were unique because electrical infrastructure was limited in the historical buildings, opening the door for partnership with Reh’s ONE Gas team. “Her team was really set up to help us undertake our projects and kind of white-glove us through the process with engineering and everyone else that has to touch the projects in order to get us that level of gas to our buildings,” Watts says. “You always do a certain amount of frontend feasibility (on projects). And I’d say probably without the (multi-family) incentive, we would have been in a situation where they wouldn’t have been as attractive overall. So it kind of helped make the projects make sense.” TP

The January 2013 issue named Phil Lakin Jr. TulsaPeople’s Tulsan of the Year. The cover feature by Jim Myers Morgan recognized Lakin’s dedication to Tulsa and its institutions, including the Tulsa Community Foundation, where he continues to serve as CEO — his role since 1999. Those interviewed credited Lakin’s leadership in the 2011 privatization of the Tulsa Zoo with ensuring the organization’s ﬁnancial stability. Later that year, he was elected city councilor for District 8. Now serving his sixth term, Lakin says he wants his legacy as a councilor to be his “strong and steady desire for unanimity, harmony and complete support.” “From small zoning cases to major, multi-year, billion-dollar sales packages, I always work to form a resolution, using input from the mayor and each councilor so each interest and perspective is integrated into a broader plan that can be supported, in the end, by all,” he says. Current priorities for the district include widening roadways and adding sidewalks “so we can ﬁnally walk and bike to other neighborhoods, businesses and schools,” he says, adding that citizens are eager to see south Tulsa’s low-water dam project, approved by voters in 2016, come to fruition on the Arkansas River. Lakin and his wife, Adriane, celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2020. Their youngest of three sons is in high school. In 2013 Lakin, an avid hiker and mountain climber, had climbed all 50 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Eight years later, make that 70 14ers. In August, after 27 years of hiking and climbing peaks over 14,000 feet, he summitted the last one in the continental U.S., about 100 miles from his birthplace in California. “I had no idea I was going to summit them all,” Lakin says. “But once I got going, I simply couldn’t stop.”

GREG BOLLINGER

REVISITED

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LOCKER ROOM

Ciaran Winters

Deanaira Smith and Shelby Sansone

Two friends,

KICKING AND SIGNING TULSA’S OWN IS FC TULSA’S FIRST TO GO PRO FOLLOWING ACADEMY CONTRACT. BY ETHAN VEENKER

n NCAA probability estimate from 2011 puts the average male high-school soccer player’s chances of going pro at 0.04%. That’s a pretty low number, making 19-yearold Ciaran Winters’ recent professional signing with FC Tulsa all the more impressive. Of course, it’s no fluke. Winters, a Tulsa native, has had his eye on this prize for years. “I always wanted to be a professional soccer player,” Winters says, though it “clicked in” after seventh grade when he joined Tulsa Soccer Academy, a soccer preparatory school accredited through Epic Charter School. Th is not only afforded Winters the space and time to train (up to four times a day on occasion), but also to network — with, for example, current FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien — which he cites as an important factor in scoring a professional contract, beyond skill. And like in the best success stories, Winters didn’t get there without sacrifice. “I decided to go to this academy instead of sticking it through in high school with my friend group — I lost some friends doing that, but ultimately I had to do what I had to do to become pro,” he says. Winters, who plays in the midfield, isn’t a total newcomer to FC Tulsa, though. Prior to his pro contract, he was rostered with the team on a United Soccer League Academy Contract in December 2019. He is the first player in the club’s history to 22

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

sign a pro contract following an academy contract. “(With) an academy contract, you’re signed professionally for the team, but you aren’t getting paid. I signed an academy contract so I could kind of feel out how to be pro and also keep my NCAA eligibility,” Winters explains. “But now that I’ve signed my fully professional contract, I can no longer play in college.” Winters signed his professional contract with FC Tulsa in January 2021, just before a preseason scrimmage against Oral Roberts University at Holland Hall School this past February, in which he scored the goal that tied the 1-1 game. “That goal was really, really special to me,” says Winters, whose father, Tony Winters, played not only for the Roughnecks but also, prior to that, for ORU. That night he got to witness his son’s fi rst professional goal — against his old team, no less. Winters, uncommonly young for a new professional, is ready to get started and, in his words, do his best for himself and his team. “Hopefully we can bring some silverware back to Tulsa,” he says. TP FC Tulsa’s 32-match 2021 season is slated to start between April 24 and May 15, though you can stay informed on exact dates as they become available as well as purchase season tickets at fctulsa.com.

Launched in October, Horizon Clothing Co. is the brainchild of co-owners Shelby Sansone and Deanaira Smith, two women with a passion for combining fashion with sustainable, eco-conscious clothing. “It’s something we felt we were missing in our wardrobe,” Smith says. “We decided to change that.” The line features T-shirts, hoodies and socks all created with clothing made in America, recycled packaging and carbonneutral shipping. Horizon Clothing Co. is based online at horizonco.earth, where customers can purchase clothing as well as learn about relevant issues, such as the environmental costs of free returns. The company’s name is nature based, like many of its designs. “Everyone loves a good sunset on the horizon,” Smith says. Smith designs the brand’s looks. “I like the freedom of the business,” Sansone says. “Deanaira can create what she wants in that moment.” Prices range from $32-$60 for shirts and hoodies. The pair plans to launch a line of sweatpants soon. The company focuses on using local suppliers, such as purchasing embroidery equipment from B-Sew Inn, and buying tees and hoodies from Tulsa-based businesses. Sansone and Smith want to collaborate with other companies and organizations. The recent purchase of a screen-printing machine will allow Horizon to print its own items, too. The future of Horizon Clothing Co. includes pop-up shops this spring, organizing volunteer litter cleanups, and art and recycling education classes for children where they can “teach the younger generation of recycling and upcycling,” Sansone says. — ANNE BROCKMAN

GREG BOLLINGER

ONE MISSION

CHARITABLE E VENTS COMPILED BY AMANDA HALL

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Pranks and Paws Trivia Night* Beneﬁts Tulsa SPCA.

TBH Women’s Association Annual Spring Luncheon Beneﬁts Tulsa Boys’ Home. TULSABOYSHOME.ORG

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paradise never sounded So Good.

“Voted Best Place to See a Concert” Featuring state-of-the-art audio and lighting • Seating for 2,500+guest Ten VIP suites and a VIP bar and lounge

Tickets On Sale Now AIR SUPPLY APR 29

Theater seating is at half capacity to allow for social distancing.

Live Music 7 Nights a Week in 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar Fridays & Saturdays in Margaritaville! Visit margaritavilletulsa.com for a complete schedule.

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ABOUT TOWN 4

C AT O O S A

412

TULSA’S

BACKYARD I

t’s ofﬁcially spring, and the outdoors is calling your name. Plenty of the 484 species of birds spotted in Oklahoma in 2019 frequent the Tulsa area. Gearing up for an expedition is as simple as grabbing binoculars and a ﬁeld guide — or a phone equipped with the appropriate apps. Read more about birding in Tulsa on p. 38.

6 7

GEORGIA BROOKS

1. EASTERN PHOEBE 2. ROSS’S GOOSE 3. WOOD DUCK 4. PAINTED BUNTING 5. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 6. BALD EAGLE 7. GREAT WHITE PELICAN 8. WILSON’S SNIPE 9. TUFTED TITMOUSE 10. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE

B R O K E N A R R O W

8 9

B I X B Y

FIND OUT WHERE TO SEE MORE AREA BIRDS ON P. 39.

TulsaPeople.com

APRIL 3

Groove to the family-friendly tunes of Hot Toast Music Co. for Singalong Saturdays at the Philbrook Museum of Art gardens.

Music listings ALL EVENTS HAPPENING AT CAIN’S BALLROOM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

2 Giovannie and the Hired Guns (two shows) 8 Aaron Watson 9 Jon Wolfe 10 Mike Ryan (two shows) Koe Wetzel ONEOK Field 16 Jamie Lin Wilson and Kaitlin Butts (two shows) 23 Josh Abbott Band (two shows) 24 Cody Hibbard and Carson Jeffrey 29 Air Supply River Spirit Casino Resort 30 Joshua Ray Walker VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF UPCOMING CONCERTS, UPDATED EACH MONDAY.

Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, conﬁrm events via organizers prior to attending. Galleries, shops, bars and restaurants welcome attendees to the monthly First Friday Art Crawl in the Tulsa Arts District. Catch the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Momentum exhibit at Living Arts of Tulsa.

16-18

Tulsa Farmers’ Market opens its 2021 season at Kendall Whittier Square. Shop from local producers and craftspeople at this open-air market. Head to Claremore and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum for its annual Easter Egg Hunt, an outdoor event sponsored by the Claremore Optimist Club.

Red Dirt, Texas Country and Americana come together to create the sound of Bart Crow, who will play to a limited capacity audience at Mercury Lounge.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

See the latest models and carefully restored classics at the Tulsa Auto Show, with several special events scheduled over the weekend at Expo Square’s River Spirit Expo. Original artwork, taxidermy and handcrafted treasures from local and regional vendors make their way to the Oddities and Curiosities Expo inside Expo Square’s Exchange Center.

Join 108 Contemporary for a virtual talk with Skip Hill, an artist whose mixed-media work examines collective past informing the present through visual dialogue.

Signature Symphony partners with the Union High School Renegade Regiment Marching Band to

present “A New Beginning,” featuring music from”Star Wars” and “The Magniﬁcent Seven.”

Magic City Books hosts U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo for a virtual event to celebrate “Living Nations, Living Words,” her new anthology and companion piece to her signature project as Poet Laureate. Hear the sounds of the forest at night during Oxley Nature Center’s Full Pink Moon Walk.

28 -May 1 “The Revolutionists,” a comedy proﬁling four women during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for a run of ﬁve performances.

Join writers from HBO’s “Watchmen” series and OKPOP’s comics curator for a virtual discussion “Who Watches the Watchmen?” Hosted by Tulsa Library for its series TCCL Remembers: Commemorating Tulsa’s Race Massacre. Celebrate Deutschland with the GermanAmerican Society of Tulsa through May 2. German food and merchandise will be available via curbside pickup at the GAST Event Center.

30-May 2 Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Show returns for its 57th year. See more than 1,000 exotic customs and hot rods at the River Spirit Expo at Expo Square. BHADRI VERDUZCO

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MUSIC NOTES

Guitars line the walls at Guitar House of Tulsa, 1216 S. Harvard Ave.

HOME GROWN MUSIC LOCAL GUITAR STORE OPENS IN A NEW, BIGGER LOCATION.

or guitar aficionados, Guitar House of Tulsa is so much more than a retail experience. Equal parts treasure hunt, kaffeeklatsch and temple of strings, it has for decades been a destination for those in search of the perfect instrument. “You’d have to drive at least 500 miles in any direction to view a store of this magnitude,” says Tulsa musician Paul Benjaman. Benjaman should know. One of Tulsa’s premier players, he’s worked as a guitar instructor at Guitar House for 25 years. “It’s been a good second home to me, and through all three ownerships, friends have become family,” Benjaman says. Drew Winn bought the 57-year-old business in 2015 from Todd Cooke and opened a store on East Archer Street, closing the original location on East Admiral Place in 2019 to consolidate. The Tulsa Arts District storefront was close to both Cain’s Ballroom and Tulsa Theater, so it wasn’t

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

unusual to find nationally touring musicians shopping alongside the locals. Eventually, space constraints and parking challenges prompted Winn to consider a new location. This time he chose a large building with plenty of parking in midtown at 1216 S. Harvard Ave. “I always needed more space than I had downtown,” Winn says. “I love downtown. I love the Arts District. I love my neighbors and my regulars, but the parking was impossible. People weren’t coming in to buy chocolate or a latte or book. Guitars are one thing, but when you start carrying amplifiers, they can weigh 80 to 100 pounds. It just made it difficult to do business there.” With more real estate, Winn has expanded his offerings of both vintage and new guitars, increased the size and number of lesson rooms, and added some vinyl to the mix. He’s also partnered with Cooke to have his Identity Merch screen printing available in store. Winn sees it as an opportunity to support touring bands, too. In addition, the shop

Drew Winn, owner

GREG BOLLINGER

STORIES BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Tye Slagle manages Guitar House of Tulsa.

Find out more about Branjae at branjaemusic.com.

BRANJAE: JOSH NEW

TULSA ARTIST’S LATEST PROJECT EXPLORES WILLFUL IGNORANCE

does some guitar repair, and they have a Rolodex of great local services on hand, Winn says. “Once we get past COVID, it will be kind of a one-stop-shop for bands coming through,” Winn explains. “A touring band can come through and drop off some records for sale, possibly do some design work and get some merch for the road, grab some strings — whatever they need. It will be basically everything a band could need besides an audience.” Although moving during the pandemic has presented plenty of challenges, it’s also given him the chance to remodel the space while still providing curbside service to his customers. He’s particularly pleased with the new “acoustic room,” a climate-controlled space where customers will be able to try out different instruments. “In the past, I’ve just put up some panel-type walls to create an enclosed space,” Winn says. “With this, one of our guys said, ‘We should make an acoustic room out of glass.’ I thought it would be awesome, but I didn’t think there was any way I could pull it off because I’ve never built a room out of glass.” Winn framed out the space, and with the help of a local glass company, the transparent room is now a prominent feature of the new location. In a normal year, Winn attends trade shows about every six weeks, seeking rare and vintage guitars. Like so many things, the pandemic put that aspect of his business on hold. Despite the difficulties, it’s been a good year for guitar sales, and Winn is grateful.

“We’ve actually been able to keep our website updated during this whole thing. Because people are stuck at home, online sales have skyrocketed over the course of the year,” Winn notes. “We have clients all over the world. They’re able to see what we have. We have a lot of repeat customers and new customers. We ship a lot. While we can’t do the in-person retail, the online sales definitely supplemented things so we could keep it going and keep the lights on. That’s been great.” While Winn’s business is based on commerce, Guitar House also is an homage to the history, beauty and design of the stringed instrument. “What makes it unique is all of the instruments that I’ve collected over the years that are either vintage or have some history behind them,” Winn says. “It’s like walking into a museum.” That collection includes two basses belonging to noted session musician and Oklahoman Carl Radle (who played with Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell and Joe Cocker), as well as the console steel guitar belonging to Leon McAuliffe (of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys). “If you’re into music history, you’ll enjoy it,” Winn says of the store. “If you’re into playing instruments, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re just curious about Tulsa music, you’ll enjoy it. Nobody comes in and just sits in a chair and reads a magazine because they’re bored. There’s something for everyone.” TP For more information, visit guitarhouse.net.

“I’m just a creator who is completely and utterly inspired by the things I experience, so if something is bothering me or I feel that something needs to change, or something drives me to passion, that’s just my tool — creating things, making pictures, songs, video,” says Tulsa musician Branjae. Branjae’s latest creation is “Free Facts.” It’s a multimedia response to what this socially conscious performer perceives as “willful ignorance.” “I’ve noticed we’ve become less likely to search out more facts and more information — more things to help us make a well-rounded decision about what we believe,” she explains. “Once we’ve become so willfully ignorant within a society, within a culture this way, we tend to just choose the information that backs our biases and what we want to believe. We’re not really thinking for ourselves as individuals.” An activist at heart, Branjae delivers her Free Facts message with a soulful, funky single produced by Nathan Wright and a selection of striking images by photographer Josh New. An accompanying video is in the works with Tulsa filmmaker Charles Elmore. It promotes social change with artistic flair and a great groove — advocating as effectively as it entertains. “The older I get, the more unapologetic I am about it. The more I feel confident talking about the things that are important,” Branjae says. “Just seeing the support of the community since the song has come out tells me I’m going in the right direction. It’s like people are feeling the same thing and being inspired by it, and I’m in line with purpose here.”

Free Facts is available on Spotify. Support the short ﬁlm project at kickstarter.com/ projects/freefacts/free-facts-short-ﬁlm. TulsaPeople.com

SPORTS

BEYOND BASEBALL

Spring fore-ward LOCAL COLLEGE, PRO TEAMS GEAR UP FOR GAMES. BY JOHN TRANCHINA

n addition to the usual spring sports (baseball, softball, tennis, golf, track and ﬁeld), several NCAA fall sports (soccer, volleyball, etc.) in 2020 were pushed to the spring ’21 season. The Tulsa Drillers and FC Tulsa usually start in spring and play through the summer but will start their seasons a little later than usual.

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA | tulsahurricane.com Teams at TU to watch include men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, softball and women’s golf. Keep an eye on the women’s golf team. “They’re not a top-20 team, but each year under coach Annie Young they have shown steady improvement,” says Don Tomkalski, TU’s senior associate athletic director for communications. “Lorena Tseng is one of the best golfers in the conference.” The Golden Hurricane’s soccer and volleyball teams (moved from the fall) will play a reduced schedule, competing only against fellow American Athletic Conference opponents. There will be no tickets for sale to the general public. All attendance at home games will be limited to the student-athlete family pass list. All men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball home games plus 12 softball games will be on ESPN+ livestream. Visit tulsahurricane.com for the link. ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY | oruathletics.com The brightest spotlight at ORU during the spring usually shines on the baseball team. 30

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

The Summit League regular season and tournament champions from 2015-18 are led by 2019 All-League infielder/pitcher Isaac Coffey, infielder Adam Oviedo and pitcher Trey Wolf. The men’s soccer team was nationally ranked during the fall 2019 season and finished as Summit League regular season champions. This is the first season the Golden Eagles golf program will play in its new indoor golf facility, which was completed in November 2019. “Since they added the state-of-the-art Clerico Golf Complex, (the team has) done a really good job,” says Scott Slarks, ORU’s assistant athletic director of communications, and they expect the success to continue. Only ORU student, staff and faculty are allowed at volleyball contests, and there will be limited attendance for baseball and soccer games, with masks required. TULSA DRILLERS | tulsadrillers.com The Double-A affiliate of the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, the Drillers, return after last season was canceled. The Tulsa squad that completed a 30-game season in 2020 in the Texas Collegiate League was a collection of college players, not Dodgers prospects. This year the historic Texas League the Drillers previously played in is no more; now the team plays in the 10-team, newly reorganized Double-A Central League. The 2021 season will not start until May 4. Manager Scott Hennessey is back for his fourth season. He led the Drillers to the Texas League final in

When the 2020 Minor League Baseball season was canceled, the Tulsa Drillers started looking for creative ways to continue providing a community space for locals to unwind. Because of those efforts the Drillers, along with the Amarillo Sod Poodles, have been named a 2020 Texas League Co-Organization of the Year. By June 30, the Drillers, under the leadership of President and General Manager Mike Melega, knew a baseball season could be held safely, just on a smaller scale. They formed a Texas Collegiate Baseball League team, led by manager Tom Holliday, and brought college baseball talent from around the U.S. to Tulsa for a 30-game regular season, with 16 games at ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Ave. When the TCL season was over, the Drillers partnered with community organizations like Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, the Tulsa Community College Signature Symphony and the Tulsa Opera for outdoor, socially distanced concerts. In November, more than 15,000 voters cast early ballots for the presidential election at ONEOK Field in a partnership with the Tulsa County Election Board. This year’s award marks the fourth time in the past eight years that the franchise has received the honor and the seventh time overall since the award began in 1989. — BLAYKLEE FREED

each of his previous three years, including the championship in 2018. The team expects to have fans in the ONEOK Field stands, but how many will remain a ﬂuid situation depending on how the pandemic continues. Masks are required for admission. “The number will depend on the health situation at the beginning of the season,” says Brian Carroll, Drillers vice president of media and public relations. They expect to be at least at 25% capacity and to go higher when possible. FC TULSA | fctulsa.com The city’s pro soccer team returns with a lot of optimism after going 6-2-7 in the shortened 2020 season, qualifying for the United Soccer League Championship playoffs, with top scorers Darío Suárez, Rodrigo Da Costa and Marlon Santos, as well as top defenders Matt Sheldon, Bradley Bourgeois and goalkeeper Sean Lewis. The 2021 season will start sometime between April 24 and May 15 — with the exact schedule still being determined. A home preseason (ticketed) match April 17 against Austin Bold FC will be played at ONEOK Field. They will play 16 games at ONEOK Field with reduced, distanced seating. Masks are required for admission. “We expect to start with some limitations, although our hope is that we are able to allow more fans than the 35% capacity we were restricted to throughout 2020,” says Austin Gwin, FC Tulsa’s head of digital and communications. “We are working closely with the local and state authorities on that.”TP

COURTESY

TU golfer Lorena Tseng

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ART SPOT

“Massacre” opens April 2.

