TulsaPeople September 2023

Power players

THE WOMEN’S ISSUE

Meet the women shaping Tulsa’s public relations landscape

40

PICTURE PERFECT

Winners of our Gathering Place photo contest. BY STAFF 47

5 DECADES OF DEVELOPING LEADERS

Leadership Tulsa’s community leadership development programs have impacted more than 3,000 alumni and Tulsa as a whole in its 50 years.

BY

JULIE

WENGER WATSON

53

A CENTURY OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The nonpartisan nonprofi t League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa informs and educates on the issues.

BY

KRISTI

EATON

7

CITY DESK

The buzz on a local honey company. 3 women form local indie press. Learning to act on Studio Row. Women doing great things in Tulsa.

55

POWER PLAYERS

Meet the women shaping Tulsa’s public relations landscape.

BY GRACE WOOD

62

LEGENDS: JOANN GILFORD

Education trailblazer

BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

SPECIAL SECTIONS

64 Women in Business Profiles

90 17th annual Restaurant Week

73

LIFESTYLE

Bold accents and striking jewelry sets. The foundation to a woman’s wardrobe. Local contractor featured on national TV. Connie Cronley’s personal lamentations.

85 TABLE TALK

Broken Arrow steakhouse sizzles. 3 quick breakfast stops. The art of the dinner party. Cabin Boys debuts downtown.

Leadership Tulsa’s Executive Director Marcia Bruno-Todd and former Executive Director Wendy Thomas

ON THE COVER: Back row from left, Margarita Vega, Cheryl Lawson, Hannah Jackson and Kacey Gilpin; front row from left, Nicole Morgan and Sheila Moore; photographed at Summit Club. PHOTO BY MICHELLE POLLARD

FAITHFUL. VISIONARY. STEADFAST.

Tom Bennett Jr.’s journey as a successful banker has not been a solitary one. He credits his 50-year banking career to his faith and many partnerships formed over his career – most notably his life partner Sue.

“I would not have succeeded without all the partners who have helped me along the way. My life has been a journey of faith, family, and friends. We have been blessed throughout the journey. I’ve always said, ‘Where God leads, I’ll go.’”

Once the guy who filled the soda pop vending machines at his first banking job, Tom today is the Executive Chairman of the Board for First Oklahoma Bank. He looks back with gratitude on his longterm banking career and everyone who has made it possible.

As a fifth-generation Oklahoman, Tom had early dreams of becoming a politician. His great grandfather was a Baptist minister; his grandfather was the president of Oklahoma A&M (OSU) for 23 years and a prominent figure in Oklahoma politics; his father was a World War II veteran, attorney, and a federal administrative law judge. All of them demonstrated a common interest in making the world a better place through God’s guidance of their

life’s work, which influenced Tom’s own aspirations.

Tom became the student body president at OSU. As an undergraduate, he never took a single class in the business college - not a management, finance, accounting, or any class that would have prepared him for banking. Instead, he earned a sociology degree and planned to attend law school and pursue a career in politics. He even moved to Washington D.C. after graduating from OSU to seek a political job, but he couldn’t find a job.

Discouraged, he prayed about his predicament and felt led to return to Stillwater where he met Bob McCormick, president of Stillwater National Bank. Mr. McCormick hired Tom as a loaned

executive to work part time on the local United Way campaign.

Later that fall, Tom received a job offer to become a management trainee at the bank. An OSU alum similarly offered him a job making more money at a major corporation. All his friends and family told him to take the higher-paying job, but Tom prayed about it and, against their advice, took the bank job.

“I’m really pleased that he chose the banking profession and has done such a wonderful job. Tom is as fine a person as I’ve ever known, and I think that his success and his treatment of banking as a calling in making the world a better place was a wonderful outcome,” says Bob McCormick.

Within a week of starting his full-time employment at the bank in 1973, Tom was dating his future wife, Sue. Sue became a devoted partner in the creation of Oklahoma National Bank and First Oklahoma Bank. Sue began her career in the financial services industry as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Investment Forum, raising equity capital for Oklahoma companies. Today she is the Director of Investor Relations and Community Engagement for First Oklahoma.

In 1988, Tom opened new offices for Stillwater National Bank in Tulsa. Over the next 10 years, the Tulsa division of SNB grew to $300 million in deposits and $240 million in loans. After 25 years with SNB, Tom decided to pursue new horizons. Together with partners, he helped build from scratch two successful banks. The first - Oklahoma National Bank - opened on Jan. 20, 2000, and became the fastest growing new bank in Oklahoma history.

Later, Tom and Sue joined their son Tom Bennett III to form another investor group of Oklahoma families to create First Oklahoma Bank, which opened on Nov. 4, 2009. In nearly 14 years, First Oklahoma Bank has grown to more than $1 billion in assets, with offices in Jenks, midtown, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

“Basically, banking is about managing risk in the transfer of wealth between generations by protecting the life savings of an older generation and making loans to a younger generation that is building and expanding businesses, buying homes and raising their families,” says Tom Bennett Jr. “It has been exciting to help entrepreneurs think about how to finance their growing companies and watch them enjoy success.”

every day. Just ask bank customers, employees or people who have been in his Bible studies for the last 50 years.”

Garry Groom, a long-time friend and work colleague, spent 27 of his 42 years in banking alongside Tom at Stillwater National Bank, ONB and First Oklahoma Bank.

In addition to his vocation, Tom also has been involved in a wide range of community activities: from local service on the Airport Authority and County Parks Board, to state service in creating a five-year economic development plan for Oklahoma and National Chairman of the OSU Alumni Association, to national service as a White House Fellow, to international service with orphans in Russia. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration with honors from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in Business Administration from OSU.

It is not often that you encounter somebody who cares about all facets of someone else’s life, says Tom Bennett III, President and CEO of First Oklahoma.

“Tom Bennett Jr. focuses on figuring out how to serve and facilitate other people’s dreams,” his son says. “He cares about how people are doing personally and professionally, how employees are treated, what kind of impact is being made in the community. It is not just a slogan to him. He literally lives it

“Tom was always moving forward and was an advocate for positive change in a traditionally stale and static industry. He also had great relationships with his customers, which was a key component in starting a new bank,” Garry says.

Says, Tom Jr., “I have been blessed to serve with exceptional Directors, extraordinary bankers, and supportive investors. Working together, we have helped create three of Oklahoma’s 20 largest banks. If not for my faith and the help of so many people, this improbable journey would never have happened. I am extremely grateful.”

“It has been exciting to help entrepreneurs think about how to finance their growing companies and watch them enjoy success.”

Thanks to three pop culture icons

— Barbie, Beyonce and Taylor Swift — the summer of 2023 has been one for the records books when it comes to female superstars.

While Beyonce and T. Swift didn’t grace a Tulsa stage, plenty of us ocked to nearby stadiums to revel in the power of these two icons.

Closer to home we lled movie theaters large and small to watch the cinematic treat, “Barbie.” I was never a devoted Barbie kid, but even I got a little teary toward the end of that lm.

All three of these cultural moments have made a ton of money; all three with strong, fearless and talented women.

is month TulsaPeople celebrates all things female with our annual Women’s Issue.

Take our cover feature, “Power players,” pro ling six women who have made a name for themselves and Tulsa when it comes to public relations and strategic communications. Writer Grace Wood did a fantastic job with this piece starting on p. 55.

Female leadership continues at Leadership Tulsa as longtime Executive Director Wendy omas’ retirement created opportunity for the nonpro t’s new leader, Marcia Bruno-Todd. is month also marks 50 years for the community

leadership development program. Read all about it on p. 47.

Back in 1923, a collection of Tulsa women brought the newly established League of Women Voters to town. is year the 100-year-old chapter is looking forward to 2024 as it prepares to educate all voters on the upcoming mayoral and presidential elections. On p. 53, read about this organization’s civic work and continued longevity.

ere are numerous women pro led in this September issue — from chefs and storeowners to nancial experts, artists and educators. I’m so proud to highlight the great work women are doing in this city every day.

I’d love to take the opportunity to thank the women I work with every day to create this magazine. We’re spouses, daughters, moms, caregivers, employees, volunteers, friends and con dantes. We’re pulled in a million and one directions, yet love getting to tell Tulsa’s story one person at a time. While this isn’t Barbieland, it’s still pretty great.

Happy reading.

Volume XXXVII, Number 11 ©2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage.

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Golden girls

“Everyone that does anything of value in the beehive is female,” says Michael Roark of Roark Acres Honey Farms. It’s honey-pulling week, and he and his team are out collecting the sweet golden surpluses from around 1,500 hives to kick off the harvesting season.

Honey, which bees utilize as a primary energy source, begins as nectar that female bees have brought back to the hive and deposited into combs, Roark explains. Over time, water evaporates from the nectar and it begins to thicken. When the proper amount of moisture is gone, the bees will “cap” the combs with a thin layer of beeswax, creating tiny storage pockets of sustenance for when nectar isn’t so readily available in the wild. TP

BY ANNE BROCKMAN AND BLAYKLEE FREED

ROBERTS HELMS BLACK WALL STREET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce announced Kuma Roberts as interim president and CEO of the nonprofit organization.

“We are all about collaboration over conflict here at the Black Wall Street Chamber,” Roberts said at a July press conference. “These principles are not merely words to me or to us, but these principles are guiding lights that direct our every endeavor. As we move forward, we will foster a culture of robust entrepreneurship … we will continue to invest in our entrepreneurs to provide them with the tools, the resources and support necessary to turn their visions into reality. And in that same spirit our commitment to inclusive economic development … will not waver. Our goal remains steadfast to ensure that every single African American individual within our community, and by nature of supporting that population, we will rise all ships across the city, regardless of background that we all have the opportunity to contribute and benefit from our collective prosperity.”

Roberts is no stranger to chamber life. She served for many years at Tulsa Regional Chamber. Along with her BWSCC responsibilities, Roberts will continue her role as Arrowhead Consulting’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. The firm partners with the BWSCC for resource development, marketing and other strategic initiatives.

Roberts is stepping into the role after the July 2022 death of Sherry Gamble Smith, a BWSCC founder, president and CEO. Gamble Smith’s daughter, Lindsey Corbitt, served as interim president and CEO prior to Roberts.

COALITION CAMPAIGNS FOR SOLAR POWER IN 8-COUNTY REGION

Solarize Green Country is an initiative to make solar energy and battery storage more affordable and accessible for homeowners, business owners and nonprofits in the Green Country region.

The campaign began in April and is encouraging Tulsans to have their property evaluated for solar panels. Those whose property qualifies have the opportunity to purchase solar power panels and battery storage at crowdsourced prices. The coalition engaged Solar Power of Oklahoma, an Oklahoma City-based solar company.

“We vetted all this. We have a supplier with really good financials and a supply chain that is excellent with highly trained technicians,” campaign organizer Gary Allison says. “The best part is that they’ll tell you if it won’t work on your home or site.” Sept. 30 is the final day to ask for a free property evaluation. Visit solarizegreen country.com to request an appointment, learn about this public/private partnership and more.

A new accessible playground at The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges opened July 14 with a celebration that included a dozen kids participating in the official ribbon cutting. The ramp runs the length of the playground so kids on wheels can use all the equipment, and the level rubber flooring ensures wheelchairs don’t get stuck.

Kuma Roberts is the new interim president and CEO of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, which was founded in 2018 to promote and help develop Blackowned businesses.

It’s the soft sound of a Native flute. The focus of a potter shaping clay. Traditions shared by living masters.

A NATION OF CULTURE

It’s an electric arc of talent that keeps us on our toes. Our legends on silver screens, in galleries, at stickball fields and podiums. It’s here.

ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE.

SEPTEMBER

COMPILED BY BLAYKLEE FREED

SEPT. 2

BRASS IN THE BALLPARK

King Cabbage Brass Band co-hosted a two-week music camp for accomplished band students in grades 8-12 that culminates with two live performances during Drillers games on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. ONEOK FIELD, 201 N. ELGIN AVE. TULSADRILLERS.COM.

SEPT. 6

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

Catch live music every week this month at the popular Tulsa food hall. The series begins with Caleb Archer

MOTHER ROAD MARKET, 1124 S. LEWIS AVE. MOTHERROADMARKET.COM

SEPT. 9

CHOCTAW BEADWORK WORKSHOP

Join Choctaw beadwork artist Deana Ward for an afternoon class about beading where you can create your own medallion.

CHIMERA CAFE, 212 N. MAIN ST. GILCREASE.ORG

SEPT. 8-17

RESTAURANT WEEK

It’s the best tasting week of the year. Dine at select restaurants to benefit Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

TULSAPEOPLE.COM/RESTAURANTWEEK

SEPT. 2

918 FOOD FESTIVAL

Local artists will show their stuff and musicians will provide a soundtrack as Tulsans stuff their faces with local flavors! EAST 18TH STREET AND SOUTH BOSTON AVENUE. FACEBOOK.COM/918FOODFESTIVAL

SEPT. 16

A TASTE OF NIGERIA FESTIVAL

Celebrate Nigeria’s independence and rich culture with a festival of food, music, dance and fashion.

GREENWOOD CULTURAL CENTER, 322 N. GREENWOOD AVE. ATASTEOFNIGERIA.COM

SEPT. 21-23

TULSA GREEK FESTIVAL

Opa! Watch folk dancing while dining on Greek delicacies at this annual outdoor event.

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 1222 S. GUTHRIE AVE. TULSAGREEKFESTIVAL.COM

SEPT. 29-OCT. 1

BROKEN ARROW ROSE FESTIVAL

Three days are packed with performances and events for the whole family, including a chalk competition, kids’ zone and a kite display.

BROKEN ARROW ROSE DISTRICT, 302 S. MAIN ST., AND EVENTS PARK, 21101 E. 101ST ST. KEEPBABEAUTIFUL.ORG/ROSE-FESTIVAL

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM/ABOUTTOWN FOR MORE LOCAL EVENTS AND A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF WEEKLY MUSIC LISTINGS.

Bondi Bowls, a 918 Food Festival participant

AMANDA BLAIR

EXPO SQUARE’S CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

STORY AND PHOTO BY TIM LANDES

For many, fall means Tulsa State Fair time. For Amanda Blair, COO of Expo Square, the fall de nitely means State Fair time. It also means another work anniversary is here. October marks 18 years that Blair has worked at Expo Square. She drank a smoothie and discussed her career and the fair while I drank a cold brew at Inheritance Kitchen and Juicery, 108 S. Detroit Ave.

SHE STARTED AS A TICKET MANAGER AND OVERSAW THE FAIR BEFORE BECOMING COO IN 2014. IN HER ROLE SHE DOES A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

In a nutshell, each weekend, we build a small city for each of our events because they’re so customized. It’s never a dull moment at Expo Square. It’s anything from construction — we’ve got a lot of that going on — to planning the fair, to working with our Expo Square event clients, to managing our di erent departments from the maintenance department to the RV park. I oversee a lot of di erent areas. It’s really whatever is approaching on the event schedule. No day is ever the same.

IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN LOTS OF UPDATES TO THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. MOST RECENTLY THERE’S A REMODELED AND UPDATED SECURITY CENTER THAT HADN’T BEEN TOUCHED IN DECADES ... We’re also in the middle of a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project that people don’t see. It’s time to upgrade the electrical infrastructure, ber and such, so we can continue to grow with our shows. Right now we’re hosting one of the biggest horse shows. e (National Sna e Bit Association) is actually one that has continued to push us to grow and be better because as they grow, the power needs grow. at was really kind of a pivotal moment for us to understand and realize we need to invest

in our infrastructure because the RVs are not getting smaller — they’re pulling more power with things like washing machines and dryers in them. As all of these di erent shows grow and the needs grow, we have to adapt as well.

EXPO SQUARE HOSTS ABOUT 300 EVENTS A YEAR ... On any given weekend, we can host anywhere from four to ve di erent events. I can’t speak highly enough about, and just give kudos to, our sta that’s making those events shine by building those small cities each and every weekend.

THE DIRT USED AT EVENTS ISN’T JUST DIRT ... ere’s speci c dirt for the Chili Bowl. ere’s speci c dirt for the arenas. Some dirt has to have more clay than others. ere’s a scienti c aspect to making sure that there’s enough sandy loam in the dirt for the horse and equine shows. We store it on a property we call e 9.9 (because it’s 9.9 acres) o 15th Street, and we store it on-site. We also have the racetrack where we pile up for the Arabian show. So we’ve got stockpiles of di erent types of dirt.

THE BIGGEST EVENT IS THE TULSA STATE FAIR, WHICH RUNS SEPT. 28-OCT. 8. THERE ARE THE RIDES, THE LIVE MUSIC AND ALL THE STAPLES, PLUS MORE ... We’ve got a high- ying dive show, which is interesting, the lumberjack show and a crowd favorite is the Perondi’s Stunt Dogs show. en what I also think is really important to highlight about the fair that people don’t realize is we have so many educational aspects of the fair. We have a lot of schools and a lot of homeschool parents that bring their families here so they can learn about where food comes from. You can see the animals, you can touch the animals. Another under-talked-about aspect is the 4-H and FFA. For those kids, this is their Super Bowl. ey’ve been working on their projects for many months, and that’s creating such a foundation for their character and their work ethic.

LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WHO ATTENDS THE FAIR, BLAIR HAS HER GO-TO WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD ... e pickle pizza. It sounds really odd, but I love pickles, and I love pizza. TP

POWER OF COMMUNITY

NONPROFIT WITH A GLOBAL REACH EMPOWERS AND DEVELOPS YOUNG FEMALE BLACK LEADERS.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

This summer, 50 women from seven countries had the opportunity to participate

in the Girls Leading

Our World Cohort, an intensive, 12-week virtual program focused on leadership skills and creating positive change in communities. In partnership with beauty brand Cantu Beauty, the GLOW Cohort is for Black women ages 17-23 and is the latest program from the Tulsa-based Women Empowering Nations and its founder, Carlisha Bradley is was the second year for the cohort, which attracted 2,547 applications for 50 spots — two of which went to Tulsans Te’a Williams and Jeanne Spencer

“As a Tulsan and as someone who grew up in this community, (the participants’) paths and their stories really inspire me on this journey, and I’m grateful that we’re

continuing to provide this exposure that expands expectations, that builds bridges,” Bradley says.

Union High School graduate Williams, 23, recently nished graduate school in Barcelona, Spain, where she earned a degree in international relations. Williams was drawn to the program for its community. “Being in Spain, I (was) the only African American woman in my program so sometimes it can be very hard and very lonely,” Williams says. “I’ve learned so much about myself and the power of how your story can impact and inspire people … It’s helped me build my story more, build my ‘why’ more and keep pushing for what I strive to do and pour back into my community.”

An advocate for education equity, immigration reform and advocacy policy,

post-graduation Williams plans to work in Washington, D.C. While working on her thesis to submit in September, Williams is doing a virtual internship with a D.C.-based organization supporting professionals in international relations and foreign a airs.

Spencer, an Oklahoma State UniversityTulsa marketing senior, has been an entrepreneur since age 14 with her online boutique brand, Ambitiously Made. Spencer, now 21, works as a student success coach for City Year Tulsa while also being a food content creator and hosting a podcast called “Breaking Expectations.” She was inspired to apply for the cohort when she heard of founder Bradley and that the program empowered Black women. Spencer has already applied something she learned in the cohort — e ective communication — with her real-world experiences.

“Since we were based mostly online, we had to gure out ways to make sure everyone’s heard and that we’re communicating e ectively,” Spencer says.

While the women in the cohort spoke multiple languages, English was the common thread. Participants, coaches and facilitators from the same countries met online and could speak in their native tongue if they desired, Bradley says.

Growing up in Tulsa, Bradley, a 2003 Union graduate, says she was often the only student of color in her classroom and “yearned for mirrors to my own potential and leadership development in that space.”

“When I went on to college and found that community,” she continues, “I decided that I wanted to be the change I wanted to see in this world and in my own city.” She founded WEN in 2009 to provide leadership development and mentorship to girls of color.

In the future, Bradley envisions the GLOW Cohort growing and expanding, including online courses and resources for current members while adding countries along the way.

“We have young women who now are working in the White House all the way to those who are leading nonpro t organizations and social causes,” Bradley says. “But they’re constantly thinking of ways to give back and to allow for other young women to have a seat at the table.”

