TulsaPeople May 2018

GIRL SCOUTS BEYOND BARS HELPS CHILDREN AND THEIR INCARCERATED MOTHERS

Big Little impact

Tee town

FULL-CIRCLE INVOLVEMENT IN BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

TULSA’S STAPLE APPAREL INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING OKIE

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH. Just as no one decides to have a physical ailment, no one chooses to have a mental illness. Behavioral health issues are conditions that can be treated and often cured. Founded in 1989 as a part of Saint Francis Health System, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital has been a local and national leader in mental health treatment, advocacy and research. Our full continuum of services includes inpatient and outpatient care, senior behavioral health, an intensive outpatient program for chemical dependency and a nationallyrecognized eating disorders treatment program. And our goal is—as with any illness—to help patients recover and reach their full potential.

To learn more about Laureate, please visit laureate.com or to schedule an outpatient appointment, please call 918-491-3700.

Healthcare for life.

SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES

Seconds matter during a stroke.

Expert stroke care. Two locations.

The quality of medical care you receive in the first minutes and hours after a stroke can save your life and determine how well you recover. Oklahoma Stroke & Neurological Institute @ Hillcrest offers a multi-disciplinary team committed to providing the most complete neurological care in the region.

If you experience sudden signs of a stroke, please B.E. F.A.S.T.T. and call 911.

BE FAS T T BALANCE PROBLEMS

EYES BLURRY

FACE DROOPING

ARM WEAKNESS

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

TERRIBLE HEADACHE

TIME TO CALL 911

Hillcrest Medical Center (11th & Utica) | Hillcrest South (91st & Hwy 169) OklahomaStroke.com

Experience excellence.

Discover hope.

Top 10% in the Nation. Right here in Tulsa.

Kaiser Rehabilitation at Hillcrest has served northeast Oklahoma for more than 40 years and is ranked in the top 10 percent nationally for three consecutive years for outstanding inpatient rehabilitation program performance.

The highly specialized physical, occupational and speech therapy staff at Kaiser Rehabilitation Center understand the needs of patients with physical injuries and neurological conditions. They provide individualized treatment plans and one-on-one therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings to help patients regain mobility and independence.

918-579-7100 HillcrestMedicalCenter.com

MAY 2018 | VOLUME 32 ISSUE 7 Hershel Self and Cole Cunningham of Mythic Press

FEATURED

66 Breaking the cycle Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is a growing resource for children and their incarcerated mothers.

BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

69 Big Little impact

73 Tee town The American staple has become an expression of local admiration.

BY JAMIE RICHERT JONES 4

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

34 DESIGNER SHOWCASE

The exclusive program for the 2018 Designer Showcase home benefiting the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. The foundation supports many Tulsa Public Schools initiatives, including a program that assists novice Tulsa teachers.

79 LIFESTYLE

Nielsens has offered quality goods for two generations. The Gloss Mountains are calling. Four Oklahoma Proven plants. Connie Cronley’s love of print.

97 TABLE TALK

GIRL SCOUTS BEYOND BARS HELPS CHILDREN AND THEIR INCARCERATED MOTHERS

MAY 2018

BY TIM LANDES

Three local music festivals. Fabric art is more than just tie-dye. Tulsa finds A Better Way. The many lives of one Cherry Street building.

TULSAPEOPLE

A Tulsa family’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters comes full circle.

11 CITY DESK

Levain rises to the occasion. Elote’s 10 years in Tulsa. Cool treats at Frios.

A twist on the margarita for Cinco de Mayo.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 54 60

Wedding Resources and Venue Guide Women in Business Profiles

Big Little impact

Tee town

FULL-CIRCLE INVOLVEMENT IN BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

TULSA’S STAPLE APPAREL INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING OKIE

ON THE COVER Lesa McClish’s take on the living room at the 2018 Designer Showcase.

Schedule the care you need online, anytime

Choose a time that is right for you, at a location near you. It’s easy and convenient.

This is just another way Ascension care teams at St. John Clinic are making it easier for you to get the care you need, when and where you need it.

Schedule an appointment today.

getstjohncare.com

WHAT’S ONLINE TULSAPEOPLE.COM Follow us on Twitter @TULSAPEOPLE

Find us on Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/TULSAPEOPLEMAG

Follow us on Instagram @TULSAPEOPLE

Follow us.

Use #MyTulsaPeople to tag your Instagram photos of the people who make this city great.

WE’LL FEATURE OUR FAVES! SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY EDITION

COMING NEXT MONTH: NEW 2018 A-LIST DIRECTORY OF TULSA’S BEST BUSINESSES!

The 2018 Tulsa Guest Guide is ONLINE! The Guest Guide is a GREAT resource for both Tulsans and visitors.

@ahdaly

Oh these houses made of sticks. Walking through them gave me all the opposite feelings I typically have in this work-centric area of town. Thanks @ucaptulsa, it’s lovely, and my daughter Harriet screamed in agony when we had to leave it. #MyTulsaPeople

TU LSA GUE ST GUI DE

THE ESSENTIAL 2018 VISITORS’ GUIDE TO SHOPPING, SIGHT SEEING, NIGHTLIFE AND MUCH MORE

From the publisher

of

Magazine and

HOTEL COPY

Kickin’ it (p. 18)

Please leave this copy for future guests

@wendycreates

This girl definitely can and she does.........

“Here’s to strong women — may we know them, may we be them, may we RAISE them.” #MyTulsaPeople

Get a sideline seat for Fortuna Tulsa’s first tryouts at TULSAPEOPLE.COM.

PLUS

PLANNING A WEDDING OR EVENT? The 2018 Venue Guide is available at TulsaPeople.com/venueguide.

6

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

@angeleisenmann

Oh my hearts, lil bro. #sweetness #momofboys #MyTulsaPeople

Take our latest quiz: “Which May Festival Are You?” TULSAPEOPLE.COM/QUIZZES Visit PINTEREST.COM/TULSAPEOPLE for local gift ideas for moms, dads and grads.

FORTUNA TULSA: GREG BOLLINGER

Get in-depth coverage of upcoming events on the blog: TULSAPEOPLE.COM/TULTALK.

Spend the summer at Holland Hall!

With more than 150 one-week classes & camps designed for both fun & education, Holland Hall has tons of options for 3-year-olds to adults.

PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • academics • sports • music • games • ACT prep • philanthropy • cooking • driver’s ed • acting • science • arts & crafts • robotics • computers • much, much more!

8 One-Week Camp Sessions May 29 – July 27, 2018 9am – 12pm & 12:30 – 3:30pm Choose between morning or afternoon sessions ... or sign up for both & stay all day!

Register online & view camp schedules & descriptions at

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(918) 481-1111 5666 East 81st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74137

FROM THE EDITOR

Volume XXXII, Number 7 ©2018. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

Who is your favorite teacher?

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 918-585-9924 918-585-9926 Fax

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller

That’s a simple answer for me: my mom.

As I write this, we’re in the midst of the Oklahoma teacher walkout. Like many Oklahomans recently flooded with school-day memories, I have been reminded of the men and women who led my classrooms. The walkout is a monumental event for our state, and one I hope resolves some of the issues we face when it comes to education funding and giving educators and support personnel the respect they deserve.

My mom was and still is a great teacher. She spent 40 years leading a Tulsa Public Schools classroom. As her child, I’m still learning from her every day.

Today, she’s teaching me how to be an adult — something I’m still working on at age 36. I hope to one day nail her spaghetti sauce recipe. Her resiliency, resounding faith and belief that everything will be OK is something I try and remember daily.

When I was a kid, she patiently taught me to ride my bike. Countless hours were spent with arithmetic. She consoled me when I had a breakdown over the fact that my papier mache Great Barrier Reef looked nothing like the pictures. I know, shocking.

She taught her students all day, then came home and helped me.

And, that’s not taking into account the fact that besides her students at school, she tutored multiple students who were homebound. By the time we got home, it was usually a 12-hour day. There were many times I did homework while waiting for her to pick me up or sat in the car as she was inside tutoring.

And summers off ? Please. That just gave her more time to work at her second and third jobs.

She has been a census worker. We’ve gone doorto-door hanging pizza coupons. She has worked a deli counter.

My mom is the hardest-working person I have ever known.

She did all of this to give my sister and me the best of what she could, including sending me to college without student loans.

8

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

My mom matriculated at a time when most women had three options: secretary, teacher or nurse. But, there’s no doubt in my mind that my mom was born to be a teacher. That was affirmed a few years ago when I saw Andre, one of her former students. Even though I first met him 25 years ago, he’s someone I’ve never been able to forget.

I re-introduced myself to him when I saw him working at Goodwill. His face lit up when I said I was Mrs. Powell’s daughter. The smiles on both our faces were electric.

To all my favorite school teachers, you might know who you are.

Miss Scalet, thank you for always making the shy redhead feel important.

Mr. Dixon, I promise to practice the piano more.

Thank you to Mrs. Strakoulas, who consoled us worried seventh graders when news broke of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Mrs. Heim, your art classes and instruction will always be my favorite form of expression.

Mr. Theban, you are sorely missed.

Please, one more Russian history story, Mr. Walters.

Mom, thank you, for literally everything. TP

EDITOR CITY EDITOR DIGITAL EDITOR ARTS & BENEFITS EDITOR ONLINE CALENDAR EDITOR

Anne Brockman Morgan Phillips Anna Bennett Judy Langdon John Langdon

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

Madeline Crawford Georgia Brooks Morgan Welch Michelle Pollard Valerie Grant Greg Bollinger

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Andrea Canada Steve Hopkins Betsy Slagle CONTROLLER Mary McKisick SUBSCRIPTIONS Gloria Brooks DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Amanda Hall

MEMBER

TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

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.

Anne Brockman EDITOR

S AY N O T O H A T E

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IS

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TECHNOLOGY AND KNOW-HOW FOR RESULTS YOU CAN DEPEND ON 918.592.0999 | www.oklahomaheart.com | 1120 S. UTICA AVE. Oklahoma Heart Institute (The hearT hospiTal) | 1265 S. UTICA (UTica physicians office) 9228 S. MINGO (soUThpoinTe physicians office) | 8801 S. 101ST E. AVE. (hillcresT soUTh)

C A L E N D A R + C A U S E S + C U LT U R E

Artist David Reed James works on his element of Ahha Tulsa’s “The Experience.” For more on the exhibition, see p. 20.

THINK BIG

“I

’ve always been really hands on,” recalls sculptor David Reed James. “My brother and I used to build a Halloween tunnel every year. My dad would take us to collect giant appliance boxes, and we made a maze through the backyard. It got more and more elaborate.”

James grew up in Southern California and moved to Tulsa in 2013. When he’s not traveling the U.S. sculpting enormous props for films like “Black Panther” and “A Wrinkle in Time,” he can be found on the second floor of Ahha Tulsa, crafting his own fantastical corner of “The Experience,” a large, immersive art installation.

James’ space includes a sleep chamber, where people are invited to publicly nap, and a hairdryer tree made from PVC pipe. “I hope to give adults the opportunity to behave as children again,” he says. TP

TulsaPeople.com

11

MAY

COMPIL ED BY JUDY L A NGDON

19

1-2

Experience the international language of music and dance as Shen Yun returns to the Tulsa PAC.

The annual 5x5 Art Show and Sale opens at 5:55 p.m. at the downtown Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery.

10

1-4

4-5

11

The Tulsa Drillers have a busy month playing rivals the Arkansas Travelers, the Springfield Cardinals and the San Antonio Missions at ONEOK Field. Games continue May 14-21 and May 29-31.

2

The iconic Bono and U2 launch their “eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE” world tour at the BOK Center.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet closes out the Brown Bag It noontime concert season at the Tulsa PAC.

3

Tulsa Roots Music presents guitarists David Lindley and Adrian Legg at Studio 308 in the East Village.

3-6

Tulsa Ballet wraps up its 2017-18 season with the “Signature Series” at TU’s Lorton Performance Center.

4 12

The First Friday Art Crawl winds its way through the Tulsa Arts District.

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

The Cherokee musical “Nanyehi, the Story of Nancy Ward” returns to the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

4-12

“Seascape,”a Pulitzer Prize winner for drama, is presented by American Theater Co. at the Tulsa PAC.

4-13

Pop culture and the apocalypse collide as Theater Tulsa Next Stage presents “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” at the Tulsa PAC.

5

Justin Timberlake is “Bringing Sexy Back” to Tulsa on his “The Man of the Woods Tour” stop at the BOK Center.

Oklahoma Performing Arts Inc. presents “unRAVEL” at the Tulsa PAC.

9

Bring your favorite the pooch to the Tulsa Roughnecks’ “Bark in the Park” game against the Reno 1868 FC at ONEOK Field.

The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino welcomes “Hollywood Medium” Tyler Henry.

Papa Roach’s “Crooked Teeth World Tour,” with special guests Nothing More and Escape the Fate, rocks the Brady Theater.

5

Go back in time when the “I Love the ’90s” tour hits the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

12

Tulsa Symphony closes its current season with “Home Grown: Tulsa Symphony Soloists and Other Uniquely Oklahoma Artists” at the Tulsa PAC.

12, 19-20

A Philadelphia teen causes senseless terror in “Zooman and the Sign,” presented by Theatre North at the Tulsa PAC.

MAYFEST/JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: COURTESY; DAVID CROSBY: ANNA WEBBER

17-20

CH A RITA BLE E V EN T S 2 Newsmakers Luncheon Benefits Association of Women in Communications — Tulsa Chapter.

AWCTULSA .ORG

9-10 Master Landscapes Showcase Garden Tour Benefits Tulsa Master Gardeners.

TULSAMASTERGARDENERS.ORG

3 Tulsa Tycoons: A Night of Monopoly Benefits Junior Achievement of Oklahoma.

TULSATYCOONS.COM

11 Go Red for Women Luncheon Benefits American Heart Association.

TULSAGORED.HEART.ORG

4 Great Plains Journalism Awards and Conference Benefits Tulsa Press Club.

GREATPLAINSAWARDS.ORG Ritas for Rescue Benefits Humane Society of Tulsa.

TULSAPETS.COM Scout Quest Benefits Indian Nations Council, Boy Scouts of America.

SCOUTQUEST.ORG Shot in the Dark Golf Tournament Benefits TARC. DDADVOCACY.NET 5 Blank Canvas Benefits Youth Services of Tulsa.

BLANKCANVASTULSA.COM

31

16

Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss perform together at the BOK Center.

Jimmy Eat World returns to Cain’s Ballroom.

17

25-27

LJ Productions LLC presents “Las Arpias” at the Tulsa PAC.

30

Guest speaker Claudia San Pedro, Sonic Corp.’s chief financial officer, ends the current season for TU’s Friends of Finance.

17-20

It’s time for the Tulsa International Mayfest at the Williams Green downtown. Experience original art, food, live music and a kids’ zone.

SUMMER’S FIFTH NIGHT: BROTHERS AND CO.; ALICIA HALL MORAN: COURTESY

24

“Alicia Hall Moran: Black Wall Street,” which reconsiders the tragedy of the Tulsa Race Massacre, premieres at the Tulsa PAC.

18-20

The fun continues at the Blue Dome Arts Festival in the Blue Dome District.

Rocklahoma is three days full of rock music by your favorite performers at the outdoor festival in Pryor.

Indie pop group Lany, with special guest Colouring, hit the Brady Theater.

31

Dance the night away at Utica Square’s annual “Summer’s Fifth Night.” The weekly concert series kicks off with “power funk rock” band Weston Horn and the Hush.

“It’s Not Unusual” to love Tom Jones, who will perform at Paradise Cove at River Spirit Casino Resort.

Legendary rocker David Crosby is back in town, with his “David Crosby and Friends Sky Trails Tour” at the Brady Theater.

Electric Lime Gala Benefits Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab. TULSACHILDRENSMUSEUM.ORG / ELG Gem Gala Benefits Junior League of Tulsa.

JLTULSA.ORG / FUNDRAISER / GEM-GALA Handlebars and Hot Rods Benefits Cancer Sucks!

CANCERSUCKS.COM

Run for the Roses Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home.

TULSABOYSHOME.ORG / RUN- FOR -THE- ROSES

16 Invitational Gallery Opening Party Benefits Tulsa International Mayfest.

TULSAMAYFEST.ORG

7 Golf Classic Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home.

TULSABOYSHOME.ORG / TBH-GOLF-CLASSIC Humanitarian Awards Dinner Benefits Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice.

OCCJOK .ORG Tom Boyd Memorial CF Classic Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

CFF.ORG / TULSA Town and Country Golf Tournament Benefits Town and Country School.

TANDCSCHOOL .ORG

Shooting Stars Tournament Benefits Indian Nations Council, Boy Scouts of America.

OKSCOUTS.ORG / SUPPORT- SCOUTING / SHOOTING - STARS

24

DIG: Day in the Garden Benefits Tulsa Botanic Garden.

TULSABOTANIC.ORG

WP Eleven Benefits Family and Children’s Services.

WHITEPARTYOK .COM

Madam President Benefits League of Women Voters.

LWVMADAMPRESIDENT.COM

19

12 CREATE Benefits Ahha Tulsa.

CREATEGALA.ORG

Power to End Stroke Leadership Brunch Benefits American Heart Association.

TULSAPTES.HEART.ORG

8 Links to Independence Golf Classic Benefits Ability Resources.

ABILITYRESOURCES.ORG / WAYS-TO-HELP / EVENTS / GOLF

Theatre Tulsa Family presents “The Lion King Jr.” at the Tulsa PAC.

Swings Fore Scholarships Benefits Community Care College.

SWINGSFORESCHOLARSHIPS.COM

19 Great Strides Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

CFF.ORG Eddie Sutton Challenge: Shoot for the Center Benefits Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges.

TULSACENTER.ORG #THEbrunch Benefits Arts Alliance Tulsa.

ARTSTULSA .ORG 20 Parkinson’s Rally Walk and 5K Benefits Parkinson’s Foundation of Oklahoma.

PARKINSONOKLAHOMA.COM Heather Burns Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner Benefits Heather Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund.

HBMSF.ORG 30-June 1 Reconciliation in America National Symposium Benefits John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation.

JHFCENTER.ORG

EDITOR’S NOTE: TULSAPEOPLE IS A SPONSOR OF THE HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS.

TulsaPeople.com

13

WHERE TO …

FIND MUSIC FESTIVALS Celebrate the warmer weather while listening to your favorite jams.

Bonus: These three festivals offer more than just music.

BY ABIGAIL SINGREY AND MORGAN PHILLIPS

Family, friends and country music: All three will be in abundance at the all-ages Green Country Jam. Headliners Rascal Flatts and Jake Owen, along with Randy Houser and Big and Rich, will bring the best of Nashville to Tulsa, and other acts will range from rockabilly to red dirt to Americana.

“The root of country music is in Oklahoma,” festival co-owner Todd Martin says. “We wanted to bring a festival of this size within the Tulsa city limits.” In addition to the music, guests can treat their taste buds to food trucks and beer vendors.

MAY 3-5 Tulsa Raceway Park | 3101 N. Garnett Road Before May 2: $55-$200, single-day tickets; $100, two-day ticket greencountryjam.com

14

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

Tulsa International Mayfest Art and kids’ activities bring the whole family together at Mayfest, but the festival music is reason enough to come out. Dynamic eight-piece band Weston Horn and the Hush headlines the stage on Saturday, and the Tiptons, the Retro Rockets and numerous local bands and acts round out the stage entertainment for this 46th annual event.

“Mayfest has been the ‘must go-to’ event in Tulsa for the past 45 years,” Executive Director Heather Pingry says. “Where else can you find over 100 live performances, two indoor art galleries featuring hundreds of local artists, 100 fine artists lining the streets and anything you’d want to eat on a stick, all in one place for free?”

MAY 17-20 | Free to attend Downtown on South Main Street from Third through Sixth streets | tulsamayfest.org

The Hop Jam Festivities at Oklahoma’s largest craft beer and music festival, now in its fifth year, will include all-ages free concerts on two stages, along with performances from nationally recognized artists.

(Of course, event organizers the Hanson brothers are a safe bet.)

Not to be upstaged, beer lovers will find more than 300 craft beers from Oklahoma favorites Marshall, COOP and American Solera; U.S. craft brewers Dogfish Head, Jolly Pumpkin, Destihl and Evil Twin; and international brewers, including Dieu du Ciel, Omnipollo and many more.

Choose from three levels of beer tickets, as well as a music VIP ticket for the discerning fan. TP

MAY 20 Downtown near North Main and West Cameron streets | $40-$65, tickets thehopjam.com

BIG AND RICH: OSWALD ENTERTAINMENT GROUP; MAYFEST: COURTESY; HOP JAM: COURTESY HANSON/3CG

Green Country Jam

Window Coverings

Outdoor Screens

Awnings

Retractable Awnings

RACQUET AND HEALTH WORK HARD DREAM BIG • BARRE 10 for $75 • TRX 5 for $60 • Personal Training 3 for $99 • Reformer Pilates 5 for $99 • Les Mills Group Fitness & Mat Pilates included with membership MEMBERSHIPS STAR T AT

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TulsaPeople.com

15

NOTEBOOK

BY MORGA N PHILLIP S

Tulsa finds A Better Way DISCOVERY LAB MAKES HOUSE CALLS Barriers prevent some Tulsa children and families from visiting Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab or experiencing informal science learning, so a partnership between the Tulsa Housing Authority and Discovery Lab is bringing science to them.