THEN OR NOW?

Exploring racism through art LOCAL, NATIONAL ARTISTS COLLABORATE ON PHILBROOK SHOW. BY STAFF

ork from local and national artists is part of a new exhibition at Philbrook Museum of Art that addresses racial violence in Tulsa and the U.S. “From the Limitations of Now” spans Philbrook’s Helmerich and Villa galleries and juxtaposes its contemporary art with objects in the museum’s permanent collection, which includes work from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Most of the art in the exhibition was produced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests responding to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless other Black lives. The exhibition — curated by Sara O’Keeffe, the Nancy E. Meinig associate curator of modern and contemporary art — was developed in collaboration with the Black Wall Street Times, Fulton Street Books and Coffee, and Tri-City Collective. The largest gallery space has been transformed into an “Idea Lab” with an active reading room developed in collaboration with Onikah

Asamoa-Caesar, founder of Fulton Street, a mural by the Tulsa-based artist collective Black Moon, prints by Tulsa photographer Serae Avance, as well as hands-on activities for all ages. “It’s amazing to have work that is shown next to the work that’s inspired and informed me as a Black man and as an artist,” says Black Moon member Alexander Tamahn. “And for that to also be taking place in Philbrook with its historical prominence in this community, that just adds so much to it.” In the Villa, Tri-City Collective presents an installation based around Tulsa poet Quraysh Ali Lansana’s forthcoming book, “Those Who Stayed: Life in 1921 Tulsa after the Massacre.” The installation features new artwork by Tulsa-based artists Skip Hill and Patrick McNicholas and examines the role Black-owned newspapers in Oklahoma have played in challenging statewide injustices. “From the Limitations of Now” opened March 14 and runs through Sept. 5. TP

TULSA’S BLACK MOON COLLECTIVE

Adrian Aguilera • Serae Avance • Black Moon Lex Brown • Crystal Z. Campbell • Rahim Fortune Lonnie Holley • Betelhem Makonnen • Troy Michie Joanne Petit-Frère • Kameelah Janan Rasheed Tyler Thrasher

Melody Allen • Aunj Braggs • Beth Henley Tina Henley • Erica Martez • Gary Mason Alexander Tamahn • Summer Washington

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

ARTISTS DEBUTING NEW WORK

TIM LANDES

“Time Travel” by Black Moon Collective artists Aunj Braggs, Summer Washington, Tina Henley, Alexander Tamahn and Elizabeth Henley

he photos hanging on the walls of Silhouette Sneakers and Art might remind you of something you’ve seen before. That’s the hope, anyway, says local photographer Taylor Hernandez, aka Taylor Mae. Five of her black and white photographs depict today’s Greenwood District, but the images are inspired by historic photos. Photo subjects are in the same location of the people in original photos. They dressed in clothes that are modern but styled similarly to 1920s-era outfits, Hernandez says. “Massacre” will open on First Friday (April 2) and run through the end of May at Silhouette Sneakers and Art, 10 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite C. “It’s supposed to be a little uncomfortable,” says Silhouette owner and curator Venita Cooper. “This is a comparison intended to make the audience question where we are now and how that’s a reflection of the consequences of decisions made over decades, not just the massacre. We think about the Massacre as a two-day event but is it possible the Massacre lasted beyond that, a long-perpetrated violence (both physical and policy) that steadily destroyed a historically successful people.” Another important symbol is the collaboration and reconciliation making this project possible. Cooper, who is Black, approached Hernandez about the project, offering her gallery space at Silhouette for the exhibit. Hernandez, who is white, felt compelled to work on this project due to the power and importance of the story. They will create a zine with the photos, as well as publish them online, Hernandez says. — BLAYKLEE FREED

BEAUTY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Do you have any recommendations for at-home weight loss tips? I am not ready to go into an office yet. This “new normal” we are living in — being at home more than ever — has certainly made sticking to weight loss goals much harder. Many businesses, ours included, have modified their way of business to adjust to this new normal and make it easier for people to still get the services they desire. For example, BA Med Spa recently integrated virtual consultations, so you can still meet with a health care professional or weight loss consultant from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, we are able to virtually write any weight loss prescription that may be appropriate for your needs and you can pick them up in our contactless pharmacy drive-thru. To find out more call us today at 918-872-9999 or visit baweightspa.com.

Malissa Spacek and Dr. James Campbell BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 510 N. Elm Place • Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-872-9999 • www.baweightspa.com

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Do I need a revocable trust as part of my estate plan? A revocable trust is a practical tool in estate planning depending on the complexity of the estate. Property and financial assets can be managed during life, and after death with minimal court involvement. Generally, a revocable trust is private and more difficult to challenge than a will. A trust can avoid the need for a conservatorship when incapacitated because it can be activated during life. When minor or dependent children are involved provisions can be provided to oversee those assets until specific events occur. Estate documents should be prepared by attorney’s who specialize in this area of law to ensure the estate goals are clear and achievable.

J. Harvie Roe, CFP, President AmeriTrust Investment Advisors, Inc. 4506 S. Harvard Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74135 918-610-8080 • hroe@amerad.com

SENIOR LIVING Why should I move to a Life Plan Community when I don’t have any health problems? You should make the decision to transition because you want to live a maintenancefree life and you’d like to live around like-minded active adults. Community living provides a simpler lifestyle where you pay one monthly fee and we, at Oklahoma Methodist Manor, take care of the rest. Spend your time with family and friends doing things you want to do, not house upkeep. Plus, the longer one puts off a move, it becomes exponentially harder physically and emotionally, not to mention more expensive.

Cari Owens, VP Marketing and Sales Oklahoma Methodist Manor 4134 E. 31st Street • Tulsa, OK 74135 918-574-2590 • ommtulsa.org

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GO GREEN

Nikolos Bundy works at the M.e.t. downtown depot. Inset: M.e.t. Director Bobby Schultz

WORK AND PURPOSE RECYCLING IMPACTS MORE THAN JUST THE EARTH.

nowstorms in February brought work at the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.) recycling depots to a halt for a few days, but every morning Nikolos Bundy was dressed and ready for work, just in case. Bundy is one of approximately 75 workers with disabilities employed by the M.e.t., which runs 10 recycling centers in Tulsa and surrounding communities. He collects and sorts recyclables dropped off at the downtown Tulsa depot. The winter days his depot was closed, his mother, Dana Bundy, says he wouldn’t take his work clothes off until the workday was officially over. Nikolos’ enthusiasm for hard work stems partly from how difficult it is for people with disabilities to get a job in the first place, Dana explains. There are few jobs for people like Nikolos, who can communicate by answering yes and no questions and with limited sign language. “(This job gives) Nik a purpose,” Dana says. “And having that purpose is something that people take for granted.” He works for Angel’s Place, a nonprofit that helped him find and interview for the job, which contracts with the M.e.t.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

“A lot of the employees have been here 10 or 15 years, and they really enjoy what they do, and they’re good at it,” says M.e.t. Director Bobby Schultz. Does Nikolos love his job? “Yeah,” he says. Does he like to help the city and the Earth? “Yeah,” he says. He prefers working with plastic

M.E.T.’S 2020 STATS 10 RECYCLING CENTERS | 1 BALING CENTER Paper and cardboard: 2+ million pounds Glass: 981,941 pounds Plastics: 409,227 pounds Metals: 241,255 pounds E-waste: 195,203 pounds Car batteries: 16,499 pounds Household batteries: 37,145 pounds Cooking oil: 3,003 gallons Motor oil: 24,420 gallons

bottles over cans because they aren’t as noisy, but his favorite material to sort is cardboard, he says. As a matter of fact, more cardboard has been collected during the pandemic than before, which Schultz attributes to more online shopping and home deliveries. Unfortunately, he says, there’s a chance some 15 of those 75 people will lose their jobs. “The problem we’re looking at right now is the TARE (Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy) board that provides most of the funding for the M.e.t. has an ad hoc committee that (wants) to shut down two of the three depots because they want to use the money to hire crews to pick up trash along the Broken Arrow Expressway instead,” Schultz says. The issue has been tabled for a later board meeting, which are open to the public. Dana has attended to express concern for Nikolos and other workers. Looking forward, the Enviro Expo, Tulsa’s downtown Earth Day party, is May 12 at Guthrie Green. “We couldn’t do it last year, but we’re moving forward with appropriate safeguards for this year,” Schultz says. TP

GREG BOLLINGER

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

COMMUNITY The Marshall Brewing Co. taproom is next door to Fischer Brothers Office Supply, 1738 E. Sixth St., which caught fire Feb. 16. Firefighters extinguished the flames in frigid temperatures.

SeadPods were designed by Tulsa entrepreneur Bryan Meador.

Project plans to propagate

For more information on Marshall Brewing Co., visit marshallbrewing.com.

FIRE AND ICE FIREFIGHTERS AND BREWERY STAFF SAVE A LOCAL TAPROOM. BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

n off-duty firefighter working at a local brewery production facility was instrumental in putting out a nearby fire during February’s frigid temperatures. On Feb. 16, Fischer Brothers Office Supply adjacent to the Marshall Brewing Co. taproom near East Sixth Street and South Wheeling Avenue caught fi re on one of the coldest days of the year, when temperatures reached a high of just 14 degrees. More than 60 fi refighters responded to the three-alarm blaze, including Tim Brophy, off duty from his job at Tulsa Fire Department. Brophy was working his side gig at the production facility near the taproom. “It was super handy to have Tim on site,” says Wes Alexander, Marshall’s director of sales and marketing. “He was able to get access to the building, open windows and vent it, and help direct fi remen.” Due to the extreme weather conditions, the taproom was closed for business that day. Though the facility incurred significant smoke and water damage, no one was injured. Brewery President and Founder Eric Marshall is grateful for the firefighters who spent hours battling the flames. “We’re thankful to the brave men and women of the Tulsa Fire Department who risk their lives daily for the safety of our community,” Marshall says. “Despite the anxiety I felt watching my building and small business potentially burn to the ground, it was amazing to watch them work. Through their efforts, our building was spared, and no one was hurt, which is the most important thing.” 36

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Alexander recalls the “absolutely atrocious and frigid conditions” that day. “You can see in the photos where icicles were literally hanging off helmets and jackets. It was rough.” Although the fire didn’t reach the taproom itself, the two buildings share a wall. In order to fight the blaze in the abutting business, firefighters created three holes in the west wall of the taproom. Once the fire was extinguished, Marshall staff remained on site, removing excess water from wooden surfaces and protecting the building from further damage from the freezing temperatures. The separate beer production facility where Brophy works was untouched by the event, but the taproom remains closed as the company considers plans to repair and rebuild. In the meantime, taproom manager Kyle Johnson is keeping the beer flowing. “We’ll offer curbside pickup of bottles and cans during limited hours from our production facility,” Johnson says. “All of our standard beers are available, as well as rotating and limited release offerings.” The outdoor biergarten also will be open, weather permitting. Although recovering from the fire will be a challenge for this small business, the support from the community has been tremendous, with people reaching out offering to help, Alexander says. Marshall agrees it’s heartwarming and overwhelming. “I’m humbled and grateful for the outpouring of kindness and care that has been sent our way,” he says. TP

A Tulsa entrepreneur is partnering with local organizations to propagate a historic tree that will serve as a living monument to people killed in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Bryan Meador founded Plant Seads LLC in 2019 to design products that address the climate change crisis. Now he is working with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission and Up With Trees to propagate the American elm tree that has been at Greenwood Avenue and East Oklahoma Place for nearly a century. The lead arborist at Up With Trees took measurements and estimates the tree is about 95 years old, so it probably was not yet growing at the time of the Massacre, Meador says. “But it is one of the oldest things surviving in the neighborhood, and we hope to use this longevity as a symbol of Tulsa’s growth over the past 100 years and into the future,” he says. Up With Trees is cultivating 100 seedlings, which will be planted at a dedication event on April 17 in SeadPod planters, provided by Plant Seads, free of charge. Meador designed SeadPods with urban gardening in mind. The recycled plastic planters can attach to chain-link fences to create a vertical garden. “We’re actually moving on two fronts — taking cuttings and starting seeds for this project,” Meador explains. In case the cuttings don’t grow properly, Up With Trees planted American elm and redbud seedlings, says Diana Knocke, Up With Trees director of community outreach. Speakers at the dedication ceremony will include Nehemiah Frank, editor-in-chief of the Black Wall Street Times, and Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, founder of Fulton Street Books and Coffee. There also will be live music. Once attendees plant a sapling in the SeadPods, it’s theirs to take home. Attendance is limited to 250 people randomly selected from those who register. Masks and social distancing will be required. For location information and to register for a chance to attend the event, visit plantseads.com/tulsa2021. — BLAYKLEE FREED

MARSHALL: KYLE JOHNSON; SEAD PODS: COURTESY

HISTORIC GREENWOOD TREE

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FLIGHT PLAN A guide to birding around Tulsa

A female cardinal

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KELLY BOSTIAN

BETTER TO SEE THEM WITH

Tulsa Audubon Society Jeff Cox spots a red-tailed hawk at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

bald eagle perched in its nest high above the Arkansas River pierces the crisp late-winter morning air with its highpitched staccato whistles. A tiny painted bunting with its iridescent blue head, reddish-orange breast and shimmering green back flashes across a sunny spot in the trail, an astounding sight not far from a meadow that was salted and peppered by impressive clouds of black-and-white bobolinks a month earlier. Meet just a few of the birds of Tulsa, a genuine birding hotspot by any measure. “Birding” is what the cool kids call it, by the way. No one goes “bird watching” anymore. “We are kind of in the center of the country so Tulsa, which is the prettiest part of the state, and all of Oklahoma with its diverse set of ecosystems, sees a wide variety of migrants and has several hundred species around at any given time,” says Jeff Cox, a longtime Tulsa Audubon Society member and organizer of the club’s annual Christmas Bird Count. The club founded in 1935 — though local birders studied and counted area avifauna years before that — reflects just how good Tulsa has been to the birding community. Avid birders 38

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

of this east-meets-west, north-meets-south group try to notch around 400 species on their Oklahoma “life list,” an accounting of all the different birds they’ve seen, Cox says. The overall Oklahoma state list stood at 484 species in 2019. “Years ago it was fairly easy to see 300 species just in Tulsa County,” he says. “We’re a little more developed now, but you can still get close to that number (after a few years of birding).” What this means for beginning birders is that Tulsa is a great place to get started. It’s as easy as picking up a Sibley’s or Peterson’s or Kaufman’s field guide to the birds and some 7- or 8-power binoculars and stepping out your back door. Binoculars and a field book are the timeproven basics, but the added new tools include the mobile app eBird, which helps birders track their sightings and browse what other eBird users are discovering around the area — even with maps that show exactly where to go. Merlin, a related mobile app, assists with quick and basic bird identification and links to eBird for listings with a happy declaration of “This is my bird!” The app is helpful but not quite a replacement for the detailed information and illustrations offered on a single page in a good field guide.

Choosing a pair of binoculars to start birding can be a daunting task. Everyone’s eyes and hands are different, and spotting something in the distance and zeroing optics on it takes practice. Most experienced birders use a highquality 8x42 binocular and carry a 20-60x spotting scope and a tripod. Some might have several thousand dollars invested. A beginner will do just fine with a pair of 7-power or 8-power mirrored or Porro prism binoculars that allow in plenty of light for a bright and wide view and can cost less than $100. Resist the temptation to buy 10-power binoculars. With higher magnification they might be darker, harder to hold steady and not allow as wide a field of view. Those new to the game should not start with compact binoculars or zoom binoculars. The place to start looking — literally — is at a local sporting goods store where you can put the optics up to your eyes, and preferably outdoors if the store allows it. Physical features to consider are the weight and the comfort of the spread (to accommodate wider or narrower set eyes). The eye relief and adjustable eyecups are especially important for people who wear glasses. Finally, the simple comfort of the optic in your hand and the ability to focus quickly and easily are key. You’ll have to be able to keep them steady while searching and examining what might be a moving target, one that soon might disappear altogether.

Facebook is another birder’s tool these days, and it only makes sense to connect with Tulsa Audubon Society or groups like Oklahoma Bird Watchers or Oklahoma Ornithological Society to keep tabs on unusual sightings or events where beginners can learn and make friends to help guide them along, Cox says. With the simple gear and willingness to go, a birder is ready to begin finding the subjects of their new affliction. “It starts with the greatest state bird of any, the scissor-tailed flycatcher,” Cox says. “They aren’t common in just every state you visit. In the winter we have a common bird here, too, that comes to backyard feeders, the Harris’ sparrow, which nests all the way up in the Churchill, Manitoba (northern Canada), area.” Tulsa’s Jim Arterburn chased life-list tallies and learned about birds for many years, but for the past 20 he has focused on photography that features dozens of species found just a couple of miles away — a 30- or 40-minute drive for a birder. His online portfolio presents pretty photos, but it also shows viewers the variation in the males, females and juveniles of many species seen locally — differences that can be vexing identification puzzles for even the most avid of birders. “The challenge of finding those birds that don’t quite fit in is just part of what makes it fun,” Arterburn says. Choosing different places a short drive from Tulsa can increase the odds of finding a specific kind of bird known to be in the area, but the truth is you never know what you’ll find, he says. Along the Arkansas River on the Tulsa River Parks trails or at Gathering Place, the probability of seeing bald eagles is high. Least terns, great white pelicans, great blue herons, great egrets and other shore birds and waterfowl frequent the river, but that doesn’t mean a tiny yellow-rumped warbler won’t pop out of the brush near the river. Areas to the south, in Bixby and Broken Arrow, the wide-open recreation areas are great places to see ground-feeding birds like sparrows, meadowlarks, and even Lapland longspurs or bobolinks during late winter and spring migration. To the north and east are Oxley Nature Center and the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve, great places to find woodpeckers, those exotic-looking painted buntings, indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, warblers and other woodland species. “I really enjoy the birds,” Arterburn says. “I used to go out to see how many different species I could see or find the rare ones. Now I go out and try to find an owl or a loon or something I really want to photograph, but if I don’t find what I’m looking for I can always find something to photograph around here. There’s just a lot out there.” TP

Editor’s note: Kelly Bostian has been an outdoors writer and editor for 35 years, working in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Tulsa. He now shares stories, how-tos and more through his All Things Outdoors newsletter at kellyjbostian.substack.com.

