TulsaPeople August 2014

sex is being marketed TPS Teacher 5 Questions: SOLD Underage online and Tulsans are buying of the Year

August 2014

August 2014 ✻ THE 2014 EDUCATION ISSUE ✻ www.TulsaPeople.com

Selfie made Meet the 2014 class of Brainiacs and catch up with 5 former standouts

Who are they? See p. 3.

Haute topics with Jason Ashley Wright

Health: Specialty clinics

Are you ready for your big reveal?

10137 East 71st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 918.254.6618 www.bassettfurniture.com

First Oklahoma Bank

True ‘community’ bank completing distinctive headquarters building

{Q}: When is a locallyowned bank better? {A}: When all loan decisions are made right here in Tulsa by experienced local bankers.

Does your bank make all loan decisions in Tulsa, or are they made in some other city or state?

At First Oklahoma Bank, we specialize in making loans to small to medium sized businesses and professionals. In the last four years our loans have increased by more than $200 million, the most loan growth achieved by any community bank serving Tulsa!

Move Up To BETTER Banking, Move Up To First Oklahoma Bank Members of the First Oklahoma Bank board of directors are pictured in the foreground of the bank’s soon-to-be-completed headquarters building in Jenks. Pictured, left to right, are: Dr. Jim Whiteneck, Jeff Hilst, Burt Holmes, Tom Bennett, III, Leeland Alexander, Gen. John Corder (Ret.), Dr. Susan Whiteneck, Tom Bennett, Jr., Don Lockhart, E. P. Reddy, David Sherwood, Dr. Rollie Rhodes, and Garry Groom. Not pictured are Paul Samuels and Dr. Jim Wise.

First Oklahoma Bank 2448 E. 81st St. • 4110 S. Rockford Ave. 918-392-2500 www.firstoklahomabank.com

Dustin & Christin

matters of the heart.

Similar heart conditions brought Dustin and Christin together. Their remarkable beginning produced a bond made even stronger by each of them undergoing a heart procedure within the first six months of marriage. And now, thanks to Oklahoma Heart Institute, their future is even brighter. To learn more about Dustin and Christin’s life-changing experiences at Oklahoma Heart Institute, visit OklahomaHeart.com.

OklahomaHeart.com | 918.592.0999 “Like” us on Facebook.

Features AUGUST 2014 ✻ VOLUME 28 / ISSUE 10

34

SOLD Between local computers and hotel rooms exists a clandestine subculture of sex sold through the Internet. And Tulsans are buying.

by MORGAN PHILLIPS

43

Multiple choice Back row: Eston Blair, Taylor Wise and Nicole Flippo; middle row: Cailey Kesselring and J.D. Wessinger; and front row: Bailey Tulloch, Kendall Hughes and Chelsea House. Not pictured: Yungshu Wong

45

Brainiacs Our annual look at the best and brightest in this year’s graduating class. Plus, a look at what five former Brainiacs are doing now.

by ZACH HOLDRIDGE AND MAGGIE MARSHALL

Tulsa parents and educators discuss the benefits of public, private and homeschooling

by JAMES PEARSON

29

Memory Walk Guide All you need to know about the Aug. 23 Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s TulsaPeople.com

3

Departments AUGUST 2014 ✻ VOLUME 28 / ISSUE 10

76

24

115 CityBeat

11 Fresh start The expanded Food for Kids program

12 Notebook What Tulsans are talking about 16 Roots A Cascia Hall graduate finds her professional passion in golf.

18 Five questions 2014 Tulsa Public Schools Teacher of the Year Lynnette Shouse 20 Storefront Jill Donovan’s booming bracelet business

21 Everyday stories The paths of three architects took them from Venezuela to the same Tulsa firm.

22 Artist in residence A Broken Arrow artist studied under some of the 20th century’s most prolific artists.

24 Locker room A young Tulsa cyclist is rapidly rising through the ranks.

26 Not so long ago Room with no view

28 Where are they now? Checking in with former newsmaker Devon Walker

The Dish 65 Dining out Sisserou’s adds Caribbean cuisine to the ethnic offerings of the Brady Arts District.

67 Table talk Green and white gazpacho, a steak cook-off and more

68 The list Lighter fare fit for hot summer nights 70 Wine Quench your thirst with summer whites.

The Good Life 73 Bowl game Chip-worthy vessels to help you cheer on the home team

Agenda 115 Chalk it up to fun Each second Saturday of the month, a local artist cultivates a chalk mural in the East Village.

116 Agenda This month’s standout events 118 Out & about See and be seen.

122 Benefits Fundraisers and fun happenings

124 The culturist Louder Than a Bomb Tulsa explodes into new territory.

126 Tulsa sound Teen indie rockers The Lukewarm come of age.

128 Worth reading Tulsa-based author Joe Harwell’s sequel, plus upcoming book events

144 Flashback Remembering the home of the Golden Hurricane, Skelly Field

74 Haute topics Jason Ashley Wright shares the season’s top style secrets, sales and more.

76 Home A young family incorporates treasures from all over the world into its midcentury home.

81 Musings Grass: it’s a guy thing

99 Health Medical professionals weigh in on the benefits of specialists and specialty clinics.

TulsaPeople.com

5

From the editors

M

ndall

Caroline, Joe and Ke 6

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

sex is being marketed Teacher 5 Questions: TPS SOLD Underage online and Tulsans are buying of the Year

GIVEAWAYS

August 2014 August 2014 ✻ THE 2014 EDUCATION ISSUE ✻ www.TulsaPeople.com

Most people who know me would agree I do not tolerate change well. A LOT of things change when you become a parent.

For one, you finally, truly appreciate everything your parents did (and still do) for you. Phrases such as “sleep training” and “terrible twos” join your vocabulary. Vacations ... wait, what is a vacation? Oh, and you worry 24/7.

Parents have always had to worry about pools, accidents and whatnot. But these days we have another threat on our hands, too. Senior Editor Morgan Phillips’ chilling feature on p. 34 exposes the clandestine subculture of sex sold through the Internet. Perhaps the most troubling fact is that Tulsans are buying these services at a staggering rate. Parent or not, you will want to read this informative collection of stories and find out how you can help prevent the children in your life from becoming victims.

A much less shocking concern, yet still significant, is the choice of schooling most parents face. As our daughter closes in on preschool, my husband and I find ourselves talking more about schools now than we did when we were actually in school. “Where does your child go to school?” is our opening question these days. And it’s not just small talk ... we really want to know and better yet, we want to know why.

Our annual education issue zeroes in on the answer to that question as we examine the multiple options available to parents when it comes to schooling. From public to private to homeschooling, Tulsa families share the reasons behind their preferred route on p. 43.

Though the choice itself can seem overwhelming, on the bright side it appears students can find success at any school as evidenced by this year’s Brainiacs, our cover story on p. 45. Our annual feature takes a look at the best and brightest in this year’s graduating class. Ever wonder what happens to these kids after high school?

As an added bonus this year, we decided to catch up with several of the first Brainiacs. As you might suspect, these stars are still shining bright.

Last but not least, at the close of the summer I will leave my seat at Langdon Publishing as managing editor of TulsaPeople Magazine, a role I’ve held the past eight years. While this has been and always will be my dream job, the demands of the two little ones in the selfie below necessitate a new chapter. Simply put, it is time to pass the torch and join you fine readers on the other side.

It is time for a change.

Aug. 15

Selfie made

Tantalize your taste buds with a $100 gift certificate to The Melting Pot.

Meet the 2014 class of Brainiacs and catch up with 5 former standouts

Who are they? See p. 3.

Haute topics with Jason Ashley Wright

Health: Specialty clinics

TulsaPeople.com Visit TulsaPeople.com all month long for exclusive content you won’t want to miss, including photo galleries, giveaways, a calendar of local events, dining and shopping directories, weekender lists and much more.

Aug. 29 Try authentic French-American fare with a $100 gift certificate to The French Hen.

VIDEO

A wristed development (p. 20) Go inside the Rustic Cuff showroom to see how the bracelets — beloved by Tulsans and celebrities alike — are made.

HONORED TO SERVE INTRODUCING ST. JOHN CLINIC Powered by teamwork, St. John Clinic brings together the trusted primary care physicians, specialists and staff you’ve known for years under one banner, fully backed by the resources of the St. John Health System.

Combined with online access to your medical records via the new St. John Online, you will experience a revolutionary level of empowerment and care, placing your health in your hands.

All for one purpose – for the health of our community and the people who call it home.

STJOHNCLINIC.ORG

P U L S E L I N E P H Y S I C I A N R E F E R R A L 918 - 744-0123

TulsaPeople.com

Volume XXVIII, Number 10 ©2014. All rights reserved.

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

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

SUMMER E C N A R A E L C

SALE Help us make space for new fall merchandise.

BEGINS AUGUST 1

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 (918) 585-9924 / (918) 585-9926 Fax PUBLISHER Jim Langdon

PRESIDENT Juley Roffers

VP COMMUNICATIONS Susie Miller

MANAGING EDITOR Kendall Barrow SENIOR EDITOR Morgan Phillips ASSISTANT EDITOR Anne Brockman PRODUCTION MANAGER Matt Cauthron A&E EDITOR Judy Langdon FOOD EDITOR Judy Allen EDITORIAL CONSULTING Missy Kruse, The Write Company

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

VIDEO DEVELOPMENT

Sarah M. Neal Morgan Welch, Georgia Brooks Michelle Pollard Evan Taylor Greg Bollinger

ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER Amy S. Haggard ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Andrea Canada Steve Hopkins CONTROLLER Mary McKisick SUBSCRIPTIONS Gloria Brooks RECEPTIONIST Gene White INTERNS Zach Holdridge, Maggie Marshall, Bailey Tulloch MEMBER ­­TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

Langdon Publishing Company sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue of Tulsa People was printed on recycled fibers containing 20 percent post-consumer waste with inks containing a soy base blend. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally, meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

The Farm Shopping Center at 51st & Sheridan

918-624-2600 • Open 10-6 Monday-Saturday 8

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

David W. Harris, M.D. | ADULT

ENDOCRINOLOGY

WARREN CLINIC

Diabetes runs in the family of Dr. David Harris.

After seeing its damaging effects, he dedicated his life to stopping it in the community.

When did you make fighting diabetes your primary focus?

Some members of my family have suffered from diabetes, so I was very aware of the disease growing up.

When I had the opportunity to choose endocrinology as my emphasis in medical school, I didn’t hesitate. This terrible disease is a growing problem.

I want to do all I can to combat it.

What makes Warren Clinic unique?

There is a mission that permeates the entire Saint Francis Health System— to serve our patients through the healing ministry of Christ. This guides us in everything we do, from being sensitive to the needs of our patients to collaborating with colleagues. We have an especially dedicated group of medical professionals at Warren Clinic.

How important is lifestyle in managing diabetes?

I can’t overemphasize the importance of diet and exercise. They are as effective as medication in delaying the onset of—or even preventing— the disease.

What gives you the most pride as a physician?

Knowing that you are providing a vital service to the community is a great feeling. The most important thing that people have is their health. Being entrusted to take care of it is very rewarding and humbling.

Of course, seeing patients benefit from treatment is also very gratifying.

Diabetes is a life-changing diagnosis. How do you prepare patients for living with the disease?

Hearing the words, “You have diabetes,” can be overwhelming. It is very important that patients make the necessary adjustments quickly.

Warren Clinic has a special education program designed specifically to help patients understand the disease and how to live with it. This comprehensive program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and addresses treatment, diet, exercise, monitoring blood glucose levels and new techniques in disease management.

Classes are taught by certified diabetes educators and are held each weekday.

Dr. Harris stresses the importance of patient education as an integral part of the successful treatment of diabetes.

Warren Clinic Adult Endocrinology | 6160 South Yale Avenue Tulsa, OK | 918-497-3140 | warrenclinic.com SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW

TulsaPeople.com

9

citybeat NEWS ✻

PEOPLE ✻ OPINIONS

Fresh start

by MORGAN PHILLIPS

Evan Taylor

This summer the Food for Kids program expanded when Tulsa-area children are beginning the school year with the food bank began hosting free farmers’ markets at four greater access to fresh produce and other nutritious foods Mark your calendar for the eighth annual of the Community Action Project’s early childhood developthrough the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma’s Tulsa Restaurant Week, Sept. 6-14. ment centers. There, students’ families can receive fresh proexpanded Food for Kids program.

Diners at participating restaurants can select duce and bakery items twice a month.

Oklahoma children are some of the hungriest in the from a variety of price-fixed, three-course lunch “When parents come to pick up their children from school, nation, according to Feeding America, which reports one in and dinner menus. Ten percent of meal proceeds they can also get fresh fruits and vegetables and other items,” four children in the state are at risk of going hungry. will benefit the Food for Kids program; donations Hoey says, adding that the farmers’ markets will continue That statistic motivates the food bank to be a reliable will be matched by the George Kaiser Family throughout the year. source for nutritious meals throughout the academic Foundation up to $25,000.

Tulsa students who rely on the school-administered free year and beyond, says its communications and marketing and reduced-cost lunch program are most impacted by food manager, Maggie Hoey. insecurity during extended school holidays, Hoey says.

Now in its 10th year, the food bank’s Food for Kids backThe food bank’s Mobile Eatery food truck provides pre-made pack program provides a weekly backpack of food during the school year to more meals at various locations when school is not in session. The than 5,000 Tulsa-area preschool through high school students at risk of going hunCFBEOK also partnered this summer with Tulsa Public Schools’ gry over the weekend.

Summer Café program to provide more than 180,000 free, nutriThe food bank’s partner programs distribute an additional 3,600 backpacks of tious meals to children under 18 at four of TPS’ 70 sites around the food each week in the rural counties of eastern Oklahoma. city.

Fore P. 16

✻

Cuff love P. 20

✻

Architect trio P. 21 TulsaPeople.com

11

CITYBEAT

NEWS ✻ PEOPLE ✻ OPINIONS

Notebook

What Tulsans are talking about

by MORGAN PHILLIPS

In June, Keith’s Ice Cold Lemonade Stand served lemonade and tea at ONEOK Field to raise money for The Little Light House. Pictured are Keith Boyd and his Thrive15 business mentor, Arthur Greeno.

Lemon aid Ten-year-old Tulsan Keith Boyd is raising money the old-fashioned way: by selling lemonade. But he doesn’t have just one lemonade stand, and the money is not going into his pocket.

Boyd has 10 Keith’s Ice Cold Lemonade Stands at various businesses across the Tulsa area. Their revenue will go toward his fundraising goal of $250,000 for The Little Light House, a Tulsa-based center for children with special needs.

The young entrepreneur, who was born with nonverbal cerebral palsy, attended The Little Light House, which gifted him with technology that allows him to verbally communicate using only his eyes.

In response to the gift, Boyd crafted a business plan and partnered with entrepreneurship education resource Thrive15 to build a website and connect with Tulsa businesses to host his stands.

Keith’s lemonade stands are open from 10 a.m.2 p.m., Wednesdays, through Aug. 20. Visit www.keithsicecoldlemonade.com for locations and more details.

12

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

I like to be a leader that leads in the way he acts. I like to be someone who goes and gets his stuff done and inspires other people to do the same.

— Thomas Koch, Class of 2002 Brainiac, in an interview with TulsaPeople 12 years ago this summer. Today Koch is an engineer at Boeing in Seattle. Read more about what he and four other former Brainiacs are doing now on p. 49.

Back to school Thousands of Tulsa students have something to smile about, thanks to support from the Tulsa Community Foundation.

The foundation’s Partnership for the Availability of School Supply program provides a year of school supplies to every student at elementary schools in the Tulsa or Union public school districts in which 75 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

“Because of the program’s economy of scales, a year’s worth of supplies costs our program approximately $9 per student, compared to purchasing the supplies at a local retail store, where the same supplies cost $35-$45 per student,” says Elizabeth Vereecke, TCF program officer.

The program, which will impact 51 schools and 27,000 students in the Tulsa area, according to TCF, is funded by donations from local individuals, companies and foundations.

A group is gathering neighbors around the dinner table by inviting all Tulsans, including those in need, to a series of community meals.

StoneSoup Community Venture created Tulsa’s Table, “a community café with food justice in mind,” on the premise that everyone deserves the basic right to healthy, whole food regardless of their ability to pay, according to Christy Moore, StoneSoup CEO and founder.

Tulsa’s Table has hosted “pop-up cafes” since June at various locations with lunches prepared by chef and baker Cat Cox. The meals are “pay what you can,” a model that organizers say bridges economic divisions and “tackles inequities through the value of time, talent or treasure.”

Diners can give a suggested donation of $10 to cover their meal; “pay it forward” with additional donations; or volunteer their time, which can include sharing their personal story, to cover the cost of a meal.

“We want to help funders see this is an important and timely contribution to Tulsa,” Moore says.

StoneSoup plans to obtain a permanent location in the future that utilizes the same concept, she adds.

Tulsa’s Table will provide an “abbreviated café experience,” including fresh dishes prepared by Cox, on Aug. 16 at Harvard Avenue Christian Church’s community day, 5502 S. Harvard Ave. For more information and August pop-up café dates, visit www.tulsastable.org.

StoneSoup Community Venture

D2 Branding

A place at the table

‘‘When I found out I had cancer, I thought I’d have to stop being active. But all I wanted to do was keep going.’’

— Heather Holladay Breast Cancer Patient

I’m a wife with two kids, I’m getting my master’s degree, I teach Zumba—so I was determined to get through my battle with breast cancer without having to give it all up. My naturopathic clinician and dietician at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® helped me stay strong during my treatments— and stay on track with my life.

Find out more about integrative cancer care by visiting cancercenter.com or calling 800-515-9610.

No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.

Hospitals in:

Atlanta Chicago Philadelphia Phoenix Tulsa

©2014 Rising Tide

The University of Tulsa

Presidential lecture series Sponsored by The Darcy O’Brien Endowed Chair Presents

September 3, 2014 7:30 p.m.

Donald W. Reynolds Center 3208 East 8th Street

Charles C. Mann

Photo, Justin Knight

Charles C. Mann

Turning history on its head, Charles C. Mann received a Keck Foundation book of the year award for 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus.

“Mann navigates adroitly through the controversies. He approaches each in the best scientific tradition, carefully sifting the evidence, never jumping to hasty conclusions, giving everyone a fair hearing – the experts and the amateurs; the accounts of the Indians and their conquerors.

And rarely is he less than enthralling.” — New York Times His follow-up, 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created, received similarly glowing reviews.

Mann has coauthored four other books and written about science, technology and commerce for The Atlantic Monthly, Science and Wired.

Free and Open tO the public details at www.utulsa.edu/pls

The University of Tulsa is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action institution. For EEO/AA information, contact the Office of Human Resources, 918-631-2616; for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Tawny Taylor, 918-631-2315. To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accommodations. No tickets or registration required. Please call 918-631-2309 for event details. TU#14475

Unlock Your Inner Explorer at a free opening celebration weekend for

The Helmerich Center for American Research

September 6–7, 2014 Join us as we celebrate the opening of a new facility dedicated to research and scholarship. Enjoy a weekend of engaging programs and activities for all ages. Food, fun and free events! If you haven’t visited Gilcrease Museum recently, rediscover this Oklahoma treasure.

Full list oF EvEnts at GilcrEasE.utulsa.Edu

Helmerich Center for American Research 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road • Tulsa, Oklahoma • 918-596-2700 The University of Tulsa is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action institution. For EEO/AA information, contact the Office of Human Resources, 918-631-2616; for disability accommodations, contact Dr. Tawny Taylor, 918-631-2315. TU#14369

Checking in with former Tulsans

ROOTS

Lauren Hart A Cascia Hall graduate finds her professional passion in golf.

by STEVE HUNT

NUMBERS

Stride right

by BAILEY TULLOCH

Courtesy of Lauren Hart

Lauren Hart’s career at IMG Golf has included coordinating details of The Masters and U.S. Open golf tournaments.

Vital stats • Cascia Hall 2007 alumna; University of South Carolina graduate; former event coordinator for IMG Golf, handling corporate hospitality for The Masters.

• Now: 25; has called the East Coast home since 2007; recently relocated to Jacksonville, Fla. for a new job as manager, business development, for IMG.

Considering you don’t play golf, how did you end up working in the sport? I was able to have an internship in 2009 at the U.S. Open. The next summer, I had an opportunity to live at Pebble Beach and intern at their 2010 U.S. Open. I also had the opportunity to work the 2009 and 2010 Masters. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a sport and entertainment management degree in 2011.

What about the sport appeals to you? Through my internships, I realized how much I enjoy the sport but also how much I enjoy the corporate aspect. All the tournaments I go to are Masters or U.S. Opens, major events that draw international attention, so I have definitely had exposure to golf at the highest level. I’m thankful for that.