The lab’s nano exhibition will travel to nine THA family housing communities in 18 months, spending six to eight weeks at each site. The interactive exhibit explores key concepts related to nano (science of the small) and nanotechnology. It was gifted to Discovery Lab as part of a grant from the National Informal STEM Education Network.

The new traveling exhibit is part of a larger, ongoing THA and Discovery Lab program now in its third year. Funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the program brings handson, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education, and health and wellness resources for children ages 2 to 12 and their families to the nine THA communities.

“We hope to inspire students, helping them build confidence with STEAM concepts, and bring families together, encouraging parents to engage with their children in learning and exploring,” says Ray Vandiver, Discovery Lab executive director.

TULSA NAMED ‘TALENT HUB’ Tulsa is one of 17 cities across the nation to be designated as “Talent Hubs,” according to the Lumina Foundation. Cities like Tulsa, Los Angeles and Cincinnati earned the designation by creating environments that attract, retain and cultivate talent, particularly among today’s students, many of whom are people of color, the first in their families to go to college and from low-income households.

As a Talent Hub, Tulsa will receive $350,000 in grant funding over 42 months. The funding, provided by the Lumina and Kresge foundations, will support local efforts of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa Community WorkAdvance, Tulsa Community College and Tulsa Tech to support enrollment of 5 percent more adult Hispanic and low-income students in postsecondary education. In addition, the Tulsa Talent Hub will work with community partners to drive a 10 percent increase in Hispanic students applying existing educational credits to further their postsecondary education.

16

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

The staff of A Better Way: Rob Harmon, Lisa Reser, Gerald Keene and Alex Aguilar

A new program that offers an alternative to panhandling has been inundated with participants.

Eighty-one people utilized A Better Way in its first four weeks, accepting a day’s wages to beautify Tulsa while being connected to employment services, according to Alex Aguilar, director of Employment First at Mental Health Association Oklahoma. The organization contracts with the City of Tulsa to oversee A Better Way. Inspired by a similar employment program in Albuquerque, Mayor G.T. Bynum introduced A Better Way to Tulsa last year. It launched March 7.

Three days a week, the program’s van makes stops at areas known for panhandling and homelessness. One day a week, participants can be picked up from the Denver House peerrun drop-in center. Running a work crew of eight, the program consistently has a waitlist.

Aguilar says many people believe the homeless don’t want to work, but A Better Way is proving otherwise. “Day by day, as we run the van, we find a full crew quickly, and are struggling to figure out what to do with the dozens of people we have to turn away each day,” she says. “When given the opportunity, most people will choose the dignity of earning their wage, opposed to asking for it on a street corner.”

Voices of Oklahoma “On the day I arrived in City Hall on the executive floor, which was the 11th floor of City Hall, there were two bathrooms; one was marked Executive, and the other was marked Woman. There was a little bit of consternation.”

— Norma Eagleton, the first woman elected to a voting position on the Tulsa City Commission (1976-79) and the first woman to serve on the Oklahoma Corp. Commission (1979-89) “Voices of Oklahoma” is an oral history project supported by the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities at the University of Tulsa. John Erling founded the project in 2009.

DISCOVERY LAB: VALERIE GRANT; A BETTER WAY: GREG BOLLINGER

Discovery Lab educator Andrew Perrine, right, stacks carbon atoms with a young Tulsan in the lab’s temporary nano exhibition at the Parkview Terrace community center.

Alice Slemp Team

Caroline Gorinsky Huesler

Joanna Ford

McGuire-Cooley Team

Corrie Egge Team

Kevin RhoadesTeam

Janet Vermillion

Gorrell-Hildebrand Team

Tiffany Martin Team

Michelle Bradshaw

Lee Ann Kreps

Realty Sisters

Art Jiles Team

Paula McGuire Team

The Luxe Group

Trish Allison

The Julie Tetsworth Team

Patrick Huntley

Cindy Read

Ashley Wozniak

Josh Rainwater

TULSA’S TOP 100 AGENTS

Greg Ganzkow

of COLDWELL BANKER SELECT

Maureen Kile Team

LOCAL TALENT

Detrice Lashon Brown, founder, executive producer and director of Genesis Ltd.; and Corey Taylor, director and producer of “Turn the Page: From Collar to Cuffs”

TEACHER’S FIRST BOOK HITS SCHOLASTIC

Tulsan provides creative outlet for young actors.

STORIES BY MORGAN PHILLIPS

T

he life of entrepreneur and playwright Detrice Lashon Brown could have been a Greek tragedy, but instead she made a dramatic comeback from incarceration and addiction. Now, she is giving young people an opportunity to express their theatrical gifts.

While working at Tulsa’s former Ford Glass Plant in 1979, Brown founded the entertainment company Genesis Ltd. LLC and produced fashion shows and other events. But a few years later she found herself in prison for a crime she says she didn’t commit. After completing her sentence, finding employment was difficult, and Brown says she eventually turned to drugs.

Today she has been in recovery for 16 years and owns a holding company for a few small enterprises, including a janitorial business.

And she has resurrected Genesis Ltd. as a community theater production company that has performed at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center,

Gilcrease Museum, Sobahn Korean and Japanese Restaurant, and Spain Ranch.

In 2010, Genesis Ltd. directed and produced the stage play “Broken Pocket Book,” which sold more than 300 tickets. Two more plays, “Katrina’s Season” and “Turn the Page” followed.

Brown’s next play, “Turn the Page: From Collar to Cuffs,” is currently in production and is expected to premiere this fall in Tulsa. The cast of local actors practices weekly and has grown from nine members to 22.

Brown says the characters in “From Collar to Cuffs” are trying to overcome adversity and poor decisions. It’s a cautionary tale pulled from the stories of herself and people she has known.

“After I got out of prison, I could not get my life together,” Brown says. “I knew that God created me for more, so I knew that I had to get it together and find the strength and courage to turn the page from the cuffs of bondage.” TP

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM KICKS OFF

Tulsa’s new amateur women’s soccer team, Fortuna Tulsa, will start play May 25 at the University of Tulsa Soccer Stadium, 512 S. Delaware Ave. The team will kick off against Oklahoma City FC at 7 p.m.

Led by Head Coach Michael Wilson, formerly of the Waldorf University men’s and women’s soccer programs, Fortuna Tulsa is part of the Women’s Premier Soccer League and is owned

by Tulsa-based company the Evolutions Group. Players include college standouts, former and current U.S. Youth National Team players, and former international soccer players.

Visit fortunatulsa.com for team updates and a schedule of games.

VIDEO at TULSAPEOPLE.COM MEET FORTUNA TULSA’S COACHES AT THE TEAM’S TRYOUTS. 18

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

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“The Little Red Fort” is available in hardcover at Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $12-$13. A Spanish translation will release in June.

LOCAL TALENT: GREG BOLLINGER; MAIER: VALERIE GRANT

ART MIMICS LIFE

ike many teachers, Brenda Maier dreamed of writing a children’s book. The K-5 gifted education specialist for Union Public Schools says a storyline came to her when her youngest son was 4 years old and enamored with “The Little Red Hen.” Maier’s other three children were into fort-building, which sparked her idea for “The Little Red Fort,” a retelling of the classic folk tale. In Maier’s book, young Ruby proves her ingenuity in spite of three doubtful brothers.

Through participation in writing conferences and critique groups, hard work and a few serendipitous connections, Maier obtained an agent, who sent her book to an editor at Scholastic.

Inspired by the book’s illustrator, artist Sonia Sánchez of Barcelona, Spain, the characters in “The Little Red Fort” are Hispanic. Additionally, “One of the schools I work at has a high Hispanic population, and I see a lack of books that mirror their experiences,” Maier explains. “I wanted to reflect them. My editor and I agreed that it was the right choice. Can you imagine not ever seeing someone that looks like you in a book?”

Nearly five years after Scholastic first read Maier’s book, she is seeing it on book fair shelves. “I would have spent my whole career working toward this,” Maier says. “It’s a dream.”

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

SURPRISING SPACE Ahha Tulsa hosts an immersive art experience.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

M

etal muffin tins, a mechanical bull, plastic horse toys. The artist wish list for Ahha Tulsa’s “The Experience” reads like a psychotropic-induced dream. And perhaps that’s not too far off.

When the exhibit opens to the public June 30 at 101 E. Archer St., visitors of all ages will be treated to an interactive, multimedia, art adventure that transforms not only the entire second floor of the building, but perhaps their definition of art, as well. “‘The Experience’ will be vastly different from anything previously shown at Ahha,” says Amber Litwack, director of education, public engagement and national partnerships for Ahha Tulsa. “Visitors will be surprised by the immersive, fantastical, encompassing nature of the exhibition, as well as components that will shift visitor perception about what art is.”

JP Morrison Lans is one of five lead artists working on the installation. Morrison Lans, who considers herself primarily a drawing artist, has turned her skills to sculpting for this exhibit. She

has enjoyed both the artistic and logistical challenges this project presents.

“Everything we’re doing needs to be durable enough to last the extent of the exhibit (which is undetermined, according to Ahha Tulsa) while also accommodating the restrictions of the space so that they can reset the space for whatever comes next,” Morrison Lans explains.

She hopes the whimsical, playful nature of this exhibit will appeal to a broad audience. “Art should be fun, or at least engrossing to the point where it brings people in who maybe weren’t looking at art much before,” she says. “It’s a way to give people an entrance into more complicated work and perhaps lead the way to some of the more esoteric, conceptual stuff that deserves attention but doesn’t necessarily catch the eye.” TP “THE EXPERIENCE” Member preview: May 22-June 24 Public launch: noon, June 30 For more information, visit ahhatulsa.org.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? The building formerly known as the Hardesty Arts Center is now called Ahha Tulsa. The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa Board of Directors voted recently to change the name to “something modern that encompasses the organization’s mission to cultivate creativity in Tulsa, while also honoring its decades-long history,” according to staff.

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ART TO DYE FOR Married couple Dominique and Kristy Da Rosa had been looking for a creative outlet to pursue together when they noticed the popularity of bohemian decor, including dyed fabric designs, in 2017.

After hours spent researching materials and techniques online, they created their first 4-by4-foot cotton tapestry using powered dyes, ice cubes and sodium carbonate, or soda ash. Now they’ve progressed to making wall-sized tapestries under the name Urban Eden Creative Studio.

They will sell pieces of all sizes at this month’s Blue Dome Arts Festival, May 18-20.

Each tapestry takes 24-48 hours from start to finish, a process that the Da Rosas undertake on the weekends and evenings after getting home from their full-time jobs. With their soothing, intricate artwork, Kristy says they hope to expand people’s conceptions of dyed fabric art beyond the rainbow tie-dye of the 1960s.

The couple has found their collective passion, but ironically Dominique says dyeing fabric is “almost like working with a third person” because the finished piece takes on a life of its own.

“You can manipulate it,” he says, “but in the end, the dye is going to do what it wants to do.”

Visit facebook.com/urbanedentulsa.

— MORGAN PHILLIPS

May 18-20 15TH ANNUAL BLUE DOME ARTS FESTIVAL East Second Street and South Elgin Avenue.

More than 250 art vendors, live music, food trucks, family zone, pet zone and more activities.

Free admission. bluedomearts.org

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: VALERIE GRANT; DA ROSAS: GREG BOLLINGER

Artist JP Morrison Lans works on her contribution to “The Experience” at Ahha Tulsa. The exhibition opens to the public in June.

Climbed 5 peaks this month Won the bouldering World Cup Forgot to lock her front door

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PASSIONS

BURTON PROMOTES ART, READING LeVar Burton

Edie Tolbert, left, is the founder of Stonebrook Day Spa and new nonprofit the Stonebrook Project. Through the latter, Tolbert offers complimentary spa services to clients like Lorrie Mayfield, right, who are receiving cancer treatment.

MORE THAN A MASSAGE

Spa owner offers free services to cancer patients.

Actor, director and children’s literacy advocate LeVar Burton will visit Tulsa this month in support of Arts Alliance Tulsa, the United Arts Fund with 40 member organizations. Burton will speak at AAT’s #THEbrunch on May 19 at Hyatt Regency Tulsa.

AAT Executive Director Todd Cunningham says the organization was inspired by the Reading Tree Challenge, a program of Tulsa’s Gathering Place. “When our community committed to reading 2 million books this year, we wanted to help, so we decided to invite an artist to be our keynote speaker who also happens to be famous for reading,” Cunningham says.

In addition to his numerous TV and film roles, Burton is perhaps best known as the executive producer and host of “Reading Rainbow,” which aired from 1983-2006 on PBS. — MORGAN PHILLIPS

BY BRIA BOLTON MOORE

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In 2016, the spa gave away $12,000 in complimentary spa services to 30 people. In November 2017, Tolbert launched a nonprofit, the Stonebrook Project, to expand services offered to those affected by cancer. In addition to providing massage therapy, reflexology, foot detox and other spa treatments to patients and caregivers, Tolbert plans to open a yoga studio and connect clients to counseling and support groups.

Tolbert says one of her clients is battling pancreatic cancer and comes in every two weeks for a manicure.

“She doesn’t like to talk about her cancer when she comes in,” Tolbert says. “She wants to talk about everything but her cancer, but that’s what helps get her through. It helps her have a piece of normal.” TP

MAY 19 — #THEBRUNCH WITH LEVAR BURTON 11 a.m. Hyatt Regency Tulsa, 100 E. Second St. $250, individuals; $450, couples; $900, family of four; $50 extra to meet Burton (for brunch patrons only); sponsorships available. Benefits 2018 members of Arts Alliance Tulsa.

Contact Anna Inhofe at 918-289-0222 or anna@artstulsa.org.

MAY 19 — LEVAR BURTON READS 2 p.m. Guthrie Green, 111 E. M.B. Brady St. Burton will join Tulsa youth to read one of his favorite children’s books on the lawn of Guthrie Green. Free and open to the public.

For more information about these events, visit artstulsa.org.

PASSIONS: VALERIE GRANT; BURTON: COURTESY

I

n January 2008, Edie Tolbert’s “normal” was fractured. A routine mammogram led to a diagnosis of stage 0 DCIS breast cancer and a single mastectomy.

“During that time after I had my mastectomy, I was all bandaged up, I couldn’t lift my hands over my head, and everything became a process,” Tolbert remembers. “Realizing in that moment how many things I took for granted, I knew I wanted to make sure other people (experiencing cancer) had some normal in their lives.”

Tolbert opened Stonebrook Day Spa in Catoosa in 2010. A year later, she participated in the Susan G. Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure and gifted free massages to every breast cancer survivor she met.

“One thing led to another, and we started serving whomever asked us about spa services for cancer patients,” Tolbert says.

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TULSA PROUD

Dari Nowkhah stays grounded despite success and tragedy.

STORIES BY JOSEPH PRICE

T

ulsans tuning in to ESPN might recognize a prominent anchor as one of their own. Dari Nowkhah, a Tulsa native, has hosted numerous programs for the network over his career. Nowkhah currently hosts SEC Now, a daily show that covers college athletics in the Southeastern Conference.

“I’ve been a college sports fanatic for as long as I can remember,” says Nowkhah, who grew up playing baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. “I think growing up in Tulsa had a lot to do with that. I grew up going to Tulsa basketball and football games as well as OU football games with my dad and grandfather.”

Nowkhah later earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Oklahoma. Just before coming to ESPN, he was a sports anchor and reporter at Tulsa’s KOTV News on 6, from 2002-04.

He joined ESPN in June 2004 as an ESPNEWS anchor and in August 2011 was named the host of

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ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network based out of ESPN’s studios in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after, the Nowkhah family lost a child, Hayden, at 39 days old due to a virus that attacked his heart. “He was so brave and such a fighter that we knew we had to continue Hayden’s legacy,” Nowkhah says.

He and his wife, Jennifer, later partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association to form Hayden’s Hope, a foundation that raises awareness for pediatric organ donation and raises funds to assist families of children awaiting life-saving organ transplants. “To date, we have raised over a quarter of a million dollars and helped nearly 40 families in just over six years,” Nowkhah says.

Throughout tragedies and his accomplished career, Nowkhah remembers his Tulsa roots. “There is so much pride about being from Tulsa,” he says.

“I try to represent Tulsa well in anything I do, wherever I am.” TP

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ROOTS: PHIL ELLSWORTH/ESPN IMAGES; MEET AND GREET: COURTESY PEFIN

Dari Nowkhah, pictured on the set of SEC Now, and his wife, Jennifer, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their three children, Nicolas, Nahla and Leighton, ages 5-12.

On how Pefin works: Individuals and families connect financial information such as their checking accounts, credit card accounts, debt, investments and retirement plans to the platform. An interactive chat experience helps users plan for life events that matter to them — from kids, to college, to a new home, to changing jobs, all the way through retirement. Pefin’s AI uses this information to craft a thorough financial plan for each user.

THE WAY WE WERE

The home of several Cherry Street businesses started as a grocery store.

BY BRANDON SCHMITZ

A

building can have many lives and become a marker for shifting tastes and interests. The one at East 15th Street and South Quaker Avenue has changed hands many times in the past 75 years.

Sipes Food Market was among the building’s earliest tenants. A.H. Sipes founded his business in Oklahoma City in 1909 before bringing it to Tulsa in 1927, according to the TulsaGal website. Being among Oklahoma’s first self-service grocery stores, Sipes’ main selling points were its customer service and personal check cashing.

Opened in 1943, the 10,000-square-foot store at 1338 E. 15th St. was the first of several Sipes locations in Tulsa.

Following Tulsa-based food distributor Hale-Halsell’s acquisition of the company in 1955, Sipes remained in business throughout nearly the rest of the 20th century. The final store, located at East 61st Street and South Yale Avenue, closed in 1992.

Since Sipes’ closure, the Cherry Street location has served several other 26

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

The building at 1338 E. 15th St. in 1950. Above: It is now the location of Mi Cocina, Cafe Cubana, and Fogue and Bates Cigar Warehouse.

businesses, including another store called Yeakey’s Neighborhood Grocery.

The building became Sound Warehouse in 1989, according to the Tulsa World.

Within the past 20 years, the space was divided to accommodate multiple establishments, such as Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe in 2004. That section is now dedicated to Mexican restaurant Mi Cocina.

In 1999, Kristen George, and her husband, James, opened Cafe Cubana and what is now Fogue and Bates Cigar Warehouse. Although the cafe’s first 10 years were spent just across Quaker in the Lincoln Plaza, the couple has occupied this building for nearly a decade.

George describes the gradual development of Cherry Street as one of the most rewarding aspects of occupying this space.

“When we came in in the late ’90s, there were still a lot of rundown buildings and the sidewalk wasn’t as pedestrian friendly, so that growth has been wonderful,” she says. “There are a lot more choices than there were 10 or 20 years ago. It has just grown so much in ways that a lot of parts of Tulsa haven’t.” TP

CURRENT: VALERIE GRANT; FORMER: COURTESY BERYL FORD COLLETION/ROTARY CLUB OF TULSA, TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY AND TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

COLORFUL HISTORY

“one big party that helps fund world - class animal habitats” - Tulsa zoo

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Pink Stiletto

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Susan G. Komen Tulsa presented “Reba on the River” Feb. 22 at the organization’s Pink Stiletto Gala at River Spirit Casino Resort. More than 400 people attended the gala hosted by country music star and Oklahoma native Reba McEntire.

The event featured a custom menu, a live auction, a raffle, custom Rustic Cuffs for donors contributed

by Jill Donovan and a special song

by McEntire. Pink Stiletto raised more than $320,000 for Susan G. Komen Tulsa and its grantees.

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ANDREA MURPHY

1. Country music legend Reba McEntire and Tulsa firefi ghters 2. Event chairwoman Garett Smith with River Spirit Casino Resort 3. McEntire and Rustic Cuff’s Jill Donovan 4. Patrons enjoyed cocktails and a delicious dinner from River Spirit’s chef Antonio Perez.

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Memory Gala The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter presented its Memory Gala on March 2 at the Cox Business Center. With the theme “Let’s make tomorrow’s headlines happen today,” the event raised $1.1 million for the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 400 guests gathered for cocktails and dinner at the event. Band Audio House provided the entertainment.

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JOHN BIVENS

1. Patrons Leslie Lawson, Matthew Lawson and Elizabeth Dooley 2. TPC Studios designed a largerthan-life laptop with scrolling news headlines to go along with the Memory Gala theme.

3. Patrons Jana Walker, Jim Rogers, Anna Davis and Todd Walker 4. KTUL Tulsa’s Channel 8 anchor Neile Jones emceed the event.

Want a reason

to celebrate?

Tulsa teens are making healthier decisions for their futures, creating a stronger community

for all of us!

It’s true. Research shows that when equipped with good information, teens tend to delay sexual activity and make better informed decisions. Knowing this, a group of collaborative partners came together in 2010 to educate Tulsa teens about sex and healthy relationships.

And guess what? Since then the teen birth rate has dropped by 31 percent, increasing the chances for these teens to go to college and strengthening our entire community.

Isabelle de Borchgrave: Fashioning Art from Paper features the life-size, trompe l’œil paper costumes of Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave (born 1946).

This exhibition is organized by Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Society of the Four Arts, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Frick Art and Historical Center, and Artis—Naples, the Baker Museum.

MAY IS NATIONAL MONTH TO PREVENT TEEN PREGNANCY. GET THE FACTS AT TULSACAMPAIGN.ORG

TulsaPeople.com

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Tulsa Opera’s 70th Anniversary Gala Tulsa Opera’s 70th Anniversary Gala on Feb. 17 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center began with dinner for 200 catered by Justin Thompson. Patrons were then treated to “The Stars Align,” a performance of world-renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, Tulsa native soprano Sarah Coburn and tenors Aaron Blake and David Portillo. More than 1,600 people attended the concert, which was conducted by Oklahoma native Timothy Long. An on-stage after-party followed for patrons of the gala, which raised $250,000 for Tulsa Opera.