A female red-winged black bird

Where can I find birds? Tulsa Audubon Society has a long history of providing “A Guide to Birding in Oklahoma,” first published by George Miksch Sutton in 1973, to members as a fundraiser. The guide ceased publishing in the mid ’80s. Tulsa Audubon Society President John Kennington manages the TAS website and digitized the birding guide and other info. Find out more at tulsaaudubon.org/birding-guide. Between the maps and listings on the TAS website, tips found by following social media and real-time notifications in the eBird app, birders in Tulsa will find there’s just not enough time to hit all the great places. Here are 15 birding hotspots near the city: GATHERING PLACE:

LAFORTUNE PARK:

BIXHOMA LAKE TRAILS, BIXBY:

great egret, green heron, common goldeneye

red-shouldered hawk, red-headed woodpecker, blue jay

pied-billed grebe, barred owl, white-eyed vireo

WOODWARD PARK:

TURKEY MOUNTAIN:

LAKE YAHOLA:

yellow-bellied sapsucker, Carolina wren, cedar waxwing

bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, pileated woodpecker

Ross’s goose, common loon, purple martin migration in August

WASHINGTON IRVING PARK, BIXBY:

HAIKEY CREEK PARK, BROKEN ARROW:

REDBUD VALLEY PRESERVE, CATOOSA:

Wilson’s snipe, Bonaparte’s gull, Carolina chickadee

sharp-shinned hawk, tufted titmouse, American goldﬁnch

white-breasted nuthatch, brown thrasher, painted bunting

TULSA RIVER PARKS AUTHORITY TRAILS:

RAY HARRAL NATURE PARK, BROKEN ARROW:

bald eagle, great white pelican, belted kingﬁsher

loggerhead shrike, golden-crowned kinglet, brown creeper

KEYSTONE LAKE DAM (WITH STATE AND CORPS OF ENGINEERS LAKE PARKS):

OXLEY NATURE CENTER AT MOHAWK PARK:

redhead duck, greater scaup, double-crested cormorant

wood duck, green-winged teal, yellow-rumped warbler

GILCREASE MUSEUM: yellow-billed cuckoo, chimney swift, Eastern phoebe

SKIATOOK LAKE (WITH STATE AND CORPS OF ENGINEERS LAKE PARKS): spotted towhee, great-tailed grackle, song sparrow

VISIT JIM ARTERBURN’S ONLINE PORTFOLIO AT PBASE.COM/OKLAHOMABIRDER. TulsaPeople.com

GR EEN WOOD

SE R I E S

Visit TulsaPeople.com for more historic images of Greenwood and its residents.

A still from one of the Rev. Harold Mose Anderson’s Greenwood films

COURTESY CARLOS MORENO

Greenwood: ‘Renewal’ As Greenwood rebuilt after destruction in 1921 and thrived through the mid-century, outside issues led to a forced decline. BY CARLOS MORENO

“D

ull, inert cities, it is true, do contain the seeds of their own destruction and little else. But lively, diverse, intense cities contain the seeds of their own regeneration, with energy enough to carry over for problems and needs outside themselves.” — Jane Jacobs, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities”

After World War II, corporations such as General Motors, Monsanto and Westinghouse created fi lms promoting the “home of the future.” These fi lms depicted the utopian suburban lifestyle to which every American should aspire: time-saving kitchen gadgets for the busy housewife; central heating and cooling; uniformly beautiful homes and cars; neatly manicured lawns; neighborhoods spaced in perfect rows; the man of the house as the breadwinner and king of his castle, provided with every convenience and comfort. TulsaPeople.com

nightclubs and pool halls had the same “wild” reputation as they did pre-1921. Well-to-do white Tulsans south of downtown were mortified at the idea of young Black and white men and women listening to music and dancing together after-hours.

The secret to Greenwood’s success

One of the first such idyllic neighborhoods in Tulsa, Lortondale, developed by Donald Honn and Howard Grubb, received national praise while Tulsa was still marketed as “America’s Most Beautiful City” and the “Oil Capital of the World.” On the other side of Tulsa in the late ’40s and early ’50s, the Rev. Harold Mose Anderson made a series of home movies depicting a very different vision. Anderson’s Greenwood films document the culture of the neighborhood: parades in the streets; bustling sidewalks; shops and homes located side-byside; crowds gathered to watch musicians, boxing matches and political speeches; young people dressed in their finest gathered in front of a theater to see and be seen, full of joy and excitement.

Greenwood’s prosperity in the 1950s Real estate agent and former Planning Commission Chairman Bill Leighty’s family moved to the Greenwood neighborhood, on King Street about three blocks west of Greenwood Avenue, in 1947 when he was almost 3 years old. Leighty describes some of his fondest memories growing up: enjoying chocolate milkshakes while reading comic books at Curry’s Drugstore near North Main and East Latimer streets, singing in the boys’ choir at church on King Street. “On Saturdays the Pines Theater would have double or triple features with a ton of cartoons, all for 25 cents. It was about five or six 42

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blocks from my house,” Leighty says. “We walked or would ride bikes all over the place. I was riding my bike up to the top of Reservoir Hill, or to Owen Park, while I was still in elementary school.” Deborah Hunter, a local poet, social justice advocate and retired mental health professional, lived near Lacy Park but frequented Greenwood during the 1950s. Her aunt lived on Lansing Avenue, two doors down from Mann Brothers’ Grocery and Market. Hunter remembers going to the movies at Rex Theater (tickets were a dime, popcorn cost a nickel), shooting marbles, playing jacks, buying penny loaves from the bakery, climbing trees, and running up and down the street with all the neighborhood kids. It was the kind of neighborhood where everyone knew everyone else. Families bartered, built their own homes and businesses, and “entrepreneurship” simply meant looking around, seeing what your community needed and providing it. Hunter and Leighty both say the neighborhood kids all knew each other. Schools and houses were segregated (a 1916 citywide housing segregation ordinance was not repealed until 1963, and Tulsa Public Schools was segregated until 1971), but Greenwood did not keep anyone out. Everyone — including white businessmen who worked downtown — loved Latimer’s Barbecue at East Pine Street and North Greenwood Avenue. Manhattan Hatters on Greenwood was known throughout the city for making the best hats. The neighborhood

More land, more cars, more highways In 1960, Tulsa was the 19th most densely populated city in the country, according to data compiled in 2012 by the Tulsa City Council. That changed overnight on March 18, 1966. Earlier that week, Sand Springs annexed 110 square miles, from 81st West Avenue to the Keystone Dam. Th is set off a public battle of denouncements between Tulsa Mayor James Maxwell and Sand Springs Mayor John Hess. Tulsa was determined not to play second-fiddle to Sand Springs. The rivalry culminated in the Tulsa City Commission annexing more than 100 square miles of Tulsa County land to the east and south of

TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY

A May 4, 1967, story in the Tulsa Tribune shows and discusses the construction of the Crosstown Expressway and Interstate 244 in the Greenwood District.

Rodger Randle is quite possibly the public servant most knowledgeable of the policies that made Greenwood a success. He lived in Maple Ridge and served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Oklahoma Senate (representing the area that included Greenwood), and then as mayor of Tulsa from 1988-1992 when he was appointed the first president of University Center at Tulsa (UCAT). He is now a professor in the department of human relations at the University of OklahomaTulsa. “Greenwood was a real community in the old-fashioned way,” Randle says. “Everything you needed was within walking distance. The area embraced its diversity. Even though there were rich and poor, everyone went to the same schools, churches, parks, pools and rode the same public transit. It was a place with a connection to its people. As a result, the people had a sense of belonging and pride.” That sense of pride was even higher in Greenwood than most other pedestrian neighborhoods because its people had triumphed against all odds in rebuilding after the 1921 Race Massacre. Eunice Cloman Jackson, co-owner of Jack’s Memory Chapel, explained in Eddie Faye Gates’ 1997 book “They Came Searching”: “They just were not going to be kept down. They were determined not to give up. So they rebuilt Greenwood, and it was just wonderful.” Booker T. Washington coined the phrase “Negro Wall Street” in 1913, but the phrase was not in common usage at the time, evolving into “Black Wall Street” over the decades. “In fact, the north Tulsa after the riot was even more impressive than before the riot,” Greenwood resident and education activist Juanita Alexander Lewis Hopkins said in “They Came Searching.” “That is when Greenwood became known as ‘The Black Wall Street of America.’”

TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY

the city (just about everything east of Memorial Avenue and south of 61st Street, including the town of Alsuma, as well as open land.) Ten years earlier, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 had provided the perfect way for Tulsa to build highways that would give Tulsa’s suburbanites quick, easy travel to the new land the City acquired. The Planning Commission’s 1957 Comprehensive Plan included an “Inner Dispersal Loop” hub around downtown so businessmen working in the downtown area could quickly enter the commercial district in the morning and promptly leave at 5 p.m. Early engineers of these beltways, or “ring roads,” warned cities should never develop them near downtown areas, as highway traffic separated the core of urban cities from their nearby pedestrian neighborhoods. Nonetheless, these large-scale highway projects were used in cities across the country, such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago and Detroit, to feed the nation’s increasing car culture. In their wake these highway designs demolished minority neighborhoods and further segregated cities. An article in the May 4, 1967, issue of the Tulsa Tribune announced, “The Crosstown Expressway slices across the 100 block of North Greenwood Avenue, across those very buildings that (Edwin Lawrence Sr.) Goodwin (publisher of the Oklahoma Eagle) describes as ‘once a Mecca for the Negro businessman — a showplace.’ There still will be a Greenwood Avenue, but it will be a lonely, forgotten lane ducking under the shadows of a big overpass.” The City constructed the IDL in piecemeal starting in 1967, but the project could not be completed without a massive influx of federal funding. U.S. Rep. Ed Edmondson (Oklahoma) sealed the deal by pleading the case with U.S. Rep. John Kluczynski (Illinois), chairman of the program overseeing federal highway funds, at a 1969 dinner in downtown Tulsa’s Summit Club. Kluczynski made the recommendation to President Richard Nixon’s secretary of transportation, John Volpe, to approve Tulsa’s federal highway grant, and construction of the IDL, Interstate 244 and U.S. Highway 75 accelerated. The Greenwood and Kendall Whittier areas were targeted for demolition and the building of the highway. According to City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, it was merely a choice for the City to make about who would lose their land and homes. Tulsa wasn’t going to build a highway through the affluent Maple Ridge neighborhood to the south. City leadership would choose the area of town they felt was the most expendable. Plans were already drawn up, and the land that would make up the north and east section of the IDL — the section of I-244 that would cut through the northern part of downtown, and the section of Highway 75 on the eastern side of downtown — was cheap because it belonged to Greenwood’s business and residential owners.The area was declared “blighted.” Armed with the power of eminent domain, the city paid a fraction of market rate to property owners, and bulldozers set about their work. The area the Black

A Nov. 5, 1969, Tulsa Tribune article and photos show progress of the Inner Dispersal Loop contruction, including shots of Edison hill west of Denver Avenue and the historic Greenwood District.

community had spent four decades rebuilding after the Massacre was destroyed once again.

Model Cities failure and ‘urban removal’ During the late 1960s, at the same time eminent domain was being used to tear down homes in Greenwood, Tulsa began participating in the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 (known as the Model Cities program). Part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” the Model Cities program was seen in one sense as a continuation of the work of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. The concept of Model Cities was innovative: The federal government would provide grants to cities to create local anti-poverty programs (in many cities called Community Action Agencies)

to collaborate with federally created initiatives such as Head Start, Jobs Corps, Social Security, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the Food Stamp program. Tulsa was chosen as one of 63 “Model Cities.” Local, state and federal leadership all felt these programs were the way forward to greater social equity. Sen. Almer S. “Mike” Monroney commented in a November 1966 Tulsa Tribune article, “Tulsa is much closer to being a model city than many others, and with a little help I believe it can become the model city of America.” Indeed, several leaders in north Tulsa, such as Curtis Lawson, felt the same way. Lawson was the first African American to represent Tulsa in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, serving from 1965-1969. Community advocates like Lawson, the Rev. Ben Hill and Mabel B. Little worked on the effort TulsaPeople.com

to desegregate Tulsa Public Schools — funding for which was provided by Tulsa Model Cities. What they could not foresee was the way city government would abuse the program and create further divisions between Black and white Tulsa. In a 2002 academic thesis, “Maximum Feasible Participation: The War on Poverty in Tulsa, OK, 1965-1970,” Missy Louise Allen described how Tulsa Model Cities was unique among similar programs in other cities — and not in a good way. According to her study, Tulsa was one of only five cities where local officials had the power to veto proposed anti-poverty projects. The largest Model Cities program in Tulsa was called the Tulsa Economic Opportunity Task Force (TEOTF). A 1969 investigation by the City Commission and then Mayor of Tulsa James M. Hewgley Jr. accused the TEOTF of being “a great waste of resources.” Hewgley had filled its board of directors with prominent local elites, according to Allen’s thesis. Stacked with figureheads with no experience in alleviating poverty, Tulsa Model Cities lost its vision. In addition, Tulsa failed to fully engage with the Greenwood community. Tulsa Development Authority’s Greenwood/Unity Heritage Sector Plan Citizens Advisory Team members Lamar Guillory and Burlinda Radney recall that Greenwood residents were asked to provide feedback for these programs but were not given clear goals 44

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

and desired outcomes. What little community input north Tulsans tried to provide was ignored in the best cases, and in several instances, openly attacked by the Mayor and City Commission. According to sources, lack of input from the community perpetuated a lack of trust between the Black community and public officials. Combined with oversight from professionals with no experience in anti-poverty nonprofit work, Allen’s thesis alludes that what was left out of Tulsa Model Cities and the Federal Highway Program was the human element. Because all these programs were happening simultaneously, the Black community referred to them collectively as “urban removal,” rather than urban renewal, the formal name given to these policies. Before he died in 2008, Lawson expressed his greatest regret was lending his support for Tulsa Model Cities.

The worst policy decision Tulsa ever made Deborah Hunter moved away in 1969 and returned to Tulsa in 1984. She came back to find the neighborhood she grew up in had disappeared entirely. “It was an eerie feeling,” she says, to come back and not recognize anything she saw. Ask Tulsans why the north side of town declined after the 1960s, and many will say desegregation emptied the neighborhood of homes and

the area’s businesses of customers. Th is narrative assumes its residents had a choice. While city bulldozers were destroying their homes, survival was more at the forefront of north Tulsans’ decision process about where to move rather than racial integration. As in 1921, public discussion in the white press during the late 1960s reflected the attitude that these changes would be better for the Black community (who didn’t have the political power to counter these policies). Tulsa Tribune editors wrote in a Dec. 8, 1967, article, “The slum will disappear. The poverty which spawned more poverty will disappear. The area … will produce new artists, new educators, new businessmen, new leaders.” According to a recent study by Human Rights Watch, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed in the Greenwood area to make way for urban renewal. Mabel B. Little, whose house and business were burned in 1921 during the Race Massacre, received $16,000 from the city for the second home she built after World War II. It was bulldozed to build the highways. In the April 9, 1970, issue of the Tulsa Tribune, Little remarked, “You destroyed everything we had. I was here in it, and the people are suffering now more than they did then.” The Mabel B. Little House was dedicated in 1986 outside the Greenwood Cultural Center, but it was never her home; the building is a replica of the home rebuilt after the 1921 Massacre by

MICHELLE POLLARD; COURTESY BILL LEIGHTY

Bill Leighty moved to the Greenwood area with his family in 1947. His home, shown in the picture above right with his father, was located at 228 E. King St., just three blocks west of Greenwood Avenue. The Leightys moved to south Tulsa in 1958. The home was demolished as part of urban renewal. Today the property sits in an open field just west of Langston University. The University Center at Tulsa evolved to become the Tulsa campus of Oklahoma State University, bottom right, which sits on Tulsa Development Authority land north of the Inner Dispersal Loop.

Sam and Lucy Mackey. Like most Greenwood residents, Little herself did not have a home to move to after urban renewal. Friends say she lived in a small apartment until her death in 2001. Greenwood residents lost more than just the value of their homes at the time. They were denied the opportunity to build generational wealth. Reflecting on the urban renewal era, former Tulsa Transportation Advisory Board Chairman Jamie Jamieson stated that it was quite possibly the worst policy decision Tulsa ever made. “Low density has vicious consequences,” he explains. “We killed the spirit of downtown.”

Hear a conversation with writer Carlos Moreno on the April 21 episode of Tulsa Talks: A TulsaPeople Podcast.

BERYL FORD COLLECTION/ROTARY CLUB OF TULSA, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY AND TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY; CUTLINE: MICHAEL BATES/BATESLINE.COM.

Symbolic gestures, but no real solutions A heightened awareness of the 1921 Race Massacre took place during the event’s 50th anniversary in 1971 and led to efforts in the late 1980s and early 1990s to reconcile this ugly chapter in Tulsa’s past. The City was preparing to create the University Center at Tulsa (UCAT), a grand vision; the original 1986 plan promised to create a great campus serving over 20,000 students, according to a 2014 This Land Press article, justifying the Tulsa Development Authority (TDA)’s acquisition of another 115 acres of Greenwood land. Over three decades later (and with 2,264 enrolled at the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus), the TDA is still struggling to make a vast portion of this land usable. By the mid-1990s, there were a few efforts to atone for the 1921 Massacre: the creation of the Greenwood Cultural Center, dedication of the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, the Black Wall Street monument, pardoning of the 55 Black men charged with inciting a riot, and the launching of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. The area has seen progress in early childhood education and housing. In 1991, local philanthropist Ruth Nelson became chair of the Tulsa Housing Authority and began to address neglected repairs and create programs for residents. She served in this role for 25 years and created two housing developments — Murdock Villa and Country Club Gardens — and improved existing housing developments. In 1997, Tulsa nearly lost its federal Head Start grant due to financial mismanagement and poor operating practices. Steven Dow took over the program and grew CAP Tulsa, a nonprofit overseeing 10 Head Start schools in Tulsa and Sand Springs, into a nationally recognized program today led by Karen Kiely, who previously served as the agency’s chief operating officer.

50 years later, these wounds remain open Fast forward 50 years from the Model Cities era, and still families, businesses, individual and community wealth, livelihood and equity have all suffered. According to Tulsa’s Equality Indicators Report, released each year since 2018, white

Sand Springs Railroad interurban tracks, looking north toward East Reconciliation Way and North Greenwood Avenue. The Busy Bee Lunch and Vernon AME Church can be seen in the background. While the historic church remains, as well as the building in the foreground, in between is now Interstate 244.

Tulsans are nearly twice as likely to own a home as Black Tulsans. Unstable housing has ripple effects. The same report indicates the median household income for white Tulsans is almost double that of Black Tulsans. This disparity, in turn, leads to poorer health outcomes for Black Tulsans, most shockingly the fact that south Tulsa residents live 200% longer (13.2 years compared to 4.6 years) past retirement age than north Tulsa residents. Tulsa is currently going through the process of updating its comprehensive plan and having community conversations with its citizens. A recent Washington Post article states that north Tulsa’s leaders and business owners are entering these conversations with a great deal of distrust. Tulsa’s 2019 Greenwood/Unity Heritage Neighborhood Sector Plan published a blight study, recommending homes in parts of north Tulsa be demolished. There was so much community backlash the Tulsa Development Authority agreed to respect a twoyear moratorium on using eminent domain and assembled a citizen advisory committee to create dialogue between the city and north Tulsans. The Black Wall Street Times, the Tulsa Star and the Oklahoma Eagle have all recently published articles on the community’s worries about large-scale private developments in north Tulsa. Writing for the Tulsa Star, community activist Mana Tahaie wrote: “Gentrification is the latest iteration of this cycle, with city leaders, lenders, developers and new residents cooperating — intentionally or otherwise — to drive Black

Tulsans out of their native communities and destroy Black wealth in the process.” Others look at the Envision Comanche project, the “Pathway to Hope” project in Greenwood, and the Unity Heritage Neighborhood Plan and see positive progress and change for the better. However, Burlinda Radney suggests what’s missing from the conversation is first understanding the people of Greenwood. “The people who settled in Greenwood in the early 1900s had agency and freedom, they were entrepreneurial, and they created something that belonged to them,” she explains. Radney believes that spirit still exists today, but isn’t being heard by Tulsa’s leaders. TP

Editor’s Note: Carlos Moreno is a graphic designer at CAP Tulsa and volunteers with Code for Tulsa, working to make local government work for the people, by the people, in the 21st century. As a serial entreprenuer, writer and community activist, he has been on the forefront of many of Tulsa’s innovating ideas and civic engagement movements, including Tulsa FabLab, The Forge, TulsaNow and Smart Growth Tulsa. He has a Bachelor of Arts in administrative leadership and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Moreno has been documenting and profiling the lives of Greenwood residents through the ongoing project “The Victory of Greenwood.” TulsaPeople.com

LEGENDS

Judy Eason McIntyre is a tireless advocate for schools, arts, health and equality. She is photographed outside her church, Vernon AME, in the historic Greenwood District.