What has it been like for you to be part of one of golf’s truly iconic events, The Masters? Yeah, I’m probably a little biased, but I think Augusta National holds one of the best tournaments. It was a veray special experience.

I was able to see the uniqueness of the tournament, and it came to hold a very special place in my heart. For some people, it’s on their bucket list to walk the grounds at Augusta National, and I’ve been very blessed to have that opportunity and work closely with the staff there.

Talk about your Tulsa roots. I always look forward to coming home. Living on the East Coast now and moving to Florida, it’s always exciting whenever you have that Tulsa bond and can find somebody that knows Tulsa.

A lot of people don’t understand the value and the character that the city of Tulsa has. That goes straight to my personality. I value things like local restaurants. Tulsa has definitely grown a lot. Every time I come back, I’m excited to see the development and growth.

Speaking of local restaurants, do you have a favorite one? My family’s spot is definitely Cafe Olé. We always like to go there when I get in from the airport to catch up and have a margarita.

I always like trying new places, but Tulsa is always going to be home. tþ

16

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the United States, according to a 2013 report by the American Cancer Society. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN) has been working toward a cure since 1999.

PurpleStride Oklahoma, a local 5K run/ walk, will aid in that mission by raising money for personalized support and research for patients.

The event is Aug. 23 at the River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave. A timed race and untimed walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. To register, visit www.purplestride.org/oklahoma.

416

Oklahomans lost their lives annually from 2006-2010 because of pancreatic cancer.

10

Survivors in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas will attend the 2014 PurpleStride event.

39,590

People died of pancreatic cancer in the

United States in 2013.

1.5%

Of the U.S. population will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at some point in their lives.

85.2%

Of pancreatic cancer patients die annually

from the disease.

13

million Americans are estimated to have cancer. Pancreatic cancer comprises .3 percent of those cases.

$125,000

Is the amount of money PCAN hopes to raise through the PurpleStride Oklahoma event.

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FIVE QUESTIONS

Q&A with a Tulsan

Lynnette Shouse

2014 Tulsa Public Schools Teacher of the Year

by MARNIE FERNANDEZ

After 23 years of teaching, Lynnette

4.

1.

5.

Shouse, gifted and talented teacher for Grissom Elementary School, talks about her passion for education and becoming the 2014 Teacher of the Year.

Obviously your passion for education helped you win this honor. What is your teaching philosophy? I think the key to a child’s success in school is to take them where they are at that moment — and push them as hard as you can, as quickly as you can. If you can identify their strengths and weaknesses early on in the classroom, it will benefit them in the long run.

2.

This has been an extremely controversial year for our educational system. What do you see as being the biggest challenge facing our schools? Having everyone else deciding how/ what/when our students learn. It is very frustrating to have legislators who have zero educational background dictating what we do with our students. This is not in the best interest of our children.

Legislators need to let the professionals who went to school for this do our job. Treat us as professionals, trust our expertise and quit letting others mandate how schools are supposed to be.

3.

What do you see as possible solutions?

The rally* was a good start. Hopefully that was the tipping point that will start making some real changes. People need to pay attention to whom we are electing to office. We need to be able to see how our representatives are voting on educational issues. We need to hold them accountable and call them out personally when they are voting against something that is harmful to our children’s education. There is nothing more important to a healthy state and a healthy economy than our educational system. It baffles me how our legislators can be so short-sighted.

* The Oklahoma Education Funding Rally was held March 31 to urge legislators to invest in Oklahoma’s public education system. More than 25,000 people attended and many schools were closed so all students and faculty could participate.

18

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

What is your favorite part of your job?

The relationships I make with my students.

I love working with children who want to learn and continue to grow. I love watching them expand their horizons.

How has the educational environment changed in 23 years? It’s more important than ever for parents to take an active role in their child’s education. They need to stay engaged, check homework and read to their child every night. It’s not enough for kids to learn inside the classroom; they need to practice their skills outside the classroom, as well. Parental involvement is so very important and definitely adds to the success of the child and the school. tþ

Fill in the blanks In a movie about my life, the actress that would play me is ... Reba McEntire.

Outside of the obvious — we both have red hair — I’d like to think that I have the same passion and drive that she has.

My favorite local restaurant is ...

McNellie’s downtown — especially on Wednesdays for $3 burger night.

When in doubt I … pray for guidance.

What keeps me awake at night is ... worrying about some of my students. Did they eat dinner? Will they get a ride to school tomorrow? Will someone help them with their homework? Those kids are the reason I go to work every day.

Those who teach … create the leaders of tomorrow.

STOREFRONT

Jill Donovan designs Rustic Cuff products, which are handmade in her Tulsa showroom.

Looking at small businesses

A wristed development

TulsaPeople.com

Jill Donovan never tires of seeing famous people wear her jewelry.

<VIDEO Watch how Rustic Cuff’s popular jewelry is made.

by MEGAN GAY

O

Evan Taylor

Over the course of three years, Rustic Cuff owner Jill Donovan went from being an adjunct law professor to a nationally known jewelry designer. She has turned her part-time hobby of designing bracelet cuffs into a full-time business.

“I truly didn’t have any intentions of building a business from a hobby,” says Donovan, mother of two daughters, Ireland and August, who still teaches law classes at The University of Tulsa. “I decided I just wanted to create something I loved. After I would put the girls to sleep, I would spend almost every single night into the wee hours of the morning in our guest bedroom teaching myself every aspect of cuff making.”

Tulsa-based Rustic Cuff sells everything from leather and metal cuffs to wristlets and key chains, and Donovan designs all of them herself. Each product is handmade, though some metalwork must be outsourced.

Of all her products, Donovan says the best-selling ones are the items that can be customized with a name, monogram, favorite quote or special date. From her perspective, these products also are the most fun but the most difficult to make, she says.

“People love to have a one-of-a-kind cuff that they can either gift or wear themselves, and I get so much satisfaction knowing that somehow we played a part in that,” Donovan says. “I like to design cuffs for our customers that they don’t even know they want yet. Styles that they didn’t even know were possible.”

Donovan’s passion for design has not only taken over Tulsa, but also America.

Rustic Cuff has been featured on a variety of popular TV shows, including “Good Morning America,” the “Today Show,” “E! News” and “The View.” Donovan says seeing a celebrity or news personality wear one of her products makes her smile every time.

“It makes the world feel like a much smaller place when, just three days before, we were making that particular cuff for that particular person,” she says, “and now I get to wake up to it on someone’s wrist on television.

“Two weeks ago I was in the Dallas airport, and I picked up Entertainment Weekly and opened it to a two-page article with Miranda Lambert wearing Rustic Cuff in both photos. It’s somewhat surreal.”

Donovan often has met the celebrities who wear her jewelry, including Regis Philbin, Harry Connick Jr. and Giuliana Rancic. Donovan says if she could get one person to wear Rustic Cuff, she’d choose Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge herself.

Fortunately, Donovan says, one doesn’t have to be royalty or a celebrity to afford her products. Prices range from $20 for beaded bracelets to $135 for customized metal cuffs. More than 200 boutiques across the country, as well as 45 Dillard’s stores, sell Rustic Cuff jewelry.

Rustic Cuff’s Tulsa showroom: Rustic Cuff is designing a cuff display unit for customers who own 4150 S. Harvard Ave., Ste. G3 a large collection of cuffs. Donovan says she is always finding new Tulsa stores that sell Rustic Cuff: opportunities to expand the brand’s popularity.

Donna’s Fashions, Glass Slipper, “Every day brings something new and completely unexpected,” Posh, Ribbons she says. “We were recently asked by the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons to make custom cuffs for the wives of the players, owners and coaches.

“Again, completely unexpected, yet it continues to remind me that it’s not the destination that is the most important part. It’s the journey.” tþ 20

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

EVERYDAY STORIES

Tulsans you should know

Cross-cultural coincidence The paths of three architects took them from Venezuela to the same Tulsa firm.

by ART HADDAWAY

J

Juana Gomez, Luis Garcete and Sailka Duran of

KSQ Architects share more than just an office space.

They embrace a special talent and passion for designing innovative buildings and structures, as well as a rich history and cultural heritage that, in a unique turn of events, brought them together to work at the same architectural firm.

Raised in Venezuela, the “Latin Club” as they’re often called at the firm, were all friends and attended the University of Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela, to study architecture before eventually moving to Tulsa and joining the company at different times within the past several years.

It all started when 37-year-old Duran, project architect, moved here in 2004 after graduating. She originally worked at another local architectural firm for two years before landing at KSQ in 2007. Her initial connection to T-Town stems from her sister-inlaw, who attended The University of Tulsa.

Gomez, 39, associate and project manager, moved to the United States in 1996. She lived in Iowa for a short time, followed by Miami for the next nine years to attend graduate school at Florida International University and further advance her architecture career.

Evan Taylor

Tulsa architects Sailka Duran, Luis Garcete and Juana Gomez met at the University of Zulia in Venezuela and joined KSQ Architects at different times.

After the 2008 economic crash, her husband, a construction business owner, lost his job and moved to Tulsa shortly thereafter to work alongside Duran’s husband, who also owns a construction business.

The two men’s partnership was a success, and it wasn’t long until Gomez received a call from Duran to apply at KSQ, where she started working in September 2009.

“The reason I came to the states was to learn English and go back to Spain, but I fell in love with the American culture, so I never left,” Gomez says.

“I’ve been in Tulsa for the last five years, and I never thought I was going to love a place as much as I love Tulsa.”

All the while, 39-year-old Garcete, construction manager, continued living in Venezuela, where he owned an architectural firm for 15 years. In July 2010, however, his vacation to Miami turned into a invitation to Tulsa from Gomez and Duran to see the KSQ offices. Upon arriving, Garcete was offered a job and took the position just two months later.

Now operating under the same roof, the three devoted architects are creating one-of-a-kind designs for buildings throughout Tulsa and across the country. Their work includes the Jenks natatorium,

Oral Roberts University’s new student center and the University School at TU. “Part of our mission and vision is that we are architects to serve our community, to create community at these universities and colleges, and it’s not about us, it’s about the clients,” Gomez says.

Often, the Latin Club infuses its broad and creative background into its projects, which can include some unique multicultural and South American-based architectural styles.

“We are bringing our culture and all the experience we’ve had around the world,” Duran says. “Usually South American people travel a lot — we like to explore, we like to see everything and absorb — and we like to project that into our career.” tþ

Coincidentally a fourth KSQ employee also has ties to Venezuela. Interior Designer and Landscape Architect Adriana Vadasz, 27, left her home country of Venezuela in 2004 to study English and earn her landscape architecture degree at her father’s alma mater, Oklahoma State University. Vadasz joined KSQ in 2012.

TulsaPeople.com

21

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Highlighting local talent

‘Paint, paint, paint!’

A Broken Arrow artist studied under some of the 20th century’s most prolific artists.

by JUDY LANGDON How did you end up in Tulsa? One of my six children, Omar, moved here in 1996 to study theology as well as business. Omar always wanted to take care of his mother and me in our golden years, so the move (in 2005) seemed right, and we haven’t regretted it.

Since then, his sister Marissa left Los Angeles, where

How did you become interested in art? I was 7 years old when I began to draw faces and people during my lunch hour at school. It was then I realized how much I enjoyed expressing myself through art.

By age 11, my mother (as well as others in my community) noticed my artistic abilities and decided to enroll me in the San Rafael Art Academy in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Describe your career. When I left the Dominican Republic in 1962, I was already an established artist, but at age 26 my ambitions to further my artistic development led me to New York City. There I worked as a professional photographer as well as a commercial art illustrator for Magazine Management LLC, a news magazine focusing on Hollywood personalities and events.

Portrait artist Vinicio Perez gave I attended the Art Student League in his painting of Thomas Gilcrease Manhattan, N.Y., and Famous Artists School to Gilcrease Museum. in Westport, Conn. I later continued my artistic pursuits through commissioned portraits as well as international exhibitions both in she worked as a music manager at Capitol Records, the Caribbean and South America. Today, I still paint and returned to Tulsa to help her mother and me, as commissioned artwork. well as to help me with my art business, and so that Now I provide private lessons as well as classes my granddaughter can finish high school. through Hobby Lobby stores.

Truthfully, I do miss the Caribbean weather from time to time, but the people in Tulsa have won my heart.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Describe your study under Norman Rockwell.

While working for Magazine Management, I came across an ad looking for aspiring artists to study at the “Famous Artist Painting Course.” I quickly decided this was something I had to do. Once enrolled, I would commute from New York to Connecticut four to five times a month to study under the guidance of well-known artists like Albert Dorne, Norman Rockwell and many others.

I was honored to have this experience.

Mr. Rockwell, or “Maestro,” as I would call him, taught me to connect with the painting and to always deliver a message through my art. He also made sure I was avoiding certain pitfalls that would hold me back in the process.

He always reminded his students how the use of proper techniques in portraiture results in successful art careers. He helped me realize much more than the discipline of art; so much of it was really life lessons I still live by today.

Tell us about your portrait of Thomas Gilcrease. I admire people like Thomas Gilcrease. Through his philanthropy, generosity and interest in the arts, we are all able to enjoy his art legacy today. At the time, I was president of the Alpha Rho Tau civic art association here in Tulsa. So, I decided to collaborate with them and the Gilcrease Museum in the giving of the portrait.

What advice did you receive from Dali?

Many years ago, while taking a walk on Park Avenue, I noticed Salvador Dali walking his three dogs. I immediately decided I had to seize this opportunity and ask him for advice. After working up the courage to speak to him, I said, “Maestro, it’s such a pleasure to meet you,” to which he replied, “Who are you?” In an excited voice, I said, “My name is Vinicio Perez. I’m an artist!” He replied, “Then what are you doing here? GO BACK TO PAINT! Paint, paint, paint!” Then he walked away. tþ Evan Taylor

O

One never knows where, how and with whom some local artists rub their creative shoulders. Broken Arrow portrait artist Vinicio Perez, a native of the Dominican Republic, studied briefly under Norman Rockwell and years later received artistic advice from Salvador Dali in a chance meeting.

Perez’s painting of Thomas Gilcrease was unveiled earlier this year at the Gilcrease Museum. TulsaPeople recently caught up with Perez, who also plays the keyboard and accordion, to learn more about his interesting career.

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LOCKER ROOM

Getting to know Tulsa’s top athletes

Ben Watkins

Fifteen-year-old Ben Watkins placed third out of 90 Category 3 riders in the Cry Baby Hill race at Tulsa Tough in June. Following the competition, he was invited by USA Cycling to summer training in the Netherlands and Belgium.

A young Tulsa cyclist is rapidly rising through the ranks.

D

by DOUG EATON

Despite being a relative newcomer to the sport of cycling, Ben Watkins possesses high aspirations.

Having taken up cycling a short four years ago with his first race just two years ago, the 15-year-old is passionate about the sport and serious regarding his future in it.

The Holland Hall sophomore is a member of a local cycling team, Team Soundpony, through which he competes in several Midwestern states. His coach is Mark TeRuki, a local professional Category 1 cyclist who is originally from New Zealand.

TulsaPeople recently caught up with Watkins before he left for a competition in Oklahoma City.

How did you become interested in cycling? My parents actually got me started. I tagged along with them when they rode bikes on the Arkansas River. The more I rode, the more I wanted to try to race. I went out for a race and I was hooked.

Evan Taylor

How did you get involved with Team Soundpony? The bike shop that the team uses is just a half-mile from my house. The owners of Soundpony Lounge, Josh Gifford and Mike Wozniak, are big sponsors of the team, and they talked me into joining.

Watkins’ cycling accomplishments • Won four state championships in his age group (two championships in the 13-14 age group in 2012; two championships in the 15-16 age group in 2013) • December 2013: Overall winner in the Men’s Category 3 Oklahoma Grand Prix Cyclocross Series • January 2014: Placed in the Top 25 in the 15-16 age group at USA Cycling National Championships (for cyclocross, an off-road type of racing) • April 2014: Overall winner of Category 4 Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, Ark. • June 2014: Placed third (out of 90 riders) in the Cry Baby Hill race for Men’s Category 3 cyclists at Tulsa Tough • Invited by USA Cycling to train in the Netherlands and Belgium from mid-July to early August

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

What appeals to you about the sport of cycling? What I like most about cycling is that the strongest person doesn’t always win the race. You have to be smart and know when you’re going to make your move or when you’re going to conserve your energy.

Your USA Cycling Association designation, Category 3, falls between a Category 5 beginner and Category 1 racer, which is just below the professional level. How does one advance from one category to the next? As you gain more experience in more races and finish higher in races, the USA Cycling Association (via a local official) will determine whether you should move to a higher category.

You recently won the Category 4 Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, which was your biggest win so far. Describe that race. A stage race is a type of racing that takes place over multiple days. There are individual races each day, and each rider has his or her time from every day added together to determine overall placing. I won two out of three of the individual races, which ensured my overall victory.

Any long-term goals in cycling? I’d like to eventually go to Europe (to) possibly race for the U.S. national team.

Are you involved in other activities and hobbies? I run cross-country and track at Holland Hall. In track, I run the mile and 2-mile. I also play the piano and the drums. tþ

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NOT SO LONG AGO

Stories from Tulsa’s past

Room with no view

by JOHN HAMILL

T

inside (deep inside) the 320 South Boston Building, which once was the NBT (as in, the National Bank of Tulsa, which is now the Bank of Oklahoma) Building.

And, the Williams Plaza is now the Hyatt Regency, and prior to the Hyatt Regency it was ... well, forget it.

Since the time Westin, which was once Western International, left the Tulsa hotel scene, the Williams Plaza has had more names and operators than the late Mickey Rooney had wives.

The Williams Plaza was the long-awaited new hotel in downtown Tulsa in the late 1970s. The Mayo was fighting a losing battle clinging to its past glory, and the Convention Center was losing convention business because of a lack of downtown hotel rooms.

John and Joe Williams, the helmsmen of The Williams Cos. (TWC), which was building the Williams Center, wisely concluded that a hotel that catered to both businesspeople and meeting planners would be successful.

At the time Western International (now Westin, if you recall) was announced as the operator of the hotel, the Williams team knew it had a PR challenge when the business editor of the Tulsa World asked privately why TWC didn’t get a “good hotel chain like the Sheraton or Hilton” to run its new property.

The fact that Western International was the top-rated hotel among business travelers and convention planners was well known in the business community. Though not to the World’s business editor.

While a hotel was under construction, Western International typically fabricated a full-sized hotel room. The model room was a tool for the sales staff; something to show meeting planners and to determine whether all the parts (lamps, drapes, chairs, etc.) fit together. Every detail of the model room was accurate, down to a toilet (which did NOT work).

To the TWC PR guy — me — who had been told to PR the heck out of the hotel, this was a gold mine.

We printed fancy invitations asking reporters and editors to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first room of the Williams Plaza Hotel on the fifth floor of the NBT Building. Once the invitation went out, my friends in the media called with “Are you hitting

26

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Courtesy of John Hamill

The Williams Plaza’s first hotel room was

The Williams Plaza’s event planning guide and blueprint

the bottle?” type of calls. I assured them I was 100 percent sober and that they would witness the first Williams Plaza Hotel room.

The media exited the NBT Building’s elevators on the fifth floor in the center of the building, made three turns to get to the north side of the building, and then went into the interior of the building, seemingly as far as you could go without running into the back of the previously exited elevator shafts.

Incredulity reigned.

Cameras rolling, a few words were said and a ribbon in front of a plain door was cut and opened.

The media crowded into a hotel-style hallway that was mirrored at both ends — giving the impression that the hallway stretched east across South Boston Avenue and west across the alley. It was disorienting.

Eerie. Surreal.

Before the media was a door with a room number (500, I recall). A key was inserted, turned, the door flung open and the media ushered into a brandspanking-new hotel room — smack dab in the center of the building. One television photographer reached for the wall to steady himself — he became that disoriented. Others did wide-eyed 360s while rapidly blinking, as if to determine this was not some odd dream.

The assembled media came back to reality when, as if to confirm his whereabouts, a reporter opened the curtains at the back of the room — curtains to a window that, when the hotel was finished, would typically look to a small balcony over The Green of Williams Center. In the case of the first room of the Williams Plaza, the view was of a concrete floor, dust and leftover pieces of lumber.

It was a room with no view.

We made the 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news that night. We also put the Williams Plaza and Western International on Tulsa’s map with a hotel room in the middle of an office building. tþ

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WHERE ARE HEADLINERS THEY NOW?

Checking in with former newsmakers

A new season

by DAVID HARPER

D

Hurricane.

