Thank you for trusting us with your healthcare.
Thank you to the readers of TulsaPeople for recognizing Saint Francis Health System’s service and commitment to the communities we serve. We extend our deepest gratitude to all Saint Francis employees for their dedication to serving our patients and our mission.
We are proud to be named among TulsaPeople’s 2023 A-List in the following categories:
HOSPITAL: Saint Francis Hospital
URGENT CARE: Warren Clinic Urgent Care
WELLNESS CLINIC: Warren Clinic
HOSPICE CARE: Saint Francis Hospice
HEATH CLUB/GYM: Health Zone at Saint Francis
HEARING AIDS: Warren Clinic Otolaryngology
COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER: Warren Clinic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Warren Clinic Pain Management
DERMATOLOGY: Warren Clinic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
PHYSICAL THERAPY/SPORTS MEDICINE: Saint Francis Outpatient Physical Therapy
FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS
FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS Leaders with Heart
FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS
SERVANT-LEADER.
The former high school history teacher turned state legislator turned banker, Eric credits his family heritage and faith for guiding him. “I’ve been given the greatest gift in the world – grace received through my faith. My faith teaches me that I have a duty to show that same grace and mercy to others.”
The former high school history teacher turned state legislator turned banker, Eric credits his family heritage and faith for guiding him. “I’ve been given the greatest gift in the world – grace received through my faith. My faith teaches me that I have a duty to show that same grace and mercy to others.”
At First Oklahoma Bank, Eric is a senior vice president and lender whose work has helped transform nearly 1,500 distressed properties into quality, affordable housing for families.
The former high school history teacher turned state legislator turned banker, Eric credits his family heritage and faith for guiding him. “I’ve been given the greatest gift in the world – grace received through my faith. My faith teaches me that I have a duty to show that same grace and mercy to others.”
At First Oklahoma Bank, Eric is a senior vice president and lender whose work has helped transform nearly 1,500 distressed properties into quality, affordable housing for families.
At First Oklahoma Bank, Eric is a senior vice president and lender whose work has helped transform nearly 1,500 distressed properties into quality, affordable housing for families.
His entry into banking began while he was a state legislator. A former history and government teacher, Eric first ran for office at age 24. He defeated a 10-year incumbent and served from 2006 to 2018 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 77.
His entry into banking began while he was a state legislator. A former history and government teacher, Eric first ran for office at age 24. He defeated a 10-year incumbent and served from 2006 to 2018 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 77.
His entry into banking began while he was a state legislator. A former history and government teacher, Eric first ran for office at age 24. He defeated a 10-year incumbent and served from 2006 to 2018 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 77.
His blue-collar roots instilled a compassion for helping others. His late grandfather, a World War II veteran who served under Gen. George Patton, was an undefeated boxer in the Army. Eric remembers watching Tuesday Night Fights every week with his grandfather, who always encouraged him to route for the “underdog,” the person least likely to win.
His blue-collar roots instilled a compassion for helping others. His late grandfather, a World War II veteran who served under Gen. George Patton, was an undefeated boxer in the Army. Eric remembers watching Tuesday Night Fights every week with his grandfather, who always encouraged him to route for the “underdog,” the person least likely to win.
His blue-collar roots instilled a compassion for helping others. His late grandfather, a World War II veteran who served under Gen. George Patton, was an undefeated boxer in the Army. Eric remembers watching Tuesday Night Fights every week with his grandfather, who always encouraged him to route for the “underdog,” the person least likely to win.
His late grandmother, a seamstress, altered uniforms for soldiers at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. “My grandmother was the most selfless person who had a servant’s heart. I was taught when you see a need, you fill it. Serving others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy,” Eric says.
His late grandmother, a seamstress, altered uniforms for soldiers at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. “My grandmother was the most selfless person who had a servant’s heart. I was taught when you see a need, you fill it. Serving others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy,” Eric says.
His late grandmother, a seamstress, altered uniforms for soldiers at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. “My grandmother was the most selfless person who had a servant’s heart. I was taught when you see a need, you fill it. Serving others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy,” Eric says.
From 2010 to 2016, Eric was director of Honor Flight Network for eastern Oklahoma. The organization has taken hundreds of WWII and Korean War and other veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials. “I stand on the shoulders of giants. I was able to go to college and have a chance at the American dream because of what previous generations did and how hard they worked.”
From 2010 to 2016, Eric was director of Honor Flight Network for eastern Oklahoma. The organization has taken hundreds of WWII and Korean War and other veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials. “I stand on the shoulders of giants. I was able to go to college and have a chance at the American dream because of what previous generations did and how hard they worked.”
government or as a community banker. His customers love him. It’s far more than a financial transaction for Eric. It’s about truly getting engaged with his customers’ vision, hopes and dreams and helping them see how financing helps them accomplish their goal,” says Tom Bennett III, First Oklahoma Bank’s president.
government or as a community banker. His customers love him. It’s far more than a financial transaction for Eric. It’s about truly getting engaged with his customers’ vision, hopes and dreams and helping them see how financing helps them accomplish their goal,” says Tom Bennett III, First Oklahoma Bank’s president.
government or as a community banker. His customers love him. It’s far more than a financial transaction for Eric. It’s about truly getting engaged with his customers’ vision, hopes and dreams and helping them see how financing helps them accomplish their goal,” says Tom Bennett III, First Oklahoma Bank’s president.
“First Oklahoma Bank is a family, and I view our customers as a continuation of that family,” Eric says. “They are not just names on a ledger. They have their own hopes, dreams and aspirations, and it is a sacred honor to help people reach their dreams.”
“First Oklahoma Bank is a family, and I view our customers as a continuation of that family,” Eric says. “They are not just names on a ledger. They have their own hopes, dreams and aspirations, and it is a sacred honor to help people reach their dreams.”
“First Oklahoma Bank is a family, and I view our customers as a continuation of that family,” Eric says. “They are not just names on a ledger. They have their own hopes, dreams and aspirations, and it is a sacred honor to help people reach their dreams.”
“Eric has had a remarkable life story. He is dedicated to service – be it in church,
From 2010 to 2016, Eric was director of Honor Flight Network for eastern Oklahoma. The organization has taken hundreds of WWII and Korean War and other veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials. “I stand on the shoulders of giants. I was able to go to college and have a chance at the American dream because of what previous generations did and how hard they worked.”
“Eric has had a remarkable life story. He is dedicated to service – be it in church,
“Eric has had a remarkable life story. He is dedicated to service – be it in church,
Midtown: 4110 S. Rockford Avenue | South: 100 S. Riverfront Drive, Jenks
FirstOklahomaBank.com
41 BIG AIR
USA BMX Foundation and Terence Crutcher Foundation engage and educate kids through the sport of BMX. BY KRISTI EATON 44
CELEBRATION
Juneteenth celebrates freedom dating back to June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people be freed. In Tulsa, the annual celebration is the biggest in the nation. And for some, this year’s Juneteenth is in honor of a late organizer’s legacy. BY BLAYKLEE FREED AND HANNIBAL B. JOHNSON
49 A-LIST
TulsaPeople’s annual readers’ choice awards are announced, along with an A-to-Z roundup of Editors’ Picks. BY STAFF
7 CITY DESK
Catching up with wrestler Kenny Monday. Two communities address homelessness. Three new releases by local music acts. Barry Friedman’s humorous new book.
91 LIFESTYLE
Ziegler’s celebrates 50 years. Sports-centric spots across the state. A distinctive summer smell. Connie Cronley’s road trip resources.
105 TABLE TALK
Three favorite BLTs. The cat’s meow downtown. Summer calls for new salad recipes. Wood-fired pizzas in Kendall Whittier.
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As I write this letter, once again as deadline looms over me like a stormy spring cloud, we’re wrapping up a busy month. Recent weeks have been jammed packed with luncheons, celebrations, recognitions, graduations, parties, festivals and so much more.
One of those luncheons recognized our very own Connie Cronley. At the Great Plains Journalism Awards, presented by the Tulsa Press Club, Cronley was recognized with the rst-place award for magazine column writing. e competition recognizes the best journalists across an eight-state region. While we all know and love her, I beamed when I heard the news. Cronley has a meticulous way with words. I often lament to her that nalizing this monthly letter is one of the most challenging things I do in my role. She’ll often say a thoughtprovoking statement delivered with her charming wit and attitude. en I get back to it.
You can nd all of Cronley’s columns on TulsaPeople.com, as well as hear her recite those monthly musings in our About Town podcast each month. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Great Plains and the Association for Women in Communications’ annual Newsmakers awards were held the same week. I can only speak for myself, but I think many others say the same: Both events are a time for those in my profession to become re-energized, reinvigorated and reminded that the work we do here matters. It matters to the subjects of our stories — individuals, as well as the organizations and businesses they make up, and it matters to readers wanting to be informed.
At another Press Club event the next week, I was invited to speak on a panel of fellow journalists to a group of Tulsans — many who have called Tulsa home for only a few years.
While talking a lot about the city’s past and present, a question was asked about Tulsa’s future. In the early half of the 20th century, we were known as the Oil Capital of the World. But what now? And what’s next?
e conversation ranged from energy to tech. e more I thought about it, I don’t know if — or why — we have to be de ned as one thing. Can’t Tulsa be a tech hub and an expressive arts community and a place for industry and a destination for tourism and culture and a hotbed of higher education and a lm industry centerpiece and home to energy game changers and … the list could go on and on.
Tulsa’s future is bright. Do we have our fair share of hurdles? Sure. But we have people putting their words into action. Just read Cronley’s article, which checks in with local leaders and their plans to address homelessness with small home communities (p. 34).
ere are also the folks at USA BMX and the Terence Crutcher Foundation engaging north Tulsa youth with the sport of BMX (p. 41). Musicians, singers and artists are expressing themselves and adding to the cultural fabric of our city, as are many others I can’t wait for you to read about in this issue.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the outpouring of participation we received in this year’s annual A-LIST Awards. ank you to all the readers who voted in both rounds, culminating in the list that begins on p. 49. As editors, each year we get in on the fun and name some of our favorites across the city. e A-LIST is a resource I hope you turn to (either in print or online!) throughout the year to nd whatever you might need.
As we put June to bed I hope you and your family are well as the summer season makes its way to Tulsa. TP
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Anne Brockman EDITORBuilding hope
City Lights Village is one of two planned communities to address homelessness. Currently the organization is fundraising and demonstrating the future of the tiny home community with a model home on display for those interested in learning more about the project. TP READ MORE ON
NOTEBOOK
BY TIFFANY HOWARD AND ANNE BROCKMANNEWSWORTHY NUGGETS
» Utica Square’s Summer’s Fifth Night was named the second-best outdoor concert series in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023. On June 1, R&B artist Tony Mason starts the season.
» Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network on May 2. It joins the nearby Keystone Ancient Forest in this protected, publicly accessible forest network.
King of the musicals
Disney’s “The Lion King” leaps back onto the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s stage June 1-17 for the first time since 2013. With a worldwide gross exceeding that of any film or Broadway show in box office history, “The Lion King” is a must-see spectacle of song, color, puppetry and talent that defies true description. Translating this musical masterpiece into numbers may give a better idea of the theatrical treat in store for audiences. Here’s just a few.
• Hours spent between mask makers, sculptors, puppeteers and artisans building the anthropomorphic animal characters for original Broadway production: 17,000
• Show productions currently running across the globe: 9
• Associates traveling worldwide to ensure artistic integrity across productions: 20
• Trucks it takes to transport puppets, set pieces etc.: 17, 16 of which are 53-foot-long semi-trailers
• Days of on-site technical preparation and installation in each new city: 4
• People directly involved with daily show production: 134
• Animals portrayed by rod puppets, shadow puppets and full-sized puppets: 200
• Cast members needed to bring those animals to life: 49, 6 of whom are South African
• Types of animals, birds, fish and insects represented: 25
• Heaviest puppet: Worn like a backpack, Pumbaa weighs 45 pounds
• Tallest animal: At 14 feet high, 2 giraffes are portrayed by actors on stilts who mount 6-foot ladders to climb inside puppet
• Largest and longest animal: At 13 feet long, 12 feet high and 9 feet wide, the elephant puppet requires 4 actors to walk her down the aisle
• Lighting instruments used to create lightning effect: 500
• Most complicated set piece: Expanding out to 18 feet like an accordion, Pride Rock is wirelessly controlled and appears 5 times during the show
VOICES OF OKLAHOMA
» Tulsa Community College’s Center for Creativity is moving its popular I Can’t Workshops to Saturdays. On June 3 learn to draw a self-portrait with Gilcrease Museum staff.
» At the May 4 State of Downtown presentation hosted by Downtown Tulsa Partnership, presented data showed that more than 34,000 employees work in the city center with a 70% return to in-person employment. Downtown also welcomed 1.93 million visitors in 2022.
» Tulsa City-County Library kicks off its summer reading program June 1. Four age groups — littles, children, teens and adults — are encouraged to participate to earn prizes.
» CNN spotlighted the McLain High School of Science and Technology’s Advanced Placement course in African American Studies, which is being piloted by the College Board at 60 schools across the nation.
“People will say, ‘You are from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Where would you live if you could live any place in the world?’ And I say, ‘Tulsa, Oklahoma.’ It’s because (of) things like what they step up and do, and it’s a wonderful place.”
Known worldwide, Charles Faudree was a Tulsa-based interior designer and philanthropist. A founder of Oklahomans for Human Rights in Oklahoma City, he also worked to establish a Tulsa chapter of OHR — the forerunner of Oklahomans for Equality — in the late 1970s.
“Voices of Oklahoma” is an oral history project founded by John Erling in 2009. Visit voicesofoklahoma.com.
Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” musical. Masks worn by actors in the show create what Tony Award-winning director and designer Julie Taymor calls “the double event,” which enables audience members to see the characters as animal and human at the same time.A NATION OF CULTURE
Make your next family day trip anything but ordinary in Cherokee Nation. Jump into a world of hands-on, cutting-edge exhibits, fascinating stories, unique gifts and timeless art. Know the ancient origins and modern heritage of more than 400,000 citizens who honor a legacy of resilience and strength. Experience an authentic, richly detailed, boundless and enduring Cherokee story. One Nation. Ten Attractions. Endless Adventure.
CHEROKEE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TAHLEQUAH, OKJUNE
COMPILED BY BLAYKLEE FREED
JUNE 8-11
B-29 DOC HISTORY RESTORED TOUR
It’s one of only two B-29 superfortress aircrafts still airworthy and fl ying today. Take ground and cockpit tours or experience a flight at this special event. TULSA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, 3624 N. 74TH E. AVE. TULSAMUSEUM.ORG
JUNE 2
JAZZ FEST
Touring talent will join Tulsans on stage for the T.E.G. International Jazz Fest presented by SpiritBank, a free show highlighting jazz artists.
GUTHRIE GREEN, 111 RECONCILIATION WAY. INTERNATIONALJAZZFEST.COM
JUNE 3 BIGFOOT HUNT
Follow the clues to find the famed creature on Turkey Mountain in celebration of National Trails Day.
TURKEY MOUNTAIN, 6850 S. ELWOOD AVE. RIVERPARKS.ORG
JUNE 9-11
SAINT FRANCIS TULSA TOUGH
Three days of cycling races await, from the long-haul gran fondos skirting town to the criterion races downtown, culminating with the famous Cry Baby Hill crit on Riverside Drive. TULSATOUGH.COM
JUNE 10 BIG RIDE AND BIG BITE
This free music and food event will start after the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough races. At sunset, the concert stage will welcome Ghostland Observatory, Sports and more.
TULSA ARTS DISTRICT
FLYWHEELTULSA.COM
JUNE 22-25
BASEBALL BONANZA
Tulsa Drillers will be temporarily rebranded to TulsaSound, an homage to the region’s iconic artistry and the musical legends that create it, for a four-game stretch.
ONEOK FIELD, 201 N. ELGIN AVE. TULSADRILLERS.COM
JUNE 23-35 PRIDE
A weekend of events celebrate Tulsa’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, including Saturday’s parade and festival with a surprise headliner on the main stage.
DENNIS R. NEILL EQUALITY CENTER, 621 E. FOURTH ST. OKEQ.ORG/TULSA-PRIDE
JUNE 24 USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
More than 1,600 premiere gymnasts will tumble, twist and trot into Tulsa’s BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center for this national competition.
200 S. DENVER AVE. AND 100 CIVIC CENTER USAGYMCHAMPS.COM
VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM/ABOUTTOWN FOR MORE LOCAL EVENTS AND A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF WEEKLY MUSIC LISTINGS.
CHRIS DAVIS
ENTREPRENEUR AND TULSA CREATIVE ENGINE CO-FOUNDER
STORY AND PHOTO BY TIM LANDESIt’s a Friday morning and Chris Davis is holding court from a couch in the corner at DoubleShot Co ee Co., 1633 S. Boulder Ave. Politicians, artists and musicians stop by and chat with the entrepreneur and co-founder of Tulsa Creative Engine, a nonpro t that supports Tulsa’s creative community through an accelerator program and other initiatives.
Davis is a Tulsa native, who graduated from the University of Oklahoma then moved to Dallas in 2007, before coming home in 2016 and immediately getting involved in Tulsa’s music and culture scene.
WHY COME HOME AND STAY? TULSA’S CREATIVE CULTURE INSPIRES HIM ... I really look at the artists and musicians in Tulsa as the future of our city. I think that from an economic development perspective, from a cultural signi cance perspective, we’ve got the talent here and that can and will be transformative to our city. I’m working on a variety of di erent things, including building my own record label, to realize that dream I think we all have of Tulsa, which is to be a place where musicians can be full-time artists.
HIS FIRST VENTURE AFTER RETURNING WAS THE POPSICLE BUSINESS POP HOUSE ... at was my rst foray into entrepreneurship. Literally my second day back in Tulsa, I met Steph Simon and started working with him, speci cally on his music festival, which is now called Dreamland Festival. I was very fortunate to work on the Fire in Little Africa project as an executive producer. I co-founded TCE and now I’m looking at other needed kinds of cultural institutions and business ventures that are going to further the creative ecosystem.
ON WHAT MOST EXCITES HIM ABOUT THE MUSIC SCENE ... I think what’s most exciting is the
young talent I think that falls outside of anyone’s idea of what Tulsa music is. We have a lot of artists in our city and even in our state that are 20, 21, 22, 23 years old, that are some geniuses in the world of indie music and indie pop music. Look at what’s happened nationally with Wilderado, with Broncho, with Sports. ere’s this kind of low-key indie music revolution happening in Tulsa. ere are some artists who are making indie music who are very much what I see as the future of the city. Artists like Lex and Logan Bruhn, who is also a producer. ere’s also the Manta Rays and Combsy. All of these artists are starting to collaborate. A lot of them grew up together and were already friends. I see a lot of really exciting energy happening in this indie music world.
ON WHAT MOTIVATES HIM ... Every project that I work on, something inspires me or it’s almost like a feeling like I have to do it. I don’t choose what excites me, I don’t choose what inspires me, it just does. is is how I have fun, working with artists, building cool things for the city, working with businesses to help them better engage with the creative community and amplify the culture of Tulsa. is is just my preferred way to spend my time. I’m a creative at heart. I’m an artist at heart. I’ve got a variety of my own creative projects I’m working on as well. It’s just about enjoying what I spend my time doing. Exercise in my own creativity, and then using my talents to uplift other creatives in our community. TP
245 MILES. ELECTRIC VEHICLES’
AVERAGE DRIVING RANGE IS 212 MILES.