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1. Patrons Dr. Rollie Rhodes ad Pixie DeWitt 2. Tenor Aaron Blake performed with other opera singers in Tulsa Opera’s “The Stars Align.”

3. Blake and his mother, Sherry Blake 4. Opera singer Susan Graham and emcees Cassie Reese Tipton and Evan Tipton 5. Dinner was served in the Kathleen P. Westby Pavilion of the Tulsa PAC.

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Carnivale Nearly 700 people attended the patriotic-themed Carnivale on March 24. The gala at the Cox Business Center captured the relentless spirit of a World War II-era victory celebration, thanks to details by event planner TPC Studios. The 16-piece band Liquid Blue played Big Band tunes during dinner, which was followed by the event’s signature dance party. Chaired by Shiela and Ted Haynes, Carnivale 2018 raised nearly $1.2 million for Mental Health Association Oklahoma to support those confronting veteran homelessness due to mental health and substance abuse issues.

1. Dancers in 1940s attire performed to patriotic music.

2. Patrons Daniel Regan and Stephanie Cameron 3. Patrons Pete and Tina Patel 4. Patrons Stuart Ashworth and Moises Echeverria 5. A large naval ship designed by TPC Studios helped transport the event to a different era.

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CARNIVALE: TOM GILBERT; TULSA OPERA: SHANE BEVEL

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BUSINESS NEWS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS #1 in Community Collaborations.

BECAUSE THERE’S ONLY ONE

SAINT SIMEON’S WESTERN DAYS SET FOR SEPTEMBER The Western Days 2018 chairs are gearing up for an exciting event Sept. 11 at the Cox Business Center.

Leading the effort, and pictured here, are Event Chairs Tom and Lisa Schooley, Patron Chairs John and Barbara Turner, Auction Chairs Mac and Melissa Stallcup, and Pioneer Spirit Award Recipient Tom Mason.

Western Days 2018 will include a silent and live auction, and will feature the traditional General Store stocked with handmade items from Saint Simeon’s Residents and volunteers. Returning to Western Days this year will be the popular MosCOWBOY Mule Raffle, a cocktail purchase that doubles as a raffle entry. Shelby Eicher and friends will provide musical entertainment.

Saint Simeon’s is a privately managed, nonprofit senior living community that is home to men and women of all faiths. With 58 years of expertise, Saint Simeon’s, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, offers multiple levels of assisted living, memory care, health care, skilled nursing, Parkinson’s care and independent living.

For tickets, visit saintsimeons.org/westerndays or call 918-794-1977.

PRIMEAUX PURCHASES TULSA MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP

John Schumann, MD OU-Tulsa President

Learn more at www.TulsaSooners.com The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

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The Primeaux family is back in the Tulsa automobile business with the announced purchase of the former Green Country Mitsubishi dealership in Bixby.

“We are delighted to be back in the business and with the Mitsubishi brand,” Henry Primeaux III says. “It is a very exciting time for Mitsubishi because Nissan has purchased controlling interest in the company and announced five new cars will be rolled out in the next two years. And, it’s Mitsubishi’s 100th anniversary year.”

The Primeaux Mitsubishi store is located at 15309 S. Memorial Drive.

Mitsubishi is best known for its sports utility vehicles — including the Outlander and Outlander Sport — that offer “reliability and economy” at a good price. The Outlander PHEG model is a plug-in hybrid that makes it easier to use all-electric for everyday driving.

Mitsubishi offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty on all new cars.

Primeaux family-owned dealerships over the past 27 years have included Crown Auto World (1991-2000) selling Chrysler, Jeep, Buick and BMW brands; Crown Bristow (20012009) selling Chrysler and Jeep; and Primeaux Kia (2006-2015). Henry Primeaux, a longtime Tulsa business and civic leader, announced his retirement with the sale of Primeaux Kia in January 2015.

“I discovered I love this business too much to completely retire,” he says. “We are very happy this opportunity came up and truly excited about selling the quality Mitsubishi brand at a special time in its history.” Primeaux’s daughter, Lisa Lotz, with 34 years experience in auto dealerships, will serve as the sales director.

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

OU-Tulsa_TPVert_Camp4.indd 7

1/26/17 4:45 PM

SAINT SIMEON’S: JOHN BIVENS

Henry Primeaux III with daughter Lisa Lotz, sales director, and Greg Gorman, the dealership’s general manager.

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TulsaPeople.com

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Mentoring and educational program provides support for novice teachers.

BY JANE ZEMEL

T

he first year as a teacher can be difficult.

Three years ago, Cassandra Knuffman was hired as a Tulsa Public Schools elementary teacher. Even with a degree in education, Knuffman was challenged in her role, navigating the tough situations she faced. She remembers crying in her classroom that first year, and struggling to handle situations with parents and administration.

Knuffman is one of approximately 180 teachers to benefit annually from mentoring through Tulsa Public Schools’ novice teacher program. This effort represents a partnership with New Teacher Center, a national organization “dedicated to improving student learning by guiding a new generation of educators,” according to the NTC website. TPS has had a district-level novice teacher support program for approximately six years, and has partnered with NTC since the launch.

Novice teachers, by definition, have less than three years of experience. For this school year, TPS hired 446 teachers, 35 percent of which hold alternative or emergency certifications. It’s no secret that hiring and retaining qualified teachers is an issue for Oklahoma, ranked 50th in the U.S. for starting teacher pay and first in budget cuts to education.

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Katy Ackley, director of the novice teacher support program for TPS for the past three years, says two of the top reasons teachers leave are low pay or classroom management issues (lesson plans, overwhelming expectations, feeling unsupported).

“One is within our control, one is not,” Ackley says. “By increasing the investment in classroom management, we hope more teachers will remain in the classroom.”

The Foundation for Tulsa Schools is the funding connection between TPS and New Teacher Center, according to Brian Paschal, the foundation’s president and CEO. The TPS/NTC program works like the-housethat-Jack-built with an education twist. TPS has a contract with the New Teacher Center. The foundation reimburses the district for the associated NTC costs and provides partial funding for the novice teacher initiatives. For the 2018 fiscal year, the foundation committed $281,000 for novice teacher supports.

In past years, the foundation had funded smaller teacher projects, or “grants for great ideas” as Paschal calls them. Over the past decade, the foundation has added a focus on larger, strategic investments including support for the Office of Student and Family Support Services, Community Schools and STEM education.

TPS already had a working arrangement with New Teacher Center, but when the contract had to expand for multiple reasons, including the adoption of new state standards, the foundation stepped up.

“Last year 32 percent of novice TPS teachers didn’t return,” Paschal says, citing that there could be several reasons — including underfunding and misaligned state priorities — for the departures.

“That affects classrooms, students and teachers.”

Retention rates for teachers who receive mentoring through the novice teacher program have historically been much better, approaching 80 percent.

The tab to re-staff 400 or 500 teachers can run as high as $3 million. That includes recruitment, training and replacing the loss of knowledge. “If small investments reduce turnover, it reduces the costs to the district,” Paschal says.

“By nature, I’m optimistic,” adds Paschal, who came to the foundation from the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Education, to him, is a way to ensure Tulsa’s success and prosperity.

“I see how much education plays into our ability to attract companies, to grow a workforce. We can’t get to where we want to be as a city without investing in our future workforce,” he says.

Knuffman’s mentor is Nicole Sendejas, a TPS instructional coach with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a master’s in curriculum. When Sendejas entered the program four years ago, the focus was the innovative side of teaching: incorporating technology, games, the real world. For the past two years, it has been back to basics.

“There’s some truth to the fact that some people are just natural teachers,” she says. “Others take longer.” Sendejas begins with a baseline assessment of where each teacher is and what their

Foundation for Tulsa Schools President and CEO Brian Paschal

Cassandra Knuffman is a third-grade teacher at Kerr Elementary. Knuffman has participated in Tulsa Public Schools’ novice teacher program and was matched with a teaching mentor.

core beliefs are, then merges that information with the bigger system.

For instance, Cassandra Knuffman was already an innovative teacher. Mentoring, for her, simply reaffirmed her ideas and took them to the next level with materials and resources.

“As a teacher, you’re on an island. You’re not sure what’s successful,” Sendejas explains. She taught Knuffman to focus on individual students. Acknowledging correct behavior and areas where the student is succeeding sets a tone in the classroom.

Students want to please teachers they know care about them. “Behavior is a choice. They choose whether they want to please or annoy,” Sendejas says. And, although this exercise isn’t about academics, it has an effect in that arena, too.

Thirteen mentors have a caseload of up to 15 teachers each. Right now, 150 first-year teachers are receiving one-on-one mentoring support.

Mentors are trained teachers on a contract who have been released from teaching duties to provide full-time mentoring support. Mentees are identified by their previous experience level, the pipeline by which they enter TPS and by the subject areas they teach. Typically, mentor and teacher meet two to three times a month for a total of up to three hours of one-on-one time.

During the sessions, mentors help teachers with lesson planning, they observe and provide feedback, they advise and support and, finally,

they analyze student learning. How’d the lesson go? Did the students learn? How can we change the lesson to work better? The pair also address teacher-driven goals and specific teacher needs.

Mentoring, like teaching, is based on strong personal relationships. “Nikki encouraged me to push myself,” Knuffman says. “She taught me to be a builder, not a belittler; by being a builder, not a belittler.”

Knuffman admits her first years of teaching have challenged her.

“Veteran teachers can do their job, then go home to have dinner with their families and think about other things,” Sendejas explains. “Novice teachers are always planning their days. They don’t have their rhythm yet.” It’s her goal to help them find it.

Since being mentored by Sendejas, Knuffman has participated in professional leadership on a team basis, something she never would have had the confidence to do before being mentored.

“I know I’m making a difference with new teachers. They tell us all the time,” Sendejas says.

Program director Ackley wants to make Tulsa the best place to teach in the state. Despite the low pay and high stress of the field, she encourages those in other professions to consider teaching.

“Here’s your chance to make a difference in the lives of kids. To lead them to bigger and better things,” she says. “What more important work can we do?” TP TulsaPeople.com

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interior design â?– residential/commercial â?– custom drapes

221 West Main - Jenks 918.995.2100 www.ghdinteriors.com

Showroom Hours: T - F: 9a - 5:30p and by appointment

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2703 S. YO R K T OW N AV E.

|

th

AP R I L 27-M AY 20, 2018

Designer Showcase 2018 2703 S. Yorktown Ave.

Tickets Advance tickets: $12 Tickets at the door: $15 TPS teachers and employees with valid school ID: FREE Advance tickets (cash only) are available at the following locations:

RICK BARTHOLOMEW

Amini’s Galleria, 7712 E. 71st St. Floorhaus Design Center, 12105 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby GHD Interiors, 221 W. Main St., Jenks Griffin Interiors, 2616 E. 11th St. Richard Neel Home, 3742 S. Peoria Ave. The Market at Walnut Creek, 8281 S. Harvard Ave. Mirabella Salon, 1316 E. 36th Place Ribbons on Peoria, 3525 S. Peoria Ave. Sasha Malchi Home, 1307 E. 35th Place Summer Snow Gifts and Decor, 4111 S. Harvard Ave. Williams Sonoma, 2016 Utica Square Windsor Market, 6808 S. Memorial Drive

Nestled in midtown Tulsa, this year’s house is a 5,800-square-foot home built in 1935.

It has four bedrooms, three full and three half baths, and a finished basement.

Schedule April 27-May 20, 2018

Special Events

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays

Thursday Nights with Designers

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday nights

May 3, 10 and 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Noon-4 p.m., Sundays

Meet the designers and special local vendors displaying their merchandise.

Mother’s Day Brunch May 13, noon-2 p.m.

Intimate buffet with dessert and Champagne. Ticket includes fashion show

by Posh, giveaways, home tour, grand-prize drawing and buffet. $35 per person; reservations required.

Call Paula at 918-746-6602 or 918-902-0809.

2018 Showcase Raffle Win a four-day/three-night trip for two to the Designer Showcase home of your choice in San Francisco, New York, Atlanta or any destination of your choice. $20 PER TICKET.

Steering Committee PRIVATE PARTIES: SueAnn Blair TREASURER: Roberta Clark HOUSE MANAGERS: Katie May, Jana McKee, Kay Myers, Paula Wood VOLUNTEERS: Karen Goldberg, Lyndelle Spellman DESIGNER LIAISON: Michael Beard SHOWCASE COORDINATOR: Paula Dellavedova FTS PRESIDENT AND CEO: Brian Paschal 38

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

Purchase your ticket at Designer Showcase or online at weblink.donorperfect.com/ftsraffl e.

The winner will receive 100,000 AAdvantage miles thanks to American Airlines and a $2,500 gift card to cover lodging, food and incidentals.

Drawing will take place at the conclusion of the 2018 Designer Showcase on May 21, 2018. Need not be present to win.

Designer Showcase benefits the Foundation for Tulsa Schools THE FOUNDATION FOR TULSA SCHOOLS (FTS) was formed in 2001 with the mission of building a better community through the support of Tulsa Public Schools. The organization is committed to raising revenues to increase educational opportunities, enlisting community support and business assistance in providing educational resources, and communicating the need for continued community involvement in providing a first-class public education.

FTS aligns its support of the nearly 40,000 students and 3,000 teachers to Tulsa Public Schools’ strategic plan, “Destination Excellence,” and the five strategies that guide the district’s work: • Create powerful learning experiences for all by implementing an aligned PreK-12 instructional program • Cultivate safe, supportive and joyful school cultures • Attract, develop and retain a highly effective and empowered team • Incubate and implement innovative classroom, school and district designs • Modernize the District Office to be a service and strategy partner In 2017, FTS identified one of the most crucial needs of Tulsa Public Schools was investing in its novice teachers.

In approximately four out of 10 Tulsa Public Schools, roughly 30 percent of teachers are in their first three years of the profession. By providing increased on-boarding training, additional professional development days, ongoing mentor support from seasoned peers and personalized instructional feedback and training, FTS is investing heavily in the success and growth of novice teachers.

In addition to providing philanthropic support to Tulsa Public Schools, FTS recently took ownership of the “Partners in Education” initiative that was started by the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “Partners in Education” works to connect businesses, faith-based organizations and community members with individual school sites to provide resources, in-kind donations and volunteers.

Visit foundationfortulsaschools.org to learn how you can support FTS or become an official “Partner in Education.”

Working together, we are the foundation for Tulsa Public Schools.

Directors Matt Newman, Chairman Robert Babcock Susan Beach Tiffani Bruton Pete Burgess Chuck Chastain Jeff Couch Ryan Crawford Joe Creider Marc Delametter Larry Faulkner Drew France Aaron Fulkerson Sarah Gould

Thank you to our suppliers:

Judie Hackerott

Amini’s Galleria • Arlan RDS • Betche’s Upholstery • B and C Upholstery

Chris Holder

Birchwood Electric • Butch Clifton • Carrie Burrows Art CertaPro Painters • Cohlmia’s • Cooper Electric

Jim Hoffmeister Rick Kelly Karen Kirchman Adam Kupetsky

Creative Concepts • Dindy Foster Interiors • Davenport Cloaks

Diane Murphy

Draped in Style-Linda Gross • Endisco • Esau Services

Susan Neal

Eurocraft Granite and Marble • Fabricut • Fiber-Seal of Green Country

Rep. Monroe Nichols

Gabrielle Painting • Griffin Interiors • GP Painting • Gwen Elliott Upholstery Hardscape Materials • Home Hardware • Howse • Interior Fabrics iQ2designs • James Galleghar • Jane Butts Interiors

Shannon O’Doherty Daniel Regan Dwayne Rury Steve Soule’

Janet Fadler Davie • Jeff LaRue Homes • Jenkins and Co.

David Stratton

Jim Chaney Painting and Renovations • Joe Gilbert

Joey Wignarajah

Joe Woods Painting • Joel Smith Electric • Joie de Vie Interiors Juan Estrada Paining • Kiddlestix • Lea Sutton Interiors Linda Gross-Threads • Lou England • Mathis Brothers Furniture

Ex-Officio Deborah Gist TPS Superintendent

Mattress Firm of Tulsa • Michael Beard • Michelle Jones Interiors Midtown Maintenance • Murphy Electric • Ms. Mod Interiors

Staff

Page Movers • Paula Wood Creations • Pindler • Posh

Brian Paschal President and CEO

Pro Source Carpet • Provisions OK • Rob Bob Moving and Stage Rogers Glass • Royce Myers Art Ltd. • Sam Lee Installations Santiago Painting • Spectrum Paint • Susan Eddings Perez Custom Art Tanner Hicks • The Difference • The Dolphin Tim Ophoff • Timber and Beam • Tulsa Paint Co. • Woods by Wilforth

Paula Dellavedova Executive Office and Designer Showcase Manager Hallie Green Community Engagement and Grants Manager TulsaPeople.com

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Thank you to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsors:

Champion Sponsor:

Legacy Sponsors:

Excellence Sponsors: American Airlines • Bama Companies • FW Murphy Production Controls • Nabholz ONE Gas • PSO of Oklahoma • QuikTrip

High Achiever Sponsors: Blue Sky Bank • Commerce Bank • Covanta • Crossland Construction Co. • Cyntergy • Flintco • Gelvin Foundation KKT Architecture, Interiors, Engineering • Mark A. Delametter • Oklahoma State University – Tulsa Stevens Foundation • Tulsa Community College Foundation • Valley National Bank • WPX Energy

Honor Roll Patrons: Jo and Phil Albert • Dixie and Anthony Agostino • Katy and Jared Battiest • Susan and Don Beach Jennifer and Byron Bighorse • Carolyn and Jack C. Blair • Suzie and Tony Bogle • Nancy and Bruce Bolzle Sarah and Craig Buchan • Tracie and Pete Burgess • Susan and Jeff Couch • Jayme Cox • Leslie and Brad Dalton Caron Davis • Sharon King Davis • Erin Donovan • Margaret Erling • Sarah Jane and Matt Gillett • Deborah A. Gist Lynn Flinn and Rocky Goins • Sarah and Tim Gould • Shiela and Ted Haynes • Dede and John Hewitt Hannah and Jim Hoffmeister • Yvonne Hovell • Tricia and Ray Hoyt • Rachel and Dean Hutchings • Jillian and Will Ihloff Caron and Shawn Lawhorn • Barb Hess and Malcolm McCollam • Jane Mudgett • Jana and Mike Neal • Kara Gae Neal Shelly and Matt Newman • Sofia and Mike Noshay • Shannon and Travis O’Doherty • Alex and Brian Paschal Jackie Price • Frauke Quiroga • Cathy and Randy Reese • Daniel Regan • Hannah and Joe Robson Sarah-Anne and John Schumann • Lesa and John Smaligo • Mark Smith • Dana and Stuart Solomon Dede and Steve Soule • Cassie Reese Tipton and Evan Tipton • Penny and John Tipton • Annie Tomecek Joey Wignarajah • Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson • Jill Wenger • Jennifer and Brad White • Steve Wright

Magazine Sponsor:

In-kind Sponsors:

www.spectrumpaint.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

Proud Partner with tulsa Public schools since 1932 w w w.rfrlaw.com

• rosenstein, fist & r ingold • tulsa • oklahoma city

THE STUDY

ENTRY/LANDING

THE STUDY A curated collection of modern and vintage treasures.

designer: Michael Beard Michael Beard 123 E. 18th St. | 918-282-1965 dresserdesignmb@aol.com

ENTRY/LANDING Inspired by the European history of the home, updated with a modern twist.

designer: Shelley Franks and Michelle Jones Ms. Mod Interiors 5128 E. 117th St. | 214-984-6676 mjones@peakventures.com

LIVING ROOM ReďŹ ned but relevant, using neutrals with mixed metals and a touch of soft shell color.

designer: Lesa McClish McClish and Co. 3309-C S. Harvard Ave. | 918-587-9900 lesa@mcclishco.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

LIVING ROOM

Your Home, Your Way

ENERGY EFFICIENT

MOVE-IN READY

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Schedule a tour: tours@capitalhomes.com

GREATER TULSA AREA

FORMAL DINING ROOM

FORMAL DINING ROOM

KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST ROOM

Full of sparkle and shimmer, this room is a haven for entertaining and conversation with its sophisticated, thought-provoking art, furnishings and ďŹ nishes.

designers: Gina Miller and Brenda Rice GHD Interiors 221 W. Main St., Jenks | 918-995-2100 design@ghdinteriors.com

KITCHEN AND BREAKFAST ROOM A cheery kitchen and breakfast room with bursts of tangerine and raspberry.

designer: Dixie Moseley Joie de Vie Interiors 12141 S. Elm St., Suite 113, Jenks | 918-695-2341 dixie.jdv.interiors@gmail.com designer: Pam Scott Monarch Design Associates 9928 S. 86th E. Ave. | 918-607-7171 | pamela-scott@hotmail.com

LAUNDRY/MUDROOM A whimsical, glamourous laundry and mudroom suite.

designer: Tania Cartwright 1231 Interiors 918-697-5104 | tania.cartwright@yahoo.com designer: Michelle Nall ID Interiors 918-230-7376 | idinteriors@cox.net

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

LAUNDRY/MUDROOM

Eternally fashionable and extremely versatile, black is a perennial favorite in home design. Marrying elements of traditional and contemporary style, this kitchen layers textures to create an edgy look.

Let’s make your dream a reality.