On Sept. 8, 2012, the Tulane University football player collided with a teammate shortly before halftime in its match against The University of Tulsa.

Walker injured his C3 and C4 vertebrae, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.

No one who was at TU’s H.A. Chapman Stadium that day — or even those who watched the game live on television — will ever forget the sight of Walker lying motionless on the field for about 15 minutes before an ambulance took him away.

Walker remained at Saint Francis Hospital for 10 days following the accident. He then was transported to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga., where he remained for a little over three months before returning to New Orleans on Dec. 18, 2012.

He described his physical condition in mid-June: “When it comes to sensation, I can feel most parts of my body. However, I still cannot feel pain in most of my extremities. For example, I can feel the heat from fire, but I cannot feel whether the fire is burning me.

As far as movement goes, I have different muscles twitching on command all over my body, but they are not strong enough for me to physically move my body.”

However, Walker has not let what happened defeat him. His story is one of bravery, perseverance, friendship, love and of refusing to give up. To say it is inspirational would be an understatement.

“I always believed that I would come back to school and finish my degree,” he says. “I guess the thought never entered my mind of me not finishing.”

In May, Walker did earn his degree from Tulane in cell and molecular biology, a field of study that would be challenging enough under any circumstances. But because of his condition, simple tasks such as taking notes during lectures required extra effort and resourcefulness.

Though he had a computer on which to take “short, important notes” during class, Walker says he “had to audio-record every class and develop a high aptitude for remembering most of what the teacher said.”

His study partner and best friend, Jacob Davis, a Tulane teammate, has stood by Walker throughout his battle. To hear Walker tell it, no man has ever had a better buddy.

Walker says there are “not enough sentences to describe how good of a friend he has been to me and the sacrifices he made to help me when I needed it most.”

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

The New Orleans Saints signed Walker to a one-day contract in May. However, many others also have helped Walker through his darkest days.

“As far as friends go, I’m glad to say that many of them stuck behind me after my injury and encouraged me to keep going,” he says. “I’d like, however, to give my mother the most praise because she does everything that she can to try and help me through this hardship. Of anybody, I would owe her the most gratitude.”

The NFL’s New Orleans Saints signed Walker to a one-day contract in May. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton says the gesture was “the least we can do to recognize Devon” and his hard work in the three years leading up to his injury.

“Despite the devastating injury he suffered, Devon refuses to let that define him,” Payton says. “His character, determination, intelligence and work ethic are everything that we look for in a New Orleans Saint when we sign a player.”

Walker, who was placed on the Saints’ “reserve/retired” list, says he is considering a career in the health care field and would like to create adaptive hardware and software.

“Right now, I dream of creating an adaptive headset that will allow individuals unable to use their hands to control gaming systems through thought,” he says. “I am craving being able to play ‘Call of Duty’ on my Xbox again.”

Later this month, Tulane’s football team will return to Chapman Stadium for the first time since Walker’s accident. He says he wishes every day he were back on a football field.

Photos courtesy of Tulane Athletics

Devon Walker’s life seemingly changed forever when the Green Wave last visited the Golden

“I still have a fire that burns bright for the game of football,” Walker says. “I grew up playing the game, making football as much a part of me as my own two eyes.”

But he is not the sort of person to dwell on yesterday. He says playing football taught him the life lesson “to forget about the past and focus on right now.”

While he says he supports equipment changes that would make the game safer, he indicates he does not support any rule changes that would impact “the true nature and spirit that is pure football.”

Of his recovery, he says, “Every time I hear of someone who has sustained serious injuries and has overcome the odds and recovered fully, I think, ‘Well, why not me?’ I definitely get my inspiration from those that have beaten the odds and also from those who are still trying.”

Walker says he draws particular inspiration from Steve Gleason, a former Saint whose battle against ALS has spawned the rally cry “No White Flags.”

Walker says of Gleason, “Even in the face of incredible odds, he keeps fighting and doesn’t let his condition stop him from living his life.”

The same could be said of Walker. tþ

Walker, pictured with some of his Tulane classmates, recently earned his degree in cell and molecular biology.

The University of Tulsa will play Tulane University on Aug. 28 at H.A. Chapman Stadium. It is the season opener for both football teams.

David Harper has been a member of the Tulsa-area media for more than 20 years. A native of Virginia, he has two degrees from The University of Tulsa, including a law degree.

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Susan Suchan, 2014 Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer's Speaker

Susan Suchan, 56, Tulsa resident, mother of two and proud grandmother of eight, spent more than 50 years content to be out of the spotlight.

But a life-changing event gave the self-proclaimed wallflower a voice she never knew she had. A voice she chooses to use for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Eight years ago, Suchan began to lose her sense of smell and taste. After consulting with her primary care physician and undergoing testing, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 48 years old. Early-onset refers to cases of Alzheimer’s in those younger than age 65.

“They told me, ’There’s nothing we can do’,” Suchan said. “’Just live your life.’ And that is exactly what I did. I didn’t even really tell anybody. I really, honestly didn’t give it a second thought. That was the only symptom I had, and I was busy with life. I moved on.”

A couple of years ago, Suchan began having problems with coordination and began experiencing a tremor. After a barrage of testing, trial and error with no conclusion, Suchan began to lose her short-term memory and became unfamiliar in familiar places.

After consulting with three specialists, her doctor diagnosed her with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare form of dementia caused by progressive cell degeneration in the brain’s frontal lobes or its temporal lobes, and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) that affects her ability to generate words.

With the FTD, PPA and early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnoses, Suchan decided to end her 23-year nursing career and move in with her sister and brother-in-law.

“There is a diagnosis, and the outcome is death. But there is life in between and we must learn how to live well with dementia,” Suchan said.

Part of staying active in the community is a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Suchan believes there is power in local efforts to raise awareness and research funding for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and has committed to share her story as the speaker at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2014 Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

At the Walk, participants learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trial enrollment, and support pro-

DISEASE FACTS DISEASE FACTS y FIGU ALZHEIMER'S

30

TulsaPeople August 2014

We need more cowbell! Champions ($500+ fundraisers) and Grand Champions ($1000+ fundraisers) cheer on their Teams the day of the Walk and get access to special VIP areas by earning limited edition cowbells!

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claim their bib, t-shirt and event goodies at Packet Pickup on Wednesday, August 20 orThursday, August from 10am – 8pm at Woodland Hills Mall, downstairs in front of Dillards. Packets will also be available at registration the morning of the Walk from 7am – 10am.

Suchan and the 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer's Committee Chairs

URES 2014

grams and services. It provides a platform for stories like Suchan’s to be heard.

“I think (it is important) because I am 56, not 75,” she explained. “We need more awareness that this terminal illness can strike people younger than we may have considered in the past. I believe that by showing that I’m a willing, cognitive participant in the world, I can help break the stigma society has and raise the dollars for the research that is so desperately needed.”

“I am trying to be able to use my voice to advocate for all dementias, and learning how to live well with dementia,” Suchan said.

As a community, Tulsa has become a leader in the movement to end this devastating disease and bring care to those living with Alzheimer’s or another demen-

tia. In 2013, the Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s united more than 2,300 Tulsans in the movement, raised more than $380,000 and ranked in the top five percent of the 650 Walks in the country.

Andy Eckstein, Retirement Counselor at Montereau, has been a Walk participant for eight years, is a proud Alzheimer’s Association advocate and has held various positions on the volunteer committee that brings this Walk to the city. This year, Andy serves as the Chair of the Walk planning committee.

“I am honored to be the Chair for the 2014 Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Eckstein. “Like most of us, I know too many people whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.”

As a new father, Eckstein has a new per-

The first 25 Teams to raise $2,500 will receive a tailgating tent in the Champions Village complete with a hot breakfast and VIP treatment!

spective on the future. He raises money for the Alzheimer’s Association, the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, so his son can live in a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

“I am beyond thrilled to be a father this year to Grant and I want him to never have to worry about this horrible disease,” said Eckstein. “I want my son to learn about Alzheimer’s from a history book.”

In January of 2014, many voices like Suchan’s and Eckstein’s were heard. At the urging of the Alzheimer’s Association and its more than 600,000 advocates, President Obama signed a funding bill into law that contained an unprecedented $122 million increase for much-needed Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver support. An important first step, the action falls far short of the $1 billion researchers say will help them find the cure.

“The fear I had of standing in front of someone is gone because I have something to say that I think is important,” she explains. “Now I am not so afraid. It is that important. Because it is hard for me to speak, I work harder to be heard than I ever wanted to be before.”

The Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, August 23 at CityPlex Towers. The event is free to the public and features an Untimed 5K, Quarter-mile Walk, 100-yard Kids Dash, and 1.5-mile Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Start or join a team and become an advocate today at www.TulsaWalk.org.

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GENERAL DENTISTRY

EYECARE

Q: Exactly how does smoking affect my oral health?

Q: When should I bring my child to the optometrist for an eye exam?

A: Besides bad breath, build up of plaque and tartar are increased, and there is an increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Post-operative healing after oral surgery is considerably slowed, and there is an alarmingly lower success rate of both bone grafting and dental implants. There is an increased risk of bone loss within the jaw as well as the development oral cancer. It’s a perfect time to quit smoking.

Gene McCormick DDS SAFE/COMFORT Dentists 2106 S. Atlanta Pl. • Tulsa, OK 74114 918-743-7444 • www.genemccormickdds.com

A: The American Optometric Association recommends an infant’s first eye health examination be between the ages of six months to 1 year. This early examination is important in diagnosing visually devastating conditions such as cataracts, amblyopia and strabismus, as well as ocular diseases like glaucoma or cancer. Between ages 2 and 3, children should visit the optometrist again, and every year while they are in school. Good vision is imperative to proper child development and academic success. If a child is lacking visual skills, such as eye teaming, binocular vision or good visual acuity, development may be delayed and school performance may suffer.

Dr. Shannon Morgans, OD and Dr. Lynsey Bigheart, OD Twenty Twenty Eyecare 8931 S. Yale Ave., Suite H • Tulsa, OK 74137 918-794-6700 • www.2020tulsa.com

BEAUTY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Q: I have been thinking about having something done but I am afraid of looking too overdone. Is there anything available that provides a more natural improvement?

A: Yes, for any patient wanting a more natural looking filler we recommend Sculptra®, the first facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time. A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic can last up to two years. As you age, your body¹s collagen production decreases, and you may begin to see wrinkles. Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid) works to correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds, as it replaces lost collagen, which can help provide a refined, more youthful looking appearance.

Q: How can I decide if I should use a trust in my financial planning?

A: When developing a plan for your estate, it’s important to understand the options available to you. Trusts can be used to accomplish many goals, including maintaining privacy, protecting children with special needs and preserving family wealth. A ‘Revocable Trust’ allows your assets to be put into a trust, managed for your benefit during your lifetime, or more especially incapacity, and then transferred to your named beneficiaries when you die. It is an orderly method of maintaining your assets, and avoiding probate and guardianship proceedings.

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

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

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

WILLS AND TRUSTS

Q: Sex Addiction and the Internet.

Q: Is my trust funded?

A: Sex on the Internet constitutes the third largest economic sector on the web (software and computers are first and second). Sexual addiction includes cybersex, masturbation, sexual massages/messages and viewing online porn. It’s addiction when behavior is compulsive and continued despite serious adverse consequences. Effects on the brain are similar to those of drugs and compulsive gambling. Valuable resources are spent in pursuit of a “quick fix.” A type of euphoria is similar to other addictions. Finding help to address the addiction components of sexual behavior is critical to a healthy lifestyle.

Courtney O’Brien, PhD. 1723 E. 15th St., Suite 250 Office: 918-794-0570 • Cell: 918-639-0570 www.drcourtneyobrien.com

A: If you have a list of assets attached to the little last page of your trust, it does not necessarily mean your trust is funded.

“Funding your trust” means you must change title on each asset from your individual name to the name of your trust. This includes your home, your bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and mineral interests. If you have not changed title to your assets, your trust is empty. Contact your trust attorney to discuss completing your estate plan.

Karen L. Carmichael The Law Office of Karen L. Carmichael 918-493-4939 • 2727 E. 21st St., Ste. 402 www.tulsawillsandtrusts.com TulsaPeople.com

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Victims of sex trafficking are sometimes branded with a tattoo, sometimes a small barcode, to show their pimp’s “ownership.”

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SOLD Between local computers and hotel rooms exists a clandestine subculture of sex sold through the Internet.

And Tulsans are buying.

STORIES BY MORGAN PHILLIPS ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH NEAL

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SOLD NEW Girl in Town to Rock Your World.

A

New, Young, Hot ‘n’ Sexy.

At the end of a typical Thursday, these

are a few of the tamest headlines of about 30 local ads for Tulsa-based escorts. The ads are marketed on Backpage, a free classified website that looks nearly identical to Craigslist.

The escorts are marketed as 18 and older, and their heavily made-up faces and mature figures might seem to corroborate that story.

But the reality is, according to Sgt. Todd Evans of the Tulsa Police Department’s Vice Unit, some of the scantily clad young women advertised for “donations” of $200-$400 an hour, may be children.

While both are illegal, soliciting sex online is different from the age-old practice of street prostitution.

That’s because law enforcement has discovered many of the young women turning tricks booked online are victims of sex trafficking, meaning they have been exploited through fraud, force or coercion to perform commercial sex acts.

According to federal and Oklahoma law, individuals under age 18 involved in the commercial sex trade are automatically considered victims of trafficking.

Thanks to the anonymity of the Internet, while the girls are positioned as online merchandise, the pimps marketing them are seldom seen by the public, including the local “johns” buying what is advertised.

Unlike picking up a prostitute on a street corner, Internet solicitation is more secretive and more easily accessible.

“People seem to accept it more if it’s through the Internet versus on the street,” Evans says.

And, seemingly, so do the girls being advertised online.

“These are girls who would never consider being a street prostitute, but it’s OK to do it if you’re on the Internet and you’re in a hotel,” he says.

The topic of sex trafficking — also referred to by various sources as human trafficking — is a complex one. While it is part of the national dialog perhaps now more than ever, the local crime continues to fly under the radar of most law-abiding Tulsans.

“If you’re just a person who wakes up in the morning, takes a shower, goes to work, has a family, watches a little television at night — you might not ever see this or know that this goes on,” Evans says. “But it is an organized big deal.”

‘Line in the sand’

He worked in sales and marketing. She did hair.

They lived a comfortable life with their two children in the picturesque mountains of Colorado.

The lives of Jason and Kristin Weis would take a much different turn, however, after watching a story on the local news.

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Sex trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution: what’s the difference?

The terms “sex trafficking” and “human trafficking” are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing. Human trafficking is different from human smuggling, which requires transportation of victims, according to The Polaris Project, a national trafficking organization.

The difference between sex trafficking and prostitution lies in the means by which the person performing sex acts is enticed.

Sex trafficking is defined as the exploitation of human beings through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of sexual slavery in exchange for goods or money, according to federal law.

An individual under age 18 who is engaged in street prostitution — performing sexual acts for money — is considered a victim of sex trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion.

Kristin and Jason Weis are the co-founders of The Demand Project, which works to protect children from sexual exploitation.

The bulletin they saw that night was about a father who had raped his toddler daughter, videoed his brutal crime and downloaded it to the Internet. And thousands had logged on to watch. Not one or two twisted individuals. Thousands.

“It was a line in the sand moment,” Jason recalls.

The Weises say a deep calling emerged to fight for child victims of sexual exploitation. A friend directed them to Tulsa’s Victory Bible Institute for what they

Deana Spyres/InSpyred Images

I am a Married Man’s Best-Kept Secret!

call spiritual training and preparation, which prompted their move here in 2006.

“The friend had explained that it was going to be a very evil war and that we needed to be spiritually equipped and ready for what we were about to launch into,” Kristin says. “One of her lines was, ‘What you’re about to fight can kill you if you’re not prepared. The very thing that you’re fighting can destroy you, your family, your whole life if you’re not careful.’

“And it can,” Kristin says, “because it’s so heavy. This thing is so big and dark.”

In January 2013, the Weises founded a nonprofit called The Demand Project, which works to prevent child pornography and protect children from online enticement and sex trafficking. Its efforts support the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, TPD, the Jenks Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The group’s name stems from what Jason describes as the underlying problem driving the multi-billion dollar online sex industry: “There’s a demand for it.”

And he says the Internet is the No. 1 place to market trafficking victims, most of whom are female.

TPD Vice has encountered only female victims, says Evans, though the International Labor Organization reports that 2 percent of people trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation are men or boys.

“There are people out there who are willing to spend the money to have sex with girls, and the younger the girl, the more money that the pimps get,” Jason says.

Kristin has accompanied law enforcement to five victim rescue operations, where she is trained to question the victims and offer them help to leave the world of prostitution.

“Finesse pimps,” a term used by law enforcement to describe those who use charm and flattery to attract their victims, recruit many of the girls Kristin meets.

The girls targeted often have unstable home lives or histories of abuse, she says, but some are simply dealing with low self-esteem at a vulnerable age — often 15, 16, 17 years old.

Kristin paints the picture: “You add a guy in there that says, ‘Oh, baby, you’re so beautiful. You’re so amazing, and I’m going to do everything for you.

Those parents of yours, they may be good parents, but they’re too strict. They’re not giving you what you want. You deserve to be a princess. Come with me.’”

A common recruitment strategy for a pimp is to pose as a performing artist and offer a young girl a part in his rap video, Evans says. The pimp then persuades the girl to help raise funds to make the video through posting “dates” on sites like Backpage.

Often, pimps troll social media sites such as Facebook to recruit young victims, according to the sergeant.

During the grooming process, the pimp may buy the girl he has targeted nice gifts and “make love to her — maybe for the first time,” Kristin says, making the girl believe he is simply a caring boyfriend.

But in just a short time, what seemed innocent

turns pure evil. Kristin describes a shocking and violent turn of events she has seen play out many times.

“Then, the pimp takes everything away and starts raping her, and he says, ‘If you want to get back to where I just took you, you’ve got to do this, this and this,’” Kristin says. “Once a girl’s heart is given away, you’ve now got that bond and that predator knows it. And he is going to use her, sell her and get whatever he wants.

“She may every once in awhile get a gift, or he might make love to her again, but if she doesn’t do what he tells her, he is going to beat her, rape her and do all these things. But she remembers the guy that he was, and now her whole life is to get him back because girls think they can change guys — even in the worst, manipulative situation.”

Getting the real story from trafficking victims is typically a long process of working through one lie after another, Kristin says.

“It’s hard for them to turn on that person, as odd and as perverted as it is, who has become their security and their stability,” she explains.

At a recent sting, Kristin asked a trafficking

The average age of entry into prostitution for a child victim in the United States is 13-14 years old.

(U.S. Department of Justice)

drugs introduced by her trafficker, who holds the key to her next fix, according to Jason. A form of traumatic bonding, sometimes identified as Stockholm syndrome, also can emerge, a phenomenon in which victims have positive feelings toward their abusers and may seek to defend them.

In addition to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental or medical issues, he says, a victim may have a child with her pimp, strengthening her connection to him and allowing him to use the child as a pawn.

“A lot of people ask, ‘Well, once these girls are free, aren’t they going to be screaming, ‘Yay for freedom?’“ Jason says, “but that’s typically not the case. They’ve been conditioned not to trust.”

Multiple sources say trafficking victims do not leave the commercial sex industry easily. A portion of girls recruited into trafficking eventually becomes recruiters themselves, a position called a “bottom bitch,” Jason says.

“It seems from our experiences, it takes several instances for the victims to really want to get out,” Kristin says, “and it takes hitting bottom to almost death — being brutally beaten or a trauma of some type.”

While society may perceive prostitution as a victimless crime, arguing that a victim has the opportunity to leave the lifestyle, Jason says it’s not that simple for trafficking victims.

In many cases, he says, “When you really look beneath the surface, you find that the girl had been sexually abused as a child and was groomed and lured by these predators — the pimp or the trafficker.

“Then you really start to understand the level of abuse that these girls go through,” Jason says, “and realize, ‘OK, maybe I have to look at this a little bit differently.’”

A new strategy victim whether she loved her pimp. The girl answered, “Yes, because he’s such a powerful and strong man,” Kristin recalls.

“I said, ‘What makes him powerful and strong when you’re the one making all the money? What does he do? He’s profiting off of you being repeatedly raped. How do you figure he loves you?’

“Just getting them to see reality is a very important thing, if they’re open to seeing it,” Kristin says.

“It can go either way though.”

In the 2008 film “Taken,” actor Liam Neeson plays an ex-CIA operative whose daughter is kidnapped by sex traffickers while vacationing in France. Neeson’s character travels to Europe and makes a dramatic rescue.