To learn more about Women Empowering Nations, the Girls Leading Our World Cohort or its annual virtual summit, visit wenations.org. TP

Carlisha Bradley, center, is the founder of Women Empowering Nations, a nonprofi t that provides leadership development and mentorship to girls of color. This summer, WEN partnered with Cantu Beauty for the second Girls Leading Our World Cohort, a virtual program that reached 50 Black women ages 17-23 from seven different countries. Two cohort participants were Tulsans Te’a Williams, left, and Jeanne Spencer, right.

Meet & Greet

COME TOGETHER

ORGANIZATION FOCUSES ON CREATIVE EVENTS TO FOSTER COMMUNITY.

STORIES BY JULIANNE TRAN

West of the Arkansas River, there’s a place where singers of all skill levels — from professionals to people overcoming their fear of singing in public — gather every Monday to practice as a community choir.

At other times, there are performances from emerging local bands where a donation, of any amount, gets you through the door.

When the weekend comes, there’s Ecstatic Dances where there are no “right” or “wrong” moves.

is is Park Grove Creative Community, where you can come and let your creativity ow.

Taking inspiration from co-ops and business incubators, Park Grove is unlike any place and organization in Tulsa, according to its organizers. Park Grove, 4241 S. 37th W. Ave., is a space that’s available for anyone’s creative use, and its team hosts weekly events and programs to amplify creativity and foster community.

“We’re just trying to do good stu and we’re all learning together,” says Tay Bergho , a community organizer who hosts Ecstatic Dances, or gatherings wherein people of all skill levels move to music for the sake of feeling good in their bodies — no signature moves required.

A young organization, Park Grove is growing and changing as each member proposes new ideas and creative programs. And they invite others to join in.

“Everyone is encouraged to show up, participate and a ect the space in their own way,” says Jordan Hehl, another community organizer who also books music shows at Park Grove.

“We’re open to anyone looking for community, looking to be their authentic selves and to explore their creative soul,” Bergho says. Park Grove invites anyone to join weekly events, regardless of their skill level. “( ere are) a lot of opportunities for people who are either already deep into their creative practice or people who are interested in them to participate.”

Looking toward the future, this growing group and community space wants to be self-sustaining.

“We hope this can ultimately start to run itself without anyone being in charge of the space,” Bergho says. “We want it to become an environment where lots of creativity can happen based on volunteers and cooperation.”

Park Grove plans to add more programs to their weekly roster, including a movement modalities workshop where people of di erent movement backgrounds, like gymnasts and cross t athletes, can come together to explore motion.

e space can be used to host public events, concerts, band practices and private lessons.

Follow Park Grove Creative Community on Facebook and Instagram for updates and new weekly programs. TP

NAME: Susan Brehm

KNOWN AS: New executive director of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Heart Association. Brehm has served in multiple nonprofit leadership roles at Columbus Museum of Art and various health care nonprofits. An Ohio native, Brehm moved to Tulsa in 2020 to be closer to family.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT IN THIS NEW ROLE? This is my dream job and my dream city. It’s hard work, but it doesn’t feel like work because of the generosity of Tulsans who support us and want us to succeed in the field. I get to be close to my family and I get to have the job that if I was to describe my dream position, this would be it. How does it get any better?

The American Heart Association is (nearing its) 100th year, and the next century is focused on equality for all. How are we helping the underserved? What are we doing with other populations and how can we be proactive? One of our key focuses is on having one person in every household trained in bystander CPR through mobile CPR kiosks and in-school education.

It drives my passion in understanding the importance of research, innovation and being more proactive about raising awareness (about heart disease). It’s also about the community and how we support each other and honor those who are struggling or have lost loved ones.

HOW HAS YOUR TIME IN TULSA BEEN? I’ve adjusted to everything but the heat! But really, the generosity and the kindness of Tulsa is ridiculous. (Tulsans are) just so embracing and welcoming and want people to feel like they’re at home. I’ve enjoyed going to Broadway shows and I’ve never experienced having a backyard so just having a backyard patio has been a wonderful experience. TP

From left, Peyton Flocks, Tay Berghoff, Jordan Hehl, Rebecca Deshong and Russell Reeves are community organizers behind Park Grove Creative Community

CHEROKEE ART MARKET

OCTOBER 14 –15, 2023

HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO TULSA

SEQUOYAH CONVENTION CENTER

Experience authentic Native art at one of the largest Native American art shows in Oklahoma. New work by accomplished Native artists from across the country will be on display.

Discover and enjoy their exquisite work and add to your collection with beautiful jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, textiles and much more.

cherokeeartmarket.com

“Ancestral Duplication: Battle for our Language” Troy Jackson

MONEY MATTERS

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

On a recent afternoon I was lucky enough to sit down with three intelligent and savvy women to talk about money — a topic more women are discussing more openly. On the 11th Floor of the BOK Tower I met with Carrie Clasen Porter, chief operating and administrative o cer for wealth management, Melissa Lord, director of investment duciary and consulting services, and Joan Fields, wealth advisor. e three women have been with the nancial institution and in the industry for years.

While it’s not abnormal for a woman to run the household checkbook, statistically men are the primary nancial decision maker in a household 65% of the time; women are 42.5% of the time. Today the women’s pay gap sits at 82%. Studies have shown women excel at saving and want to make educated nancial decisions about their long-term future but struggle to build and maintain their earning power.

TULSAPEOPLE: Earning power — what is it and how can women build it?

MELISSA LORD: Earning power comes into the mix because when you look at the retirement plan assets, women tend to have lower median balances than men. And some of the

contributors to that is their lower median personal income and lower median contribution rates. Why is that? It’s a combination of women not making as much as men, but also women are more likely to leave the workforce to be caretakers, and that a ects their earning — and then their investing — power.

CARRIE CLASEN PORTER: We’re seeing a change in that trend, though. In 2016, women controlled $14 trillion in personal wealth, while women are projected to control $30 trillion in nancial assets in 2030. Women will be making more of those household decisions and have more control over personal wealth assets. So because of that, we think it’s that much more important women are educated and they feel con dent in those decisions or to nd a coach or a trusted advisor who can help you in that process. Having either the con dence to do it on their own or having a person coaching them will increase their likelihood of making decisions that are going to better their family and their family’s wealth.

TP: In your experiences, are women more inclined to research before they come and talk to you over a man?

JOAN FIELDS: I think that’s more of a personality trait than it is male versus female.

I do think women tend to digest things di erently. It’s more common for women to gather information, go home, mull over the information discussed, talk about it with their family and friends and then have follow-up questions. Men tend to gather information and make a decision. While it may take more steps for a woman to make a decision, I think they are more likely to stay with that decision for the long-term. But going back to the earning power, women are naturally good advocates for other people — whether it’s their family, their friends or their colleagues — but tend to really neglect that aspect of it for ourselves. It is vital to make sure you’re making a conscious decision to be an advocate for yourself in your career. Something you can do to help yourself is nding someone in your career or your life who can be a mentor for you, especially when you’re starting out. You may not have the experience or con dence of what to expect or what is fair. Having that mentor in your life as a sounding board will have a huge impact.

TP: I’ve also been reading that younger women are more empowered to ask for more money or more time o .

CCP: I think that comes with transparency. Where there’s more transparency in pay, either through publicly available information or more open conversations among peers, there’s also a greater likelihood of feeling empowered to make the ask.

TP: In this business, how has the ratio or the balance of men to women in your elds changed in your time?

CCP: I think it depends on the segment within the industry. ere’s de nitely a need for more women within the investment management roles making stock and bond decisions. Only about 10% to 20% of those positions are held by women. ere hasn’t been enough change in the ratio over the past several years. I think more women and having that representation will change it over time.

ML: When I joined the rm 22 years ago, females were de nitely in the minority throughout the industry. ere’s more now that I see in positions across investment rms. I don’t know the actual balance, but that ratio has improved. TP

Editor’s note: is conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

FEMALE FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS EMPOWER WOMEN TO SAVE EARLY, SAVE OFTEN AND LEARN ABOUT FINANCES.

BOK Financial’s Melissa Lord, director of investment fiduciary and consulting services; Carrie Clasen Porter, chief operating and administrative officer for wealth management; and Joan Fields, wealth advisor

BEE-HIND THE SCENES

LOCAL HONEY FARM PRODUCES A ROBUST PRODUCT LINEUP.

BY TIFFANY HOWARD

BUSY BEES

For Michael Roark, honey harvest season is like Christmas in July. is three-to-four-week timespan will reveal just how much of the sweet stu Roark Acres Honey Farms has to work with for the full coming year.

“While there’s no guarantees, it’s always exciting,” says Roark, adding that a typical year usually yields between 40,000-50,000 pounds of honey. A self-professed “bee nerd,” Roark rst became interested in the industrious insects after purchasing two hives for his garden in 2012. Just two years later, he and his wife, Amy, established Roark Acres, which now maintains 1,500 hives in and around the Tulsa area.

HIVE JIVE

Typically at the beginning of July, Roark and his team — which includes his 15-year-old son, Brady — will spend about ve days visiting all of their colonies to nd spring and summer honey surpluses. Called “pulling,” this rst step in the harvesting process involves removing the hives’ top boxes (or “supers”) for later extraction at the facility site. Roark knows his bees, though, and stresses they never take what might be necessary for the colonies to survive on during winter.

SHOW ME THE HONEY

Each colony contains around 50,000 bees. To safely access the honey inside, a harmless substance called “Bee-Go” is fanned down through the hive. Bees don’t like the smell and will begin to move away from it. e beekeeper will then use a hive tool to crack through an extremely strong sealant of burr comb and propolis to assess the frames inside for harvest.

SWEET SUITE

Once pulling is complete, all frames that have been removed are run through a six-step extraction and straining process at the Roark production facility nestled into Sapulpa’s lush green countryside. A machine called a spin- oat uses centrifugal force to separate the honey from the beeswax — both of which will become part of a sweet suite of Roark Acres products.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

“ is is where the magic happens,” says Courtney Onderdonk, 33, the oldest Roark daughter who manages the production facility’s on-site kitchen. Here, she and sta member Lacey Mauldin package and create all kinds of golden goodness — from honey-soaked pecans, to honey infusions such as lavender or savory black garlic, to spreadable creamed honeys in avors like elderberry, habanero and pumpkin spice.

And for the beeswax, Amy and daughter Arwen, 21, alchemize it into retail items such as candles, lip balms, lotion bars, soaps and more. To shop the full product lineup, make a stop at the Roark Acres Honey House at 17 E. Main St. in Jenks or visit roarkacres.com. Bottled, creamed and infused honeys also are available at Reasor’s and the Tulsa Farmers’ Market. TP

Michael Roark is the co-owner of Roark Acres Honey Farms. Along with Farm Supervisor Bart Ramsey, Roark and his team begin visiting their hives in early July each year to assess the frames for harvest. Courtney Onderdonk, Roark’s oldest daughter, oversees the local honey producer and packer’s commercial kitchen.

Michael Roark

Find Roark Acres Honey Farms Sept. 28-Oct. 8 at the Tulsa State Fair in the Expo and Exchange buildings.

Courtney Onderdonk

Bart Ramsey

I’m a teacher at Holland Hall and an alumna.

What makes a Holland Hall teacher? Someone who is passionate, who is a master at their area of study and who cares deeply about forming relationships and learning about kids.”

Holland Hall, Tulsa’s PreK-12th grade independent Episcopal school, offers a rigorous academic curriculum, but also more than 30 arts classes, state championship athletic teams and faculty members who have time to really know your child. Ask about a private tour and tuition assistance.

— Tyne Shillingford ’03 Upper School Fine Arts Department Chair

TULSA TRANSITIONS

VOCALIST AND PERFORMER JENNIFER MARRIOTT HAS BEEN

PERFORMING FOR DECADES.

STORIES BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Musician, author and computer programmer Jennifer Marriott is well known in the local music scene for her soulful vocals and her performances as a duo with husband and blues musician Pete Marriott. While Marriott has called Tulsa home for close to two decades, she was born in Canada and raised on her family’s farm near London, Ontario.

“My love of music comes from my parents,” Marriott says. “Because they’re avid listeners, my father could play almost any instrument he put his hands on. He had a beautiful singing voice and perfect pitch.”

With no formal training, Marriott taught herself guitar, eventually opening for touring bands at a venue in London, which is how she met Pete, who was on the road with the Sandra Wright Band in 1992.

“I just saw this guy with a guitar and a pink ball cap, running from one side to the other with these crazy solos,” Marriott says. “He asked me to lunch, and we haven’t been apart since.”

e couple lived in Ludlow, Vermont; Bonita Springs, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee; before landing back in Tulsa to help take care of Pete’s aging mother. Marriott, a self-described “total geek” whose father was an inventor and early adaptor of technology, discovered an aptitude for programming along the way. She started her own con-

sulting and web development business in 1999 and published an authoritative book on Joomla (a software package for website creation and management) in 2010 that has been translated into many languages.

While she enjoys her technical “day job,” she loves what music brings to her life.

“Music is like feelings in a tangible form,” she says. “It’s a way to see the world through so many di erent eyes. It shapes who you are as a person.”

During the pandemic, Pete wrote close to 50 songs, which the couple has been re ning together. She focuses on lyrics, while he plays with melody, composition and instrumentation. ey plan to release the work digitally over time.

e past several months have been full of transitions for Marriott, who became a U.S. citizen in May, one month before her mother-in-law passed away. Looking ahead, she’d like to spend fewer hours on work and more time on her passions.

“I’d like to spend more time being creative,” she says. “Cooking, painting, music — really doing things that ll your heart and expand your mind and expand your humanity.”

See Marriott live in September at Osage Casino and Deco Lounge. For showtimes and more information, visit jennifermarriott. com. TP

LOCAL HIP-HOP CELEBRATION

Over the past five decades, hip-hop has grown from its birthplace in urban America to become a multibillion-dollar business that touches every continent.

While the history of hip-hop is writ large in names like the Sugar Hill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, N.W.A. and more, without the contributions of countless artists between the coasts, it wouldn’t have the global reach it does today. On Sept. 17, beginning at 2 p.m., Oklahoma Birth of Legends festival celebrates the 50th year of hip-hop and pioneers of the local hip-hop scene with a free, family friendly event with vendors and giveaways on Guthrie Green, 111 E. Reconciliation Way.

According to promoter Mareo Johnson, this year’s festival is an opportunity to honor some of the genre’s early artists, educate the public about the city’s music culture and document its history. Performers include Turf Hogg, OG Waba and Hacha, the Full Flava Kings, Yung 30, O.G. Buccett Loc, The Vets, Narkiss, Sunnylan3, Hog, Charlie Bitniz and more.

“Tulsa has birthed a lot of talent throughout the years, and I believe it’s starting to get the recognition it’s always deserved,” he says. “Oklahoma Birth of Legends introduces those pioneers and influencers of hip-hop to the public, as well as to the new artists that may not know who the forerunners were or are.”

Johnson hopes the event reaches well beyond the city limits.

“One of the main reasons behind Oklahoma Birth of Legends is to bring people together so that people can notice the camaraderie and the unity in the music scene and in the arts, and be like, ‘Wow! That’s powerful, what they have there,’” Johnson says. “That will draw other musicians and other artists to want to come to Tulsa because they’ll see how the doors open and how we’re all working together and have a thriving music scene.”

Find event details at guthriegreen.com and on Facebook by searching Oklahoma Birth of Legends. TP

Jennifer Marriott performs a mix of everything. “I get something in my head and I’m not really thinking about what genre it is,” she says. Pete Marriott, her husband and bandmate, leans toward blues, soul, jazz and funk, but Marriott says, “I just write what I write and hope people like it.”

Mareo Johnson

MARRIOTT: PHIL CLARKIN; JOHNSON: GREG BOLLINGER

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Finance arrangements o en cost no more than the original monthly rental fee. And our Full Trade-Up Steinway Promise lets you trade in your piano in the future for 100% of the original purchase price toward a new Steinway or Steinway-Designed Boston or Essex piano of greater value.

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RHYTHM ROOM

JENKS VENUE ROCKS AND ROLLS WITH LIVE, LOCAL MUSIC.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Seven nights a week, Maggie’s Music Box brings live music to the heart of Jenks.

Nestled in a renovated historic building at 201 E. Main St., the venue boasts both indoor and outdoor stages and hosts local musicians and nationally touring acts. Maggie’s is the realization of a dream for Amy Smith, who owns the venue with her husband, Kevin, and their friend, Rick Huskey Smith attributes her early love of music to her older brothers.

“I remember my oldest brother driving me to Sound Warehouse to buy my rst album,” she recalls. “From that point on, I would sneak in their rooms and listen to all of their albums because they always had the ultimate stereo setup. I made sure to put it all back in the right place, but they knew I was doing it.”

Later, as an adult, Smith turned to music in the aftermath of a divorce. at experience sparked the idea for what eventually became a business.

“As a woman, it’s really hard to go out by yourself when you’re going through something like that. I found places I could go and feel safe and listen to a band. I got to know the local music culture, and that was kind of my therapy during that time I was single,” she recalls. “I knew if I ever had a place, I wanted it to feel safe and welcoming, even if you’re by yourself, whether you’re a man or a woman. A place where you can learn about the local music scene and come to enjoy it.”

When Smith met Kevin in 2011, he shared that dream. Both artists, they opened Studio818 in the building now occupied by East Village Bohemian Pizzeria, 818 E. ird St. in Tulsa. e space functioned as an art studio during the week, with live music on the weekends.

Amy and Kevin opened a new venue in 2013. For six years, Soul City near 11th Street and Utica Avenue was a popular destination for its food, drinks and, of course, the music. However, the neighborhood posed some challenges for the business, so

after nding the Jenks property, Maggie’s opened in October 2020.

“Kevin is truly the wizard behind the curtain at Maggie’s that keeps it all working,” says Smith, who spends her days at Cajun Blackbird, her art studio and store just down the block from Maggie’s, where she sells her own work and works from local musicians that play at Maggie’s.

Named after the song “Magnolia” by Tulsa Sound icon JJ Cale and personi ed in the large painting of a mermaid created by Smith’s son Jonathan Heckman (mural artist Jox), Maggie’s is everything Smith hoped it would be.

“I think people were hungry for community,” she says. “At Maggie’s, musicians, artists, our patrons, our sta , the ownership — it’s like this family, and more people join the family every day.” TP

Since October 2020, Maggie’s Music Box has welcomed music lovers to Jenks for a venue celebrating local music. Maggie’s is owned by Kevin and Amy Smith, center, and Rick Huskey.

Covers REVISITED

BEYOND WHAT IS

NATALIE LAUREN’S WORK MAKES ROOM FOR DUALITY.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Tulsa artist Natalie Lauren’s experience in the creative world spans mediums and genres, from songwriting credits for multiplatinum artists like Lecrae, Chris Brown and Iggy Azalea, to her debut visual arts show last year at Christie’s Gallery in London.

“Tulsa is really where I was able to hone my imagination,” says the Booker T. Washington High School alumna. After a robust music career in Atlanta, Lauren returned to Tulsa to care for her parents and, while here, decided to stay through Tulsa Remote.

“Moving away, living in Atlanta, being around amazing creative Black entrepreneurs, there’s really a sense of con dence that’s instilled in you when you are in a place where representation is prominent (and) is not something that I experienced in Tulsa.

“ ere are no Black or brown residencies, or art spaces that are recognized and can compete on a national level in the art industry in Tulsa like there is in Chicago, New York City or larger cities,” she continues. “But there is always our story that gives us content and inspiration even if there is no visibility.”

In her 2022 work “Pink Dream,” the painting she shared at the Christie’s show and a featured piece at Tulsa Juneteenth this year, a boy appears in a eld with an abstract pink unicorn-like gure that he’s reaching out and touching, she says. “He’s not solemn

but he’s almost in what I would say is this liminal space between the natural and the supernatural,” Lauren says.

e reference for that image came from a photo called “Eight Seconds” by Ivan McClellan from the Boley Rodeo, the largest Black rodeo in Oklahoma. “My family has a long history of being a part of the rodeo ... so there’s just an a nity for all things outdoors, all things horses, all things country through and through. I thought about what it means to access childlike wonder in a city that is de nitely still full of sorrow from its history, but not absent of wonder.”

Interpreting the sorrow among wonder is something Lauren strives to do in her work. “I think we exist between the two,” she says. “(We have to) face the sadness, and the grief that still lingers on from the history of the city ... and the piece is supposed to be this invitation into considering the supernatural and this idea that there’s still life there, and it’s safe enough to reach out and to participate with life and with wonder, with vision and with mystery. ”

e duality of this truth paints a picture of hope for Tulsa creatives and residents alike. “My goal is to create spaces and work and conversations that really incubate creatives and artists and imagination as a whole.”