Judy Eason McIntyre FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR CONTINUES TO SERVE HER COMMUNITY. BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

MICHELLE POLLARD

udy Eason McIntyre doesn’t take a minute of life for granted. A breast cancer survivor who grew up in segregated north Tulsa, the 75-year-old built a career in social work, served on the Tulsa Public Schools Board and spent 10 years in the Oklahoma Legislature. Today she remains involved in community projects such as the OKPOP Foundation Board and volunteering at the Pencil Box. Her personality and sense of humor are infectious, and although retired she chooses to stay busy. “Otherwise, I’d probably get in trouble,” she says with a smile. Eason looks for the light and joy in each day, gaining strength from the adversity she has faced.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY? WHY? I went to Tulsa Public Schools from 1950 to 1963, and it was segregated. Although my parents met at Langston University, they kind of redirected all four of us children to go to the University of Oklahoma, so in 1963 I went to OU. I got my undergraduate degree in 1967 in social work and then went back and got my master’s in 1979. I wanted to major in art, but my dad said there was no money in it so I went into social work, which was my second choice. WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR MOST DEFINING MOMENTS? It was when I left the safety and security of a segregated community and went to OU. I had no idea the color of my skin would make a difference. There were 50 Black students when I went to orientation, and we were told half of them would be gone by midterm. We were placed in dorms alone without other Black people, so the white girls and I began to learn about each other. … A defining moment for me was to be called the “n” word in the classroom by these same girls I had come to know in the dorm. At that point, I went down a long trail of innocence to ending up with the Black Panthers. Thank God for my parents who saved me. When I was handed a gun on Greenwood by the Black Panthers because the police showed up, I thought, “Wait a minute, aren’t we just talking?” My daddy said it’s OK to be passionate about your issues, but don’t stand on the outside throwing rocks. That defi ning moment in my life could have taken me to a whole different place. WHAT AGE DO YOU FEEL RIGHT NOW AND WHY? I feel 20 years younger than I am. I’m 75, but I’m a kid at heart. I spent 31 years working in child abuse, and I couldn’t have kids, so I could legitimately always be a kid. After having breast cancer, forming the breast cancer support group (Soulful Survivors) and learning more about breast cancer, I realized how precious life is and to make the most of it. I was diagnosed in 2007, had surgery and took cancer medicine for five years, but I didn’t have to have chemo or radiation. I am blessed.

hard for me to read fiction. I like to watch cartoons. When things are so chaotic in life and sad in this world, I go to cartoons, to a happy place. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’ve always been so open. I’m an open book. If I learned how to cook, my friends wouldn’t believe that. If I said I’m athletic, they wouldn’t believe that either! IF YOU COULD WITNESS ANY EVENT OF THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? The time in history that I enjoy reading about a lot is the Renaissance in Harlem. I love art. I’m on the OKPOP Foundation Board. During the Renaissance, there was literature and art and yes, there were discrimination and racism, but so much creativity came out of it (that time period). DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MARCHES? I was 18 years old and at the Vernon AME Church when they were fi lling up the bus to go to Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington. I had never been anywhere but Oklahoma City. My parents didn’t want me to go. Finally, I wore them down. The march was the fi rst time I had seen Blacks and whites marching united together. I had no idea what it was about. I had no idea why my parents were afraid. When Martin Luther King Jr. kept repeating, “I have a dream,” I had no idea. That was Aug. 28, (1963), and a week or two later, I started at OU, and then it began to hit me what civil rights was all about. After that, I was a protestor for civil rights all over Oklahoma. I was on the school board. I went to women’s marches. Anytime I could go to a march, I was there.

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? They would say I’m nutty. They would say I’m passionate and creative. I love to read. I’m a protest queen. I’m the fi rst one to cry, and I wear a false face of sternness. I found out in life that if you learn from it, you grow stronger. I realized I’m stronger than I thought I was. I think my friends would say I’m honest to a fault. I got one whipping from my dad growing up, and that was for telling a lie. The only thing you have is your word.

WHAT WAS A “WORST TIME” AND HOW DID YOU PULL THROUGH IT? There are two parallel times — the introduction to overt racism at OU. I was unprepared. My parents did everything they could to protect us, but they didn’t prepare us. Every time I would call and say I wanted to come home, they would say, “Hey, you’re not down there to save the world. Get an education and come home.” The second worst time was my second divorce. I met my husband through a friend, and he was running for Tulsa County Democratic chair. That’s how I got into politics. He probably saved my life even though we didn’t stay married. It was so public. He got on cocaine. There was a younger woman involved. My mom’s friend said, “You need therapy.” That was very helpful. People would say, “People are going to think you’re crazy,” and I would say, “I am crazy.” When I get young women in my clutches, I tell them my story. When you tell the truth, you don’t have to worry about keeping your story straight.

WHAT GENRE DO YOU LIKE TO READ? I’m eclectic in my tastes, but I don’t like fiction. As a social worker, my philosophical thinking is reality. It’s

WHAT CONCERNS YOU TODAY? It is the feeling that what I left in the ’60s — the anger, the hatred — has all resurfaced. The silver lining in that

is protests in the early days were usually Black people with a sprinkling of white. But the joy of what I’ve seen with young people today is that all colors are protesting issues that really haven’t ever been of interest. It worries me about what’s going on politically with the hatred, lies, violence and insurrection. We’re living in fear. Th is doesn’t look like America. My hope is in the younger generation, and part of what will make them a lot more successful is that they grew up with integration. I am fearful about what’s going on, but I’ve lived long enough to know that the good in people of all colors is going to come through. We may have differences, but we’re all Americans. What’s going on is not the American way, but it’s going to turn around. HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? Conquering the unknown, I walk with fear. When fear subsides, I’m rational to execute, and I know I’m successful. If I don’t accomplish what I set out to, I don’t beat myself up because I did try, and I beat fear. WHAT IS A FAVORITE TULSA MEMORY? I would have to go back to my childhood in segregated Tulsa and the (W. L.) Hutcherson YMCA on Pine. My mom was on the board. We had international teas and learned about different countries. We had swimming and social parties. It was just us, so those were happy memories at the Y. DESCRIBE A PERFECT WEEKEND IN TULSA OR ELSEWHERE. My baby sister, Yla Eason Puryear, teaches at Rutgers University. She lives in New York, so my favorite is to go to New York, attend a Broadway show, walk down the streets and see the people. One of my favorite times is to go in the winter and walk Central Park in the snow. But I wouldn’t want to live there. WHAT PLACE IN TULSA DO YOU MISS MOST? It would be the barbecue places on Greenwood and all the stores. We had drug stores, a dry goods place, Betty’s Chat ’N Chew (old barbecue restaurant) That’s what I miss the most because I couldn’t go to other places in Tulsa. WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN TULSA? I’d still defi ne this city as a tale of two cities — one so different from my childhood experience of segregation to an openness of opportunities. Are there problems? Yes, but there’s so much progress. We (Black Tulsans) can sit and eat in restaurants; we can try on clothes in stores. You see the difference at my age. Those of us who grew up in segregation, we don’t take those kinds of changes for granted. The best thing about Tulsa is its people. We may not get along all the time, but what’s so unique about this community is that when there’s a need to come together, the people of Tulsa come together to help. I didn’t grow up with that, so that’s a major change I see. TP TulsaPeople.com

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HOME IN THE OSAGE HILLS BLENDS MODERN DESIGN WITH NATIVE AESTHETICS. BY KIM BROWN

MICHELLE POLLARD

he story of Lindsey Neal and Mark Kuykendall’s home in the Osage Hills near Sand Springs began with a childhood friendship and ﬂourished as a creative collaboration from the design and construction to its current incarnation as a music studio. As music was the passion and profession of the two music producers — Lindsey also is a violinist and musician who works at Philbrook Museum of Art and Mark also is an audio engineer — the couple wanted a permanent space to create after years of making do in their midtown home’s garage. “We couldn’t ﬁnd something in town we really wanted — and we kept being drawn out into nature,” Mark says. Lindsey thought of looking in a wooded area west of Tulsa that was already special to the couple. As children, Mark and his best friend, Caleb Reed, were homeschooled nearby and spent days roaming the hills and learning about science, nature and American Indian culture. “And my sister had built a home in the area,” where she has spent many nights in songwriting sessions, Lindsey says. “I always associated that area with music and creativity, and I loved the winding roads. I loved coming here and Mark loved coming here. We kept being drawn out here.” In 2013, they found a for-sale sign nailed to a tree on Wild

Mountain Road. They called, and Doug Martin answered, later revealing it was part of an Osage allotment his family had owned for generations. He had named the road. “He turned out to be one of the most magical people we’ve ever met,” Lindsey says. “We came out and he hiked us up and down the hills. He had designed the neighborhood to be spaced out with a couple of acres in between each home, and there were covenants that you had to build something custom.” He showed them his own home nearby, introduced them to his wife, Marie, and they gathered at a striking hand-crafted dining room table. He died before the Kuykendalls ﬁnalized the purchase in January 2017, but they felt meeting the couple was serendipitous. “It wasn’t just buying some land from a developer. This was connected to our souls in an intimate, inspiring way,” Lindsey says. “When his wife wanted to move after he died, she offered to sell us that beautiful table, which we now have in our home.” When they were ready to start the project, Mark called on his old friend Reed, who was working at a design-build ﬁrm as an architectural builder and designer. “We always built things as kids, building huts and forts in the woods,” Mark says. “So we asked if he wanted to split some land.”

Mark Kuykendall and Lindsey Neal Kuykendall TulsaPeople.com

The Kuykendalls spent a lot of time with the original owner of the property, which was part of an Osage allotment in his family for decades. He invited the couple to his property nearby and they were immediately drawn to this unique, handcrafted walnut dining table. When the owner died, his wife sold it to them. “It was the table we signed the contract on,” Lindsey says. “It’s so special.” The home studio was carefully researched and planned for optimal recording quality.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

The courtyard separates the living space from the recording studio, where the couple records and produces their own music and for ﬁlm soundtracks. “We were already set up for working from home, and (before the pandemic) we had bands and musicians here to record for work, but we also have the amenities of home,” Lindsey says.

Mark Kuykendall and his friend/builder Caleb Reed spent several months sourcing and physically collecting the sandstone for the façade of the home. The “Giraffe House” effect — due to the shapes, placement and colors of sandstone — is common throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Ozarks. “My mom said it reminds her of a lot of the houses she knew growing up in rural Oklahoma,” Lindsey says.

EXTERIOR AND COURTYARD: MELISSA LUKENBAUGH; STUDIO AND DINING TABLE: MICHELLE POLLARD

Reed had worked with Architectural Designer Rachel Shillander in Los Angeles and knew she would understand the Kuykendalls’ vision. They all playfully call the style and palette “Oklahoma Tattoine,” after Luke Skywalker’s sparse and earthy desert-ﬁlled home planet in “Star Wars.” “When we would drive around the area and see all the barns and the natural resources, we knew we should use that as inspiration,” Reed says. “Mark, Lindsey and I gathered a lot of stone in the area over months — and that became the core of the house, this huge mass of stone that anchors it and frames the view.” “Since they were musicians, it was really important for them to have a studio space, so Caleb did all the research about size, proportion and the volume of what that studio needed to be,” Shillander says. “That was the most important part of the house.” After the Kuykendalls moved into the 2,300-square foot home on New Year’s Eve 2018, they began to host large musician groups once a month called the “Singers’ Room,” where singers and musicians could collaborate, have a meal and enjoy being creative near nature, but still be close to the city. The studio — now called Wild Mountain Studios — has plenty of space to work on recordings for their experimental music label that creates music for ﬁlm and other projects with more than 50 artists around the world. It is a separate structure from the house as the studio needs good “bolt range” for sound, audio and mastering purposes. “We wanted this to be a haven for musicians,” Mark says, adding that pre-pandemic, they hosted several artists while in recording sessions. “We are so happy we stayed in Tulsa,” says Lindsey, who considered moving to Los Angeles with Mark for music and career purposes but ultimately stayed because of family and the ability to build something here they could have never afforded in California. “The prices are still livable here, and it’s a great place to be. We want to encourage other people to stay here and help make it a great artistic community.” TP

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THE RV LIFESTYLE AND MARKET HAVE HIT RECORD SPEEDS AROUND TOWN. BY JANE ZEMEL

The Downing family spent time at White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

COVID-19 WAS THE FIRST VIRUS TO INVADE TULSA in March 2020, followed closely by a wildly contagious strain of cabin fever. Soon after the country shut down, families felt the walls of their homes closing in on them. Dining rooms doubled as home ofﬁces. Garages became gyms and playgrounds. And breakfast bars were the new classrooms central. Family members were literally tripping over each other, and ﬁguratively stepping on everyone’s last nerve. For many the question, “How can we get out of here and head someplace safe?” was answered by a recreational vehicle. Demand for on-the-road houses far outweighed the supply. But now, those two economic factors have found balance and more Tulsans are choosing RV life.

Beth and Gavin Downing, along with children Frazier and Wylie, hit the road in summer 2020 to work, school and live from their pop-up camper. This summer, they will head to California, Oregon, Idaho and Utah before embarking on a trip east to the Great Smokies, the Carolina coast, Washington, D.C., the Florida Keys, and California’s Yosemite and Sequoia national parks.

WHITE SANDS: COURTESY BETH DOWNING; MICHELLE POLLARD

Gett ing OUTTA DODGE

Beth Downing and her husband, Gavin, were among the ﬁrst to pack up their two boys — Wylie, 7, and Frazier, 5 — and hit the road. “We had exhausted all the good and close outdoor opportunities in Oklahoma,” Beth says. So they decided to dream bigger and farther. By July, they bought an RV travel trailer and set out for campsites and national parks in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The Downings were experienced campers — he, with an Eagle Scout background; she, a backpacking pro. But choosing an RV took some study and a new decision-tree process. “I’m not the impulsive one,” she says. “I’m usually measured and risk averse.” Her husband is the shopper who researched online. They decided on a model to tow so their car would be free for adventures. They wanted something their smaller, lighter-weight Subaru Outback could pull, so they opted for a pop-up trailer. “Nimble, easy and a gloriﬁed enormous tent,” she describes. The Downings own a small technology company in Tulsa that, luckily, can be run remotely. They signed up the boys for Tulsa Public Schools’ Virtual Academy, and they were off. The trailer was still a classroom, ofﬁce and home base, but the backgrounds were vast and changed daily. The campground was just for sleep. As she explains, “My version of a morning triathlon — hike, bike, water activities — until 2:30 p.m. I have to get the kids out of the house so Gavin can work.” Were there things she missed about being home? “The home shower and cooking fancy meals,” she says. “But when I’m home, what I miss about the road is the simplicity, how aware I am of sunsets and the stars, and

all of the incredible places we get to explore, photograph and write about.” The most freeing part for her was being in charge of fewer things. “I never realized how much of my time and energy went into ‘stuff’ management,” she remembers. The Downing boys are close enough in age to be buddies. “It’s still cool to play with each other,” says their mom. But RV life doesn’t solve all family dynamics. “There are still issues, but we’d have them at home, too,” she says. “There are meltdowns on the trails, but they love being outside. They’ve learned how to make a cave out of sticks and rocks instead of Legos — and how to handle being bored. And that that’s not a bad thing.” A new tradition for the Downing family is an end-of-week photo review. In any given seven-day period, wife/mom/ photographer Beth sometimes took thousands of shots. “One week in California we started out with a snowball ﬁght, went to riding our bikes that afternoon by an alpine lake, to paddle boarding while people were skiing on the mountain behind us, to hiking a (short) section of the Paciﬁc Crest Trail, to tide pooling and seal watching at the beach,” she recalls. Downing is aware of how lucky her family is to be able to live their RV life. “It was pivotal to be in different mental place,” she says. “Because we’re outside, we’re happier and living a more balanced life.” TulsaPeople.com

RV 101 FROM BRENDA PUCKETT

RVS YOU DRIVE CLASS A: Some of the largest with plenty of storage, places to sleep, comforts of home like bathroom and a kitchen with all of the appliances SHAPE AND SIZE: Looks boxy in shape like a bus, as small as 20 feet and upwards of 45 feet in length FUEL: Diesel or gas; poor fuel economy PERKS: Favorite of full-timers; despite its size, usually do not need commercial license in most states PRICE RANGE: New models can be $100,000-$1 million, with the majority between $100,000$300,000. Used can be under $100,000. CLASS B: Might have a toilet and shower and fresh water tank, but not always; sometimes called sleepervan or campervan SHAPE AND SIZE: Smallest of the motorized, usually 17-19 feet FUEL: Diesel or gas; better fuel economy PERKS: Limitations on space for storage and sleeping, but can be parked just about anywhere; two people fit well PRICE RANGE: $75,000-$300,000 for new models; used Class Bs can be as low $50,000 CLASS C: The midsize of motorized, can fit more gear and people than the Class B SHAPE AND SIZE: Identifiable by the overhang above the cab/driver area that is typically a bed or storage, some are compact and some can be as long as a small Class A or 20-31 feet in length FUEL: Gas or diesel; not the best fuel economy, but better than Class A PERKS: Great for family vacation, might not be able to park wherever you want like a Class B PRICE RANGE: $80,000-$150,000 for new; $50,000-$100,000 for used

RVS YOU TOW TRAVEL TRAILER: Sometimes called a bumper pull because you tow behind your truck or SUV, it requires a special hitch and vehicle must be equipped with a towing package. Most come with bathrooms and kitchens, but not all. PRICE RANGE: $15,000-$50,000 for new; $10,000-$40,000 for used FIFTH WHEEL: Largest of the towables and very heavy, needs a special hitch in the bed of the truck to tow; very nice amenities and spacious interiors. PRICE RANGE: $50,000-$150,000 for new; $25,000-75,000 for used TOY HAULER: Travel trailer or ﬁfth wheel with its own “garage” to allow RVers to bring the ATV, motorcycles, golf cart and some have their own gas pump to bring extra fuel along for the “toys.” PRICE RANGE: $50,000-$100,000 for new; $25,000-$75,000 for used POP-UP OR FOLDING TRAILER: Compact and lightweight with canvas-sided walls that need to be raised and lowered for use; inexpensive; some have kitchens, bathrooms. PRICE RANGE: $10,000-$50,000 for new; $5,000-$15,000 for used TRUCK CAMPER: Fits on the bed of a pickup truck; small interiors, but surprisingly nice features, including kitchens and bathrooms — especially the new ones. PRICE RANGE: $15,000-$75,000 for both new and used

Puckett says prices can be much lower and much higher than those mentioned and factors include length, weight, age, condition, mileage. 62

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Brenda Puckett

Inspector GENERAL

After 15 years as a Realtor, Brenda Puckett discovered solo girl camping in a female adventure group in 2017. “My husband said ‘Fine,’” she says. “I found my tribe.” But she wanted more. Then 54, she was ready for a mid-life career change. At last year’s Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Puckett asked anyone who would talk to her about fun jobs in the RV industry. “AMA, ask me anything,” was her research approach. A week later on social media, she saw a post about the National RV Training Academy in Athens, Texas. One week after that she was packed and Lone Star-bound. “I did 80 hours of training and hands-on inspections, more than I did for real estate,” Puckett says. She is now a Level II certified RV inspector. By the time she returned COVID-19 had changed the world. “That gave me time to set up my business,” she says. “When America opened up again, my phones rang like crazy.” RV buyers call Puckett when they find the vehicle of their dreams and need someone to be their eyes and ears before they make the trek here for purchase. If the buyer is local, they call her to inspect for things they might not know to look for or test. An RV inspector does everything for houses on wheels that home inspectors do for dwellings on foundations. “I literally kick the tires,” Puckett says. As with a home, she inspects the big-ticket items — roof, underneath, every inch of the exterior, all systems (water heater, appliances, propane, electric, plumbing) as well as cosmetic features. Even the wear and tear and age of the tires. “I find things on new ones, too,” she says. “Things can happen during transport or be overlooked during manufacturing.” She researches service records. Oil changes. Fluids. Low mileage isn’t always a good thing; it can be a red flag for a vehicle that’s been sitting around. On the flip side, a file folder of receipts can show a buyer of a used RV that the vehicle has been well maintained. People call from out of state. She’s in demand with prospective buyers in Washington, D.C.; Arizona; Washington; all over the country. Anyone can find an inspector in the National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association website. Puckett’s certification allows her to inspect RVs anywhere in the U.S. For further research, Puckett recommends outdoorsy.com, which she describes as an AirBnB for RVs. She also suggests following forums and online groups. “And YouTube has anything you could want,” she adds. What about renting before buying? “A gigantic yes,” she says.