DRIVING FROM TULSA TO OKC AND BACK IS
Plus, there are more than 1,000 charging stations in Oklahoma –and counting. While there’s a lot of hype around electric vehicles (EVs) right now, there are also a lot of questions — about their performance, reliability, charging capabilities and range. At PSO, we want to provide you with answers to your EV questions, so you can make informed decisions. Learn more and find a charging station at: GetToKnowEV.com
CELEBRATING REAL CHANGE
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OKLAHOMA MARKS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
BY J. D. MYERTulsa Army and Navy veteran Ron Rollins and his family were experiencing homelessness in 2009 before he launched his own private security company, GY6 (Got Your Six) Services LLC.
“We tried to stay in hotels or in the car, whatever we could do,” Rollins recalls. “I led for unemployment, and they asked, had I ever worked with the vets over at Volunteers of America.”
Volunteers of America Oklahoma serves 14,000 Oklahomans across the state including veterans, aging, homeless and disabled people.
“ e program helps to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness while helping individuals achieve goals toward independent living,” explains Pam Richardson, president/CEO of VOA Oklahoma. In the past decade, the nonpro t added veteran employment and housing services in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. e program assists those who are transitioning from military service and veterans who are at risk of experiencing homelessness to achieve employment and stable housing.
For Rollins, VOA was able to change his broken car windshield and help him get CLEET certi ed for security. Supportive Services for Veterans Families helped him secure housing.
“I was tired of putting on band aids and
needed to nd permanent solutions, not only for my issue, but for other veterans and homeless guys who want to get o the street,” he says. “I started working in a private security position, which made me realize I wanted to start my own agency to be able to help vets nd jobs and employment.”
is year marks VOA Oklahoma’s 30th anniversary. e nonpro t was established in 1993 to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and continues to provide 24/7 residential care for these individuals. It provides money management services to assist clients with bill payment, speci cally rent and utilities, and training various budgeting skills — all with the intent to ensure rent is paid to avoid eviction.
VOA Oklahoma’s future expanded services will provide health and wellness programs for people of all communities with an underlying understanding of social determinants of health in housing, wellness and veteran assistance. Federal and state grants fund 86% of their program services, and VOA Oklahoma relies on the support of private donations for the remainder of gaps in funding.
Tulsans can partner with Volunteers of America Oklahoma by volunteering for speci c projects, in addition to providing nancial funding for further support. To learn more, visit voaok.org. TP
Covers REVISITED
Lauren Abbott, née Thomas, appeared on the cover of TulsaPeople’s August 2013 issue as a Brainiac — recognized for academic prowess throughout her high school years at Metro Christian Academy.
Abbott began attending The University of Tulsa in 2013, majoring in sports and exercise science, and sprinting on the track team. Just before her senior year, Abbott transferred to Oklahoma State University, but a preseason foot injury ended her track career. However, exerciseinduced health issues were nothing new for Abbott.
“I started having some health issues that were, I think, caused by the stress of being a college athlete and extreme exercise,” Abbott says. “And I would spend all of my extra time looking into it, researching and reading and experimenting on myself.”
She graduated in 2017 with a degree in sports and exercise science. But her newfound passion for nutrition prompted her to stay at OSU and graduate with a second bachelor’s in 2019, this time in dietetics.
While getting her second degree, Abbott married her husband, Blake, a former TU football player. The couple moved to Yukon, Oklahoma, and Abbott earned a master’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in nutrition and food science.
The couple returned to Stillwater in 2021, and Abbott became the sports dietitian for OSU athletics. In 2022, she started Abbott Wellness, a social media page dedicated to creating educational content about nutrition to help people become the healthiest version of themselves.
“Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to positively change our health,” Abbott says. “I want the knowledge and resources to lead a healthy life to be accessible to everyone.” —
ELIZABETH MCCULLOUGHCHAMPION BECOMES COACH
FORMER BOOKER T. WRESTLER EMBRACES NEW CHALLENGE AT MORGAN STATE.
BY STEPHEN HUNTKenny Monday is one of America’s most accomplished amateur wrestlers — a four-time high school state champion, a national champion and All-American at Oklahoma State, a threetime Olympian, including in 1988 becoming the rst Black wrestler to win a gold medal, and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and United World Wrestling Hall of Fame.
More recently, the Tulsa native has been coaching. In August 2022 he was named coach at Morgan State University, a historically Black college or university in Baltimore bringing back wrestling after dropping it in 1996. Morgan State’s rst season as the only NCAA Division I varsity-level program at an HBCU is in 2023-2024.
“It’s going so well. Every day is better than the previous day,” Monday says. “Just talking to hundreds of kids and families all over the country. at’s really been exciting, hearing their stories, goals and dreams of wanting to wrestle at Morgan State.”
While a star wrestler at Booker T.
Washington High School, Monday was recruited by James Phillips, Morgan State’s coach, to compete for the Bears. Monday landed at OSU but maintained ties with Phillips. “It broke my heart to see a DI wrestling program dropped,” Monday says. “To bring that program back to Morgan State, an HBCU, it was hard to pass up.”
Monday’s lifelong love of wrestling started at age 5 in Tulsa. “I started wrestling at the YMCA. We had a great coach and a great team of kids,” he says. “I never looked back after that. One of my mottos is reinvesting into our youth and making a deposit into our future.”
In March, Monday returned to Tulsa to watch his son, Quincy, at the NCAA National Wrestling Championships grappling for Princeton University, coming full circle to where his wrestling career began. “I’m living a dream,” he re ects. “I started wrestling when I was a kid, had a great career. Been all over the world, met so many people and been able to tell my story and share my vision. It’s been a great thing in my life.” TP
Rah McConnellRESILIENT AND resourceful
Sometimes Rah McConnell works on multiple paintings at once, shifting methodically between canvases in an intricate dance. It suits her brain well, allowing the Tulsa artist to release thoughts, emotions and experiences with a splash of color. She leans into new ideas and challenges. Earlier this year, McConnell quit full-time traditional work with the intention of being a self-employed artist.
“That little period was definitely trial-and-error for me,” says McConnell, 24. “I was like, I’m going to change my life around and just figure it out.”
But there was one problem. Making money through gig work, apps and the like wasn’t giving McConnell one of the most important things finances can offer: time. Her art practice dwindled to a trickle.
McConnell, who has been working since age 15, used the experience as a learning opportunity. “It taught me that I’m the type of person, when something bad happens, the first thing I’m going to do is say thank you to God, thank you to the universe, because you can learn something from everything.
“If you just allow yourself to be and pay attention, the universe will give you exactly what you want exactly what you’re asking for,” she continues. “In that moment, I didn’t realize it, but I was asking for resilience. I was asking for resourcefulness.”
Now back working a day job, she found a balance that has proved productive, creating art and participating in events with Black Moon Collective, of which McConnell is a member.
View and purchase her art and art from the rest of the Collective at WOMPA, 3306 Charles Page Blvd., or at blackmoontulsa.com. Follow McConnell @rah.the.sunchild on Instagram.
— BLAYKLEE FREEDBAGELS, BOOKS AND BABES
COMIC FINDS INSPIRATION THROUGH HIS FATHER FOR NEW BOOK. STORIES
BY ANNE BROCKMANHow often do we stop to notice the humor of everyday life? For writer and comic Barry Friedman, it comes a bit easier, especially with the antics of his father, Jack.
Over the years, many came to love the stories of father-and-son adventures juggling the day-to-day. When Jack died in 2022, Barry was encouraged to create a three-part book series. “Jack Sh*t: Voluptuous bagels and other concerns of Jack Friedman Vol. 1” was released earlier this year. Vols. 2 and 3 will be released in January 2024 and 2025.
On June 18 — Father’s Day — Barry will perform a one-person show at Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave., titled, “What Do ey Want From My Life?” which will include stand-up comedy, stories about Jack and readings from the book. Tickets are available at circlecinema.org.
TulsaPeople caught up with Barry before the show.
BEFORE YOUR DAD DIED IN NOVEMBER, HAD YOU DISCUSSED YOUR DESIRE TO COMPILE YOUR WRITINGS ON HIM INTO A BOOK? IF SO, HOW DID HE REACT? My father knew I was writing about him, but he could never gure out what I was saying or what he was saying that was so interesting to anyone. One time someone had mentioned to him they had just read a blog of mine about him, so he asked me: “Are you getting rich o of my fame?” ere is just about everything wrong with that sentence.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE “JACK SH*T”? It’s about the here and now. e enormity and poetry, if you will, about the mundane — the bu ets, doctor visits, trips to “Owl Head” Bagels (New York Bagel Cafe — don’t ask), and moments at Reasor’s to buy “ e World” — chicken, cheese, pineapple soda and a double quart/not the half gallon of milk, to name just four parts of this world. e old expression about stopping to smell the roses can actually be a pretty good story if you stay there long enough and smell enough of them.
WHAT KIND OF RESPONSE HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM READERS? WHAT STORIES STAND OUT TO THEM, AND WHY? e people who followed these stories of my father through the years remember and inexplicably miss him. It’s touching. Friends from Canada, for instance, called Mondo’s the day he died and bought my family dinner; others from other parts of the country donated to dementia and Alzheimer’s research. Many of them encouraged me to compile the posts and blogs to make it a book. ey were the driving force. I can’t thank them enough.
New readers seem taken by the same energy, wit and ways with women this 90-year-old man who thought he looked 50 and acted 30 had. I think the favorite story for many is the “Bu et Slide.” TP
PLAY DAY
Every Wednesday for the past year, Allison Odom, Crystal Abernathy, Katie Finley and Kallea Gaines have gathered together to play mahjong. Finley’s grandmother played the 19th century Chinese game that grew in popularity in America in the 1920s, but none of the other women had before Gaines was gifted a set for Christmas. The others bought their first sets at Ribbons, a local shop that sells modern gamesets.
Luckily at Ribbons they found out about instructional sessions with Tulsa’s own mahjong expert, Jenelle Schatz. After a few sessions with Schatz, and months of practice, the women can play with a little more strategy.
Gaines says it’s two hours of protected time where the weight of the world is left on the doorstep while camaraderie, and a little bit of therapy, makes its way to the game table.
“A person’s personality really comes out,” Finley says, mentioning that Abernathy is not afraid to take a risk. “We’re getting to know everyone on a deeper level. It’s not just play time — I look forward to it.”
The foursome will be participating in Schatz’s annual Mah Jongg Play Day benefit on June 15 at Oaks Country Club. Schatz hosts the event as a benefit to the Alzheimer’s Association in coordination with The Longest Day series called Mah Jongg for Memories. Schatz began playing the game with her husband, Tony, after his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s. The game is revered for its mental stimulation.
When the women play, they throw some money in a donation to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s a friendly competition — after all, everyone cheered as Gaines won the first match at a recent gaming session. TP
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BEYOND THE FLAMES
‘BUILT FROM THE FIRE’ CONNECTS TULSA’S PAST TO THE PRESENT.
BY MASON WHITEHORN POWELLJournalist Victor Luckerson has immersed himself in Greenwood history since 2018 to write his new book “Built from the Fire,” which was released May 23. is work of narrative non ction is a reassessment of how a white mob murdered an estimated 300 Black Tulsans and destroyed $2.7 million worth of their homes and businesses. What sets this account apart is its depth of research, context and how it makes this story relevant to Tulsa today.
Luckerson follows the Goodwin family, who in 1937 bought e Oklahoma Eagle — a newspaper founded in Greenwood in 1922 — all the way up to the present through State Rep. Regina Goodwin. But he chronicles much more than the
Goodwins: revealing the highs and lows of Tulsa’s Black community among shifting political climates, and how they’ve had to continuously advocate for their rights.
“Mayor (G.T. Bynum) and a lot of people in power in Tulsa want to be perceived as representing everyone, so they put a lot of e ort in set dressing to give that appearance,” says Luckerson, who moved to Tulsa in 2019. “But when we get down to brass tacks in the book, I show that Loula Williams and her lawyer tried to get restitution, and more than 100 years later the City of Tulsa has never provided that restitution. To me that’s the core issue.
“We have a list of all the properties that were destroyed, we have a list of everyone
who led a lawsuit back then — through historical research it’s not hard to gure out all the folks who lived in Greenwood at the time who would have been harmed, so really the only issue is having the will to do it.”
In contrast, his book shows how the money invested in Historic Greenwood was used to construct ONEOK Field, the Vast Bank complex and Greenwood Rising museum. In regard to the Race Massacre Centennial, he says: “It was a very political decision to choose the ceremonial route over the legal route or route towards restitution.”
Luckerson’s book is about much more than a massacre, it shows a living community that despite past and ongoing struggles has raised itself up. TP
Tulsa’s Future is the Tulsa Regional Chamber-led regional economic development partnership that works with the City of Tulsa, hundreds of private investors, and regional and tribal partners to bring transformational investment to the Tulsa region.
Since its inception in 2005, Tulsa’s Future has generated more than 72,500 jobs and more than $4.25 billion in capital investment. More than 200 public and private investors have supported Tulsa’s Future during the past 18 years.
The future of Tulsa is bright thanks to economic development!
SCAN TO VIEW THE TULSA’S FUTURE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
GOOD HUMOR
MUSICIAN’S NEW PROJECT POKES FUN AT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THE ARTIST.
BY JULIE WENGER WATSONHistory has shown adversity can inspire art. Tulsa musician Cody Clinton’s latest project, Cody Clinton and the April Fools, is a case in point. Born out of pandemic-imposed desperation, Clinton’s creative response to COVID’s signi cant professional and personal challenges has resulted in a new album and a rekindled passion for his music.
Known for his work with wife, Desirae Roses-Clinton of Desi and Cody, as well as with Cody Brewer of Cody Brewer Band, Clinton was a full-time musician with a calendar of con rmed gigs when the world, and his livelihood, shut down in early 2020. He headed to Golden Pawn Two, his favorite pawnshop, to swap gear for cash, only to discover it was closing down.
“Basically, I was really bummed out about everything — me getting to be a little bit older, my career and music in the face of the pandemic, pawning my guitar to pay the bills, and all this kind of stu ,” he recalls.
Like any good musician, Clinton went home and started writing songs. e satirical “Tulsa is the Next Austin,” released on April 1, was one of them.
“It was kind of a joke,” he says. “I’m making fun of myself and the music industry.” at joke caught the ear of Clinton’s friend, former Tulsa drummer Dylan Field Turner, who had just built a studio in his New Orleans home. e two musicians began to work remotely, recording Clinton’s new songs with Clinton on vocals, bass and guitar; Turner on drums; Roses-Clinton with harmony; and Norman-based musician and music gear repairman Kyle Reid adding Wurlitzer from the instrument he’d had in his shop.
e album is tentatively scheduled for release later this summer. While the project won’t be replacing Clinton’s focus on Desi and Cody, it’s provided a happy diversion.
“I like this project because I don’t have to burn it out as bad. Now that I have a day job (as an electrician), I don’t have to lean on any of it as a primary source of income,” he says. “It can be a lot more fun, and I don’t have to take it as seriously.” TP
FROM THE HEART
COUNCIL OAK MEN’S CHORALE COMMEMORATES 25 YEARS OF MAKING MUSIC.
BY TIFFANY HOWARDSunset light plays o the stained-glass windows as the Council Oak Men’s Chorale sings “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as they rehearse for their Spring Fling Cabaret — the rst in a four-part concert series that will commemorate the group’s 25th anniversary year. Coupled with the sanctuary’s end-of-day glow, their voices lifted in song to this classic ballad creates a beauty so urgent it makes you want to call someone you love.
Made up of 30-40 active gay and gaya rming members, COMC was formed a year after Rick Fortner gathered a group of 12 to provide music for a World AIDS Day memorial service in 1997. For the men singing now — which includes two members
from that rst year, John Draper and Kevin Barrentine — this is their sanctuary within a sanctuary. Not only because Fellowship Congregational Church has thrown its doors wide open for COMC to practice and hold concerts, but also because the bonds they’ve formed with one another as “Oakmen” over the years run deep.
“We’ve been through deaths and births and divorces and sicknesses,” says longtime member Al “Doobie” Warren. Warren, a baritone, rst joined the group in 2011 after his husband Curtis Austin surprised Warren by driving him to an audition.
“I literally came out again,” he says. “I hadn’t really sung since I moved out here in ’91. It was kind of like a homecoming for
me. But it was my people, which made it that much more signi cant.” Also battling leukemia at the time, he says being a part of the group helped him cope with the fear until being declared cancer free in 2012.
First tenor Ryan Lobrecht joined the group in 2021. “It’s a safe community where you’re supported and loved, and you can develop friendships in a place where people can come for respite,” he says.
e choir’s name comes from the Creek Council Oak Tree at East 18th Street and South Cheyenne Avenue and is a nod to the strong spirit of the Lochapoka Creek Indians in the face of forced removal, as well as to hope for a more inclusive future.
“ ere are a lot of parallels to the LGBTQ community, the trials and the strife and the things that (Native Americans have) gone through, that we go through,” Warren says.
Elizabeth Curtis, FCC’s music director, rst came on board as COMC’s artistic director in 2006 — a dream gig, she says. “I think (the performances) allow us to reach all parts of the community,” she says. “We don’t sing ‘in-your-face, we’re-a-gay-group’ music. We just sing great music. We are accepting, and are really for justice, equality, unity and love. at’s our message. And that goes across any cultural lines.”
“It’s not political. It’s just music from the heart,” Warren adds. “We are trying to convey that we’re here and need to be accepted. Period.
“It’s far more reaching than just the people in Tulsa,” he continues. “We’ve brought family from out of state to come see us perform, and that spreads the message, ‘Hey, we’re just like everybody else. We’re human. And we’re talented.’”
Learn more about COMC at counciloak. org. TP
SEE THE COUNCIL OAK MEN’S CHORALE IN CONCERT
JUNE 9, 10: SUMMER LOVE
OCT. 21: FALL FLAVORS CABARET
DEC. 5, 7, 8: WINTER HOLIDAYS
All concerts begin at 8 p.m. and are held at Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 S. Harvard Ave.
who will go on to better our world.
PERSONAL OUTLET
HUMMIN’ BIRD BRINGS NUANCE TO THE TULSA MUSIC SCENE.
STORIES BY JULIE WENGER WATSONFrom the BOK Center and the historic Cain’s Ballroom to Maggie’s Music Box and Mercury Lounge, there’s live music seven days a week in Tulsa. While it’s easy to assume country and Americana de ne the scene, just a scratch to the surface reveals a thriving underground where creativity ourishes and bands like Hummin’ Bird blur genres to produce a sound uniquely their own.
“I feel like everyone knows that the ‘Tulsa Sound’ is here, and they know it’s de nitely a music town, but they may not know that, on any given night of the week, there may be some bar in midtown with a crazy sold out Goth show, or a heavy metal showcase with bands from all around the country at Cain’s.
ere’s something here for just about every ear. It’s just about going out and nding it,” Hummin’ Bird vocalist Mitch Woodson says.
Although the band is strongly in uenced by e Replacements, an ’80s hardcore punk band turned alt-rock pioneers, Hummin’ Bird describes its own music as just rock ‘n’ roll.
“People think it’s punching through walls, Sid Vicious-style, and screaming in your face when you say punk rock,” Woodson explains.