Off screen, there are few such rescues from trafficking because many of the girls being trafficked do not self-identify as victims, Kristin explains.

“If a girl is in love with the pimp, she doesn’t see herself as a victim,” she says. “Her heart may be victim to him, but she’s not a victim in her mind.”

It seems inconceivable that a girl of 15 or 16 who is repeatedly raped by much older men does not seek escape, but traffickers rely on fear and manipulation to control their victims, Jason says.

Often the victim may have become addicted to

The TPD Vice Unit turned its attention to online prostitution in 2010, according to Evans, when it began noticing an influx of local ads for sex on websites such as Craigslist and Backpage. Until that point, the six-man unit spent most of its time on undercover investigations into street prostitution, street-level narcotics and gambling within the Tulsa city limits — crimes still in its purview.

Evans, a 29-year TPD veteran who has led the vice unit for eight years, says john stings are a traditional strategy to apprehend people purchasContinued on p. 38

Supply and demand Through his role as president and co-founder of The Demand Project, Jason Weis has chatted online with more than 550 child predators, many of whom are seeking sex with underage girls.

“I have a very unique perspective on how these guys operate,” he says.

Unfortunately for law enforcement agencies, Weis says a specific criminal profile for johns does not exist.

“They can be a married man with kids, they can be a single guy, they can be black, white, Christians, pastors, coaches, businessmen,” he says.

If johns have one thing in common, it may be viewing online pornography, Weis says, a practice he says is prevalent, easily accessible and, for the most part, socially acceptable.

While he cannot point to specific statistics, he says he believes online porn leads some into the world of child pornography.

The way porn is marketed online pushes the limits, he says, offering links to more extreme acts that involve younger and younger girls.

The United States is the No. 1 producer and consumer of child pornography in the world, according to the Innocent Justice Foundation.

“It’s like a drug,” Weis says of sexual addiction. “You start off with marijuana, and maybe you don’t get as high from that anymore, so you go to cocaine.”

And some eventually act out what they’ve seen online. A 2006 study out of Butner Federal Prison, North Carolina’s sex offender treatment program, found that 85 percent of inmates who had previously possessed child pornography admitted to sexually abusing a child.

In a recent local john sting, 30 percent of the johns arrested were registered sex offenders, according to TPD. The online sex industry, which Weis submits has in large part increased the demand for trafficking in Tulsa and all over the world, will continue to thrive, he says, “until we as a society, including lawmakers, get a grip on what’s OK and acceptable.”

Sgt. Todd Evans of the Tulsa Police Department’s Vice Unit keeps an eye on local Backpage ads.

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‘Intervention of restoration’

continued from p. 37

ing sex. Prior to 2010, the stings typically involved an undercover female officer posing as a prostitute and soliciting sex on the street.

Working crimes through an online venue was another ballgame, one that required trial and error.

To test the waters online, officers posted a fake ad to Backpage posing as an adult woman soliciting customers from a Tulsa hotel room.

“When we posted, it was within probably three minutes that we had our first call,” Evans says. “We had our ad up for about four hours, and we had probably 80 phone calls during that time.

“That’s when we realized, man, this is a bigger deal than we thought it was. There’s a lot of people doing this.”

Of those who answered the ad, only seven or eight

Approximately 300,000 children are at risk of being prostituted in the United States.

(U.S. Department of Justice)

men came to the hotel, and all were arrested, Evans says.

Tulsa prostitution arrests tripled from approximately 50 in 2010 to 150 in 2012, he recalls, though opinions differ on whether these figures reflect the increasing popularity of online prostitution or a more focused approach from law enforcement.

Today the sergeant estimates his vice unit spends about 80 percent of its time investigating the crimes of online prostitution and sex trafficking.

With practice, the unit’s strategy has morphed. Vice officers often book in-calls, in which undercover officers make dates with a prostitute in her hotel room, Evans says, making it easier to discover and collect evidence.

“A lot of the times the pimps would be out in the parking lot, and we would find them,” Evans says. “We just found that we were able to make bigger cases with the people who were actually working the girls by going to the girls.”

The downside of in-calls, says the sergeant, is that they place his officers in significant danger. Investigators posing as johns are unable to wear weapons, safety vests, wires or radios.

Continued on p. 40

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I

It was June 2012 when the staff of DaySpring Villa Women and Children’s Shelter took in its first trafficking victim, says Executive Director Wilma Lively.

That April, the State Attorney General’s Office had certified DaySpring to help adult trafficking victims. The month-long process included identifying the specific needs of trafficked women and adapting the shelter’s services accordingly.

As a domestic violence shelter for 34 years, DaySpring knew “how to provide the basic services — a safe place to stay, three meals a day, clothing — but we weren’t prepared for the additional emotional trauma that the trafficked women experience and how it has affected us,” Lively says. “When you hear such horrific stories, you wonder, how can people survive? That kind of affects you, too.”

At press time DaySpring had helped 70 trafficking victims who have left a life of prostitution and 28 of their children.

Trafficking victims require a lot of time to build trust with the staff and “to even begin the process of healing,” Lively says.

For example, DaySpring caseworkers encourage goal setting among the shelter’s guests, but she says, “a goal for a trafficking victim could be resting for three, four, five months.”

Because of the trauma they have survived, even the most normal gesture — something as simple as making eye contact — can remind victims of their former lives, Lively says.

In the world of trafficking, she explains, eye contact is made exclusively when “choosing up,” the process by which another pimp takes ownership of a victim.

Wilma Lively, executive director of DaySpring Villa

“We’ve heard from some of the women that if they didn’t bring in their quota for the day, then they didn’t eat that day...”

Eventually trafficking victims — who are referred to the shelter by law enforcement, other domestic violence shelters or a national trafficking organization called The Polaris Project — are assigned a caseworker, who meets with them regularly and makes referrals for their medical care and trauma therapy.

But when guests first arrive, Lively says, the DaySpring staff has learned to offer the most important thing: food.

“We’ve heard from some of the women that if they didn’t bring in their quota for the day, then they didn’t eat that day,” she says. “When they come in, the very first thing that we do is ask if they’re hungry. We get a name, an emergency contact if they want to give it to us, feed them and then let them go to sleep.”

The average stay for a DaySpring guest, including victims of trafficking, was 104 days in 2013, Lively says, though victims can stay as long as they need.

“A lot of these women feel very guilty and ashamed,” she says. “They feel like they’re a commodity, a reusable resource, and so they have a lot of self-esteem issues.”

DaySpring provides other free resources to victims, including setting up meetings with attorneys to address legal issues, getting them enrolled in GED or other education classes and eventually helping them find a job or sign up for housing assistance.

The shelter also has a nonresidential program to support victims after they’ve left, providing emergency groceries and other needs.

Regardless, sometimes victims leave the shelter only to return to their pimp or to a lifestyle of prostitution, Lively says. Like domestic violence victims, who statistics show may return to their abusers many times, some will come back to DaySpring again and again.

“But they always leave a little bit stronger than when they first came in,” Lively says.

The Demand Project (see main story) also works with trafficked women who come out of shelters like DaySpring, coordinating with area organizations to find them housing, jobs and other resources.

“It’s like a prisoner coming out of prison,” says Kristin Weis, Demand co-founder and executive director. “There’s this whole world that has been changing, and their support system is pretty minimal.

So, we try to be that support for them and facilitate what they need.”

To prevent them from returning to prostitution, victims have to be supported as they learn how to have “a regular life” after trafficking, she says.

“There’s got to be an intervention of restoration in that process.”

Sand Springs resident Amanda Dobyns is a survivor of trafficking. The childhood photo, far right, pictures her at age 12, just one year before her mother sold her for drugs.

One victim’s story

N

Not all trafficked girls become involved in the commercial sex industry because of false pretenses and misunderstood consequences. Some are literally victimized.

Amanda Dobyns of Sand Springs recently shared her story with the Tulsa-based awareness group Christians Against Trafficking, which meets monthly at The Kirk church.

Her opening: “My name is Amanda, I’m 38 years old, and 25 years ago my mother sold me for her drugs.”

It was the beginning of her shocking recollection of the nightmare that occurred in Arkansas the summer Dobyns turned 13. She, her two younger sisters and their mother, whom Dobyns calls a drug addict, had recently moved out of Dobyns’ grandparents’ home.

Dobyns says her mother’s chaotic drug use resulted in several thousand dollars of debt to her drug dealer. The family was already on food stamps and barely scraping by, so the dealer eventually issued an ultimatum to his customer: pay what was owed or give him her oldest daughter.

“She didn’t even hesitate,” Dobyns says of the first time her mother handed her over.

“I had told my mother about six months before that my uncle had raped me when I was 5. I believe she felt like because my uncle chose me, I was already soiled anyway.”

What came next was a roller coaster of traumatic abuse that in some ways would haunt Dobyns to this day.

“The drug dealer took me to his home, and for a week I was raped,” she says, remembering the stench of cigarettes and beer in the room that would become her prison.

“Over the week, multiple men would come in — sometimes the same man on different days — and they raped me.”

At the end of the week, the man returned the young girl to her mother, who told her to keep quiet. This pattern of abuse would continue for two years, often on weekends, whenever her mother needed a fix.

Dobyns was not permitted to miss school, and letting her grades slip below Cs meant a physical beating from her mother, she says.

“I was so ashamed that I wasn’t going to talk about it,” Dobyns says of the repeated rapes. “And she was my mother. I didn’t want anyone to hate her the way I did.”

The girls’ mother was eventually turned in for child neglect, and although the children moved back in with their grandparents, Dobyns remained silent for years about the sexual abuse.

Fortunately she did not take the path of many trafficked girls, who remain swept up in the sex industry. In fact, Dobyns would not realize for more than two decades that she had been a victim of sex trafficking.

The realization came while watching an episode of “Dr. Phil” that featured Mark Elam, then-founder and executive director of Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH), which dissolved in 2013 citing a lack of funding. By the time Dobyns saw the TV show, she had six children between her and her husband, Devan.

She contacted Elam, who “gave a name to what I had experienced and told me I wasn’t alone,” Dobyns says.

Working with victims While many victims do not feel comfortable sharing their stories, the meeting with Elam along with the deaths of Dobyns’ Three Oklahoma shelters are mother in 2003 and her grandparents in 2005 and 2009 made it certified by the Attorney General’s possible for her to do so publicly in recent years, she says.

Office to work with adult victims of “I knew no one could be hurt by it anymore,” she explains. sex trafficking. DaySpring Villa was Today Dobyns works at a Sand Springs senior facility and in the first in 2012. The other TulsaMay earned her associate’s degree in social work. This fall she will area facility is DVIS, certified in begin coursework toward her bachelor’s degree at Northeastern March 2014. Its new shelter openState University. ing in January 2015 will include a She does not have a relationship with her sisters and says she residential area for trafficking vichas not sought any formal therapy to deal with her abuse. But tims, according to Rachel Weaver, other family members and Devan — to whom she has been marDVIS community relations director. ried 11 years this month — applaud her involvement in myriad When Tulsa police encounter anti-trafficking causes and her decision to speak to other young minor trafficking victims, they are women about the dangers of trafficking, an experience Dobyns placed into state custody through says is part of her healing. the Oklahoma Department of Hu“I feel like I was chosen by God,” she says, “to have the strength man Services, says Sgt. Todd Evans to stand up and say that this happened and be a voice for so of the TPD Vice Unit. many girls.”’

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SOLD continued from p. 38

“The stuff we’ve done to make officers safe is the best we feel we can do under The Tulsa vice unit currently reports all of its arrests to the office of the district the circumstances,” he says. “We haven’t had anybody hurt so far.” attorney or city prosecutor, but Evans says a statewide database would help invesEvans says TPD has made online prostitution arrests at hotels all over town. When tigators identify and build evidence against suspected traffickers since no formal officers are able to track and arrest suspected pimps, they often find the individ“tracking” process exists. uals have criminal pasts that include selling drugs, he says. Sex trafficking, howModeled after a similar archive in Dallas, another OBN database would house ever, reaps a considerably greater profit for less work by the criminals (see chart information on chronic runaways, who are especially at risk to become trafficking below). victims, Weaver says.

“If I’ve got a 16-year-old girl who will just hook up with random guys for sex, I can Development of both databases largely depends on available resources, he says, sell her over and over again — three or four times a day — and I’m making $200 an and he is unsure of a timeline for either project. hour for what she’s doing,” he says.

In the meantime, OBN adds resources and manpower to local law enforcement The elusive nature of sex trafficking also makes it harder efforts, Weaver says, while helping educate Oklahomans to detect than dealing drugs, according to Evans. through town hall presentations.

“If I’m driving around with a pound of weed or an ounce He stresses the importance of non-governmental orgaof cocaine in my car and I get caught by police, I’m going to nizations (NGOs) such as DaySpring Villa and The Demand prison,” Evans says. “But if I’m a guy with a 16-year-old girl Project in helping decrease the recidivism rate among vicin my car and I get stopped by the police, nobody really tims.

A trafficking victim may thinks anything about that.”

“OBN is the enforcement arm, and we can do this very well,” he says, “but I submit to you that the really difficult be forced to have sex as part is the recovery of these young ladies or young men many as 20-48 times a and the restoration of their lives — that is, to get them The solution to the issue of sex trafficking may seem obback to be productive citizens in society, through employday. (Polaris Project) vious: simply shut down websites like Backpage that are ment, housing or whatever — and that is, in my opinion, used to potentially advertise victims. the real tough part of this.”

But history has shown that when one site is shut down, The 27-year OBN investigator says he is troubled by what another simply takes its place, Evans says. he calls the “hideous” nature of sex trafficking, which drives In 2010 Craigslist removed the “erotic services” section of him and the bureau to keep fighting. its site to avoid prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office “I don’t know that I’ve seen a time in all of my career,” he for enabling child prostitution and trafficking. Other erotic says, “that law enforcement has really wanted to do someclassified sites immediately saw increased traffic. thing so badly.”

Evans says shutting down Backpage would require law enforcement to learn to The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, which encomoperate in a new venue, ultimately making perpetrators more difficult to catch. passes 11 counties including Tulsa County, has charged 14 defendants in the So, sex trafficking is combatted in other ways, namely through cooperative inpast two years with sex trafficking-related crimes, says Assistant U.S. Attorney vestigations among local and state agencies and the federal government.

Trent Shores, who prosecutes trafficking cases with his co-counsel, Assistant U.S. But communication among authorities — and efforts to apprehend traffickers Attorney Clint Johnson.

— could be improved with new technology.

Shores says his office sees two types of trafficking: the “traditional type,” in which The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics plans to create a database for law enforcevictims are moved across state lines, and child sex trafficking, which involves the ment agencies across the state that will house information on prostitution and use of interstate facilities such as the Internet or cell phones to promote sex with trafficking arrests, according to the agency’s director, Darrell Weaver. a teenager.

Punishment and prevention

drug vs. sex trafficking Cost of a pound of uncut dope

$20,000 Cost of one human

$500

Sale price after dope is cut

Potential dealer profit

$40,000

$20,000

$100 per john/15 johns per day/365 days

Trafficker profit minus original cost

$547,500

$547,000

Source: 2013 Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Conference/FBI via Amanda Dobyns; figures are approximate and can vary greatly.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

What you can do “The majority of what we are seeing is this commercial sex industry of local pimps recruiting and using at-risk teenage girls in the Tulsa metro area or Oklahoma City metro area,” he says.

Shores’ Tulsa-based office has prosecuted eight trafficking cases — the most in the state — in coordination with its federal, state and tribal and local counterparts, he says. All eight have resulted in convictions. The majority of those cases have involved teenage victims, several of whom have been from the Tulsa metro area.

According to federal trafficking laws, which Shores explains are based on anti-slavery laws, the United States can prosecute not only the traffickers but also those who knowingly promote or profit from the commercial sex of trafficking victims.

While there is no federal statute specifically designed to prosecute johns, he says, in certain cases they can be charged federally with “conspiracy to engage in human trafficking.” Otherwise, johns typically are prosecuted in state court. Purchasing sex is a misdemeanor crime.

However, johns proven to have sought out an underage prostitute, as opposed to an adult prostitute, are prosecuted federally to the full extent of the law, Shores says.

In the past 15 years, Congress has passed new and updated federal laws to give investigators and prosecutors better tools to address the crime of trafficking, he says, and state laws, in his opinion, are catching up.

When a trafficking case is prosecuted in federal court, prosecutors have access to a breadth of national resources through which to bring evidence against a defendant, such as the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative division and the IRS. “If there’s a better opportunity to get a longer sentence for the traffickers and better dismantle the trafficking organization, we will work through the federal system,” Shores says.

Federal human trafficking statutes generally carry a 10- to 15-year mandatory minimum sentence, depending on whether the case involves what the court determines is a heightened risk of danger, Shores says. On the maximum end of sentencing is life in prison. No parole exists within the federal system.

To date, the Northern District’s 14 defendants have received sentences ranging from five years of probation — for an adult trafficker who was a victim herself but was groomed to recruit other girls — to 17 years in federal prison for an adult finesse trafficker who used Facebook to recruit teenage girls into prostitution.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office not only prosecutes traffickers, it also seeks to help victims, Shores says, through federal funding and partnerships with state, local and tribal law enforcement partners and NGOs. “We have a wonderful system in place using the resources of the United States to provide counseling, medical care and assurances — to the extent available and appropriate — of safety, which is something many of these victims really need,” he says.

Despite the prevalence of sex trafficking locally and nationwide, Shores says he does not wish to create a public panic among parents and communities.

“Human trafficking is not an epidemic here in Tulsa or in the state such that we see traffickers walking onto, say, the Jenks High School campus and snatching girls,” he says. “What we have is human traffickers targeting a specific group or type of girl.”

However, like the Weises and TPD’s Evans, Shores agrees that one underlying problem of trafficking lies in the demand behind the crime that is, in fact, creating many real-life victims.

“If traffickers did not have a customer for the commercial sex business, there would be no need to supply it,” he says. “I don’t know how we fix that.” tþ

•

Become educated on the issue of sex trafficking.

The Polaris Project website, www.polarisproject.org, offers nationwide statistics and other information.

•

Protect the children in your life from online predators. Sgt. Todd Evans of the Tulsa Police Department’s Vice Unit suggests parents pay attention to whom their children are texting and talking to on Facebook.

•

Get involved in the cause. Various Tulsa groups, such as Christians Against Trafficking (www.facebook.com/ christiansagainsttrafficking) and Truckers Against Trafficking (www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org), meet regularly to discuss ways to prevent trafficking and help victims.

•

If you see something suspicious, ask questions and, if needed, alert the proper authorities (see box below). “Just don’t turn a blind eye,” says trafficking survivor Amanda Dobyns. “If you think something is wrong, just ask. She might just break down and tell you.

If one person had just asked the question, ‘What is going on?’ I might have said something.”

Who to call if you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking •

For immediate help: 911

•

To report suspicious activity in Oklahoma, call the OBN Human Trafficking Unit: 855-617-2288

•

To report suspicious activity anywhere in the country, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree

•

For local victim resources, call Kristin Weis at The Demand Project: 918-640-3808

TulsaPeople.com

Jason Weis of The Demand Project shares online safety tips for parents and teens.

TulsaPeople.com

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2014 In the class of 96 students, 30 were named Oklahoma Academic Scholars; 7 were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; 12 senior athletes received All State honors; 9 will play sports at the college level; class members performed 14,000 community service hours in three years.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

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MULT IPLE CHO CE

Tulsa parents and educators discuss the benefits of public, private and homeschooling.

by JAMES PEARSON

O

Of all the decisions parents make for and with their children, how to educate them may have the most impact. A child’s school introduces her to friends, peers and rivals. It shapes her worldview.

And even the earliest educational experiences are a runway toward her eventual career.

Among the first educational choices parents must make is whether to send their children to a public school, private school or to homeschool them.

Shane Matson, father of two young sons starting kindergarten and second grade, is committed to sending them to Tulsa Public Schools.

“I grew up in public school in Tulsa,” Matson says.

“I met some of my best friends there, friends for life.

We walked to and from school every day together.”

Matson says those friendships, which were forged through a community public school, were foundational to the rest of his life.

“We agreed we wanted the same for our kids,” he says.

In 2003 the family moved into a neighborhood near Lee Elementary, the oldest continuously operating elementary school in the state. Matson’s father and aunts attended the school in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Matson and his wife, Wendeline, started a conversation with the principal of Lee Elementary before sending their son there, and found her vision of the school aligned with theirs: to build a thriving neighborhood school with deep community involvement.

“You have to have ownership of your children’s schools,” Matson says. “At Lee we found an incredible network of families dedicated to their children’s education. All the kids in a classroom are positively impacted from parental involvement.”