Visit TULSAPEOPLE.COM to see a gallery of trendsetting RVs and towables from Dave’s RV.

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If something positive can come from a worldwide pandemic, COVID-19 created a record number of first-time buyers for RVs. Now local dealerships are steadily rebuilding their inventories because the travel industry sees personal getaway adventures as here to stay. Whether the blue yonder is wild or tame, there are several things to consider before finding the Class A, pop-up, travel trailer or fifth-wheel of your dreams. For one, how much does it take out of the family piggy bank to get into RV living? “A small, first-time starter trailer, 25 to 30 feet — more like a bunkhouse for families — runs from $18,000 to $22,000,” says Andy Holman, sales manager at Dave’s RV. Buyers also will need an SUV or smaller truck with a 5,000-pound towing rating minimum. No special license or training required. As for amenities, “They’re all pretty nice now,” Holman says. Recliners, big windows, ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwasher, stackable washer/dryer, internal vacuum system. La-Z-Boy furniture. RVs come fully furnished, everything bolted down. An average family of four has 600 pounds of gear. That includes clothing, shoes, sports gear, and pots and pans. Kayaks can go on racks on the roof. Many RVs feature pullout kitchens for cooking outside, complete with TV, sink, music and cast iron griddle. “No one’s roughing it anymore,” Holman says. “Those days are over.” At Camping World, shoppers can choose from 16 brands of RVs and up to 300 vehicles in stock. General Sales Manager Sean Harper and his staff match prospective buyers to their potential campers by discussing expectations and completing a thorough needs assessment. For starters, new or used? Do you have a truck that can pull the trailer? Are your hitch and hardware up to standards? What’s the right camper style? Which floor plan fits your family? How many people do you need to accommodate? Where are you going — to the lake on weekends or across the country for months at a time? There are other costs to consider. Payments. Service. Maintenance. Where will you store your RV? Indoors or outdoors? Does your neighborhood allow RV parking? Do you need a permit? Most RV owners have special RV insurance. In fact, it’s required if you finance your vehicle. It works much like homeowner’s insurance but also includes campsite and vacation coverage as well as emergency, breakdown and towing expenses. RVs may offer a tax benefit. Because they have a bathroom and a bedroom, they can be considered a second home, making the interest on loan payments deductible. There’s a significant learning curve that comes with operating and maintaining an RV. (Those water lines and sewer lines don’t empty themselves.) Dealerships will show new buyers what they need to know. Harper recommends a test run closer to home before venturing out across the country. If necessary, spend the night on the dealership lot. He advises, “Once you’re sure everything works — electric, water hose, sewer hose, chemicals — you can leave here and go straight to a campsite.” TP

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H E L P S T O P T H E S P R E A D • 9 1 8 . 6 6 3 .1 9 1 9

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A G A I N Local nonprofits and their customers benefit from others’ donated items. S T O RY BY

ANNE BROCKMAN P H O T O S BY

MICHELLE POLLARD

pring cleaning encourages many to raid their closets, clean out their garages and finally get rid of items they just don’t want any more. In Tulsa, you can find a new home for most any of those items by donating to one of several nonprofits that will turn your trash into someone else’s treasure while helping the organization meet its bottom line. Since the pandemic began, several nonprofits have had to shift their donation and sales processes, some even shutting down to protect customers and staff. Here are stories of what one can find at any of these resale shops.

FINDING A B A R G A I N Yolanda Taylor was a customer of Bargains Thrift Shop long before she was a volunteer for the Assistance League, a 51-yearold nonprofit that helps Tulsa-area children with new school uniforms and personal care kits through Operation School Bell. A neighbor introduced Taylor to the Assistance League in 2017. “That look on a child’s face when they get a new pair of shoes ... I was in,” Taylor says. Today she serves as president of the 250-member organization. Taylor has helped her son set up his apartment with finds at Bargains. She is always on the lookout for a new pitcher to add to her collection, a gift or a piece of CorningWare’s blue cornflower bakeware, which reminds her of her mother. Houseware is an important part of Bargains’ inventory, as well as the collection of high-end clothing and one-of-a-kind home items. A recent visit to the midtown shop spotted a Barry Bricken collection jacket with a Miss Jackson’s tag priced at $14. Across the aisle sat a set of six crystal brandy sniffers for $24. There are clothing departments for men, women and children, as well as seasonal items, jewelry, accessories and furniture. Organized committees of volunteers sift, sort and clean literal tons of donated items Assistance League receives each

Assistance League President YOLANDA TAYLOR inside the nonprofit’s Bargains Thrift Shop, which helps fund the nonprofit’s mission to provide uniforms to Tulsa-area students. The store is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 5350 E. 31st St.

year. “They cull through donations to ensure we’re putting the best things on the ﬂoor,” Taylor says. “Everything is priced to sell.” If something doesn’t quite meet Bargains’ standards or sales niche, it heads to the “Waste Not Area,” where bins for partner organizations like Loaves and Fishes, Blue Star Mothers and Fostering Connections collect items for donation. Some get sent to textile recycler American Rags. Electronic items are sent to a local processor. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Assistance League to close Bargains for months to ensure the safety of its customers and volunteers. “We were worried people would forget about us,” Taylor says. Rest assured, there was a line that formed out the door when the shop reopened Feb. 2. Taylor says sales at Bargains represent “a considerable part of the budget,” which funds the organization’s uniform and personal-care kit inventory. Over the pandemic, Bargains lost 60% of its income and the organization has been doing a lot of fundraising to ensure its mission is continued. “We must be able to pivot,” Taylor says. “There’s still the need that existed before this happened. We made a promise, and our goal is to deliver on that promise.” Visit altulsa.org/bargains-resale. TulsaPeople.com

GOOD CHANCE FOR A G R E AT D E A L For every dollar spent at a Goodwill store, more than 85 cents goes directly to the organization’s mission, which provides work opportunities, job training and support services for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment. Goodwill Industries of Tulsa President David Oliver says that equates to a $70 million-plus economic impact in the community. That means jobs, skills training, job placement resources, ﬁnancial wellness training, and a volunteer tax ﬁling program all made possible by more than 20 million pounds of goods repurposed through its stores. “Retail stores are the biggest revenue generator for all Goodwills across the nation,” Oliver says. Goodwill Tulsa has 11 stores. At its largest store on Southwest Boulevard, Eva Kout has found her niche. Working in libraries for the past 16 years, Kout came

to Goodwill six months ago where she leads the store’s book department. “We have an audience that specifically comes for books,” she says. Prices range from $6.50 for new releases to 99 cents. Kout has helped several teachers find children’s books for their classroom libraries and often sees interior designers scoping out the store’s selection of coffee table books. Kout says she is most intrigued by the old Bibles and leather-bound books that make their way to the store’s display case. Across the store, houseware and clothing also are popular with shoppers. “Many customers even discover rare and valuable finds,” Oliver says. Goodwill’s customers and store personnel have high standards, and all items must pass a multi-point quality check. Higher-end items are vetted by the retail director. Oliver says those items often make their way to a store’s display case for sale. Visit goodwilltulsa.org.

EVA KOUT works in the book department at the Goodwill Retail Store at 3110 Southwest Blvd. The shop is known for its large collection of new book titles and classics, as well as clothing, accessories and houseware. The store is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday.

About 16-18% of Americans will shop at a thrift store and 12-15% at a consignment/resale shop during a given year. First Research estimates the resale industry in the U.S. to have annual revenues of approximately $17.5 billion including, revenue from antique stores, which are 13% of their statistics. Source: Association of Resale Professionals

NEW HOME FOR ANIMAL AID’S THRIFT STORE Animal Aid has rescued and rehabilitated dogs and cats in Tulsa since 1961. Founder Helen Dawson designed the nonprofit’s operations with a thrift store to serve as the primary revenue source. “After occupying the current thrift store for decades, the old building is landlocked and in need of significant repair,” President Michelle Morris says. “Fortunately for us, a legacy donation last year allowed us to begin looking for a larger space. Our new location at 6811 E. 21st St. will serve to help us expand our mission.” The new space will provide lots more opportunity for a wide-open floorspace and a better donation dropoff system, according to Karen Nielsen, an Animal Aid board member and thrift store operations manager. The thrift store closed for six months in 2020 due to the pandemic, reopening in September and 66

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closing again Jan. 1 due to COVID-19 concerns and to protect its volunteers, donors, customers and staff. “We weren’t willing to take the chance,” says Nielsen, who is hopeful the new site will open in early summer. As Animal Aid makes its move to the new storefront, it is not accepting donations and is conducting several garage sales to clear inventory and back stock for the new shop. Once reopened, shoppers can again find clothing, jewelry, bedding, dishes and glassware, chairs, shelving and everything they’ve come to expect at Animal Aid’s store. “You never know what you’re going to get,” Nielsen says. “It’s a treasure hunt — you just have to look at everything.” Visit animalaid.org.

Assistant Manager ERIN SLAUSON’s history in retail and a personal passion for DIY gives her an edge when assisting customers at ReStore, 1234 S. Norwood Ave. The store is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that in the United States, 17 million tons of textile material — mainly discarded clothing, but also footwear, sheets, towels and carpet — heads to the landfill, representing nearly 6% of total municipal solid waste. Only 2.3 million tons are recovered for recycling or reuse.

RESTORING AND REBUILDING

Online resale marketplace ThredUp estimates the total resale market in 2018 at $24 billion and predicts it will reach $64 billion by 2028. Goodwill Industries alone generated $5.9 billion in retail sales from more than 3,000 not-forprofit resale stores and online sales in 2017. Source: Association of Resale Professionals

95% of all textiles have the potential to be reused or recycled. Right now only 15% are recycled. Council for Textile Recycling

New and used home-related items can be found at ReStore, a home improvement outlet that supports Green Country Habitat for Humanity. The “bread and butter” of the store is furniture, according to Thom Golden, director of external affairs for GCHFH, but shoppers also can find lighting fixtures, doors and even building materials like granite countertops. “The best value is some of our appliances,” he says, several of which were like new on a recent visit. ReStore accepts nearly everything, except used mattresses and paint, and thoroughly inspects each item before it hits the floor. Donations come from individuals, as well as businesses that are renovating. “Setting pricing is a bit of an art,” Golden explains, but generally it starts at half of new. The nonprofit even provides a deconstruction service that will visit a residence and remove cabinetry, doors, windows, fixtures, sinks and other items that are in good shape, which GCHFH will sell on its showroom floor. Along with resale goods, the store sells new items such as flooring, paint, paint supplies and area rugs.

Erin Slauson is the assistant manager and uses the store’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to alert followers to great finds and inspirational DIY projects. “My goal is to get as many people interested as possible,” says Slauson, who also shares before-and-after posts from customers who have transformed ReStore items. She even takes it upon herself, a self-proclaimed DIYer, to reimagine items that aren’t selling. A few coats of paint and a shine here and there quickly sold a kitchen table that had been sitting on the floor too long. GCHFH will open a second ReStore in Jenks in April. It also has ReStore Rack, a traditional thrift store at 1112 S. Memorial Drive that opened three years ago. Golden says the two stores bring in enough revenue to cover the vast majority of the nonprofit’s administration costs. Traditional fundraising is then available to support the mission of the organization, which builds safe, quality homes for families who can’t afford a traditional mortgage. Recently the organization changed its name from Tulsa Habitat for Humanity to Green Country Habitat for Humanity as it will gradually expand its footprint to include other areas such as Jenks, Claremore and Broken Arrow. Visit greencountryhabitat.org/restoretulsa.

SHOPPING SUCCESS Since its founding in 2001, Dress for Success Tulsa has helped more than 16,000 women achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools. Up to four public sales are held at Dress for Success each year. A fifth “pop-up” sale always features items that are new, with tags, at an off-site location. “Last year our clothing sales were the only fundraisers we were able to have,” says Executive Director Katherine Skorvaga. “The proceeds from the sales help us to keep our doors open, so we can continue to help the beautiful women in our community.” Public sales feature name-brand gently worn and new women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories, as well as designer goods. Skorvaga says donations are accepted at the office boutique at 3103 S. Harvard Ave. and suggests calling 918-599-8892 first to ensure they are taking donations at that time. Visit tulsa.dressforsuccess.org. TP TulsaPeople.com

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INSIDE ITS BRIGHT AND AIRY STOREFRONT ON EAST 11TH STREET, GRAHAM COLLECTIVE FOCUSES ON CLEAN BEAUTY AND ORGANIC, NONTOXIC PRODUCTS FOR WELLNESS.

Earth Harbor tidal rose crystal hydration mist, $16; Earth Harbor helios anti-pollution youth ampoule, $48; crystal-infused essential oil rollers, $16 each; Urban Organics face and body coffee scrub, $24; Earth Harbor jade facial roller, $25; Cocokind mymatcha all-over moisture stick, $9. All available at Graham Collective, 1102 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A.

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STOREFRONT

Andrew and Cassidy Meredith

Lucca plant markers, designed and sourced in Lucca’s Cincinnati, Ohio, machine shop, feature clever phrases such as “please don’t die” and “proud plant parent.” $3.

Earrings by JaxKelly, a San Diegobased, female-owned and operated company, are one of many giftable items in the shop. $18-$25.

American Inheritance Confectionery, based in Coweta, combines traditional Belgian chocolatier techniques with those of America for a unique chocolate experience. $12.

Rooted in love

Freshwater Design Co. leather keychains are handmade by two sisters in their South Carolina home ofﬁce. The small business’ original designs are one of the shop’s top sellers. $8-$12.

A LOOK INSIDE BROKEN ARROW’S SIP-N-SHOP PLANT BOUTIQUE BY KENDALL BARROW

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

True to Cassidy’s vision, the store offers everything from a hands-on planting experience complete with “plant coaches” to DIY workshops featuring guest vendors teaching crafts such as pottery, macrame and tie dye. While the main level of the store is dedicated to merchandise, including plants, gardening tools and gifts, the upstairs loft area features tables that can be reserved for creating your own arrangement. The space also can be rented for private parties and features a full bar. The Merediths are proud to source the store’s houseplants primarily from Oklahoma nurseries; the succulents are from various suppliers on the West Coast, and tropical plants from the East Coast. Cassidy says the main goal is to create an experience for people. “When people walk into our store, we want them to feel something … a combination of happiness, creativity and love all in one place.” TP

The Succulent Shop 319 S. MAIN ST., BROKEN ARROW 918-200-2827 | THESUCCULENTSHOPBA.COM 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday

These houseplant care cards are perfect for novice plant parents. The boxed gift set contains 35 cards packed full of advice and tips for troubleshooting plant problems. $19.

Botanica donates $1 from each product sold back to region-speciﬁc, nonproﬁt organizations in the areas indigenous to their candle fragrance ingredients. $15-$25.

MICHELLE POLLARD

or Cassidy Meredith, a love of succulents bloomed just as she found herself falling in love with her future husband, Andrew. When the pair were dating, Andrew took Cassidy to his hometown in Huntington Beach, California. “I couldn’t help but obsess over all the succulents that were everywhere,” says Cassidy, a full-time chiropractor. Fast forward to 2017 and Cassidy’s bachelorette party where the group created their own terrariums, and the love sparked a business concept. “My head just started spinning with a multitude of ideas,” Cassidy says. “What if we created a plant-bar, and a ‘bar-bar’ with drinks, artisan gifts and products to help support other small businesses — a one-stop shop where people could come in and plant any time, all while sipping on rosé.” Andrew, an entrepreneur and former landscape company owner, was skeptical at first. “Cassidy was initially known to be a plant killer,” Andrew says. “When she came to me with the idea, I thought, ‘You have got to be kidding.’” Yet Cassidy persisted, and nearly four years later the business has grown from a mobile plant retailer to a successful brick-and-mortar storefront aptly named the Succulent Shop. “We are still in shock that even during a pandemic, people are so excited about plants,” Cassidy says.

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BEYOND CITY LIMITS

Powell Gardens

Tiptoe through the tulips NEARBY GARDENS AND THEIR SPRING BLOOMS MAKE FOR A WORTHY ROAD TRIP. BY ANNE BROCKMAN

any public gardens have been closed for the season or have adapted new visitor guidelines to open safely during the pandemic. As April arrives, several regional garden destinations usher in the season with special blooming-related events, demonstrations and activities.

Many know the MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS for its iconic Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which is home to 750 varieties of tropical and desert plants, a waterfall and sky bridge. Crystal Bridge will close this month for a nearly two-year renovation. But, don’t worry. The 15-acre gardens, nestled in the center of downtown Oklahoma City, also boast a playground, children’s garden, splash pad, ornamental gardens, an off-leash dog park as well as a large lawn that hosts numerous free, public events like yoga classes. On May 8, Myriad puts on the OKC Flower and Garden Festival, an annual event featuring vendors selling herbs, ﬂowers, produce, pottery, jewelry, pollinator plants and numerous Oklahoma-garden staples. 301 W. RENO AVE., OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMACITYBOTANICALGARDENS.COM 72

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Myriad Botanical Gardens

Located in downtown Wichita, BOTANICA is 17 acres of demonstration gardens and amenities open year-round. It’s also open late Tuesday and Thursday nights, April through September. Kids are bound to be enchanted in the Downing Children’s Garden, home to an iridescent rainbow sculpture, treehouses, a splash station and a musical maze. More than 150 plant varieties are featured in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the nearby Rose Wind Pavilion was created in Song Dynasty architectural style. April 10, 17 and 24 mark the garden’s Tulip Festival, which celebrates the ﬂowering of more than 66,000 tulips, as well as live music, carousel rides and a petting zoo. 701 AMIDON ST., WICHITA, KANSAS | BOTANICA.ORG POWELL GARDENS is Kansas City’s botanical garden founded in 1988 that encompasses more than 175 acres open to the public. During Bloom Fest, hosted on Thursdays-Sundays from April 15-May 9, guests to Powell Gardens can see botanical displays and inventive ﬂoral designs inspired by the art collection of the nearby Nelson

Atkins Museum. Workshops, a spring market, an art fair and other family-friendly activities are planned. While visiting Powell Gardens, be sure to catch the 42-foot diameter interactive water feature in the Fountain Garden. Surrounded by hydrangeas, cannas and bountiful annual plantings, the fountain’s 56 spray heads create the impression of an opening ﬂower. 1609 N.W. HIGHWAY 50, KINGSVILLE, MISSOURI POWELLGARDENS.ORG TP

Don’t forget to visit Tulsa Botanic Garden for Tulsa Botanic Blooms, ongoing through April 18. More than 120,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses and other spring-ﬂowering bulbs will be on display in an art-deco inspired design in the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces. READ MORE ABOUT TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN ON P. 9 AND 14.