Follow @natalielaurensims on Instagram for information on upcoming shows. TP

On the cover of the August 2018 issue, Jayla Moss had just won the Oklahoma AllAround Gymnastics Championship.

The year before, she ventured away from the traditional school environment and went into homeschooling. This switch allowed for her to pursue gymnastics on a full-time schedule, which included the 12-year-old practicing eight hours a day.

In 2020, Moss dislocated her shoulder while preparing for the upcoming gymnastics year, which required surgery and intense physical therapy. After making a full recovery a year later, issues with her shoulder reappeared. She then faced a choice: continue gymnastics and risk a more severe injury, or retire. After an immensely successful eight-year career, Moss hung up her leotards for good.

After officially retiring, she returned to a more traditional education and enrolled at Cascia Hall where she continues to demonstrate her athletic ability. Now a two-sport athlete, competing in both varsity track and field and varsity cheer, Moss is preparing to enter her senior year of high school. She now spends her time practicing for the upcoming school seasons and researching colleges.

Moss has set her sights on attending The University of Alabama with a career path in mind. “I want to go pre-med, and I have always wanted to be a surgeon,” she says. “I want to go to a school where those programs are well-known.”

When asked what she is looking forward to the most for her senior year, she laughs and says, “The dances and the senior trip! I’m excited to experience those with my friends.”

ABBY MEDICO

Natalie Lauren, a Tulsa-based artist, has recently shown work in London and Los Angeles. She is photographed with her painting, “Let Down Your Net.”

Color is the common denominator

The Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is approaching, and for Tulsa artist Sarah Sullivan Sherrod, it’s time to mix things up as she prepares to create another large-scale work for this year’s festival.

MURAL MAGIC

ANNUAL EVENT SHOWCASES DIVERSE ARTISTRY.

STORIES BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

By sunset on Sept. 9, a corridor of Tulsa near downtown will be bursting with color.

e third annual — but rst in Tulsa — Sunny Dayz Mural Festival brings vendors, food trucks, musicians and artists to town for the day and will leave behind close to 25 murals on the walls of the surrounding buildings near East ird Street and South Quincy Avenue.

Sunny Dayz addresses disparities in artistic representation through advocacy and the creation of public art, speci cally empowering women and nonbinary creatives. To that end, the festival includes a teen mentorship program. According to festival founder, Oklahoma City-based artist Virginia Sitzes, this year’s mentorship program will pair 10 young female or nonbinary artists with experienced muralists who will help them learn how to create a large-scale mural.

Tulsa artist and festival committee member Jillian Bell participated as a muralist in last year’s festival in Edmond. She’s thrilled to host the 2023 festival in her hometown.

“Having a group of artists, speci cally women and nonbinary artists, come into Tulsa is just going to be great,” Bell says. “We’ve seen the positive e ects of public art in the last few cities where we’ve done this, so I think it can only be a really positive thing for Tulsa.”

Fellow Tulsa artist Sarah Sullivan Sherrod, and one of this year’s muralists, agrees.

“ at infectious energy is part of what makes Sunny Dayz so great for a community, but most importantly, amidst all the fun, Sunny Dayz gives its whole focus to female and nonbinary artists who don’t often get that kind of support,” she says. “Sunny Dayz is unrelenting in its advocacy to give a platform to diverse voices. I can’t wait to see what this round of artists brings to Tulsa.”

Both Sherrod and Bell are excited about the festival’s support of the community and its artists.

“What’s great about doing public murals is that, when people come up and engage with you, it makes it more exciting,” Bell says. “It gets you out of your head and into the moment of, ‘I’m doing something really, really cool here, and I’m doing something that’s meaningful to people in the community.’” TP

SEPT. 9 — SUNNY DAYZ MURAL FESTIVAL

Noon-8 p.m. • Free East Third Street and South Quincy Avenue. SUNNYDAYZMURALFEST.COM

Although the Tulsa native studied textile design as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas, she’s painted since childhood. Until recently, she kept those artistic practices separate. Sherrod says her decision to combine the two feels like unlocking a thrilling new level in her art.

“I’m a curious person, so I am regularly experimenting with new mediums,” she notes. “My emphasis is certainly textiles, specifically weaving. I’ve painted my whole life, so that inevitably made its way into the mix as well. Now, my more recent work combines the two. I’m always trying to play with something new.”

Sherrod’s work in both reflects her love of color.

“No matter the medium, the most important aspect in any work for me is color. I’m typically trying to find a seemingly simple composition of shapes that allows me to explore the conversations that happen between color combinations.”

Sherrod’s transition into mural work started in 2017, when she participated in Tulsa’s Habit Mural Festival. Since then, she’s painted approximately 30 murals across the state. She’s looking forward to another year of Sunny Dayz.

“If most mural festivals are a treat, then Sunny Dayz is the ultimate ice cream sundae — probably with a basket of tater tots on the side,” she says. “The Sunny Dayz team goes above and beyond to support the self-expression of participating artists. The encouragement is through the roof.” TP

Sarah Sullivan Sherrod

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival has been celebrating female and nonbinary artists for two years, and makes its way to Tulsa for the third annual festival on Sept. 9. Pictured at last year’s festival is the crew known as Lil Nuggs.

Price Gallery

NOURISHING TULSA’S

Delivering More Than Meals: Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa is dedicated to nourishing the bodies and spirits of our cherished seniors. Our home meal delivery services ensure that they receive not only nutritious meals but also a warm smile and friendly companionship.

HUNGRY FOR MORE THAN A MEAL

Join Us Today: Be a part of the solution that makes a significant impact on the lives of seniors in our community. Your support helps us deliver not just food, but also a sense of connection and care. Make a Difference: A contribution of just $50 provides 1 week of meals for a homebound senior. By donating today or volunteering, you become a lifeline for seniors who rely on us. Your involvement can brighten their day and help them stay independent and connected.

Donate Today: Visit www.mealsonwheelstulsa.org or call 918-627-4105 to donate or volunteer. Together, we can ensure that no senior is left behind, and their golden years remain full of comfort, dignity, and joy.

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FIRED UP

NEW INDEPENDENT PRESS SLATED TO TELL SURREAL STORIES.

BY JULIANNE TRAN

If walls could talk, what stories would they tell? What secrets would they divulge? What conversations would they recount?

One wall I wonder about is the bold blue wall in Whitty Books, 2306 E. Admiral Blvd., that looks upon the entire shop. Because within its gaze, a new indie publishing house was born.

Victoria Moore, co-owner of Whitty Books, co-founded Horns and Rattles Press with local authors H.V. Patterson and Jes McCutchen, who all met through the bookstore’s Women in Horror book club.

“We opened Whitty Books in July 2018,” Moore says. “Within a year of us being open, we were talking about trying to get into the publishing side of things, and then obviously COVID derailed those plans.”

But within the past year, Moore returned to this dream and started conversations with Patterson and McCutchen.

“It just started to become clear that this is a really good team to move forward with because we all are in the book industry to some degree, but in very di erent areas, with di erent backgrounds and experiences,” Moore says.

Patterson is a horror ction and poetry author, blogger and reviewer; McCutchen is a self-published sci- and fantasy author.

Gather friends and neighbors

Toni Moore and her husband, Clay, have lived in the same east Broken Arrow neighborhood for 24 years. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Toni was determined to stay connected to the people around her.

“Isolation is not helpful in those situations, but I was also concerned about keeping people safe,” she recalls, opting for outdoor gatherings at the time. That’s when she came up with Neighbor Night. Once a month, to this day, she gathers with her neighbors in her front yard for community.

“It’s like doing a group project, but for the rst time in my life, everybody else in the group is not only doing their part but has something to o er,” McCutchen says. ese co-founders and co-editors will publish speculative ction works — a wide-spanning genre that encompasses stories that transcend the known world.

Horns and Rattles is an old Western phrase that means “ red up.” “We liked that it was vaguely referential to Oklahoma and had a bit of a strange feel since we’re going to focus on speculative ction,” Moore says. is month the team will publish their rst anthology, “Fish Gather to Listen,” which includes 23 sci- , fantasy and horror short stories centered around an underwater theme.

Patterson did a rst pass of the 200-plus submissions, then Moore and McCutchen read the remainder, with the trio choosing the nal stories that were included. “And for the next two publications, we’re going to do other horror short story collections.”

“We’d love to eventually do novels, novellas, poetry, collections and maybe even plays,” Moore says. “We’re excited to expand.”

You can nd Horns and Rattles Press works at Whitty Books and online at hornsandrattlespress.com. TP

Toni is also president and CEO of Hospitality House, which provides a compassionate, affordable place for families to stay during a medical crisis away from home. Though separate from Neighbor Night, the inspiration behind both is the same.

“I want the night to be about conversation and relationships,” she says. “I truly wanted people to get face to face … and have conversations that are encouraging, helpful and kind. It’s what makes a neighborhood work.”

Along with the chairs and firepit the Moores set up, Toni decorates with pineapples — a symbol that dates to the 1700s in America representing welcome and hospitality. And during the summer months, visitors are treated to Clay’s homemade ice cream. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and their drink of choice.

Now she’s encouraging others to do the same. Toni says the setup doesn’t have to be elaborate — she recommends using a front porch or front yard, as it’s the most visible place to gather. There’s no agenda besides just getting to know one another. Toni suggests creating a neighborhood Facebook group and making simple signs to stick in strategic neighborhood spots to remind neighbors of the upcoming event.

— ANNE BROCKMAN GREG

From left, Victoria Moore, Jes McCutchen and H.V. Patterson are behind Horns and Rattles Press, a new independent press that launches its first anthology, “Fish Gather to Listen,” on Sept. 2. The endeavor focuses on speculative fiction and “all things creepy.”

The Lodge Opening Celebration & Trunk Show from 10-6 Friday, Sept 22nd AT TRAVERS MAHAN

America’s Finest Collection

• Men’s Footwear • Belts

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Immerse yourself in the world of Martin Dingman’s exquisite craftsmanship. Our entire collection of shoes, belts, and luggage will be on display—a true feast for the refined gentleman’s style. Get ready to discover unparalleled quality and sophistication. We can’t wait to welcome you to this exclusive Grand Opening and Trunk Show event. See you there!

KingsPointe Village 6034 S. Yale Ave, Tulsa 918.296.4100

PreK - 8th Grade

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- The Stanton Family

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THIS MONTH AT Circle Cinema

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

Opens for daily screenings Sept. 1

Presented with community partner Alliance Française de Tulsa. An author (Juliette Binoche) goes undercover to investigate exploitation of the working class in northern France.

LEARNING TO PLAY

CODY MAYO ACTING STUDIO BRINGS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS HOME.

BY ALICIA CHESSER

Thanks to tax incentives for productions made in Oklahoma, local jobs in the lm and TV industry are booming. But opportunity’s one thing; readiness is another. Becoming a player means learning how to play, and it’s Cody Mayo’s mission to make sure Tulsa actors have what they need to make it — whether in Hollywood or here at home.

Growing up as a young actor in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Mayo realized he’d need to go elsewhere to get the training he needed to succeed. After receiving a bachelor’s in ne arts in drama at the University of Oklahoma, he worked in lm and TV in Los Angeles for more than a decade and trained with some of the best acting coaches in the business. He’s now sharing his experience through Cody Mayo Acting Studio, which he opened on Tulsa’s Studio Row this year after relocating to be closer to family.

Mayo’s training starts with a two-day intensive session, with opportunities for lm and TV acting intensives as well as ongoing monthly training programs, special guest intensives and other exclusive events. After that, actors can pursue specialized tracks like voiceover in workshops with industry professionals. e studio o ers in-person

training for adults and kids, with the aim of making industry-standard tools accessible to all.

“It’s a real con dence builder when they train here and then go into the real world and see it actually come to life in front of them,” Mayo says. “I want the studio to be a bridge for them from here to set, so that they walk in con dence on it.”

Mayo says it’s not a matter of if productions come to Tulsa anymore, but when

“It’s trying to create a space for the local community to have access to this information and level of training, to create the same opportunity I had in the big markets here,” he says. “I want them to be able to compete head-to-head with people who may know a little more or have done it a little longer.”

Mayo teaches the studio’s classes and welcomes beginners and advanced actors alike. He also o ers public speaking classes and coaching for non-actors. Whether someone wants to book gigs or simply build con dence for another area of life, the work of play — more truthful storytelling, a more assured presence — is here for all. TP LEARN

SECOND SATURDAY

SILENT: THE GOOSE WOMAN (1925)

11 a.m., Sept. 9

Bill Rowland of the American Theater Organ Society Sooner State Chapter plays the live score on Circle’s restored 1928 theater pipe organ. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for kids. This month a former prima donna lost her singing voice while giving birth to an illegitimate son. When a murder is committed next door, she is confronted with a decision that will determine her son’s destiny, as well as her own.

NOIR NIGHTS WITH JOSH FADEM

7 p.m., Sept. 18

See a classic noir film on the big screen for just $5. Which film? Find out at showtime! Tulsa-born actor, comedian and film noir enthusiast Josh Fadem is back on the case with a mystery movie in September. Noir Nights presents a monthly dose of dark alleys, sassy women, hired killers, crooked cops, heists gone wrong, obsessed detectives and suburban fatigue.

NEXT GOAL WINS

Opens for daily screenings

Sept. 22

Directed by Oscar-winner Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit,” “Thor: Ragnarok”), the film follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for its brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. The team hires a down-on-his-luck, maverick coach (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

2023 MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

Sept. 29-Oct. 5

The Manhattan Film Fest is a unique presentation of short films from around the world, screening simultaneously in hundreds of cities — and you’re the judge! We’ll collect the results and send them in, with the winners announced online the following week. More info on this year’s shorts at manhattanshort.com.

Compiled by Circle Cinema’s Ryan Thomas. Visit circlecinema.org for pricing and more information.

Cody Mayo leads a recent learning session at his Cody Mayo Acting Studio, which opened this year at 317 S. Trenton Ave.

JURGENS, MD, MPH, FAAD

GRACEFUL GRIT

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

On a Friday afternoon in early September 1904, a one-horse carriage paraded up Main Street with white ribbons and crepe paper tied to the spokes of each wheel.

Everybody in Tulsa would have recognized the decorations as a trademark of the Prohibition movement. And most people would have just as easily recognized the woman holding the reins: Lilah Lindsey, one of the most prominent and outspoken political activists in all of Indian Territory.

Behind her, in the carriage’s back seat, sat the president and vice president of the national Women’s Christian Temperance Union, arriving in Tulsa for a four-day convention. A visit from such esteemed dignitaries was an extraordinary honor for a rugged frontier town where the population

had not yet reached 4,000. But the local chapter of WCTU, with Lindsey as a founding member, had attracted their attention by successfully campaigning the year prior for a 9 o’clock curfew for minors and to have shops closed on Sundays.

Women still couldn’t vote in Tulsa, but Lindsey’s group had shown that it could in uence voting. And it was an early sign of her own political clout.

Her parents came to Indian Territory on the infamous Trail of Tears. And Lindsey, born in Coweta only a few months before the outbreak of the Civil War, grew up speaking Creek until she mastered English as a teenager.

She came to Tulsa in 1886, just four years after the town was founded, to teach at the old Mission School. And she was later hired

as one of the four original teachers in the Tulsa Public Schools system, which gave her a salary of $30 a month.

e Temperance Union began meeting at her house in 1892, making it one of the rst civic groups in Tulsa history. But it was only the start of a long list of local organizations that Lindsey would help launch, including the Women’s Civic League, the Humane Society and the Rebekah Lodge, a women’s auxiliary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In 1917, during yet another Temperance meeting at Lindsey’s house, members discussed the plight of homeless women, who often found themselves “sheltered” at the city jail.

By the end of the meeting, a committee had been formed to launch a fundraising campaign, which led to the opening of Tulsa’s rst “girls’ home.”

In 1920, Lindsey again exed her political muscle to stop the proposed sale of Woodward Park to private developers. And a year later she donated $2,500 of her own money to establish a soup kitchen, an e ort that was later taken over by the city to become Tulsa’s rst taxpayer-funded welfare agency.

“Lindsey has been a leader in practically all women’s organizations of any note in Tulsa and for years she did individual charity work on a large scale,” a biographer wrote in the late 1910s. “She personally visited the sick, secured donations for the needy and practically did the work of a humane o cer.”

Yet she’s not as widely remembered as some of her male counterparts from the city’s pioneer days.

Tulsa named an elementary school after Lindsey in 1907, after she donated part of her Muscogee allotment for its construction — a gift worth more than the entire salary she ever collected from TPS. But the school’s name changed to Riverview in 1917, and it has long since been demolished.

Lindsey died at the age of 83 in December 1943, and a local obituary noted she had remained active in various charities and organizations to the very end.

“Lindsey was not the sort to feel she was entitled to put a shawl about her shoulders and sit beside the re,” it said.

e school board approved a new Lindsey Elementary in 1954 at 41st Street North and Delaware Avenue, but it became an alternative school in 2004 and is now known as TRAICE Academy.

Her legacy, however, continues to be honored by the Lindsey House, which isn’t a direct descendent of the girls’ home she founded but has served a similar purpose since it opened in February 2010. TP

OFTEN OVERLOOKED TULSA PIONEER MADE A STRONG MARK ON THE CITY’S EARLY HISTORY.

Above, Lilah Lindsey’s home at 1205 S. Guthrie Ave. Below left, Lindsey was born in Coweta and moved to Tulsa to teach. A woman involved in numerous causes, she and the local chapter welcomed national Women’s Christian Temperance Union dignitaries to Tulsa in 1904 with a parade, which she prepares for in the photo at right.

September Charitable Events

COMPILED BY TIFFANY HOWARD

1-4

City-wide Lemon-Aid Stands

Benefits Lindsey House and The Lemon-Aid Project. THELEMONAIDPROJECT ORG

7 Vision Dinner

Benefits Tulsa Community College Foundation. TCCFOUNDATION ORG

8-17

Restaurant Week

Benefits Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. TULSAPEOPLE.COM/RESTAURANTWEEK

9 Day Gala

Benefits Women Helping Other Women. WHOWNETWORK.ORG

Miles for Milestones

Benefits Little Light House. LITTLELIGHTHOUSE ORG

Trivia Night Benefits City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma. CITYLIGHTSOK ORG

14

Benefit Dinner to Prevent Veteran Suicide

Benefits Oklahoma Veterans Alliance.

CSCTULSA SALSALABS ORG/OKVADINNER2023

Flight Night

Benefits Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance. TULSAFLIGHTNIGHT.ORG

Gold Medal Gala

Benefits Special Olympics Oklahoma. SOOK ORG/GALA

Western Days

Benefits Saint Simeon’s Foundation. SAINTSIMEONS ORG/FOUNDATION/WESTERN-DAYS

15

Fall Day of Caring

Benefits Tulsa Area United Way.

TAUW ORG

Hues for Hope

Benefits Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders. HUESFORHOPE.ORG

MIX

Benefits Philbrook Museum of Art. PHILBROOK.ORG/MIX

16 Woofstock

Benefits Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. ANIMALALLIANCEOK.ORG

20-22

Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: New Horizons in Brain Science

Benefits Mental Health Association Oklahoma. ZARROWSYMPOSIUM ORG

21

Appetite for Construction

Benefits Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation. TULSAHBACF.COM

Dinner with Chef Andrew Black

Benefits Tulsa Botanic Garden.

TULSABOTANIC ORG

Lip Sync Battle and Gala

Benefits Pathways Adult Learning Center. PATHWAYSOK ORG

Media Icon

Benefits Tulsa Press Club. TULSAPRESSCLUB.ORG

21-Oct. 31

Autumn in the Botanic Garden

Benefits Tulsa Botanic Garden. TULSABOTANIC.ORG

22

WALTZ on the Wild Side

Benefits Tulsa Zoo. WALTZONTHEWILDSIDE.ORG

23

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Benefits Komen Oklahoma. KOMEN ORG/COMMUNITY/OKLAHOMA

Sip and Savor

Benefits The Stonebrook Project. THESTONEBROOKPROJECT.ORG

25

Frank R. Rhoades Golf Classic

Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home. TULSABOYSHOME.ORG

Golf Classic

Benefits Oklahoma DAV (Disabled American Veterans). BIRDEASE COM/OKDAV

Links for Little Ones

Benefits Little Light House.