He says public schooling introduces his children to what the rest of life will look like, through the experience of a diverse community working together toward common purposes.

“Our goal is to raise kids with compassion, a sense of humor and confidence,” Matson says.

He says the investment of parents and the community make neighborhood public schools the best option for his own children.

Plus, it has helped him and his wife build community in their neighborhood.

“Not since our time in college have we made this many good friends in such a short amount of time,” he says.

Stacey Vernon is an instructional leadership director for TPS, which means she supports the principals and administration at a handful of local schools. She says families are attracted to the district because it

Shane and Wendeline Matson with their sons, who attend public school in the family’s neighborhood can offer opportunities that are hard to find in private schools or at home.

Three of the top reasons Tulsans choose public school, she says, are the wide array of extracurricular activities available; academic opportunities such as Advanced Placement classes and concurrent enrollment; and the sheer diversity of experiences, such as the culinary arts program at Nathan Hale

High School or the big-picture learning philosophy at Tulsa Met High School, an alternative high school program.

Beth Goddard’s three children — a high school senior, a sophomore and a sixth-grader — attend Holland Hall, the same private college prep school she and her husband, Keith, attended. But when the Goddards were choosing schools, they researched all the options.

“We looked closely at our public elementary school, other public schools with transfer options and several area private schools,” Goddard says.

“After the initial research we scheduled several tours to get an idea of how different schools compared to one another and the overall feel of each.”

She says that, in the end, the decision was an easy one.

“Once we were on the Holland Hall campus, we just knew it was the right place for our kids.”

Goddard says they chose Holland Hall for many reasons, including its strong faculty and curriculum, its low student-to-teacher ratio and “the opportunity for our kids to experience a tight-knit community with extensive offerings in academics, athletics, the arts and extra-curriculars.”

“Really the only challenging aspect of the decision was that of all the schools we visited, Holland Hall was the farthest distance from our house,” she says.

However, that was a minor consideration, and Goddard says she enjoys the commute because “once you have your kids trapped in the car with you for a while, they have to talk.”

Though there was the financial cost of private school to consider, she says, “We felt it was an important and worthwhile investment for our family.”

Now that two of her children are in high school, Goddard says, she sees the value of small class size and the free time the school schedules into the day.

Students are encouraged to seek out teachers and staff for extra instruction or just to interact on a personal level, and Goddard believes this will help her children be more proactive learners in college.

“And,” she adds, “an obvious benefit of private school in Oklahoma right now is not having to worry TulsaPeople.com

43

Parents’ top reasons for private schooling 1.

Better discipline and safety

2.

Better education and learning environment, including smaller class size and more individualized attention

3.

Religious education Source: Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice

Beth Goddard and her three children, who attend private school at Holland Hall daily about adequate funding‚ or a deplorable lack thereof‚ from our state government.”

Kerry Hornibrook, the director of school advancement at Catholic Augustinian co-educational private school Cascia Hall, says private schools have the advantage of selecting their students.

“Private schools have a rigorous application process and have the advantage of accepting students who we feel would thrive and grow in our rigorous academic environment,” she says.

The top reasons families choose private schools, according to Hornibrook, are the small class sizes, the desire for moral or religious instruction and the individualized attention that she says many private schools can provide.

For example, “many private schools are better equipped and staffed to effectively teach special needs students,” she says. “If a student excels in a certain subject, most private schools can meet the academic and social needs for the student.”

Jennifer Luitwieler and her husband have had children in public, private and homeschool. Her husband, Kurt, taught at Holland Hall for 17 years and their three children‚ who start the 11th, ninth and fifth grades this year‚ received financial aid. But after he left to pursue a new career, the couple decided to look at different educational options.

They started homeschooling because, as Luitwieler puts it, “I needed time to figure out what the good schools were. I needed a whole year to figure out where they could transfer and all that.”

But in many ways, they found homeschooling was their best option.

The first year of homeschool, Luitwieler taught all three of her children with help from her husband.

“It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t look pretty,” she says.

The second year she taught two of them, having found a good public school fit for her youngest. And last year she taught only one, her middle daughter, who starts high school at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences this fall.

“She’s smarter than I am,” Luitwieler says. “She needed to go back.”

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Luitwieler, a writer, says homeschooling helped her get to know her children better.

“It helped me to see them as both my children and as people with human agency in the world,” she says.

As a result of homeschooling, she saw a political bent in her oldest, an activist streak in her middle child and “a real altruistic spirit” in her youngest.

Luitwieler says she tries to make good educational choices based on the needs and characteristics of her children. For curricula she used not only a booklist similar to what might be found at a traditional school, but also Netflix, YouTube and historical fiction.

“My middle child would say, ‘I want learn about jellyfish,’ and that would guide science, geography, history,” she says. “You’re encouraging them to discover who they are and what they’re interested in.”

Homeschooling also let her family set its own schedule.

“Before kids I was very structured,” she says. “But now we’re a fly-by-the-seat family.”

Her husband’s work schedule is flexible and sometimes requires him to travel. While homeschooling, the family could travel with him.

“Choice is a luxury,” Luitwieler says. “Because of our jobs we have more choice than most.”

Debbie Johnson, who served for two years as president of the Heartland Home Educators support group and co-op in Owasso, also is a homeschool parent.

She says many parents choose to homeschool so they can individually tailor their children’s educations.

“You can structure your child’s education based on their gifts and passions,” she says. “The feeling is that the parents are the ones who know their children best, and therefore know best how to develop their children academically and from a character standpoint.”

Johnson also says parents who homeschool appreciate choosing the curricula their children use.

This, she says, “fits in with the whole irritation that parents in Oklahoma had with the Common Core.

Parents and teachers both felt they’d been left out of the conversation.

“Homeschool parents put a lot of thought into curriculum issues,” she says.

These parents also appreciate the chance to guide their children’s relational and character development, Johnson says. They can weed out bad influences, focus on positive family and peer relation-

ships and, when hard issues arise, they have plenty of time with their children to ask questions and help guide them.

“There’s a lot of time that goes to waste in a structured school day,” Johnson adds.

By focusing on individual children, homeschool parents can save a lot of time, she says, which can be used for extracurricular activities and the important work of guiding their children in the less academic parts of life.

In discussing how other parents or how they themselves choose to educate their children, all of those interviewed sounded a few common themes.

Pay attention, they say. Invest in children on a personal level. Be involved in your children’s education.

Public school father Matson sums it up this way: “A family that has raised children into successful adults shared with me one bit of advice regarding our children’s school experience: ‘Show up and participate.’

“I guess that’s a pretty good philosophy for life in general.” tþ

Jennifer Luitwieler and her husband have had children in public, private and homeschool. While homeschooling, Luitwieler created curricula choices based on the interests of her children.

Parents’ top reasons for homeschooling 1.

Concern about the environment of schools, including safety, drugs and negative peer pressure

2.

Desire to provide religious and/or moral instruction to children

3.

Dissatisfaction with academic standards at traditional schools Source: Institute of Education Sciences

Selfie-made students

TulsaPeople’s Class of 2014 Brainiacs are among the area’s best and brightest.

by ZACH HOLDRIDGE AND MAGGIE MARSHALL

Back row: Eston Blair, Taylor Wise and Nicole Flippo; middle row: Cailey Kesselring and J.D. Wessinger; and front row: Bailey Tulloch, Kendall Hughes and Chelsea House. Not pictured: Yungshu Wong TulsaPeople.com

45

Eston Blair

Bishop Kelley High School

A plethora

of recent high school graduates step out into the world this month to begin college and other pursuits. Within these vibrant minds may lay discoveries that will alter our society and culture — ideas like the smartphone, which revolutionized how we communicate and exchange information.

Among these dreamers, TulsaPeople has carefully selected some of the best and brightest from Tulsa-area schools. We asked each of the nine “Brainiacs” profiled here to capture a selfie that expresses their personality or passion.

Here are the faces of the future.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Eston Blair has already accomplished what many young musicians will not tackle for years, if ever.

His senior year of high school, the aspiring pianist wrote what his choir director called a “doctoral-level” piece of music in C minor for a Catholic mass. The piece was a four-year project that Blair says taught him many things, including how to communicate and problem-solve with others.

Blair also uses his music skills to better the community. He has volunteered more than 300 hours playing the piano and games with residents at the Franciscan Villa senior living community.

“What kept me coming back was not only the smiles, the handshakes and the ‘thank yous’, but it was, for that period of time, what I felt God was calling me to do,” he says.

However, music is not Blair’s only talent and calling. The second-degree black belt, who graduated with a 4.47 weighted GPA, plans to pursue a career in medicine. He will attend Oklahoma State University this fall, where he plans to study microbiology.

Nicole Flippo

Cascia Hall

Not every 18-year-old can say they’ve founded a nonprofit organization. But a passion for the written word drove Nicole Flippo to do just that.

Flippo and her family contacted schools and libraries throughout Oklahoma to request books that were no longer in use. They collected 9,000 books to send to New Life School in Masaka, Uganda, where Flippo later traveled to refurbish the school and organize a library.

“As an aspiring writer, the idea that there were kids growing up without books was staggering, so I began Reading with Africa,” she says.

In high school, Flippo also served as editor of her school’s literary magazine, studied piano and voice, participated in theater and competed in scholarship pageants. She plans to pursue a degree in creative writing or literature.

“I love writing about the abnormal,” she says. “I’ve got no real life experiences to inform that kind of writing, but fiction is designed so that reality limits neither the writer nor the reader. Possibility is at the heart of creative writing.”

Chelsea A. House

:

Booker T. Washington High School

Chelsea House completed high school with a 4.55 weighted GPA and a long list of accomplishments under her belt.

At Booker T., she was the head cheerleader for the basketball team, an award-winning member of the Tulsa All-Metro Jazz Band, an Academic State nominee, a speech and debate state champion, a Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America participant, a Spanish club officer, a member of the school’s Teen Advisory Board and more.

With so many diverse passions, House often is asked how she is able to balance it all.

“I still haven’t figured that out,” she says. “I just make lots of lists and understand that my body needs sleep even when I feel like my mind doesn’t.”

As a result of her achievements, House was sought after by some of the nation’s most prestigious schools. She was admitted to Stanford University, Boston College, Georgetown University, Princeton, Washington and Emory universities, the University of Richmond and the University of Oklahoma.

She decided on Stanford, where she will study molecular biology and Spanish, starting toward her dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon.

“I’d love to stay in the medical field — that would be great — but I just want to experience a lot,” she says. “If that means that I am a doctor traveling to different countries, so be it.”

J.D. Wessinger

It’s not easy to

Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences

As an active member of the TSAS community, National Merit finalist James “J.D.” Wessinger put his wit and intellect to good use.

He took it upon himself to maintain various unpaid jobs throughout the school, particularly the maintenance of the vending machines used by students and faculty.

Wessinger, who played trombone in the award-winning TSAS Jazz Band, is a board member of the youth program at All Souls Unitarian Church, where he sings in the choir.

He will attend The University of Tulsa, where he plans to study psychology. He says he hopes to someday consult with businesses and various programs, specifically schools.

“I want people to have an education system that cannot help but push them in the direction of their dreams,” he says.

When asked what he would like to see in the future, Wessinger’s visionary nature is evident.

“I want to see technology that lets us explore the stars,” he says. “I want to be a part of society where difference is simply not an issue — where people are just people, and nothing less.

“Also, hover boards and self-tying Nikes would be cool.”

but it’s worth it.

Yes, at Monte Cassino we’re known as “the saints,” but it’s not simply a moniker students instantly acquire after enrolling, it’s an honor and a reputation we also want them to earn.

From the first day of Monte Cassino classes, being a “saint” is tantamount to what is important in being successful: hard work, respect for others, a passion to overachieve, a strong moral compass, and the ability to make good day-to-day decisions.

So for all the other excellent reasons to attend Monte Cassino (nationally recognized academics, access to team-building athletics, safety and security), our unique, creative Catholic social skills programs are what set us apart from our academic competitors. More importantly, it will also set your son and/or daughter apart as well.

Want your children to have a better opportunity to succeed in life?

Be a Saint.

Kendall Hughes Jenks High School

A passion for academics led Kendall Hughes to end her high school career in the top 5 percent of the more than 700 students in her class.

This fall she will attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in biology, starting toward her long-term goal to become an orthopedic surgeon.

But Hughes already has experience in her area of study thanks to her role helping an OSU Health Science Center professor’s research team that pinpointed an antibody to a strain of herpes found in baboons.

“It was an incredible feeling when my research team got the results we wanted,” she says. “We knew our research was a step in the right direction in curing the human strain of the herpes virus.”

Typically nervous when speaking in front of crowds, Hughes says she forced herself to start debate in eighth grade, continuing classes through high school and eventually working her way up to participating in mock trials. The confidence she gained also will aid her future career.

“Both of these experiences helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, which really helped me when I presented my research results to the Oklahoma Academy of Science last September,” she says.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MID-TOWN AT 21ST AND LEWIS / 918.742.3364

MonteCassino.org

TulsaPeople.com

47

Taylor Wise Rejoice Christian School

Taylor Wise managed to be a four-sport athlete — playing basketball, football, track and soccer — as well as valedictorian of his class.

The former president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes was named All-District Quarterback, All-District Runner and Most Valuable Player in football.

Despite his dedication to athletics, Wise’s schedule included a rigorous load of honors and Advanced Placement classes.

“I was blessed with two incredible parents who taught me how to work and have time management,” he explains. “It’s hard to balance everything, but it makes you have a disciplined lifestyle.”

Wise plans continue his self-discipline through his pursuit of a medical degree. After college, he hopes to be a medical missionary.

His heart for service is already seen in his extensive involvement in the community, where he has volunteered at Pregnancy Resource Center and the Salvation Army, among other organizations.

Yungshu Wong

Cailey Kesselring

:

Riverfield Country Day School

Few highschoolers have had more of an impact on the community than Cailey Kesselring, whose volunteerism spans a large number of organizations.

Her passion for service, which has included helping Happy Children’s Home, Project Hope Worldwide, Iron Gate soup kitchen and Day Center for the Homeless, has led her to pursue a career in nonprofit organization.

“My passion is to contribute meaningfully to the community in which I live and to make a positive impact on the world somehow,” says Kesselring, who will attend Rhodes College to focus on international studies or psychology.

When she wasn’t volunteering, Kesselring was involved in many activities during high school, including basketball, Youth Leadership Forum and the fundraising committee for Council on Youth Ministry. She also was Riverfield cheer captain for four years.

“My participation in basketball and cheer taught me that there are many different types of leadership and that everyone contains unique abilities within them,” she says.

The recent graduate has wise words for other high school athletes: “No matter what drama or social stories lie within your team, once you hit the court or field, you are unified — loyal to each other, determined to use each other’s strengths to compete and committed to ‘having each other’s backs.’”

:

Edison High School

Yungshu Wong is what some may call an early bird. He graduated high school at age 16.

During middle school, Yungshu’s intellect and maturity propelled him two grades ahead.

As if that weren’t enough, he happily volunteered to help struggling Edison students in a variety of classes, putting his likeability and intelligence to great use.

Yungshu, who also is a talented violinist, will attend Washington University in St. Louis, where he intends to major in biology, concentrating on pre-med, with a minor in music.

The young prodigy says his family is the driving force in his journey thus far. They also play a role in his pursuit of a medical career, which is partly fueled by a personal loss he hopes to help others avoid.

“My grandfather passed away from leukemia when I was around 4 years old, and I saw firsthand what grief the death of a loved one brings,” Yungshu says. “Since then, I’ve wanted to go into the medical field.”

48

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Bailey Tulloch

:

Holland Hall Bailey Tulloch has had a love for reading and writing since age 3. This interest led her to enter and win many contests such as NaNoWriMo, a competition in which Tulloch wrote a 50,000-word novel in just one month.

But her interest in literature is not limited to the English language. She has immersed herself in Latin and Spanish and hopes to add Italian or German at Rice University, where she plans to study English and psychology.

Balancing her pursuit of academics, Tulloch had many leadership roles in high school, served as captain of the golf team and worked part time as an assistant golf pro at her school.

Through volunteer work at a local hospice, she visited patients to capture their stories in writing, an experience that taught her to take advantage of every opportunity.

“I’ve realized that there will come a time when I won’t be able to explore life anymore,” she says, “so I want to be proud and unregretful about the memories I have of it.”

In addition to pursuing a career as a copyright lawyer, Tulloch plans to further contribute to the literary world herself by writing another book. tþ

Where are they now?

by ZACH HOLDRIDGE

TulsaPeople published its first “Brainiacs” article in 2001. Five of the early Brainiacs talk about their lives today. Have they fulfilled their dreams? Read on.

After graduation: Earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Oklahoma; earned master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from The University of Washington.

Do you find your job fulfilling? I definitely find it fulfilling. I basically get to solve really complex technical problems on a day-to-day basis, which I really enjoy.

Now: 30; lives in Seattle, where he has worked for Boeing for eight years as a guidance, navigation and control engineer.

What other passions keep you busy? Living in the Pacific Northwest lends itself to a number of things that I enjoy doing outside of work, like snow skiing, hiking, wineries and really good beer.

How have you changed since you were named a TulsaPeople Brainiac? In all of those fun 30-yearold kind of ways: went to college, got a real job, met an incredible girl, bought a house, adopted a dog.

Koch and his wife, Courtney, at the Eiffel Tower

Thomas Koch

In what ways have you remained the same? I still get incredibly fascinated with learning new things.

I still really like to solve problems. I still love to sit around doing nothing in particular with my friends.

What has been your proudest moment to date?

Standing next to the runway watching the first real airplane I ever worked on take off for the first time was pretty cool.

Memorial High School, Class of 2002

After graduation: Earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from New York University; worked in New York City for a year before returning to Tulsa; served as director of the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center from 2006-2011; enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in 2012.

Now: 31; recently married; finishing up a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and an MBA at OU; living in Houston, Texas, this summer for an internship with Phillips 66.

How have you changed since you were named a TulsaPeople Brainiac? I’m older and hopefully a little wiser.

In what ways have you remained the same? I am still pretty much a perfectionist — still working on that one.

Theater and engineering seem on opposite ends of the spectrum. Or are they alike? I continued with the arts for a while and then embarked on something completely different. But really, theater and engineering aren’t all that different. They are both about working with a group of people to create something new.

Your proudest moment to date? Directing “Les Miserables” at Cascia Hall. It was a huge undertaking, but I had an amazing team of designers to work with and a group of really fantastic students. I was so proud of the students. They really hit it out of the park.

While I was back in Tulsa, I also got to work on the committee for the Tulsa Awards for Theatre Excellence with a lot of wonderfully talented members of our arts community. The last show I directed in Tulsa was “Seussical” for Tulsa Project Theatre in December 2011.

You were band president at Memorial, where you played the saxophone. Are you still a musician? Not really. I still have a guitar, but it rarely gets played. I still enjoy music and going to concerts, and there are tons of opportunities for that in Seattle.

If you could, what would you like to say to your 18-year-old self? Don’t be scared of being 30. It’s pretty great.

TulsaPeople.com

Read the original profiles of these early Brainiacs and see their photos.

Purgason Lewis, husband Will and their dog, Carl Sagan

What about live theater appeals to you? In the arts, you get to really touch people and hopefully create a true emotional connection, and I think that is why I preferred theater to TV or film. You get to go on a journey with the audience and feel each other’s energy.

Was there a theater piece that inspired you in your youth? My favorite musical is Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.”

What would you say to your 18-year-old self?

Learn to enjoy the moment.

Meredith Purgason Lewis Cascia Hall, Class of 2001 TulsaPeople.com

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Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 2002

Jenks High School, Class of 2001

Dean Spears

Layne Moffett

After graduation: Earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University then discovered a passion for dermatology while in medical school at University of California, Davis.

After graduation: Earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international studies at OU, followed by an Master of Public Administration in development studies and a Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University; founded r.i.c.e., a research and advocacy organization that encourages policies to improve the health of poor children.

After graduation: Earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, economics and public policy from Dartmouth University; interned with the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., where she published several articles to advance clean water initiatives; lived in New York City for eight years pursuing a career on Wall Street.

Now: 31; lives in India, where he operates r.i.c.e. with his wife, Diane Coffey.

Now: 31; recently moved to Boston; is a managing director for State Street Global Advisors, one of the largest institutional asset managers in the world.

Oma Agbai

Now: 30; lives in Sacramento, Calif., where she is a resident physician in dermatology; is planning her 2015 wedding.

How have you changed since you were named a TulsaPeople Brainiac? I have learned so much about life and faith over the past 12 years. I am definitely more relaxed and flexible than I was as a teenager. I have more confidence that when things do not work out as planned; it just means there is something better in store. I have also developed a love for the outdoors, something I would have never predicted.