Woodson, guitarist Braden Franklin,
bassist Gray Hightower and drummer/ former bandmember Kiefer Bassett (Nick Flores, owner of Whittier Bar, is the band’s current drummer), recorded their rst fulllength album, “Underneath Scum Light,” at Kansas City’s Weights and Measures Soundlab in summer 2021. Quality issues with the vinyl delayed its release until January 2023. Although frustrated by the setback, Woodson says it gave the band time to write and begin recording an EP they plan to release this summer.
Woodson and Franklin, who bartend, and Hightower, who works at Big Al’s Healthy Foods, have no plans to quit their day jobs to pursue their music full time.
“None of us does this because we want to make money,” Franklin says. “We do this because it’s our stress release from our nine to ves.”
Woodson agrees.
“I think that’s the monolithic thought behind a lot of punk music, trying to get out something that you can’t get out in your normal life,” he says. “ at’s why I’m up there screaming on stage, just trying to nd an outlet for the stu going on in the world.”
Visit humminbird.bandcamp.com for more about the band or listen to them live at the Whittier Bar on June 24. TP
WILDERADO RELEASES LIVE ALBUM
Tulsa-based alt-rock band Wilderado hit the ground running post-pandemic, with close to eight months of tour dates in 2022. The trio, Max Rainer (lead vocals, guitar), Justin Kila (drums) and Tyler Wimpee (guitar, vocals), returned from the road with hundreds of recordings captured by their audio engineer, fellow Tulsan Davis McCoy, who had faithfully recorded every show.
On April 28, the band released “Wilderado Live,” their first-ever live album. Mixed by Grammyaward winning producer and engineer Ryan Hewitt (who has worked with The Lumineers, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more), the record delivers the energy and excitement of Wilderado’s live performances.
According to Rainer, the songs on the new live album span the band’s entire catalog, including live versions of music from their last release. Although Rainer’s a fan of live records, he finds it hard to listen to his own performances. He credits bandmate Wimpee for sifting through hours of music to find just the right tracks for this LP.
“It’s like watching game film,” Rainer laughs. “I think too much about, ‘How’s my pitch? How’s this? How’s that?’ The more I think about that, the more I kind of end up ruining the performance for myself.”
According to Rainer, the band is already busy recording a new studio album they hope to finish this summer. The band will perform at several fall festivals, and recently announced tour dates opening for My Morning Jacket this month. For more, visit wilderado.co. TP
PIP, PIP, HOORAY
NEXT
FILM SCREENING AT THE OUTSIDERS HOUSE MUSEUM FEATURES A FAVORITE PIGTAILED REDHEAD.
BY SARA PLUMMERWarmer weather means it’s time to grab a lawn chair, eat dinner from a food truck and enjoy the outdoors. And where better to get outside than e Outsiders House Museum.
e house, lming location and now museum will host a June 3 screening of the 1988 family lm “ e New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking” along with a meet-andgreet with star Tami Erin, who played the titular character.
It’s the latest in a series of lms on the lawn hosted by the museum, 731 N. St. Louis Ave., that also have included other 1980s classics such as “Valley Girl,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Friday the 13th” and “Rumble Fish.” But of course, it all started with “ e Outsiders.”
“It’s a pop culture museum, why don’t we show other aspects of pop culture,” says Danny Boy O’Connor, e Outsiders House executive director.
Most of the screenings also feature a meet-and-greet with a star of the lm.
Erin says she got connected to e Outsiders House Museum after moving to Oklahoma in spring 2022 with her boyfriend, Tommy Parker, who is from Tulsa.
“I rst came to Tulsa from Los Angeles about eight years ago to visit Tommy and knew I loved it from that moment,” she says. “Now I live at Grand Lake and enjoy it as a water sports paradise with a bit of country.
I get to stare out of this beautiful picture window and see cows every single morning. During the spring and summer, it’s so beautiful, just how green the grass and trees are. Oklahoma is truly a sight to see for anyone who has never been before.”
Erin visited e Outsiders House Museum more than a year ago and met Donnie Rich, the museum’s event coordinator.
“I grew up a fan of ‘ e Outsiders’ movie before I played Pippi. at amazing cast was an in uence on my life and inspiration to get into acting. I believe Pippi would have been a Greaser at heart,” she says. “I’m looking forward to meeting people from Tulsa, signing autographs and reliving the amazing experience of making this movie with everybody in Tulsa.”
Rich says the lms on the lawn, which also include a food truck, are a great way to get people to the museum and bring a fun event to the neighborhood.
“It de nitely brings people to an area of Tulsa who may never have been here before, and it gives people in the neighborhood a chance to walk down the street, eat some great food and take pride in where they live.”
For more details on the lm series, visit facebook.com/theoutsidershousemuseum and click on the events section. General admission tickets for the screening are $16.50-$20. VIP tickets are $40. TP
THIS MONTH AT Circle Cinema
Reservation Dogs
Beginning June 6
Free weekly screenings of seasons 1 and 2 of FX’s “Reservation Dogs” begin at 7 p.m. on June 6. Two episodes will be shown each week. Whether it’s your first viewing or a rewatch of favorite episodes, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the adventures of the Rez Dogs before season 3 premieres on Hulu in August. The free episode screenings are courtesy of FX Networks.
National Theatre Live: Good
7 p.m., June 15
National Theatre Live brings the best British theatre to audiences around the world. This month, David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) makes a muchanticipated return in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays. As the world faces its second World War, German professor John Halder finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.
“What Do They Want From My Life?”
An Evening with Barry Friedman
7 p.m., June 18
You’ll get comedy, buffet tips, family dysfunction and wisdom from Barry Friedman’s new book “Jack Sh*t,” honoring the mother of all fathers this Father’s Day — his father, Jack Friedman. Tickets available that include a signed copy of the book.
Grateful Dead 2023 Meet Up at the Movies
7 p.m., June 22; 2 p.m., June 24
Calling all Deadheads! The fanfavorite annual meet-up at the movies returns for 2023 with a special presentation of the Dead live in Chicago on June 22, 1991. In front of 60,000 fans, the Dead played what is often considered one of the greatest shows of the Bruce Hornsby-Vince Welnick era. Note, the show is nearly three hours in length.
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TulsaPeople thanks our readers and everyone who supported Tulsa’s local businesses by participating in the 2023 A-LIST Awards. Our 600+ A-LIST winners appreciate your 70,459 votes and so do we. Thank you for celebrating Tulsa with us!
CREATIVE FLOW
WATERWORKS ART CENTER OFFERS AN EXPANSIVE CATALOG OF ART COURSES AND STUDIO USE.
STORIES BY ETHAN VEENKERTucked away in the back of Newblock Park and within view of the Arkansas River is WaterWorks Art Center, 1710 Charles Page Blvd., one of Tulsa’s veritable hidden gems.
“I think if I had a nickel for every time someone said, ‘We have lived in Tulsa for decades and we never knew this place existed,’ we wouldn’t have to charge anything for our classes,” says Lee Anne Zeigler, who has been WaterWorks’ executive director more than 10 years.
Its focus is on art education, and classes include ceramics, ber, drawing, painting, jewelry and more, for a variety of ages.
“I believe that our mission is accomplished very well here, and that is ‘Art for everyone,’” Zeigler says.
Prices range from $35-$195 (based on the number of hours of instruction) and span multiple sessions.
One popular annual draw at WaterWorks is the kids’ Summer Art Camp, a substantive two-week hands-on experience for anyone between ages 7 and 11 with an interest in art. Registration has come and
gone for this year, but it’s worth planning ahead for 2024 if you’ve got a tyke with a creative streak.
Beyond hosting roughly 30 classes a season — with talented instructors like Yusuf Etudaiye (ceramics), Lynn Tedder (weaving) and Taylor Painter-Wolfe ( ber art) among many others — the space is available for private use, too.
“I’m just in love with our programming,” Zeigler says, who herself teaches the occasional class in colored pencil or landscape design. “And none of it would be possible without our teaching artists. ey’re the vital force.”
WaterWorks o ers private rental opportunities for birthdays or group sessions, but the space’s potential for individual use is best complemented by the Open Studio, whereby anyone who has taken at least one class in their preferred medium and has paid the requisite fee may access the studio space during business hours to work on a personal project of their choice.
Visit waterworksartcenter.com for more info and to nd the course program. TP
When he gets in front of a pottery wheel, Yusuf Etudaiye is quick and focused. The mark of the beginner is constant hesitation; of the expert: undistracted work until the thing is done. Etudaiye falls into the latter camp.
“Sculpting is chemistry,” he says. “It’s physics.” The tactile aspect makes it the most satisfying type of art for him, whereby you can take a lump of mud and turn it into something beautiful.
Etudaiye, who emigrated from Okene, Nigeria, at age 19 to study art in Oklahoma, is a veteran teacher of the arts. He taught classes at various events and facilities over the years, including his own Etudaiye Pottery Studio in McAlester, and has been a resident art instructor at WaterWorks since 2013.
“It’s been a wonderful place (with) a wonderful spirit,” Etudaiye says. “It’s one place here that I’m always excited to come to. Every time I wake up, I feel good.”
And how to know when you’re done? When has that mud fully transformed into something you could call art?
“Well,” Etudaiye responds, “when I’m happy.” Then he laughs. And he sounds quite happy indeed.
Etudaiye will be at the Nescatunga Arts Festival in Alva, which runs June 2-4, and in “ArtNow: The Soul is a Wanderer” group exhibit at Oklahoma Contemporary through January 2024. Visit waterworksartcenter. com to register for one of his summer pottery courses. TP
HE’S DONE WHEN he’s happyYusuf Etudaiye
BIG SOLUTIONS
CITY LIGHTS VILLAGE AND EDEN VILLAGE LEADERS
ON CREATING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
BY CONNIE CRONLEYThe bad news is that Tulsa has a problem: a shortage of a ordable housing and a growing homeless population.
e good news is the city recognizes this and has rolled up its sleeves to start digging its way out. Multiple sources — city leadership, philanthropic donors, social service organizations — are working both together and separately before the homeless levees potentially break and overwhelm the community.
Two nonpro t organizations are addressing homelessness with similar solutions: communities of tiny houses.
TulsaPeople spoke with Sarah Grounds, founder and executive director of City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma, which will operate City Lights Village, and Brad Johnson, founder of Eden Village of Tulsa Inc.
City Lights has been working with Tulsans experiencing homelessness for 10 years and visiting and studying similar villages in multiple states for ve years. It is a partner with the city’s continuum of care A Way Home for Tulsa and has an extensive volunteer base. As a former hospital ICU trauma/neuro nurse, Grounds understands the medical issues of many people experiencing homelessness.
Eden Village was established as a nonpro t in May 2022. Johnson has volunteered with local homeless support organizations
and researched other tiny home villages for two years. As a small business owner and member of Tulsa’s Home Builders Association for 33 years, he brings business acumen and construction experience.
WHAT IS THE
PLAN?
City Lights: A 23-acre village of 75 small modular homes built in triplexes in a gated community with a community center, orchards and gardens located near 46 Street North, west of Peoria.
Eden Village: A village of 17 acres for 63 tiny homes (also triplex model), a community center and space for gardens and walking located in northwest Tulsa on 61st West Avenue. It is about 3 miles west of downtown Tulsa on Charles Page Boulevard.
WHAT SIZE ARE THE HOMES AND WHY ARE THEY BUILT IN TRIPLEXES?
Homes in both villages are 400 square feet and intended for single occupancy. Each has a separate entry; three are built together to meet city zoning codes.
HOW WILL THE VILLAGES WORK?
e homes will be owned by Eden Village and City Lights Village. Residents will pay rent, utilities included: $400 at City Lights,
$350 at Eden Village. Both villages will provide wraparound individual support services for physical, mental and emotional needs.
HOW WILL THEY CHOOSE THE RESIDENTS?
Both will conduct an application and interview process.
WHAT IS THE COST? HOW WILL THEY RAISE FUNDS?
City Lights: Planning a comprehensive integrated campaign that will come in under $20 million and includes long-term sustainability and operations.
Eden Village: $5.9 million. Johnson is challenging churches and businesses to underwrite a house for $50,000.
Both organizations are seeking donations and will apply for grants where applicable.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?
City Lights: Will break ground when infrastructure funds are raised.
Eden Village: Grading and laying pipes for water and sewage have begun.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION, VOLUNTEER OR VISIT THE SITES.
City Lights: Visit citylightsok.org for information, email village@citylightsok.org with questions or to arrange a tour of the property.
Eden Village: Visit edenvillagetulsa.org or email edenvillagetulsa@gmail.com to visit a model home or site visit. TP
In February, Housing Solutions released findings from the annual Point-in-Time Count, an annual survey of people experiencing homelessness in Tulsa County conducted the last week of January. A lack of affordable housing was a claim made by 44% of the 1,133 respondents.
Some of its findings include:
• 14% are currently employed
• 30% reported mental health struggles as a cause of homelessness
• 54% stated domestic violence was a factor related to their homeless experience
• 61% of respondents have a disabling condition
• The number of those surveyed increased 8.6% from 2021.
• No. 1 cause of homelessness reported: lack of affordable housing
SENIORS NEED YOUR HELP
Charitable Events
COMPILED BY TIFFANY HOWARD
Through June 18 Dream Home Tour
Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. DREAMHOME.ORG
1 Craft Golf Tournament
10-11
Garden Tour
Benefits Tulsa Master Gardeners. TULSAMASTERGARDENERS ORG
15
A Stately Affair
HUNGRY FOR MORE THAN A MEAL
Starting this month, seniors are experiencing a significant cut to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Senior households are seeing an average of $93 cuts to their monthly grocery budget. These changes come when food prices have increased 10% month over month.
Please donate today and help ensure that our homebound seniors can age at home with dignity and without the fear of hunger.
Get
MealsOnWheelsTulsa org
Play Day
BENEFIT
Experience the fun of playing Mah Jongg , the 19th century game developed in China and popular in the United States since the 1920s.
Our event—a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma—will include lunch, a silent auction, favors and prizes. Suggested donation: $50.00. Come and have fun...for a great cause!
Questions? Email jenelle.schatz@gmail.com.
Thursday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Oaks Country Club
Benefits Craft Productions of Oklahoma.
CRAFTPRODUCTIONS ORG/FUNDRAISERS
Evening of Giving
Benefits Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation. TULSAHBA.COM
2 The Party: Just Wear White
Benefits Family and Children’s Services. THEPARTYOK.COM
2, 16, 30
Zoo Nights
Benefits Tulsa Zoo. TULSAZOO ORG/ZOONIGHTS
3 Ascension St. John Street Party
Benefits Ascension St. John’s heart and vascular services. STJOHNSTREETPARTY COM
Every Moment Counts Run/Walk
Benefits Clarehouse. CLAREHOUSE ORG/EVENTS
Inspire: A Night of Entertainment
Benefits The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. NIGHTTOINSPIRE ORG
Tulsa Parkinson’s Rally Walk
Benefits Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. OKLAHOMAPA ORG
5
Swing for Sight
Benefits Vizavance. VIZAVANCE ORG
Benefits Oklahoma State University Foundation. ASTATELYAFFAIR COM
Mah Jongg Play Day
Benefits Alzheimer’s Association. JENELLE SCHATZ@GMAIL COM
16
Celebrate LIFE
Benefits LIFE Senior Services. LIFESENIORSERVICES ORG
TU Uncorked
Benefits University of Tulsa Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. TUALUMNI.COM/UNCORKED
19
Tom Boyd Memorial Golf Classic
Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
FACEBOOK.COM/CFFEASTERNOKLAHOMA
24
Popping Bottles
Benefits Emergency Infant Services. EISTULSA ORG
25 St. Jude Dream Home Winner Announcement Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. DREAMHOME ORG
Red Ribbon Gala
One of the most fabulous parties of the year happened April 22 at the Cox Business Convention Center. Amidst disco balls and showers of confetti, Red Ribbon Gala held its largest event ever with 650 guests in attendance. After a dinner prepared by Chef Devin Levine, additional activities included a live auction and dancing to DJ Charlie B. Proceeds raised amounted to more than $1.2 million, which will go directly to Tulsa CARES programs and services benefiting low-income individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C in the Tulsa area.
1. Honoree Benjamin Stewart, Co-chair Ryan Jude Tanner, Honoree Christopher Murphy and Co-chair Jay Krottinger. Stewart and Murphy received the Patricia G. Chernicky Luminary award for their continuous compassion, leadership and support of Tulsa CARES.
2. Mayor G.T. Bynum with wife Susan Bynum
3. Olivia Jordan, former Miss U.S.A. and the evening’s emcee, dances with husband and actor Jay Hector.
4. The Studio 66 crew displays the night’s theme — Red Disco Chic — on the red carpet.
5. Guests Babi Martins, Katherine Kruger, Taylor Tidwell and Rebekah Danae
6. 2024 Chairs Shawna Burroughs and Tony Li
7. Guest Sarah Eliza Roberts enjoys the party out on the dance floor.
8. Pat Chernicky with Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Brian Schneider, CEO of Blue Sky Bank
Opera Ball
With a whimsical theme of Fêté de Fees, meaning “fairy tale ball,” Tulsa Opera held its 63rd annual Opera Ball April 8 at the historic Mayo Hotel. The evening began with the presentation of the 2023 Squires and Debutantes in the Mayo’s lobby, followed by a waltz between the honorees and their parents. Guests were then adjourned to the Crystal Ballroom for an enchanted garden reception featuring Tulsa Youth Symphony cello duo, hors d’oeuvre and themed cocktails. During dinner, guests were treated to a specially curated performance by the Tulsa Opera Filstrup Resident Artists and a special guest performance by Sarah Coburn. All funds raised benefit Tulsa Opera’s education and outreach programs to deliver opera in unexpected and innovative ways to the community.
1. 2023 Debutantes Megan Mullen, Ella O’Brian, Abigail Heffernan, Ella Mabrey, Jayden Wheeler and Annabelle Main
2. 2023 Squires Christian Trussell, Lance Kramer, Jake Craft, Christopher Croteau and Nelson Stewart
3. Operatic soprano Sarah Coburn sings “When You Wish Upon a Star” as part of the evening’s performances.
4. Margee Filstrup with husband Scott Filstrup, Tulsa Opera board member; Amanda Viles, Tulsa Opera’s chief development officer; Teresa McConnell with husband Ken McConnell, Tulsa Opera’s CEO and general manager
5. Tulsa Opera Filstrup Resident Artists Sam Briggs, Alex Johnson, Maddie Breedlove and Christian Bester
6. Siblings Ruby and George Rothermel enjoy the after-dinner dancing to live music by The Get Down.
7. Tulsa Youth Symphony cello duo David Keck and Dylan Perez play during the reception.
May performances of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into
Tune into Tulsa’s Eclectic, uniquely programmed, local music loving, commerical free, genre hopping, award-winning, truly alternative music station.
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Hey, Tulsa!
Gathering Place is celebrating its 5TH ANNIVERSARY in September and you’re invited to enter your photos in our photo contest to celebrate Tulsa’s Park for All!
It’s easy to enter and you could win ONE OF FIVE Shop & Dine packages valued at $250!
Just submit your photos taken at Tulsa’s Gathering Place anytime during the past 4.5 years by June 30 Photos will be judged by TulsaPeople staff in five different categories. Up to 25 winning photographs will appear in the September issue of TulsaPeople and its digital platforms. Some of the winning photographs will also be displayed in the park during the special anniversary weekend.