LITTLELIGHTHOUSE ORG

26

Cuisine and Cars

Benefits The Common Good Tulsa. CGTULSA.ORG

28

Cooking for a Cause Benefits Iron Gate. IRONGATETULSA.ORG

Recharge

Benefits The Sustainability Alliance. THESUSTAINABILITYALLIANCE ORG/RECHARGE

Stacked Deck: Clue Benefits Resonance Center for Women. RESONANCETULSA ORG

Wild Turkey

Benefits River Parks Authority. RIVERPARKS.ORG/EVENTS/WILD-TURKEY

29

Center Experience

Benefits The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. TULSACENTER ORG

Rad Gala

Benefits USA BMX Foundation. USABMXFOUNDATION.ORG

Wine and Roses, Under the Harvest Moon

Benefits Tulsa Garden Center. TULSAGARDENCENTER ORG/WINE-AND-ROSES

29-30

Chalk It Up! An Art Festival

Benefits Keep BA Beautiful. ARTS302 COM

30

Cow Thieves and Outlaws Reunion

Benefits Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. WOOLAROC.ORG

Everyone Has a Story — Discover Yours Benefits Circle of Care. GIVEBUTTER COM/FRIENDSOFCHILDRENTULSA

St. Jude Run/Walk

Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. FUNDRAISING STJUDE ORG

VERSES

Benefits Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service. TULSALIBRARY.ORG/VERSES EDITOR’S NOTE:

Picture perfect

To commemorate the award-winning park’s fifth birthday, TulsaPeople asked readers to submit their favorite photos of the park from the past five years. Together with Gathering Place staff, we narrowed down the winners and finalists from more than 150 entries. Visit TulsaPeople.com to view a complete gallery of contest submissions.

WINNER:

1. Lisa Johnston FINALISTS :

2. Anitra Lavanhar

3. Mekenzie McIntosh

4. Tyler Layne

ARCHITECTURE 3 TulsaPeople.com 41

PLAYGROUNDS

WINNER : 1. Jane Thomas | FINALISTS : 2. Kathy Eady 3. Amanda James 4. Anitra Lavanhar 5. Lisa Johnston

NATURE/GARDENS

WINNER: 1. Anitra Lavanhar | FINALISTS : 2. Sara Oliver 3. Benjamin Rodrequez 4. Martha Cozby 5. Chelsea Parker

WINNER: 1. Martha Cozby | FINALISTS : 2. Tina Colston 3. Dawn Miller 4. Brett Jackson 5. Annette Thompson

WINNER:

1. Annette Thompson

FINALISTS :

FOR THE FULL GALLERY OF PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS, VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM.

3

2

2. Anitra Lavanhar

3. Charity Pollack

4. Stephen Tidwell

SPORTS

5 decades of DEVELOPING LEADERS

Over the past ve decades, thousands of Tulsans have received leadership development training that they’ve then been able to use in the community through their service in nonpro ts, government and other mission-driven work.

e nonpro t Leadership Tulsa is celebrating 50 years this month. Created in 1973 as a joint project of then Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and Junior League of Tulsa, LT was the rst community leadership program in the state of Oklahoma and one of the rst of its kind in the nation. e goal, according to LT, was to “prepare tomorrow’s leaders with the information, skills and connections through which they could build a better city.”

LANDES

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

While LT’s core purpose has remained relatively unchanged over ve decades, the organization has grown to embrace a broader de nition of leadership, while cultivating leaders who re ect the diversity of the city it serves.

THE LEADERS

Leadership Tulsa received independent incorporation and nonpro t status in 1978, and Shirley Scott was named the rst program coordinator – a position she held for a decade before Sharon Gallagher took over leadership for most of the next 14 years.

Wendy omas served as LT’s executive director for the past 21 years before turning over the reins to Marcia Bruno-Todd in July. During her tenure, omas saw signi cant growth and change in the organization. Leadership Tulsa has grown from 39 participants in its rst class to o ering six di erent adult leadership programs with over 200 participants annually, and seven youth programs that serve around 400 annually.

As the organization evolved, so too did omas’ role.

“I didn’t just have one job. Although my title never changed, the role did,” omas says. “ e organization has evolved

LEADERSHIP TULSA’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS HAVE IMPACTED ITS MORE THAN 3,000 ALUMNI AND TULSA AS A WHOLE.

A mural by Carmen Taylor that is featured on the Leadership Tulsa building TIM

so much. I got to promote a city that I really loved and help connect people from di erent sectors, helping them get a better understanding of our city, its history, its opportunities and challenges. at was really the root of everything we did for those 21-and-a-half years — nd a way to bring more people to the table, nd a way to give them more skills to be e ective leaders and then nd ways to give them more pathways to serve in the community.”

One of omas’ goals was to expand programming, as well as the diversity of those who participated in it. e programs focus on demographic, geographic or subject-based areas, while building leadership skills and understanding of the community. LT programs like New Voices, now on class 17, and the Hispanic Leadership Institute, now on class seven, were created to achieve that end.

“When I took over, it was a little gem of a program that was only serving about 100 people a year. It was lled primarily by companies that were sponsoring their up-and-coming executives to go through,” omas recalls.

According to omas, LT’s current programming isn’t just about celebrating what’s right with the community, but also tackling things that need work, and often, not everyone agrees on what those things are. at’s why it’s important for all LT programs to include a diversity of perspective, background and experience.

“I always believed an experience like Leadership Tulsa was essential and amazing for anyone who really had gifts and talents and the desire to serve our community. It wasn’t about positional authority. It was really about that desire to lead and serve,” she says.

DEVELOPING SKILLS

While the overarching theme of all of LT’s programs is the development and nurturing of leadership skills, each program has a distinct focus and participants are selected through a competitive application process. Chris Rogers has participated in LT 360, Lead North and New Voices. He’s currently a member of the rive Tulsa program.

“When I’ve engaged with LT programming, it’s my desire to ‘level myself up’ in terms of knowledge and skills,” says Rogers, community lead for Juno — a new medical clinic in the Greenwood District. “LT programs o er strong opportunities for both personal and professional development, and I’ve gained valuable insights into issues and strategies related to my hometown.”

Rogers says the programs have given him new skills, new strategies and new connections, ultimately better equipping him in both his work and personal life.

Marcia Bruno-Todd

Wendy Thomas

LEADERSHIP TULSA’S PROGRAMS

LT360

The traditional Leadership Tulsa program provides a 360-degree view of our city’s history, opportunities and challenges so participants can determine where to plug in and serve the Tulsa community.

Hispanic Leadership Institute

In partnership with the Tulsa Latin American Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Leadership Institute promotes the individual development of Tulsa-area Hispanics/Latinx for increased participation in leadership roles.

Thrive Tulsa

A deep dive into individual leadership development. Participants develop ideas and collaborate on community impact projects, while developing the skills to mobilize people to address complex community challenges.

LT Represent

A nonpartisan civic leadership program for individuals interested in learning more about appointed and elected positions that serve and support Tulsa.

New Voices

The New Voices board internship program is designed to increase diversity on Tulsa-area boards. This program provides opportunities to serve on a Tulsa Area United Way agency board.

Tulsa Changemakers

The youth arm of Leadership Tulsa. Multiple initiatives include programs in civic advocacy, civic innovation and youth-led philanthropy. All programs support students in making meaningful change in their schools and communities.

“ e value of one’s personal and professional networks became clearer each LT program I attended,” Rogers says. “I’ve learned how to leverage connections with an eye toward mutually bene cial outcomes, how to strengthen authentic professional relationships, and how to bring my authentic self to the table when planning.”

Jon Lawrence, a longtime employee of Magellan Midstream Partners, is grateful for his experience with the LT 360 program, which is geared toward those interested in learning more about Tulsa and ways to make a di erence in the community.

“I’ve lived here for 20 years. Tulsa is a big city, but it’s not a big city, and you think you know a good portion of things that are going on, but what Leadership Tulsa does is really eye-opening,” says Lawrence, a class 66 graduate in 2021. “ ere are so many di erent organizations and businesses you might not even know about that operate within the city limits. ere’s a lot to take in and there’s a lot about Tulsa I didn’t really know.”

Just as meaningful for Lawrence were the connections he made, and has kept, through the program.

“I still talk to anywhere from ve to eight (classmates) on a regular basis, and by that I mean weekly,” he says. “I was not expecting the networking side of it — the general connections that you have with people that you might think are not in your normal purview.”

Lawrence also believes the program made him more open-minded and aware of other perspectives in the community.

“What I learned by being around people of di erent races and backgrounds through Leadership Tulsa is that you really do have to listen to what people are saying,” he says. “ is gives me the opportunity to sit back and navigate how I’m going to process conversations, because everybody has their own ideas, and I think that it’s a good thing.”

LT established in 2018 the Hispanic Leadership Institute in partnership with the Tulsa Latin American Chamber of Commerce. Bruno-Todd, who was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and raised in Lawton,

In 2020, Leadership Tulsa opened its own facility in Gunboat Park at 1151 S. Elgin Ave. as a resource for both its members, as well as other organizations. The space has meeting rooms, wi-fi and a catering kitchen. While two of the meeting rooms are available exclusively and free of charge for LT members and coworkers, other areas are available to rent for corporate meetings, board or staff retreats, lectures and seminars.

was a graduate of the inaugural class. For Bruno-Todd, that experience led to many more opportunities within the organization and the greater community.

“Going through that program, I remember being that student who asked a lot of questions like, ‘Why are we just focusing on this perspective?’ Wendy ( omas) said, ‘You know, it sounds like you should work here. We’d love to have you,’ and I thought, ‘Well, that’s what happens when you ask questions,’” recounts Bruno-Todd, who began working for LT that year as director of programs and community impact. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it because it’s the beginning of asking a lot of questions and learning more about our community, but more importantly, learning how to serve people in a meaningful way.”

Tulsa Changemakers has been LT’s o cial youth arm since 2022. It was started by Teach for America alumni Jake Lerner and Andrew Spector in 2016 to help mobilize Tulsa youth to drive change.

“Tulsa Changemakers is important because youth are incredible assets in their communities,” says Program Director Hannah Jarman. “So often, youth voice, choice and power is disregarded, but we know that true community impact

cannot happen without intergenerational partnerships.”

According to Jarman, Changemakers o ers seven programs where students learn to collaborate with others, feel more invested in their community, and see themselves as leaders in Tulsa.

“Our favorite part of the program is seeing the individual development in both students and adults involved in the program,” she notes. “We see students from across the city build con dence in their ability to lead, and we see adults shift mindsets about what youth are capable of.”

CELEBRATING FIVE DECADES

e o cial 50-year celebration is Sept. 2224, and LT hopes to involve as many of its 3,000 alumni as possible in the activities, which include a mixer, Day of Service and a Tulsa Changemakers Brunch. “During the weekend of events, I’d love for us to reconnect with our alumni,” says Savannah Chamberlin, LT’s marketing and development manager. “My hope is to showcase the incredible things happening in our organizations, such as our community engagement impact and youth programs. I’d also love to see new faces join us during the weekend.”

After Friday’s kick-o mixer, Saturday’s Day of Service o ers an opportunity to volunteer at a number of local nonpro ts across the city. e weekend’s celebrations conclude Sunday with the Changemakers Brunch.

“We can’t wait to see friends, new and old, to remember the past, celebrate the present, and continue this momentum as we move into the next 50 years of service,” Chamberlin says. Details can be found at leadershiptulsa50.org. omas, who was there for both the 30th and 40th LT anniversaries, is looking forward to the celebration.

“I always want to be careful not to say too much about the future because the future isn’t mine. It belongs to my talented team,” she says. “I’d always had the 50th anniversary on my horizon as a time that (retirement) might make sense. I looked around and saw so much great talent both in the sta and the board. It was just such a great feeling to know that I can hand it over to people I knew I liked and trusted, many of whom I trained.

“ e future is no longer in my hands, and while I don’t know what it will look like, I know it is ready to thrive without me, and that is such a good feeling.” TP

A century of CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa celebrates 100 years.

BY KRISTI EATON

When the National League of Women Voters began in 1920, none of its founding members had ever cast a vote in a U.S. election. It would be six months before women won the right to vote and the 19th Amendment was rati ed as the law of the land.

“It was in anticipation of all these women getting the right to vote, and they wanted them to be educated on that right to vote,” says Lynn Staggs, outgoing president of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa, adding from there, the mission expanded to civics education, raising awareness on issues and advocating for changes in government.

is year, Tulsa’s league of the nonpartisan nonpro t organization celebrates 100 years of encouraging informed and active participation in government and in uencing public policy through education and advocacy, and leaders within the organization say its mission is as important as ever.

“Our unifying purpose is to empower voters and defend democracy,” says incoming president Jenni Gray. “We don’t care what party you are (or no party), whether you’re a woman or man or nonbinary, you’re never too young or too old. If you care about democracy, getting people to the polls, or educating the electorate, the league has a place for you.”

VOTER PARTICIPATION

In 2020, Oklahoma had the lowest youth voter turnout in the region and of any state for which data has been released by the Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement.

Around that same time, Gray began looking for ways to connect with other likeminded individuals. She’s passionate about voting rights, elections and democracy.

“In that search, it sort of led me to the League of Women Voters,” Gray says. “I’m extremely passionate about registering voters and educating voters. And I feel that the league puts a lot of e ort and work into providing factual, accurate, nonpartisan information to voters so they can make

From left, Andrea Pemberton, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa board; Lynn Staggs, outgoing Tulsa president and current statewide president; and Jenni Gray, incoming president

decisions based on truth rather than disinformation.”

e low youth voter turnout is a major focus for Gray and others in the organization. Last year, they held a statewide campaign called “Grab Your Future By the Ballot” in an e ort to get younger voters to the polls.

“ at’s something we’re de nitely keeping an eye on,” Gray says of youth participation. “And honestly, one of my priorities as incoming president this year, I want to really focus on targeting younger people, because those are the people who aren’t showing up.”

Staggs, president of the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma, says, “I feel like people have forgotten — particularly for women — how hard women and other marginalized populations fought to get the right to vote. And I think as you get kind of further and further away from that history, people take voting almost more like a thing they have to do. It’s like, ‘Oh, do I have time to do this today?’ Or ‘What else do I need to do?’ ey don’t make it a priority.”

LADIES OF THE LEAGUE

Growing membership is one focus that will carry from Staggs’ tenure to Gray’s. e Tulsa league has fewer members today than it did when it started 100 years ago, Staggs says.

“I think a lot of that just has to do with women joining the workforce,” she says. “You just don’t have these housewives at home that have time to call people to remind them to vote.”

Still, the organization counts more than 100 Tulsans as members today, and it’s the largest league in Oklahoma, Staggs adds. Members can support the organization by donating money, volunteering at events or joining the board.

“Our board and committees meet once a month to plan, organize and implement work that empowers voters,” Gray says. “We register voters, hold candidate forums, host panels, develop an annual voter guide and more.”

RESEARCH IS KEY

While the league champions voting, it also conducts studies that are relevant to voters and has done so since its inception. In the 1930s, the league conducted a study on working conditions at industrial rms.

“ ey called 90 industrial rms,” Staggs says. “(It was a) very detailed study on working conditions and wages. e result was to lead a campaign for minimum wage in Oklahoma. Some of these things are still around and resonate with us.”

Gray says the most recent study done at the state level involved criminal justice reform.

“ at’s been a major priority over the past two years, and it just completed and was voted on and adopted at our last statewide meeting,” she says.

Some of the things they focused on in the study included: pretrial procedures; bail and bonds; sentencing; health and welfare while incarcerated; the impact on families; transition programs and reentry; parole; nes, fees and funding; and expungement.

“Now that’s a document we can hand out at tabling events, or we can contact our legislators and promote these policies that we as a league have put a lot of work into studying and interviewing to develop these positions,” Gray says, later adding: “You can’t avoid the fact that there’s discrimination woven into the criminal justice system. We think we should promote policies to ght against that actively.”

Since the beginning of the national league, procedure has been important. Before advocating for anything, a no-cost study is conducted by volunteers.

“ e study leads to position statements, which are then used as a basis for advocacy,” Staggs says. “Our positions tend to be broad so they can be used to advocate for a wide range of areas on that topic. We can advocate based on our local position statements, as well as those at the state and national level.”

In the 1920s, the Tulsa league advocated against illegal voting and for centralized voter registration, which was put in place, according to Staggs’ research.

By the late 1930s, membership had grown to more than 300 women. ey also started running 5-minute messages on a topical issue that played on KVOO.

Also in the 1930s, the members studied the use of a Juvenile Court System, which is still used today.

A decade later, they were asking for changes within the Tulsa City-County Library system, including after World War II pushing for a contemporary education of the world by distributing United Nations reports, hosting lm viewings and a speaker series. ey also advocated for a limit of two terms for the governor in the 1960s. At this point, Staggs says, the Tulsa League opposed the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, because, she says, at the time they believed “it was a threat to protective laws for women who worked in the labor force.”

By the 1970s, they ipped that position and started to support the ERA.

In the 1980s, the Tulsa chapter changed its o cial name from the Tulsa County League of Women Voters to the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa to expand its reach to the whole metropolitan area. e

1990s brought a focus on clean water and recycling stormwater management and then gun control and health care, Staggs says.

WHAT HAPPENS IN 2024

Next year will be a big one for Tulsa. Not only is it a presidential election year, but a new mayor also will be voted into o ce.

A few things the league is known for are its candidate forums, like for mayor and school board, and voter guides, says Andrea Pemberton, vice president of the Tulsa league’s board.

Forums allow people to learn about the candidates and issues, while the voting guides lay it all out in an easy-to-read and understandable way.

e candidate forums are done in a speci c manner that allows for impartiality, Staggs says.

“We have a very precise procedure we follow to be sure each candidate has the same amount of time to speak, they get time to introduce themselves, they get time to answer questions that are directed to them,” she adds.

ey also plan to partner with other organizations like Tulsa’s Young Professionals and the Tulsa Press Club, among other possible partners, Pemberton says. Any organization interested in joining this e ort can email info@lwvtulsa.org to learn more.

e group is “working on creating a framework that allows all of us to amplify the impact that we have in terms of voter registration and get-out-the-vote e orts,” Pemberton says. “And also making sure that voters are educated and informed before they go o to the polls.”

She says that in some ways, the league remaining as a nonpartisan organization that’s dedicated to making sure voters are educated has become even more important. “In the day of high political rhetoric, polarization — having this space that is de nitely valued and seen as a long-standing tradition of creating that space for people to get together and have dialogue,” she adds.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If someone is interested in getting involved, including joining a committee, the rst thing to do is visit lwvtulsa.org, Gray says.

Every year for the past several years, the Tulsa chapter hosts Madam President, which is a large fundraiser, but also serves as a way to recognize 10 female leaders in the community each spring.

“We enjoy hosting that every year and raising and recognizing women who are fantastic leaders in our community. at’s another great way that the league showcases leaders in democracy,” Pemberton says. TP

MEET THE WOMEN SHAPING TULSA’S PUBLIC RELATIONS LANDSCAPE

STORY BY GRACE WOOD • PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD

In the past two decades, the public relations industry has steadily grown into a women-dominated field. Women lead the way across the board, providing crucial PR services to nearly every trade — not only on a national level, but also in specific markets, like Tulsa.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprised a little over 64% of the PR workforce in 2022. This trend is exemplified heavily in Tulsa as well — many of the city’s top PR agencies are led by women or are run by entirely female teams.

Influential women in Tulsa are shaping not just the city’s PR landscape, but the development of the city itself. Tulsa’s female PR leaders are facilitating the growth of virtually every industry in Tulsa, helping companies increase their reach, communicate effectively with target audiences, manage crises and build strong reputations.

As September’s edition of TulsaPeople is the Women’s Issue, we spoke to several of the women leading Tulsa’s PR industry. These powerful professionals shared their stories, industry insights, trend predictions and, importantly, advice for other women looking to enter the PR field.

“(PR) is really about the time we spend with clients to help them be real and honest, deal with things in the right way, and help them tell their stories,” says Becky Frank, partner and chair of Schnake Turnbo Frank, who has nearly four decades of PR experience in Tulsa.

Cultivating authentic CONNECTION

Vega and Treviño combines the PR, communication and leadership expertise of Tulsans Margarita Vega and her partner and husband, Francisco J. Treviño

Since starting their consulting business a decade ago, Vega and Treviño have provided crucial services to high-profile clients all over Tulsa, helping them with bilingual marketing and PR, community engagement and diversity efforts.