You planned to study pediatric cardiology. What do you enjoy about dermatology? Skin disease is very personal and emotional for patients, and I find great fulfillment when patients respond well to therapy. Patients have thanked me for “changing their lives” for the better on multiple occasions. It is very rewarding.

Your proudest moment to date? My answer would probably be when I had the opportunity to give a lecture to a large audience of doctors at a national medical conference earlier this year. Some of the doctors in the audience have been practicing as long as I have been alive. It was truly an honor.

You were an active volunteer in your early years.

Is this still important to you? I definitely try to volunteer as much as possible. These days I volunteer as a physician in free medical clinics for patients who have limited access to health care. I have also volunteered in soup kitchens for the homeless.

What would you say to your 18-year-old self?

I would say that life gets much better after high school. Never stop being positive and kind. God has a beautiful future planned for you.

Describe your work with r.i.c.e. Much of our work is economics research and evidence-based advocacy for improving policy about sanitation. The widely accepted practice of open defecation kills hundreds of thousands of babies and children in India each year (probably a number of people around the population of Tulsa) and stunts the physical and cognitive development of those who survive.

Do you have any regrets you are willing to share?

I am too interested in projects that will accomplish little more than advance my ego, and I wish I could go back in time and train myself to practice thinking differently. I can’t imagine that being in a magazine article called “Brainiacs” helped!

For example, it might come up that we have some sort of research finding that says something useful about child health, and instead of simply getting it out there and telling people about it and moving on, I sometimes want to spend time polishing it to get it into a fancier academic journal. I regret that I have that sort of desire, but it is a very, very difficult desire to unlearn.

Your proudest moment to date? It is extremely humbling and motivating to me that such wonderful people are willing to come work with r.i.c.e. — people who would have such splendid opportunities (and larger paychecks) in other careers and organizations. I am concerned that they are mistaken to do it, or than I am unforgivably leading them astray.

I am very proud to get to work with our wonderful team here, and I aspire to live up to it.

Holland Hall, Class of 2001

How have you changed since you were named a TulsaPeople Brainiac? I have learned to let go of my fear of failure and take more chances in life. If I make mistakes along the way, they are great learning opportunities.

In what ways have you remained the same? I am still very driven to help others and solve complex problems.

Your proudest moment to date? My proudest moment was getting married last September at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tulsa to my best friend and now husband.

What does the future hold for you? I expect to continue my career in institutional asset management and help shape a healthier U.S. retirement system. I also hope to have children.

You traveled to Europe and Africa during your youth. Do you still have a passion for seeing the world? I love an adventure and always take advantage of one when the opportunity presents itself.

When I last spoke to TulsaPeople, I had just returned from the rural villages of Uganda with the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. The trip was one of the most important experiences of my life as it provided me with a much deeper understanding of poverty, disease and human rights. My more recent trips include trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest, backpacking across New Zealand, exploring Egypt and going on safari in Kenya.

What would you say to your 18-year-old self? The same thing I tell myself now: “Don’t worry so much!” tþ

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

TulsaPeople.com

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How can I help Susie get a leg-up on college Admissions?!?!

Supporting families one-on-one throughout the college search, application, and decision process.

TerrieShipley.com

Contact Terrie with questions or to meet over coffee 918-346-3890 • TerrieShipley@gmail.com

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Cotillion: A fun way for boys and girls to interact socially, learn valuable etiquette and manners, and learn to dance.

Life Skills: Introductions, first impressions, body language Character: Honesty, respect, responsibility, self-esteem Manners: Table, phone, correspondence, compliments, dating and more Formal Manners: Dating courtesies, accepting awards Electronic Etiquette: Cell phones at home, in school, in public Dance: Partner, line, ballroom dancing, social skills the universityof

Cotillion is for boys and girls, grades 5 - 9 • Classes begin Oct. 12 TulsaJuniorCotillion.com • (918) 629-4140 or (479) 650-9009 Facebook.com/TulsaJuniorCotillion

University School th

Educating Gifted Students Since 1982

For a tour, call 918-631-5060 or visit www.utulsa.edu/uschool The University of Tulsa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

TulsaPeople.com

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

A SPONSORED EDITORIAL SECTION

Education Profiles Most people would agree in the power of education â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that it can open minds and doors. From public to private schools to institutions for higher learning, here are some of the Tulsa areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse education options.

Holland Hall Educating. For life.

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ounded in 1922, Holland Hall provides a challenging, comprehensive education for students in pre-K through 12th-grade. Grounded in a rigorous liberal arts, college-preparatory curriculum, Holland Hall promotes critical thinking and lifelong learning among its more than 990 students. Students also receive a strong moral foundation and develop a sense of social responsibility.

The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curriculum ensures a progressive transition from grade to grade where students engage in learning through traditional classroom activities and hands-on experiences. Holland Hall offers an individualized, encouraging atmosphere with a 9-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Settled on a 162-acres, the facility includes seven science labs, four computer labs, three libraries and the 70,000-square-foot Walter Arts Center.

Those interested in Holland Hall should contact Olivia Martin in the admissions office, omartin@hollandhall.org.

Holland Hall is located at 5666 E. 81st St. Call 918-481-1111 or visit www.hollandhall.org for more information.

TulsaPeople.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Tulsa Public Schools Excellence and high expectations with a commitment to all

T

he mission of Tulsa Public Schools is to provide quality learning experiences for every student, every day, without exception. The district believes this mission can be accomplished through five core goals: student learning and performance, leadership sustainability, teacher effectiveness, safety and security, and financial sustainability.

The district’s 40,000 students have many options to fit a number of learning styles and capabilities — from magnet schools providing career specialization to concurrent enrollment at college and technical schools, and dual-language immersion in Spanish and French.

A centralized enrollment center handles questions, enrollments, transfers and documentation, including transcripts.

To enroll – visit www.tulsaschools.org/enroll. For teaching careers – visit www.tulsaschools.org/careers. For more info, email tpsinfo@tulsaschools.org or call 918-746-7500.

Bishop Kelley High School A life preparatory school

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ishop Kelley offers an excellent Catholic education at an outstanding value.

Dedicated teachers, small class sizes, quality facilities and a curriculum that fits a wide variety of abilities are highlights. Many co-curricular activities, retreats and 13 OSSAA sports give students opportunities to grow in faith and develop their talents. Bishop Kelley graduates are accepted at outstanding colleges and universities throughout the nation.

Students from more than 25 area schools join to form the close-knit community at Bishop Kelley. Freshmen are welcomed with a host of activities to start the year.

Placement testing for incoming 2015-16 freshmen is November 1. Registration is required. Prospective students are invited to schedule shadow visits.

Current enrollment is 825. Bishop Kelley’s president is Rev. Brian O’Brien; school accreditation includes North Central and State of Oklahoma.

High School Preview Day is Sunday, Oct. 12.

Visit www.bkelleyhs.org. For more information, contact Admissions Director Jane Oberste at 918-609-7133 or email admissions@bkelleyhs.org.

Rogers State University Tradition. Innovation. Excellence.

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ogers State is widely recognized for its high-quality academic programs, distance learning and high-technology learning environments, all with a personalized approach to your education. Our bachelor’s and associate degree programs include traditional programs such as biology, business administration, nursing and humanities, alongside cutting-edge degrees in emerging fields. Unique opportunities are available through the Honors Program, President’s Leadership Class, study-at-large and prestigious internship programs.

RSU operates campuses in Claremore, Bartlesville and Pryor, along with its nationally recognized online program. RSU is currently expanding its student housing and remains the only public four-year, residential university in the Tulsa metro.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

For more information, contact the admissions office at 800-256-7511, email admissions@rsu.edu or visit www.rsu.edu.

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Riverfield Country Day School 2433 West 61st Street, Tulsa • 918.446.3553 www.riverfield.org

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iverfield helps students 8 weeks-12th grade reach their potential through innovation, small class sizes and positive collaborative relationships. The school’s experienced faculty develops the whole student as a confident and responsible learner, building a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Students are motivated and encouraged to learn, develop and mature in a respectful, diverse and secure environment.

The challenging, personalized curriculum is presented as an integrated process, blending many subjects and activities. The result is academic excellence. On average, Riverfield students test 1.5 grade levels above their current grade on standardized tests. The last three graduating classes had an average ACT score of 25. The school’s implementation of the Reggio Emilia approach in the pre-school and primary school is viewed as a point of reference for schools across the country.

Riverfield is home to the state’s first school rock band program, with 13 bands comprised of fourth-12th grade students. Through participation in the OSSAA, the school is finding success in athletic, academic, and arts competitions.

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Year Founded............................................................................. 1984 Enrollment ................................................................................... 580 Student-Faculty Ratio................................................................4-to-1 16-to-1 based on age/grade level

STUDENT–FACULTY

R ATIO

2 4 3 3

7:1

W e s t 6 1 s t S t r e e t 9 1 8 • 4 4 6 • 3 5 5 3 r i v e r f i e l d . o r g

Grades .................................................................. Infants-12th grade

120 AC R E

WOODED CAMPUS

The Riverfield campus includes 120 acres of woods, hiking trails, athletic fields and barnyards that provide environmental learning opportunities.

A new 22,000-square foot middle and upper school academic building opened in Fall 2013. This facility more than doubled the number of classrooms available for grades 6-12.

30

YEARS

SERVING TULSA

FA M I L I E S

580

STUDENTS INFANTS – 12TH GRADE

TulsaPeople.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

OSU Institute of Technology 1801 E. Fourth St., Okmulgee • 800.722.4471 www.osuit.edu

O

klahoma State University Institute of Technology is Oklahoma’s only university of applied technology. It is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry, and successful students ready to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

Instruction is delivered through innovative programming to educate the high performance technicians that businesses and industries seek today for globally competitive environments. Students choose from 42 majors in more than two dozen degree programs earning Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science or Bachelor of Technology degrees. Popular majors include culinary arts, natural gas compression, power plant technology, orthotics and prosthetics, nursing, IT network infrastructure, watchmaking, photography and 3-D modeling and animation.

OSUIT students have a more than 90 percent employment rate in technical degree programs. The school is also nationally recognized as a military-friendly university, working with service men and women to discover how their military skills can best transfer to college and beyond.

Year Founded............................................................................. 1946 Undergraduate Enrollment ....................................................... 3,000 Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered................................. 26 Student-Faculty Ratio..............................................................22-to-1

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION Ranked among the top watchmaking degree programs in the world, the OSU Institute of Technology School of Watchmaking exemplifies the crossroads between precision skill and artistic vision. The school observes a rich heritage of classically trained Swiss luxury craftsmanship since World War II and is backed exclusively by the Rolex brand.

Don’t whisk away your future.

The School of Culinary Arts at OSU Institute of Technology offers its students a chance to express their creativity and skill through hands-on learning at a university unlike any other. With instructors who have succeeded in the restaurant industry, students are challenged to exceed their own expectations in order to thrive in a demanding and rewarding career.

ENROLL NOW FOR FALL AT OSUIT.EDU 56

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Oklahoma State University - Tulsa 700 N. Greenwood Ave., Tulsa • 918.594.8000 www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu

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or 15 years, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has offered the opportunity for students to earn an internationally respected OSU degree in Tulsa. Since OSU-Tulsa was established in 1999, more than 30,000 students have taken courses in Tulsa and earned more than 17,479 OSU degrees.

OSU graduates are highly attractive to employers and make a valuable addition to the workforce, while OSU’s resident faculty create new products and jobs through innovative research and partnerships with local industry leaders.

OSU-Tulsa provides junior-, senior- and graduate-level education, providing opportunities for students to complete a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a variety of programs. Students earn a respected degree from a Big 12 university in Tulsa and graduates leave OSU-Tulsa with the same OSU degree students in Stillwater receive.

OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences make a big impact in Tulsa.

OSU Center for Health Sciences trains osteopathic physicians, biomedical and forensic scientists and health care administrators with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved Oklahoma. In 2014, U.S. News & World Report named OSUCHS as one of the top medical schools for primary care training, and the online master’s degree in health care administration was ranked No. 5 in the nation.

Year Founded..............................1999

Graduate Enrollment .................1,029

Undergraduate Enrollment ........1,861

Number of Graduate Degrees Offered .............................55

Student-Faculty Ratio.............. 18-to-1 Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered .............................29

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION OSU’s Tulsa campus is adjacent to ONEOK Field and is just minutes from the BOK Center, Cain’s Ballroom, the Blue Dome District, the Brady Arts District and many restaurants and venues. OSU-CHS is located on Route 66, just across the Arkansas River from the OSU Medical Center.

Students at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa earn a Big 12 degree while enjoying all the benefits of the city’s thriving downtown. With ONEOK Field, the BOK Center, Guthrie Green and the city’s best entertainment districts just a short walk away, OSU-Tulsa students can learn, work and play in one place.

Whether your goal is increased job opportunities, a stronger network or personal discovery, you can get there from here.

Downtown Tulsa

918-GET-HERE TulsaPeople.com

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A SPONSORED SPONSORED EDITORIAL EDITORIAL SECTION

Tulsa Community College Metro Campus • 909 S. Boston Ave. Southeast Campus • 10300 E. 81st St. Northeast Campus • 3727 E. Apache St. West Campus • 7505 W. 41st St. 918-595-7000 • www.tulsacc.edu

T

ulsa Community College has served Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma as a valued educational resource for 44 years. After opening in the heart of downtown Tulsa at East Ninth Street and South Boston Avenue in 1970, TCC has become Oklahoma’s largest, multi-campus community college serving 29,000 students in college credit programs annually. Four campuses – Metro, Northeast, Southeast and West – populate the Tulsa area, along with several community campuses in suburban areas.

As one of the nation’s premier community colleges, TCC ranks 29th among nearly 1,200 two-year institutions for granting associate degrees, according to Community College Week. In individual disciplines, TCC ranks second in education degrees, sixth in business related degrees, 14th in health related degrees, and 16th in communication, journalism and related programs. The College continues to be a national leader in granting degrees to Native American students.

TCC students choose from 228 associate degree and certificate options ranging from bioscience to tomorrow’s technology. The College offers an

honors program and a global education perspective with opportunities to study abroad throughout the year. TCC reports more than 7,600 students enrolled in online and distance learning classes, making it the leader in distance learning education in Oklahoma.

TCC is committed to developing and maintaining vibrant, enriched academic programming offered in dynamic learning environments, such as the Center for Creativity, Center for Excellence in Energy Innovation, Health Sciences and Biotechnology Learning Center and the Veterinary Technology Center.

TCC’s commitment to accessibility, flexibility and articulation provide further benefits to students through transfer agreements with four-year universities that make possible seamless transitions into baccalaureate programs both in Tulsa and throughout the state.

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Year Founded...............................................1970 Enrollment ................................................18,005 Student-Faculty Ratio .............................. 16-to-1 Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered ........................................... 228 58

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

In 2014, two TCC graduates were awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship for outstanding community college graduates.

The scholarship is the largest of its kind in the nation and provides up to $30,000 annually for completion of a bachelor’s degree. Also in 2014, TCC Professor Mary Phillips was named Oklahoma Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. Professor of the Year Program. Five TCC professors have been accorded this honor over the past decade.

2014 Vision in Education

Leadership Award Dinner HONORING

Jake Henry Jr. President and Chief Executive OfďŹ cer Saint Francis Health System

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM Renaissance Hotel

2014 Vision in Education Leadership Award Dinner The Vision in Education Leadership Award honors exemplary leaders in the Tulsa area for their dedication to education and community betterment through education. Over the past decade, the Vision Dinner has raised over $1.9 million to support scholarships and programs for TCC students, faculty and staff.

For sponsorship information, call 918-595-7836 or email jgrant@tulsacc.edu.

TulsaPeople.com

59

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

The University of Oklahoma 550 Parrington Oval (OU Visitor Center), Norman • 800.234.6868 www.ou.edu

C

reated by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a doctoral degree-granting research university serving the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation.

The Norman campus serves as home to all of the university’s academic programs except health-related fields. The OU Health Sciences Center, located in Oklahoma City, is one of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional colleges.

Both the Norman and Health Sciences Center colleges offer programs at the Schusterman Center, the site of OU-Tulsa.

OU has more than 2,600 full-time faculty members and has 21 colleges offering 163 majors at the baccalaureate level, 157 majors at the master’s level, 81 majors at the doctoral level, 28 majors at the doctoral professional level and 28 graduate certificates.

While OU has all of the opportunities of a large, public university, its service and commitment to help students succeed

creates a sense of family, more like that of a small, private institution. OU has more than 450 student organizations, 40 intramural activities, and 50 active fraternity and sorority chapters, leadership and volunteer programs.

OU stands out with its number of National Merit Scholars enrolled. It’s ranked No. 1 in the nation among public universities in the number of National Merit Scholars.

As a pacesetter in American public higher education, OU offers a culture of academic excellence and opportunity. OU students experience a vibrant student life, a diverse community and a beautiful campus.

Year Founded...................................................1890 Undergraduate Enrollment Norman ..................................................... 21,120 All Campuses ............................................ 21,993 Student-Faculty Ratio .................................. 18-to-1

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION The Joe C. and Carole Kerr McClendon Honors College offers one of the most energetic and creative honor programs among public universities in the United States. More than 3,000 students participate in small classes, typically of 19 or less. More than 80 informal book clubs have been created in the past three years.

Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered ...............................................163 Graduate Enrollment Norman .......................................................5,894 All campuses ..............................................6,682 Number of Graduate Degrees Offered ............157

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

OU - Oklahoma’s Leader in Excellence

• OU has the academically highest ranked student body at a public university in Oklahoma history.

• OU ranks No. 1 in the nation among all public universities in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled.

• Three OU students were named Goldwater Scholars, placing OU in the top ranks of universities nationally with 46 Goldwater Scholars since the competition began in 1991.

• An OU student was named a Truman Scholar, one of only 59 selected in the U.S. • Four OU students were named Fulbright Scholars after a rigorous national competition.

• For the seventh consecutive year, University of Oklahoma students from the Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama have earned national honors at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held in Washington, D.C. • OU’s Debate Teams have won the National University Debate Championship four times in the last eight years, with an OU student earning the Title of Best Speaker at this years’ National Debate Tournament.

• OU is the first public university in the nation to be awarded the prestigious Davis Cup in recognition of its record-setting enrollment of 45 United World College international freshmen.

• OU’s Research Campus was named the #1 research campus in the nation, placing it among such past recipients as the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, Purdue Research Park in Indiana and University City Center in Pennsylvania.

• OU’s $250 million Campaign for Scholarships has reached $281 million in gifts and pledges. The success of the campaign has allowed OU to more than double its private scholarships.

• The One University Digital Initiative allows OU faculty to develop digital alternatives to high-cost textbooks, translating to an annual savings averaging $400 per student in textbook costs.

• OU is a leader among all American universities in international exchange and study abroad programs. One in four OU students study abroad. OU currently offers programs in over 50 countries and 100 cities in six continents. Students from 120 countries are enrolled at OU.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

- The Pride of Oklahoma

A SPONSORED EDITORIAL SECTION

The University of Tulsa 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa • 918.631.2000 www.utulsa.edu

T

he University of Tulsa is a private, doctoral-degree granting university that provides excellence in scholarship and research, while nurturing student endeavors in public service and commitment to humanity. Founded in 1894, today the university is led by President Steadman Upham.

TU’s four undergraduate colleges offer 61 undergraduate degrees including petroleum engineering, computer science, energy management, speech-language pathology, anthropology, accounting, international business and languages, psychology, film studies and athletic training. TU offers 42 graduate degrees through its Graduate School and College of Law. TU students encounter many unique opportunities throughout their time on campus. One of those is the computer science department’s Cyber Corps Program, which trains elite squadrons of graduates who work within the U.S. Government and military to protect and defend America’s critical infrastructure. Also, TU teams took top honors in both the undergraduate and graduate high growth divisions of the 2014 Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup collegiate business plan competition for the second consecutive year.

Offering more than 160 student organizations including intramural sports, national fraternities and sororities, specialinterest clubs, campus ministries, service organizations, honor societies and pre-professional organizations, students have plentiful options for involvement. As a member of the American Athletic Conference, TU competes in Division I athletics with 18 varsity sports. The 200-acre campus has a vibrant residential life where more than 70 percent of undergraduates reside in campus housing, including 800 new apartments.

The university uses an individualized and holistic approach in evaluating potential students. TU seeks students who demonstrate intellectual promise in a challenging curriculum and are committed to the liberal education reflected in the university’s mission. All information, including academic and extracurricular achievement, school records and personal qualities, will be carefully considered.

For information on undergraduate admission, contact admission@ utulsa.edu. For graduate admission, contact grad@utulsa.edu.