Photography categories include:
BIG AIR
USA BMX FOUNDATION AND TERENCE CRUTCHER FOUNDATION
PARTNER TO ENGAGE AND EDUCATE KIDS THROUGH THE SPORT OF BMX.
STORY BY KRISTI EATON | MICHELLE POLLARD PHOTOS BYSalomon Young was bored and looking for something to do last summer when he learned about a new pilot program for youth to participate in BMX motocross.
Young joined R.I.S.E., a six-month pilot mentorship and education program for “Resiliency, Inclusion, Social awareness and Education” through a partnership between USA BMX Foundation and the Terence Crutcher Foundation, which works to end racial violence and racial inequities.
“I just joined it for some fun in the summer,” says Young, a 13-year-old who attends Collegiate Hall. “My grandpa told my mom about it, and he thought it’d be good if I was there.”
What started as something to beat boredom has turned into a passionate hobby and a way to learn valuable life lessons as a youth. Young had tried BMX once before, so he was fairly new when he joined R.I.S.E, which launched on Juneteenth 2022.
That’s exactly what Shane Fernandez , president and chairman of USA BMX, was going for when he made a declaration at the ribbon cutting ceremony in February 2022 for the opening of USA BMX’s headquarters at 490 N. Lansing Ave. Fernandez knew he wanted to start some sort of program geared toward underserved youth with the goal, he says, that a national champion would soon come out of north Tulsa, where the headquarters are located.
“I thought one of the things we needed to do, especially with the history of the site — where we’re located — was to make sure we were helping
in north Tulsa,” Fernandez says. “One of the things I said at the ribbon cutting was like, ‘Hey, we’re going to do a program. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but we’re going to do it.’”
He met with Tiffany Crutcher of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, who asked Fernandez about BMX: What is it and how could it help the community?
“We just shared some stories,” Fernandez says. “We both had some recent family trauma at the time, and I told her, ‘... BMX probably saved my life. I was an at-risk youth, and I just think about how much that bicycle meant for me to just kind of escape those negative circles of influence.’”
Soon, R.I.S.E. was designed and implemented as a pilot program with 16 boys and five girls participating. They each received a bike, gear and a jersey.
“Anytime we can expose north Tulsa youth to an activity that is kind of outside of their scope is always beneficial,” says Eric Gill, director of community engagement for the Terence Crutcher Foundation. “Not too many African Americans participate in BMX. Exposure is a huge part of it. The reason why it’s important is because it’s active learning.”
PROGRAM FOCUSED ON STEAM LEARNING, OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Not only did the youth, who ranged from fourth to eighth grade, get to ride their own BMX bike, but along the way they also learned science principles
like inertia and the mechanics of the bicycle.
Along with improving self-confidence and self-actualization, Gill says the kids learned practical skills as well as how to overcome obstacles one may struggle with.
Speakers from the north Tulsa community led discussions with the youth, including lawyer Damario Solomon-Simmons from Justice for Greenwood, a grassroots organization seeking justice and reparations for those personally or generationally harmed by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and Obum Ukabam, executive director of Phoenix Rising, an alternative high school for students involved with or are at high risk for involvement with the juvenile justice system.
The kids also toured the Greenwood District, led by Chief Egunwale Amusan of the African Ancestral Society, to learn about the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Throughout the program the kids kept a journal of their experiences. Fernandez says the pilot program was divided into sections: It started with the question “Where did you come from?” The middle segment of the program was “Where do you want to go?” And the last segment of the program was “How do you get there?”
Fernandez says while the youth left with a bike, more importantly, they ended with an archive. It was “a journal where they could sit there, look back and take a look at some of the goals.”
That bike also will come in handy for some of the participants. Fernandez says while some of
the kids say they’d take theirs to Gathering Place or ride around town, others say the bike will help them go to the store for their mom or dad and get groceries.
“It really is access,” he says. “It’s a relatively cheap sport to get into. It keeps kids healthy. But really, it really opens the perspective and the bandwidth of children and gives them access to whatever it is that they need at that point.”
Among the co-ed students was Young, who had to learn how to overcome some anxiety to keep pedaling forward.
“I was kind of scared for a while to go down hills,” says Young, adding he soon learned to embrace he would crash sometimes, but had to get back on and keep riding. “It’s not all about going fast, being fast. And being better than others,” he says. “It’s more like accepting that I’m slower. I’m not as fast as you. I can’t get over those hills. I can’t jump as high as you with the bike. But you just have to accept that and you have to try to get better.”
Young competed in the Grand Nationals, which hosted over 3,500 riders from 49 states and 18 countries, over Thanksgiving weekend with two other R.I.S.E. participants, who were chosen by the group to represent them.
“Last year was the biggest BMX race in world history,” Fernandez says about the annual event held at Expo Square. “These three kids went from not really having a lot of confidence on a bike, or in some cases, not knowing how to ride a bike, to
racing against the fastest people on the planet. It was just amazing to watch how fast they grew and the things they’ve learned. Some of them would fall over, and they have to get back up.”
BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
While Young and his friends and fellow riders were part of a pilot program, Gill says R.I.S.E. is going to return and expand this summer.
The pilot project sessions were held twice a month for six months, Gill says, but starting in June, participants will be divided into cohorts and practice every week for three months.
“We’ll have a strong representation at Grand Nationals, which takes place here in Tulsa at the Fairgrounds,” Gill says. “We’re looking to expand, and we’re looking to reach more kids.”
Fernandez says there are conversations with Tulsa Public Schools about a modified model for schools, and he hopes to engage with youth from east Tulsa as well and then keep going.
“Bigger picture, we already have interest from Oklahoma City,” Fernandez says. “We have some corporations that have reached out that want to be a part of this. And then we have other cities across the country that have heard about it that are asking a little bit about it as well. We now have our first year under our belt at the facility. The story of this program is spreading quickly. As our funding and team expand, I can’t wait to expand into more communities.” TP
Juneteenth celebrates freedom dating back to June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people be freed. In Tulsa, the annual celebration is the biggest in the nation. And for some this year’s Juneteenth is in honor of a late organizer’s legacy.
CELEBRATION
BORN FOR THE ROLE
Tulsa’s historic Juneteenth festival is back on June 15-17, in celebration of the June 19 holiday of liberation, with a new face at the helm.
Executive Director Lauren Corbitt worked with Tulsa Juneteenth for seven years, organizing vendors and entertainment for the multi-day event under the leadership of her mother, Sherry Gamble Smith, and alongside sister Lindsey Corbitt
Last year’s celebration was the biggest in the nation, according to Lauren Corbitt, who is lling big shoes taking on the role her mother held. Gamble Smith, a community leader and champion for the festival, died unexpectedly in July 2022.
says. “Our wellness component is huge.” Last year there was a fun run, and she says this year there will also be a 5K, in addition to health-related vendors.
Juneteenth also has a focus on creativity, with a Juneteenth art gallery available for viewing over the weekend, in addition to the annual staples like the kids’ zone with games and activities. “We’re also having some kid performances,” Corbitt says.
She moved back to Tulsa two years ago and has experience coordinating events and organizing for Langston University, as well as philanthropic work for Oklahoma State University.
BY BLAYKLEE FREED“She had a real passion for the Tulsa community in so many ways, and she dedicated a lot of her life to providing resources and bringing enlightenment to the community,” she says.
e festival marks the passing of a torch, Corbitt says. “I think my mom ran a great race, not only in life, but in this organization and with the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival,” she says. “We just continue to keep running, and I’ll run my leg of the race, and we’ll see how long that lasts and what that entails. I do it with great intentionality and love for the Tulsa community.”
While steadfast celebrations will be similar to years past — with vendors, live music, food and community in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District — Juneteenth is expanding to include more components for festivalgoers. One goal for this year is to amplify resources available to Black entrepreneurs in Tulsa, including accelerator and incubator programs for startups. Another is access to health care resources.
“It’s really important for us to build wealth and health through this,” Corbitt
For Corbitt, this year’s festival marks a challenging time, as she organizes events through bereavement and without her mom.
“ ere’s a hole there that everyone feels,” she says. “She was the driving force behind this organization, other organizations here in Tulsa, and most of all, my family (as the) matriarch.
“My mother, she was a very God-fearing woman,” Corbitt continues. “I grew up in church, and the foundation of my beliefs are in Christ, and that has been my saving grace — just keeping the faith and trusting that God will help me to continue something that was not just important to my mother and her family, but our community and Tulsa in general.”
In addition to Juneteenth Tulsa, part of Gamble Smith’s legacy is the knowledge and wisdom she imparted upon all her kids, biological, adopted and the ones she worked with. Corbitt, her eldest, says with fundraising and events, “she was teaching us organizational skills, nancial literacy, how to interview or how to talk to people. ere were so many things that she taught. It’s almost like I was prepared for it.” TP
NEW JUNETEENTH COORDINATOR CONTINUES A FAMILY LEGACY.Lauren Corbitt is the new executive director of Tulsa Juneteenth after seven years serving under her late mother Sherry Gamble Smith (inset).
JUNETEENTH Let Freedom Ring
BY HANNIBAL B. JOHNSONFree at last. Free at last.
Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
“On the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free….”
Free at last. Free at last.
Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
All-American blood bath raging. More than two years of an unrelenting Civil War. Union versus Confederacy. North versus South. Father versus son.
Free at last. Free at last.
Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
An Emancipation Proclamation issued — Symbolic, but illusory.
Nary a single enslaved person then went free. Absent the North’s military conquest of rebel States, The Emancipation Proclamation would be but a dead letter.
Free at last. Free at last.
Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
Union victory expanding; Eyes on the freedom prize. Black enlistment skyrocketed. Liberated, they would liberate others. Tens of thousands of melanated Union soldiers and sailors, Freeing as they had been freed.
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
Like wildfire, the word spread. Murmurings. Shouts. Hallelujah choruses. Eventually, the free would know of their freedom.
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
A latter-day Gabriel appeared. Galveston, Texas, June 19, 1865. Major General Gordon Granger delivered the gospel. The Union triumphed over the defiant Confederacy. The Emancipation Proclamation yet lived.
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
In an otherwise unremarkable summer, The fates would have their day. June 19, 1865.
Freedom Day — Juneteenth. The day emancipation touched down
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we’re free at last.
“I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States … will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.”
Hannibal B. Johnson, a Harvard Law School graduate, is an author, attorney, consultant and college professor. He writes and lectures about the history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District. His books include “Black Wall Street 100,” “Black Wall Street,” “Up from the Ashes” and “Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District.”JUNE 15 -17, 2023
A three-day, community-based collaborative celebration of Juneteenth that includes musical performances by nationally-acclaimed artists, open mic, visual art, educational workshops, performances by local artists and much more.
BLOCK PARTY • WELLNESS • ART EXHIBITION • INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATION
Founded in 2008, the Rotary Club of Tulsa’s Above and Beyond Awards recognize Tulsa’s Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year. The event acknowledges these public servants for outstanding acts of character, commitment and compassion to both their profession and our community.
2023 Firefighter of the Year Captain Joey Marshall
Captain Marshall has served the TFD for 17 years. He is pictured here with his crew at fire station No. 3. Marshall requested his team be in the photo because they each share his dedication and sincere desire to help others.
Marshall is the co-founder of Tulsa’s annual 9/11 Stair Climb in remembrance of the 415 NYC first responders who sacrificed their lives to help save others during the worst terrorist attack on the U.S. Each participant wears a lanyard with a fallen hero’s name and photo and has the option to carry a 25-pound firehose inscribed with each hero’s name. His Station 3 team carries that firehose every year up and down the 110 flights (2,200 steps). The Climb averages 200 to 250 first responders’ participation and raises funds for Hydrants of Hope, which benefits children fighting cancer.
He is an active member of New Beginnings Church in Bixby. He has served as a youth pastor, teaches a weekly Young Adult/College Ministry program, performs weddings and provides pre-marital counseling at no charge.
Marshall is also a member of F2F, a mental health support group for Tulsa Fire members. This group helps support firefighters experiencing struggles that often accompany emergency response careers.
2023 Police Officer of the Year Officer Josh Metcalf
Officer Metcalf has served the TPD for 12 years. He served two years in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Nashville (LPD13). He is currently stationed at the TPD Gilcrease Division and is primarily assigned downtown.
Raised in Stillwater, Metcalf was exposed to Special Olympics Oklahoma which became his passion. He volunteers for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to increase awareness and raise funds for Special Olympics. Law enforcement are the Guardians of the Flame of Hope. Officers and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of all its competitions. In 2018 Metcalf was a Final Leg Torch Runner at the Special Olympics National Games in Seattle.
Earlier this year he was awarded the Tim Stafford “Unsung Hero” award by Special Olympics OK for his contribution to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. On the same day, TPD unveiled its newly-wrapped patrol vehicle (pictured here) to promote the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics. The bright blue wrap includes the Torch flame, logo, quotes and photos of Special Olympics athletes.
The 2023 Above and Beyond Service Awards is available for viewing on YouTube at https://www.facebook.com/TulsaRotary/videos/254735323617229
For more information, visit tulsarotary.com.
His award was presented in honor of late Tulsa Fire Chief E. Stanley Hawkins. He received a trophy, commemorative pin, ribbon and in his name, $4,000 was donated to New Beginnings Church in Bixby.
He volunteers and coordinates the Tulsa Polar Plunge and Tip a Cop fundraisers. He is also a mentor to Special Olympics athletes. He received a trophy, commemorative pin, ribbon and in his name, $4,000 was donated to Special Olympics Oklahoma.
Presenting sponsor:
Firefighter Barret Bowman, Captain Joey Marshall, Firefighter Blake Salt, Firefighter Cody King and Lt. Cody KnightTulsaPeople is proud to present the winners of the annual A-LIST. As voted on by readers through a new, two-part online voting platform, more than 600 businesses are recognized in 125 categories. This year we had nearly 54,000 nominations in our first round of nominations, followed by 70,459 votes in the second round. These are the best in Tulsa — from restaurants and shops to service providers and places to have some fun — all chosen by the readers of TulsaPeople Magazine. Five winners were named in each category, except when ties occurred. As you celebrate Tulsa and the best food, services, shops, attractions and wellness activities, we encourage you to shop local — now more than ever!
As editors, we like to get in on the fun, too. We travel Tulsa from A to Z with our picks for the best in the city.
ASIAN YOKOZUNA yokozunasushi.com
LANNA THAI lannathaitulsa.com
KEO keorestaurant.com
RI LE’S 918-496-2126
GOLDEN GATE goldengatetulsa.com
BAKERY ANTOINETTE BAKING CO. antoinettebakingco.com
MERRITT’S BAKERY merrittsbakery.com
PANCHO ANAYA BAKERY panchoanaya.com
LUDGER’S BAVARIAN CAKERY ludgersbavariancakery.com
MUFFIN TOPS – A BAKERY facebook.com/ muffintopsahomebakery
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES nothingbundtcakes.com
BAR
KILKENNY’S IRISH PUB tulsairishpub.com
MERCURY LOUNGE mercuryloungetulsa.com
MCNELLIE’S mcnellies.com
DINE LOCAL
VALKYRIE valkyrietulsa.com
BIRD AND BOTTLE birdandbottletulsa.com
BARBECUE BURNCO BARBEQUE burnbbq.com
ALBERT G’S BARBECUE albertgs.com
STONE MILL BBQ AND STEAKHOUSE stonemillbbq.com
MAC’S BARBECUE macsbbqok.com
OAKHART BARBECUE oakhartbbq.com
BREAKFAST NEIGHBORHOOD JAM thatsmyjamok.com
BRAMBLE BREAKFAST AND BAR bramblebreakfastandbar. com
SAVOY eatsavoy.com
BROOKSIDE BY DAY brooksidebyday.com
WILDFLOWER CAFE wildflowercafetulsa.com
BREWERY CABIN BOYS BREWERY cabinboysbrewery.com
MARSHALL BREWING CO. marshallbrewing.com
BROKEN ARROW BREWING CO. brokenarrowbrewingco.com
AMERICAN SOLERA americansolera.com
NOTHING’S LEFT BREWING CO. nothingsleftbrewingco.com
BURGER RON’S HAMBURGERS AND CHILI ronsburgersandchili.com
ARNOLD’S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS facebook.com/arnoldstulsa
SOCIETY societyburger.com
KILKENNY’S IRISH PUB tulsairishpub.com
HOWDY BURGER howdyburger.com
CATERING LAMBRUSCO’Z DELI lambruscoz.com
STONE MILL BBQ AND STEAKHOUSE stonemillbbq.com
THE MEAT AND CHEESE SHOW themeatandcheeseshow.com
2 POPS CATERING 2popscatering.com
LUDGER’S CATERING AND EVENTS ludgerscatering.com
CHEAP EATS CONEY I-LANDER coneyi-lander.com
TACOS DON FRANCISCO tacosdonfrancisco.com
QUEENIES queeniesoftulsa.com
TORCHY’S TACOS torchystacos.com
WEBER’S SUPERIOR ROOT BEER DRIVE-IN webersoftulsa.com
COFFEE SHOP LAURANNAE BAKING CO. lbcotulsa.com
COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET chocstulsa.com
DOUBLESHOT COFFEE CO. doubleshotcoffee.com
CIRQUE COFFEE ROASTERS cirquecoffee.com
HODGES BEND hodges-bend.com
DELI/ SANDWICHES
TRENCHERS DELICATESSEN facebook.com/trenchersdeli
QUEENIES queeniesoftulsa.com
LAMBRUSCO’Z DELI lambruscoz.com
DOCTOR KUSTOM doctorkustom.com
JANE’S DELICATESSEN janesdelicatessen.com
DOUGHNUT SHOP SUGAR LLAMAS sugarllamas.com
DAYLIGHT DONUTS daylightdonuts.com
BIG BABY ROLLS AND DONUTS bigbabyrolls.com
LIVI LEE’S livilees.com
HURTS DONUT wannahurts.com
FINE DINING REDROCK CANYON GRILL redrockcanyongrill.com
MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE mahoganyprimesteakhouse. com
THE HEMINGWAY thehemingwaytulsa1515. com
BULL IN THE ALLEY bullinthealley.com
POLO GRILL pologrill.com
GLUTEN-FREE MENU CHIMERA chimeratulsa.com
BIG AL’S HEALTHY FOODS bigalstulsa.com
NEFF BREWING neffbrewing.com
LAMBRUSCO’Z DELI lambruscoz.com
QUE GUSTO quegustotulsa.com
ITALIAN MONDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO mondositalian.com
TI AMO RISTORANTE ITALIANO tiamotulsa.com
DALESANDRO’S ITALIAN CUISINE dalesandros.com
GAMBILL’S PASTARIA AND GROCERY tulsapasta.com
VILLA RAVENNA FINE DINING villaravenna.com
JUICE BAR INHERITANCE KITCHEN AND JUICERY inheritancejuicery.com
EDIBLEND SUPERFOOD CAFE ediblend.com
PURE FOOD AND JUICE purefoodandjuice.com
HTEAO hteao.com
3NATIVES ACAI AND JUICERY 3natives.com
INDIA PALACE theindiapalacetulsa.com
DESI WOK desiwok.net
PITA PLACE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL pita-place.com
SAFFRON MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE saffrontulsa.com
MEXICAN LOS CABOS MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA loscabosok.com
3 TEQUILAS 3tequilas.com
EL RIO VERDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT facebook.com/ elrioverdetulsa
LA TERTULIA latertuliarestaurant.com
EL RANCHO GRANDE MEXICAN FOOD elranchograndemexicanfood. com
NEW RESTAURANT THE HEMINGWAY thehemingwaytulsa1515. com
SHAKY JAKE’S BURGERS AND FRANKS bramblebreakfastandbar. com/shaky-jakes
FREYA: NORDIC KITCHEN freyatulsa.com
ET AL. etaltulsa.com
OLD FAVORITE
KILKENNY’S IRISH PUB tulsairishpub.com
THE BROS. HOULIGAN broshouligan.com
QUEENIES queeniesoftulsa.com
STONE MILL BBQ AND STEAKHOUSE stonemillbbq.com
BOHEMIAN WOODFIRE PIZZA AND HOMEMADE PASTA eastvillagebohemian.com
PIZZA — GOURMET ANDOLINI’S PIZZERIA andopizza.com
HIDEAWAY PIZZA hideawaypizza.com
BOHEMIAN WOODFIRE PIZZA AND HOMEMADE PASTA eastvillagebohemian.com
SAVASTANO’S savastanospizzeria.com
EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE empireslicepizza.com
PIZZA — TAKEOUT/ DELIVERY HIDEAWAY PIZZA hideawaypizza.com
ANDOLINI’S PIZZERIA andopizza.com
THE PIE HOLE PIZZERIA pieholepizzeria.com
EMPIRE SLICE HOUSE empireslicepizza.com
RESTAURANT CURBSIDE/ CARRYOUT MOTHER ROAD MARKET motherroadmarket.com
CHARLESTON’S RESTAURANT charlestons.com
STONE MILL BBQ AND STEAKHOUSE stonemillbbq.com
THE BROS. HOULIGAN broshouligan.com
LAMBRUSCO’Z DELI lambruscoz.com
SEAFOOD WHITE RIVER FISH MARKET whiteriverfishmarket.com
NOLA’S CREOLE AND COCKTAILS nolastulsa.com
BODEAN bodean.net
THE BAYOU facebook.com/thebayouofba
PEACEMAKER LOBSTER AND CRAB peacemakerlobstercrab.com
STEAK MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE mahoganyprimesteakhouse. com
BULL IN THE ALLEY bullinthealley.com
STONE MILL BBQ AND STEAKHOUSE stonemillbbq.com
SMOKE. WOODFIRE GRILL smokewoodfiregrill.com
SUSHI YOKOZUNA yokozunasushi.com
IN THE RAW SUSHI intherawsushi.com
SUSHI HANA sushihanatulsa.com
SUSHI TRAIN sushitraintulsaok.com
FUJI SUSHI BAR TULSA fujitulsa.com
WEEKEND BRUNCH BRAMBLE BREAKFAST AND BAR bramblebreakfastandbar. com
NEIGHBORHOOD JAM thatsmyjamok.com
NOLA’S CREOLE AND COCKTAILS nolastulsa.com
WILD FORK wildforktulsa.com
WILDFLOWER CAFE wildflowercafetulsa.com
WINE LIST VINTAGE WINE BAR winebartulsa.com
WATER’S EDGE WINERY AND BISTRO wewba.com
POLO GRILL pologrill.com
THE HEMINGWAY thehemingwaytulsa1515. com
MEDITERRANEAN /MIDDLE EASTERN /INDIAN SHAWKAT MEDITERRANEAN GRILL shawkat-tulsa.com
HOLÉ MOLÉ instagram.com/ holemoletulsa
UMBERTO’S 918-712-1999
THE HEMINGWAY thehemingwaytulsa1515. com
NOLA’S CREOLE AND COCKTAILS nolastulsa.com
A-LIST EDITORS’ PICKS
AArt from local, regional, national and international artists fills the walls at Royce Myers Gallery, a 6,000-square-foot celebration of culture in the SoBo District. Located at 1706 S. Boston Ave., the experts and enthusiasts at the gallery can help anyone find the perfect piece for any space. ROYCEMYERS.COM
In the cutest little space on Cherry Street, shoppers to Gas Petal Flower Station, 1514 E. 15th St., can build a bouquet by choosing individual stems from a wall of bountiful blooms. Staff will arrange it in the shop’s signature style, ready for you to take home and enjoy — or gift to a loved one. There’s plenty of seasonal gifts, cards and trinkets to treat with, too.