Vega lends her expertise to non-Hispanic businesses wanting to connect with Tulsa’s Hispanic community, as well as Hispanic businesses wanting to bridge the gap with the non-Hispanic population in Tulsa. For example, she works alongside the Tulsa State Fair to ensure the event is safe and inclusive for the Hispanic community. The firm is also the force behind Supermercados Morelos’ PR, community relations and charitable outreach.

There are many reasons why it’s crucial for businesses to consider the perspectives of diverse communities in their PR and marketing efforts, Vega says.

“With any minority community, we spend money like anyone else, and also — like anyone else — we want to be seen, welcomed and included,” Vega says. “It makes a huge difference when a community knows they’re welcome in your business.”

Great care must be taken, however, to ensure that these bids for connection and inclusivity are authentic and respectful, Vega says.

“In order to connect meaningfully with a minority community, you have to be both bilingual and bicultural — you have to have someone on your team who understands the culture in order to connect with it,” Vega says.

Whether she and Treviño are working with clients like Northeastern State University, the City of Broken Arrow or Tulsa Public Schools, the way Vega measures success is by gauging the emotions elicited by her strategies. “If we’ve made people cry, laugh, reminisce, etc., we know we’ve succeeded,” she says. “Anytime you evoke emotion, it means you’ve succeeded in authentically connecting with people … if you’ve succeeded in connecting, then you’ve done your job, and sooner or later that will translate into return on investment.”

Margarita Vega

ADAPTING TO CHANGE

CEO Nicole Morgan and her all-female team at Resolute PR offer an extensive suite of services to their clients, including public relations, digital marketing, research and strategy, creative and graphic design, marketing training and workforce recruitment marketing.

“I’m very proud of the women on our staff — they bring a lot of different areas of expertise to the team,” Morgan says. “One of my favorite things is how we work together on projects, and how we learn from each other and build on each other’s strengths.”

Since Resolute PR started in 2014, Morgan and her team have provided services to clients across 22 different industries, including Tulsa International Airport and Osage Casinos.

Notably, Morgan and Resolute PR oversaw a complete rebrand of Tulsa Ports (formerly the Port of Catoosa), assisting them with media relations, advertising, design and recruitment campaigns for the more than 70 manufacturing companies located on-site.

To achieve PR success in 2023, it’s important to pay attention to the ways the industry and technology are changing, Morgan says.

“The PR industry has gone through a huge shift in the past 20 years because of the changing media landscape,” Morgan says. “We’ve been leaning more into digital marketing and owned media, like websites and social media, so we’re providing the most relevant services to our clients. We’re asking things like, ‘What story does our client’s website tell?’ and ‘How are they portraying that message on social media?’”

Though PR is a women-dominated field in Tulsa, statistics show that women only hold about 30% of executive-level leadership positions in the industry. Morgan says she hopes to use her position to elevate the women around her in hopes of affecting change until there’s more equality in PR as a whole.

“For me, it’s all about incremental change,” Morgan says. “What can I do today and in my career that leaves the industry better than when I walked into it? How can I support and empower the women on my team? And how can I educate the clients and community around me?”

Nicole Morgan

FINDING YOUR NICHE

In early 2023, Kacey Gilpin Photography and Madcap Industries combined their individual services to cater toward interior designers. Because of Kacey Gilpin ’s expertise in interior design photography and friend Katie Carpenter ’s career in PR, the duo made perfect sense.

Gilpin and Carpenter say they noticed a real need for PR services for Oklahoma’s talented interior designers — specifi cally, helping them share their work in both regional and national publications.

“Designers don’t always have the time to figure out how to get their work featured in front of a bigger audience,” Gilpin says. “As a photographer for a lot of great designers in our area, evolving my business in that direction helps them get their work featured, and it’s a win-win situation for the work I’m doing for them.”

Since getting started, Gilpin and Carpenter have tapped their large network of interior designers, providing them full-service photography and PR services to expand their reach.

Though their partnership is a newer venture, Gilpin and Carpenter have already celebrated several huge wins, landing their clients features in Architectural Digest, Forbes, House Beautiful and many other national publications. Most recently in June, The Wall Street Journal profiled their client Cortney McClure , highlighting her interior design projects in Bartlesville.

“It’s really validating for the designer when a publication as prestigious as The Wall Street Journal sees what they’re doing and wants to feature them,” Gilpin says. “There’s a lot of exciting things happening for (McClure) and her business that’s directly from the publication of that story.”

The key to earning media attention for their clients is pitching stories that are specifically tailored to each publication, Gilpin and Carpenter say.

“Our strategy is asking questions like, ‘What story is this publication looking for? Are they interested in the financials, the people, or are they focused on seeing the design and the imagery?” Gilpin says. “It’s very intentional where we pitch and how we pitch — we don’t do a press release.”

Successful PR means leveraging connections, asking questions and finding the right way to get a narrative across, Carpenter says.

“My advice is just to listen and be curious,” Carpenter continues. “PR hinges on relationships and accurately and effi ciently telling stories — everyone has one, and it resonates with people in ways that are pretty unexpected.”

Kacey Gilpin

Crafting a MESSAGE

Tulsa native Cheryl Lawson has had a passion for social media for a long time, recognizing its potential — both for businesses and individuals — early on. Lawson started hosting Social Media Tulsa conferences in 2011, a space where social media enthusiasts and business owners alike could learn the ins and outs of emerging social platforms and how to utilize them.

In 2012, Lawson recognized a need in the community for social media coverage at large-scale events. She offi cially launched her business, Social Media Tulsa, and found success right away — her very first client was the Route 66 Marathon.

Lawson and her team have since provided social media services for clients such as Tulsa Oktoberfest and the Historic Greenwood District. Working collaboratively, Lawson identifi es the needs, target audiences and brand identities of her clients so her social media services are an effective part of their PR efforts.

“We try to come up with what story a client wants to tell and what their goals are,” Lawson says. “Are they trying to sell tickets? Are they wanting to elevate the voice of an event to raise awareness? Who do they want to target, and what is their voice going to be?”

Social media can be a valuable and fun tool to add to any organization’s PR and marketing strategy, Lawson says.

“Every business should be exploring social media for their PR strategy,” Lawson says. “It’s the easiest way to connect with whoever your target audience is, or to communicate with your team internally.”

As social media is now an essential part of today’s media landscape, Lawson, who is an adjunct professor in the school of media and mass communications at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, recommends any college student learn how to use social platforms in a business sense.

“I want to challenge everybody who’s studying PR or journalism to make sure they understand how social media works for a business,” Lawson says.

“Most people in college today were born with these tools, but the key is knowing how to use them in a professional way and how a business or client might like to communicate.”

Cheryl Lawson

SixPR’s downtown Tulsa office is home to a dynamic team of female PR professionals.

The group is led by Sheila Moore, a powerful presence in Tulsa’s PR industry with over 27 years of experience. Since starting the agency 10 years ago, Moore and her team, which includes co-owner Marnie Fernandez, have helped many high-profile clients — MidAmerica Industrial Park, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, NextEra Energy Resources, Oklahoma Aquarium and the KitchenAid Senior PGA, to name a few — with everything from media relations and capital campaigns to social media strategy, brand positioning, crisis communications and beyond.

Moore says that while her goal wasn’t necessarily to cultivate an entirely female team, it happened that way because of the flexible and supportive company culture SixPR provides.

“It’s always been very important to me to create an office environment that’s really flexible, especially for busy moms — since we started 10 years ago, we’ve always welcomed dogs and kids in our office,” Moore says. “There’s something really gratifying about having a team that supports you both personally and professionally.”

Something SixPR prides itself on is brand development and crisis management — two services that were paramount for one of the agency’s biggest clients, River Spirit Casino Resort. Moore and her team have worked alongside the resort since it opened, helping them manage their brand and stepping in to help their staff navigate catastrophic floods in 2019.

“I was on-site (at River Spirit Casino Resort) for 45 days straight, helping them communicate internally to their staff and externally to elected officials and national media that was covering the flooding,” Moore says. “With so many of our clients, we really become part of their team.”

The relationships she and the SixPR team have with the Tulsa community are really what set them apart, Moore says.

“(SixPR) is all about having that six degrees of separation, that network of people in our community and our state, and leveraging that for a connection for our clients,” Moore says. “It’s also about having a sixth sense for what’s happening in the community, always learning, watching and being aware.”

Developing a NETWORK

Sheila Moore

Doing the right thing

For over 45 years, the team at Schnake Turnbo Frank has helped their many clients with public relations services, leadership development, community outreach and inclusivity. Since joining the Schnake team almost a decade ago, Hannah Jackson has led the agency as a partner and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

One of Schnake’s overarching values is a commitment to doing right by their clients and helping them further their development as companies or organizations, Jackson says.

“The type of PR work we do is grounded in doing the right thing, communicating effectively, living with purpose and helping people communicate that well — there’s no ‘spin’ involved,” Jackson says. “We have complementary services that not only help our clients talk about themselves in a better way, but actually help them be better.”

Jackson helps her clients incorporate DEI principles in both their internal and external communication. When DEI is part of a company’s PR strategy, leadership is able to recruit diverse talent and become more approachable for people

of all backgrounds, making the company itself stronger and more dynamic, Jackson says.

“DEI, as it relates to PR, is all about slowing down, being intentional and thinking, ‘What are my biases?’ How can I intentionally include people? Do they truly feel like they belong?’” Jackson says.

Refl ecting on her time in the PR industry, Jackson says she has many mentors, like Steve

Turnbo and Becky Frank , to thank. Her biggest advice to other women wanting to start a career in PR is to find experienced professionals in the industry to support and guide them.

“There are people who will look out for you, so find them and let them lift you up,” Jackson says. “Look for the other women who are lifting while they climb, and for the men who want to elevate you with them.” TP

Hannah Jackson

JoAnn Gilford

EDUCATION TRAILBLAZER

BY GAIL BANZET-ELLIS

JoAnn (Goodwin) Gilford ’s family is well known throughout Tulsa, the state and the country for its pioneering journalism, legislative action, civil rights advocacy and so much more, but Gilford has written her own legacy. A reading teacher with a volunteer’s heart, she built a career around helping children advance academically and emotionally. When asked what gave the trailblazing Goodwin family its purpose to make the world a better place she quickly responded, “Because we’re smart like that.”

A spunky 90-years-young, Gilford loves lipstick and statement earrings. She enjoys country music, sings opera in the car and says she wants to be a comedian in another life. She retired after more than 30 years with Tulsa Public Schools but continues to share the magic of books with readers of all ages.

Gilford has two daughters and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame in 2016.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY? WHY? I graduated from Booker T. in ’51 and attended Fisk University in Nashville in ’51 and ’52. I was so excited about going to Fisk because my dad and sisters had gone there. My dad graduated in ’21.

I graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University) and was one of 10 who integrated my dorm. I got my Master of Science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant in 1970.

WHERE DID YOUR CAREER BEGIN? My rst job was in Des Moines, Iowa. I was the 26th Black hire in the state of Iowa as a teacher.

JoAnn Gilford in her home, which is filled with numerous awards for her work in public education, along with a collection of decorative owls.

I didn’t know that Iowa was the place where my grandfather had planned to go with his family because they’d been told they could get a better education there. I had grown up in Tulsa with my ( rst) husband, Ernie Fields, and he was in the 33rd Army Reserve Band. He hadn’t completed college, so after Iowa, we went to Washington, D.C., for two years so he could nish his degree. We lived in Heidelberg, Germany, before moving back to Tulsa in ’61.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS? I was the rst Black teacher hired (in 1961) to integrate Tulsa Public Schools at Burroughs Elementary.

I ran for the Tulsa Public Schools board in 1976 and won by six votes. I was the rst African American female elected, but I was so disillusioned with what was going on in the schools that I said I was quitting.

en I went back and worked at the service center, where I was the rst coordinator of the “ABCs of Parenting” television program (airing on the TPS network three times a week).

I was the principal at Alcott Elementary from 1986 to 1990. I changed the whole thing at Alcott — we were one of the most outstanding elementary schools. Kids’ grades increased by three to four grades higher than what they’d been. I put the ne arts program in the school. e superintendent told me anything I wanted to do I could do. I needed teachers willing to make a di erence in the lives of children and families.

I did away with corporal punishment in Tulsa Public Schools. Everybody in Tulsa was angry with me because I said no more hitting. When I went to Alcott, I couldn’t believe it — they were letting the custodian hit the kids. At Burroughs, the craft teacher made these thick paddles for the kids. When I was over the reading program in the junior high and high schools, I said no more corporal punishment. Eventually, they did away with it. I even went to the governor and talked about it.

WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR MOST DEFINING MOMENTS IN LIFE? My most de ning moment was when I had to switch what I was doing with my life. I had been singing all my life since age 4. I had an opportunity at Fisk. e teacher was giving me a scholarship to go to Vienna to study opera. When I came home, my mom said, “Jo, I’d much rather have you sing in church.” So, I changed my major and minored in music. I always had a love for kids, so I chose teaching. My dad loved the theater, and my family would get together on Sundays and play music and sing. He came home one day and said, “Jo, would you like to play accordion?” Every Saturday, we went to Muskogee for my lessons. I can’t even nd the indented key now, but I play the piano, too.

WHAT

AGE DO YOU FEEL RIGHT NOW AND WHY?

I don’t feel 90. I have one severe problem, but I don’t pay it too much mind. I have spinal stenosis. It’s painful but at my age, I shouldn’t take aspirin. I don’t have any painkillers or anything. I just deal with it.

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?

Well, I asked some friends this question.

ey say I have a keen sense of analyzing all sides of issues. I’m an extremely private person, under the radar in all instances. You must be direct with me and not question my day-to-day existence. My personal life is my sanctuary. I have a few trusted friends and that is by choice. My many accomplishments remain hidden because I am not one to boast or brag. I am a writer, poet and mentor to so many educators, and my name and school accomplishments still resonate within the walls of Tulsa Public Schools. When trust and friendship have been established, you see the real JoAnn.

My friends say I am an educator emeritus, and when you interact with me, it’s like being in a masterclass. I have a sharp wit, and I’m comical. If you play a game of Scrabble with me, prepare to lose because they say I’m ultra-competitive.

Another friend told me I’m philosophical, beautiful, whimsical, thankful, fashionable, thoughtful, sincere, courageous, witty, poetic and intellectual.

WHAT WAS A “WORST TIME” AND HOW DID YOU PULL THROUGH IT? My daughter’s illness. Lisa had breast cancer. She lives in Georgia. I said I’m coming, I’ll be there. I prayed, “Dear God please don’t take my child. I’ll do whatever you want me to do, but this is too soon.” We drove to Georgia, and I stayed. e thing that was so devastating to me was I had no control over that. I had to nd out if I was capable of accepting this and doing what I could. I found out I was, and she’s been cancer free for almost 20 years.

WHAT CONCERNS YOU TODAY? How could (Martin Luther King Jr.) who died at 39 years of age make more progress in his life than I am able to make in mine? Why can’t we adhere to the principles of Christianity? If we could come to grips with it and agree with one another, we could understand.

ere are things that can change that are not changing. We’re going backward. We need to move forward. e people that are in command now are demanders, they’re not commanders. When I look at television today, it’s all about sex, guns and violence. It has nothing to do with re ning our history and making it a place where all of us can make it.

With all the history being taken out of the classrooms we’re going to lose a lot of identity and possibilities. In terms of history, writing and morals, we learn that through

reading. It’s such a disappointment to me because for my family, my dad, my grandfather, my mother, the sacri ces that their people made were a part of our upbringing. I have a concern that when we look at population and culture, it’s not growing and being better, it’s going through the same things we went through to get to America. I have never felt inferior but the older I get, the more I see it.

Tulsa is one of the most segregated cities I’ve lived in. e original downtown area — the doctors, the lawyers, none of it exists. When people come to Tulsa, and they’re looking to nd the remains of the Tulsa (massacre), it doesn’t exist. All I can do is talk about the possibilities.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? I’ve never felt defeated. I’ve always been able to address issues without pointing ngers or saying things that were hurtful. I’m reminded of the poem, “What is Success” from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the a ection of children; To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To nd the best in others; To give of one’s self; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — is is to have succeeded.”

WHAT PLACE IN TULSA DO YOU MISS MOST?

ere is nothing to miss. If you wanted to go to a clothing store or other stores downtown, you could only go at a certain time. You couldn’t try on out ts or hats. You had to know your hat size and clothing size, get those things and take them home. ere was a dollar store downtown where if you went in to get a drink, you had to stand and you couldn’t go to the bathrooms. ere were so many blocks like that that didn’t have to be. In the ’50s and ’60s, I was ghting for human rights, involved in marching and speaking out. I was traveling and going places and speaking out, and now that has no meaning.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN TULSA? I had never been on Cincinnati Avenue until I came home in ’61. It was o -limits to us — my dad would tell us, “Don’t get on that street.” It was a dividing line. We’d just go and look. When I applied for a teaching job in Tulsa, they told me Burroughs Elementary was across Cincinnati. I was afraid to go because I didn’t know the history. I wasn’t tough enough to cross there, but I did it anyway. TP

Learn more about some of Tulsa’s leading ladies and their exemplary services in the following pages.

Dog Dish

Over 20 years experience in pet specialty

What makes a local pet store different?

“The human—and often canine—touch of a local business is priceless when it comes to serving our guests. The vast world of pet products is confusing and sometimes intimidating. People like to have a place they trust that can give them advice and offer only a specialized curation of products,” says Emily Bollinger, store owner.

“Our new store has a fenced backyard that is a dream come true for us. You can usually find pet adoptions taking place every Saturday, dog water play on the weekends, workshops with other businesses here and there, and we’ve also started renting out the yard for pet birthday parties—or any kind of pet get-together”.

Plus, does that big box store or website have a Dennis? Our shop dogs are models, product testers, and testimonials to what we carry in store. Come in to ask questions, give a pup a pet or belly rub, and let us help you.

2803 South Harvard | 918-624-2600 | dogdishtulsa.com

Sustainable Advisors Alliance, LLC.

Tulsan Julie Skye is one of six co-founders of Sustainable Advisors Alliance, LLC., an advisor-owned alliance of financial fiduciaries built upon the advisor-owners’ combined years of experience and inspired by the need they see to offer an alternative to large, cookie-cutter investment firms that are focused on profit over people.

“I always looked at things differently than others in the investment industry and that led to a rough road,” says Skye, a Detroit native and University of Tulsa graduate who has worked in the financial sector since 1986. “You must stand by what you know to be the right way for you. Every dollar you spend or invest is a vote for your values.” In 2017 she founded Skye Advisors to focus her business solely on environmental, social and

Julie Skye

governance principles, and by summer 2020 she and five other investment advisors adapted her business to meet the evolving needs of her clients to form Sustainable Advisors Alliance, LLC.

SAA looks at many factors when it comes to investment strategies, seeking companies that can operate and meet the challenges around ESG principles. “These companies live the best practices for their respective industries,” Skye says. “This process turns financial markets into change agents that tackle the issues that matter to each person.”

36 E. Cameron St. | 918-408-7981 | sustainableadvisorsalliance.com

Emily Bollinger with Dennis

Sustainable investing isn’t about changing the world, it’s about understanding how the world is changing.

Justin Thompson Restaurants

Exceptional cuisine, extraordinary service.

Since beginning the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group more than 12 years ago, owner Justin Thompson has committed his company to creating exceptional cuisine with extraordinary service. Bringing in a new CEO this year, Shannon Eddington, is leading the organization into a new era of growth and diversification with her years of corporate and industry experience.

“It’s important to us as a company to hire and retain leaders that help drive our company mission,” Eddington says. “Women are skilled at many things that impact the businesses they work for. In the restaurant industry specifically, aside from industry knowledge, women add a lot to the dynamic of our group — such as inclusiveness, work-life balance, empathetic listening, strong communication skills and multitasking to name a few — and those skills alone have a direct impact on the positive and forward movement of JTR Group.”

Thompson and Eddington work together to support and empower the company’s management team while they in turn empower the general

managers and chefs at the six concepts. “When each level of team member’s concerns and needs are met by those supporting them, every team member is confident in their ability to take care of and provide exceptional hospitality to our guests, our friends and our community,” Eddington says.

JTR Group embraces the tight-knit community in Tulsa, where everyone is your neighbor and there is passion about helping one another. Each year, JTR Group contributes to more than 50 different nonprofit organizations. Thompson is passionate about engaging with nonprofits to help them grow, succeed and help those in our community.

JTR Group consists of six concepts: Juniper, PRHYME Steakhouse, Farrell Bread and Bakery, Freya: Nordic Kitchen, JTR Catering, and the soon-to-open Isla’s Southern Kitchen.