POWELL GARDENS: COURTESY/LAINA GUNSALLUS; MYRIAD: VISITOKC.COM

The BOTANIC GARDEN AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY is over an hour’s drive from Tulsa but offers a world of horticulture and gardening ideas in its 100 acres. As the studio for the OETA “Oklahoma Gardening” TV show, the garden features several installations that demonstrate what people can do in their own backyards. Several trails traverse the grounds, which are open daily at its Highway 51 entrance from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Visitors can walk through the Treewalk Village, a multi-phase project that includes elevated walkways through established trees. Visits to the garden are free of charge. 3300 W. SIXTH ST., STILLWATER BOTANICGARDEN.OKSTATE.EDU

HEALTH

Julie M. Croff and Dr. Kelly Dunn at the National Center for Wellness and Recovery inside Legacy Tower. In addition to in-person treatments, NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic provides medication-assisted treatment services at several federally qualiﬁed health centers and community mental health centers through a virtual platform, reaching patients in rural and underserved areas statewide.

‘ACCESS EQUALS HOPE’ CENTER ADDRESSES ADDICTION THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED METHODS. BY ANNA HOLTON-DEAN

MICHELLE POLLARD

klahomans are more likely to die from an overdose than from a car accident or gun violence, says Dr. Kelly Dunn, executive director of clinical treatment for Oklahoma State University’s National Center for Wellness and Recovery. In fact, nearly 1,000 Oklahomans die each year from an overdose, according to the Oklahoma Policy Institute. However, only one-third of Oklahomans suffering from addictive behaviors receive addiction treatment. Th at’s why NCWR was founded. “Oklahoma needs and deserves help healing from addiction with evidence-based methods, and NCWR plans to do just that,” Dunn says. The National Center for Wellness and Recovery (originally known as the Center for Wellness and Recovery) was established in 2017, and its Addiction Recovery Clinic at Tulsa’s Legacy Plaza opened in 2020. The Clinic is comprised of a team of addiction medicine specialists, including physicians, physician assistants,

fellows, residents and staff. NCWR is funded by the National Center for Addiction Studies and Treatment Foundation, which was created by a settlement agreement between the State of Oklahoma and Purdue Pharma Inc. CEO James Hess explains NCWR’s mission is to provide access to treatment of opioid use disorders and other addictive behaviors and to give hope to those suffering, as well as support their loved ones. “NCWR is organized around four pillars of priorities: treatment, research, training/education and policy/outreach,” he says. “We believe access equals hope,” he adds. Addiction affects people of all ages, all ethnicities and races, and all socioeconomic status. “We most commonly treat those struggling with alcohol or opioids,” Dunn says, “but we have patients who struggle with other addiction behaviors, such as cannabis, tobacco and gambling.” There have been more than 650 patient visits since the fi rst clinic opened in 2018. NCWR also engages in both scientific and

programmatic research programs to address opioid use disorder. Th anks to a recent $2 million donation from the Hardesty Family Foundation, NCWR will soon open the Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience. “The infrastructure established by Hardesty will allow us to do cutting-edge neuroscience research and launch clinical trials (pharmacological and behavioral),” says Julie M. Croff, Ph.D., MPH, executive director of population and clinical research. “It also serves as a single location to house an interdisciplinary group of faculty, students and staff who are passionate about improving health and the lives of those around them.” NCWR has trained hundreds of physicians to better treat patients suffering from opioid use disorder, Hess says. “At NCWR we know that human (brains) will be susceptible to addictive behaviors of all kinds,” Dunn says, “and NCWR strives to be a safe place where people can go to get help for behaviors in their life that do not serve them.” TP TulsaPeople.com

GARDENING Raised beds can be created in any shape using available materials and accommodating a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and ﬂowers.

INSIDE THE BOX RAISED-BED GARDENING TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS BY ALLEN ROBINSON

CONSTRUCTION: The fi rst year of establishing a raised-bed garden requires some time and work to plan and construct. But use your imagination — raised beds can be designed in many different sizes and shapes. Be mindful of keeping the width of the bed narrow enough to easily reach all areas, allowing for easy planting, weeding and harvesting. Typically, 4 feet is the recommended maximum width as an average adult can reach about 2 feet. The height of the bed can vary significantly, as much as 24 inches, but should be at least 6 inches high to allow for adequate drainage. The height also can vary, with taller beds being better for those who have limited ability to kneel or who like to sit while gardening. 74

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

LOCATION: Th is is a key component to consider. Most plants require full sun for most of the day. Therefore, placing the bed in an area that receives adequate sunlight is a must. Spend some time watching the area on which you intend to build to determine if there is enough sunlight throughout the day. Beds should be positioned in a north to south orientation to allow for best sun exposure for all plant sizes. Plant taller plants on the north side and the shorter plants on the south side to prevent the over-shading of the smaller plants by the taller ones. MATERIALS: Raised beds can be constructed from a variety of different materials: lumber, concrete blocks, rock, brick or recycled material. Due to the chemicals used to treat railroad ties, they are not recommended unless they are very well aged. SOIL: The importance of having the proper soil cannot be over emphasized. It should be loose in nature with lots of organic material. Bagged topsoil or sandy loam may need to be added if heavy clay soils predominate the area of the raised bed. Then, organic materials (e.g., compost, rotted grass clippings, aged manure, broken down leaves) also should be added as it allows for proper nutrients, correct pH and good drainage. WATER: Water conservation is a clear advantage of raised beds as it can be specifically targeted to

the bed alone. Raised beds are the perfect place to use drip irrigation, which will reduce overall water usage, as well as reduce the potential for disease from foliar watering. You will have significantly less work and it will most likely improve your garden production. PLANTING: Planting in straight rows is not necessary. Intercropping fast-maturing crops with longer-season ones will help maximize space. Pay close attention to recommended spacing between plants as indicated on the packaging. The good news is that closely planted crops provide less room for weeds. Pre-planned, year-toyear crop rotation from bed to bed decreases the occurrence of nematodes and other persistent pests. PLANTS: Select varieties you most like to eat. Plant tall plants (corn, okra) on the north side of the bed and shorter plants (lettuce, radishes, cabbage) on the south side (in appropriate season). Tomatoes will require the use of stakes or cages. Don’t forget the fruits — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries also perform well, as do assorted herbs. Save yourself added labor later by selecting varieties that are disease and pest resistant. TP Thank you to Tulsa County Master Gardeners for their expertise in this subject matter. Allen Robinson has been a Master Gardener since 2010.

COURTESY TULSA COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

s warmer weather approaches, many gardeners are eagerly anticipating the growing of their favorite fruits, vegetables and herbs. But the thought of having to till hard native soil might keep some from pursuing their dream. Raised-bed gardening is a great option for avoiding the many soil challenges we endure here in Oklahoma. Plus, it has several benefits when compared to traditional in-ground beds: • Extended growing season • Improved soil • Greater water conservation • Higher yields • Fewer weeds • Better pest control Raised beds can be created in any size, shape and height the home gardener desires.

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DONNA POSEY

MARC BULLOCK

BUTLER TEAM

IN 2020 ANNUAL SALES

Integrity • Professionalism • Trust CCO KL AH O M A.CO M

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Market madness LOCAL REAL ESTATE AND FINANCING PROFESSIONALS SHARE INSIGHT ON TULSA’S BOOMING HOME SALES. BY MADELINE ROPER

ollowing the coronavirus outbreak, economic uncertainty plagued the nation. As we have adapted to the “new normal” of COVID-19 safety precautions and social distancing, our markets reacted. The bond market, which drives mortgage rates, fell to a historic low of .52% on July 31, which drove mortgage rates to the lowest level in recorded history. Th is historic moment led many Tulsans to refinance or buy a new home, a move Dan Newberry, senior vice president of lending at TTCU Federal Credit Union, considers a smart financial decision. “Since then the bond market has continued to increase which in turn has caused an increase in rates,” Newberry says. “If you are considering a refinance don’t wait as the opportunity could pass. Some may believe the market is going to go back down — and it might — however, the likelihood is small. Gambling in this market could cost someone thousands of dollars in savings.” From first-time homebuyers to those looking to purchase a second investment property, Tulsans are flocking to the booming real estate market. In mid-February, Gannon Brown, CEO of Brown and Co. Realtors and director of business development at McGraw Realtors, shared some insights on this unexpected real estate storm. “The past 365 days have presented the most drastic change in our industry since the invention of the internet,” Brown says.

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

The increased demand due to the low mortgage rates led to the busiest six months in Brown’s eightyear career. According to Brown, it is a great time to buy and sell a home in Tulsa, but the market is competitive. Homes are on the market for just a few weeks versus the pre-COVID average of 60 days, and many properties will have more than one bid. To remain competitive and ensure the best pricing, Brown recommends forming a good relationship with your local Realtor.

TULSA REAL ESTATE BY THE NUMBERS Closed home sales in 2020 totaled 17,885, a 1.15% increase from 2019. In 2020, the average list price was $225,797, up 20.86% from 2019. In 2020, the average sales price was $220,951, up 21.46% from 2019. In 2020, average days on market was 33 days, down 19.2% from 2019. Source: Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors

“Connect with a full-time, local real estate agent — someone who lives and breathes in your area,” Brown says. “There is a lot of inventory that is for sale, but isn’t listed. Your full-time agents will know this.” Newberry similarly emphasized the importance of working local. Local mortgage brokers and real estate agents will help measure interest rates and housing costs in your area. According to Newberry, “A consumer should review the Truth in Lending Disclosure to fi nd out if the fees being charged for the loan are excessive. Doing a comparative analysis with multiple lenders and credit unions could save someone from paying unnecessary charges.” Though the current mortgage rates signal a greenlight for refinancing and home buying, Heather Van Hooser, senior vice president and director of private banking at Mabrey Bank, emphasized the importance of carefully analyzing all sizeable financial decisions. She recommends individuals refinancing and purchasing property, particularly fi rst-time homebuyers, meet with a reputable mortgage company and walk through their exact income and home-buying costs, including the unexpected maintenance costs of owning a home. “Before taking out loans, buyers need to consider their income and if it is susceptible to COVID-19 impact,” Van Hooser says. “Everyone needs to examine both sides of the equation.” TP

TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS The residential real estate professionals presented here, in company groupings, were ranked top agents in the Tulsa area in 2020 based on industry information. The rankings are based on “total volumes” (listings plus sales) of individual agents. The following pages include professional proﬁles purchased by Top Real Estate Professionals to inform readers of their services.

ACCENT Paul Wheeler

CONCEPT REALTY Tulsa

918-665-8559

CASA LIGHT REALTY LLC Charo Naifeh

918-277-6363

Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Sand Springs Tulsa Broken Arrow Tulsa Bixby Bixby Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Broken Arrow Tulsa Tulsa Owasso Tulsa Tulsa Owasso Bixby Tulsa Owasso Broken Arrow Tulsa Bixby Owasso

918-392-0900 918-392-0900 918-392-0900 918-419-2333 918-419-2333 918-392-0900 918-259-0000 918-392-9900 918-943-3009 918-943-3009 918-392-0900 918-392-9900 918-392-0900 918-259-0000 918-392-0900 918-392-0900 918-392-9990 918-392-0900 918-392-0900 918-932-9990 918-943-3009 918-392-0900 918-392-9990 918-259-0000 918-392-0900 918-943-3009 918-392-9990

918-304-7573

Chris Zinn

Tulsa

Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Broken Arrow Tulsa Tulsa Owasso Broken Arrow Tulsa Tulsa Broken Arrow Claremore Sapulpa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa

918-496-3333 918-496-3333 918-712-4310 918-251-4142 918-496-3333 918-496-3333 918-272-9531 918-251-4142 918-712-4310 918-496-3333 918-251-4142 918-343-3822 918-224-5915 918-496-3333 918-496-3333 918-712-4310

Erin Catron

Tulsa

918-800-9915

EXECUTIVE HOMES REALTY LLC Alex Trinidad

Tulsa

918-863-4414

Tulsa Tulsa

918-258-2600 918-258-2600

EXP REALTY Robin Wilson Brandi Lolato

KELLER WILLIAMS ADVANTAGE Jennie Wolek Drew Ary Max Heckenkemper Holly Brumble Kasia Olek Amber Davis Jessica Scott Rob Schmidt Brent Clark Jackie Profﬁtt Brandi Fugate

Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Sapulpa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa

918-550-9243 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-291-2425 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-712-2252 918-712-2252

Tulsa Broken Arrow Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Broken Arrow

918-496-2252 918-251-2252 918-496-2252 918-496-2252 918-496-2252 918-496-2252 918-496-2252 918-251-2252

KELLER WILLIAMS PREMIER Stephanie Ross Julie Mullinax-Villanella Jackie Shields

Claremore Owasso Owasso

918-283-2252 918-272-0809 918-272-0809

KEVO PROPERTIES Amber Tackett

Tulsa

918-884-7653

Carol Brown Diana Patterson Laura Grunewald Katy Houchin Laura Bryant Brenda Woodward Mike Keys Chris Noel John Ragan Heather Caputo Lori Lassman Stephanie Joy John Smucker Donald Burns Frankie Harkey Jacki Crews Gini Fox

Tulsa Langley Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Broken Arrow Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa

918-592-6000 918-782-3211 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000 918-592-6000

Tulsa

918-998-4410

OWNTULSA Dustin Thames

PINNACLE REALTY GROUP David S. Dumont

Broken Arrow

918-258-6161

Owasso Skiatook Owasso

918-376-6400 918-396-8002 918-376-6400

Tulsa

918-280-9980

RE/MAX RESULTS

KELLER WILLIAMS PREFERRED Brian Frere Ryan Treadway Tracy Ellis Heidi McMurray Summer Ratzlaff Suzanne Rentz James Sumter Austin Cochran

Terry Hassell

MCGRAW, REALTORS 918-900-9750

ERIN CATRON & CO. LLC

COLDWELL BANKER SELECT The Maureen Kile Team The Rainwater-Vining Team The Slemp Team Joanna Ford Angie Cianfrone Corrie Egge & Associates Janet Vermillion The Pollard-Sams Team The McGuire-Cooley Team Kristin Winton Trish Allison The Rhoades Team Janice Koss Suzanne Mobley John Pellow Ashley Wozniak

M & T REALTY GROUP Tulsa

ENGEL & VOELKERS TULSA

Tulsa

CHINOWTH & COHEN Brandi True Lindsey Morris Homes Team Gayle Roberts-Pisklo Shawn Peters Amanda Dudley Amy Prosser Missy Hagin-Pittman Allison Shefﬁeld Judy Stocker Brad Borem Carrie DeWeese Wallace Home Collection Alicia Parker Allison Hayes Barbara Staten Susie Genet Kelley Ward The Hawkins Home Team Chandler Homes Team The Swimmer Group Jenkins Team Megan Forehand Jen Miller Morrow Tonya Ellison Jennifer Wykoff Taylor Bay The Hand Team

Robert Kleven

918-878-8159

Kim Parker Carol Smith Robb Hopper

RE/MAX T-TOWN Casey Grippando

THE GARRISON GROUP LLC Kelly Garrison

Tulsa

918-808-3065

TRINITY PROPERTIES Carri Ray

Tulsa

918-520-7149

WALTER & ASSOCIATES INC. Blake Loveless Peter Walter Marlene Boyd

Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa

918-743-2001 918-743-2001 918-743-2001

TulsaPeople.com

OUR BRIGHTEST STARS IN REAL ESTATE cbselect.com

Maureen Kile Team

The G7 Group

The Rainwater Vining Team

The Slemp Team

Joanna Ford

The Rhoades Team

The Vermillion Group

Angie Cianfrone

Corrie Egge & Associates

Pollard/Sams Team

McGuire Cooley Team

The Jiles Team

Kristin Winton

Trish Allison

Paula McGuire Team

Janice Koss

Suzanne Mobley

John Pellow

Ashley Wozniak

GUIDING

YOUR WAY HOME H O ME SALE S • H O ME P U RCHA SE S • NE W CO N S TRU C TI O N

A full-time realtor with a passion for creating a rewarding real estate experience for each client, Taylor Bay takes pride in her unwavering dedication to her client’s best interests. “Each individual, home and real estate experience is unique and deserving of an approach tailored to their specific needs,” Bay says. I will create and implement an effective marketing plan utilizing all available technology to properly showcase your home.” And, her passion of staging and interiors allows her to work closely with her sellers, creating a plan to help their home sell quickly and for top dollar. “And for my buyers, I create a personalized search based on your needs and work diligently to find you the perfect home,” she says. As a native Tulsan, Taylor loves the city and is intimately knowledgeable of it’s unique features. She specializes in home sales, purchases and new construction across Tulsa and the surrounding suburbs.

“Thank you so much to all of the families and individuals I had the privilege of serving in 2020!”

Tay lor

Bay

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

tbay.cc t ul sa .com ✧ 918 -7 70 -57 21

Heidi McMurray

Keller Williams Realty Preferred We’ll start as partners in real estate but we will end as friends Closing over $20 million in property sales for 2020, Heidi McMurray has the expertise and experience to earn the confidence of her valued clients, sellers and buyers alike. Her tenacious commitment to client values is what truly sets her apart. McMurray’s ability to resolve challenges puts her clients at ease through the stress that often accompanies the sales process. She has the behind-the-scenes toughness that results in a streamlined transaction, so clients can focus on the many tasks required to make their sale successful. Negotiating client goals, executive concierge service and making dreams come true is cause for a winning day at the closing table. A luxury agent, McMurray consistently achieves market leader status in Oklahoma. A Realtor since 1991 and broker associate with Keller Williams Preferred since 2003, McMurray is a consistent top agent in property sold, often outproducing

entire realty teams. McMurray’s high ranking within Tulsa’s Top Real Estate Professionals as a solo agent, alongside consistent placement as a Top 1,000 KW Agent for the U.S., proves she is here to stay as a trusted resource even through tumultuous economic seasons. With a bachelor’s degree in business from Oral Roberts University and executive experience launching a national advertising franchise, McMurray knows what it takes to Heidi McMurray negotiate successfully and Keller Williams Realty Preferred provide innovative strate4745 E. 91st St. gies to procure buyers for 918-313-1786 her listed properties. HeidisHomes@kw.com www.HeidisHomes.KW.com

The BayneBrook Group

Keller Williams Realty Advantage and KW Commercial Meet the BayneBrook Group of Keller Williams Realty Advantage and KW Commercial, a team of experienced and dedicated agents serving the Tulsa metro area. The foundation of this team is built upon combined credibility, a proven track record, sound guidance and, above all else, a clear investment in the needs of the client. “We focus on our client’s needs and real estate goals to achieve the best possible outcome and strive to ensure the process is as easy and stress free as possible,” says Holly Brumble, founder of the BayneBrook Group. The passion for real estate is evident in this team’s impeccable communication skills, market knowledge and professional approach when working with both buyers and sellers. Each member brings a unique perspective to the team both professionally and personally, allowing each agent to shine while offering one another incredible insight. The size of the team and internal structure offer the ability to serve clients at the highest possible level. They can be readily available to move quickly and with expertise in residential, commer-

cial and land transactions. The team culture is supportive and client focused; if a team member is unavailable at a desired time, another team member steps in to make it happen. The BayneBrook Group is dedicated to showcasing homes in the most aesthetically pleasing way and on multiple media platforms to reach the desired audience. The agents offer state-of-the-art technologies from the syndication of listings to over 350 websites, stunning HDR photography and videography, drone footage, 3D scans and virtual staging. An interior design team also is available to stage and highlight the property’s best features to maximize sales in price point and time frame. The BayneBrook Group Contact the BayneBrook holly@baynebrookgroup.com Group anytime to discuss your 918-409-2762 real estate needs. thebaynebrookgroup.com

First United Mortgage Group is proud to support Tulsa’s BayneBrook Realty Group. First United Mortgage Group has built a strong reputation as an outstanding mortgage company, serving the lending needs of real estate professionals, builders and individual homebuyers throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

Member FDIC.

Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 400025

First United Bank (NMLS #400025) is a licensed lender in Oklahoma and Texas. The BayneBrook Group Keller Williams Realty Advantage is not an affiliate of First United Bank or First United Bank Mortgage Group. This is not an offer for extension of credit or commitment to lend. All loans subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. Copyright © 2021 First United Bank. All Rights Reserved.

Tulsa,

again!

BRANDI FUGATE "I could not have accomplished this again without the processes and systems of the Private Label Team. I went from closing $6.6 million a year as a solo agent, with an 80 hour work week, to closing over $12 million a year with with a 35 hour work week. THANK YOU Private Label Team!"

MY PARTNERS LABEL

REAL ESTATE TEAM

Congratulations,

Brandi!

Josh Hallford

Michelle Primicias

Mortgage Advisor Cornertstone Home Lending, INC

Escrow Officer Titan Title & Closing, LLC

At the Private Label Team, Our first-year agents average over $5,000,000 in closed volume. If you want to be a part of the most effective and productive team in Oklahoma, call us! ((918-282-5580

The Brian Frere Real Estate Team’s mission is to serve our clients. Whether it is to buy, sell or invest, we are committed to providing world class service with a high level of market expertise to ensure our clients achieve their goals with the utmost satisfaction. From experienced investors to first time home buyers alike, nothing is more gratifying than helping our clients meet their real estate needs. We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve hundreds of families every year. Steadfast commitment to our clients and the local market have allowed us to rank in the top 1% of Tulsa area Realtors by sales units and volume year after year.

We specialize in: Residential | New Construction | Land Commercial | Investment Properties

Realtor. Broker. Mentor. Owner. Dustin Thames, congratulations on your recognition as a Tulsa Top 100 Real Estate Professional!

918.814.9555

dustin@owntulsa.com

@owntulsa

Whether you are buying, or selling a home, you can depend on Angie for the highest level of service and results. ranked top 2% since 2015

Angie’s knowledge of the area will help you zone in on the best neighborhood, and in turn, the best property for you.

25+ years of experience

Allowing her to successfully close even the most complex transactions and power through difficult negotiations.

A Tulsa Tradition since 1994 918.902.6930

acianfrone@cbtulsa.com | www.acianfrone.cbtulsa.com 88

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Angie has helped us buy and sell three houses, and will definitely always be our go to realtor! She is an expert in the market with decades of experience, and a true professional. Listen to her expertise and you cannot go wrong!

Alicia Parker

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors Consistent top producing agent with more than 25 years of experience. Alicia Parker is known for providing exceptional service and constant communication to each of her clients. Parker is an expert in buying and selling properties throughout the south Tulsa, midtown, Broken Arrow and Bixby markets — all of which have been extremely active this past year. She loves helping new Tulsans discover everything that is great about this city, as well as finding them the property of their dreams. Along with repeat clients, many of the people Parker helps with real estate transactions are individuals who have been referred to her by previous clients. “That’s the majority of my business,” she says. “I think it’s the personal touch that I provide my clients that keeps them coming back to me.” Parker has been named to the TulsaPeople Top Real Estate Professionals in previous years and has received

recognition in the Tulsa Business Journal and Top Agent Magazine. Parker, a Missouri State University graduate with a degree in fashion design, found her calling in real estate after working with a master planned community developer. Parker loves the independence, accountability and interaction with clients who become friends that a career in real estate affords.

Alicia Parker Chinowth & Cohen Realtors 3912 E. 91st St. aparker.cctulsa.com 918-231-5995 aparker@cctulsa.com

LAURA GRUNEWALD | 918.734.0695 RANDY KAY YOUNG | 918.406.0994 KRYSTIE CUPP | 918.237.8832

L AU R AG RU N E W AL D .CO M

WORKING IN THE TULSA METRO & GREEN COUNTRY “ We have used Laura and her team multiple times for selling and buying a home. She is very knowledgeable and is always responsive to requests or questions we had throughout the entire process. We highly recommended Laura and her team.” ~ Jaime Compton | Zillow.com

WE SPE CI ALI ZE I N:

Land Sales

SINCE 1998

“ Laura Grunewald and her team are top notch realtors! They are experts in their ﬁeld. They work hard and quickly to get you the best house! Our experience with them was the best! We recommend them to all of our friends! ” ~ Jonathonkirkland | Zillow.com

New Construction

Home Sales

Commercial

TulsaPeople.com

Brad Borem

Chinowth & Cohen Realtors

Helping Tulsans find the perfect luxury, residential and commercial property. Brad Borem has been managing real estate investments for the past 15 years. As a Realtor for Chinowth and Cohen’s Bixby office, Borem is familiar with luxury, residential and commercial properties in areas including Grand Lake, Bixby, Broken Arrow, midtown and south Tulsa. “I have always had a love for real estate. For the past 15-plus years I have flipped, owned and managed rental properties,” says the Oklahoma resident of the past 30 years. “Now, I work in real estate full time in both residential, new construction and commercial markets.” Borem has worked in the oil industry and as a COO/Operations manager,

gaining several skills that have transferred to his career in real estate. “I gained valuable real estate skills in looking, buying, selling, contracts and the title process,” he says. “I also have a lot of experience with customer service. Everyone is different and everyone wants and needs something different.” Brad Borem Chinowth & Cohen Realtors 7510 E. 111th St., Bixby bborem.ccoklahoma.com 918-605-6086 bborem@cctulsa.com

Robin Wilson

Robin Wilson eXp Realty

Relationship-first service with a deep love for the industry Robin Wilson has earned a reputation for forthright communication, integrity and personal touch in the field of Oklahoma real estate. Wilson and her son, debut agent Bradley Hodges, serve clients across the greater Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets. In both areas, a significant amount of Wilson’s business is driven by repeat and referral clientele — proof of her steady hand, personable nature and proven track record. Relationship is central to Wilson’s business philosophy. “I put the customer first,” she says. “My clients know I care about them and am invested in their wellbeing. I want to make sure they are educated about the process and feel good about the purchase of their new home.” Wilson cites the importance of a team effort to make each transaction

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

a lasting success. Wilson recognizes it’s important to work well with every professional that touches the transaction. “I align myself with likeminded people so that we can best serve our clients, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience,” she says. “I know the difference between average and extraordinary comes down to effort, so I put in a lot of effort to ensure my clients have an extraordinary experience.”

Robin Wilson eXp Realty rwilsonandcompany@gmail.com 918-810-1511

Casey Grippando

Casey Grippando Re/Max T-Town

Focusing on people first, property second In just four years, Casey Grippando has had major success as a broker associate in Tulsa’s real estate market. In 2020, she sold more than 85 properties as a solo agent. Grippando offers full service, flexible rate listings with plans for any budget. “I want to help my clients keep more of their equity in their pocket,” she says. Building relationships is what matters most. “I’m passionate about people and provide quality Casey service from initial contact to close,” she says. “Buying and selling property is Grippando a major event in a person’s life, so I strive to make the process as stress-free RE/MAX T-Town and enjoyable as possible, assuring my clients are happy and satisfied.” 918-899-3825 Grippando’s experience includes single and multi-family homes, condozillow.com/profile/ miniums, new construction, re-sale, investments, rural areas, and farm and CaseyGrippando ranch properties.

multi-million dollar producer 2003-present

Broker-Realtor Assoc. • C&C Owasso Eighteen years of experience negotiating and successfully closing contracts Broker-Realtor Assoc. Jen Miller-Morrow goes far beyond simply putting a sign in the yard — she advertises heavily. For 18 years, she has helped clients through one of the largest and most important investments of their lives. “My clients have become some of my closest friends,” says Miller-Morrow. “I love my career and I am truly blessed with the best buyers and sellers.” Miller-Morrow specializes in residential properties, commercial buildings and land, new construction and vacant land, has been a Multi-Million Dollar Award Winning Top Producer since 2003.

918.638.7653 T O P 10 0 R E A LT O R S

| jenmiller .com | jenmiller @cctulsa.com

Thank You, Tulsa!

RESIDENTIAL | LUXURY COMMERCIAL LAND & RANCH NOW SERVING GRAND LAKE & ALL OTHER NE OKLAHOMA LAKES Vickie & Brent Clark 918.804.4101

Rob Schmidt 918.688.7201

RiseHome918.com VICKIE CLARK

ROB SCHMIDT

BRENT CLARK

TulsaPeople.com

MUSINGS

Zeke

I WISH I WERE MY DOG I

’ve been reading about the seven deadly sins, looking for loopholes. I’m no expert on sin, thank heavens, and my online research is cursory. Still, I think some revision could be done. It’s been done before, so there is precedent. Originally there were eight, but with translations from Greek to Latin and then editing and reinterpretation by a pope (Gregory) and a saint (Thomas Aquinas), the list was jiggled into seven. A preacher (Billy Graham) and writers (from Dante to C. S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers and Bertrand Russell) added their contemporary spin. Pride is generally considered the worst of the lot, the father of all sins and the source of the others. Wrath, though, has a bad rep in my opinion. Nobody approves of rage and violence, but doesn’t some hurtful, unfair, unkind behavior seem deserving of wrath? Cruelty to children and animals, for example, apartheid and genocide. I’m comfortable censuring lust, gluttony, sloth and pride. It’s envy I’m on the fence about. Not covetousness to the degree that I want what someone else has instead of their having it. Sometimes I want the same thing myself. A mild case of envy has been useful to me. It has called my attention to something — usually an achievement — that I see elsewhere and that I aspire to but haven’t worked for myself. If I envy someone who is fit, flexible

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

and can run several miles, it might inspire me to walk briskly around the block. I currently envy my dog Zeke. He is a Springer Spaniel, and he springs up at the first flush of dawn happy and barking to see a new day. Then — oh, joy! — he spies a squirrel outside the window and his enthusiasm, also his barking and jumping, is without bounds. I stagger out of bed at the noise, and he springs up and down several feet in the air, delighted to see me again. Not as happy as he is with the squirrels, but pretty happy. That’s what I want. I want to welcome each day with Zeke’s enthusiasm. I want to chase something as much as he wants to chase squirrels. He has never yet caught a squirrel, but he keeps trying. I want that unfettered optimism. I want some of the qualities my dog exhibits every day. These past months, whenever we see people behaving badly, individually or in mobs, someone says, “That’s not who we are as Americans. We’re better than that.” No, that’s exactly who we are. At least who some of us are. We’re frustrated, frightened and angry, and we’re behaving like a tired, hungry 2-year old. Worse, even. We’re shouting at tag agents as we stand in line, we’re threatening service people, we’re hassling other customers. We’re especially nasty when people cannot see us, when we are writing mean-spirited comments on social

media or when we are complaining on the phone. My niece works in phone customer service for an airline, and she said that recently distraught customers have gone from being angry at the airline to abusing her personally. “I hope you lose your job.” And, “I hope you get COVID and die.” Try hearing that eight hours a day. Her emotional and physical health are showing the strain of it. Which brings me to my appreciation for one of the original eight sins, acedia. Definitions range from melancholy to lack of joy or even despair. Theologians combined it with the sin of sloth, but I think it needs to reclaim a place of its own. Acedia casts us adrift from spiritual joy and the pleasure of life. Oh, I so, so do not want to suffer from acedia. As much as I envy Zeke, in many ways I am glad I am not my dog. I am glad I don’t have long, floppy ears that get wet every time I take a drink. I’m glad I don’t have to depend on a lazy woman to let me go outside or to make my supper. But I admire Zeke’s natural capacity for some of the seven virtues, which contrast with the seven sins. He is especially good with diligence, patience and kindness. Most of all I admire, envy even, the way he greets every morning. “Hey, everybody. Look at that will you? A brand new day and it’s full of squirrels.” TP

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

PROPERT Y GROUP

918-231-5637

thayes@mcgrawok.com

McGraw Realtors

LUXURY

TIM HAYES

SHERRI SANDERS

918-724-5008

ssanders@mcgrawok.com

A T M C G R AW R E A L T O R S

Call any of the Luxury Property Group Realtors about one of these homes, or any property that you have an interest in. We will provide you with superior personal service with the highest integrity.

GORDON SHELTON

DIANA PATTERSON

918-697-2742

918-629-3717

gshelton@mcgrawok.com

dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

SEQUOYAH HILL II

RANCH ACRES

11523 S Oswego Avenue, Tulsa Exquisite former Parade home. Superior craftsmanship & the finest appointments thru-out. Master & Guest Suites down. 2 bedrooms upstairs with Game room & Theater room. Extensive moldings, Granite Kitchen with Commercial Appliances. Private lot with pool, waterfall, spa, kitchen & Cabana. $1,249,000

2827 E 39th Street. Fully Remodeled ranch style home in midtown. Top of the line updates throughout. Designer draperies, hardware, lighting, Gucci wallpaper, etc. Quartzite kitchen counter tops. Custom doors, new wood flooring. Walk-in pantry has an addition double oven. New back patio over looks backyard. $925,000

HIGHLAND PARK ESTATES

GRAND LAKE

3720 S. Wheeling Avenue, Tulsa Stunning 4 bed, 3.5 bath Midtown home recently updated with high end finishes & superior quality. New windows & doors. New/restored hardwoods. New concrete driveway & patios. New HVAC systems & Tankless HW. Home built in 1945renovation in 2015 & completed in Spring 2020. $699,900.

SOUTHRIDGE ESTATES V AMD 7514 S Urbana Avenue. Beautiful renovation completed in May 2015. Interior renovation down to the studs, all new concrete slab, new plumbing throughout, new electric, new spray foam insulation on entire building envelope. Entire home has new LED lighting. $549,000

D OL

SOUTHERN HILLS III 3516 E 67th Pl. This home has a downstairs bedrm w/ walk-in shower & Zoom Room (office) across the hall. Open kitchen, spacious dining rm that overlooks fam rm w/ wood burning masonry fireplace. Upstairs has 4 beds w/ a stunning mstr suite w/, en-suite bath & dressing area. Outside is a covered patio w/ fireplace, gunite diving pool and backyard. Well estab neighborhood. $429,000

Scotty’s Cove Waterfront - Custom built, well maintained, 2,480 s.f. mostly brick lake home, 136 feet of shoreline with deep cove, .81 acres, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, fresh paint inside & out, all pine hardwoods throughout, antique cooking stove included, maple countertops, 2 woodburning fireplaces, central vac, recirculating hot water, 1-slip dock uncovered great for a sailboat, very private, and 5 minutes to Reasors. $589,500

SOUTH GRAND LAKE Lot 58 Redbud Afton, OK. The Points on South Grand Lake, gorgeous lot with outrageous views looking east, 145 feet of shoreline, gated community surrounded by beautiful homes & only 5 min east of Ketchum! $495,000

SHERIDAN OAKS ESTATES Norwood Avenue Tulsa, OK. Lots 16 & 17 in Gated Sheridan Oaks Estates. Ready for your builder plans! Around 1.14 Acres in size! In a great location near 91st and Sheridan and within walking distance of Hunter Park. $325,000

E N J OY T H E LU X U RY L I F E ST Y L E YOU D E SI R E TulsaPeople.com

McGraw Realtors

710 W 107 th Place S

3240 E. 61 st PL

Custom Built house by the current owner with details throughout make this house a one of a kind in Aberdeen Falls. Updated in 2019 with fresh paint, all new surfaces in kitchen and all baths, all new fixtures and tons of storage make this a “Must See”. Office on the first floor with knotty alder built-ins opens to a covered patio with fireplace. The kitchen with eating bar opens to familyroom having caststone fireplace, reclaimed beamed ceiling, built-in tv area and more. Master suite on 1st floor with his/ her baths and closets plus exercise room. 2nd bedroom on the 1st floor. Upstairs features 2 bedrooms and a gameroom all beds have walk-in closets and private baths. Gameroom up. Beautiful outdoor space with pool and a built in cooking area. Call for your private showing. $1,600,000

Located in an intimate gated neighborhood backing to Southern Hills. Stunning villa custom designed with perfection evident in every high-end amenity. Flexible floor plan. Every Bedroom has en suite granite bath, stunning granite kitchen with high-end Thermador appliances. Downstairs office with full bath. Use of the huge upstairs flex room with full bath is limited only by your imagination and needs. Garden patio with retractable screen. $965,000

2441 E. 49th St.

Amazing one-story located on an acre of land more of less with lots of natural light and spacious rooms. Formal living and dining for entertainment space. The large eat-in kitchen opens to spacious family room plus bonus study area. Separate wing of bedrooms offers 3 beds each with private baths and closets plus a master suite. Possible mother-in-law plan having separate entrance. Inground pool. Call for your private showing. $1,500,000

918.808.4780

mkeys@mcgrawok.com

Real Estate, Real Results!

GRATEFUL FOR MY VALUED CLIENTS!

I am honored to be included in Tulsa’s top 100 Realtors. 6311 E 105th Street. Amazing estate home 8231 S.on Kingston Avenue Beautifully updated approx 1.1 acres home in Gated in gated Stonewall Estates; 1.65 acres w/ Rockhurst. Located in Jenks mature trees & heavy landscaping; 2 large bed SE Schools. 6 Ensuite down,beds 3 up, each w/ walk-in closet & private bath. + 2 bed quarters Game that have room, theater, office & gym $2,195,000 access from the home & also a separate outdoor entrance. Entertainers dream with 2 game rooms & theater, diving pool, private pool bath, hot tub, outdoor living area with kitchen & indoor basketball court with 6311 E 105th Street Amazing estate home on approx separate 1.1 acres inentrance. Stunning details6 Ensuite throughout. All Gated Rockhurst. Located in highly desirable Jenks SE Schools. with incredible scale beds + 2 bed quarters that have access from the home &rooms also a separate and fantastic natural light. outdoor entrance. Entertainers dream w/2 game rooms & theater, S. Fulton Ave. Rare beautifully Custom built one11620 owner diving pool, private pool bath, hot tub, outdoor living/kitchen & indoor landscapedto lot on pond w/ creek, waterfall and with meticulous attention basketball court w/separate entrance. Stunning details throughout. All fountains! Wall of windows at rear of house for detail. $2,590,000 rooms w/ incredible scale and fantastic natural light. Custom built one views of park like setting, swimming pool, pond owner with meticulous attention to detail. $2,590,000 & multiple patios . $715,050 94 TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

2111 E 26th Street. 1308 E. 27th Street Close tohome Philbrook, Beautiful in an Gathering Place and Brookside! First floor master amazing location near w/spacious bath and separate closets. Utica Square! This3spacious bedrooms up with remodeled bath.4Large home includes bed, 4 full backyard with pool. Garage apartment. $545,000 baths, 3 half baths and a garage apartment with full bath. The home has been beautifully remodeled throughout and features a kitchen that opens to family room overlooking a backyard oasis. The backyard boasts a pool, outdoor living area, kitchen and firepit. Basement club 2636 S. Trentonroom Ave. English Tudor with full bar.charmer Truly in Terwilleger Heights complete with clinker brick! amazing! 3 bed, 2.5 baths, updated kitchen w/double ovens. Breakfast room w/bay window plus a sunroom. $449,000

McGraw Realtors

HEATHER CAPUTO | 918. 237.9340 HCAPUTO@MCGRAWOK.COM | WWW.TULSAHOMESHOP.COM

Heather Caputo, of McGraw REALTORS®, is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their real estate goals. She provides a true, professional real estate experience with top notch listing services, total buyer assistance and homeowner resources for residential, land, and new construction clients. She has proven herself to be a top producer in the Oklahoma real estate industry. Heather was born and raised with small town values right here in Oklahoma. Her service in the United States Marine Corps and 10 years in corporate America have developed her principles, knowledge and extensive resources that provide the total care experience her clients have come to expect. Heather Caputo loves helping people, she loves Oklahoma and she loves Turning Dreams into Keys. Congratulations on being a Greater Tulsa Metro’s Top 100 Realtor!