THEGASPETAL.COM
CTravel to the Caribbean without leaving Tulsa with a dish from Sisserou’s, 107 N. Boulder Ave., Suite C. Though the full menu offers plenty of delicious dishes, the Cuban is what everyone talks about in the TulsaPeople office. Don’t forget some Scotch bonnet sauce.
SISSEROUSRESTAURANT.COM
DThe king of all dips: Mazzio’s ranch dressing. Its storied existence — a creamy, herby concoction thick enough for pizza slice dipping or dunking a carrot stick — is second to none. We’ve been known to purchase its 16-ounce family size option all by itself for take-home delight.
MAZZIOS.COM
EStuck in a workout rut?
Why not try a new exercise and routine at Club Pilates. With three area locations — midtown, south and Jenks — the curated programs provide full-body, low-impact workouts to fit a range of abilities and bodies. Plus, an encouraging group is a welcome bonus to your fitness journey.
CLUBPILATES.COM
A-LIST EDITORS’ PICKS
FThere’s nothing quite like First Friday in the Tulsa Arts District. Each month the community comes alive with gallery openings, live performances, entertainment on Guthrie Green and so much more. Try a new restaurant or explore an unfamiliar art facet. There’s plenty to see and do.
THETULSAARTSDISTRICT.ORG
Cater in your next girls’ night with a private, handselected wine pairing and guided tasting event from The Cook’s Bookmark. Chef Tracy Edmiston curates a five-course tasting menu complete with elevated aesthetics for parties up to 22 people. Dinner parties book three months in advance.
THECOOKSBOOKMARK.COM
HFind a hostess gift at Margo’s Gift Shop, 2058 Utica Square. With an 87-year history in Tulsa, Margo’s is a go-to for gift giving. Find seasonal and holiday décor along with Christopher Radko ornaments; Chilewich, Juliska and Vietri home wares; Scout bags; Crane stationary and so much more.
THEMARGOSHOP.COM
Indego Africa baskets from Jenkins and Co. — colorful and practical, they are created using natural materials and build opportunities for the women who make them. The Route 66 shop, 1335 E. 11th St., Suite E, is known for its eclectic home goods, toys, books, leather products, jewelry and items from creatives sourced all over the world.
JENKINSANDCOTULSA.COM
JJoin friends for dinner at Café Ole, 3509 S. Peoria Ave., on its enticing patio. A Brookside staple for decades, diners return for the stacked blue corn enchiladas, molcajete and a robust margarita menu. On Tin Pan Tuesdays, street food selections like tamales, sopes and tacos are only $2.50 each.
CAFEOLEBROOKSIDE.COM
FUN
ADULT EDUCATION
PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART philbrook.org
TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE tulsacc.edu
THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA utulsa.edu
WATERWORKS ART CENTER waterworksartcenter.com
NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY — BROKEN ARROW nsuok.edu/brokenarrow.aspx
BOWLING ANDY B’S bowlandybs.com
DUST BOWL LANES AND LOUNGE dustbowllounge.com
BROKEN ARROW LANES brokenarrowlanes.com
AMF SHERIDAN LANES amf.com/location/ amf-sheridan-lanes-ok
MAIN EVENT mainevent.com
CASINO RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT riverspirittulsa.com
HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO hardrockcasinotulsa.com
OSAGE CASINO HOTEL osagecasino.com
EVENT — NONPROFIT
WALTZ ON THE WILD SIDE — TULSA ZOO waltzonthewildside.org
GLOW GALA — GLOBAL GARDENS global-gardens.org
RAISING HOPE BLUE TIE GALA — THE DEMAND PROJECT give.thedemandproject.org
EQUALITY GALA — OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY okeq.org
THE LEMON-AID PROJECT thelemonaidproject.org
EVENT — RUN/ WALK/CYCLE
SAINT FRANCIS TULSA TOUGH tulsatough.com
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S act.alz.org
WILLIAMS ROUTE 66 MARATHON route66marathon.com
MCNELLIE’S PUB RUN mcnelliespubrun.com
MILES FOR MILESTONES –LITTLE LIGHT HOUSE littlelighthouse.org/ miles-for-milestones
FAMILY ATTRACTION GATHERING PLACE gatheringplace.org
TULSA ZOO tulsazoo.org
DISCOVERY LAB discoverylab.org
SAND SPRINGS BMX sandspringsbmx.com
OKLAHOMA AQUARIUM okaquarium.org
FESTIVAL TULSA OKTOBERFEST tulsaoktoberfest.org
MAYFEST tulsamayfest.org
ROOSTER DAYS roosterdays.com
BBQ AND BLUES bixbyrotarybbq.com
TULSA PRIDE okeq.org/tulsa-pride
HANDS-ON ART STUDIO PINOT’S PALETTE pinotspalette.com
FUN ART NIGHT funartnight.wootick.com
BOARD AND BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO boardandbrush.com/tulsa
PURPLE GLAZE STUDIO purpleglazestudio.com
TULSA GLASSBLOWING SCHOOL tulsaglassblowing.org
HOTEL THE MAYO HOTEL themayohotel.com
HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO hardrockcasinotulsa.com
AMBASSADOR HOTEL TULSA ambassadortulsa.com
STONEY CREEK HOTEL stoneycreekhotels.com
RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT riverspirittulsa.com
TULSA CLUB HOTEL tulsaclub.com
LOCAL SPORTS TEAM TULSA DRILLERS tulsadrillers.com
FC TULSA fctulsa.com
TULSA OILERS tulsaoilers.com
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER nba.com/thunder
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA GOLDEN HURRICANE tulsahurricane.com
MOVIE THEATER CIRCLE CINEMA circlecinema.org
REGAL WARREN BROKEN ARROW regmovies.com/theatres/ regal-warren-broken-arrow
CINEMARK TULSA AND IMAX cinemark.com/theatres/ ok-tulsa/cinemarktulsa-and-imax
AMC SOUTHROADS 20 amctheatres.com/ movie-theatres/tulsa/ amc-southroads-20
CINERGY TULSA cinergy.com/tulsa
MUSEUM PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART philbrook.org
THE OUTSIDERS HOUSE MUSEUM theoutsidershouse.com
DISCOVERY LAB discoverylab.org
BOB DYLAN CENTER bobdylancenter.com
TULSA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM tulsamuseum.org
PARK GATHERING PLACE gatheringplace.org
TURKEY MOUNTAIN URBAN WILDERNESS AREA riverparks.org/experience/ turkey-mountain
WOODWARD PARK AND GARDENS tulsagardencenter.org
MOHAWK PARK tulsaparks.org
CHANDLER PARK tulsacounty.org/parks
HAIKEY CREEK PARK tulsacounty.org/parks
PROFESSIONAL ARTS ORGANIZATION
TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER tulsapac.com
TULSA BALLET tulsaballet.org
BROKEN ARROW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER brokenarrowpac.com
TULSA SPOTLIGHT THEATER tulsaspotlighttheater.com
TULSA SYMPHONY tulsasymphony.org
VENUE — EVENT CAIN’S BALLROOM cainsballroom.com
STUDIO 308 studio308tulsa.com
STOKELY EVENT CENTER stokelyeventcenter.com
STATION 13 station13tulsa.com
THE VANGUARD thevanguardtulsa.com
VENUE — SMALL MUSIC CAIN’S BALLROOM cainsballroom.com
MERCURY LOUNGE mercuryloungetulsa.com
THE VENUE SHRINE tulsashrine.com
MAGGIE’S MUSIC BOX maggiesok.com
THE VANGUARD thevanguardtulsa.com
VENUE — LARGE MUSIC BOK CENTER bokcenter.com
CAIN’S BALLROOM cainsballroom.com
THE VENUE SHRINE tulsashrine.com
HARD ROCK LIVE AT HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO hardrockcasinotulsa.com/ entertainment/hard-rock-live
TULSA THEATER tulsatheater.com
VENUE — PERFORMING ARTS
TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER tulsapac.com
STUDIO 308 studio308tulsa.com
BROKEN ARROW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER brokenarrowpac.com
TCC VANTREASE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FOR EDUCATION tulsacc.edu/campuslocations/vantrease-pace
CASCIA HALL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER casciahall.com/theperforming-arts-center
VENUE — WEDDING HARWELDEN MANSION harweldenmansion.com
POSTOAK LODGE AND RETREAT postoaklodge.com
SPAIN RANCH spainranch.com
TULSA GARDEN CENTER AT WOODWARD PARK tulsagardencenter.org
DRESSER MANSION dressermansion.com
KKingsPointe Village is a one-stop shopping and dining destination in south Tulsa with offerings for the whole family. Grab pizza at Hideaway or Mediterranean at Cava and then hit the nearby shops. The center boasts women’s and men’s boutique fashion at Rags and Riches and Travers Mahan.
KINGSPOINTEVILLAGE.COM
LLive music and cold beer abound at Thelma’s Peach, 2008 E. Admiral Blvd. Catch a show from a local act or a regional touring band and imbibe at this historic location near Kendall Whittier, which has past lives as previous watering holes. The original sign still hangs out front.
THELMASPEACH.COM
Some doctors still make house calls!
Mobile veterinarian Dr. Gabrielle Fielstra of Home Veterinary Care will tend to your furry friend from the comfort of your home. From vaccines to end-of-life-care, your kitty or pup will appreciate Fielstra’s gentle touch in a familiar environment.
HOMEVETCARETULSA.COM
NMBrowhaus Tulsa, 8110 S. Yale Ave., Floor 2, offers a natural approach to permanent cosmetics with nanoshading brow service. The technique combines the powder brow and nano brow approaches for a filled and natural look. The look is customized based on preference and whether natural hair is present.
BROWHAUSTULSA.COM
Outrageously good chocolate truffles and bonbons can be found at Chocolate Nosh, 5970 S. Yale Ave., a confectionary shop that opened in December. All items are made by hand at the south Tulsa shop where diners can choose from flavors like vanilla chai black tea, strawberry basil and coffee almond.
CHOCOLATENOSH.COM
A-LIST EDITORS’ PICKS
PA Tulsa favorite for decades, Pepper’s Grill, 1950 Utica Square, serves up Southwestern favorites like chile relleno and fajitas, as well as American classics like burgers, loaded baked potatoes and fresh salads. Its cozy bar area is a great place to catch a game, or sit on the sidewalk patio for some al fresco fare.
FACEBOOK.COM/PEPPERSUTICA
A quick review of finances and assets by Gateway First Bank can help customers determine equity for potential projects like remodeling, consolidating debt, a large purchase or education costs. Local experts are on-site to discuss each customer’s financial needs and dreams at multiple area branches.
GATEWAYFIRST.COM
RIndulge in relaxation with a revitalizing scalp treatment from Spa Lux, 8922 S. Memorial Drive, Suite B. The 30-minute session enhances circulation and reduces tension. The therapist focuses on the head and neck and incorporates eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, leaving hair glossy and soft.
SPALUX.ORG
SSphinx pose, side planks, standing splits — no matter your favorite moves, visit Stretch Lab (1607 E. 15th St.; 8931 S. Yale Ave., Suite J) where flexologists aim to improve your quality of life through stretching. The one-on-one stretches led by certified professionals will leave you feeling, moving and living better.
STRETCHLAB.COM
Starship Records and Tapes, 1241 S. Lewis Ave., has been a Tulsa staple for buying tunes for decades. The shop has long maintained a great inventory of vinyl even when it wasn’t hip to spin them. Today, you can find all the biggest hits, ’90s favorites, plus a wide variety of local music in the crate across from the register.
FACEBOOK.COM/ STARSHIPRECORDZ
A Step Above
For over 90 years, Conner & Winters has served the Tulsa community as the region’s premier full-service law firm. By consistently providing exceptional legal counsel to businesses across the region, the firm has sustained a distinguished reputation for integrity, client service, and professionalism. With top legal talent across 6 offices, Conner & Winters delivers legal services that are a step above the rest – in all aspects of quality and service.
BARBERSHOP THE SALON ON HARVARD thesalononharvard.com
WILDFLOWER BLU SALON wildflower-blu.com
OMA SALON oma.salon
ALL GOOD BARBERSHOP allgoodtulsa.com
IHLOFF SALON AND DAY SPA ihloffspa.com
CHIROPRACTIC CENTER FREE SPIRIT CHIROPRACTIC freespiritchiropractic.com
918 CHIROPRACTIC 918chiropractic.com
EASTERN OKLAHOMA WELLNESS AND CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC eowc.net
THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC thrivechiropracticclinic.com
TULSA SPINE AND REHAB tulsaspineandrehab.com
COSMETIC DENTAL CENTER
LEWIS PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY lewisparkdental.com
LITTLEFIELD DENTISTRY littlefielddentistry.com
PERFECT SMILE TULSA perfectsmiletulsa.com
CONTEMPORARY DENTAL ARTS tulsafamilydental.com
HEAD TO TOE
LEVINSON SULLIVAN DENTISTRY levinsonsullivan.com
COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER BELLE MEDICAL bellemedical.com
GREEN COUNTRY SURGICAL ARTS greencountrysurgicalarts. com
PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OF TULSA pscoftulsa.com
DR. KEVIN KUNKEL, WARREN CLINIC saintfrancis.com/provider/ kevin-paul-kunkel-m-dplastic-surgery
PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES OF TULSA psaoftulsa.com
DENTAL CLINIC LEWIS PARK FAMILY DENTISTRY lewisparkdental.com
FOX BROERMANN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF TULSA foxbroermann.com
PERFECT SMILE TULSA perfectsmiletulsa.com
CONTEMPORARY DENTAL ARTS tulsafamilydental.com
DOMIAN FAMILY DENTISTRY domianfamilydentistry.com
DERMATOLOGY TULSA DERMATOLOGY CLINIC tulsadermatology.com
WARREN CLINIC DERMATOLOGY saintfrancis.com/location/ warren-clinic-dermatology
MIDTOWN DERMATOLOGY midtowndermok.com
UTICA PARK CLINIC DERMATOLOGY uticaparkclinic.com/ services/dermatology
CENTER FOR DERMATOLOGY centerfordermtulsa.com
EYE CARE TWENTY TWENTY EYECARE 2020tulsa.com
HARREL EYECARE harreleyecare.com
THE EYE INSTITUTE eyeinst.com
DR. ROBERT H. ZOELLNER AND ASSOCIATES drzoellner.com
DOWNTOWN TULSA EYECARE downtowntulsaeyecare.com
FITNESS STUDIO — BARRE/PILATES /OTHER BUNGEEFIT bungeefitnesstulsa.com
LEVITATE BUNGEE FITNESS levitatebungeefit.com
PLNK plnkfitness.com
FLEX PERSONAL TRAINING CO. flexpersonaltraining.co
TULSA FITNESS SYSTEMS tulsafitnesssystems.com
FITNESS STUDIO — YOGA SALT YOGA saltyogatulsa.com
UPDOG YOGA updogyogatulsa.com
BE LOVE YOGA STUDIO beloveyogastudio.com
HOTWORX hotworx.net
THE YOGA ROOM theyogaroomtulsa.com
HAIR SALON JO AND CO SALON joandcosalon.com
THE SALON ON HARVARD thesalononharvard.com
WILDFLOWER BLU SALON wildflower-blu.com
OMA SALON oma.salon
BERKSHIRE SALON AND DAY SPA berkshiresalondayspa.com
HEALTH CLUB/ GYM BUNGEEFIT bungeefitnesstulsa.com
CARSON FIGHT AND FITNESS cff.fitness
TANDY FAMILY YMCA ymcatulsa.org/tandy
LEVITATE BUNGEE FITNESS levitatebungeefit.com
HEALTH ZONE AT SAINT FRANCIS saintfrancis.com/health-zone
HEARING AIDS HEARTS FOR HEARING heartsforhearing.org
WARREN CLINIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY saintfrancis.com/location/ warren-clinic-otolaryngology
CLEAR-TONE HEARING AID LABORATORIES cleartonehearingaids.com
MIRACLE-EAR HEARING AID CENTER miracle-ear.com
GILBERT’S AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID CENTER gilbertsaudiologyinc.com
HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEM saintfrancis.com
ASCENSION ST. JOHN getstjohncare.com
OKLAHOMA SURGICAL HOSPITAL oklahomasurgicalhospital. com
HILLCREST MEDICAL CENTER hillcrestmedicalcenter.com
TULSA SPINE AND SPECIALTY HOSPITAL tulsaspinehospital.com
Health Zone for fitness.