Learn more at jtrgroup.com

From left: Mandy Pellotte(Juniper Asst Mgr), Amanda Sparlin (Farrell GM), Fawn McGregor (Farrell Asst Mgr), Bekah Ogle (Juniper Sous Chef), . Kelsey Ihm (Freya CDC), Ellarie Burney (Juniper GM), Shannon Eddington (CEO), Sierra Thompson (Catering Coordinator), Amber Acosta (Catering Director), Christine Rose(Freya GM), Charlee Sudberry (Isla’s GM), Jen Phillips (HR Manager), Nikki Cagle (Catering Sous Chef) *not pictured, Kirby Taylor (Social Media Manager)

Dillon/Rose Fine Jewelry

Studio creating Tulsa Art Deco jewelry collection.

Dillon/Rose was founded by Rachel Rose in 2015 to explore connection and relationship through design and sculpture.

“Jewelry has traditionally been used as a status symbol but I wanted to use jewelry to remind us of our connection with others, ourselves, and what we value.” said Rachel. She started making jewelry while living in Mexico. Her first handmade creations were traded for tacos in Mexico City. What was a hobby turned into a passion for goldsmithing and gemology. Continuing her quest for knowledge, she received a graduate degree in diamonds from the Gemological Institute of America in 2022.

“We specialize in custom engagement rings and heirloom redesign - deconstructing heirloom jewelry and repurposing materials in a new design,” noted Rachel. “This allows people to enjoy wearing their grandmother’s jewels but in a design created specifically for them.”

Rachel loves to design and create engagement rings because of the love involved. She believes marriage is a journey and the wedding ring is a compass,

always pointing to shared values— loyalty, dedication and love.

Her commitment to quality is evident by her choice to keep all processes in house under her direct oversight. Hiring local talent to achieve the highest quality and lowest environmental impact remains central to her vision. “We make jewelry to last a lifetime, our craftsmanship is a symbol of our care.”

Dillon/Rose will be releasing a new Art Deco inspired jewelry collection this fall. There will be private and public events to accompany this release, follow Dillon/Rose on Instagram (@dillonrose), Facebook (@dillonroseart), and their website to get the latest updates.

1229 Charles Page Blvd., #1 | 918-873-0281

dillonrose.net

Rachel Rose Dazey

Heather Cha, MD

Local cardiologist joins long time independent practice.

Dr. Heather Cha has joined the cardiology practice of Dr. Jim Higgins and son Dr. Chris Higgins as a non-invasive cardiologist and new partner.

The doctor, a native of St. Louis, earned her medical degree in a six-year B.A./M.D. program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2008. She completed an internal medicine residency in 2011, and cardiology fellowship in 2014, both at St. Louis University. She has practiced non-invasive cardiology in Tulsa for the past 9 years.

The Higgins Cardiology practice was opened in 1986 by Dr. Jim Higgins. Dr. Chris Higgins joined his father’s practice in 2013. Dr. Chris Higgins performs multiple procedures including routine heart catheterization, emergent and elective cardiac/peripheral angioplasty/stenting, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, venous ablations and cardioversions.

Cha’s practice complements Dr. Chris Higgins by focusing on officebased ambulatory care and non-invasive cardiac procedures including arterial, venous and cardiac sonography, nuclear stress testing and CT angiography. She also feels strongly about preventative medicine and

encourages individuals to be proactive in the management of their cardiac health.

“I am very pleased to join the Drs. Higgins in this practice,” she says. “I like it because it is smaller and physician-owned, which enables me to be more intentional and personal in providing my patients the level of care they deserve.” Later this year, Cha will complete the Physician-Executive MBA Program through the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

She serves on the board of directors of the Tulsa Chapter of the American Heart Association. The doctor is the proud mother of two sons, Carter and Chris, who are students at Monte Cassino Catholic School and B’nai Emunah Preschool.

Call and schedule an appointment in the office to meet and discuss your cardiovascular health with Dr. Cha.

Dr. Cha

Eurocraft Granite & Marble Skaftason family ownership continues

Eurocraft, a leading local provider of marble and stone products has been in the Skaftason family for over 45 years since Johann Skaftason started the business in 1976.

After decades of providing the finest product craftsmanship for the building and remodeling Tulsa homes and businesses, Johann is passing the torch down to his daughter, Hjorny Skaftason and her husband, Ryan Phillips.

As a generational family-owned business, the passion for bringing in exotic stones from all over the world and creating unique projects from them right here in Tulsa, is unmatched with any other fabricator. With the precision and care that only a family-run business can bring, Eurocraft continues to take pride in rejuvenating Tulsa.

16052 S. Broadway, Glenpool | 918-322-5500 2626 E. 15th Street, Tulsa | 918-938-6914 eurocraftgranite.com

Independent Material Company

Independent Material Company (IMC) is a commercial and residential masonry supply company established in Tulsa in 1924. Long time customers Anna Helgadottir and Johann Skaftason purchased this historic business in 2014. IMC is still at its original location, just northeast of downtown Tulsa. While modernized in many ways, the building still has much of its historic charm with beautiful beams and brick walls.

Operations Manager Jennifer Kudirka has been with IMC since 2014. “Some of our customers are second and third generation customers, with memories of coming here with a grandfather.” said Jennifer. “We get to know our customers, and we take pride in helping, whether it’s a homeowner looking for materials, or a contractor getting ready for a major build. We’ve experienced tremendous growth over the past ten years, and great customer service is essential to that growth.”

IMC is proud to be Tulsa’s local supplier of masonry supplies, equipment, and a large selection of tools. Newer products include pavers, retaining walls, fireplace kits and supplies, stone and other hardscape products for home and business.

Hjorny Skaftason

Jennifer Kudirka

Final Touch Commercial Cleaning

Jackie Vu grateful to CEO for career opportunity.

For Final Touch Commercial Cleaning vice president Jackie Vu, life is all about investing in people and relationships.

When Vu was only three, her parents made a decision that would shape the course of her life: They decided to relocate their six kids from Laos to the United States. Vu’s mother and father — who didn’t speak any English when they moved — worked tirelessly to make a better life for their children.

Little did young Jackie realize that by helping her mother with her “office cleaning work” at Final Touch Cleaning, it would later open the door to a rewarding and successful professional career for herself at the Tulsa company. After graduating from high school and working in the restaurant business with her husband for seven years, Vu became reacquainted with Final Touch founder and CEO Sandra Mullins, who asked Vu to join the team.

“Faith and Family are number one to me, and being a good mother to my young children was very important to me, of course. I learned those same things were and are of great value to Sandra,” Vu said. “I’m forever grateful to her for employing me as a young mother. I remember her emphasizing that she would be ‘200% behind me as a mother, first, and then as an employee of our company.’”

Nearly two decades later, as vice president, Jackie has helped to grow the company exponentially and expand operations into five other states. Vu said her success and the company’s can be traced back to Final Touch’s policy of investing in their employees and building strong relationships with each of their clients.

In the same way Mullins invested in Vu, the two women, along with the rest of the Final Touch leadership team, extend that unwavering support to their employees, helping them reach their goals beyond working at Final Touch. “When you’ve found success, don’t pull up that ladder — extend the ladder down to the rest of your peers who are still climbing,” Vu said. “I teach our management to put down the ladder for all of our employees, to help them be successful and give them the tools and skills they desire.”

Sandra Mullins built Final Touch with a goal of investing in her team. Jackie considers herself very fortunate to be a part of, and maintain, that culture as they continue to grow this incredible company.

Jackie with Sandra Mullins circa 2005

Jackie Vu

DCH Financial Services

Personalized planning for your financial goals

Off-the-shelf or tailored-to-fit?

Which plan would you choose … for your financial future?

Clearly, you want personalized and prioritized planning to help reach your goals. The female investment team of DCH Financial Services can determine your aspirations and investment needs — creating a tailored roadmap to your long-term, sustainable financial growth.

Investment Executives Karen Bruns and Saletha Fuller, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, can discover your timing needs and risk tolerance to provide the right combination of services. And DCH is there at every step, providing critical support, supervision and security.

“The power to restore and strengthen your financial future is in your grasp,” Fuller says. “And within our reach, together.”

Tulsa Zoo

Connecting, caring and advocating for wildlife, people and wild places.

As president and CEO of Tulsa Zoo, Lindsay Hutchison is leading a team of passionate conservationists, animal advocates and community stewards into a new era as the zoo makes progress toward its master plan.

“As we rebuild and renovate this 95-year-old facility, emphasis has been not only on the care and well-being of the animals, but also the zoo’s role in education and community engagement,” says Hutchison, a lifelong Tulsan. “Through interactive exhibits and education, I encourage visitors to understand and appreciate the importance of biodiversity and habitat preservation.”

Hutchison continues to shape the Tulsa Zoo into a dynamic hub of learning and conservation, where guests can explore the natural world for generations to come. This sets a clear path for the Tulsa Zoo to continue contributing to the region’s quality of life and serving as a tourism magnet for hundreds of thousands of guests each year.

The Tulsa Zoo is the region’s largest daily paid attraction. Owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by Tulsa Zoo Management Inc, the Tulsa Zoo is a nonprofit governed by a volunteer board of directors. Hutchison leads an engaged, devoted staff committed to offer world-class care to the thousands of animals entrusted to them. 6421 E. 36th St. N. | 918-669-6600 | tulsazoo.org

Lindsay Hutchison

Kirkendall Design and The Studio at K|D

Creating a well-designed life.

In addition to her full service, luxury design services, Julia Kirkendall opened The Studio at K|D in August.

“For more than 30 years, I have been committed to bringing beauty to Tulsa and its surrounding communities through Kirkendall Design. Our interior design firm prides itself in telling the unique stories of our clients through interior design and providing beautiful spaces to gather and experience life to the fullest,” she says. “My newest business endeavor, The Studio at K|D, is an extension of that passion in that it not only provides a beautiful backdrop for events and photographers, but it offers opportunities for people to live fuller, more beautiful lives.”

Designed as a place to recharge and experience nature in the heart of the city, The Studio at K|D is an interactive event space and gardens perfect for community and private events, as well as lifestyle workshops, art shows and much more.

Landis Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeon provides care with a female perspective.

Lesley Landis, M.D., opened Landis Plastic Surgery in 2023 with a full range of plastic and reconstructive surgery options, including aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts and body; reconstruction after a diagnosis of breast or skin cancer; and body contouring after pregnancy or weight loss.

“As one of the few female plastic surgeons in the area, I feel uniquely qualified to deliver experienced, compassionate patient care with a woman’s perspective,” says Landis, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. A graduate of The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Landis completed five years of surgical training in general surgery and three years of dedicated plastic surgery training.

This new practice allows Landis to provide a more patient-centered approach to health care for Tulsa’s diverse community.

“Tulsa is the perfect city for an interior designer,” Kirkendall says. “Its rich architecture and arts culture has given us the opportunity to work with amazing artisans and skilled workers in many homes and businesses. Tulsa is forward thinking as a community; getting to be a part of the creativity within our city is an honor.”

10105 E. 61st St. | 918-250-1650

kirkendalldesign.com | thestudioatkd.com

“Starting my own practice after eight years of working for a hospital system in Tulsa was a leap of faith,” Landis says. “I knew that I could provide my patients with an individualized and quality experience. Fortunately, I had many women mentors and friends to offer support while building this practice. Women should invest in themselves, as we all have so much to offer.”

Lesley Landis

Julia Kirkendall

Siren Curl Studio

Embracing natural hair in all its textures.

Tulsa’s Siren Curl Studio stands as a transformative haven under the guidance of Shirin Zakerion, reshaping the landscape of hair care while championing inclusivity. The studio’s expertise encompasses straight, wavy, curly and coily hair types, with a focal point on personalized approaches that amplify inherent beauty. A steadfast dedication to diversity ensures every client experiences a sense of appreciation. A specialized suite tailored for head spa treatments or private sessions accentuates their commitment to individual preferences, coupled with furniture designed to embrace the comfort of diverse body types.

Sustainability is deeply rooted in Siren Curl Studio’s principles, evident through their utilization of eco-conscious products and the adoption of energy-efficient practices. Beyond the realm of hair, the studio fosters an atmosphere of belonging and empowerment. Zakerion’s influence extends harmoniously into the workspace, marked by equitable wages, flexible schedules and opportunities for stylist specialization.

Her zeal extends further into education, as she imparts wisdom to

Station 13

Modern charm meets endless history.

Station 13 is a historic fire station serving as a unique event venue located only 3 miles from downtown Tulsa. The Station is so versatile and able to host a variety of events indoors and outdoors, including wedding ceremonies and receptions, birthday parties and retirement celebrations, staff retreats and fundraisers.

“From the clients I work with to help plan their events, to the vendors that make it all happen, to our Station 13 neighbors, I’m so thankful to be a part of the Tulsa community,” owner Jackie Potter says.

3924 Charles Page Blvd. | 918-810-6765

station13tulsa.com | 13_station

fellow stylists in hair care, mindset cultivation and entrepreneurial endeavors. “In Tulsa, one can emerge as both a trailblazer and a pioneer, channeling innovation,” she reflects. “We take pride in our sanctuary, a resonating space for clients who eagerly support businesses that dare to redefine the norm.”

7707 E. 111th St., Suite 105 | beasiren.com

Three Sirens Restaurant Group

Service to community feeds restauranteur.

In the past seven years, co-owner Johnna Hayes has built Three Sirens Restaurant Group into five locations and concepts with a commitment to community.

Inclusivity and respect for others are at the core, and Hayes believes it takes an entire village and all industries giving back for any to succeed.

“Having this kind of community to grow our businesses in only brightens our spaces with uniqueness,” she says. “We are proud to share these spaces as a safe space for our employees and guests.”

Hayes says she has learned a lot over the past few years. “We look forward to not only growing, but learning more about Tulsa, how to better ourselves and stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.”

3sirensgroup.com

Shirin Zakerion

Jackie Potter

Johnna Hayes

HEAVY METAL

Tucked away in the lower level of the 110 W. Seventh St. building in downtown Tulsa sits Chartreuse Chandelier Studio. While the stylish accessories and the neon pink sign draw customers in, the star feature of this boutique is the jewelry. Every surface top, display case and shelf is packed with enough unique jewelry to last a lifetime. There really is something for everyone and every style, and the best part is that all the jewelry is handmade.

READ MORE ABOUT CHARTREUSE CHANDELIER STUDIO ON P. 74.

Purse, $48; earrings, $35; necklace, $45; all from Chartreuse Chandelier Studio

CREATIVE outlet

Sowing hope

MOBILE NONPROFIT OFFERS FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND MORE TO NORTH TULSANS.

BY TIFFANY HOWARD

Skillz on Wheelz is eliminating barriers to mental health care by bringing no-cost, insurance-free therapy sessions and case management services to north Tulsa, where access to mental health resources is limited.

“We want to sow seeds of hope within the community,” says Executive Director Ebony Skillens, a licensed professional counselor able to supervise others working toward their LPC designation. Skillens founded and launched the mobile nonpro t this past December. “ is is expanding Tulsa’s mental health ecosystem to include a forgotten socioeconomic group that otherwise wouldn’t be able to a ord mental health services.”

Skillens, a Tulsa native and Booker T. Washington graduate, founded Amayesing Skillz Counseling Services in 2018. She and her team provide therapeutic services from a Christ-centered approach. With the help of Terence Crutcher Foundation, ProsperOK and other private donations from community members, she expanded the same model into a customized RV last year when she realized what an asset it would be to her community.

SOW is out in the community MondayFriday at speci c partner locations, with Skillens and multiple other licensed clinicians of color providing three-to-six sessions focused on solutions for anyone in

need — from children and families to those dealing with anxiety, depression, mixed emotions and trauma, to individuals just needing to talk to someone.

“Our motto is, we’re here to listen,” Skillens says. “And we show and share the love of Christ. Now, does that mean you have to believe what we believe? Absolutely not. But we show that.” roughout clients’ time with SOW, the “care” (case) manager Marnie Jackson uses an app to communicate, o er prayer, encourage journaling and assist if someone is in need of food and/or clothing resources. If clients would like to continue their mental health journey after SOW, they are given a warm hando via referral to one of ve agencies partnered with the Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance.

“SOW is showing a certain demographic group in the community there is help out there who understands the unique struggles based on the community you are in, and who is working hard to o er services in a safe and reassuring environment,” Skillens says. erapy sessions are appointment based, but walk-ins are always welcome as long as a session isn’t in progress. To book an appointment or see where SOW will be next, visit counselingskillz.com. e Skillz on Wheelz app is available for iOS and Android devices. TP

Paula Palmieri Beck , owner of Chartreuse Chandelier Studio, began making handmade jewelry as a child. Her mother got her started by taking her to craft fairs and art stores around Muskogee. As Beck recreated this tradition with her own daughter more than 25 years ago, she discovered her true passion for jewelry-making. This discovery led to the founding of Chartreuse Chandelier Studio.

One thing Beck especially loves about jewelry making are the materials she can use, which includes acrylic, ceramic and aluminum. Oftentimes, the materials inspire Beck. For instance, where most people see a metal swirl, Beck sees the beginning outlines of a flower necklace or statement bracelet.

Beck has partnered with many different nonprofi ts to create and donate custom pieces for fundraising. So far she has made jewelry for the Tristesse Grief Center, the Center of Family Love and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. Beck believes this is a valuable way to contribute to these organizations.

“I believe God gave everyone a gift, and this is how I use mine,” Beck says. “I have always wanted to work with nonprofi ts, and this gives me a great opportunity to do that.”

During a recent trip to Africa, Beck discovered artists in Tanzania who make jewelry out of recycled materials. She now sells the items in her shop, with proceeds going back to the tribe to benefi t women and children. — ABBY MEDICO

Paula Palmieri Beck

Ebony Skillens is the executive director of Skillz on Wheelz, a program that provides no-cost, insurance-free therapy sessions and case management services in north Tulsa.

Buzzing about

ADVICE ON POLLINATOR GARDENING FOR BEES

BY ALLEN ROBINSON

Butter ies get all the glory in the insect world. With their colorful wings and uttering ight, they captivate children and adults alike. Whole gardens are planted with owers producing sweet nectar just to attract them. While butter ies are certainly beautiful, they are considered incidental pollinators. ey are only after nectar, the sweet sugar that provides their energy for ight. ey may unintentionally pollinate a few plants while sipping, but they don’t have a purpose for the pollen that they accidentally pick up from the owers.

On the other hand, bees purposely collect pollen for themselves and to feed their young. ey need both nectar and pollen — nectar for energy and pollen for protein. As they collect pollen, they perform the biological exchange that owers need to sustain themselves by moving pollen from the stamen to the stigma. us, owers need bees and bees need owers. From predawn hours to dusky twilight, bees are at work pollinating not only our garden owers, but also wild owers, native fruits and the owers of vegetable and fruit crops.

Unfortunately, studies on declining bee populations continue to show that many bee species are in trouble. Since 2006 beekeepers in the U.S. have reported colony loss rates averaging 30% each winter versus average historical losses of 10%-15%.

So, what’s causing this alarming decline? It seems to be mainly habitat loss and pesticides. eir habitat is shrinking and so are their food and nesting sources. Urbanization is consuming habitat, but so is the expansion of land for cultured crops. is agricultural intensi cation is showing to be a major driver of declining bee populations. Further, monoculture plantings of corn, soybeans, etc. require heavy use of toxic pesticides. Among the more powerful of these pesticides are the neonicotinoids (neonics, for short). ese compounds attack the nervous system of insects and other animals. Luckily, some neonics have already been banned from the market while others have been severely curtailed in their use.

So, how can we as gardeners help? First, consider that most native bees are ground dwelling or nest in hollow branches of berry canes, holes made in dead wood by beetles,

and the like. So don’t be too tidy in your garden. Keep some patches of bare soil available. Keep a dead snag in a tree if it is not a danger to anyone. Hang a mason bee habitat (a man-made hive featuring tubular tunnels). Secondly, plant owers and plants that encourage visits from our pollinator friends. e best pollinator plants are native species since they are well adapted to Oklahoma’s ever-challenging soil and climate conditions. Some selections for you to consider are:

Aster

Basket- ower

Bee Balm

Yellow-Tinted Compassplant

Purple-Tinted Cone ower

Goldenrod

Coral Honeysuckle

Indian Blanket (OK state wild ower)

Leadplant

Mexican Hat

Purple Prairie Flower

Russian Sage TP

ank you to Tulsa County Master Gardeners for their expertise. Allen Robinson has been a Master Gardener since 2010.