Visit our showroom where our skilled consultants can help you recreate this look… or design one of your own.

Come Explore Our 6,000 Square Foot Showroom

13 4 5 S OU T H S H ERIDA N ROA D • 918.8 3 8.9 8 41 • H E AT WAV ES U PPLY.CO M

Celebrating 56 Years Of Service In Northeastern OK

Let Jane help you find a solution for your home loan needs.

Jane Christiansen, Mortgage Banker, mls #1509266 jane.christiansen@commercebank.com | 918.879.5401

WF10242 JChristiansen Mortgage Ad - 8x4.875.indd 1

2/8/2017 4:54:26 PM TulsaPeople.com 45

MASTER BEDROOM

MASTER BATH

MASTER BEDROOM A luxurious, serene and uncluttered retreat for homeowners.

designer: Cheri Sitton Double Eagle Design

6808 S. Memorial Drive | 918-760-7115 | cherisitton@me.com

MASTER BATH Bubbles, glamour and style make for a rosy retreat.

designer: Emma Sitton | 918-760-6543 | esitton@floorhaus.com

MASTER CLOSET Functional and enchanting with a brilliant chandelier to highlight elements of style and design.

designer: Paula Wood Paula Wood Creations 5148 S. Marion Place | 918-740-2229 paula@paulawoodcreations.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

MASTER CLOSET

NEW! Broken Arrow 1206 E Kenosha (918) 994-1605

Owasso 7738 N. Owasso Expressway (918) 274-9966

South Tulsa 10807 S. Memorial (918) 369-1264

Tulsa Skelly 15247 E. Skelly Dr. (918) 398-2188

Tulsa Brookside 4520 S. Peoria, Tulsa (918) 749-0383

Claremore 1301 W. Country Club Rd. (918) 923-6497

Designer & client service; receiving through product placement.

Tulsa I-244 & Yale 4621 E. Admiral Blvd.

(918) 836-9911

Bartlesville 205 NE Washington Blvd (918) 333-6340

5400 S Garnett • 918-933-4411

ArlanRDS.com

T H E T I TA N O F T H E I N DU S T RY Our knowledgeable and experienced staff is poised to help you with any need or answer any question. We’ve proudly built our team upon these pillars: Integrity, Experience, Employees, Focus and Service.

•

Titan owners Jason Hadrava and Robert Butler

JENKS 918.299.2300 • 110 East A Street BROKEN ARROW 918.893.6992 • 2422 West New Orleans Street OWASSO 918.376.4600 • 9455 North Owasso Expy WWW.TITANTITLEOK.COM #TITANTOUGH

As a full-service escrow company in Oklahoma, we merge experience, a dedicated team, and innovative technology solutions to offer you peace of mind. You can rest assured your escrow transaction will be completed fast and accurately whether in a Residential Closing, a Commercial Closing, a Refinance, or 1031 Exchange. We are committed to offering our clients the most comprehensive suite of services available.

TulsaPeople.com

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FIRESIDE PATIO POOL DECK

FIRESIDE PATIO Water-inspired colors invite outdoor lounging throughout the year.

designer: Dixie Moseley Joie de Vie Interiors 12141 S. Elm St., Suite 113, Jenks | 918-695-2341 dixie.jdv.interiors@gmail.com

designer: Pam Scott Monarch Design Associates 9928 S. 86th E. Ave. | 918-607-7171 | pamela-scott@hotmail.com

POOL DECK Pops of color and great spaces make for some fun in the sun.

designer: Cindy Price Amini’s Galleria 7712 E. 71st St. | 918-578-2266 | aminis.com

POOL BATH Beach vibes mix with the allure of mermaids and bathing beauties.

designer: Paula Dellavedova | 918-902-0809 | pauladell@cox.net 48

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

POOL BATH

NEW TAKE ON AN OLD IDEA Hot, stale air out

Cool, refreshing air in

Whole House Fans pull fresh, outside air into your living space through your windows, and push stale, indoor air out through your attic vents. Cooler and fresher air in summer. Cleaner winter air. Healthier home.

918-361-6624

ROOF VENTILATION DAYLIGHTING SYSTEMS Ask us about the 30% tax credit.

1335 E. 11th St. Suite E., Tulsa, OK 74120

By Perk, Inc.

Fontana Design Center • 7943 E. 50th St. • solatulsa.com

918-663-4242

located on historic Route 66 jenkinsandcotulsa

FREE ESTIMATES

1960 Utica Square

Tues - Sat 10-5

918.743.6634 TheDolphinFineLinens.com Fine Linens • Design • Custom Furnishings • Gifts

4417 South Sheridan Road • 918.627.6996 • www.grigsbys.com TulsaPeople.com

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POWDER BATH

CLUB ROOM

POWDER BATH Botanic elements fuse with soft finishes for an elegant presentation.

designer: Roger Wilson | 918-408-4838 wroger2770@aol.com

CLUB ROOM Modern bohemian lounge with a twist.

designer: Lisa Wakefield Jenkins and Co. 1335 E. 11th St., Suite E | 918-794-7844 lwakefielddesign@yahoo.com

BASEMENT/URBAN LOFT Designed to reflect an urban loft with a unique use of reclaimed wood, original art, handmade furniture and personalized accessories.

designer: Paula Wood Paula Wood Creations 5148 S. Marion Place | 918-740-2229 paula@paulawoodcreations.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

BASEMENT/URBAN LOFT

The fine art of real estate.

Sue Ann Blair

Distinctive Interior Design services

by G.K. Griffin 2616 E. 11th St. • 918.794.3851

Come shop our big sale in-store!

Kitchen & Bath PROJECT SERVICES • Real Estate Agent since 2002 • Designer Showcase Chair since 2011

• 10 Million Club • Top 100 Tulsa Realtor

…including quality material offerings and professional installation.

Please contact us to schedule a consultation.

918.813.3477 sueann@mcgrawok.com

2626 EAST 15TH STREET TULSA, OK 74014 918.641.4067

REGINA @DAKEDESIGNS.COM

Antiques, Accessories, & Interior Design Direct importer of European Antiques Cherry Street • 1345 E. 15th St., Suite A (918) 295-7711

Creating kitchens for the way you live…

Our award-winning kitchen, bath and interior design services offer a wide range of innovative ideas to make your project a head-turner.

Let our experience work for you. We will appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

We invite you to visit our beautiful new showroom for a hands-on experience.

5936 South Lewis • 918-779-4480 KitchenConceptsTulsa.com TulsaPeople.com

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HALLWAY

GIRL’S BEDROOM A refined, feminine bedroom that provides a place to rest, study or entertain friends in style.

designer: Jane Butts

Jane Butts Interiors Allied Member ASID 240 Woodward Blvd. | 918-625-7345 interiorsjb@cox.net

GIRL’S BEDROOM

GIRL’S BATH

GIRL’S BATH Pops of pink make for a fun setting.

designer: Amity Edwards 918 Interiors

4748 S. 101st E. Ave. | 918-850-0877 | 918interiors@gmail.com

designer: Leslie Story Leslie Story Design 2616 E. 11th St. | 918-346-9002 design@lesliestorydesign.com

HALLWAY Tulsa national award-winning artist Derek Penix

designer: Royce Myers Royce Myers Art Ltd. 918-260-8705 | roycemyersartltd@aol.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

BOY’S ROOM

BOY’S BATH

BOY’S ROOM Games, toys and tools help impart knowledge.

designer: G.K. Griffin

Griffin Interiors 2616 E. 11th St. | 918-810-2662 ggriffin1027@yahoo.com

BOY’S BATH Pistol Pete and friends.

Go Pokes!

designer: Dee Siegenthaler

Creative Concepts 7891 E. 108th St. S., Suite X-6 918-394-1880 creativeconceptsok@gmail.com

BOY’S BEDROOM

POP-UP SHOPS

BOY’S BEDROOM Mama … do let your son grow up to be an Oklahoma State Cowboy!

designer: Steven Vogler J. Steven Vogler Interiors 918-640-5353 svoglerdesign@yahoo.com

POP-UP SHOPS Summer Snow Gifts and Decor 4111 S. Harvard Ave. 918-794-5505 summersnowgifts.com TulsaPeople.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Lasting Impressions — Bride in a Box You can plan your own wedding and enjoy it. OUR expertise and YOUR ideas.

We make it happen. brideinabox.net

Ludger’s Catering and Events It’s all in the details.

These local sources can help make the big day beautiful, delicious and free of stress.

Hand-passed appetizers are a popular option for cocktail hour while family is taking pictures.

6120-A E. 32nd Place ludgerscatering.com

Margo’s We will happily assist you in creating stationery, note cards and invitations in your unique style with high-quality Crane and Co. cotton paper.

And, we invite you to create a bridal registry.

2058 Utica Square themargoshop.com

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Mary Murray’s Weddings are very personal and each one unique.

We offer only experienced wedding consultants to help suggest flowers and decorations for your special day. We are floral experts with years of experience in numerous settings.

3333 E. 31st St. marymurraysflowers.com

Tulsa Club Opening January 2019, Tulsa Club offers historic luxury for the modern couple in our ninth-floor Art Deco designed ballroom.

115 E. Fifth St. tulsaclub.com

Party Pro Rents

Tulsa Elks Lodge

A setup from Party Pro Rents’ new Premium Wedding Package, including Charlotte Gold Glassware; Marias, Heirloom, Lynx Gold Plates; Gold Gala Linen; and Savoy Gold Flatware.

6511 E. 44th St. partyprorents.com

Whether large or small, the Tulsa Elks Lodge offers everything needed for the special day, including on-site catering, multimedia service and flexible setup.

5335 S. Harvard Ave. elks.org/lodges/home. cfm?LodgeNumber=946

Ranch Acres Since 1959, we have assisted Tulsa families in providing wine and spirits for weddings, dinners and special events. We are known for a wide variety of wines, beers and spirits, and excellent customer service.

3324 E. 31st St., Suite A ranchacreswine.com

TulsaPeople.com

55

TULSAPEOPLE.COM

GIVEAWAYS

www.ludgerscatering.com Wedding Catering & Event Specialists

Visit TulsaPeople.com to register for our MEN’S WARDROBE UPDATE PACKAGE!

Great Food, Fantastic Servers & Bartenders, Rental Coordination, Set-up and Floorplan Design

Update the spring wardrobe with a $200 Travers Mahan gift certificate!

COMING SOON NEW LOCATION

1628 S. Main St. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Register by May 31.

918-744-9988

Historic luxury for the modern bride in downtown Tulsa.

luxury reborn.

115 E Fifth Street Tulsa, OK 74103 918.858.2779 • tulsaclub.com • events@tulsaclub.com 56

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

Go ahead, be fabulous.

Just protect yourself.

Book Your Special Day With Us!

Whether your reception is large or small, we provide everything you need to make your event unique and memorable. We offer on-site catering, open or cash bar, multimedia service, and flexible setup including tables, chairs, and linens.

When you’re out in the sun be sure to protect your skin. Shade, sunscreen, and a cover-up can go a long way to helping your natural beauty shine through.

Go with your own glow™ SkinCancer.org

Follow us on

5335 S HARVARD AVE 918-742-2401

Come talk to our Event Specialist to learn about our exceptional service, competitive prices, and details for a Tulsa Elks Lodge wedding experience.

Simply call 918-366-0933.

TulsaPeople.com

57

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

2018 VENUE GUIDE

EVENT & WEDDING VENUE GUIDE When planning an event — large or small — there are so many details to coordinate. From finding a place with the right amount of space to choosing from catering options and amenities, the to-do list can be overwhelming. Use this guide to wedding, event and conference venues around Tulsa as a resource.

THE CAMPBELL HOTEL & EVENT CENTERS

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT TULSA DOWNTOWN

EXPO SQUARE

THE GAST EVENT CENTER

GLASS VERANDA AT FOREST RIDGE

GLENPOOL CONFERENCE CENTER

LIVING ARTS OF TULSA

MARGARITAVILLE RESTAURANT

MEADOWLAKE RANCH

MIKE FRETZ EVENT CENTER

2636 East 11th Street (918) 744-5500 thecampbellhotel.com Event rental contact: Diane Morrison Capacity: 225

4145 East 21st Street (918) 744-1113 ext-2090 exposquare.com Event rental contact: Sarah Thompson Capacity: Multiple facilities available

7501 East Kenosha Street, Broken Arrow (918) 357-4413 forestridge.com Event rental contact: Amy Dodson Capacity: 125 seated, up to 200 standing

307 East Brady Street (918) 585-1234 livingarts.org Event rental contact: Chris Henson Capacity: 260

3450 South 137th West Avenue, Sand Springs (918) 494-6000 meadowlakeranch.com Event rental contact: Ashley Smith, Manager Capacity: Up to 250. Choice of Indoor & Outdoor Venues.

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

415 South Boston Avenue (918) 508-7400 marriott.com/tultd Event rental contact: Robin Monnot Capacity: 35

1429 Terrace Drive (918) 744-6997 thegasthouse.com Event rental contact: Sara Gonzales Capacity: 220

12205 South Yukon Avenue, Glenpool, OK 74033 Phone: (918) 209-4632 Fax: (918) 209-4626 glenpoolconferencecenter.com Event rental contact: Lea Ann Reed, lreed@cityofglenpool.com Capacity: flexible, up to 500

8330 Riverside Parkway (918) 995-8080 margaritavilletulsa.com Event rental contact: Amy Sue Haggard Capacity: 735 Reception, 509 Seated

11545 East 43rd Street (918) 663-5820 mikefretzeventcenter.com Event rental contact: Gabby Bridenbaugh & Marlena Chase Capacity: 256

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

2018 VENUE GUIDE

POSTOAK LODGE & RETREAT

RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT

STUDIO 308

TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN

TULSA CLUB HOTEL

ELKS LODGE

5323 West 31st Street North (918) 430-3299 postoaklodge.com Event rental contact: Kelly Jo Kickman Capacity: 50-500

8330 Riverside Pkwy (918) 299-8518 riverspirittulsa.com Event rental contact: sales@riverspirittulsa.com Capacity: 1,500

308 South Lansing Avenue (918) 329-0224 studio308tulsa.com Event rental contact: Paddy Harwell; info@studio308tulsa.com Capacity: 100 seated, 200 reception

115 East Fifth Street (918) 582-2779 tulsaclub.com Event rental contact: events@tulsaclub.com Capacity: up to 300 reception style

3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive (918) 289-0330 tulsabotanic.org Event rental contact: Maggie Regan Capacity: Call for information.

5335 S. Harvard Ave. (918)742-2401 elks.org Event rental contact: Aline Wisher, (918)366-0933 Capacity: 500

Free Gla m shot pic our tures for $5 a n Door P d rizes

*Sponsored by Soaring Eagles Y. F. S. Girls’ Teen Summit and

TulsaPeople.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

TulsaPeople is proud to present a selection of Profiles on Woman-Owned Businesses in our community. We hope you enjoy learning about these successful women and their businesses.

Nicki Argo, Mary Murray’s Flowers

Margo Nelson, Margo’s Gift Shop

Heather Berryhill, Chatter Marketing

Kathleen Pence, Pence Law Firm, P. C.

Karen Bruns and Saletha Fuller, DCH Financial Services, Inc.

Mary Statton, MST, L.L.C.

Lin Kobsey, Kobsey Travel

Mary Stewart, Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits

Sandra Mullins, Final Touch Cleaning

Lynn Wheatley, Lasting Impressions of Tulsa and Bride in a Box™

Jeannie Murphy, Murphy Sanitary Supply

Becca Wilson, Spherexx.com

Heather Berryhill

Chatter Marketing

A Woman-Owned Business That Gets People Talking Chatter Marketing is a full-service creative firm led by President and CEO Heather Berryhill. Her organization specializes in advertising, marketing, public relations, digital marketing, branding and social media management for a vast array of businesses.

Every aspect of the Chatter Marketing creative process requires cleverness and out-of-the-box thinking. The overall result for the client is a message that works — and works consistently — at every point of contact in a business marketing strategy.

Berryhill has more than 20 years experience in the industry. She has developed her organization into a bustling, full-service firm with a team of professionals who bring creativity and a unique approach to every marketing strategy. Her passion is helping small to mid-sized organizations grow through strategized approaches.

Berryhill is a Dallas, Texas, native with a B.S. in Mass Communications

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and Public Relations from Texas Tech University. She has spent years building a team of individuals who bring particular talents and perspectives to the table.

Team members were hand-selected for their unique abilities.

“Whether it’s graphic design, web design, social media management, digital marketing, public relations and beyond, the entire Chatter Marketing team delivers innovative branding and marketing solutions that work,” says Berryhill.

9321 S. Toledo Ave. 918.906.7587 chattertulsa.com

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Owner Sandra Mullins, center, with Chelsea Hanoch, Lindsay Henderson, Brooke Taylor and Jackie Vu

Final Touch Commercial Cleaning State’s only national certified janitorial service When the 9-to-5 is done, the work is just beginning for the staff of Final Touch Commercial Cleaning.

That’s when the 200-plus employees of this 33-year-old company go to work, cleaning everything from corporate offices and medical facilities to municipal buildings and universities all over the Tulsa area. The expert staff offers daily and nightly cleaning services, carpet extraction, 24-hour emergency cleaning and more.

Owner Sandra Mullins insists on the highest standard of white-glove service in the industry. Final Touch Commercial Cleaning is the only nationally certified janitorial service in Oklahoma.

Cleaning more than 6 million square feet daily is a monumental job, but Mullins, who operates Final Touch with her daughters Brooke and Lindsay and Vice President Jackie Vu, believes that “to whom much is

given, much is required.” That’s why the company returns thousands of dollars annually to local nonprofits through donated services and fundraising efforts.

“We give meaning to cleaning,” Mullins says. “When we started, we made it our mission to create a culture of giving. It’s the charitable work that really inspires us. We’re so happy to be part of the Tulsa community.”

10404 E. 55th Pl., Suite C 918.663.1919 finaltouchcleaning.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

The team at Spherexx.com and, inset, CEO Becca Wilson.

Spherexx.com Tulsa’s largest web development company

Becca Wilson, CEO, B.A. B.S, graduate of the University of Tulsa, founded Spherexx.com® in 2000 having foreseen the burgeoning need for Internet advertising and technology services on the horizon. Since then Spherexx has provided website development, Internet marketing services, custom programming and software tools for thousands of clients, from small businesses to international manufacturing companies. Spherexx is the largest among “Web Development Companies” and second largest “Advertising Agencies” in Tulsa, as reported by the Journal Record Book of Lists. Spherexx was selected as one of “Tulsa’s Best Companies for Working Families” by TulsaKids Magazine in 2014.

“I believe my previous experience working in the oil and gas industry and serving as assistant controller and Information Technology Director for Case & Associates gives me a unique perspective of problem-solving,” said Becca. “I very much value and utilize that extensive financial, marketing and technological experience in my work at Spherexx.”

Becca was chosen by the Institute of Real Estate Management in 2013 as one of the “Women Changing the World of Real Estate Management.”

Becca was awarded the Gold, International Stevie “Woman of the Year” competition in New York City in 2014 for the Technology - Business and

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Financial Services category: one of 1,200 candidates across 22 nations.

Spherexx.com® is an INC5000® company that provides a wide selection of services including web design and development, touchscreen kiosks, Internet lead generation tools, advertising, consulting, advanced mobile application development, social media, reputation management, search engine optimization and marketing, branding services, video production, print media, website and database hosting, e-commerce solutions and custom programming. It offers software as a service (SaaS) applications for customer relationship management, (CRM), revenue management, advertising syndication, and asset performance. Spherexx boasts a long list of national and international awards, including two Webbys (hailed as the “The Internet’s Highest Honor” by the New York Times): 2014 Honoree for Real Estate and 2018 Honoree for Best Website Design – Function.

9142 S. Sheridan Road 866.491.7500 spherexx.com

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Lin Kobsey and associate Andrew Dugan

Kobsey Travel, LLC Annual trips, theme travel a specialty for full-service agency For some entrepreneurs, the start of one business can lead to the start of another. In Lin Kobsey’s case, she converted a successful interior design business in Tulsa into a travel enterprise.

“My design business involved both domestic and international projects and led to travelling the world looking for antiques for clients,” she says, “and those trips sparked the concept of creating antique buying trips.” Those trips in search of antiques evolved into group travel…and the ultimate development of Kobsey Travel, LLC in 1996.

Today, Kobsey Travel is a full-service agency specializing in individual or small group international travel. A member of the American Association of Travel agents (ASTA), Lin and her team attend the annual WorldTravel Market in London each year to learn and network.

Kobsey Travel has developed a specialty in theme tours including an annual “on your own” group trip to Paris in February, an annual wine trip in

the Loire Valley of France, and trips to England. Last year, a group of her travelers were in Cornwall to experience a filming session of the PBS series “Doc Martin”. Additionally, the firm is experienced in planning river and ocean cruises.

“We believe in educating and preparing our travelers to take the stress out of trip planning and help avoid costly mistakes,” Lin says. “Our motto is: ‘We are the company that will make you a traveler, not a tourist.’”

“I have been fortunate enough to have been to all five continents…I love traveling,” adds Lin, “a friend tells me it 8912 S. 70th East Ave. is my equivalent to a Vitamin 918.747.0077 B12 shot.” lkobsey@sbcglobal.net

Mary Statton

MST, L.L.C.

Machining and marketing products for vintage VW cars MST founder Kenneth Statton was a tinkerer. As the owner of a machine shop, Statton had the freedom to take concepts and bring them to reality. After creating several innovations, he created Custom Bug Products, LLC which later became Motorsports Tulsa LLC (MST) in 2007.