Enjoy the ease of membership without contracts. Make a move in the right direction toward this 70,000-square-foot, medically-based fitness facility. Health Zone offers an array of exercise equipment, two indoor pools, an extensive selection of classes and a variety of wellness programs.
To learn more about everything Health Zone at Saint Francis has to offer, please call 918-494-1671 or visit saintfrancis.com/healthzone.
MASSAGE QUIET MIND THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE vagaro.com/quietmind therapeuticmassage
BERKSHIRE SALON AND DAY SPA berkshiresalondayspa.com
SPA LUX spalux.org
IHLOFF SALON AND DAY SPA ihloffspa.com
SPA SOUTHERN HILLS spasouthernhills.net
MEDICAL MARIJUANA/CBD DISPENSARY INHAL instagram.com/inhaltulsa
420 UTICA 420utica.com
SEED CANNABIS CO. seedcannabisco.com
TULSA DISPENSARY tulsadispensary.wm.store
UPTOWN WELLNESS uptownwellness.wm.store
MEDICAL SPA
EMERGE MEDICAL AND WELL SPA emergetulsa.com
FIG MEDICAL SPA figtulsa.com
INJECT injecttulsa.com
JARA HERRON DAY SPA, MED SPA AND SALON jaraherronsalon.com
BA MED SPA AND WEIGHT LOSS baweightspa.com
NUTRITION/ PREPARED MEALS
RAINBOW BOWLS rainbowbowls.com
EDIBLEND SUPERFOOD CAFE ediblend.com
LAMBRUSCO’Z DELI lambruscoz.com
REASOR’S reasors.com
CHEFS FOR SENIORS OF TULSA chefsforseniors.com/ tulsa-ok
ORTHODONTIST HENRY ORTHODONTICS henryorthodontics.com
COOPER AND MISNER ORTHODONTICS coopermisnerortho.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY/SPORTS MEDICINE
SAINT FRANCIS OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY saintfrancis.com/services/ physical-medicine-andrehabilitation
LIFEMOTION PHYSICAL THERAPY AND BALANCE CENTER yourlifemotion.com
TULSA BONE AND JOINT tulsaboneandjoint.com
ADVANCED ORTHOPEDICS OF OKLAHOMA aook.com
FYZICAL THERAPY AND BALANCE CENTERS fyzical.com/tulsa
SKIN CARE PERIWINKLE ESTHETICS periwinkleesthetics.com
BERKSHIRE SALON AND DAY SPA berkshiresalondayspa.com
IHLOFF SALON AND DAY SPA ihloffspa.com
EMERGE MEDICAL AND WELL SPA emergetulsa.com
FIG MEDICAL SPA figtulsa.com
URGENT CARE
PEDISTAT – PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE pedistatok.com
WARREN CLINIC URGENT CARE saintfrancis.com/services/ urgent-care
ASCENSION ST. JOHN URGENT CARE healthcare.ascension.org
MEDWISE URGENT CARE medwiseuc.com
ACCESS MEDICAL CARE URGENT CARE nextcare.com
WELLNESS
CLINIC
WARREN CLINIC saintfrancis.com/location/ warren-clinic
FIG MEDICAL SPA figtulsa.com
EMERGE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE emergetulsa.com/clinic
EMERGE MEDICAL AND WELL SPA emergetulsa.com
ASCENSION ST. JOHN SIEGFRIED HEALTH CLUB stjohnhealthsystem.com/ health-club
A-LIST EDITORS’ PICKS
UThank you to all the unsung heroes who are transforming the Oklahoma State University Academic Medical Campus into an entire downtown district to serve the community, including veterans, and improve mental health care for the region. Estimated to reach completion by 2025, the district will include a new 58-bed VA Hospital for Tulsa.
OKSTATE.EDU
VSaturday brunch often means cocktails. Go beyond the traditional with an Agua de Valencia: a mimosa spiked with Tito’s vodka and Citadelle gin from Basque, 114 N. Boston Ave. The restaurant’s dishes are inspired by the culinary traditions of the Basque region — an area that straddles France and Spain.
BASQUETULSA.COM
Grab your besties for some midweek fun. AR Workshop hosts Wine-Down Wednesday Wood Workshops. Select your project type, then customize the piece with design, paint and stain options. The DIY workshop at 1020 S. Rockford Ave., Suite D, offers a weekly opportunity to create your own on-trend home decor.
ARWORKSHOP.COM/TULSA
X Y Z
Service that’s eXtra these days … For decades, McGill’s, 6058 S. Yale Ave., has been the locally owned place to go for steaks and seafood, a delicious French onion soup and a darn good burger. Today guests continue to dine on the finest fare while being treated to five-star service from experienced waitstaff and expert bartenders.
DINEMCGILLS.COM
It’s spring and summer in Tulsa, which calls for patio drinks with live music, yard games and a match or two of pickleball. Tulsan Athletic Club, 2439 E. 11th St., is the perfect spot for some fun competition under the sun while enjoying a cocktail, beer or seltzer. Bonus — it’s kid- and dog-friendly.
INSTAGRAM.COM/TULSANATHLETICCLUB
There are many in Tulsa who can say “I rode Zingo!” But you didn’t have to actually hold your hands in the air as you flew down the track and into the Joker’s mouth on the famous Bell’s rollercoaster to own a shirt that states you rode it. Boomtown Tees, 114-A S. Elgin Ave., has this one and more that call back to our cultural past.
BOOMTOWNTEESTULSA.COM
ANTIQUES
RIVER CITY TRADING POST rivercitytp.com
LINDA JAMES ANTIQUES lindajamesantiques.com
JADE ON MAIN jadevintagetreasures.com
LOVE ME TWO TIMES facebook.com/ lovemetwotimestulsa
WINDSOR MARKET facebook.com/ windsormarket
APPLIANCES
HAHN APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE hahnappliance.com
METRO APPLIANCES AND MORE metroappliancesandmore. com
J & J APPLIANCES jandjappliances.com
WESTLAKE ACE HARDWARE acehardware.com
APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS appliancesolutionstulsa. com
ART GALLERY
ZIEGLER ART AND FRAME zieglerart.com
THE HULETT COLLECTION thehulettcollection.com
M. A. DORAN GALLERY madorangallery.com
SHOP LOCAL
JOSEPH GIEREK FINE ART gierek.com
LOVETTS GALLERY lovettsgallery.com
ARTS — CRAFTS — HOBBY STORE HOBBY LOBBY hobbylobby.com
THE BEAD MERCHANT beadmerchanttulsa.com
ZIEGLER ART AND FRAME zieglerart.com
MICHAELS michaels.com
STITCHES OF TULSA stitchesoftulsa.net
AUTO DEALER — DOMESTIC BILL KNIGHT FORD billknightford.com
MARK ALLEN BUICK GMC markallen-buick-gmc.com
CHRIS NIKEL CHRYSLER, JEEP, DODGE, RAM, FIAT chrisnikel.com
JIM GLOVER CHEVROLET jimgloverchevy.com
JIM NORTON CHEVROLET jimnortonchevy.com
AUTO DEALER — IMPORT JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS jackiecooperimports.com
JIM NORTON TOYOTA jimnortontoyota.com
FERGUSON SUBARU fergusonsubaru.com
NELSON MAZDA nelsonmazdaok.com
AUDI TULSA auditulsa.com
AUTO DEALER — LUXURY JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS jackiecooperimports.com
LEXUS OF TULSA lexusoftulsa.com
PORSCHE TULSA porschetulsa.com
BMW OF TULSA bmwoftulsa.com
AUDI TULSA auditulsa.com
BICYCLES T-TOWN BICYCLES t-townbicycles.com
TOM’S BICYCLES tomsbicycles.com
PHAT TIRE BIKE SHOP phattirebikeshop.com
SPOKE HOUSE BICYCLES spokehouse.com
BICYCLES OF TULSA bicyclesoftulsa.com
BOOKSTORE MAGIC CITY BOOKS magiccitybooks.com
GARDNER’S USED BOOKS gardnersbooks.com
BARNES AND NOBLE barnesandnoble.com
FULTON STREET BOOKS AND COFFEE fultonstreet918.com
RIVENDELL BOOKS AND BAUBLES rivendellbandb.com
CLOTHING — WOMEN’S AMBER MARIE AND CO. ambermarieandcompany. com
J. SPENCER shopjspencer.com
BLACK SHEEP BOUTIQUE shopblacksheepboutique. com
ABERSONS abersonstyle.com
ELLA AND ORCHID CLOTHING CO. ellaandorchid.com
CLOTHING — CHILDREN’S THE LOLLY GARDEN lollygarden.com
KATHLEEN’S KIDS kathleenskids.com
ONCE UPON A CHILD onceuponachild.com
DILLARD’S dillards.com
PLATO’S CLOSET platoscloset.com
CLOTHING MEN’S THE RACKS TULSA instagram.com/ therackstulsa
DILLARD’S dillards.com
GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS gearheadoutfitters.com
TRAVERS MAHAN traversmahanapparel.com
ASCENT ascenttulsa.com
EYEWEAR EMPIRE OPTICAL empireoptical.com
DR. ROBERT H. ZOELLNER AND ASSOCIATES drzoellner.com
HICKS BRUNSON EYEWEAR hicksbrunson.com
WARBY PARKER warbyparker.com
BLACK OPTICAL blackoptical.com
FINE JEWELRY DILLON ROSE dillonrose.net
J. DAVID JEWELRY jdavidjewelry.com
MOODY’S JEWELRY moodysjewelry.com
VINCENT ANTHONY JEWELERS vincentanthony.com
DIAMOND CELLAR (FORMERLY BRUCE G. WEBER) diamondcellar.com
ISRAEL DIAMOND SUPPLY israeldiamond.com
SPEXTON FINE JEWELRY AND DIAMONDS spexton.com
FLOORING — FLOOR COVERING
RENAISSANCE HARDWOOD FLOORS renhardwood.com
MILL CREEK CARPET AND TILE millcreekcarpet.com
GRIGSBY’S CARPET TILE AND HARDWOOD grigsbys.com
PROSOURCE OF TULSA prosourcewholesale.com
JOHNSON FLOOR AND HOME / CARPET ONE johnsonfloorandhome.com
FLOWER SHOP
TONI’S FLOWERS AND GIFTS tonisflowersgifts.com
PENELOPE AND LU penelopeandlu.com
TED AND DEBBIE’S FLOWER GARDEN tedanddebbiesflowers.com
STEMS FLORAL DESIGN tulsaflorist.net
GAS PETAL FLOWER STATION thegaspetal.com
MARY MURRAY’S FLOWERS marymurraysflowers.com
FURNITURE STORE
AMBER MARIE AND CO. ambermarieandcompany. com
MATHIS HOME mathishome.com
AMISH CRAFTED FURNITURE okamishfurniture.com
LUXE FURNITURE AND DESIGN luxetulsa.com
TA LORTON talorton.com
GIFT SHOP
AMBER MARIE AND CO. ambermarieandcompany. com
IDA RED GENERAL STORE idaredgeneralstore.com
THE SUCCULENT SHOP thesucculentshop.com
THE SNOW GOOSE instagram.com/ snowgoosetulsa
BUCK ATOM’S COSMIC CURIOS buckatomson66.com
GROCERY STORE TRADER JOE’S traderjoes.com
REASOR’S reasors.com
ALDI aldi.us
SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET sprouts.com
OASIS FRESH MARKET oasisfreshmarkets.net
HOME INTERIORS
AMBER MARIE AND CO. ambermarieandcompany. com
SUMMER’S MARKET FLORAL AND HOME DECOR summersmarketba.com
WINDSOR MARKET facebook.com/ windsormarket
SHOPPE SASHA instagram.com/ shoppesasha
TA LORTON talorton.com
LIQUOR STORE RANCH ACRES WINE AND SPIRITS ranchacreswine.com
PARKHILL’S WAREHOUSE LIQUORS AND WINE parkhillsliquor.com
B&B LIQUOR WAREHOUSE bbliquortulsa.com
BIRD’S LIQUOR AND WINES facebook.com/ birdsliquortulsa
ASPEN LIQUOR aspen-liquor.com
PET SHOP FETCH facebook.com/fetchtulsa
DOG DISH dogdishtulsa.com
SOUTHERN AGRICULTURE southernagriculture.com
POOCHES poochestulsa.com
THREE DOG BAKERY threedog.com
RVS AND TRAVEL TRAILERS BOB HURLEY RV bobhurleyrv.com
CAMPERLAND OF OKLAHOMA camperlandok.com
WADE’S RV wadesrv.com
LAZYDAYS RV OF TULSA lazydays.com
SHOE STORE FLEET FEET fleetfeet.com
METROSHOE WAREHOUSE metroshoewarehouse.com
J. COLE SHOES jcoleshoes.com
FLEMING’S COMFORT FOOTWEAR flemingsshoes.com
SILHOUETTE SNEAKERS AND ART silhouettetulsa.com
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS STORE BASS PRO SHOPS basspro.com
GEARHEAD OUTFITTERS gearheadoutfitters.com
THE GADGET CO. thegadgetcompany.com
SUN AND SKI SPORTS sunandski.com
ASCENT ascenttulsa.com
STORE/ LOCATION
AMBER MARIE AND CO. ambermarieandcompany. com
NANA ROSE’S ITALIAN BAKERY AND MARKET nanarosesbakery.com
YUM EATS AND SWEETS yumtulsa.com
THE RACKS TULSA instagram.com/ therackstulsa
TRAVERS MAHAN traversmahanapparel.com
SHOPPING CENTER/ DISTRICT UTICA SQUARE uticasquare.com
THE ROSE DISTRICT rosedistrict.com
TULSA HILLS shoptulsahills.com
MEADOW GOLD DISTRICT meadowgolddistrict.com
CHERRY STREET facebook.com/cherrysttulsa
ARCHITECT/ DESIGN FIRM STUDIO CASSA studio-cassa.com
ALCHEMY EXTERIORS alchemyexteriors.com
DEWBERRY ARCHITECTS dewberry.com
THOMASON DESIGN ASSOCIATES thomason-design.com
KIRKENDALL DESIGN kirkendalldesign.com
AUTO BODY SHOP HOURGLASS COLLISION REPAIR hourglasscollision.com
GERBER COLLISION AND GLASS gerbercollision.com
BILL KNIGHT COLLISION REPAIR tulsacollisionrepair.com
KAROLL MARTIN PAINT AND BODY martinpaintandbody.com
GREG’S AUTOMOTIVE gregsautotulsa.com
AUTO REPAIR ABLE TRANSMISSION AND AUTO CARE abletransmission.com
REEDER’S AUTO AND TIRE reederstulsa.com
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE cbac.com
BILL KNIGHT FORD billknightford.com
GREG’S AUTOMOTIVE gregsautotulsa.com
BUILDER/ REMODELER FIXED CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING fixedtulsa.com
SIMMONS HOMES simmonshomes.com
RENOVATIONS BY HELMS renovationsbyhelms.com
BURNETT HOME IMPROVEMENT burnettinc.com
LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES facebook.com/landmarkcms
COWORKING SPACE THE ROOT COWORKING therootcoworking.com
36 DEGREES NORTH 36n.co
COWORKING BRAVELY coworkingbravely.com
ELEVATE COWORKING elevatecollaborations.com
WOMPA wompatulsa.com
CREDIT UNION TTCU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ttcu.com
OKLAHOMA CENTRAL CREDIT UNION oklahomacentral.creditunion
WESTREET CREDIT UNION westreet.org
RED CROWN CREDIT UNION redcrown.org
TINKER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION tinkerfcu.org
DRY CLEANING YALE CLEANERS yalecleaners.com
PHOENIX CLEANERS phoenixcleanerstulsa.com
BROOKSIDE CLEANERS AND LAUNDRY brooksidecleaners.com
FOX CLEANERS foxcleaners.com
WATERSTONE DRY CLEANING waterstonecleaners.com
ELECTRICAL SERVICES AIRCO SERVICE aircoservice.com
HOUCHIN ELECTRIC CO. houchinelectric.com
MURRAY ELECTRIC AND PLUMBING getmurray.com
GILLEY ELECTRIC gilleyelectric.com
MK2 ELECTRIC 918-804-5544
FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM
CONNER AND WINTERS cwlaw.com
GREG DENNEY LAW gregdenneylaw.com
DRUMMOND LAW drumlaw.com
HALL ESTILL hallestill.com
GABLEGOTWALS gablelaw.com
HARDWOOD FLOOR SERVICE
RENAISSANCE HARDWOOD FLOORS renhardwood.com
MILL CREEK CARPET AND TILE millcreekcarpet.com
WOOD GUYS woodguys.com
PARAMOUNT FLOORING AND CONSTRUCTION paramountflooringtulsa.com
FOREST WOOD FLOORS forestwoodfloors.com
HOME HEAT AND AIR AIRCO SERVICE aircoservice.com
AIR ASSURANCE airassurance.com
HENDRICK HEAT AND AIR hendrickheatandair.com
DOC J’S HEAT AND AIR SERVICES docjsheatandair.com
A BEST AIR AND HEAT abestairtulsa.com
HOME PEST CONTROL NATURE GUARD PEST AND LAWN mynatureguard.com
MOTHER NATURE’S PEST AND LAWN mothernaturesinc.com
ARROW EXTERMINATORS arrowexterminatorsok.com
GUARDIAN ANGEL EXTERMINATING okpestcontrol.com
BUG BROS PEST CONTROL bugbros.com
DANDI GUARANTY PEST SOLUTIONS AND TERMITE PROTECTION dandiguaranty.com
SUPERIOR TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL superiorpestok.com
HOSPICE SEASONS HOSPICE seasonshospice.com
CLAREHOUSE clarehouse.org
CURA-HPC cura-hpc.com
MILLER HOSPICE millerhospicetulsa.com
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPICE saintfrancis.com/services/ hospice-care
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO CASSA studio-cassa.com
SARAH LORRAINE INTERIORS sarahlorraineinteriors.com
MEL BEAN INTERIORS melbeaninteriors.com
918 INTERIORS 918interiors.com
KIRKENDALL DESIGN kirkendalldesign.com
KITCHEN DESIGN STUDIO CASSA studio-cassa.com
RENOVATIONS BY HELMS renovationsbyhelms.com
KITCHEN CONCEPTS kitchenconceptstulsa.com
KIRKENDALL DESIGN kirkendalldesign.com
EA STONE eastonellc.com
LAWN AND GARDEN CARE GREENPRO greenprollc.com
SOUTHWOOD LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN CENTER southwoodgardencenter.com
LAWNS OF TULSA lawnsoftulsa.com
NATURE GUARD PEST AND LAWN mynatureguard.com
TOM’S OUTDOOR LIVING tomsoutdoorliving.com
LOCAL BANK FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK firstoklahomabank.com
VAST BANK vast.bank
BANK OF OKLAHOMA bankofoklahoma.com
ARVEST BANK arvest.com
SPIRITBANK spiritbank.com
MABREY BANK mabreybank.com
PET BOARDING/ SITTING DOGTOPIA dogtopia.com
POOCHES poochestulsa.com
GRACIELAND PET RESORT gracielanddogboarding.com
WOODLAND WEST PET RESORT woodlandwestpetresort.com
THE WOOF PACK TULSA thewoofpacktulsa.com
PET GROOMING DOGTOPIA dogtopia.com
POOCHES poochestulsa.com
MUDDY PAWS muddy-paws.org
SOUTH TULSA GROOMING CO. tulsagrooming.com
WOODLAND WEST PET RESORT woodlandwestpetresort.com
PLUMBING JMH PLUMBING SERVICES facebook.com/ jmhplumbingservices
WOOTEN PLUMBING wootenplumbing.com
MULLIN PLUMBING INC. mullininc.com
ROTO-ROOTER rotorooter.com/tulsa
AIRCO SERVICE aircoservice.com
WILLIAMS PLUMBING AND DRAIN williamsplumbing.com
POOLS BEYOND THE BACKDOOR livebtb.com
ALCHEMY EXTERIORS alchemyexteriors.com
VISTA POOLS AND OUTDOOR LIVING vistapoolsok.com
FIESTA POOLS AND SPAS fiestapoolsandspas.com
GALAXY HOME RECREATION galaxyhomerecreation.com
PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANING LEVEL UP CLEANING levelupcleaningtulsa.com
A NEW VIEW HOMEKEEPING anewviewhomekeeping.com
SPARKLE SQUAD CLEANING SERVICES sparklesquadusa.com
NOOK AND CRANNY HOMEKEEPING nookhomestulsa.com
CLEAN FREAKS OF TULSA cleanfreaks.info
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER LILY CHRIS PHOTOGRAPHY lilychrisphotography.com
FROM THE HEART FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY heart-portraits.com
DAVID LACKEY MEDIA davidlackeymedia.com
TRACI BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY tracibaker.com
MADDI RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY maddiloehmannphotography. com
PROFESSIONAL TREE CARE
WE B TREES webtrees.com
ARBOR MASTERS OF TULSA arbormasters.com/ locations/tulsa
TOP NOTCH TREE SERVICE topnotchtreeservicetulsa. com
RYAN LAWN AND TREE ryanlawn.com
DILLY TREE SERVICE 918-271-5133
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY SAINT SIMEON’S saintsimeons.org
FRANCISCAN VILLA franciscanvilla.com
MONTEREAU montereau.net
TRINITY WOODS trinitywoodstulsa.com
ZARROW POINTE zarrowpointe.org
ROOFING
DURALAST ROOFING SPECIALISTS duralastroofing.com
TEEPEE ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION teepeeroofing.com
NATIVE ROOFING nativeroofingok.com
A-BEST ROOFING abestroofing.com
ROOF LEAKS AND MOORE roofleaksandmoore.com
T-TOWN ROOFING t-townroofing.com
SPECIALTY/ GENERAL TRAVEL AGENCY
FAIRYTALE JOURNEYS BY BRITTANY YOUNG facebook.com/ ftjbybrittanyyoung
MARY SMITH — CRUISE PLANNERS cpvacationlady.com
WORLD TRAVEL worldtraveltoday.com
SPEARS TRAVEL spearstravel.com
MARY ANNE THOMAN — TRAVEL CONNECTIONS 2 Private clientele agency
VETERINARY CARE
HAMMOND ANIMAL HOSPITAL hammondanimalhospital. com
WOODLAND WEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL woodlandwestanimalhospital. com
CATOOSA SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL catoosavets.com
EDGEWOOD VETERINARY HOSPITAL tulsavet.net
GOOD SHEPHERD VETERINARY HOSPITAL goodshepherdvets.com
al·che·my ‘alkəmē/
"a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination."