Year Founded...................................................1894 Undergraduate Enrollment ............................3,428 Number of Undergraduate Degrees Offered .................................................61 Student-Faculty Ratio ...................................11-to-1 Graduate Enrollment ...................................... 1,169 Graduate Degrees Offered .................................42 62

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

AREAS OF ACADEMIC DISTINCTION TU is in the top 100 among national doctoral universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2013 edition of America’s Best Colleges. It has also been named one of the nation’s 50 “Best Value” private colleges and universities, according to Princeton Review. TU had 49 National Merit Scholars in its 2013 freshman class and 74 percent of students graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

A Top 100 National University

n n

11:1 Student-faculty ratio More than 60 majors in four colleges – College of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Collins College of Business, Henry Kendall College of Arts & Sciences and College of Health Sciences

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Vibrant city packed with culture, sports and entertainment Faculty-mentored undergraduate research Diverse campus with students from around the world 18 NCAA Division I sports teams

“A Top 100 National Research University” (U.S. News & World Report) “A Green College” for 2013 (Princeton Review)

TU is an EEO/AA institution.

Apply online: apply.utulsa.edu. For more information or to schedule a campus visit, contact the Office of Admission, 1-800-331-3050, or 918-631-2307, or www.utulsa.edu/admission

W W W . U T U L S A . E D U / A D M I S S I O N

TU Ad for Tulsa People Top National.indd 1

7/9/14 9:52 AM

Presents

Cooking with Gentry

Gentry with Chef Omar Galban in the Miele kitchen vignette within Hahn Appliance Warehouse.

Chef Omar Galban’s Caprese Salad with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette

Omar Galban, the corporate chef of Polo Grill, is a native New Yorker who ventured to Miami, Florida, for his professional training at the Johnson & Wales University’s renowned College of Culinary Arts. His past experience includes working for the Hyatt corporation and owning his own catering business before joining the team at the celebrated Utica Square restaurant.

“Becoming a well-rounded chef is more than great technique,” he notes. “It requires practical know-how, a knowledge of foods and sources, creative artistry, wellness and knowing how to run a kitchen at fullspeed.”

Galban shares the Polo Grill’s recipe for Caprese Salad. “August is a hot month and the salad is perfect whether you are entertaining guests or just feel like something light. It is one of our favorites at the restaurant beginning in the Spring and through the first day of Fall.”

“As a professional chef who also enjoys cooking at home, I am very impressed with the Miele appliances I experienced at Hahn Appliance,” said Galban. “I know Miele aims to manufacture the highest-quality household appliances and the name is identified with unsurpassed product quality. Hahn has a great selection in its presentation of cooking surfaces and ovens.”

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

RECIPE

Caprese Salad

1 Large Beefsteak Tomato , sliced 6 oz.

Fresh Mozzarella, sliced 1/2 Bunch Basil, picked Balsamic Reduction

1 oz.

Pine Nuts 4 oz.

Spring Mix 1 oz.

Lemon Thyme Vinaigret te Salt & Pepper to taste

On a large platter, place Mozzarell a and tomatoes alternating on pla te and slightly overlapping.

Season with salt and pepper. Driz zle Balsamic reduction and lemon thy me vinaigrette over tomato mozzarella mixture, top off with toasted pine nuts. In separate bow l toss spring mix and lemon thyme vinaigrette until well coa ted. Place on plate and garnish wit h toasted pine nuts.

Lemon Thyme Vinaigr

3 1/2 cup 1 oz.

1 tsp.

3 cups

Lemon Zest Lemon Juice Champagne Vinegar Worcestershire Sauce Salad Oil

ette

2 tbsp.

3/4 tsp.

1/4 tsp.

1 1 1/2 tbsp.

Honey Salt Ground Pepper Shallot, minced Thyme, Chopped

Mix all ingredients except the oil, thyme and shallot in a container.

Puree with stick blender while pouring oil in slowly. After blendi ng, add chopped shallots and thy me . Mix well. Do not blend shallots and thyme

Balsamic Reduction 2 cups

Balsamic Vinegar

Simmer and reduce balsamic vin

1/2 cup

White Sugar

egar to form a molasses consistenc

y

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DINING OUT

Island inspiration

Sisserou’s adds Caribbean cuisine to the ethnic offerings of the Brady Arts District.

by JUDY ALLEN The Sisserou’s interior takes a cue from colorful island life with bright fixtures, painted walls and artwork.

I

In Oklahoma, August has a tendency to reg-

ister somewhat tropical on the thermometer.

However, we experience the tropics without the palm trees, ocean beaches and food stands selling coconut drinks and conch fritters.

So, second to booking a flight, packing your bags and sunscreen, and traveling hours southeast to, let’s say, the small island nation of Dominica, the easiest way to enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine is to hop in your car and drive downtown to the Brady Arts District.

Eben Shillingford, whose family hails from Dominica, planted his Brady beach umbrella in early 2014 when he and his wife, Natalie, opened Sisserou’s at West Archer and North Main streets.

The restaurant pays homage to his home island’s cuisine, as well as other parts of the Caribbean. The namesake Sisserou is a beautiful (and now endangered) parrot, found only in Dominica’s mountainous rainforest, and the bird appears on the nation’s flag.

Chef Ben Alexander heads up the kitchen. You might recognize him from Wolfgang Puck Bis-

Sisserou’s: A Taste of the Caribbean 107 N. Boulder Ave. (enter through the parking lot on North Main and East Archer streets), 918-576-6800, www.sisserous restauranttulsa.com Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., MondayThursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday

tro, where he cooked before coming to Sisserou’s, but he is now putting his spin on Shillingford’s family recipes.

My parents and I enjoyed every dish we were served when we stopped in on a recent Friday evening, so it appears Alexander has hit his stride.

As soon as we were seated, our enchanting server, Gregory, shared a bit of background on the restaurant and hinted at a few menu highlights.

Seafood dishes at Sisserou’s are super fresh.

Shillingford found a supplier in Key West who flies in fresh-caught mahi mahi, red snapper and other seafood daily. All of the fish served is roughly 24 hours from its last swim in the ocean.

We took our cues from Gregory and started with the popular coconut shrimp ($14). Six jumbo shrimp, coated with shredded coconut and deep-fried, are plump and tender, yet crisp, and pair well with the slightly sweet orange marmalade dipping sauce.

We also enjoyed the Accras, the Sisserou’s version of hush puppies ($11). Although deep fried, these fish cakes made from salted cod are light and airy, and are served with cool cucumber and dill sauce — a cross between ranch and tartar sauce.

We heavily considered the Plantain Poppers ($8), ripe plantains stuffed with guava, cheddar and hot sauce and then deep fried, but decided to save them for the next visit.

We fought over spoonfuls of my dad’s bowl of Callaloo ($7). The traditional Caribbean soup is made from spinach, okra, herbs, spices and cocoTulsaPeople.com

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DINING OUT

nut cream, pureed until smooth and served with a dollop of lump crabmeat and a Parmesan crisp.

Next time I’m getting a bowl for myself.

The menu features an assortment of salads and sandwiches, the standout being a Cuban sandwich ($13). Alexander marinates pork shoulder in Mojo — the traditional marinade of Cuba that includes garlic, orange juice and oregano — before roasting it low and slow until tender.

After being shredded, the meat is stuffed into a toasted Cuban roll, drizzled with habañero mayo and topped with thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles and coarse Dijon mustard.

Mahi mahi and jerked chicken are two mainstays of any Caribbean menu, and both are represented well at Sisserou’s. Thick filets of mahi mahi ($22) are quickly pan seared and served over steamed rice and a delicate medley of shredded cabbage and thinly sliced onion flavored with a good dose of spice.

The jerk chicken ($15) takes a bit longer to come together. The marinade — made from allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, a mixture of baking spices (cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) and lots of thyme, garlic and green onions — sits for 24 hours before the chicken is added. Then, the chicken marinates another 24 hours. After a stint on the grill, the flavorful meat is served with rice and beans and delicious, grilled street corn coated with creamy mayo and cayenne pepper.

Other island-inspired offerings include stewed oxtail ($16), Caribbean curry with chicken or shrimp ($13; $17) and whole red snapper for two ($45), which is stuffed with crab, shrimp, breadcrumbs and lemon, baked and then carved tableside. The snapper takes 30 minutes, so call ahead to order it or be prepared to sip a few rum drinks

while you wait.

The signature Banana Crepe Soufflé (crepes filled with a soufflé mixture, baked and served over flambéed bananas with a drizzle of chocolate rum sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream; $10) also takes awhile to cook, so be sure to order one when you decide on dinner.

Other desserts include chocolate lava cake ($10), coconut crème brûlée ($8), rum cake ($8) and an assortment of sorbets ($8).

The restaurant’s interior takes a cue from colorful island life, including the Sisserou parrot, with bright fixtures, painted walls and artwork. The tall ceilings and wall of factory windows in the old Ward Building hint at the restaurant’s past life as an industrial space.

For now, enjoy the building’s resurrection as a local ode to island life. Order a rum drink, snack on some delicious seafood and relax as Shillingford and company welcome you to their Caribbean getaway. tþ

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Accras (cod fish cakes)

The jerk chicken features half a chicken, marinated and grilled, served with spicy grilled corn, rice and beans.

Grapefruit martini

TABLE TALK

The buzz on Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastiest products, restaurants and events

by JUDY ALLEN

One great dish

G

Gazpacho is technically classified as a soup, but it has more in common

with a smoothie than any pot of simmering chicken and noodles. Served chilled, gazpacho is by all means the perfect summer soup. It can be made in a blender without a lick of cooking, it is refreshing on a hot day, and it makes the best use of fresh produce.

A fair amount of perfect vine-ripened tomatoes are essential for the classic variety. That being said, gazpacho has morphed into versions containing no tomatoes; green gazpacho gets its kick from tomatillos and cucumbers, while delicate white gazpacho takes on a sweeter note with the addition of grapes and almonds.

These riffs on the classic Spanish staple are sure to keep you refreshed and satisfied through the end of summer ... and you can save those tomatoes for the perfect BLT.

White Gazpacho

Serves 4 This Spanish blend of green grapes and almonds is bright and refreshing, with nary a tomato in sight.

Judy Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green gazpacho

Judy Allen

2 cups of crustless stale bread, broken into pieces 2 English cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped 2 cups green seedless grapes, sliced in half, plus more for serving 1 cup slivered blanched almonds, very lightly toasted, plus more for garnish 2 chopped garlic cloves 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste 3/4 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar or cider vinegar Minced fresh chives for garnish In a large bowl, place bread, cucumbers, grapes, almonds and garlic. Add stock and salt and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soften.

Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If desired, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Whisk in yogurt, olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and chill until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and serve, sprinkled with green grapes, chives and almonds and a drizzle of olive oil.

TulsaPeople.com

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Green Gazpacho Serves 4

Tomatillos, not related to the tomato, add a pleasant zing. For a more traditional gazpacho, use chopped green, yellow or red tomatoes instead.

1 avocado, pitted 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 English cucumber, seeded and coarsely chopped 1 pound tomatillos, husks removed, coarsely chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded (if desired) and chopped One 15-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Mexican crema, for serving Thinly sliced green onion, for serving In a blender or food processor add avocado, garlic, cucumber, tomatillos, bell pepper and jalapeño and process until almost smooth, but some chunks remain.

Transfer to a large bowl and stir in broth and sugar. Season well with salt and pepper and chill until ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with crema and sprinkle with green onions.

Out and about

S

Sharpen those steak knives. Downtown Tulsa is hosting two nights of

championship steak cook-offs.

On the first night, Aug. 22, the U.S. Invitational Steak Championship will draw teams from across the nation to find one true American champion.

On Aug. 23, more than 50 teams from around the region will try their hands at grilling up the “Best Steak in Oklahoma” at the Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-off. After the competition, patrons will dig into a 16-ounce rib-eye steak dinner, including baked potato, salad, bread and beverages.

Other activities include a classic car show, live music and tasty samplings offered throughout the afternoon by many of the cooking teams. Don’t miss the Firehouse Cooking Challenge, featuring a spirited grilling competition among four Tulsa Fire Department stations.

This year welcomes the new Kid and Family Zone, along with a massive car show with more than 100 exotic and specialty cars. Leake Car Auctions will give away trophies in several categories.

As always, profits from the OCSC benefit our community. This year a portion will go to TYPros to assist the Tulsa Zoo, to Our Garden Project and to others.

Tickets are $20. A limited number of tickets will be available at the event, which is at 501 S. Cincinnati Ave. To learn more, including how to sign up young cooks for the Grilling with Kids event, visit www.oksteakcookoff.com.

The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival has been one of the most popular community food festivals in Oklahoma since its inception in August 1948.

Featuring more than 100 vendors, the festival serves more than 50,000 pounds of ripe watermelon each year on the second Saturday in August to crowds of 20,000-plus. On Aug. 9, visitors are rewarded with a seed-spitting contest, carnival rides and icy-cold, free watermelon slices during the heat of the afternoon.

The festival is located in Jeff Davis Park (Arapaho Avenue and Holly A Street), Rush Springs, Okla. For details, call 580-476-3103 or visit www.rushspringswatermelonfestival.com. tþ

Judy Allen is an award-winning journalist, avid home cook and food magazine/cookbook junkie. Prior to moving back to her home state, she was the senior food editor for Martha Stewart Living magazine. She also has developed recipes, written articles and styled food stories for Real Simple, Cooking Light, Cottage Living and Food Network magazines. In her spare time, she blogs at www.homemadeoklahoma.com.

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The List

by JUDY ALLEN

“But, oh, those summer nights ...” Tulsans love to enjoy the outdoors in the summer, from lake activities to ball games to dining al fresco. If only it would cool down a little in the evenings.

I don’t like to turn on the stove in August to make dinner. Fortunately our restaurants do. For summer dining, lighter fare seems to fit the bill.

Libby Auld, owner of The Vault, knows how to do veggies. A vegetarian herself, the chef is a fixture at the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market and hosts vegetarian wine dinners at the restaurant. I love her quinoa cakes ($8), three vegan and gluten-free quinoa patties served with roasted red bell pepper rouille. 620 S. Cincinnati Ave., 918-948-6761, www.vaulttulsa.com Although it is listed as an appetizer, I enjoy the Crab, Avocado and Mango Stack ($15) at Waterfront Grill as a main course. The hearty portion features a generous amount of jumbo lump crabmeat tossed in creamy remoulade sauce and layered high with diced avocado and mango. 120 Aquarium Drive, Jenks; 918-518-6300; www.waterfrontgrilljenks. com Michael V’s became well known (and loved), thanks to chef and owner Michael Minden’s hearty takes on American cuisine — beef Wellington anyone?

But a few years ago he revamped his menu, adding several healthier options. I order the Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna Club ($10.50) on a whole-wheat bun with alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, tomato, citrus aioli and fries.

8222 E. 103rd St., Ste. 137; 918-369-0310; www.michaelvsrestaurant.com Some nights it is nice to grab a dinner that is really just a glorified snack. The Antipasto Plate ($18) at Tavolo includes an assortment of Italian cheeses and cured meats, olives, cherry peppers, artichokes, marinated mushrooms and crostini. Paired with an order of bruschetta (chef’s choice; $9) and a glass of Italian red, dinner is complete. 427 S. Boston Ave., 918-949-4498, www.tavolotulsa.com The lobster dinner at White River Fish Market is only available Tuesday and Wednesday evenings — a great reason to get out and about on a weeknight.

For $23, you get a broiled lobster tail and two side dishes (hush puppies are included, but I would definitely add onion rings). If you can’t get out until the weekend, go for the flounder ($15.95), a mainstay since the restaurant opened in 1942. While you’re there, grab some fish at the market to grill at home. 1708 N. Sheridan Road, 918-835-1910, www.whiteriverfishmarket.com

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WINE

SIPS BY THE GLASS

Thirst quenchers

Temper the Oklahoma heat with the coolness of a summer white.

by RANDA WARREN, MS, CWE, AIWS, CSS*

D

Dehydration is the enemy in August, and

one’s thoughts should be on quenching thirst at every opportunity. Water by day and wine by night.

The spotlight this month is on white wine because it is served chilled and is meant to cool you down quickly.

I find high-acid wines work the best in summer. When you think about the non-alcoholic beverages you drink in hot temps, they all have some sort of acid in them — lemonade, iced tea with lemon, cherry limeade.

Even the foods we eat in the heat are laced with rivulets of acid to keep your palate cleansed and refreshed.

You can almost taste the freshly grilled salmon squirted with a squeeze of lemon, tangy ceviche (citrus-cured seafood), fajitas with a squeeze of lime and lemon meringue pie.

High-acid foods require high-acid wines for balance. Think of a high-acid white wine as a squeeze of lemon in your food pairings.

Some interesting summer white wines to try include: dry Riesling from Alsace, France, Germany or California; Vinho Verde from Portugal; bone-dry Muscadet from the Loire Valley, France; Torrontes from Argentina; Gruner Veltliner from Austria; Pinot Blanc, Falanghina or Greco di Tufo from Italy; and a white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle from southwest France. tþ

*Wine columnist Randa Warren is a Master Sommelier; Certified Wine Educator; Associate Member of the Institute of Wines and Spirits; and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

PATIO PLEASER

A FRESH START

1-2-3, ALL FOR ME

2012 Bodegas Zudugarai Getariako Txakolina, Spain — $16.99

2012 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina — $15.79

2010 Weingut Josef Leitz Eins Zwei Dry Riesling Trocken, Rheingau, Germany — $17.99

Dry, light, palate-cleansing Hondarrabi Zuri (the grape) will expand and enlighten your wine fridge this summer.

Perfect with light appetizers.

Torrontes has a beautiful Ivory soap sort of smell, along with a sexy, floral characteristic. It’s pleasant to drink, with high acid and an unusual kick of alcohol (nearly 14 percent).

Not all Rieslings are sweet, hence the words “dry” and “trocken” (also meaning dry) on the label. With its mineral flavors, this one makes a big splash any time of day.

Editor’s note: Prices current as of June 2014.

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CHEROKEE ART MARKET OCTOBER 1 1

& 1 2 , 2014

David Scott –“Fishing at Night” (gourd) Shawna Cain –“Reclaiming Our Sacred Symbol” (basket)

For artist registration or attendance information, visit CherokeeArtMarket.com or call toll free (877) 779-6977 • I-44 Exit 240, Catoosa, OK

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COUNTRY COOL

CASTLEBERRY’S AN AUTHORIZED ETHAN ALLEN RETAILER TULSA 6006 SOUTH SHERIDAN 918.496.3073 72

TulsaPeople August 2014

©2014 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

good life TRENDS ✻ HOME ✻ HEALTH

Bowl game

Whether you bleed crimson or orange, these chip-worthy vessels will help you cheer on the home team this football season.

by KENDALL BARROW

Clockwise from top left: Julia Knight 4-inch petite bowls, $25.95 each, recycled glass orange bowls (stacked), $16.95, small/$35.95, large, all from Nielsens; Le Cadeaux melamine bowls, $15, small blue/$36, large yellow, from Margo’s; Nambe “Braid” three-bowl condiment server, $150, from Miss Jackson’s; and Julia Knight 13-inch Yin Yang bowl, $175.95, from Nielsens. tp

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HAUTE TOPICS

A roundup of trends, events, sales, shows and other lifestyle notes

by JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT

OK, that’s a lie. I rather loathed every aspect of education, minus the reading part.

What I came closest to loving most about those first- through 12th-grade years, however, was buying school supplies. Not so much the Trapper Keepers and colored pencils (lie — loved them like a love song, Selena), but the fashionable accouterment.

As sweat isn’t attractive outside a Beyoncé video or David Beckham underwear ad, one of the very few redeemable qualities of August is the traditional opportunity to buy new clothes, which I mostly kept in mind while writing this seasonal missive celebrating our youngest ones’ annual return to academia. Why should they have all the fun?

Shake your booties

Courtesy of J. Cole

This fall, it seems shoes are all about the bootie, baby.

Ankle boots will be everywhere in all heights, from heels to flats, forecasts Heather Johnson of J. Cole Shoes, 9930 Riverside Parkway.

J. Cole has many lines of ankle boots, from $99-$500. This fall, they’ll carry the fabulous Free People shoe line, which complements lines they already stock, such as I.E. Freebird and those famous Frye boots.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Over-the-knee boots will be huge, too, as Johnson and the ladies at J. Cole spied them everywhere at market, from flat to high, chunky heels — and in all types of materials, like stretchy ones that fit your leg like a glove.

Dress shoes will be back with a bang, Johnson says, including pointy-toed shoes and more midheels.