Since then, the company—managed by co-owner, Mary Statton—has been “on the road” showing off innovative VW products at car shows across the country. And, through the years, has developed a large distributor network to order products from a favorite VW shop or directly from MST. “Our growth and the demand for our aftermarket product comes from one of the greatest auto enthusiast communities there is—the VW community,” said Mary. “We manufacture and sell superior products that

keeps a vintage V-dub looking great and working even better.”

One of the first products created by MST was one to improve the design of the car’s flagship Serpentine Pulley System. Others have followed. “We engineer our products to prevent the common headaches that ‘old-school’ VW owners experience, such as leaks and more” says Mary.

“We are proud to have some of the most sought after products on the market. MST is 26107 S. Willow Road the industry leader in the Air Claremore, OK 74019 Cooled, Aftermarket VW 918.289.1695 carparts market.” partsbymst.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Karen Bruns, Investment Executive and Saletha Fuller, Investment Executive

DCH Financial Services, Inc. Tailored Financial Solutions for Unique Women While all women are unique, many face similar challenges such as time away from careers to care for family or aging parents, the likelihood of marrying later in life or finding yourself suddenly single from a divorce or outliving your spouse or partner. We understand the challenges women face and how to help you get the answers you need to help you make decisions about your investments and your estate. As your life changes, we’ll be here to help you readjust and move forward with a financial strategy designed to help meet your current and future needs. To us, each situation presents a challenge and an opportunity to help you make smart, pragmatic financial decisions.

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. DCH Financial Services, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Raymond James is not affiliated with TulsaPeople Magazine.

Lynn H. Wheatley

Lasting Impressions of Tulsa and Bride In A Box™ Weddings planned by us, or by you Lasting Impressions plans and produces weddings for clients who want the very best — but not the stress of planning. “From the very start to the teardown and wrap up, we take responsibility for each and every area,” says owner Lynn H. Wheatley. “Our events are your wishes with our expertise.”

Nine years ago, Lasting Impressions developed Bride In A Box™ for the couple that desires to plan their own wedding, but needs a fairy godmother looking over their shoulder to assure their plans are executed perfectly.

“Bride In a Box™ adds assurance to your planning that all will go on time and according to plan,” 918.629.1877 says Wheatley.

LITulsa.com • BrideInABox.net

President Jeannie Murphy

Murphy Sanitary Supply Going the extra mile for customers

Murphy Sanitary Supply is a regional distributor of cleaning and maintenance supplies throughout northeastern Oklahoma, founded by Jeannie Murphy in 2002.

A visit to the company quickly reveals why Murphy has been a success for 17 years: the owner is enthusiastic about her business, its employees, and customers. “I love the people side of the business,” Murphy says, “developing relationships and serving customers with quality products and services that are cost effective and work well to solve needs.”

Murphy Sanitary Supply offers complete lines of janitorial products including chemicals, equipment, and commercial paper. The company also maintains an equipment and repair division for industrial, institutional, commercial and retail customers that include schools and universities, healthcare facilities, manufacturing and food processing plants, as well as small to medium size businesses.

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The company is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration, HUBZone, the Oklahoma Department Of Commerce as a Woman-Owned Business, and is a member of the Oklahoma School Plant Management Association, and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC).

“Our business is totally about providing the expertise, products and service to help make each client’s facility look and function at its very best,” said Murphy. “And, we play a role in helping clients maintain compliance with regulatory requirements as they impact their facilities regarding 13105 E. 61st St. S. environmental services.”

918.461.2200 murphysanitary.com

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Nicki Argo

Margo Nelson and associate Margie Brown

Margo’s Gift Shop

Mary Murray’s Flowers

Three generations of family ownership

Unrivaled expertise and service for 54 years in Tulsa

Margo Nelson is the third-generation owner of Margo’s Gift Shop, now in its 87th year of business in Tulsa. Legendary oilman Waite Phillips encouraged Margo’s grandmother—Margo Kirberger—to open her gift shop in the lobby of downtown’s Philcade Building in 1936. Another oilman, Walt Helmerich, encouraged Margo Nelson’s mother—store owner Ann Nelson— to move the business to Utica Square’s Yorktown Alley in 1964.

Today, Margo’s offers a large selection of unique gift items for every occasion.

Among the store’s quality lines are Jan Barboglio, Mary Jurek, Chilewich, Beatriz Ball, Vietri, Lux, Worth, Olivia Reigel, 2058 Utica Square Baggallini, Christopher Radko, Jon Hart 918.747.8780 Bags, Crane Stationery. themargoshop.com

A longtime dream “bloomed” for Nicki Argo when she purchased Mary Murray’s Flowers from retiring owner Gaylyn Murray Wattman in January, 2015.

“I began my career as a young designer in the floral industry 30 years ago,” said Argo, “and it’s been interesting and fun to learn to operate a business from the owner’s side of things. Operating a business presents challenges and opportunities each day; determining better ways to serve customers never ends.”

Since 1963, Mary Murray’s has earned a reputation for professionalism by offering the highest quality fresh bouquets, each designed with care and style. “Clients have learned they can trust us to advise them and properly 3333 E. 31st St. handle all of their floral needs, from a single 918.986.1349 plant to those needed for a special event.” marymurraysflowers.com

Kathleen Pence

Store owner Mary Stewart, daughter Emily Stewart and Truman

Pence Law Firm, P.C. Counsel made convenient When Kathleen Pence founded her law practice, it was with the core understanding that everyday life doesn’t slow down to accommodate legal matters.

“We understand that our clients are busy living their lives,” says Pence.

“We endeavor to work around the client’s schedule and do as much communication via email and telephone conference as possible.” In fact, Pence Law Firm clients are only required to meet in PENCE LAW FIRM, P.C. person at the initial conference — from 320 S. Boston Ave., Suite 1026 that point forward, the legal team interferes minimally with the client’s sched918.367.8505 ule whilst keeping the client informed. pencelawfirm.org

Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits Almost 60 years in same location Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits has been in continuous operation at the original location in the Ranch Acres Shopping Center since 1959.

Owned today by Mary Stewart, the store is well known for its wide variety of wines, beers and spirits, and excellent customer service offered by a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

“We specialize in pairing wines and helping our customers put together dinners, parties and celebrations,” says Stewart. “We also take pride in our recently expanded beer and spirit selection.”

Customers are encouraged to sign up for 3324 E. 31st St., Suite A the store’s email newsletter to learn about spe918.747.1171 cial happenings and receive discount coupons. ranchacreswine.com

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BREAKING THE CYCLE I Sisters Shania and Shamari Smith visit their mother through the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program.

Besides the monthly visits, the girls participate in troop programming, including learning about anger management, as well as how to make s’mores and slime.

When they visit their mother, Tracie, at the Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, the girls discuss music, family and their dreams. Shamari hopes to become a veterinarian. Shania wants to tap into her artistic instincts and love of makeup. She also wants to make sure her mom quits smoking.

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n the 15 years Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma has offered the national program Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, it has transported more than 3,500 children to visit their mothers in prison.

The results have been remarkable. The local Girls Scouts Beyond Bars program is recognized as one of the premier programs in the country.

GSBB helps daughters with incarcerated mothers foster healthy, lasting relationships.

Aggression among participating Girl Scouts has decreased more than 70 percent, and substance abuse documented among some of its older girls has fallen by 80 percent.

But the program’s most impressive statistic is that all GSBB children, many of whom grew up surrounded by violence and poverty, are beating the odds and breaking the cycle of recidivism.

Not one girl who has completed the GSBB program has been incarcerated, says Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Chief Community Development Officer Sheila Harbert. “In spite of all that’s stacked against them, they’re going to know who they are and that what they do matters.”

Although Harbert never had an opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts as a child, she’s making up for that today as an adult.

Since the inception of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma GSBB chapter, Harbert has dedicated her time and talents to Girl Scouts in a role she says has become her calling.

As a coordinator for GSBB, she helps implement a family unification program that provides a circle of care for an incarcerated mother, her children and the caregiver.

“Children of incarcerated parents don’t have advocates a lot of times, but that’s what I am — I want to fight for them,” Harbert says. “If they don’t have anybody to protect them for whatever reason, we address that at the troop with the mother and the child.”

Harbert’s personal desire to volunteer in women’s prison ministry led her to a part-time position with Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma in 2003. Originally known on the local level as Project MEND (Mothers Encouraging and Nurturing their Daughters), GSBB was founded in Maryland and is federally funded through a Department of Justice grant to Girl Scouts USA. Harbert and a colleague helped bring the project to life by using Girl Scouts vans to transport young girls to visits with their mothers at Turley Correctional Center.

Additionally, the children participated in Girl Scouts’ curriculum. That first month, the program grew from five to 15 girls, and as a new troop leader learning about the organization, Harbert’s eyes were opened to the needs of not only the incarcerated women, but also their vulnerable children.

“In the Girl Scouts meetings, the children began to tell me their fears and some of the things they’d gone through,” she says. “I’m listening to

VALERIE GRANT

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars is a growing resource for children and their incarcerated mothers.

BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

their stories and realizing they don’t have a voice.”

With the highest female incarceration rate in the nation, Oklahoma is home to thousands of children who must visit a correctional facility to see their mothers.

But young girls ranging from 5 to 18 years of age aren’t the only children affected by a mother’s absence. With assistance from a small grant, GSBB staff and volunteers began picking up both Girl Scouts and their brothers (up to age 12).

“The children were excited about this, and we represented a connection to their moms,” she says.

Girl Scouts facilitates programs for the girls; the grant helps train other organizations like the Tulsa Dream Center, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Martin Luther King Center in Muskogee to work with the boys. The reunification portion of GSBB is the only Girl Scout program that includes boys.

By the mid-2000s, the program received new funding from Tulsa’s George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Hille Foundation. This led to a substantial increase around 2008, at which point Harbert was brought on full time.

With support from GKFF’s Amy Santee, Harbert says she learned the ins and outs of nonprofit fundraising. Consultants served as valuable mentors to help Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma identify additional community needs and potential funding, helping the program become sustainable.

Harbert took a grant-writing course, the program grew and she began researching ways to further develop the relationship between a child and her incarcerated mother.

“I needed to find out how the Oklahoma Department of Corrections worked,” she says.

“Women could literally be housed in two to three facilities during their incarceration, and as a child, how would you know where to visit your mom?”

As part of GSBB, Harbert wanted to reach out to the mothers during their intake assessment and implement Girl Scouts programming specifically for children with incarcerated parents. The curriculum could continue seamlessly as the mother moved from one facility to another.

Establishing connections with wardens and administrators across the state was challenging, but today GSBB collaborates with Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, Kate Barnard Correctional Center, Mabel Bassett Correctional Center and Turley Correctional Center.

“We work with the mothers on leadership in prison and engage with the children at a troop somewhere in the community,” Harbert says.

“Then we bring them together at the correctional facility.”

Harbert and her team, including GSBB program manager Shannon Luper and coordinator Jackie Benson, later added nurturing parenting skills to the mothers’ leadership sessions, which the Oklahoma Department of Corrections eventually adopted as policy. As a result, mothers who complete the Girl Scouts curriculum can earn credits toward time off their sentence.

The program also helps kids be kids again.

It seeks to help the incarcerated women develop appropriate relationships with their kids and

re-establish healthy parent-child roles. Kids who experience trauma have to grow up fast, especially if their mother is incarcerated. Harbert says that when women become incarcerated and get used to being essentially treated like children, they start in many ways to act like children. The skillbuilding program focuses on replacing the mental and emotional capacity of these women with an adult mindset.

GSBB eventually began partnering with the Tulsa drug intervention program Women in Recovery and also was awarded additional funding from GKFF to establish a re-entry program.

“Within six months of release, we check to see what services the mothers have received from DOC,” such as a GED or drug treatment, Harbert says. “Whatever they’re lacking, we work with them to get them home.” Facilitators work to connect the women with services needed to re-integrate into society, including obtaining items like copies of birth certificates, state-issued IDs, mental health support, drug treatment or halfway home support.

Harbert says leadership from Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma President and CEO Roberta Preston has been key to the evolution of GSBB during the past 16 years. Preston’s corporate experience has helped develop a strategy to fund programs without collapsing current funding avenues.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma GSBB chapter currently serves 30 schools in Tulsa, Muskogee and Okmulgee while working with incarcerated mothers statewide.

As the women complete their sentences, a Girl Scouts continuum program allows Harbert and the other coordinators to keep a close eye on the children. They stay busy with Girl Scouts programming that includes monthly visits to mom, as well as troop activities such as peer-to-peer outings, school troop and robotics activities, earning badges, selling cookies and, if age appropriate, participating in a sister-to-sister program that teaches etiquette and social skills.

“We could literally see a child up to six times in one month,” Harbert says. “We have served more than 4,000 children in this program, and we are helping an average of 240 women per year.”

Through weekly parenting sessions and meetings with re-entry coordinators, mothers participating in GSBB regularly interact with a Girl Scouts counselor, representative or volunteer to stay accountable and understand their role as an adult.

The success of GSBB for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma is spreading, and Harbert regularly fields inquiries from interested troops across the nation.

Additional funding and resources always will be needed, but more than anything Harbert says the program values caring volunteers to help with coordination efforts.

Community support from people who want to “get on that bus and help us show these children a better way” demonstrates there’s life beyond drug deals, violence and poverty and drives home the Girl Scouts’ core mission.

“We’re building girls of courage, confidence and character,” Harbert says. TP

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s Chief Community Development Officer Sheila Harbert

COLLEGE CONNECT Engagement with mothers and their children inspired Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma to officially launch Girl Scouts Beyond Bars College Connect in fall 2017.

“I meet women every day who wished they had gone to college, but they didn’t have the support of their families,” Harbert says.

College Connect provides college preparatory services for teenage girls, primarily in grades 8 through 10. The program is open to anyone, but currently recruits from the GSBB program. Right now, 30 participants have signed up for help writing résumés, filling out financial paperwork and understanding how to apply for college. The information is incorporated into weekly troop meetings.

“In the short time we’ve been doing the program, the girls are excited about their education and can envision their careers,” Harbert says.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars Program Manager Shannon Luper

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6:00-9:00 PM

TULSA COX BUSINESS CENTER, 100 CIVIC CENTER

Tickets start at $75

Patron Sponsorships available from $500 - $50,000

Please join us at Saint Simeon’s Foundation celebrates its 22nd annual Western Days! With live music, world famous auctions, Western style dinner, general store, casual Western attire and more, Western Days benefits the Residents of Saint Simeon’s, Tulsa’s Senior Community. Saint Simeon’s provides an environment of dignity, individuality, and the highest attainable level of independence.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Gray at (918) 794-1977 or visit our website, www.saintsimeons.org/westerndays.

EVENT CHAIRS LISA AND TOM SCHOOLEY

HONORARY CHAIRS PHYLLIS AND STEVE ANDERSON

PIONEER SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENT TOM MASON

PATRON CHAIRS BARBARA AND JOHN TURNER

AUCTION CHAIRS MELISSA AND MAC STALLCUP

Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

SS-WesternDays-2018.indd 1

3/28/18 10:05 AM

BIG Little IMPACT A TULSA FAMILY’S INVOLVEMENT WITH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS COMES FULL CIRCLE.

BY TIM LANDES

TulsaPeople.com

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JUNE 14 Taste of Tulsa: Today’s Littles, Tomorrow’s Next Big Thing 6:30 p.m. Cox Business Center, 100 Civic Center. $250, tickets. nextbigthingtulsa.org

Kristine Stover and her Little Sister, Jaylan, have been paired through Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past five years. In that time, the two have spent time hiking, dining, watching movies and making gingerbread houses, like the one pictured above. Stover has been involved with BBBS in various capacities over the past 20 years.

Next month, she will be recognized with the organization’s Matt Burtelow Award.

GINGERBREAD: COURTESY KRISTINE STOVER

M

ore than 50 people are overflowing the small upstairs meeting space inside McNellies. A man is speaking to the crowd about his experiences as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

Just outside the room is a registration form to receive more information about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Potential volunteers are lined up to provide their information.

Among the organizers on hand are Kristine Stover and her son, Kohl. They both serve on the organization’s Big Development Committee, which organizes recruiting events like this one.

In 2017, the organization served 1,084 children throughout Oklahoma’s seven state offices. In Tulsa, they served 347 children. BBBS Oklahoma has a 2018 goal to pair 100 new mentors with a Little in the Tulsa area. There are currently 130 ready-to-bematched children awaiting a mentor.

Although Kristine and Kohl are both recent additions to the Big Development Committee, their involvement with the organization goes back two decades. For Kristine it started by contributing at fundraising events, and for Kohl it began as a Little Brother.

In 1998, Kristine’s husband died, leaving her with two young boys. She had no family nearby and became concerned about the lack of a male mentor in her sons’ lives. Two years later, a lunch discussion resulted in a life-changing opportunity for the Stover family.

“One of my best girlfriends and I were at lunch talking about it, and she suggested I get them Big Brothers,” Kristine recalls. “I asked, ‘Is that for my kids? They’re not troubled kids.’ She said, ‘They’re there for kids who need to be mentored.’ She talked to a friend who was on the board, and that afternoon I got a call about it. I knew it was a great organization, so I agreed.”

Kristine watched her boys develop strong relationships with their Bigs and thrive in life.

Logan, her eldest son, got paired with a Big Brother, Tucker, who dragged him out of bed at 6:30 every Saturday morning to play basketball. The pair are still close even though Logan now lives in Plano, Texas.

Kohl had a Big Brother who graduated and moved away after two years. He was then paired with another Big Brother, Chad Morrison, who has stayed by the younger Stover’s side to this day.

“As I grew up, I realized how much it has positively impacted me,” says 25-year-old Kohl, who works as an associate advisor for a financial services consulting company. “It was great to see how hardworking he was. He was always there to talk about stuff that I didn’t want to talk about with my mom.

He inspired me and motivated me. His impact is greater than he’ll ever realize.”

It didn’t take long for Kristine to understand how much those volunteers helped shape her sons’ lives, and she wanted to repay the organization that made it possible, so she joined the board of directors.

During her time working with BBBS Oklahoma, Kristine has chaired the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake and Taste of Tulsa, she has served two six-year terms on the board and chaired it, and five years ago she became a Big Sister for the first time.

COURTESY KRISTINE STOVER

IT’S THE DAY AFTER THE RECRUITING EVENT, and Kristine is visiting the BBBS Oklahoma offices in downtown Tulsa. Talk turns to her Little Sister, Jaylan, and she begins glowing. Kristine grabs her phone and pulls up a photo album showcasing their many adventures. There are photos of haircuts, movie dates, birthday celebrations, Turkey Mountain hikes, annual gingerbread houses and more spanning ages 8-13. In every picture the young girl’s smile is beaming.

“I never looked at myself as becoming a Big because I was a single mom raising two kids,” Kristine says. “I had no business mentoring. Then eventually I remarried and the kids went off to college. I was an incoming board chair, and I thought ‘I still don’t have a Little. I should probably do this.’” Kristine’s husband, Mick Walsh, became a Big a couple years before her.

Kristine shares stories about the challenges in her Little’s life. She says the two have spent a lot of time talking about the young girl’s potential and the opportunities she will have if she stays dedicated to chasing her dreams. Just recently, Kristine was checking the teen’s Facebook account and saw something that provided more encouragement she’s doing the right thing.

“She wrote, ‘I’m going to be different. I’m going to graduate high school. I’m going to have a career then I’m going to get married and have kids.’

She is listening occasionally,” says Kristine with a laugh. “It’s going to get tougher for her as she enters her teenage years. I have five years left with her to help keep her on that path.”

If you mention Kristine’s name to anyone in the BBBS Oklahoma office, they are ready to gush about her personality and her efforts.

Holly Stewart is the longest-tenured employee in the office with nearly a decade of service to the organization. She has worked closely with Kristine throughout that time and says the amount of good the former board chairwoman has accomplished has been unrivaled.

“She’s very passionate about anything she does, and she’s a true believer in our mission, which means you’re going to get a lot from her,” Holly says. “She’s a great advocate for our organization and continues to do a tremendous job.”

Chase Mowery is the Tulsa community engagement coordinator for BBBS Oklahoma. When he joined BBBS nearly three years ago, Kristine had just completed her term as board chairwoman, so Chase only knew about her through talk amongst the staff. He needed to fill his Big Development Committee, so he went to Holly for advice.

“I was looking for a go-getter, who had a passion for the program and somebody who could help me recruit volunteers through connections, but really through passion,” Chase says. “Holly instantly said Kristine is who I needed to call. I reached out to her, and she immediately agreed.

“Next thing I know, she has recruited Kohl and his Big, Chad. Half the people on the Big Development Committee are there because of Kristine.

That’s amazing. She brought the passion and the power, and we’re already seeing the results.”

At Taste of Tulsa on June 14, Kristine will receive the Matt Burtelow Award, given annually to honor an individual whose contributions of time, energy and/or resources have promoted the idea of adult-child mentoring in a significant way.

When Matthew Morton, Tulsa-area director for BBBS Oklahoma, informed Kristine that she’s this year’s recipient, he says it marked the first time he had witnessed her at a loss of words.

“The impact Kristine has made on Big Brothers Big Sisters in Tulsa has changed thousands of lives, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the award,” Morton says. “She has dedicated her life to making sure BBBS serves every single child in Tulsa who needs one-to-one mentoring.”

For Kristine, being the recipient of the Matt Burtelow Award continues to baffle her.