“At Alchemy Exteriors, we believe in a creative process that is engaging, intriguing, and design-forward. At Alchemy, we are more than a landscape or pool company, and we want to give you more than just a design.
Specializing in the design and construction of Luxury Pools and outdoor living, Alchemy Exteriors focuses on projects where a client desires a creative design solution and a quality-built product. We look forward to the journey together.
Thank you, Tulsa, for recognizing Alchemy Exteriors in Architect Design Firm and Pools!
- Alex Tyler, Principal Designer/OwnerAlex@alchemyexteriors.com | www.alchemyexteriors.com
Vista Pools proudly serves the greater Tulsa area as a builder of inground gunite and fiberglass pools, which are low maintenance and pet friendly. By taking an educational approach without sales pressure, Vista Pools makes a place for relaxation and memories. If something isn’t just perfect, the Vista team will make it right — guaranteed.
3460 W. 151ST ST., KIEFER 918-813-9639
VISTAPOOLSOK.COM
Amanda Reschke, an aspiring florist, was unsatisfied designing florals doomed to wither.
“I wanted to create something that actually continued to live,” Reschke says.
Based on her goal to create portable, yet self-sustaining plant life, Reschke began Boggy Creek Terrariums in 2015. She designs customized terrariums using moss, rocks and leafy plants. Her terrariums are
‘LIVING ART’
completely enclosed in glass containers to display the miniature, self-sustained ecosystems inside.
Reschke even will add small figures resembling her client or her client’s pet into each life-like scene.
“They are a little slice of earth in a jar,” Reschke says. “There’s something magical about looking into a tiny world.”
Reschke says her terrariums are often
bought as gifts because they are “pieces of living art,” able to rest on a desk or in the home with minimal care.
Find Boggy Creek Terrariums at Ella + Orchid Clothing Co., 6010 S. Yale Ave., or contact Reschke through Facebook and Instagram @boggycreekterrariums to customize your own terrarium or find her pop-up schedule. — ELIZABETH MCCULLOUGH
Carefully curated
DUVALL ATELIER BRINGS THE BEST IN DESIGN TO TULSA.
BY KENDALL BARROWAfter more than a decade of working for various large and small commercial architecture rms, Sherri and John Duvall decided to start their own business in 2001.
“We landed in this great niche of residential work and over the years it’s become more bespoke,” Sherri says. e eponymous rm’s portfolio includes renovations and new construction, as well as commercial projects such as Chamber at e Tulsa Club, Mr. Kim’s, e Palace Cafe, Bull in the Alley and Utica Square’s Wild Fork. e husband-and-wife team, who met in architecture school at Oklahoma State University, both had a calling to focus on residential design. Although Sherri has an architecture degree, her focus is on interior design now so the rm o ers a full-service approach.
Similarly, the Atelier showroom, which opened in 2018, was born as an extension to the design practice. “As we sourced furniture, xtures and accessories for our design clients, we saw an opportunity to share a curated selection of quality items with the broader public,” Sherri says.
Today, Duvall occupies a 5,000-square-foot building on Cherry Street with about half of the space devoted to the showroom while the other houses the rm’s o ces and design library, which features hundreds of samples including those for fabric, hardware, wallcovering and tile.
Duvall’s showroom o ers several furniture lines — they are the exclusive retailer for Baker, Amatoya, McGuire and Chaddock — as well as accessories, original artwork, hand-knotted rugs, a lighting gallery and the occasional antique.
Sherri says they have selected everything in the showroom with not just an eye for design, but with quality in mind. “We don’t show anything we wouldn’t have in our own homes,” she says. “And we expect the pieces to be a part of your life for years to come.” TP
SHOP FAVORITES
June 25, 2023
Don’t Miss Your Chance
Open House Tours: May 13 – June 18
Saturdays: 9 am – 5 pm | Sundays: noon – 5 pm
19244 E White Willow Pass | Owasso, OK 74055
Open House Prize: Register for free at the Open House for a chance to win a $5,000 Bassett Home Furnishings gift certificate. Watch the live Giveaway June 25 on Fox23 to see who will win.
A behind-the-scenes look as Ziegler Art and Frame
of time
On the northwest corner of East Admiral Boulevard and North Lewis Avenue sits a collection of buildings that stand as a sentinel in Tulsa’s arts community. Ziegler Art and Frame was started 50 years ago by Dan Ziegler, an artist and framer, with his son-in-law Alan Morrow.
Shoppers today come to the store — known for its art supplies, framing services, original works, home goods and more — without knowing what goes on behind the scenes. And what is it? A toe-tapping look into a bit of Tulsa history.
Frame
marks 50 years in business.
STORY BY ANNE BROCKMANThe second floor of Ziegler’s is where the framing takes place. The space is a former dance hall for the Modern Woodmen of America and a one-time spot for jam sessions for artists like Jamie Oldaker, according to Ziegler’s Trent Morrow. In 1973, Ziegler bought the property, which also included a former gas station and appliance shop. TulsaPeople.com
Dan ZieglerAbove, a ticket booth harkens back to the days when the building was a dance hall in the 1930s and ’40s.
Left, this pew runs the length of the building and would be the spot to rest after a few turns on the dance floor.
Below, a sign from the Modern Woodmen of America was left by previous owners.
Above right, Tom Hanford has worked at Ziegler Art and Frame for years as a framer.
Below right, mats and brushes are just some of the things a shopper can find in the store celebrating 50 years in business.
SPORTING AROUND
NEARBY DESTINATIONS CELEBRATE SOONER STATE SPORTS AND ITS STARS.
BY RHYS MARTINOklahoma history is lled with people worth celebrating. Some of our most beloved gures made an impact in the sports world — and there are a few places worth a trip that not only tell individual stories but also provide a conduit for exploring the greater history of several popular sports.
Although he passed away 70 years ago this year, Jim orpe is often cited as Oklahoma’s most famous athlete. For good reason: He was accomplished in multiple sports, including Olympics events, and has been recognized as one of America’s greatest football players. He lived in Yale from 1917-1923 and his home there is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it’s a museum dedicated to telling his remarkable story. Mugsy’s Grubhouse in town is a good place to grab a bite to eat, and the drive on Highway 51 is a pleasant journey from Tulsa.
A little further west on Highway 51, in Stillwater, is the site of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.
e complex here is more than just a collection of artifacts — you can watch NCAA matches from as far back as the 1930s to see how the sport has evolved over the century. Exhibits focus on interactivity and fun while also highlighting the diversity of amateur wrestling, including women, Native American, African American and Latino gures.
Mickey Mantle’s Childhood Home is in Commerce, just a few blocks o Historic Route 66 in Ottawa County. Although the home itself closed after being sold, there are plans to renovate and reopen the site to better tell the life story of the famous baseball player. Still, there is a panel that tells about the Commerce Comet and there is a great statue of the New York Yankee at the local ball eld. e Dairy King nearby is a small, family owned burger stand in a converted service station. If you like local history, visit with Charles Duboise, local Dairy King operator, and you’ll learn plenty — including the time that Bonnie and Clyde made a fateful stop in Commerce.
e National Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City has been around since the 1970s and has been recently renovated.
ere are over 400 recognized players and non-players within the museum, which also has a section devoted to telling the history of softball itself complete with memorabilia and context. e facility is across the street from the Oklahoma State Fire ghters Museum and about a mile from the Oklahoma Railway Museum, either of which make for an enjoyable companion visit while in town.
If you are thinking about stopping by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, also in Oklahoma City, plan an entire day. e expansive museum features all manner of Western art, sculptures and cultural artifacts in addition to the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. Designed in and around an imaginative area inspired by the dusty rodeo arena itself, it’s a wonderful celebration of the sport that enjoys worldwide popularity while remaining closely associated with Oklahoma’s cowboy heritage. TP
Chimine-yeah!
Shaun Greer, the owner of Grumpy’s Garden, has been sourcing her shop’s chimineas from another family-owned business in Mexico for 27 years.
“(Chimineas) give everybody a way to have a replace outside to enjoy,” Greer says. “It makes you want to go outside and play.”
A chiminea’s potbelly shape has a front-loading opening, and the vertical chimney guides smoke away from the viewer’s face.
e sweet-smelling smoke from pinon wood wards o pesky insects. Unlike a re pit, chimineas are perfect for small spaces, such as apartment terraces.
ey come in all shapes and sizes, from tabletop pieces just 1-foot tall to towers almost 6-feet tall. At Grumpy’s, 1140 E. 15th St., colors range from yellow, blue, green, turquoise and the classic terracotta. e shop even has chimineas shaped like a sh, horse or bear.
To use your chiminea, Greer recommends:
• Place it on a stand and ll the belly with sand 2 to 3 inches below the opening.
• Place two to three pieces of wood in the center of the bowl in a teepee shape to allow air ow between the logs.
• Don’t use starter uids like gasoline or butane. is will create too large of a re and too high temperatures. Greer makes re starters from pinon wood and wax.
• Light the rst eight to 10 res at low temps (with minimal wood) to cure the clay and elongate the life of your purchase.
• In case of rain, seal the outside with any water sealer, though multiple burnings will seal the inside walls with soot and resin.
• Add a lid to block rainfall. — ELIZABETH MCCULLOUGH
HOLISTIC HEALTH
LEARNER-TURNED-INSTRUCTOR EDUCATES OTHERS ABOUT BODYWORK AT ANKRUM INSTITUTE.
BY LAURA DENNISLeigh Ankrum never intended to become a teacher of Functional Bodywork. What started as a career in massage therapy in 1987 grew into a passionate curiosity about the body and its interconnected systems. Ankrum pursued and achieved certi cations in rol ng (facial work), craniosacral therapy (treatment of head and neck pain) and a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy from the Canadian College of Osteopathy.
In 2016, she combined these modalities into one comprehensive educational program and opened Ankrum Institute in midtown Tulsa. e school teaches bodywork — a combination of holistic therapies and techniques, such as craniosacral therapy and muscle energy, that aim to treat the body as a whole. “( e curriculum) is a mixture of all that I have learned,” she says. “It’s everything combined, working together.”
Ankrum Institute, 3331-A E. 31st St., is the result of a lifelong learner evolving into an enthusiastic teacher. “Teaching is something I have to do,” Ankrum says. “It’s in my blood.”
Since its opening, the school has graduated approximately 50 students. e course
is two years and two months long, and it provides graduates a 500-hour certi cation in bodywork, which falls under the umbrella of massage therapy. Because the school is the only one of its kind in the nation, students come from Chicago, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma to expand their knowledge and skill set. Ankrum says her bodywork program stands apart in that it teaches students a multidimensional approach to health.
“We teach the concept and the understanding of the function of the body and the interrelationship that creates pain, pain patterns and issues,” she says. For example, in physical therapy or occupational therapy courses, students are learning a one-dimensional perspective of the body and are treating only symptoms. Bodywork addresses the pain source and leads to full body healing.
e e ects of bodywork in the therapy community have been a catalyst for change in the approach to complete health. “Now, we’re not only looking for the root cause, but we understand the necessity of truly listening to you and your body,” Ankrum says.
A core principle of her program is that muscles are a map of one’s symptoms, not a source of most pain patterns.
“When you have pain in your muscles, unless you speci cally injured that muscle, it’s coming from someplace else,” she says. For instance, lower back pain can indicate congested kidneys or dehydration, and pain in the right neck and shoulder can be a sign of liver issues. is is why Ankrum says it’s so important to listen to the patient and to observe with an open mind what the body is communicating. “ e client’s system may lead me on an unexpected path to help them heal,” she says. “ e treatment plan is in the body.”
Beyond teaching, Ankrum also provides client care alongside a handful of graduates from her program. ey treat a variety of ailments, including sinus issues, anxiety, plantar fasciitis, gut disruption, pain in the neck, hip issues, TMJ and more. “I’m not saying we’re doctors; I’m not saying that we are psychologists,” she says. “I’m saying we are therapists who will sit with you and listen, and help you take the walk back to health.”
Learn more at ankruminstitute.com.
ROAD TRIP!
BY CONNIE CRONLEYI’ll tell you about a book that will make you love Oklahoma again. You may ask, “What makes you think I don’t already love Oklahoma?”
I’ll answer, “Lucky guess. Been following the news.”
Recently I was in Stillwater for a couple of days talking about Angie Debo and how she inspired me to write the biography of Kate Barnard. e audiences were university students, historians, a sprinkling of children and, predominantly, well-informed older women (my age). ey were there because they’re interested in Oklahoma history, wanted to talk about Oklahoma history, and intended to learn more Oklahoma history.
One woman set me back with this question. “I’m from Texas,” she said. “ ere, Texas history is drilled into us. Why don’t people here know more about Oklahoma history?”
I had no answer for that. She had one of her own. “A history writer told me he thinks it’s because Oklahomans are ashamed of the state’s history.”
I don’t know about that. We’d have to know something about our history before we could be ashamed of it, wouldn’t we?
ere’s a lot I don’t know. I don’t know how much Oklahoma history is taught in public schools. Or how. I don’t know if our apparent lack of knowledge is shame, ignorance or garden variety disinterest.
I do know a book that can turn your heart.
“ e WPA Guide to 1930s Oklahoma” is a reprint of “Oklahoma: A Guide to the Sooner State,” originally produced in 1941 in the American Guide Series by the Federal Writers’ Program of the Works Project Administration. e program was designed to combat Depression unemployment and keep writers out of breadlines by providing them work. is remarkable series — I love them! — was intended to give Americans a sense of our cultural heritage. All 48 states — the extent of the union at that time — were included.
In Oklahoma, the research and writing were done by 40 people and took several years under the direction and editing of Oklahoma’s premiere historian Angie Debo and writer/historian John M. Oskison Credentials don’t get any better than that.
e books are formatted as driving tours with plenty of historical and cultural information. ey are history on the hoof.
Vacation travel in pre-World War II was different, slower and with time to look around.
e Oklahoma book was the last in the series and critics proclaimed it one of the best (because) “every page contains material to thrill a novelist.” e introductory sections about the state’s spirit, history and natural setting are informational and deeply insightful. Celebrated historian Edward Everett Dale observes “the Indian is what makes Oklahoma’s story unique,” but Dale also recognizes the signi cance of the pioneer white settler.
e open road’s historical snippets:
• In Lawton, a rough town with 86 saloons, a sign read “All nations welcome here except Carrie” and peace o cer Heck omas chased Lon Chaney Jr., local photographer who became an actor, for speeding on horseback.
• In Krebs, mining disasters were so frequent the local drugstore stocked Vaseline in 500-pound lots and iodine in 10-pound containers.