Comfort and care

LINGERIE STORE PROVIDES BRA FITTINGS WITH EXPERT SERVICE.

BY JANE ZEMEL

Every woman knows what a beautiful, well- tting bra can do for her spirits. And how much better she can look in her clothes. What may come as a surprise is that the right bra also can contribute to her breast health.

“We help women with ttings for unexplained breast pain daily,” says Deb Croisant, owner of Muse Intimates at Utica Square. “We correct it with a professional tting.”

She says a well- tting bra o ers comfort and support, whereas an ill- tting bra can cause long-term damage to breast tissue. “Our referring doctors taught us that medical studies support this information,” she says.

Croisant moved to Tulsa in 2005 from New Orleans, eeing Hurricane Katrina and after a family member had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She saw a retail void for bra tting and sleepwear and in 2007 opened Muse Intimates.

e foundation of her business is bra tting. “We o er over 150 sizes from 28-50 (bands) and AA to P (cups),” she notes. at’s considerably more than most stores, which Croisant estimates to sell less than 20 sizes. e industry estimates 80% of women could be wearing the wrong size bra.

Croisant recommends a wardrobe of bras: a T-shirt bra for a less constructed comfort; a cut-and-sewn style for better support; strapless for certain wardrobe items. She suggests a range of colors, too — black, white and nude.

Muse Intimates customers are as young as 12. Many women come in for a professional tting after the birth of their rst child. e balance of Croisant’s business is helping customers with postmastectomy/surgery prosthetics and bras, which involved certi cation. Training can include 500 patient care hours, workshops and testing. ree of the store’s employees are now licensed tters.

“It is our job as expert tters to make sure we are providing a comfortable environment supporting wellness and healing,” Croisant says of helping cancer patients/customers. TP

SHOP FAVORITES

The Fantasie Spacer Fabric T-shirt bra is one of the store’s top-selling items. $69.

It’s easy to see what makes Wacoal’s Embrace Lace Chemise the most popular laced gown. Available in black yearround and in seasonal colors. $68.

Customers use Top Hats by Commando reusable adhesives for discretion beneath swimwear or bras, or when braless. $46.

The Empreinte Cassiope solid lace, no-stretch cup offers support and quality. $219, bra; $95-$125, matching thong or panty.

Deb Croisant

by Paula Palmieri Beck chartreusechandelierstudio.com

Hometown proud

LOCAL BUILDER AND HER WORK APPEAR ON HGTV’S “BUILD IT FORWARD.”

BY KIM BROWN

Tulsa builder, remodeler and designer Dana Day not only helped fulfill the dreams of a deserving Tulsa couple, but she experienced a “dream” moment of her own — appearing in June on HGTV on the show “Build it Forward.”

Day was the local contractor selected to renovate the home of Doc Shaw and his wife, Brenda, for the second season premiere of the show.

“At first when the producers emailed me, I didn’t respond — I thought it was an advertisement,” says Day, who has been a contractor for 18 years in Tulsa and owns Dana Build and Design. After a second attempt to contact her, Day read the entire email.

“I was like, ‘Oh this is amazing, of course I’ll do it!’ This has been a dream come true for me to be on HGTV,” she says.

The show partners with Lowe’s “to give back to deserving organizations and individuals in communities all across the country,” according to its website. HGTV producers interviewed local builders for the project and selected Day, who was the only female contractor out of 25 interviewed and featured in the season, to do a renovation of the home’s living areas, including kitchen, dining, laundry and the home office area of Shaw, executive director of A Pocket Full Of Hope Inc.

“Our life is basically about helping other people, and we didn’t have time to do anything for ourselves. This was like God smiling down on us,” Shaw says.

The show also featured another renovation by

Day in a portion of the Historic Big 10 Ballroom, 1624 E. Apache St., which is being restored by the Shaws as a performing space for the community and youth in the nonprofi t.

Working with a television and production crew was entirely new for Day. She wanted to ensure the quality of her work was represented along with the “wow factor” expected with a home improvement show.

“You not only have the film crew, but there’s production, HGTV execs, Lowe’s execs, the hosts and all the people behind the scenes. It’s an amazing amount of people involved,” she says.

Day’s strong communication skills and creative solutions were two of the many reasons she was selected for the project, says Dylan Eastman, HGTV designer and build manager.

“The hard part for (production), and I’ve done this for over a decade, is you end up in towns you’ve never been to before, and you have to go in and get up to speed on the culture and resources. It’s hard to manage,” Eastman says. “That’s one of the things I liked about Dana early on — I liked her promptness in answering all of our questions and her energy level.”

The team quickly encountered challenges on the remodel, including uneven floors and ceilings, that were not in the original plan. On the first day, the crew found two nails in the stove’s gas line and mold on the drywall behind the kitchen cabinets, and they had to remove, replace and adjust the plans.

“By day one we were over budget,” Day says. “It was important to me that if we ran into problems, we would fi x them and not just put lipstick on it. Every problem we came across (HGTV) fi xed. That was important to me and to the homeowners.”

Eastman says Day “really embraced the fact that there are some things you can’t control and some things we can,” while working on both a construction project and a TV show.

“It’s all about, ‘How do we accomplish the goal?’ Failure is never an option. She was great about keeping that can-do attitude and being creative about how to do things — sometimes out of order,” he says.

After three months of living in an Airbnb, the homeowners arrived for the final home “reveal,” which for Shaw was fi ttingly filmed on Good Friday, April 7.

“Dana did such an amazing job. We love everything,” Shaw says. “It’s so open — it’s almost like a different house. It’s not a big house, and they really took advantage of the space and made it open and modern. It’s something I could never have dreamed of.”

Day says she hopes that young women can see her work — whether locally through speaking engagements with schools and colleges, or on TV — and be inspired to pursue careers in construction.

“The reaction is humbling — I’m very proud of it. I’m not a boastful person, but we were just so proud,” she says. “This made me very proud of my hometown.” TP

Local contractor Dana Day, right, of Dana Build and Design came together with HGTV for the program “Build It Forward,” which featured Day working on the Tulsa home of Doc, left, and Brenda Shaw, center.

Midwest fetes

FESTIVALS APLENTY IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA THIS MONTH.

BY RHYS MARTIN

It’s a great feeling when the temperatures start to provide a little relief in September. In our hotter summers, those cooler breezes feel like a literal weight lifting o our shoulders. Communities around the Midwest celebrate this break in the heat with outdoor events — and the Kansas City area brings a lot to the table for a weekend away.

If you’re in your 40s, Independence, Missouri, brings memories of Apple II computers and covered wagon trains seeking a better life out West. at’s because the famous Oregon Trail started here along with the Santa Fe and California trails. On Sept. 1-4, SantaCaliGon Days honors those “foot soldiers of Manifest Destiny,” to borrow a phrase from author Michael Wallis. e free, three-day festival kicks o with a series of concerts, which continues all weekend in the historic town square along with a carnival, pioneer actors and more.

Sports fans ock to KC this time of year as the Royals wrap up the regular season and the 2023 Super Bowl champion Chiefs

begin the regular season at home on Sept. 7 against the Detroit Lions. e Kansas Speedway has several exciting races on the books Sept. 8-10. You can even reserve an RV camping spot and be a part of the action all weekend. Friday features a race from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the Kansas Lottery 300 X nity Series race takes place on Saturday. e Cup Series race is on Sunday. Fans can pay extra for a pre-race pass to explore the in eld and get closer to the action. is is one of only two NASCAR events held here annually.

In Missouri, Kearney’s Jesse James Festival spans two weekends in the middle of the month. is gathering dedicated to the famous outlaw has been part of the town’s identity for over 50 years. It has a little something for everyone: a 5K/10K run, a demolition derby, a cat shing tournament, carnival rides, a craft fair and parade. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a Wild West Show. Check out jessejamesfestival.com for the most up-todate schedule information.

You can’t talk about festivals in Kansas City without mentioning the biggest barbecue competition in the world: e American Royal World Series of Barbecue. is year’s competition takes place Sept. 28Oct. 2. Hundreds of teams come from across the world for the chance to be crowned grand champion. On Saturday, the Kansas Speedway in eld is turned into a backyard celebration with food vendors, giveaways, and the second annual Battle of the Bands competition. Look out for barbecue sauce wrestling and bobbing baked beans.

Another event that has achieved national recognition is the Plaza Art Fair, a celebration of creative endeavors spread across nine city blocks. On Sept. 22-24, over 200 juried artists share their work while live music plays from multiple stages around Country Club Plaza. e area is known as a shopping destination and this festival also highlights the eclectic selection of local wares and craft restaurants that make this such a vibrant district any time of the year. TP

Plaza Art Fair

SantaCaliGon Days

American Royal World Series of Barbecue

HELLO, I MUST BE GOING

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

Here are two personal lamentations that are particularly lamentable because they are repeated failings I’ve su ered.

e opening lines can be sung to the tune of Simon and Garfunkel’s “ e Sound of Silence.”

I.

Hello Gluten, my old friend. I’ve come to say goodbye again.

ere I was last spring minding my own business, and everybody else’s when possible, when allergies came stomping across the prairie and punched me right in the face. I was at an outdoor memorial service when it hit and my sinuses went Pow! e drainage never stopped. I saw doctors, I took every kind of antihistamine and decongestant invented and on and on it went.

e worst was the burning, itching ood in my ears and Eustachian tubes. I got an ear canal infection. It ooded my shiny new hearing aids so that I couldn’t hear with or without them. To understand someone, I had to sit directly in front of them, 3 feet away and stare into their face like a lonely puppy so I could read their lips.

Slowly it occurred to me this was more than seasonal allergens. It was that — probably pollen from grass and Texas cedar — but it was also food sensitivities.

Mention food allergy to someone and

unless they’ve had a reaction to shell sh or peanuts, they usually roll their eyes and think “What a sissy pants.” Let them. I’m here to tell you food sensitivity is more than bumps in the night. I have a friend who cured his Crohn’s disease by researching and then changing his diet. Medical practitioners might say his Crohn’s is in remission, not cured, but whatever the terminology, he’s been well for seven years without medication.

My ercest villain is gluten. I knew that. After three years of gut trouble — tests and more tests and buckets of medication — I cut out gluten, and the pain and diarrhea stopped almost overnight. Once I felt well, I forgot about gluten. at’s an IQ lower than an amoeba’s, but some of us have it. is time, about a week after I stopped eating bread — and other culprits such as dairy — I started feeling better. My ears are better, too. (Confession: antibiotics helped.) I’m still clutching my teddy bear antihistamines.

II.

Hello Envy, my old friend. I’ve come to say hello again.

For years, envy has been my favorite of the seven deadly sins. It’s a sharp kickin-the-pants reminder that someone has something that I wish I had and the reason I don’t have it is because I’m not focusing on the right thing.

Now envy has been replaced by pride. By pride, I mean the opposite of humility. I learned this when the Father’s Day mega windstorm hit. Suddenly I had no electricity. e following week taught me how I would be as a homeless person or, even worse, a refugee. I would not be gracious or brave or uncomplaining. I would be desperate, depressed and maybe hopeless. I would be consumed by envy of people with comforts like air conditioning, a functioning kitchen and refrigeration.

Every day in my midtown neighborhood I see half a dozen people living on the street. I don’t know how they do it. e pain I feel for them is sharper now. I met thousands like them at the Iron Gate soup kitchen. Now I understand better why they were grateful for something as small as a friendly smile.

Author C.S. Lewis wrote that it is su ering that drives us out of the nursery. My two lamentations remind me that I’m always falling o wagons and only some kind of su ering makes me climb back on. I’m trying to be aware and grateful. I’m trying not to be complacent or oblivious. It is daily work.

Many mornings I drink co ee outside. Every day I see the Rose-of-Sharon shrub going about its work of blooming. Every day the bees hum among its lavender blossoms. Every day they all start over. at’s a good lesson. TP

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP

SHERRI

918-724-5008 ssanders@mcgrawok.com

This 1952 vintage home has had a complete professional reconstruction. Additional square footage created a kitchen, family room, master bedroom with a newer bathroom and closet! The photos tell the full story. A truly magnificent home perfect for how we live today. All on one level too.

ust 5 minutes east of Ketchum?

Look no fur ther, this 7 bed, 10 bath home is loaded w/nothing but nice & tasteful This luxurious timeless home has gourmet k itchen we can create great food & be apar t of the open living space w/incredible views of Grand Lake Bedrooms located on each level of home w/en su te bathrooms There are three half baths & 2 laundr y rooms The main bedroom on entr y level has an enormous bath & walk-in dress closet beautifully designed w/special tile throughout, hand scraped hardwood floors, media room, wet bar, balconies, full walkout basement w/k tchenette & bedroom, gentle slope to your 2-slip covered dock with concrete floors, full house generator and the list goes on. No restric tions so can be VBRO ’s. $1,999,950

918-629-3717 dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

6TH & LEWIS

Unique location between University of Tulsa and The Pearl District. The asking price includes both the House (located at 2216 E 6th St) and the Vacant Lot (located at 2224 E 6th St). The property is zoned CS and o ers versatile options for use, including as an o ce, land, or retail space. Its prime location allows for convenient access to nearby retail stores, markets, and entertainment venues. Additionally, the vacant lot provides the potential for a parking lot or the construction of a new building.

$459,000

GARDEN PARK

Beautifully updated Garden Park Condo offers an open floor plan, oversized rooms, and abundant natural light. The living room features built-ins and a fireplace, while the kitchen showcases new cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. With updated bathrooms, new hardwood floors, a spacious master bedroom with ample storage. This 3-bed, 2-bath condo provides a stylish and comfortable living experience with the added security of a guard-gated entrance. $495,000

RIVERSIDE

TIM HAYES 918-231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

GORDON SHELTON 918-697-2742 gshelton@mcgrawok.com

DIANA PATTERSON

SANDERS

THANK YOU FOR BEING TOP 100 REALTORS AGAIN THIS YEAR!

2411 E. 34th Street | One of a kind, Majestic midtown mansion sitting on over an acre. Built in 2010, this home boasts high ceilings, bright open rooms all overlooking the amazing backyard oasis. Entertainers dream w/several game rooms, theater, 2 gyms, billiards room, cigar lounge vented to outside, 1000 bottle wine room, huge pool, spa, outdoor kitchen & covered living! 6 bedrooms 6 Full & 2 half baths. $4,790,000

2524 E 12th Steet | Beautiful Home on a Corner Lot in a desirable Midtown location! Four Bedrooms, three full and one half baths! This Spacious Home features an Immaculate Glass Staircase with Gorgeous Hardwood Floors throughout. Stunning Kitchen Granite Countertops with newer appliances featuring an LG W/D and a Tankless Water Heater. 2 Primary Bedroom Suites - One Upstairs and one Downstairs with Walk In Closets. A professionally landscaped backyard with a privacy fence and a large patio! $499,000

5930 E 110th Place | Immaculate home in gated Tradition in Jenks Southeast. Beautiful hardwoods, high ceilings; vaulted entry, study and Breakfast areas. Two first level bedroom suites, and three bedrooms plus flex room up. Flex room can be sixth bedroom. Game Room and theater up. Kitchen open to family room w/fireplace. Lovely covered backyard living with mature trees and landscaping. $849,000

3020 S Detroit Avenue | New luxury contemporary construction in Midtown!

4 bed, 4 baths, living/dining/kitchen combo with high ceilings, wet bar and FP. Large upstairs game room, 2 first floor flex rooms and 3 car tandem garage! Buy now and be included in finishing touches. Completion on or before Aug. 30th. $1,150,000

3121 S Rockford Drive | Step inside this midtown custom home, built by LaBella Homes for the current owner. Attention to detail everywhere. Beautiful hand scraped wood floors, high ceilings, iron railings, and security gate. Large primary bed on first floor along with office w/full bath- could double as a nursery or guest suite. Theater/game room upstairs with bar. New carpet, paint and amazing landscaping that surrounds the property. Back gate allows for easy entrance to Zink Park. $1,299,000

2858 E. 67th Place | Southern Hills Contemporary 1.26 acre secluded cul-de-sac lot. Dramatic architecture by Frank Wallace, ORU architect. Vaulted ceilings/incredible natural light. Primary suite offers floor to ceiling windows. Designated office. Spacious beds w/ ensuite baths & walk in closets. 2 BR suites on 1st floor. Private lush yard/greenbelt & mature trees. Walk out basement/game room. Outdoor kitchen & patio w/entertaining space. Entire home renovated to perfection. Short golf cart ride to back gate of Southern Hills. Pool site plans available. 6 Bed | 7.5 Bath | 4 Car Garage | 8,716 Sq. Ft. $2,100,000

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. Large outdoor terrace with outdoor kitchen. Gardening space on balcony. Architecturally the building is stunning. Highest level finishes throughout the building and residence. 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 2 Car Garage | 3,104 Sq. Ft. $1,690,000

Join Iron Gate and TulsaPeople for the 17th annual

Thursday, September 28, 2023

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM | The Vista at 21 – 21 N. Greenwood

The Tastiest Way To Help Feed The Hungry!

Cooking for a Cause is an of evening food, conversations and community. Proceeds provide support for Iron Gate, Tulsa’s largest stand-alone soup kitchen and grocery pantry. Iron Gate feeds the hungry and homeless of Tulsa every day, 365 days a year.

Cooking for a Cause will feature a tasting menu prepared by some of Tulsa’s culinary talent including:

Greg Bossler, Sushi Fork

Tony Cepeda, Mr. Kim’s Candace Conley, That Girl Can Cook!

Glacier Chocolate

Damien Jacob, Iron Gate

Devin Levine, BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center

Jeff Marlow, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

Jonathan Moosmiller, Shangri-La Resort

Justin Thompson, Justin Thompson Catering

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Randy Page, Cricket and Fig

Grady Perryman, OSU Institute of Technolody

Austin Plumlee, The Tavern

Ruth’s Chicken

Jacque Siegfried, NATV Restaurant

Tiffany Tisdale, Tisdale23 Catering

Event Chair: Sarah Alfred-Cobb

Event Committee: Lindsey Bristow, Rochelle Dowdell, Kimberly

Grayson, Suzette Jones, Mindy Morrison Taylor, Mike Moore, Ashley Townsend, Ashli Sims

6:30 PM-9:00 PM | THE VISTA AT 21 – 21 N. GREENWOOD | COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ARE $150 PER PERSON | PLEASE RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 25TH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE EVENT ATTIRE: 70S ATTIRE ENCOURAGED OR BUSINESS | INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPACE RESERVE ONLINE AT WWW.IRONGATETULSA.ORG/COOKINGFORACAUSE OR SCAN QR CODE

For more information or help reserving, please contact Carissa at 918-879-1709 or cgutierrez@irongatetulsa.org

Bowled over

Edible joy is always the order of the day at Rainbow Bowls. The most popular menu item is its namesake Rainbow Bowl, which begins with a frozen base of either acai, dragonfruit, Blue Majik (a fruity blend that includes spirulina extract), coconut, mango or cacao. It’s then sprinkled with house-made granola and artfully filled with sliced bananas, strawberries and blueberries, and then finished with a generous drizzle of local honey (12-ounce, $8; 16-ounce, $11).

Rainbow Bowls’ menu bursts with other refreshing treats that also are accommodating to those who eat gluten- and dairy-free, as well as vegan. TP

Curated comfort

RUSTIC CHOPHOUSE

BY NATALIE MIKLES

If you still haven’t made it to Broken Arrow’s Rose District, now’s the time. Walking down the sidewalks feels like a mini vacation. People chat on benches, share ice cream cones or walk hand in hand window shopping and listening to the occasional street musician.

Amongst the bars and restaurants with burgers, pizza, sushi and Mexican food, there’s a special place: Rustic Chophouse. Plenty of natural light, wood and brick make Rustic Chophouse a comfortable place where you can settle in with drinks from the nice, open bar at the front of the house.

We visited on a Friday night, and the restaurant was full, including couples on date nights and a group celebrating a bachelorette party. Rustic Chophouse has a nicely curated wine list and cocktails, like the Grapefru-tini with Oklahoma Distilling Co. Rose Gin, an orange and botanical liqueur and lime.

Steakhouse appetizers are sometimes overlooked considering all the other food on the menu. But don’t skip out on these.

e ambitious smoked duck latke ($18) is topped with crème fraiche and blueberry jam. e tender scallops (market price) are perfectly paired with spicy apple chutney and rustic chopped apples and a cauli ower

DELIVERS WITH DELICIOUS DISHES IN A CASUAL, YET ELEVATED, SETTING.