“It’s a huge honor. For 20 years I’ve watched big ‘community people’ do amazing things for the organization. I just don’t think of myself as that,” Kristine says, choking back tears. “I’m just doing what I can. I’ve got a lot of energy, and I really don’t work full time anymore, so this is a great way to keep busy and help a great organization.”

While she is honored to win the award, Kristine’s proudest moment to date occurred when she received a call from Kohl that brought everything full circle for the family.

“He called to tell me he had an interview to become a Big, and I had no idea,” she says. “I knew both my boys wanted to do it someday and give back because they had so much fun with their Bigs. Logan has a child of his own, so now’s not the right time for him. I’m really proud of Kohl for doing it. He will be great.”

For the past four months, Kohl has been a Big Brother to Grant. He acknowledges his Big Brother’s and his mother’s positive influences that helped inspire him to become a Big. Being on the other side has already taught him a lot, including how easy it is to mentor a young person.

“Just go be dudes. That’s all you have to do,” Kohl says. “You don’t feel like you’re making a big impact. You don’t realize how much just chatting can help someone. I know how much Chad means to me, and I hope I can do that for my Little.”

There is a major need for mentors in Tulsa. A person only has to be 18 to participate in schoolbased mentoring. Those who want to do community-based mentoring must be at least 21 and have a car, a driver’s license and insurance. Currently the oldest mentor in Tulsa is 77.

Kristine says her work is far from done. She’s going to do everything she can to ensure every waiting child has a Big. For those on the fence, Kristine has a message.

“It’s the power that one person can have on someone who doesn’t have anybody they can depend on regularly,” Kristine says. “Just having someone that’s there for them 100 percent without distractions for one hour a week can positively change a life.

“I’ve seen it as a mother, as a board member and as a Big. I’ve seen what good it does for kids.” TP

THEN AND NOW

KOHL AND CHAD

LOGAN AND TUCKER

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HAVE YOU HEARD

YOUR LEGACY MATTERS? Our community is showing extraordinary generosity by leaving legacy gifts to charities through planned giving.

A person works almost their entire life to build up their assests and savings; but often only take a few hours to plan for their future.

Through thoughtful planning, a chapter in the book of your life can be completed. However, too many times there has been little or sometimes no planning, missing the opportunity to leave a legacy.

There is no better time than now to join Legacy Tulsa. This movement is designed for people just like you to make a charitable gift that helps care for you, your family and the organizations you passionately support.

To learn more about Legacy Tulsa or to read stories from your neighbors who have made a legacy gift please visit www.LegacyTulsa.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGACY GIVING AT

LEGACYTULSA.ORG

THE AMERICAN STAPLE HAS BECOME AN EXPRESSION OF LOCAL ADMIRATION BY JAMIE RICHERT JONES OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE LOCAL T-SHIRT industry has grown with gusto. The designs range from kitschy and humorous to modern and edgy, but all have found an audience.

Regardless of style, there’s no doubt Tulsa is overflowing with creative talent.

However, for most designers, this isn’t a quest to create the hottest logo or the next big

LivyLu

A focus on family has been the driving power behind LivyLu. In 2003, Tiffany Riley and her mother, Brenda Holder, started a craft purse company hoping it would eventually enable Riley to stay home with her two young children.

The pair found a niche in sorority and collegiate gifts and apparel.

“We were selling our purses to stores in college towns, and they requested we add T-shirts to our line,” Riley says.

While Riley’s children, Luke and Olivia Louise — the company’s namesakes — were at school, she and her mother worked from her home, making every product by hand.

Tragically, Holder passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2011. During that time, Riley put her business on hold and the future of LivyLu was in question. Fortunately, some loyal friends helped reinvigorate the company, and it has continued to grow since.

Riley moved her business out of her home and added new team members she affectionately calls the LivyLu crew.

“It’s still a family business — the LivyLu crew is a family,” Riley says.

In fall 2017, LivyLu opened its first store. Located in the Pearl District, LivyLu

catch phrase. It’s their megaphone to the world.

Local artist Steve Cluck believes tees give a voice to the sentiments so many Tulsans feel.

“I have lived here my entire life and I love it here, so I wanted to say something nice about our community, which is what inspired I Heart Tulsa and Don’t Hate the 918,” Cluck says. “It has been very meaningful that the message of

positivity resonated with so many other people.

I think people have been wanting to say how much they love Tulsa, and the shirts give them a way to say it.”

There’s no doubt pride runs deep here in the heartland, but maybe these artists were the galvanizing force that finally brought it to the surface.

TIFFANY RILEY

is popular with women college age and older.

Riley and her team find inspiration in vintage designs and images for their BEST-SELLER products.

“We just design things we like and hope everyone else feels the same,” Riley says.

And apparently they do.

“The Oklahoma bison tee is our alltime best-seller,” Riley says. “I love our Tulsa flocked tee. It’s simple and amazing.

I’m a Tulsa native, so I love sporting anything with hometown pride.”

However, customers don’t have to be from Tulsa to enjoy the products. Currently, LivyLu carries unique designs for 13 states, six collegiate teams and various other themes, as well as home goods and children’s apparel. They also can create custom designs for high schools, groups and personalized children’s apparel.

LivyLu products can be purchased in the store at 1316 E. Sixth St. and at shoplivylu.com. Limited selections also can be found at local retailers Stash, Ida Red, MetroShoe Warehouse, J’s Hallmark, Trinkets, J. Spencer, Lolly Garden and Pavilion.

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This award-winning gift shop carries everything from retro candy to Tulsa snow globes, and a multitude of goods in between.

Owner Angelene Wright has a simple formula for stocking an endless selection of Oklahoma products. “If we want to buy it, we make it happen,” Wright says.

An ardent promoter of all things Tulsa, this state pride superstore is the perfect pit stop for visitors and locals. Chances are you’ve even seen several people sporting a shirt from Ida Red General Store; they’ve been outfitting Tulsans since 2008.

Wright collaborates with a creative team to cultivate original designs.

“Of the Ida Red line, the most popular one we have is the ‘I’ve never been to heaven, but

BEST-SELLER

I’ve been to Oklahoma’ shirt. We’ve sold a ton of those,” Wright says. As most classic rock fans know, the shirt pays homage to a line in a Three Dog Night song.

“My new favorite items are our Leon Russell T-shirts that are licensed by his family, and they are exclusive to Ida Red,” Wright says.

“We have a shirt that says ‘Someone in Tulsa loves me’, and I just love that one,” Wright says.

“It’s such a great shirt to mail to someone who’s not from here. It’s so sweet.”

Along with their Ida Red line of apparel and gifts, they carry many other local designers and a wide variety of novelty candy and soda.

You can shop Ida Red’s products at either location — 208-A N. Main St. or 3336 S. Peoria Ave. — or at idaredgeneralstore.com.

Mythic Press was born from the collaboration of Cole Cunningham, a marketing professional, and Hershel Self, a skilled printmaker and designer. Mythic’s designs focus more on corporate and event branding than retail merchandise.

“Our team has produced designs for Woody Guthrie Center, Kilkenny’s, Coney I-Lander and the Great Raft Race, among others,” Cunningham says.

“Merchandising is one of many ways in which a brand can increase its visibility, recognition and customer engagement,” he adds. “It requires more than simply slapping your logo on a T-shirt. The personality of your brand must be expressed across a variety of products, using a consistent message that resonates with your target customer. That’s where we come in.”

Mythic assists throughout the entire project, from concept to design, garment selection and order quantities.

Cunningham says they’ve worked hard to develop a process that clearly defines the goals of each project.

“We try to tailor each design to the intended audience. It’s also important to understand the constraints,” he says. “For example, if an event only has $5 per shirt in their budget, we are going to have to get creative with fewer colors and print locations on the shirt. We look at our clients as partners and work together to find the best solution for their needs.”

Although Mythic Press’ primary focus is brand merchandising and marketing, it does sell original creations in its shop at 2020 E. 11th St. Mythic Press’s newest concept was inspired by Route 66, on which their shop is situated.

“Our most successful retail design is the bison flag,” Cunningham says. “However, given our shop location and interest in the Mother Road, we are working on some new collections. Stay tuned.”

To shop Mythic Press’s products, go to shop.mythic.press.

BEST-SELLER

ANGELENE WRIGHT AND HER SON, MICKEY COLE CUNNINGHAM AND HERSHEL SELF

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If local nostalgia is what you’re craving, proceed immediately to downtown Tulsa. Tucked in a cozy nook on South Elgin Avenue, Boomtown Tees offers an ample dose of yesteryear to those who have called T-Town home for decades.

While handling the marketing for Boomtown Tees, Joann Frizell fell in love with the store’s concept and persuaded the original owner to sell her the business in 2015. Frizell believes her demographic only has one criteria.

“To love Boomtown Tees, you have to love Tulsa and Oklahoma,” she says.

And if you possess the prerequisite, you’re bound to find something you like. Its apparel ranges from newborn to 4XL and also is available at boomtowntees.com.

All printing is done in house by Frizell’s son Travis, and his friend, Parker Anderson. Tulsa-based graphic designer Cody Bailey handles custom designs for groups, events, schools, etc.

Conveniently, Boomtown has a 25-minimum order, so they can screen print anywhere from a couple dozen T-shirts to 10,000.

If you ever screamed on Zingo, admired the architectural genius of the Camelot Hotel, or cheered on Tulsa’s long-defunct pro football team the Oklahoma Outlaws, then the voluminous stock of clever Tulsa tees will be a refreshing walk down memory lane.

However, its products go beyond iconic T-shirts. Boomtown Tees sells Oklahoma-themed jewelry, pint glasses, souvenirs and more.

Frizell believes people gravitate to designs that take them back to another place and time. Each month they release an original design for just $10.

“Our $10 shirt is consistently our best-seller each month,” Frizell says.

“It’s a brand new, Oklahoma-flavored tee.”

Though when it comes to her favorite design, Frizell prefers to go back to where it all started: the 1924 Tulsa Flag shirt, depicting the city’s first flag. It is emblazoned with the words “unlimited opportunity,” which applies perfectly to Tulsa’s trendy T-shirt industry.

See all of Boomtown’s offerings at 114 S. Elgin Ave. or visit boomtowntees.com.

JOANN FRIZELL

CUSTOMER FAVORITE

ASSISTANT REGIONAL MANAGER SCOTT PHILLIPS

DESIGNER FAVORITE

Aaron Whisner, Case Morton and Justin Baney created Clean Hands in 2012 as a screen-printing studio. Gleaning inspiration from vintage typeset and pop culture logo designs, their apparel is simple yet bold.

“Our favorite design and best-seller is probably our classic box logo tee,” Whisner says.

Clean Hands’ T-shirts are high quality, and most are limited run. Although its T-shirt designs have remained popular, business took an unexpected turn five years ago.

In 2013, Clean Hands was commissioned to paint the iconic three-story portrait of Woody Guthrie on the eponymous museum located across from Guthrie Green.

Even though commissioned murals were never part of the business plan, momentum thrust the team to the front of Tulsa’s burgeoning mural scene. Fortunately, they embraced their stature as pacesetters of the public art movement and have since illuminated numerous buildings with their bold designs. The craze has spiked in popularity so much, Clean Hands became the first retailer in Tulsa to carry artist-grade spray paint and other rare street art supplies.

For Whisner, the murals represent a larger vision. Regardless of the medium, murals or apparel design, he’s driven to promote art in Tulsa. “My motivation comes from wanting to progress and inspire cultural growth in our city, to inspire the next generation of artists who may not see these types of large-scale works firsthand unless they travel to a larger city,” he says.

Ever the trendsetters, Clean Hands is taking a cue from the food truck scene and going mobile to promote its screen-print designs. In a sincere effort to connect with local artists, the guys from Clean Hands see mobility as an opportunity to widen Tulsa’s creative culture.

“We will be setting up at our commissioned mural jobs, providing community demos, selling shirts and supplies in parts of the city we wouldn’t reach otherwise,” Whisner says. “Our business is the only one of its kind in our city. We believe in the power of public art and inspiring future generations to create.”

To learn more about Clean Hands and its merchandise, visit cleanhandsarmy.com.

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BRANDON TOWNSDIN

LAURA SANDERS AND JOHN HATFIELD

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The name says it all.

Owner Brandon Townsdin fused Oklahoma and local to create LoKaL. Founded in 2017, LoKaL Apparel has stuck by its commitment to community. All aspects of production are done in the state, and Townsdin recently launched a program to give a portion of the profits to a different Oklahoma charity each month.

“I saw the local T-shirt trend, and I wanted to be a part of it. There’s so CUSTOMER FAVORITE much local pride here,” Townsdin says. “However, I also wanted to create something that could fulfill a campaign for local goods.”

Some of LoKaL’s designs have a tribal feel, incorporating feathers, arrows and dreamcatchers.

“My favorite design is the featherweight series,” Townsdin says. “For me it represents the whole brand.”

To create a niche in a quickly growing field, Townsdin distinguished himself in a few ways. “We went for a higher-quality shirt. I think that sets us apart,” Townsdin says. “We really wanted people to enjoy what they have, not just choose it for the design.”

“Our most popular shirt is the skyline design, which incorporates the skylines of Tulsa and Oklahoma City” in one shirt, Townsdin says. “It has clean lines and an urban feel as opposed to the tribal feel in our other designs.”

In the fall, he found out how well his designs were catching on.

“We were at Oktoberfest, and I ran into a guy with a tattoo of my skyline design on his arm. He said he saw it on Facebook and thought it looked cool,” Townsdin says. “For me that was ultimately fulfilling.”

LoKaL Apparel can be found at lokalapparel.com

Siblings John Hatfield and Laura Sanders have many fond memories of their family vacations.

“We grew up traveling the U.S. in an Oldsmobile station wagon complete with wood-grain paneling,” says Sanders, an Oklahoma native.

Little did they know the impact those childhood memories would have today.

“Hat and Field Supply Co. started with a discussion about a year and a half ago,” Sanders says. “My brother, John, has been in advertising and graphic design for 20 years, and I have been in marketing/retail for 25 years. Coming from an artistic family, it was the natural thing to do.”

When it came time to brand their business, they summoned the memories of those cross-country trips in the family roadster.

“Our trademark is the family station wagon which you will find in each of our collections,” Sanders says. “Our designs are based on our memories of growing up in Oklahoma and the adventures of the Hatfield family. We have an Oklahoma collection, camping collection, holiday collection and our newest line, the OU/OSU Tailgate line.”

Although they agreed on the trademark, the siblings and Owasso residents differ on their favorite designs.

“My favorite design is anything with the (station) wagon,” Sanders says, “especially the OU wagon from our collegiate line. John’s is the OK Stamp design, which can be found on T-shirts, mugs and pillows we’ve created.”

Although they design for Oklahoma and beyond, customers love their State Pride design.

“It’s simply the state of Oklahoma with OK,” Sanders says.

Along with T-shirts, they sell coffee mugs, home goods, children’s apparel and designer stickers.

There is something for everyone at Hat and Field Supply Co. Customers range from newborns to grandparents. In fact, a company created from family traditions is inspiring other families to create memories.

“We actually have had four generations buy matching designs for a photo,” Sanders says.

She is grateful for the opportunities this business has provided. “We feel very fortunate that we get to create and work together while reliving our childhood memories,” Sanders says. “We also love working with small businesses and supporting the shop local movement.”

Hat and Field Supply Co. products can be found at hatandfieldsupply.com, Sweet Tooth, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Surcee in Owasso, J and J in Claremore, and multiple boutiques throughout Oklahoma.

DESIGNER FAVORITE

While majoring in fine art at the University of Tulsa, Steve Cluck was experimenting with different forms of printmaking. Originally, he just printed T-shirts as gifts to friends.

“I made the first ‘I Heart Tulsa’ shirt to give as a gift to a classmate who was moving to India,” Cluck says. “I wanted her to have a souvenir of her time spent in Tulsa.”

It didn’t take long until he was inundated with requests for the shirt, and a phenomenon was born.

In 2006, Cluck was wearing his “I Heart Tulsa” shirt at a local coffee shop when he was confronted by a young man.

“He said ‘Why do you love Tulsa? It’s terrible here.’ I responded with ‘Hey, I love it here. Don’t hate the 918.’ And that gave me the idea for the next shirt.”

Cluck says he is inspired by retro T-shirt designs from the 1960s-1980s.

“I like clean, simple graphics that convey the message clearly and hearken back to an earlier era, an era when many of us were kids and life was simpler.”

Cluck’s other unique and recognizable designs include “Mimosa Mafia” and “I Speak Okie.” He credits their success to a community hungry to express its hometown pride.

“The shirts have been embraced by a community of Tulsans and Tulsa-lovers who were eager to say something nice about our city,” Cluck says. “Back when I started making the shirts in 2005, few people were saying anything nice about Tulsa and Oklahoma.”

The “Don’t Hate the 918” shirt remains his favorite design and inspired him to create the 918 Project. It’s an ambitious plan to photograph 918 people in his signature tee who make the 918 area great by September 2018.

“The 918 Project has been the most rewarding experience I have had in relation to my T-shirt lines,” Cluck says. “It feels good to put the spotlight on 918 people who are doing good things in our community.”

Cluck’s designs are available at Ida Red, Decopolis and at cluckcreative.com. To follow the 918 Project, check him out on Facebook or Twitter: @stevecluck.

STEVE CLUCK

BEST-SELLER

BRYAN SCHOOLEY

DESIGNER FAVORITE

GreenHouse Clothing LLC was established in 2005 and is co-owned by three brothers from Tulsa, Bryan, Jason and Tim Schooley. They founded it with the desire to make interesting and comfortable T-shirts for themselves, friends and family.

“As broke college kids needing some cool new shirts, we decided to start making them for ourselves, then our friends, then to anyone else interested,” Bryan Schooley says. “Thirteen years later we’re still at it.”

They split their focus between original retail designs and custom work for businesses, schools, churches and gyms. Schooley is motivated by the process.

“Each customer presents a new challenge, idea or concept that keeps us evolving,” Schooley says.

For the past two years, they’ve been designing for a Shirt of the Month Club in conjunction with other work.

“We spend so much time to carefully craft each month’s release that by the time we release it and ship it to our club members, it has become my next favorite shirt,” Schooley says.

Their collection rotates occasionally; however, one design has remained a perennial powerhouse.

“One design that has been around since day one would be our Crow City design,” Schooley says. “It’s sort of an homage to ‘No matter where we fly, we’ll always be at home in Tulsa.’”

Greenhouse’s designs have an outdoorsy vibe, and it carries both children’s and adult sizes. Along with apparel, Greenhouse sells glassware, tumblers and other knickknacks.

The Schooleys pull from all aspects of their lives to find inspiration for their exclusive designs.

“We have children, family, friends and a whole host of other outside factors that occupy our minds and hearts that often bleed onto the shirt in one way or another,” Schooley says, “but what we hold most sacred and what acts as our design compass is one question: ‘Would we wear it?’ If we can answer yes, then we go to print.”

Greenhouse Clothing’s retail store is located at 4817 E. 34th St. Purchase online at greenhouseclothing.net. TP TulsaPeople.com

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BUILDING & FINANCING YOUR DREAM HOME

BENEFITS OF FINANCING YOUR NEW HOME WITH FIRST OKLAHOMA MORTGAGE • Prequalification before you build

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T R AV E L + H O M E + T R E N D S

Natural beauty

CARILOHA BAMBOO ACTIVEWEAR GIVES YOU YET ANOTHER REASON TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR WORKOUT. THE CLOTHING IS MADE FROM ECO-FRIENDLY BAMBOO FABRIC THAT IS TWICE AS SOFT AS COTTON AND NATURALLY REPELS ODORS AND ALLERGENS.

BY KENDALL BARROW

Cariloha Bamboo activewear headband, $15; shirt, $42; scarf, $36; and leggings, $79; all from Cariloha Bamboo in Utica Square.

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STOREFRONT

Lladro “A Mother’s Treasure” figurine.

“This year’s mother and child figurine would be a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day,” Nielsen Bartlett says. $590.

Barre dinnerware

by Simon Pearce. $30-$45.

Herend rabbit with one ear up.

Herend artists hand paint these using a single-hair brush. $275.

Julia Knight 14-inch dogwood bowl. $250.

Andrea Nielsen Bartlett

Finer things

Waterford Lismore Pops hot pink toasting flutes are great for entertaining, and different colors help couples keep track of their drinks, according to Nielsen Bartlett. $195 per pair.

NIELSENS IS A SECOND-GENERATION PURVEYOR OF SPECIALTY ITEMS.

BY TERESA TACKETT

R

etail is in Andrea Nielsen Bartlett’s blood. Her parents opened Nielsens in 1946, and a showroom, rather than a living room, took up the front of their house during the 1950s.

“I grew up literally in the business,” Nielsen Bartlett says. “I was the youngest registered buyer at the Dallas Trade Mart when I was 5.”

In 1982, she became the second-generation owner of Nielsens, now located at the Plaza shopping center at East 81st Street and South Lewis Avenue. She continues to offer the shopping experience her parents perfected, focusing on quality customer service and carrying specialty items, some of which you can’t find anywhere else in Tulsa.

“People still enjoy elegant things,” Nielsen Bartlett says. “They want the very best and the handmade things. We try to make it an experience.”

Nielsen Bartlett selects items from Herend, Julia Knight, Lladro and other designer lines to sell in the store. Nielsens has carried many of the lines, like Waterford Crystal, since the 1960s, but

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Nielsen Bartlett insists this isn’t your grandmother’s crystal.

“We can keep Waterford, but it’s not the same crystal from 1966,” she says. “A lot of the brides are choosing more elegant and taller glasses,” for more contemporary elegance.