If we catch the Route 66 travel bug in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road, a hefty volume (900plus pages) to consult is the classic “Inside U.S.A.” by legendary reporter John Gunther, printed rst in 1946 and reissued in a 75th anniversary edition.
He visited every state in the union to produce what Sinclair Lewis described as “the richest treasure-house of facts about America that has ever been published, and probably the most spirited and interesting.”
In Oklahoma, Gunther met a barefoot Gov. Alfalfa Bill Murray with his socks on his desk and the visitor’s chair nailed to the oor for distance.
Describing the state’s two chief cities, Gunther wrote, “Tulsa is more dramatic, more pictorial. Oklahoma City is not particularly jealous of Tulsa, regarding it somewhat as a great Dane may regard a noisy poodle.” TP
Spacious home on quiet, family friendly cul-de-sac in Jenks SE school district 5 bedrooms with formal dining, formal living & large office with built-ins Chef’s kitchen opens to nook & family room
2 fireplaces Master suite with 2 walk-in closets & a new upscale spa bath (2022) 4 bedrooms up with walk-in closets & 2 full baths Game room over garage + bonus room Hardwood floors throughout New roof (2019), covered pergola with oversized patio Parklike yard with 8 ft privacy fence $525,000
5 acre tract just 1 mile west off 71st and Hwy 75 South near Tulsa Hills Property is situated near the corner of 33rd West Ave & 71st St Current agricultural zoning excellent potential for residential homesites Easy access to downtown, I-44, US 75 & Creek Expwy Convenient to shopping, dining, medical and Oaks Country Club Access to city sewer and all utilities
PENDING
$425,000
P r a t t w o o d E s t a t e s s p a c i o u s e x e c u t i v e 1 - l e v e l b r i c k h o m e o n c o r n e r l o t , o f f e r s 3 B D , 4 f u l l B A , 2 p r i m a r y s u i t e s w / w a l k - i n c l o s e t s , s p l i t f l o o r p l a n , s o a r i n g c e i l i n g s w / n a t u r a l l i g h t , e n - s u i t e b a t h s i n e a c h , g r e a t v i e w s o f t h e i n d o o r p o o l , l r g g r e a t r o o m w / w o o d b u r n i n g f i r e p l a c e c o m b o w / k i t c h e n & i s l a n d , S u b Z e r o r e f r i g e r a t o r , s e p a r a t e i c e m a k e r , d o u b l e o v e n s , p e r f e c t p l a c e t o e n t e r t a i n , l a r g e w a l k - i n p a n t r y , f o r m a l d i n i n g r o o m w / g r a n i t e d i n i n g t a b l e , t i l e , h a r d w o o d & c a r p e t I n d o o r p o o l r o o m h a s f u l l k i t c h e n & g r e a t e n t e r t a i n i n g s p a c e , w a l k o u t t o d o u b l e l o t p a r k l i k e s e t t i n g w / l i g h t e d t e n n i s c o u r t , f i r e p l a c e , f i r e p i t , p a t i o w / p r i v a c y f e n c e s u r r o u n d i n g p r o p e r t y , c i r c l e d r i v e , p r o f e s s i o n a l l y l a n d s c a p e d & o u t d o o r l i g h t i n g S e c u r i t y s t a y s R o o f i s b r a n d n e w !
0 m i n f r o m b o t h T u l s a & K e y s t o n e
All brick, well-built, home located on a quiet street in Midtown Tulsa Master bedroom downstairs, combo living/dining, den with a wood burning fireplace, screened-in patio, and additional living space looking over backyard Ready for cosmetic updates 3,393 sq ft $390,000
S t u n n i n g , t o t a l r e m o d e l i n N o v 2 0 2 0 i n c l ud e s g o u r m e t k i t c h e n w / h i g h e n d a p p l i a n c e s , q u a r t z c o u n t e r t o p s , n e w c e i l i n g s w / c a n n e d l i g h t i n g , 2 r e b u i l t g a s f i r e p l a c e s w / c u s t o m m a n t e l s , n e w i n t e r i o r d o o r s / b a s e b o a r d s t h r o u g h o u t , e l e g a n t l i g h t i n g f i x t u r e s / c e i l i n g f a n s & h a r d w a r e , n e w f l o o r i n g , r e p l a c e d g l a s s / s c r e e n s o n s l i d i n g d o o r s , m a s t e r b a t h g u t t e d & m a s t e r f u l l y d e s i g n e d a n d r e d o n
, 2 c a r g a r a g e w i t h e
room, cigar lounge vented to outside, 1000 bottle wine room, huge pool, spa, outdoor kitchen & covered living! 6 bedrooms 6 Full & 2 half baths.
Vaulted Primary Suite w/automatic shades, spacious bath w/2 sinks, walk in shower, whirlpool tub, fireplace huge closet w/built ins. Laundry off of Primary Suite. Second Kitchen behind Open Kitchen. Meile Coffee center. Piano Room, Game Room w/patio. Home has a 4000 sq ft finished basement with access to large outdoor living with FP and steps to the pool area. Elevator, Home Generator, tons of storage are just a few of the extra’s this home possesses. 5 Zones HVAC. Control 4 home automation system. Security system w/16 cameras. Garage with high ceiling will accommodate car lift. $4,790,000
2200 S. Utica Place #7C | Located in one of Tulsa’s most luxurious high rise buildings across from Utica Square. Exclusive penthouse community with limited number of residences for low maintenance elegant living . Fabulous views and extreme privacy. 24 hour security provides residence comfortable secure living. Dramatic ceiling height and abundant natural light fill the rooms. Views of Cascia Hall and Utica Square.
3350 E. 54th Street | Mid century Ranch located in desirable Holiday Hills. One level almost 2000 Sq foot home with open concept floor plan. Inside laundry. Spacious private back yard and walled front court yard. Renovated and ready for new owners. Full brick and new roof offer low maintenance exterior. Neighborhood offers mature trees and close proximity to shopping and dining. LaFortune Park/Golf Course and Saint Francis Hospital located near the home. 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car Garage | 1,968 Sq. Ft. $330,000
A SLICE OF LIFE D
ante’s Woodfi re Pizza’s Hot Boi ($16), made with house red sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni and black garlic, delivers cheesy goodness and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with pickled jalapeños and hot honey.
Each personal, made-to-order pizza is crafted with Dante’s handmade dough and served hot and fresh, as customers grab a beer from neighbor Heirloom Rustic Ales and enjoy fresh summer air. TP
CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG
NEW BARBECUE CONCEPT MAKES ITS WAY TO DOWNTOWN.
BY NATALIE MIKLESThe competition in Oklahoma barbecue is erce. You can’t just casually open a barbecue joint without serious consideration.
But when you combine the talent of Nick Corcoran, whose reputation and resume includes pitmaster at BurnCo, and the expertise of Brett Rehorn’s Watershed Hospitality Group, you’ve got a winner.
Watershed, which owns Kilkenny’s, Nola’s and e Hemingway, isn’t just doing barbecue. Its new concept, Alley Cat Ranch, is a large indoor/outdoor entertainment venue with barbecue plus pickleball, yard games and more.
It’s a playground for adults, though Tom Pritner, vice president of operations for Watershed Hospitality, is avoiding calling it an “adult playground” for the eyebrowraising connotations it may conjure. But for Pritner, it’s a pure idea — a place where adults can drink, eat and play.
His vision includes space for conversations around a re pit while eating fabulous barbecue and drinking great beer and cocktails. And if you want to play a game of life-size checkers, even better.
e playground aspect of Alley Cat Ranch will take time to develop. Pritner hopes for it to be open by next year. But you don’t need to wait to have a taste of the food.
While Watershed makes progress on the space, Corcoran res up his grill ve days a week, serving barbecue from the Alley Cat Ranch food truck. e menu includes favorites like ribs and brisket, but also dishes with a Mexican in uence, like tortas and smoked elote corn. ere’s space to sit and have lunch, which many people do, and others take their food to go.
“We sell out practically every day,” Pritner says.
For that he credits Corcoran, who spent many years behind the Hasty Bakes at BurnCo serving up legendary ribs and sausage.
Corcoran is playing with avors, combining chile adovada (a fantastic New Mexican-spiced pulled pork) with tacos and tortas, adding pickled jalapeños and a super delicious queso.
e burnt ends are the bestseller, and they’re great whether ordered in a combo or in a taco ($6, taco). For combos, where you’re choosing between one ($12), two ($18) or three ($24) meats, the meat options are burnt ends, bologna, chile adovada, hot links, sausage, ribs, brisket or chicken thighs. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices. We loved the burnt ends with green chile mac and cheese and chimichurri potato salad. e cheese grits and beans are also great.
e brisket torta ($11) is a sensory experience of smoky barked brisket with pimento cheese, candied jalapeños and grilled onion on a Mexican telera roll.
Pork rinds fans will like Braden’s Nachos ($9 without meat; $14 with meat) with pork rinds, pickled onion, queso, candied jalapeño and meat. We suggest the chile adovada on the nachos. It’s perfection.
e name, Alley Cat Ranch, speaks to the scrappiness of the project. Just on the outskirts of downtown Tulsa, next to an old service station and inside the Inner Dispersal Loop, it has an old ranch feel to it.
Driving by now it looks like little more than a lot with a food truck, but Pritner’s vision combined with Corcoran’s barbecue know-how will one day soon become a must-visit Tulsa hangout. TP
Alley Cat Ranch
723 E. SECOND ST. | 918-808-7562
FACEBOOK.COM/ALLEYCATRANCHTULSAOK
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (or until sold out) Tuesday-Saturday
Right now, Alley Cat Ranch is open to all ages during the day. Once the site is built out with its grown-up playground, Alley Cat will be for ages 21 and up after 9 p.m. Chile adovada, left, and brisket taco, rightVISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR A FRUIT SALAD WITH POPPYSEED DRESSING RECIPE
Salad season is here
We can’t get enough of salads in the summertime. Bring on the leafy greens with vinaigrette, broccoli salad, orzo with lemon juice and olive oil, and even chicken or tuna salad. Whether it’s a salad as a meal or salad on the side, this is the time to make them.
Salad making gives us an opportunity to add more vegetables and fruits to our diets, and when combining them with vibrant vinaigrettes, beans or herbs, it turns sometimes blah foods into really delicious choices.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite salads we’ll be making all summer long.
— NATALIE MIKLESHERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FOR GREAT RESTAURANT SALADS:
Salad Nicoise at Stonehorse Cafe When it’s on the menu, order it. This classic French combination of greens with potatoes, haricot vert, egg, tomato and fresh lump crab is perfection.
Redrock Salad at Redrock Canyon Grill One of the best salads in town, this fan favorite is composed of smoked rotisserie chicken, corn, Campari tomatoes and avocado. With the sweetness of dates and crunch from mixed nuts, it’s all rounded out with a Champagne vinaigrette.
Doc’s Lyonnaise Salad at Doc’s Wine and Food This craveable summer salad is full of flavor from greens, strawberries, mint, citrus, cucumber and goat cheese with a lemon-honey vinaigrette. Add shrimp to it for a nice lunch.
You don’t have to go to Beverly Hills to eat like a star. This recipe is based on a loved salad from the restaurant La Scala. It’s easy to make, and so good.
LA SCALA-STYLE SALAD
Serves 4-6
1 head romaine lettuce, rinsed and finely chopped
1/4 pound Italian salami, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and well-drained
VINAIGRETTE:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and cracked black pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
To make the vinaigrette: In a large serving bowl, combine oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to taste; whisk parmesan cheese into the dressing until well blended.
Combine lettuce, salami, mozzarella cheese and garbanzo beans in the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat. Top with more cheese.
You’ve heard of cowboy caviar. How about taking those ingredients and turning it into a pasta salad? This is a great one for bringing to a picnic or party.
COWBOY CAVIAR PASTA SALAD
Serves 6
1 (12-ounce) box rotini pasta
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 bunch chopped cilantro
2 avocados, diced
DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
Add remaining pasta ingredients to pasta, mixing together.
Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice and balsamic vinegar. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and sugar.
Serve right away, or refrigerate a few hours before serving.
Note: Add avocados just before serving.
Handmade heaven
Afriend who considers herself an ice cream connoisseur asked if I had tried Cherry and Bark. When I told her I hadn’t heard of it, she had only two words: “Go. Immediately.” And so, I made it to 11th Street, in the lot of Buck Atom’s where the giant space cowboy presides over Cherry and Bark.
This small-batch, sustainable, locally sourced ice cream stand is a tiny-but-mighty Tulsa gem. Owner Kristi Burris keeps things simple, delicious and as close to home as possible. Her ice cream process supports 13 different local farms and businesses — including using local dairy from Swan Bros. Dairy in Claremore versus a pre-made mix — and also does not include a lot of pre-made ingredients.
“If it calls for grapefruit juice, I’m squeezing it by hand; I’m stripping every leaf of thyme off that sprig,” Burris says. “It takes a lot of extra time, but I think it shows in the flavor.”
Burris’ story is punctuated with fun facts and amazing anecdotes — like why, for example, she chooses to pick the cherries for her signature Cherry and Almond Bark ice cream flavor from cherry trees in Michigan: it’s a nostalgic tradition stemming from the time she spent in Chicago as a professional tap dancer.
While in the Windy City, Burris lived in Andersonville, the neighborhood that pioneered the Shop Local movement. Deeply impacted, she brought this ethos with her when she moved back to Tulsa, and it is infused into all aspects of her business.
“I approach Cherry and Bark as a vessel to create community. At its core, I believe that’s what ice cream does,” she says.
Cherry and Bark is located at 1347 E. 11th St., and is open noon-5 p.m., Thursday-Sunday. — NATALIE MIKLES
Although Cherry and Bark’s ice cream flavors change seasonally, most of these standards are available all year: Mint Chocolate Chip, Coffee, Cherry and Almond Bark, Brownie in Vanilla, Classic Vanilla, Toasted Pecan, Raspberry Sorbet, Chipped Chocolate, Chocolate (non-dairy)
Limited Varieties: Strawberry Coulis; Planetary Alignment — cherry sour beer from Good Cause Brewing with orange juice, ginger syrup and clove
POPULAR PIES
On the corner of South Zunis Avenue and East Admiral Street in the Kendall Whittier District, customers line up to purchase made-to-order personal pizzas from Dante’s Woodfire Pizza, the food truck often labeled “Tulsa’s best kept secret” by customers.
Owner Beau Ballard was a bartender for Heirloom Rustic Ales when the brewery decided to capitalize on his superb pizzamaking skills and sell personal pizzas from the bar.
When the pandemic hit, Ballard continued making pizzas, this time from home, perfecting the hand-made dough recipe he uses today.
Dante’s found its current home in the food truck next to Heirloom Rustic Ales in June 2021. Ballard works the truck with partner Rainey Wesley and has mastered classics like pepperoni ($14), cheese ($13) and Italian sausage ($14).
They also offer specialty pizzas like the Cacio e Pepe ($14) with whipped ricotta, rock salt, extra-virgin olive oil and black pepper ($14), and the Subway Circa ($16) with pork or beef meatball slices, fresh lettuce, onion and Italian dressing.
Ballard loves the joy his pizzas brings to customers and wants all visitors to feel invited and included.
“It’s a really dope thing to be able to make food continuously for people,” Ballard says. “It’s helped me through some of the roughest times of my life. I can make somebody’s day better if I can continuously make a good product and make people happy.”
Dante’s Woodfire Pizza is open 5-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday. — ELIZABETH MCCULLOUGH
Kristi BurrisSANDWICH PERFECTION
SUMMERTIME IS PRIMETIME FOR A BLT.
BY NATALIE MIKLESFELINI’S makes filling, unfussy sandwiches. One of its best is the BLT. Choose wheatberry, white, marble rye or light rye — or a croissant or bagel for a BLT with a twist. Mayo, lettuce and tomato round it out. We like ours with potato chips or a side of tortellini salad. You can’t leave Felini’s without a cookie.
The snickerdoodle is especially great.
3533 S. HARVARD AVE. | 918-742-3638 | FELINISCOOKIES.COM
If we could solve the puzzle of why sandwiches taste better at restaurants than when made in our own kitchens, we would tell you. Until then, we’ll keep going out for sandwiches, whether it’s a stacked club or a simple BLT. At TALLY’S , the double BLT is a double decker of bacon, sliced tomato and lettuce with a generous schmear of mayo.
1102 S. YALE AVE., 918-835-5039 | 6100 S. SHERIDAN ROAD, 918-895-6375 | TALLYSCAFE.COM
One of the best BLTs is at TAKE 2 . Toasted bread with mayo, crisp lettuce and ripe, sliced tomatoes are the base. And then comes the pile of bacon. Served with kettle chips and a pickle, this BLT is just what you want when you’re craving a homey classic. We’re also big fans of Take 2’s tomato bisque soup.
309 S. MAIN ST. | 918-861-4555 | TAKE2TULSA.COM
GROW WITH THE FLOW
Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. has expanded its footprint at East Sixth Street and South Rockford Road. In 2015 the operation began as a contract brewery — meaning someone else brewed and canned their beers — and three years later opened a taproom inside a former Texaco station turned detail shop.
With a newly added event space stretching behind the taproom, the brewery now takes up a quarter of a block, expanding its occupancy by nearly 200 people.
Co-owner Lacy Richards was involved with designing the new space and ensuring there was a place for bands to play and a few TVs. There are eye-catching details everywhere, from the granite features to the unique fireplace.
The original taproom is cozy, a more casual space with board games, video games and plenty of natural light, Richards says. “Then you walk upstairs (into the new addition), and it’s pretty luxe. We want it to feel very high-end,” Richards says, adding they’ve been calling the space the “upper room.”
Connected to the upper room is the Dream Lounge. A long expanse of space running along the west side of the upstairs addition, the Lounge is bright and vibrant with modern furniture, unique lighting and colorful murals that all work together to create a maximalist, eclectic feel.
After nine months of remodeling, the space is ready for beer and private events. Visit nothingsleftbrewingco.com for more information. — TOM GILBERT
MOTOR CITY
STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY PATRICK MCNICHOLASStalls that once held horses all over town were converted to automobile garages in Tulsa by 1914. Just like the oil boom, the nationwide auto boom led to the formation of many Tulsa companies directly related with the production, manufacturing and distribution of motor vehicles.
e Evans-Howard Co. was started in 1920 by Harry S. Evans and Frank A. Howard. Howard initially worked as a general manager for Charles Lukin Auto Co. before taking over the business with Evans and renaming it.
e company occupied a building originally designed as a Cadillac dealership located at East Sixth and South Main streets before beginning construction in 1920 on a new twostory facility on the southeast corner of East Fourth Street and South Elgin Avenue.
e building was constructed in less than three months with some tradesmen working around the clock to design and
prepare the building to host the fth annual Automobile Show sponsored by the Tulsa Automobile Dealers Association.
e building o cially opened to auto show vendors and guests in February 1921, and was considered the largest auto garage in the state at the time. Large windows and skylights were installed to illuminate the showroom oors and re ect light throughout the building.
e Evans-Howard Co. only stayed in the building for 20 months before trading locations with omas Motor Co., which utilized the building until 1925.
Over the years, many automobile companies have called the building home, including George Fuller Chevrolet who updated the design of the building’s façade in the late 1940s. It continually acted as a car dealership until the late 1980s.
e building has been home to the East End Village Apartments since 2015. TP