8-ounce filet mignon

Oaxacan Old Fashion

puree. For something more mainstream, there’s a fabulous shrimp cocktail or charcuterie board.

We tried both the Caesar and the wedge salad. e Caesar was presented in a constructed style, with an intact heart of romaine and topped with a balsamic drizzle, parmesan cheese and tomato. e wedge had the traditional blue cheese crumbles and bacon but also included chopped cucumber and sweet toasted pecans. Rather than blue cheese dressing the wedge is served with Rustic Chophouse’s signature creamy, avorful ranch dressing.

Steak options are classic, but it’s the quality of the beef that sets them apart. Rustic Chophouse’s beef comes from Creekstone Farms, a group of Kansas ranchers and farmers raising premium black angus beef. Steaks include 28-day aged ribeyes ($51), a tomahawk ribeye ($90) that’s bigger than your plate and popular 6-ounce, 8-ounce and 10-ounce lets ($38-$50). Our steaks were cooked exactly to order.

Beyond steak, Rustic Chophouse has a tomahawk pork chop with apricot marmalade ($42), salmon with honey miso glaze and basil quinoa ($36), and a shrimp scampi with white wine lemon garlic butter, fresh basil and tomato ($28).

Sides ($9-$10) range from traditional steakhouse choices like creamed spinach, sauteed Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes and burgundy wine mushrooms. But there are some unique choices like the wild mushroom mac and cheese and candied carrots. We chose the garlic parmesan frites — crispy fried potato chips with an indulgent coating of cheese and garlic. ese chips were one of our favorite things on the menu.

Rustic Chophouse is also open for lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Here you’ll nd a great potato and leek soup, lobster bisque, a burger, pork belly sandwich, chicken sandwich and sh tacos. e most popular lunch item is the ribeye sandwich — sliced ribeye with horseradish and sauteed onions on a French roll.

Dining in Broken Arrow has become better and better over the years to the point you can comfortably nd a meal as good in Broken Arrow as you could in Tulsa. And Rustic Chophouse is at the top of BA’s list. TP

Rustic Chophouse

210 S. MAIN ST., BROKEN ARROW | 918-355-0814

RUSTICCHOPHOUSEBA.COM

Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; and 5-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m., Saturday-Sunday.

Shrimp scampi

Scallops with spicy apple chutney and cauliflower puree

BREWS and BITES

Cabin Boys Brewpub is the first venture into the restaurant business for Cabin Boys Brewery, which has been brewing ales, pilsners, lagers and more for five years.

“It’s just been really neat to see friends, family and everyone fill this space up, welcoming us into the neighborhood. And to learn what it is to be a full-fledged restaurant and have that capability,” says Austin McIlroy, master brewer and co-owner of Cabin Boys Brewery.

Featuring 20 taps with Cabin Boys brews and other cocktails, including wine and non-alcoholic drinks, the brewpub offers pub-style food from Chef Geoffrey van Glabbeek

“Chef has done such a good job of providing a very diverse pub-style eatery menu that is definitely unique in the downtown area,” McIlroy says. “We’ve got everything from a huge Bavarian pretzel all the way to one of our bestsellers, the Cuban sandwich.” Dips and desserts round out the menu.

The brewpub, 223 N. Main St., opened in July in the space formerly filled by Prairie Brewpub.

McIlroy says having the ability to have kids come in and have a great time with food options makes it a family experience.

“Our s’mores dessert, which is really neat to have, is a finger-licking food that you want,” he says. Funnel fries are another popular dessert — “a smash hit,” McIlroy says.

Along with its taproom and production facility at 1717 E. Seventh St., Cabin Boys has a taproom in Claremore at 512 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

Cabin Boys Brewpub is open 11 a.m.-midnight, MondaySaturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday. — TOM GILBERT

Seasonal shareables

Let’s sit on our porches and bask in the hints of fall that September provides. While we’re at it, let’s sip something delicious and nibble something decadent. Here are a couple of our favorites this month.

— NATALIE MIKLES

We’re loving this light dip that’s great on crackers or crostini. It’s also great in a wrap, dotted on a salad or even spread on a pizza crust.

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE WITH ROSEMARY AND HONEY

8 ounces goat cheese, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Combine goat cheese, cream cheese and honey in a bowl, whisking vigorously by hand or using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and smooth. Mix in or sprinkle rosemary on top.

Place in a serving bowl and serve with crackers, crostini or vegetables.

Here’s the dip you want when watching a football game. It’s great with hard pretzels or soft pretzel bites. We’re not picky though, we’ll also eat it with potato chips, carrot sticks or whatever dipping conduit is around.

BEER CHEESE DIP

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 cup milk

1 cup light beer

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar

1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, whisk in flour, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Cook 1 minute.

Stir in milk and beer a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Add mustard and Worcestershire, cooking sauce until thick and bubbly.

Reduce heat to low and add cheeses, stirring just until melted and smooth.

Beer cheese dip

Austin McIlroy

PASS IT ON

The day Sarah Leavell turned 18, her father tragically died. The oldest of nine children, Leavell felt the weight of helping to care for her siblings, the youngest of whom was not yet 2.

Her father’s sudden death changed how Leavell would experience the world. She wouldn’t be going out of state for college. Her dreams of studying fashion design were put on hold. It was a time to make logical decisions — decisions that would help her family and set her on a path where she could take care of herself.

When Leavell began taking culinary classes in her hometown of Muskogee, she admittedly had a lot to learn. Growing up, her idea of a nice restaurant was one where you didn’t order at the counter. But Leavell soon connected with the idea of food as art, exploring the textures, colors and flavors of food in the same way she had loved the idea of fashion design.

Throughout each stage of her career, Leavell has been intentional about giving back, about helping children, culinary students and struggling adults. As her father’s death shaped her life as a young woman, her intentionality in volunteering her time and giving back has shaped her life as an adult.

“Early in my career, I had a lot of people who helped me,” she says.

So Leavell is now doing the same. With Oklahoma ProStart, she mentors and coaches students in culinary competitions. Leavell also teaches adult career development for Tulsa Tech and shared her expertise with Tulsa’s Girls’ Teen Summit and local Girl Scouts troops.

Growing up, Leavell says she needed to see more examples of strong female leadership, beyond family members. “If they can’t see it, they can’t be it,” Leavell says.

In fact, she’d never seen a female chef until she met her mentor, Georgiann Belton, at Indian Capital Technology Center. Belton was an important figure for Leavell, teaching her to cook but also believing in her. Belton remains a mentor and good friend.

Watching Belton was the first step in seeing what Leavell’s future could be.

Leavell creates magic behind the scenes for everything from galas and parties to concerts and boat shows. Whatever the dining needs are for the BOK and Cox centers, Leavell is on it. Executive Chef Devin Levine creates the menus, then he, Leavell and staff work to make it happen.

“When I interviewed (for the job), I looked at it and said, ‘I’ve never done this before. I don’t know how to cook dinner for 1,000 people,’” Leavell says. “One thing Devin says is ‘If you can do a party for 100, you can do a party for 1,000.’”

The largest event she’s ever worked was a seated dinner for 5,500. So how does a dinner that size happen?

“It’s a lot of prepping ahead. A lot of math,” she says. “Devin thinks about what will hold well, what will translate well, what can be easily cooked in that amount of time. There’s a lot of thought put into it. That event was in October, and we started planning in May.” —

NATALIE MIKLES

HOSTESS with the MOST-EST

Tracy Edmiston is bringing back dinner parties.

Her personal chef business, The Cook’s Bookmark, creates at-home dinner parties without the work. All a client needs to provide is the dining table, and Edmiston does the rest. Like Cinderella’s helpers before the ball, Edmiston and her crew arrive with dishes, linens, silverware, glasses, food and fl owers.

The Cook’s Bookmark eliminates all the reasons why clients might drag their feet on hosting.

Edmiston, a former high school French teacher and mom of two young children, was looking for a creative outlet when in 2018 she started her blog, The Cook’s Bookmark. She then began hosting dinner parties for friends. What started as a way to get together for fun and to hone her wine pairings (Edmiston is a level 1 sommelier) quickly turned into a business in June 2021 as word spread of this dinner party fairy godmother.

Rather than full-course meals, Edmiston does several mini courses for a tasting-menu-style dinner. In summer, dishes tend toward heirloom tomato tartlets and mini lobster rolls. Winter dishes include soups and truffl e risotto. All dinners include a charcuterie board, something Edmiston delights in curating.

“I hand select each cheese. So it’s two bites of the best goat cheese. A bite of an excellent gouda,” Edmiston says. “It’s about the thought that’s put into it. That’s what makes this special — the thought and care put into each bite.”

Each course is paired with wine, and Edmiston comes to the table with each course to speak on the wine pairing.

The Cook’s Bookmark books months in advance. Information can be found at thecooksbookmark.com. —

NATALIE MIKLES

Tracy Edmiston, center, creates at-home dinner parties for clients through her business, The Cook’s Bookmark.

Sarah Leavell worked many years in fine dining, spending some of that time as a pastry chef and teaching culinary classes, before becoming executive sous chef for BOK Center and the Cox Business Convention Center in 2017.

One community

CULMINATION OF $28 MILLION CAMPAIGN ARRIVES AT FOOD BANK OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

As this fall nears, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is seeing the fruits of its labor ripen like a bountiful harvest.

is month, CEO/President Calvin Moore will welcome the community into the Food Bank’s expanded headquarters, a culmination of the recent Building Hope Campaign — a $28 million project that will help the Food Bank with its mission to end hunger in Oklahoma.

Along with expanding services and engaging communities, the project is doubling storage capacity, creating the largest nonpro t freezer in the state, and opening a state-of-the-art culinary center and demonstration kitchen that will be able to quadruple the output of prepared meals.

“In America, especially in Oklahoma

and especially kids, we’re overfed and undernourished,” Moore says as he walks through the new demonstration kitchen. He’s looking forward to longtime Food Bank Chef and Chief Culinary O cer Je Marlow teaching cooking classes to families and providing recipes for healthy, nutritious meals.

e kitchen — which expanded in square footage from 2,000 to 12,000 — will be able to produce 50,000 meals a week, like Chef Je ’s spaghetti and meatballs.

Part of the campaign bene ts the 700 partner agencies scattered over 24 eastern Oklahoma counties by providing a system where feeding partners can apply for grants to help them meet the needs of their communities.

“ is facility is limited if partner agencies don’t have amenities like adequate freezer space, transportation, sta or technology,” Moore adds.

At the height of COVID-19, the Food Bank distributed more than 32 million pounds of food. e new goal is to double that amount and cut child food insecurity in half to under 10%, according to Chief Development O cer and Executive Vice President Matt Kostas. “All of these improvements allow us to turn over inventory of this facility ve to six times a year,” he says. “Before it was twice.”

A new feature of the Tulsa headquarters is a U.S. Department of Agricultureapproved clean room, where trained sta and volunteers can package and distribute bulk protein. For example, a recent donation from Tyson included two semi-trailers of chicken, which was all distributed within a week.

A new volunteer and welcome center sits at the entrance, where on any given day 250-300 volunteers report for duty.

Moore points to the second oor, which will house the Food Bank’s new entrepreneurial center. He says part of the nonpro t’s strategic plan is to generate 25% of its funds through business opportunities such as medically tailored meals and ice. Moore says the June power outages proved a need for an ice business that would provide the commodity to the Food Bank, as well as other entities. is is all part of Moore’s vision to “return value to stakeholders — the community.”

Moore is proud that a $1 donation to Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma can deliver four meals. Like many nonpro ts, the Food Bank is doing more with less, as retail donations are down across the country, and grocers who would typically donate surplus produce are doing so less often as grocers reduce orders. To address this, Moore stresses “we need better relationships with the 77,000 farmers in Oklahoma” — as he wants the farmers to bene t from the Food Bank as a consistent buyer.

Today the Food Bank boasts 108 employees with an average of 9,000 volunteers each year, which will grow with the new space’s capacity.

Moore says the Building Hope Campaign has enabled him to establish a living wage of $18.50 per hour for the nonpro t. A proponent of data-driven decisions, Moore says the investments the Food Bank is making helps the organization provide food security with dignity for all eastern Oklahomans. Tulsa County receives 48% of the Food Bank’s e orts, according to Moore.

“If a rural kid goes hungry, that a ects him down the line with education, workforce,” he says. “We are all one community.” TP

Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma CEO/President Calvin Moore inside the nonprofit’s renovated and expanded warehouse

THE BEST TASTING WEEK OF THE YEAR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8!

STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIGHT HUNGER BY JOINING TULSA’S BEST RESTAURANTS FOR THIS 10-DAY CELEBRATION OF TULSA’S CULINARY SCENE BENEFITTING THE FOOD BANK OF EASTERN OKLAHOMA’S FOOD FOR KIDS PROGRAMS!

During Tulsa’s 17th Annual Restaurant Week, local restaurants are joining the fight to end hunger in our community. Each participating restaurant will offer special prix fixe menus with an automatic donation to the Food Bank or their standard menus with a 3% donation. Plus, some restaurants are offering a specialty cocktail including a donation, and all donations will be matched up to $25,000 by the George Kaiser Family Foundation!

*As of 8/18/23.

4 - C O U R

S E

D I N N E R F O R $ 5 0

(includes $7 donation to the Food Bank)

*excludes tax, tip and beverage

F I R S T C O U R S E

Cheese Fondue

Please choose one cheese fondue. Served with artisan breads and seasonal fruit and veggies for dipping.

S E C O N D C O U R S E

Choose one salad from our dinner menu.

T H I R D C O U R S E

Entrée includes seasonal vegetables and signature dipping sauces.

Land and Sea Entrée

Garlic pepper steak, herb-crusted chicken breast, shrimp, Atlantic salmon

D E S S E R T

Chocolate Fondue

For a perfect ending to the experience, indulge in delicious chocolate fondue served with fresh strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, marshmallow treats, pound cake and brownies for dipping.

S I G N AT U R E

C O C K TA I L F O R $ 1 2

(includes $1 donation to the Food Bank)

Melting Pot Mule

THE MELTING POT

300 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 190, Jenks 918-299-8000 • MeltingPot.com

TulsaPeople’s 17th annual Restaurant Week will once again benefit the Food for Kids programs of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. 2023 presenting sponsors include: Curtis Restaurant Supply, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Justin Thompson Restaurants and Catering, and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

This year, 17 restaurants are participating, with Yokozuna Blue Dome, Mr. Kim’s, Juniper, PRHYME, Freya, Queenie’s and The Melting Pot as gold sponsors.

Yokozuna will offer lunch for $20 and a 2-3 course dinner for $30, with a signature cocktail for $10. For lunch, choose between edamame, cup of miso soup or a side house salad for starters, then either sesame chicken, pork tonkatsu sandwich or stealth roll for the lunch entree. At dinner, choose a starter of tuna poki taco, tempura sweet potato fries or a small house salad; entree options include sesame chicken, pork tonkatsu sandwich and a doppler roll. Dessert is a matcha churro.

At Mr. Kim’s, diners can partake in a 3-course dinner for $50, including a first course of Korean corn cheese, followed by a grill-your-own broccolini and beef bowl, and a yuzu creme brulee for dessert.

The Melting Pot’s special will be a $50 4-course dinner with choice of cheese, salad, the land and sea entree, and choice of chocolate. The MP Mule is its $12 signature cocktail.

Learn all about the participating restaurants’ menu options at TULSAPEOPLE.COM/RESTAURANTWEEK.

In Dallas, college and pro sports always kickoff a great time. But the end of the game isn’t the end of the fun. Stay and play at the State Fair of Texas or see thousands of pumpkins at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. And don’t forget the food that pairs perfectly with all of it. It’s fall in Dallas. Game on.

To plan your trip, go to VisitDallas.com

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Southern Methodist University

ON THE GO

BY NATALIE MIKLES

When you’re downtown and it’s a long time until lunch, BOSTON AVENUE GRILLE has you covered. Its breakfast burrito ($3.46) is popular for a reason, stuffed with eggs and sausage plus roasted potatoes, bell peppers and cheese. The breakfast quesadilla ($3.69) is much the same but griddled and toasted in a tortilla. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, there’s a great dish of egg whites ($3.69) with baby spinach, tomato and white cheddar on toasted wheatberry bread.

15 E. FIFTH ST. | 918-392-7171 | BOSTONAVENUEGRILLE.COM

One of our favorite breakfast go-tos is at NEW YORK BAGEL CAFE . The pepperjack breakfast bagel ($3.99) has cheese, egg and turkey bacon, ham or sausage on a jalapeño bagel. New York Bagel also makes a great lox and cream cheese with red onion, capers and tomato ($6.29) — surprisingly wonderful for something you can get through a drive-thru window. Don’t miss out on the big muffins ($3.49) and pecan sticky buns ($3.99) while you’re there.

3723 S. PEORIA AVE. | 918-743-7400 | 6805 S. YALE AVE. | 918-340-7002

A breakfast panini — yes, please! MERRITT’S makes them quick, so you don’t have to wait long for scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese, bacon and tomato pressed in wheat toast and grilled ($5). Another hot breakfast we love is a warm cheddar bacon scone ($3.50). It’s hard to leave Merritt’s without something sweet, so also grab a cheese danish ($2.70) or apple turnover ($3.40).

3202 E. 15TH ST., 918-747-2301 | 9521-G S. DELAWARE AVE., 918-296-9000

4930 W. KENOSHA ST., BROKEN ARROW; 918-250-1607

Serving up RAINBOWS

Blooming bright with Wonka-like whimsy in Broken Arrow’s Rose District, Rainbow Bowls offers visitors the chance to experience cool concoctions that are health- and food allergen-minded while still tasting like a delicious indulgence.

The colorful treatery offers 12 different acai bowl combinations with add-in options like chocolate chips, house-ground peanut butter or vegan Nutella ($8+), dairy-free smoothies sweetened naturally ($8+) and fruity lemonades in which edible glitter can be added ($7). You also can find a new line of Rainbow Nut Butters with mix-ins like circus animal cookie, caramel candy bar and cosmic fudge brownie.

“They’re very fun peanut butters, all meant to be eaten straight from the jar,” coowner Shelby Brewster says. The 25-yearold runs Rainbow Bowls with her parents, Tera and Kurt Brewster

A big focus of Rainbow Bowls is creating indulgences for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions to enjoy, as Shelby herself eats dairy-free. She and her mom both eat gluten-free as well.

“When we would go to events like Mayfest or the Tulsa State Fair, there was nothing for us to eat,” Tera adds. “So we started a food truck.”

The food truck, begun in 2021, was a success, and they opened the storefront location this past fall.

After enjoying a tasty treat, take a look around at the shop’s retail offerings, like macrame hangings, jewelry and bags made of recycled plastic. All the items are handmade in Bali, and Rainbow Bowls sends 30% of profits back to the villages that crafted them.

Also check out the full range of Rainbow Nut Butters at rainbownutbutter.com.

— TIFFANY HOWARD

WHEN YOU NEED A QUICK BREAKFAST THAT’S MORE THAN JUST A DOUGHNUT, HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES.

New York Bagel Cafe

Merritt’s

Boston Avenue Grille

Kurt, Tera and Shelby Brewster

HISTORICAL GROUNDS

STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

In November 1907, the Commercial Club of Tulsa received a personalized letter from Basil A. Hooper of New York City requesting information about Tulsa’s total population, electrical current capacity and more with the hopes to install a rst-class co ee roaster and wholesale co ee and tea house in the city.

Receiving information that con rmed the decision, Basil and his brother Arthur G. Hooper opened Hooper Brothers Co ee on Jan. 15, 1908. e company saw immediate growth and within a few months moved to a larger facility.

By 1915, the company leased an even larger building along East First Street to operate as a wholesale co ee plant where the rst shipment of green co ee was received in Oklahoma.

In 1920 construction was underway on the largest co ee and tea warehouse in the city. e brick building, located right o the railroad tracks, was the Hooper Brothers’ biggest facility yet. However, the two siblings would soon retire and leave the company to a younger generation.

e building would act as a co ee warehouse of sorts until 1962 when the Hooper Brothers company was o cially dissolved.

e building sat vacant for several years before seeing renovations in the mid-1970s. e building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December 1978. e Hooper Bros. Co ee signage remains on the exterior of the building. TP

The Hooper Bros. Coffee company building seen here shortly after its completion on the northeast corner of East Admiral Boulevard and North Iroquois Avenue.

VENETIAN PRINCESS