Nielsen Bartlett believes it’s the attention paid to her clients that sets her store apart, especially during bridal registrations. She customizes the experience to fit the couple’s needs as they select registry items.

“We can do anything,” Nielsen Bartlett says.

“A couple just chose three different Herend china patterns, and it mixes perfectly. They’ll have a china set like nobody else’s.”

In a store filled with such beauty, it’s easy to see why Nielsen Bartlett enjoys her work. For her, however, it’s the people who make Nielsens what it is.

“That’s been the joy of Nielsens,” she says.

“How many people I would never have met if it weren’t for the store.” TP

Swarovski crystal Giraffe Mudiwa and Giraffe Baby figurines. $325 and $499.

Nielsens Exclusive Gifts 8138-A S. LEWIS AVE. | 918-298-9700 NIELSENSGIFTS.COM 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday

SPECIAL SAVINGS GOING ON NOW

CASTLEBERRY’S AN AUTHORIZED ETHAN ALLEN RETAILER TULSA 6006 SOUTH SHERIDAN 918.496.3073 Ask a designer or visit ethanallen.com for details.

Sale going on for a limited time. ©2018 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

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BEYOND CITY LIMITS

Gloss Mountain State Park

Natural wonder GEOLOGIC BEAUTY AND HISTORY AWAIT IN THE ENID AREA. STORY AND PHOTO BY RHYS MARTIN

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T

hose who have never visited Oklahoma often dismiss the state as nothing but plains and farmland. In truth, Oklahoma is a geologically diverse state. West of Tulsa, past Enid on Highway 412, you have your choice of three very different state parks. They’re all well worth the drive.

Gloss Mountain State Park — also commonly referred to as the Glass Mountains — gets its name from mineral deposits in the soil that reflect sunlight on a bright day. The red dirt contrasts with the green grass, showing off a unique landscape in the Sooner State. Several hiking trails and picnic areas traverse the park, including a path to the top of Cathedral Mountain, where hikers can witness some spectacular views.

About a half-hour to the northwest is Little Sahara State Park. While enroute, chances are you’ll have already seen a truck hauling a dune buggy westward to ride the dunes. The sand stretches for 1,600 acres and attracts thrill seekers from all over the Midwest. If you didn’t happen to bring an ATV with you, they’re available for rent. A race festival comes to Little Sahara every September.

An hour northeast of Little Sahara is yet another example of Oklahoma’s diversity: Great Salt Plains State Park. The park boasts a saltwater lake, hiking trails and a salt plain with a dig area. During its open season (April 1-Oct. 15), visitors can traverse the salt plain and dig for little hourglass-shaped crystals embedded in the ground. Bring your own buckets and shovels. When you’re out on that flat mineral expanse, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Oklahoma.

The closest city to these natural attractions is Enid, which is home to the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma. It’s been around since the late 1980s and takes advantage of a large restored Santa Fe freight building. The museum collection includes artifacts, photographs, model trains and memorabilia. Visitors can wander the yard and get up close to various decommissioned train cars and engines.

If you are still in a museum mood, stop in at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center. It features a historic village and the last remaining U.S. Land Office from the 1893 Land Run. The exhibits give a view into pioneer life on the prairie.

Enid is about two hours from Tulsa. Unless you depart early in the day and keep a tight schedule, you may want to plan a weekend trip to really experience everything. Downtown Enid has several locally owned restaurants and a historic district that includes some art deco architecture. TP

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GARDENING

ANNUAL Supertunia® Vista Bubblegum® (Petunia ‘Ustuni6001’) Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a vigorous, self-deadheading petunia that requires very little care once established. Its spectacular color can spill over the edge of a container or retaining wall or spread out in a flower bed.

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade SOIL: Moist, well-drained soil PERENNIAL Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) Versatile Indian Pink, also called Woodland Pinkroot, is a native species to the southeastern U.S. It grows in shady gardens or sunny locations.

It prefers moist soils and is drouggt tolerant once established. Use Indian Pink in a woodland garden, perennial border, rain garden or native garden.

EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade SOIL: Moist or dry soils

PROVEN SUCCESS THE 2018 OKLAHOMA PROVEN PLANTS PROVIDE COLOR, TEXTURE AND LONGEVITY FOR ANY LOCAL GARDEN.

BY ALLEN ROBINSON

A

re gardeners also gamblers? Yes, of course! We love the risk of planting a tiny seed or narrow stem and hoping for a beautiful result.

Sometimes we achieve the desired result. But, sometimes we don’t. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone had already done the research on which plants do best in our neck of the woods given our sometimes rather erratic weather conditions? And, also tell us where to plant them so they have the highest chance of success? They have.

It’s called the Oklahoma Proven Program. Oklahoma Proven is an annual plant evaluation and marketing program coordinated by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University.

Designed to help consumers select the best plants for Oklahoma gardens, these plants are tolerant of the varied and difficult environmental conditions found throughout Oklahoma.

Every year, an annual, a perennial, a shrub and a tree are selected. Here are the selections for 2018.

Thank you to Tulsa County Master Gardeners for their expertise in this subject matter.

Allen Robinson has been a Master Gardener since 2010.

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SHRUB ‘Little Volcano’ and ‘Gibraltar’ (Lespedeza thunbergii subsp. Thunbergii) These Bush Clover varieties are a hardy, semi-woody, deciduous shrub that can reach 4-6 feet high and at least as wide with arching stems.

Rosy-purple flowers develop on new wood in late summer to early fall.

EXPOSURE: Sun to part shade SOIL: Tolerates poor, infertile soil, but excellent drainage is essential TREE Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova species) Zelkova serrata is a deciduous tree with a vase-shaped habit that typically grows 50-80 feet tall, most often in rich, moist woods and hillsides. It is noted for its graceful shape, clean foliage, attractive bark and resistance to Dutch Elm disease.

EXPOSURE: Full sun or light shade SOIL: Tolerates wide variety of soils TP

HELPFUL REMINDERS • The greater Tulsa metropolitan area is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7A, which equates to an average extreme low of 0-5 degrees.

• Remember that all plants need special attention during the establishment phase or during periods of environmental extremes, which Tulsa has experienced more of in recent years.

• Nothing is guaranteed, but you can significantly improve your odds of successful gardening by choosing Oklahoma Proven varieties.

• For more information, visit oklahomaproven.org.

COURTESY OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Gibraltar shrub flowers

w/ purchase of $35 or more

Visit Cariloha Tulsa 1760 Utica Square Tulsa, OK 74114 or call us at: P 918.340.5446 Bring coupon for redemption. Offer not combinable. Limit one per customer.

Tulsa Glassblowing Studio Art Glass now at Sweet Tooth

www.TraversMahanApparel.com South Lewis at 81st • The Plaza • 918-296-4100

NEW LOCATION

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HEALTH

BEAUTY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT With summer almost here I am becoming self-conscious about all my freckles and sun damage, what can I do to get rid of them quick?!

Years of sun damage is a hard issue to deal with for most of us. Thankfully there are several great solutions out there to help, most of the come in the form of a prescription-based skin care line, like Obagi. But if you’re a little behind in the game and want to see results in days rather than weeks, an IPL photofacial is the best solution for you. IPL’s use intense pulsed light to target dark spots, such as freckles, sun spots, and veins, in the skin and remove them within 7 to 10 days following a treatment. Other benefits of IPL are tighter, firmer, and more youthful looking skin. To find out more about IPL or to schedule a complimentary consultation give us a call at 918.872.9999.

Day owns YogaQUEST, located at 3325 E. 31st St. Visit tulsayogaquest.com for more information.

Malissa Spacek and Dr. James Campbell BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 500 S. Elm Place • Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-872-9999 • www.baweightspa.com

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Does the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act change the rules for my Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan?

The law retains the existing benefits and now allows 529 plans to be used for K-12 tuition. Beginning in 2018, “qualified higher education expenses” also include tuition expenses of up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary in connection with elementary or secondary public, private or religious school.

With the new tax bill, parents who send their children to private elementary and high school will have more options when it comes to saving for tuition.

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

VETERINARIAN Why does my dog have bad breath?

There are many reasons for our pets having halitosis, or bad breath. A major reason is dental disease, which can come in the form of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, or periodontal disease, which causes actual bone disease and subsequent loss of teeth. Certain foods or by-products of diets that are not metabolized well can cause a less than desirable odor from the lungs. Your veterinarian can help determine the cause of the bad breath with a thorough oral and physical exam.

Erin Reed, DVM 15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 E. 15th St. • Tulsa, OK 74112 918-835-2336 • www.15thstreetvet.com 86

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

MOVEMENT MATTERS

Tulsan brings Crohn’s awareness to yoga.

BY ZACK REEVES

D

ee Day wants to help people with conditions most people don’t like to discuss — Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. But, she’s not a doctor. She’s a yoga teacher.

Born in Hawaii, the Tulsa-raised entrepreneur once co-owned CS Designs, a dancewear company that manufactured uniforms for the NBA and NFL. The avid dancer developed Crohn’s disease in her early 30s.

Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition with uncertain causes, occurs when the body’s immune system begins mistakenly attacking its own healthy tissue, which classifies it as an autoimmune disease. An estimated 20,000 Oklahomans suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

There is no known cure.

Day believes that her Crohn’s was brought on by stress 20 years ago and S-curve scoliosis. After a series of hospital stays and three years of steroids, which only masked the symptoms, she had two major abdominal surgeries removing most of her intestinal system.

Dr. Nick Mamalis, a now-deceased Tulsa gastroenterologist, sent her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for experimental treatment. “If not for him,” Day says, “I might not be here today.”

Now the owner of YogaQUEST, Day has been Crohn’s free for 20 years this month.

Although Day only has partial small intestines, she says it doesn’t affect her day at all.

“I’m not on any medications,” she says. “I take vitamins and supplements; and I think my yoga is why I’m able to stay this way.” Yoga is a stress reducer, exercises your internal organs and sends oxygen by way of the bloodstream deep into the tissues and cells of the body, according to Day. Her health restored, Day takes week-long camping trips in Oregon. “I’ve been scubadiving,” she says, smiling. “My surgeries have not kept me from leading an active lifestyle.”

Adaptation is how Day hopes to help others. Soon she will begin offering a group of classes focused on gut disorders and scoliosis. The classes will be specific to the areas of the body affected and learning how to work with limitations in the correct way.

But really, she says, anyone is welcome. TP

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MUSINGS

HOT T YPE I love print.

I love books, magazines and newspapers. Electronic media is good, too, but I love print.

I have a degree in journalism from the University of Tulsa. I taught journalism writing at TU. My first essay was published in the Tulsa World when I was 13 and set me on a career. Decades later, I still get a little thrill seeing my name as a byline. For years, I wrote a weekly restaurant review column for the Tulsa Tribune, not as a chef or gourmand, but as a restaurant reporter.

I learned to take newspapers seriously as a student at Coffeyville College, where journalism teacher J. Henry Hedley spent much of one class period having us practice turning the pages of a newspaper. He didn’t want to send his students out into the world to embarrass him by wrestling with pages flapping like a crazed road map.

I subscribe to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and I support the Frontier. If I had more money and more reading time, I would subscribe to more newspapers such as the Washington Post and the Economist. Of all the papers at my disposal, the first paper I read every day is the Tulsa World.

Aside: I just heard an NPR story saying too frequent use of the pronoun “I” can indicate depression. Yikes. Maybe I am depressed, not clinically, but melancholy about the plight of my local newspaper. We need national and international newspapers, but I believe that a community needs 88

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

a local newspaper. I was happier when Tulsa had two strong, competitive daily newspapers. Each made the other better.

I have been saddened, bitter even, by the World’s layoffs and retirements and by the economics of print journalism that has shrunk the newspaper.

My sentiments on the subject were printed as a Letter to the Editor in the Tulsa World, and I posted them on my Facebook page. Sympathetic readers replied with tender newspaper memories of their own.

Vickie Dawkins-Kersey wrote, “You beat me in getting published in the newspaper! I was 14, and the paper was the Daily Oklahoman.” She continued to contribute to the paper until the paper hired her full time at 17 right out of high school.

Juanita Clark wrote, “For many years, as my U.S. history students entered my classroom door, they picked up a newspaper, and their assignment was on the board. It was ‘living history.’”

Charles G. Friel said, “My dad retired from the Newspaper Printing Corporation (the Tulsa World) after 40 years of service. I delivered newspapers as a boy for the Tribune and the World in the late ’50s.”

Susan Gronberg said, “Doug and I can’t imagine living without a local paper, on paper.”

Another woman wrote that when she and her husband make road trips they pick up newspapers, usually weeklies, along the way. I like small-town

papers, too. That’s where I discovered this want ad: “For sale. Wedding dress. Size 14. Never been worn.” I’m curious about the back story.

Small-town papers often print the police blotter. That’s how I learned from reading a Pawhuska paper about a felony described as “prisoner placing body fluid on government employee.” Good information. Who knew that was a felony?

I am a devotee of newspapers’ well-written obituaries of people I didn’t even know. They remind me of one of my favorite books, Janet Flanner’s “Paris was Yesterday” — cultural history captured in a collection of miniature profiles of Josephine Baker, Maurice Ravel, Pablo Picasso and others.

Not everybody shares my devotion to print newspapers. “Buggy whip!” one man responded.

“Go digital.”

I agree with the woman who wrote me, “I will hate the day we have no newspaper to hold in our hands and enjoy the insightful news, features, obits, editorials, comics, columns and photos that make newspapers so special.”

I worry that without subscriptions, the newspapers I love might disappear, and that would be a tragic loss. So I urge others to subscribe. Even when my local paper is smaller than I would like, I support it, remembering how the great historian Angie Debo, writing from her small hometown of Marshall, Oklahoma, quoted Plutarch: “As for me, I live in a small town where I am willing to continue, lest it grow smaller.” TP

GEORGIA BROOKS

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McGraw Realtors

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP

TIM HAYES

918-231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

SHERRI SANDERS 918-724-5008

ssanders@mcgrawok.com

AT MCGRAW REALTORS

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

BIXBY 6845 E 181st Street S - Newer gated estate with exquisite details thru-out.

Located on 5 acres with outdoor living.

Fireplace, pool, spa, waterfall, sport court, pond & shop. Chef’s Kitchen, fab master, study, mud room, Safe room, 1st floor Theater. 2 bed down / 3 up with game room & study niche. $1,275,000

AVALON PLACE 3020 S. Trenton Ave - One owner custom built smart house. Architect Rachel Zebrowski calls it “Desert Mediterranean”. Large Master suite downstairs and guest apartment with living area and kitchenette. Pool overlooks greenbelt & Crow Creek. $899,000

MIDTOWN

WILDWOOD

4604 S Evanston Ave - Midtown total remodel on .57 acre!

Contemporary finishes & superior craftsmanship. 2 Masters on 1st floor. Kitchen with island & upscale appliances. Formal Dining. Luxurious master with tub, shower & closet connects to laundry. Study. Game Room & 2 beds up. $700,000

2125 E 25th Place - A perfect home designed by John Walton located close to Utica Square.

Vaulted ceiling living/dining/ kitchen with newer updates in the kitchen. Master bedroom & luxury bathroom on first level with two bedrooms and bath upstairs. Pool and cabana. $625,000

ST JAMES CLUB ON MONKEY ISLAND What a fantastic place to be for the weekend! The 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has been completely updated with scraped hardwoods, tile, new carpet, paint and window coverings with incredible style, enjoy the large outdoor living space which offers a covered deck with a stacked stone fireplace overlooking the lake. Your boat slip is just steps away as well as the gentle slope to the lake! $599,000

PARRAMORE 1567 E 35th Street - Brookside newer construction with Master down granite / stainless kitchen.

Covered outdoor patio looks to beautifully landscaped yard with mature trees. Two bedrooms upstairs with Game Room. Safe room in garage. $525,000

THE OLYMPIA TOWNHOMES 611 W 15th Street - A 3,931 sq ft (M/L) townehome overlooking the Arkansas River. Situated on top of the complex with two floors, a private elevator, and an inside staircase from street level. 3 beds, 4 baths, 4 living areas & patios. The custom designed home is now vacant and ready for your decorating ideas! $500,000

E NJOY T H E LUXU RY L IFESTY L E YOU DESIRE 90

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

McGraw Realtors

11605 S ERIE AVE

11625 S MARION AVE

$915,000 5 beds • 4 full, 1 half baths

$700,000 5 beds • 5 full, 2 half baths

Very high end finishes with elaborate molding & trim work. Fully remodeled.

Master bedroom with balcony, Game Room and Basement. 1/2 acre lot with mature trees and privacy fence.

Exquisite home with gated access in Jenks SE Schools.

Theatre / Game Room.

Open family room with large kitchen & dining.

Covered patio, outdoor kitchen, fireplace and fire pit. 1/2 bball court.

JINA CROCKETT 918.639.4121

HOLLACE FUGATE 918.688.2961

3740 S NORFOLK AVE

5139 E 117TH ST

$597,500 4 beds • 3 full, 2 half baths

$565,000 3 beds • 3 baths

Absolutely gorgeous, handcrafted design. High ceilings on both floors.

Huge bedrooms, walk-in showers, lots of room for entertainment. Just blocks away from the Gathering Place.

Rare 1-story with 4-car garage on 1/2 acre treed lot in Gated community.

Courtyard entry, hardwoods, granite, travertine marble.

Luxurious master suite.

Split bedroom plan.

DON BURNS 918.607.2434

KATHY NANNY 918.231.3853

10717 S 96TH EAST PL

4515 E 75TH ST

$449,000 4 beds • 4 baths

$425,000 4 beds • 3 full, 1 half baths

Stunning home with top of the line features including hand scraped hardwoods, 2 fireplaces, extensive wood moldings, circulating hot water, self-closing cabinets.

Whole-home remodel.

Contemporary architecture, modern amenities, 3 living areas, 4 bedrooms plus office that could be 5th bed. Serene and private outdoor living spaces.

DEDEE JESIOLOWSKI 918.231.3821

DAVID WENRICK 918.938.9038

5887 E 138TH ST

3137 S LEWIS AVE

$435,000 Residential Lot

$389,900 3 beds • 2 full, 1 half baths

6 acre (m/l) residential Lot ready for your custom home. Eagle Rock subdivision off 141st, west of Sheridan in Bixby Schools. Horses permitted on this home site. Agent related to Owner.

Gorgeous Midtown ranch brick 1 level home!

Updates include: granite kitchen, SS appliances, master bath, hall bath, windows, wood floors, sprinkler system, water tank & oven.

DAVID WENRICK 918.938.9038

SANDY HAESLOOP 918.760.1918 TulsaPeople.com

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McGraw Realtors

congratulations, Class of 2018!

McGraw Realtors • Excellence Since 1938

26001 East 161st Street South $1,875,000

SO

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1830 East 43rd Street $849,000

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2115 East 25th Street $715,000

6912 East 115th Street $645,000

4108 S Birmingham Avenue $599,000

10620 South Nandina Court $535,000

648 West 77th Place $443,000

2940 East 56th Place $399,000

9409 South Sandusky Place $349,000

13910 South 28th Street $329,900

2411 East 139th Street $305,000

4802 East 85th Street $299,000

5678 South Delaware Place $275,000

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2308 East 139th Street $315,000

Energy

Expertise

Experience

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Pam Case

Lori Lassman

918.630.4434

918.809.3247

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McGraw Realtors

W !

NE ICE PR

4643 S. Atlanta Avenue

$659,000

232 Hazel Boulevard - Contemporary Midtown open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows. Concrete floors, travertine walls, Quartz counters, high-end finishes. Maple cabinetry, hidden appliances.

1st floor master with luxury bath & closet. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, game room & library up. Waterfall in front courtyard. $849,000

Custom built one story with pool. Very open floor plan with large rooms, overlooking pool and spacious patio. Kitchen opens into den. Master separate from 2 bedrooms, each with own bath and 2 baths off master suite. Paneled office or study.

7242 S. Gary Avenu- Amazing remodel in gated Guierwoods.Beautiful kitchen cabinetry with lots of storage and serving area. Open living and dining overlooks peaceful back patio. Master suite on first floor with walk-in closet and spacious bath having his/her vanities.

Upstairs features 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. $499,000

5316 E. 25th Place - Cute brick home with lots of charm located near Hoover Elementary. The house has a lot of original touches. Three bedrooms and two full baths. Lower level walk-out basement with fireplace is a great econd living area. $169,000

1554 S. Yorktown Place

$647,000

Enjoy the character and charm found in this historically significant, 1930 Gillette District home! Stunning details and numerous original features.

Impeccable condition! Kitchen has subZ fridge. Library, formals, game room and two laundry areas. Rentable garage apartment.

242 S. Gary Avenue- Unique one-level floorplan in Guierwoods with lots of amenities and recent updates. Open floorplan with separate living and dining space. Office. Full wet bar for entertaining. Large kitchen with stainless appliances. Master suite with his/her closets. $410,000 TulsaPeople.com

93

McGraw Realtors

Mobile:

Allison jacobs

918.850.2207

ajacobs@mcgrawok.com 4105 S. Rockford ave. tulsa, ok 74105

allisonjacobs.com mcgrawrealtors.com

!

56826 S 560 Road, Rose Almost 80 acres available with an incredible ranch + home, barn, shop, NEW pool. Pipe fence + automatic gate and barbed wire surround the property. Livestock pens, automatic waterer and horse pens. Close to HW 412.

Gorgeous property! $699,000

4407 S. Gary Ave.

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Top-of-the-line home located in the heart of Midtown! Granite kitchen w/ breakfast area. Large master suite down w/ private bath and walkin closet. Downstairs office, living room w/ fireplace, formal dining room & exercise room. 3 beds up all w/ private ensuite baths & HUGE closets. Theater room + Gameroom!