TulsaPeople.com

McGraw Realtors

allison Mobile: 918.850.2207 jacobs 4105 S. Rockford Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105

Top 100 Realtors in Tulsa LDRE SOFO ING BEIST L

! LD

1640 E 41st Street | Tulsa, OK

3810 S Terwilleger Blvd | Tulsa, OK

1212 S Gary Place | Tulsa, OK

3820 E 22ND PL | Tulsa, OK

Value in the lot! Midtown home with new construction all around. Add on or build a new home! Newer HVAC, Hot Water tank, garbage disposal, kitchen cabinets & dishwasher. $290,000

Superb midtown location. Private cul de sac on a dead-end street with established neighbors. Almost 1 acre w/ mature trees. Lot is ready for new construction. Gorgeous lot Ready for your custom home! $599,000

Value in the lot! House has been torn

This darling home sits close to TU, Tulsa Fairgrounds, Safari Joes, & so much more. 2 beds with an office, 1 full bathroom, indoor laundry, 1 car garage. Large corner lot on a quiet street. $150,000

down & lot is ready for your new build. Signature Properties can custom build! $125,000

COMING SOON

9007 N 100TH E AVE OWASSO, OK

This patio home is in impeccable condition, backs to the Bailey Ranch driving range, & has so much charm. 2 bedrooms with an office, or 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms. Master ensuite bathroom has double vanities, soaker tub, walk in shower, & a makeup vanity, with a large closet attached. Fabulous back patio with sturdy pergola with gorgeous landscaping all around, front and back. Don’t miss this one! $260,000

19433 CLEAR BROOK ROAD

Located in a private, gated neighborhood in Owasso. Gorgeous home built by Tom Watts of American Heartland Homes. High-end features throughout the entire home. Large Theater Room, French Limestone flooring, Vaulted ceilings, 2 laundry rooms, all large bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, Elevator, deep pool with outdoor living areas face beautiful backyard with creek beyond the fence line, exterior security cameras, & professional landscaping. Must see!

RODGER ERKER

rerker@mcgrawok.com 918.740.4663 ESPLANADE CONDOMINIUMS

South Tulsa’s prestigious gated neighborhood, Esplanade, offers a luxurious garden-style condominium home. Each home is one level and features a New Orleans-style private courtyard with pergolas and multiple outdoor living and dining areas. Spacious and inviting, with a beautiful and open kitchen, dining, and living space, plus so much more. These homes include large master bedrooms, guest bedroom with private bath. This neighborhood offers gracious living and many social gatherings.

GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN LIVING IN ESPLANADE, TULSA’S BEST KEPT SECRET! 96

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

On the

ROCKS Cafe Ole’s famous margarita is simple in its stature, but legendary for its ﬂavor. Made with freshly squeezed lime juice and tequila, this signature cocktail ($8-$9) is refreshing on a warm spring day. The only way to make a better happy hour is to pair it with the Brookside restaurant’s original queso — a creamy blend of melted cream cheese, peppers, onions and spices ($7).

MICHELLE POLLARD

SEE P. 101 FOR MORE ON CAFE OLE.

TulsaPeople.com

DINING OUT

FRENCH AT ITS FINEST FRENCH HEN RECEIVES AN UPDATED MENU WITH ITS NEW DOWNTOWN DIGS. BY NATALIE MIKLES

Mushroom-crusted Colorado lamb chops with a mint truﬂe demi-glace 98

TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

MICHELLE POLLARD

f a restaurant makes it to 41 years, it often shows. The upholstery might have looked better or the menu might be a little tired. Not so at the French Hen, which at more than 40 years old has had a rebirth with a new location downtown. The French Hen moved from its location at East 71st Street and South Yale Avenue to a spot that seems to have taken ages off the classic French restaurant. Under the direction of owner Kathy Bondy, the French Hen had never fallen into a trap of staleness. But Bondy’s decision to move the restaurant to the new Vast Bank building in the Tulsa Arts District allowed the French Hen to avoid the midlife crisis so many restaurants undergo. Rather, the French Hen is both as good as it was in its beginning, when it was one of the only places in town with classic French cuisine, and also better than ever, with a youthful look and beautifully updated menu. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of Vast, in a bright, elegant spot with intimate seating and partitions between each for privacy. Attention to every detail gives it a big city feel, like the favorite restaurant you visit when out of town. We visited for lunch, and even though downtown isn’t back to its pre-pandemic lunch bustle, many tables were full.

Right away, the French classics pop when perusing the hors d’oeuvres. Escargot with puff pastry, fried oysters with creamed spinach, mushroom tart with goat cheese. It’s a great start. The lunch menu gives diners a chance to try multiple dishes and for every taste. Classics like steak and frites with a brandy peppercorn sauce ($22) and a pork chop Normandy with apples and cream ($20) are popular. But harder to find French bistro dishes, like sauteed calf ’s liver with applesmoked bacon and onions ($18) and beef bourguignon en croute ($15) also are on the menu. We particularly loved the gnocchi a la Nicoise ($15) with tomatoes, olives, squash, zucchini and sage with big, pillowy gnocchi the size of sea scallops. It was a beautifully composed dish and a real treat for lunch. The French Hen’s lunch menu also includes salads; a French onion soup with a generous layer of brie; and several sandwiches, such as truffled egg salad, chicken salad, portabella mushroom and a burger made for cheese lovers with smoked cheddar, gruyere and roqeufort, plus bacon, mushrooms and onions, for good measure. You’d be hard pressed to fi nd a more affordable or delicious lunch in such an elegant setting than the grilled ham and brie with a cup of French onion soup for $12. The French Hen’s dinner service is even more refi ned, with hard-to-fi nd dishes like sweetbreads, duck liver pate and seared foie gras with poached fruit. Dinner entrees are varied and interesting, including a grilled duck breast with brandy peppercorn or orange and cherry glace ($27), bouillabaisse ($32), roasted salmon with poached pears and a seafood cream sauce ($26) and mushroom-crusted Colorado lamb chops ($54). Service at the French Hen is as impeccable as the presentation and food itself. Seasoned waitstaff, many who have been with the restaurant for years, know the menu well and are helpful with making recommendations and pairings wines. The French Hen has long had a great selection of wine, including by the glass, and that remains the case at the new location. Classic cocktails also are served. Desserts are rich enough to be shared but are a nice ending to a perfect meal. We loved the espresso chocolate mousse, but would love to try the berry crème brulee and banana walnut bread pudding. This is not a place where you’ll find triple layer chocolate cake or gooey puddings. The desserts are simple, but with intense flavor profiles. With its new location, many people are likely to fi nd the French Hen for the fi rst time, thinking it’s a cool, new downtown restaurant. And those who have known it for years are likely to fall in love all over again. TP

Berry créme brulee

French Hen 319 E. ARCHER ST. | 918-492-2596 | FRENCHHENTULSA.COM 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday; 4-11 p.m., Saturday

The French Hen’s new location was designed by architect James Boswell and received the American Institute of Architects Eastern Oklahoma’s Honor Award in Interior Architecture. TulsaPeople.com

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TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

Local Sponsors

TULSA’S NEW COUNTRY LEADER

Stacked blue corn enchiladas

A LA CARTE

STAR FIRE AT SUSHI HANA

MICHELLE POLLARD

Marking 35 years Cafe Ole has called Brookside home for more than three decades, making it a standard not only on the “Restless Ribbon,” but in Tulsa’s restaurant scene. Known for its Santa Fe-style Mexican fare, Cafe Ole’s most popular dishes remain the street tacos ($10) and the stacked blue corn enchiladas ($13), three blue corn tortillas dipped in a spicy sauce and layered with black beans and a choice of chicken, pork, beef or veggies, all topped with cheese and mild green chiles. This is a signature dish and one that remains a best-seller according to manager Everett Estes. Those looking for a deal, or just a desire to mix and match their dinner choices, head to Cafe Ole during the middle of the week for Tin Pan Tuesdays. Street-food favorites like tacos, sopes, tamales and empanadas are only $2.50 each. The restaurant’s patio, with its numerous tables and wood-burning ﬁreplace remains a popular option as the restaurant’s interior was primarily used a to-go staging as COVID-19 forced many to carryout, according to Estes. “We’re very grateful to our customers who helped us get through the tough times” of the pandemic, he says. On Saturday and Sunday, Cafe Ole hosts brunch from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with specialties like Ole Hash, the queso blanco omelet, Huevos del Consortium and cocktails like the prickly pear margarita or a Santana Cooler, a concoction of pineapple-mango vodka, pineapple juice, grapefruit, lime and chile powder. As the season turns to spring, Estes says plans for Cafe Ole’s Cinco de Mayo festivities are already underway. Details are still being planned. Check the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram account for updates. — ANNE BROCKMAN

SIMPLY SUSHI BOLD COLORS, FRESH FLAVORS AND EYE-CATCHING PRESENTATIONS FILL TULSA’S SUSHI DESTINATIONS.

Fresh salmon is the star of SUSHI HANA’s Star Fire ($14), an appetizer served on a wasabi drizzle with fresh shredded mango and sprinkled with capers. Since 2011, the two-location sushi shop has served up creative takes on rolls, sashimi and ﬁne Asian entrees. 3739 S. Peoria Ave., 918-712-9338, sushihanatulsa.com; 9904 Riverside Parkway, 918-528-6688, sushihanariverside.com

As the hibachi chefs at OSAKA STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR tantalize with grill skills, the sushi chefs dazzle with stylized, tempting rolls and sashimi. Hesitant about sushi? Try the Cowboy Roll with asparagus, red peppers, avocado, seared steak, teriyaki sauce, tempura ﬂakes and drizzled with a creamy wasabi sauce ($8.50). 11016 E. 81st St., 918-872-6014, osaka-steakhouse.net

With a roll of the month, there is always something special to try at FUJI, a longstanding staple of Tulsa’s sushi scene. Try the beef sashimi appetizer ($8.95) for bites of thinly sliced steak seared rare with Thai peppers, ginger and sesame seeds. The boat specials, a large collection of rolls, sashimi and nigiri, are great for a date night or family celebration. 8226 E. 71st St., 918-250-1821, fujitulsa.com

KIRIN ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI has a wide menu full of favorite rolls and entrees like the spider roll ($11) and spicy wontons in chili sauce ($8), as well as a creative dessert menu featuring fruit sushi and mochi ice cream. Open for lunch and dinner, the south Tulsa spot also has a happy hour special featuring $3-$5 rolls from 3-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. 8014 S. Mingo Road, 918-893-8006, kirin-tulsa.com — ANNE BROCKMAN

Bramble 121 N. Ash Ave., Broken Arrow; 539-367-1419 | 1302 E. Sixth St., 539-664-5635 | 400 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 100, Jenks; 918-528-3054 | bramblebreakfastandbar.com

Neighborhood JA.M. 4830 E. 61st St., Suite 300 | 918-508-7744 | thatsmyjamok.com

SMOKE. Woodﬁ re Grill 1542 E. 15th St., 918-949-4440 | 201 E. Main St., Suite 100; 918-401-4343 | smokewoodﬁregrill.com

Waterfront Grill 120 Aquarium Drive, Jenks | 918-518-6300 | waterfrontgrilljenks.com

WEEKEND BRUNCH Savor your Saturday with a visit to these local restaurants — the winners from TulsaPeople’s annual A-List Readers’ Choice Awards.

Dilly Diner 402 E. Second St. | 918-938-6382 | dillydiner.com TulsaPeople.com

101

W H AT’S COOK ING?

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD Serves 2

Curried chicken salad

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast 1 ¼ cups halved seedless red grapes ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions or chives 1 tablespoon dried cranberries 2 teaspoons curry powder ⅓ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Pinch of kosher salt Pinch of black pepper ⅓ cup sliced almonds In a large bowl, combine chicken, grapes, onions and cranberries. In a small skillet, stir curry powder over medium heat for 30 seconds or until fragrant. In a separate bowl, whisk curry powder with mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour mayonnaise mixture over chicken mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill. Toast almonds in a skillet for 3-5 minutes or until lightly brown, then cool. Stir almonds into salad just before serving.

SWEET AND SAVORY CHICKEN SALAD Serves 4 4 1 1½ ¾ ¾ 2 ¼

SALADS

EVERYONE NEEDS A GOOD CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE. STORIES BY NATALIE MIKLES

hicken salad is an American classic, and a versatile one. And because it can be so personalized, reactions to other people’s chicken salad recipes range from curious to suspicious to horrified. “Who on Earth would put pickle relish in chicken salad?” one might ask. Same goes for pineapple, almonds, apples or olives. Chicken salad is just what you want this month. Serve it with croissants, crostini or crackers, lemonade, iced tea or white wine. Sit outside with a friend or pack it for a picnic in the sunshine. Here are a few chicken salad recipes to try this spring.

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TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery and apple. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, sour cream and poppy seeds. Mix well. Add to chicken mixture, folding until combined. Refrigerate, and add toasted pecans just before serving.

This is a chicken salad with a little more oomph.

DIVINE CHICKEN SALAD Serves 4-6 3 1 2 12 ¾ ¾ 4½ 4½ 2

chicken breasts, poached and cut into bite-size pieces red bell pepper, cut into small strips heads broccoli, stalks removed (you only want the florets) slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled cup sour cream cup mayonnaise tablespoons Dijon mustard tablespoons raspberry or apple cider vinegar tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill

In a large bowl, combine the chicken and bell pepper. Steam broccoli for a few minutes or until tender. Add to chicken. Mix in the bacon. Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and dill. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, and mix well. Chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. TP

MICHELLE POLLARD

Spring

cups cooked, chopped chicken breast cup diced celery cups chopped apple cup plain yogurt cup sour cream tablespoons poppy seeds cup toasted pecans

FOOD, GIFTS AND MORE AT CAFE YUM

Tracy Ogg and Brittney Charles

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GRAB a sandwich, fresh-baked cookies and a good cup of coffee, don’t forget about Cafe Yum. Or maybe you haven’t yet heard of this cute little spot at 6568 E. 51st St. (inside the Farm Shopping Center) that makes you smile just walking in the door. Colorful cookie jars line the shelves, and every square inch is filled with goodness. It’s surprising how much can fit into the space. Owner Tracy Ogg has chopped salads, hot and cold sandwiches, charcuterie boxes, brunch boxes, ice cream, gelato, pastries and a coffee bar. A grab-and-go area with casseroles and soups also has been especially popular over the past year. Ogg isn’t new to the cafe business. She opened her first Cafe Yum years ago in Grove. After closing the cafe and then relocating to Tulsa, Ogg knew it would be a good time to open a new Cafe Yum. She opened this location with her daughter, Brittney Charles. “We love having a small family business together that our kids can be involved with,” Ogg says. “It has been so

nice returning to Tulsa after being away for 20 years. I love seeing and reuniting with all my childhood friends and seeing their parents come in, and making new friends and connections through our cafe.” And what started as a little family cafe continues to expand. Cafe Yum also has a retail space with candies, trufﬂes, fudge and gifts. The grab-and-go area is one of the biggest draws, with both individual and family-size portions of the kind of homemade food you would love to make if you had more time. The case is stocked with lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, goulash, fettuccine, chicken pot pie, vodka penne pasta, beef stroganoff and soups. “We have several customers that get meals for their parents,” Ogg says. Cafe Yum also has a good selection of bowls, including the Buddha Bowl, packed with veggies, chickpeas, avocado, black beans and quinoa; buffalo chicken; and a hummus trio. Cafe Yum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

CHEERS

MICHELLE POLLARD

CHEERS TO BRUNCH

Mimosa on Waterfront Grill's patio

A craft cocktail or perfectly portioned mimosa can really do the trick to elevate brunch from glorified breakfast to a real dining experience. At Waterfront Grill, 120 Aquarium Drive in Jenks, a centralized bar and expansive patio with views of the Arkansas River brings the brunch vibe up a notch. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The build-your-own bloody mary bar has been a favorite for years and the mimosa ($3), a satisfying serving of orange juice and Champagne, is a staple of Waterfront’s drink menu. Other brunch cocktails include a Brew-Tini ($9), with Jameson Cold Brew, Disaronno velvet crème and white crème de cocoa, as well as several variations of the bloody mary. For food, standards menu items like eggs Benedict, breakfast tacos, waffles and pancakes are complemented by Waterfront creations like the Chicken Enchilada Burger ($12), a patty of ground chicken topped with pepper jack cheese, a fried egg, tortilla strips, pico and salsa verde. Chefs also amp up chicken and waffles ($11) by infusing bacon and cheddar into the waffle batter. It’s topped with fried chicken and a warm maple syrup. — ANNE BROCKMAN

The Summit from Sugar Llamas doughnut shop

Mini doughnuts hit south Tulsa WARM DOUGHNUTS ARE HARD TO RESIST. But warm, mini doughnuts dusted with sugar don’t stand a chance. Sugar Llamas, a new mini doughnut shop and coffee bar at 10030 S. Mingo Road, serves these little doughnuts all day, and people can’t seem to get enough of them. The doughnuts are as small as doughnut holes, but they’re legit doughnuts with a tiny hole in the middle. Once out of the fryer, you can have them as is — the Plain Jane — or sprinkled with other flavors, including sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar or cocoa powdered sugar. Sugar Llamas has specialty flavors, but these classics are so good, you might want to order at least one plain and simple. Or, try them with a little drizzle, of which there are many choices, including lemon, chocolate, marshmallow, caramel, Nutella, maple, peanut butter, strawberry, cherry, vanilla, banana and blueberry. One of our favorite combinations was the plain Jane with an orange drizzle. Toppings, such as sprinkles, Oreos, graham cracker and chocolate chips, also are available. The sugar-coated minis taste like a bite of funnel cake — ever so slightly crisp on the outside with a soft center. Doughnuts are priced $3.25 for six, $6 for a dozen and so on, going all the way up to a box of 100 doughnuts for $37. Sugar Llamas also has a good selection of specialty coffee drinks, both hot and cold. They also have ice cream, served by the scoop, in waffle cones. Or try the Summit: two scoops of ice cream with a tower of six mini doughnuts. Some of the ice cream flavors include banana pudding, blueberry crunch and Cocoloco, a chocolate ice cream with a thick fudge swirl and chocolate chunks. Sugar Llamas is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m., MondayThursday; 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday; 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday; and 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday. TulsaPeople.com

103

TULSA TIME WARP

Staff of Model Laundry and Dry Cleaning Works outside the plant at West Fourth Street and South Cheyenne Avenue in an undated photo. The site is now a parking lot. The Wright Building (1922) can be seen in the background on the left. Claude Smith is third from left; his brother Elza Smith is second from left.

MODEL MATERIAL STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

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TulsaPeople APRIL 2021

COURTESY TERRY SEAY

odel Steam Laundry was one Tulsa’s fi rst laundry services. The company, established in 1908, was originally located on the northeast corner of West First Street and South Denver Avenue. By 1910, Model Laundry was one of only five laundry services in Tulsa. Over the following years, a change in ownership led the company in a new direction, which included the construction of a massive new laundry and dry cleaning plant on the northeast corner of West Fourth Street and South Cheyenne Avenue. The Model Laundry and Dry Cleaning Works facility would continue to operate at full capacity until 1951, when the company liquidated its assets. Its abandoned building was demolished to make way for the Downtowner Motor Inn. Claude A. Smith, who worked at the plant since 1918, became a manager at the plant in 1940. He and his brother Elza L. Smith, who also worked at the plant, eventually created their own company after the closing of Model Laundry, called Smith Brother Model Cleaners. TP