Outdoor living. $899,000

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1411 S. St. Louis Ave. -Open floor plan. Hardwoods, granite & SS. Huge Closets, bedrooms have private baths. Downtown views, near Cherry Street. $340,000

9829 S. Jamestown Ave. Silver Chase home. Updated kitchen & master bath w/ heated floors! 2 living areas, Hardwoods, screened in porch w/hot tub. $459,000

1207 S. Gary Ave. - Charming Midtown Bungalow. 2 beds, 1 bath, wood floors. Back patio for entertaining. 1-car detached garage.

Near TU. $148,000

Marsha Hackler

D!

L SO

3306 E 96th Place

A quaint English cottage in gated Crown Pointe sits amid trees. Master suite down, three bedrooms up. High vaulted ceilings, wood and brick flooring make this home so charming. Four-car garage. $625,000

W G! NETIN S LI

3817 East 66th Street

918.260.9455 mhackler@tulsarealtors.com 94

TulsaPeople MAY 2018

1353 E. 20th St. - Historic Swan Lake Neighborhood! 3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage. Formal dining, granite kitchen. Hardwoods, freshly painted. $289,900

4184 S Birmingham Place

Single-level brick home in midtown has master bedroom with new master bath, new kitchen, two additional bedrooms, two living areas and two fireplaces. $365,000

D!

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2009 S. Sycamore Street, Jenks

New Listing in Pointe South has two master suites with custom cabinetry New Listing in Stonehorse Addition, Jenks Schools, Three bedrooms, two full throughout. Formal living and dining plus sunroom. Designer’s home. baths, vaulted ceilings, granite island in kitchen. $229,000 $199,000

Quietly going about the business of selling real estate for over 25 years.

6673 E 1 2 3 RD S T REET

409 E 127TH PLACE

$ 839,9 00 • 5 B EDS • 5 BA T H S

$ 9 7 9 , 9 0 0 • 5 BEDS • 5 .5 BA T H S

$ 5 5 9 , 9 0 0 • 5 BEDS • 5 BA T H S

McGraw Realtors

6609 E 123RD STREET

Real Estate Broker, McGraw Realtors®

918.510.2039

bruefer@mcgrawok.com

The grand entryway iron work welcomes you home in this prestigious house. with first floor Media, Game Room and Office. Cooks Kitchen with double ovens.

Spacious and relaxing master retreat.

All Bedrooms with private Baths. Gated Bixby North.

Thoughtfully designed & extremely well appointed. Entertainer’s kitchen, grand entry, master with sitting area and an unreal master closet! Separate wine storage / display bar. Custom ironwork & woodwork. Safe Room. All bedrooms have their own private bathroom. Bixby Schools.

Such a beautiful home. Custom details throughout. Ironwork, inlaid floors, Chef’s Kitchen and box beams. All bathrooms are private. Two game / media rooms.

Room for a pool. Greenbelt lot. Great neighborhood community & amenities.

Bixby Schools.

NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES!

Bovasso & Beal Team Sharna Bovasso Dee Ann Beal (918) 688-5467 | dbeal@mcgrawok.com

(918) 605-2995 | sbovasso@mcgrawok.com

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2825 E. 26th St. Midtown home on prime corner lot. Updated kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters & bar seating with built-in wine rack. Two living areas. 4th bedroom c/b an office. Master has ensuite bath, double sinks and a walk-in closet. NEW roof/gutters. Close to Utica Square. $360,000 g! tin Lis w Ne

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Scott coffman 918-640-1073 scoffman@mcgrawok.com

3903 S. Detroit Ave. Charming Brookside home on corner lot. Oversized two-car garage (fits three cars!). Updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless appliances. Great hardwoods. Updated bath with Jacuzzi tub. Three bedrooms. Walk-in closet in master. Great deck. Close to the Gathering Place! $215,000 t ea n!

Gr rpla o Flo

3542 E 66TH S TR EET 304 E. Uniontown St., Broken Arrow Gorgeous updated one level home on corner lot with new roof & windows. Distressed hardwoods. Granite kitchen with stainless appliances. Flexible floor plan.

Three beds, office & bonus room (w/heat & air) off garage with private entrance (not incl. in sq. ft.) Must see! $210,000

2713 S. Aspen Ct., Broken Arrow Two beds and bath down with double sinks. Vaulted family room with fireplace and wet bar. Large master with sitting area, en suite bath with two walk-in closets & double sinks. Gameroom/2nd living could be 4th bed. Newer HVAC’s and water heaters. Washer, dryer and fridge stay! $159,000

$294,000 - 4 BED - 2 FULL, 1 HALF BATH New listing in Jenks Schools (the brand new Jenks elementary), corner lot, 3 bedrooms plus game room or 4 bedroom. Very spacious master with spa like master bath, wonderful vaulted living with fireplace, hardwoods, formals, enormous yard with sport court, 3 car garage.

TulsaPeople.com

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Pictured left to right: Hastings & Dianne Siegfried, Patron Chairs; Lucky Lamons, St. John Foundation President; and Lindsey & Isaac Helmerich, Event Chairs

Join us for a colorful evening celebrating 25 years of Street Party!

LOCAL FARE • WINE TASTING • OPEN BAR • LIVE MUSIC Featuring Charlie Redd and the Full Flava Kings

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018

ST. JOHN MEDICAL CENTER

7:00 – 11:00 P.M.

1819 E. 19TH STREET

To order online or for more information, visit WWW.STJOHNSTREETPARTY.COM

or contact lucky.lamons@ascension.org or jeannette.nichols@ascension.org at 918.744.2186.

DINING + FOOD + DRINKS

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

N

othing evokes the spirit of spring like dining outside. The Wild Fork patio is bustling once Tulsa’s temperatures warm and Utica Square’s flowers are in full bloom.

The restaurant has been a longtime favorite for discussing business over breakfast, enjoying a lunchtime shopping break or indulging in an intimate dinner. Try the grilled Atlantic salmon ($18.50, lunch; $27, dinner) served atop a tomato vinaigrette and drizzled with basil oil. Opt for the seasonal veggies for a fresh and filling side. TP 1820 UTICA SQUARE | 918-742-0712 | WILDFORK.COM

TulsaPeople.com

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DINING OUT

Baked fresh

SOUTH TULSA BAKERY AND RESTAURANT IS GAINING CUSTOMERS WITH ITS AUTHENTIC OPTIONS.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

I

f Tulsa were a walkable city, Levain is the kind of place you can imagine strolling to. It would be your favorite place to go for eggs Benedict on a lazy Saturday. It’s the place you would pop in to grab pastries for the office. Or your favorite place to go for lunch with friends.

And it is all of that — except instead of tucked into a busy city street, it’s right here in Tulsa.

Levain opened in December near East 101st Street and South Yale Avenue, and has since been a beacon to south Tulsa foodies.

“We have heard a phrase quite a bit since opening Levain, ‘It’s just so nice to have something nice like this out here,’” Chef Trey Winkle says.

“Knowing that so many people choose to operate in midtown or downtown is great, but most of our guests have to make a long drive to have a certain kind of experience not offered by a chain restaurant.”

The menu is perfectly curated with a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, soups and salads and a bakery case that’s hard to turn down. Levain also serves prix fixe dinners on select nights.

Winkle’s focus is an ingredient-driven menu with changing flavors based on what’s available from farmers. Winkle and his wife, Christina, along with friend Angie Scott, own Levain.

We tried Levain for a weekday lunch where more people were ordering breakfast than lunch.

And who could blame them? I saw a beautifully presented frittata ($11) with ham, gruyere, caramelized onion, chives and arugula. A nearby table shared a breakfast hash ($11) of sweet potatoes, chorizo, kale, asiago, cauliflower and eggs. They also shared a Dutch baby ($9), which is something between a pancake and a popover.

Levain’s Dutch baby comes with a lemon whipped cream, cinnamon syrup, and a coconut and almond granola. It’s absolutely the next thing I’ll order on an upcoming visit.

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Grilled cheese sandwich

But we came for lunch, and we stuck with lunch. I’m glad we did because Levain’s short rib sandwich ($12) is easily one of the best sandwiches in town. Slices of short rib cover a crusty baguette with blue cheese, caramelized onion and arugula.

The surprise of this sandwich is the bright pink pickled red cabbage, which gives it a tartness from the pickling.

We also loved the chicken club ($12), which you might consider an upscale diner-style version.

Here, the chicken had been nicely grilled and was served with arugula, house-made mayonnaise, tomato, thick-cut bacon and gruyere. Sandwiches are served with soup, a side salad or crisp French fries sprinkled with coarse salt. I try to sub fruit for fries when I can, but I wouldn’t recommend it here.

These fries are worth the splurge.

Levain has a nice selection of soups and salads.

It was nice to see panzanella salad ($9) on Levain’s menu. It’s one of my favorites but not a major player in Tulsa restaurants. Levain’s panzanella starts with sourdough bread tossed with spinach, white beans, red onions, tomatoes, crunchy pumpkin seeds and an herb vinaigrette.

It’s hard for me to resist a bakery case, so I picked up several pastries and cookies “for the kids.” The kids and I all approved of the Abuelita cookie, Levain’s version of a chocolate chip cookie, made with Mexican hot chocolate. The

snickerdoodle was soft and puffy with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar.

Pastries are handmade each day and include chocolate-filled doughnuts, croissants and cinnamon rolls. The day we visited, the case was filled with Levain’s version of pop tarts. The delicate pastry had a chocolate-hazelnut filling, and a sweet sprinkle on the top.

Held sporadically, Levain’s prix fixe wine dinners are undoubtedly great, considering the detail put into breakfast and lunch.

“With dinner we have found that collaborating with winemakers, sommeliers and friends has been a real inspiration for the dishes and flavors we choose,” Winkle says. These multicourse dinners can accommodate just 24 diners, so reservations are a must. Diners sit in communal seating with wine served at each course. Menus are available online, so you have a sneak peek into what dinner will include. TP

Levain 10021 S. YALE AVE. | 918-518-6711 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Find information on prix fixe dinners at levaintulsa.com.

French toast

Warm salad

Levain translates to sourdough in French. The restaurant’s technique utilizes natural microflora and wild yeast to make its bread for sandwiches and salads.

Since the bakery opened at East 101st Street and South Yale Avenue, its crosissants have been popular among customers.

TulsaPeople.com

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CHEERS!

A LA CARTE

Coffee never goes out of season. But switching from hot to iced coffee is like swinging the doors open to summer. Here are some (PRICES: $: LESS THAN $10 $$: $10-$15 $$$: $16-$25 $$$$: OVER $25) of our favorite iced coffee drinks around town. — NATALIE MIKLES

918 Coffee

The name alone makes you want to order the iced Upside Down Latte at 918 Coffee. Instead of pouring the cream or milk in the coffee, the coffee is poured over the cream, giving it the topsy-turvy name. 918 also has a great iced mocha and a white chocolate mocha for those with a sweet tooth.

Cosmo Cafe and Bar

Feel like a kid again with Cosmo’s Coffee Lover’s Float. An iced latte and coffee liqueur is poured over chocolate ice cream and topped with whipped cream. You might want two spoons.

3334 S. PEORIA AVE. | 918-933-4848 $

2446 E. 11TH ST. | 918-949-3221 $

SPRINGTIME SIPPER The month of May has one foot tip-toeing through the tulips of spring with one foot headed toward summer. The perfect cocktail to complement this in-between season is the Tequila Honeysuckle.

Think of it as floral-forward margarita, with the addition of honey instead of sweet and sour. Add a hint of smoke by swapping mezcal for tequila, or change the bouquet by using different varieties of honey, like wildflower or orange blossom. Whether making a cocktail for two or a batch for a party, the Tequila Honeysuckle is the perfect addition to your next springtime fling.

2 ounces tequila or mezcal .75 ounce honey syrup (created by mixing equal parts honey and warm water) .75 ounce lime juice Combine in shaker with ice, strain into a margarita or coupe glass. Garnish with lime. — ANGELA EVANS

Rocket Brothers Espresso

Fair Fellow Coffee

The iced lattes are fan favorites at Fair Fellow. Try the beautifully green-hued matcha latte or an iced maple latte. Or do a pourover onto ice of any of the complex coffee varietals. Also, try out the Nitro cold brew on draft.

1 N. LEWIS AVE. | 918-933-5070 $

2602 S. Harvard Ave., 918-949-3788 | facebook.com/trenchersdeli

Lambrusco’z 1344 E. 41st St., 918-496-1246 114-A S. Detroit Ave., 918-496-1246 | lambruscoz.com

Jason’s Deli 1330 E. 15th St., 918-599-7777 | 8321 E. 61st St., 918-252-9999 jasonsdeli.com

Queenie’s Cafe and Bakery 1834 Utica Square, 918-749-3481 | queeniesoftulsa.com

Multiple locations TulsaPeople MAY 2018

9705 E. 61ST ST., 918-872-1155; 1021 N. NINTH ST., BROKEN ARROW, 918-355-3756 $

Trenchers

Bill and Ruth’s 100

Picky people, take heart. Rocket Brothers will turn any of your favorite hot coffee drinks to iced. They’re also great about accommodating nonfat, low-fat, breve, soy and sugar-free syrups. The caramel iced latte and hazelnut iced latte are the right mix of bittersweet on a warm day.

Deli/ Sandwiches Stack ’em tall with meats or pile them high with veggies — these are the winners of the 2017 TulsaPeople A-List Readers’ Choice Awards.

“Our Chamber is probably the best chamber of commerce in the United States for starting a business.”

Jennifer Jezek President, York Electronic Systems MEMBER SINCE 1984

YOUR PARTNER IN PROSPERITY tulsachamber.com/partnersinprosperity

TRC_PartnersInProsperityAd_TP_QTRPage_0218.indd 2

3/9/18 8:57 AM

available anytime, anywhere.

TulsaPeople.com/digitaledition TulsaPeople.com

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W H AT’S COOK ING? The buzz on Tulsa’s tastiest products, restaurants and events

BY NATALIE MIKLES

ORANGE CUSTARD WITH MIXED BERRIES Serves 6

6 cups fresh berries (try 2 cups each of either raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or sliced strawberries) 4 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup fresh orange juice 18 crisp ladyfingers 1 recipe Orange Custard Mousse Fresh mint to garnish

1. Set aside a few berries for garnish. In a bowl, toss remaining berries with half the sugar and all the liqueur. Set aside for 10 minutes.

2. To make the syrup: In a microwave-safe bowl, place the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon and orange juices, and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the sugar dissolves.

Orange cream Frios pop

3. Place ½ cup berries into each of six custard cups, parfait glasses or mason jars. It’s best if the cup size is about 12 ounces. Dunk the ladyfingers in the syrup, then place three ladyfingers inside each glass. Add ½ cup Orange Custard Mousse (recipe below) to each glass. Top each with a large spoonful of berries and 2 more tablespoons of mousse to cover.

Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Before serving, garnish with fresh berries and fresh mint.

ORANGE CUSTARD MOUSSE

6 large egg yolks ⅓ cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice ¼ cup Grand Marnier 1 cup mascarpone cheese 1 cup heavy cream Zest from 1 orange

1. In a bowl, place the egg yolks and quickly whisk in the sugar. Add the juice and liqueur. Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick. Do not allow the custard to boil. Remove the bowl from the heat and place in a large shallow bowl of ice water. Stir to help it cool quickly.

2. Beat the mascarpone with a mixer for 1 minute.

Add the heavy cream, and beat until you have firm peaks. Add the cooled custard and orange zest and mix until blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble. TP

BEAT THE HEAT To call them popsicles doesn’t quite cut it. Angela Myrick, owner of Frios Gourmet Pops-Tulsa, calls her pops “dessert on a stick.”

Myrick first tasted a Frios pop in Galveston, Texas, and looked into opening her own franchise in Tulsa. Her store, at 105 N. Greenwood Ave., opened last summer.

The flavors of the pops go way beyond cherry, grape and lime. Some of the most popular are Banana Pud’n, birthday cake, blueberry cheesecake, cherry lime, key lime pie, strawberry, watermelon and mango orange.

Myrick says kids and adults love Frios and some of the more unusual flavors, like root beer float, cookies and milk, Nutter Butter and king cake.

Frios is open from noon-7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and noon-6 p.m., Sunday.

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

COURTESY ANGELA MYRICK/FRIOS

I

t doesn’t get much better than May in Tulsa. This is the month for street festivals (hello, Cinco de Mayo), bike riding to brunch, post-graduation patio parties and so many other combinations of fun and food.

We’re already making our May plans, which include trying as many flavors of Frios pops as we can handle and making a sweet berry dessert for a backyard barbecue.

Here’s the recipe for the dessert, which combines fresh berries and an orange liqueur-spiked cream mousse. If you don’t have a party planned for May, consider this recipe your excuse to have one.

Q& A

How do you describe a commercial cleaning company that has been in business for 32 years in 1 word?

Blessed.

I

n the past decade, Libby Billings has made more than a footprint on Tulsa.

She opened three restaurants, created one of the most fun street festivals in town and has brought life to Tulsa’s Deco District. We don’t want to imagine a Tulsa without her. And lucky for us, neither does she.

Here’s to the next 32 years!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE YOU OPENED ELOTE? No. I feel so old!

WHEN YOU OPENED, DID YOU HAVE A VISION FOR THE NEXT DECADE? Honestly, I did not.

I just wanted to have a little, eco-friendly restaurant that was open for Monday-to-Friday lunches. Now 10 years later I own three restaurants and am open nights and weekends, too.

YOUR CINCO DE MAYO PARTY HAS QUICKLY BECOME A TULSA TRADITION. WHAT MAKES IT SO MUCH FUN? The luchadores are the main attraction. Puffy tacos and margaritas don’t hurt though. But I think the festival being located on Boston Avenue and being sandwiched in between all the tall buildings make it a really magical setting for Tulsa. (Editor’s note: Elote’s Cinco de Mayo festival is May 4-5.)

918.663.1919 final touch cleaning.com Sc h o o l s • Me di c a l F a c i l i t i e s • I n d ust r i al & Offi ce

ASSOCIATION OF KENDALL WHITTIER ARTS

ART WALK & AFTER 5 MAY 10, 5-8 PM

Join Ziegler’s for a special ART WALK exhibit with drinks, barbeque and other surprises!

ELOTE WAS THE FIRST TULSA RESTAURANT TO IMPLEMENT COMMERCIAL RECYCLING AND BIODEGRADABLE WASTE. WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? I always joke that I was raised by hippies, but it’s true. These were practices at my home growing up, and I wanted to be true to my character and practice them at work, as well. It’s painful to me to see how wasteful the restaurant industry is. Most restaurants put all waste in the trash to be burnt or put in a landfill. At Elote we have a bucket for a local pig farmer, a bucket for compost, one for recycling and finally one for trash. It’s not that much harder, and my employees are happy to help because they know it’s having a positive impact on the environment.

OTHER ART WALK MERCHANTS: The Urban Art Lab • Orth Contemporary • The Artery • And more!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP WITH THE DECO DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND THE DECO POP-UP SHOPS. I founded the Deco District Business Association about eight years ago. I served as the president for the first five years and loved my time there.

We put on really unique events like Chalkfest and the Pop-Up Shops. It was so much fun to bring some life to our district outside of Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. Honestly, I miss it sometimes. But I’m just really busy these days with teenagers and work.

WHAT’S NEXT? MORE RESTAURANTS OR BUSINESSES? I don’t think so. My kids are growing up really fast, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible while I can. Who knows what I’ll get into once they graduate high school though.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? I have a deep love for entertaining and for trying new things. Whether it’s having a small dinner party at home or throwing a street festival for thousands of people, I enjoy the challenge. I love to feed people, and I love to see them enjoying something unique.

WHAT KEEPS YOU IN TULSA? Tulsa is home. TP

ZIEGLER’S FEATURED ART WALK EXHIBIT

AFTER 5 EVENT: Featuring a pop-up park, yoga, live music, food trucks, Marshall Beer and more!

Fact N Fiction

Photographic images

by Greg Roach

6 N. LEWIS d 918.584.2217 d ZIEGLERART.COM TulsaPeople.com

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TAKE ME BACK

Left, Amelia Earhart with Dorothy McBirney, right (facing camera), in Tulsa in the early 1930s

TAKING FLIGHT F

amed pilot Amelia Earhart made several stops in Tulsa in the 1930s, often flying into Tulsa Municipal Airport for refueling during her cross-country fl ights.

At some point, Earhart befriended a well-known Tulsan of the time, Dorothy McBirney. One of few female pilots, like Earhart, McBirney was the daughter of James H. McBirney, who founded the Tulsa Bank of Commerce in 1904.

Ian D. Swärt, archivist and curator of collections at Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, says Earhart and McBirney are

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TulsaPeople MAY 2018

credited with starting the Powder Puff Derby, a cross-country flying competition for women, in 1929. Originally known as the Women’s Air Derby, it got its nickname from Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers, and was the fi rst official women-only air race, ending in 1977.

Tulsa Municipal Airport, which had one asphalt runway, was located near Mohawk Lake, in the general vicinity of Tulsa International Airport. Tulsa Municipal had one telephone, a Department of Commerce two-way radio, teletype, overnight accommodations and a restaurant. TP

TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

BY JUDY LANGDON

Bassett Home Furnishings – Tulsa Check out our new Bassett Modern Collection.

10137 East 71st Street • 918.254.6618 bassettfurniture.com • bassettwindowdesigns.com