“The mid-heel is such a great height because it’s what I call the walkable heel,” she says. “It gives the leg a great line.”

As for colors, black, brown and cognac are still big, but expect greens, burgundy and navy this year, too — and snake, which was everywhere at market, Johnson says. In fact, she went as far as deeming it “the pattern of the season.”

P.S.: J. Cole will have a Frye trunk show 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sept. 20, during which they’ll be giving away a pair of those fabulous boots and a handbag.

Child’s play The purveyors of pint-size style at Utica Square’s Lolly Garden children’s boutique are focusing on back-toschool, of course.

“This fall I am seeing a lot of denims in shirts, jumpers, skirts and jackets for both girls and boys,” says the store’s Manager/Buyer Rachel Calvert.

Usually children’s clothing trends are a year behind adult trends, she reminds. Last year was big on chambrays and denim, so this fall she expects the fabrics to be popular for kids.

New clothing lines she’s excited about include Cavelle Kids, Anthem of Ants and Joah Love, which will debut in the store this month, Calvert says. You’ll find them along popular lines like Tea, Splendid, Kickee Pants and many more.

While you’re there, check out those adorable sleep mats from Wildkin, as well as backpacks and lunch bags by Beatrix.

P.S.: Pop into Lolly Garden and ask about their baby and mom yoga classes, which start at 9 a.m., Aug. 26. Classes are free, but you’ll need to bring your own mat.

Fresh faced Although Retin-A is still the most effective collagen producer on the pharmaceutical market, “There’s a new kid on the block,” according to skin guru Gabriel Horn.

“Growth factors, which are basically some form of stem-cell growth factor products, have been creeping up in popularity and finally have reached the point where medical professionals are taking notice,” says Horn, medical aesthetician at Dr. Joey Manduano Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery, 2219 E. 21st St. Dr. Joey Manduano says growth factor products stimulate skin repair and regeneration and help protect against future aging.

Dr. Gayle Naughton has improved her groundbreaking growth hormone agent by mimicking an embryonic state, which maximizes the output of human growth factor by at least three times that of previous products, Horn explains. The product is named ReGenica, which is applied twice daily to change the tone, texture and collagen-building ability of skin.

P.S.: I’ve fallen in love with Offects Exfoliating Polish by renowned skincare maestro Dr. Zein Obagi. It includes ultra-fine magnesium crystals that exfoliate dead skin cells and increase epidermal turnover for a cleaner, smoother, more eventoned complexion ($60 at Horn’s office). tp Courtesy of Lolly Garden

I

I loved school.

A Mississippi native, Jason Ashley Wright has called Tulsa home since 1998. He spends his free time finishing a novel, contemplating his next meal and hanging with his Maine Coon, Ali Tabouli.

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HOME

Global design A young family updates its mid-century home to incorporate treasures from all over the world.

by ASHLEY ANTLE

S

Sarah and Sean Doyle have traveled the globe, and their home tells the stories of their many adventures. From Argentina to India to Paris, a relic — or two or three — from each of their stops is displayed somewhere in their recently remodeled 1950s home.

They purchased the ranch-style home in February 2012. Coming from compact apartment living in San Francisco, the young family wanted a place to spread out, and the midtown home’s large corner lot and park-like setting was an immediate attraction.

“After living in a tiny apartment in San Francisco for seven years, we liked the idea of a big yard,” Sarah says. “We came and looked at this, and it was like a park back there, so we knew this was it.”

While the expansive yard was exactly what the Doyles wanted, the home needed an extensive renovation to give them the updated, open spaces perfect for the couple and their two daughters.

“The house was in really beautiful shape,” Sarah says. “We purchased it from the original owner and she had taken really great care of it, but it was a lot of small little rooms. The kitchen looked out the front. So we really just rearranged it. We knew we wanted to just open it up, and we wanted to turn the focus to the back.”

With the help of contractor David Trebilcock and architect Ken Vives, the Doyles took every room in the home down to its studs, removed a few walls to open up the living area and kitchen, moved the kitchen from the front side of the house to the back, and added a master bedroom and bathroom.

While Sarah did consult with interior designer and friend Dustin Dorr, she decorated much of the interior herself, and the home is expertly appointed.

White washed

The home features several works of artist and close friend of the Doyles, Sara Westover.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

The entire home is painted white, with pops of color in a wall hanging here or a piece of furniture there.

“I like to add color with rugs,” Sarah says of the rich patterns that anchor each space.

Vaulted ceilings with exposed metal beams painted white give an industrial flair, and oak floors throughout the entire home bring a sense of warmth. The overall look is bright, clean, spacious and modern.

“I like white,” Sarah says. “I like big and open. I could see that this house could be that. I knew I wanted white, open, vaulted ceilings.”

The kitchen features creamy Caesarstone quartz counters atop high-gloss white IKEA cabinets that are dressed up with aged brass pulls. Sarah chose open shelving rather than closed cabinetry for upper storage to keep the room’s open feel. It also shows off the stunning marble tile backsplash in a subway tile pattern that runs from the countertops to the ceiling.

Two white and brass pendant lights from Visual Comfort hang over the 8-foot island and help tie in the brass hardware. All Thermador stainless steel appliances from Metro Appliances & More

Vaulted ceilings with exposed metal beams painted white give the living area a grand, spacious feel.

make the kitchen a cook’s dream.

“I like the stainless steel with the brass,” Sarah says of the mixed metals.

“We’re eclectic around here.”

The master bedroom and bathroom addition features the same color scheme as the rest of the home. With an elevated view of the backyard and the spalike feel of the bathroom, the serenity of these two spaces is unmatched.

“This is what we love about this house,” Sarah says about the master bedroom vieww. “It feels like a treehouse. When you are lying in this bed, it feels like you are up in a tree.”

The bathroom features limestone floors, a large Kohler soaking tub and an expansive shower with a pebble floor and glass surround.

Large windows and glass doors across the back of the home provide a perfect view of the infinity-edge pool and the serene backyard. Jeff Landberg with Pool Creations and landscape architect Dave Collins designed the outdoor space.

Found objects

An artist and close friend of the Doyles, Sara Westover, whose pieces can be found at M.A. Doran Gallery, created much of the artwork that hangs throughout the home. The homeowners purchased other decorative pieces around the house from flea markets all over the country and around the world.

A mid-century modern sunflower floor lamp that Sarah found on Craigslist while living in San Francisco arches over the living room’s sectional sofa. An old wheat sifter purchased from the annual Round Top Flea Market in Texas sits atop the mantel as an intriguing industrial focal point.

Hanging in the entrances to their girls’ bedrooms are African Kuba cloths, or mud cloths, that Sarah bought while in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Sean worked for a stint.

The rooms and en suite bathrooms are mirror images of each other, except for one eye-catching detail. Each girl chose her own paint color for her bathroom vanity. Three-year-old Lucy chose a bold, cheery green, while 5-yearold Maggie chose a bright robin’s egg blue.

Both bathrooms are simply, yet beautifully designed, with white subway tile shower/bath combos and white hex-tile floors. A playful woven wall hanging featuring cows in pale colors hangs in Maggie’s bathroom. Sarah picked it up at a flea market in Africa long before she had children.

“I thought it would be cute in a kids’ room someday,” she says.

And that’s how most of her decorative purchases have been made — in an almost instinctual way.

“I feel sort of drawn to a piece, and I’ll find a spot for it,” she says. “I’m not a ‘matchy-matchy’ person. If I love it, I’ll make it work in the house somewhere.” tþ TulsaPeople.com

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HOME

The Doyles moved the kitchen from the front side of the house to the back and removed a few walls to create a continuous living, dining and kitchen area.

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TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

The master bath features limestone floors, a large soaking tub and oversized shower.

ASK the APPLIANCE

EXPERT NAME: Brian Carr OCCUPATION: Service Manager, Metro Appliance Repair

Q:

The master bedroom offers an elevated view of the heavily treed backyard.

Why is my under counter ice machine suddenly producing less or no ice?

A:

All residential ice machines require a semiannual cleaning. This is a simple process using an ice machine cleaner which is available at Metro Appliances & More.

Preventative maintenance will help you enjoy your ice machine for years to come. If you continue to experience service issues, please call Metro Service at 918-280-2401 for repair.

The infinity pool overlooks the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park-like backyard.

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NOW ONLINE The best of Tulsa — music, arts, dining, news and more.

Come find out what’s really happening.

MUSINGS

Grass: it’s a guy thing every shiny new garden I see. And I want it right now.

Oh, how my eyes sparkled when I read that in 2010 the New York Botanical Garden had an exhibition combining Emily Dickinson’s poetry and flowers. I wanted that garden for myself.

“Emily Dickinson’s Garden: The Poetry of Flowers” was a spring flower show with a self-guided poetry walk. The Poetry Society of America was the collaborator.

I called the Botanical Garden and ordered copies of the program. Here were pictures of Dickinson’s favorite flowers from her 19th century New England garden: peony, columbine, daisy, dandelion and more. Here were her poems, miniature word portraits of those flowers — columbine’s bonnet, daisy’s shyness, hyacinth’s ruffled head.

I read she was better known as a gardener than a poet when she was alive and that she frequently sent nosegays to friends. Often she tucked a tiny poem into the bouquet gift.

My appetite grew. Now I wanted a Tulsa garden exhibit of Dickinson’s flowers combined with a poetry reading. I wanted the whole package.

Although I’m as greedy as a magpie, my attention span is more like a mayfly. My memory flittered from Dickinson to a lecture I heard about gardens of the Bible. What a fascinating exhibition that could be, with information about the irrigation skills required and interpretations about the biblical vineyards, olive trees, oaks and cedars, thorns and herbs, figs, pomegranates and fragrant paradises.

My own garden is an exuberant hodge-podge of roses, dahlias, hollyhocks and whatever beguiling annual catches my eye. I describe it, rather grandly, as an Oklahoma version of a cottage garden. That means it is crowded and overplanted.

One of my favorite escapes is to sit in the

dappled sun of my back garden and read. This serenity has been shattered of late by two small children next door. I like the children, and to them we must seem like a scene from “To Kill a

Connie Cronley

I

I’m a magpie when it comes to gardens. I want

by CONNIE CRONLEY

Mockingbird” with me as a friendly Boo Radley.

However. Guess how many times an hour small children can say, “Hi, Connie. Hi, Connie.

Hi, Connie,” in piping voices? A lot. A whole lot. This calls for a handyman and a taller picket fence.

Is it worth it? This time of the summer, both the garden and I are burned out. All that remains is the grass with its malevolent mantra, “Mow me. Mow me.”

As much as I enjoy my small patch of grass, we don’t bond as I do with the garden of shrubs and flowers. Here’s my take on lawns.

Grass: it’s a guy thing.

I don’t know any women who enjoy edging and blowing and mowing their lawns as much as my male neighbors do. The men may not even look

at flowers, but their lawns are their pride and joy and glory. For a while, to my gardening embarrassment, my neighbor was a single young man whose grass was far better than my own. I hired a lawn care company to get me up to speed.

What is the reason for this attitude toward our lawns and gardens? My theory, without justification, is that flower gardens represent domesticity to women. This is our nest and we beautify it.

I don’t understand the ego of grass. Maybe it is the masculine energy of mowing and edging large spaces. Maybe it is the suggestion of a golf course. Maybe it is the history of lawns that connect men to the lord of the manor.

Lawns are a 16th century European invention.

The original term was launde, meaning “a glade in the woods.” Then, in the 17th century, lawns were cultivated around French and English castles. These were often planted with chamomile or thyme, and since they required cheap labor to maintain them, they were the provinces of the wealthy.

Fast-forward to the late 1800s and the invention of the rotary lawn mower and the garden hose. Every man could be a lord.

Before that, Woodrow Wilson kept sheep on the White House lawn. And then came the 19th century public parks, and then post-World War II suburbs with miles of houses surrounded by lawns.

And here we are.

The neighborhood men are outside with their pride and their noisy lawn equipment defying the heat, and I am inside with air conditioning and a book. Vive la différence. tþ Connie Cronley is a columnist, an author of three books and a public radio commentator. Her day job is executive director of Iron Gate soup kitchen and food pantry.

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McGraw Realtors

Luxury ProPerTy GrouP aT mCGraw reaLTors ViLLarese 3102 S Rockford Drive Hardwoods & upscale finishes throughout. Fabulous vaulted Great room & formal dining. Commercial grade kitchen with Pounds & Francs cabinetry. Wine room.

Elegant master bath with boutique closet . Additional 2 bdrms on level one. 4th bdrm upstairs with theater room & bar. Private covered outdoor living with fireplace & kitchen. Infinity pool with waterfall. $1,295,000

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reduCed GROTTOS - Incredible 3 Bedroom, Sleeping Loft, 3.5 Baths, 2 living areas, marble, stainless, hardwoods, awesome private dock, detached garage, great views from the outdoor living space with fireplace and professionally landscaped!

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2636 E 22nd Place. Utica Square Cape Cod. Custom built in 1990, this home has amazing features and is in “like new” condition! Master suite is on the first floor w/ French doors that lead to a screened porch. 2 story vaulted living room w/gas log fireplace, hardwoods, & easy access to the granite countered kitchen, & formal dining room. Study upstairs has built-in bookcases. 2 more bdrms up. $514,900.

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a neTworK of BroKers rePresenTinG The finesT ProPerTies worLdwide McGraw realtors has enjoyed the reputation of beinG northeastern oklahoMaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader in sellinG luxury hoMes. the luxury property Group at McGraw is an extension of this reputation. the luxury property Group brinGs toGether these experts in MarketinG luxury and unique properties, eMployinG the hiGhest standards.

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Two levels of outdoor living with spectacular pool views. $569,000.

Beautiful 4 BR,4 BA lake home on the Langley bluff with panoramic views of Grand Lake.

This one level ranch has been updated with tile, stainless & granite. Home has 2 kitchens, private bath w/every bedroom, beautiful outdoor living planned by master gardner, built in generator, separate potting shed or storage, & completely fenced, $495,000

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1729 E. 29th St. Forest Hills finest! Recently added Master Suite with his & hers bathrooms, Updated kitchen opens to living area. Large bedrooms upstairs all with En Suite baths. Large lot with multiple outdoor patios overlooking swimming pool. 4bed 5.5bath. $1.15MM

2618 E 37th St. Custom built in 1992 for the present owner, this 5,616 sq ft home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms plus 2 half baths, and 4 living areas. The master suite and guest bedroom are on the first floor with the 3 additional bedrooms upstairs plus huge game room! A side entry 3 car garage & pool completes this home. $895,000

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McGraw Realtors

Luxury ProPerTy GrouP aT mCGraw reaLTors hamPTon oaKs 11909 S Granite Avenue Gorgeous home situated on .77 acre lot M/L backing to green area. Updated throughout. Wonderful granite kitchen with oversized center island. Entertain in the elegant formal dining, or casual meals in the informal dining while enjoying pool views.

Wet bar, formal living, dining & study, Fab Master suite, 4 FPs, Pool with waterfall & rock scape. Game & exercise room up. 4 car. $899,000.

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720 W 108th Place Enjoy state of the art entertainment in Casita with fireplace, pool and spa.

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7402 E 95th Street Come discover all of its treasures and impeccable selections! Extensive Renovation. $399,900.

16 Woodward Blvd Boston Square Condo now available.

2 living areas with fabulous view of Riverparks! $389,000.

12002 S Kingston Place. REDUCED!!! Fabulous new construction in Gated Crestwood. Cul de sac lot. $975,000.

12023 S Kingston Avenue. Transitional style throughout.

Master and guest suite on level one. $1,110,000.

10717 S 96th East Place Gorgeous new construction with attention to detail. Pool/park. Bixby Schools. $449,900.

9301 N 95th Place. Wonderful one level full brick home.

Huge stainless steel granite kitchen. Owasso. $249,900.

The Points - Prime waterfront lots east of Ketchum. Great views, gated community! 1.63 acres. $875,000

Vintage on Grand Lake, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2 living areas, custom designed , original owners. $425,000

2412 S St Louis Ave. Architecturally significant English Tudor.

Featured home on Restore America TV show! $675,000

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HEALTH

A special kind of care

Medical professionals weigh in on the benefits of specialists and specialty clinics.

by RACHEL WEAVER

A

At some point in our lives, most of us need

to see a specialist or specialty clinic for a particular need, whether it’s for pregnancy, a total knee replacement or relief from allergies.

Seeing a primary care doctor is often the first step to connect with the right specialist.

Dr. Candy Ting, a Utica Park Clinic at Hillcrest South osteopathic family practitioner, tells her patients she is their quarterback, coordinating their care to save them money and time.

The more times you see your primary care doctor, the more familiar they become with your body and health. This makes them better prepared to advise you to seek specialty care, should it become necessary.

“If I’ve seen a patient several times and I’ve done everything I can, then I will make a referral,” Ting says.

She uses the case of a small child with infections as an example. After treating and keeping track of a toddler’s multiple ear infections, she recommended the parents consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT).

Primary care doctors are trained to examine the entire patient and deal with most common problems, says Dr. Steve Sanders, vice president of medical affairs for Saint Francis Health System.

“But if there is a specific problem that develops — let’s say a cardiac irregularity — that’s when they would call in a cardiac specialist because they have additional training, both in terms of physical examination and diagnostic procedures that may need to be done,” he says.

Ting says choosing a primary care physician who is part of a hospital network can be beneficial because he or she has access to many specialists.

Specialists spend several years studying a certain system of the body so they are trained to treat specific issues. And even specialists can be sub-specialists.

Dr. Ronald Mark Guy, an ENT specialist at St. John Clinic, spent six years in residency after medical school with four of the years focused on ear, nose and throat. Some physicians will spend additional years studying a particular focus, such as the ear.

“If there’s an ear problem that’s difficult for me, I refer the patient to an otologist that just does ear surgery,” Guy says. “So, in a way, I’m a general ENT doctor. It’s just a process, a spectrum, of being a doctor.”

Specialists also invest in technology so they have specialized equipment for treatment, and typically specialists are more up to date on advanced treatments that may be available for certain diagnoses, Sanders says.

www.healthgrades.com is another way to find information on a particular specialty, or patients can call the hospital provider or clinic.

3.

handled quickly? “If you need an appointment, can they get you seen in a reasonable time period that meets your needs?” Sanders asks. Reasonable time frames can depend on the problem and the specialist. From a primary care perspective, Ting adds, “We need to get a patient in quickly. It doesn’t help when you want to see a specialist and your patient suffers in between.”

4.

Consider personality. Is he or she a caring person and easy to talk to? “Do they understand (and) let you express yourself and your concerns?” Guy asks. He suggests choosing a specialist you like and with whom you feel comfortable.

5.

Choose someone who wants to see your medical records. Guy advises a physician

How to get started

If you think you would benefit from seeing a specialist, the first step is to receive a recommendation and referral from a primary care doctor, which may be required by a health insurance provider.

Sometimes a primary care doctor makes referrals to a specialist whose work they know best.

“I think a lot of physicians work with the specialist they feel comfortable with,” Sanders says.

However, you can request a referral to a particular specialist. Should you wish to choose your own specialist, here are some tips: 1.

2.

Listen to word of mouth. Talk to friends and family who have used that clinic or specialist because they can give you insight, Sanders recommends.

Confirm board certification. Is he or she board certified in that particular specialty?

This information can be found on a physician’s website. Visiting a website such as

Make sure the specialist’s office can see you in a reasonable time frame. Is a phone call

should examine your history and ask questions during your examination.

If you need surgery, Sanders suggests investigating the following before selecting a surgeon: The types of procedures the specialist performs. “If I go in for a surgical procedure, No.

1, I would want to know how many surgeries of this type that particular surgeon has done,” Sanders says.

The procedure’s complication rate. How complex is the surgery, and how might the procedure or your recovery become complicated?

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HEALTH

Suggested questions: •

How many of his or her patients have developed an infection after the procedure?

•

How many of those patients have developed a post-operative complication?

“I think that’s important to know because those are things that can happen,” Sanders says, “and I think the specialists are becoming more aware that they need to track this type of information to make sure they have it available for their patients if they ask for that.”

In what hospital does the specialist operate? “That may be important from

an insurance perspective and also in case there are complications,” Sanders says.

Overall, “the lesson is that you want a well-educated doctor,” Guy says.

He also recommends finding a specialist who did well in medical school and went through a good residency program; someone who “took all the right classes/opportunities during their education.”

This information, along with board certification, should be listed on a physician’s website.

After seeing a specialist, you may wonder if the diagnosis or treatment given is right for you. That’s where a second opinion can come in, Guy says.

So, when an ache or pain doesn’t go away with a regular visit to your primary care doctor, consider a referral to a specialist. Above all, visit a doctor specifically trained to help your issue without self-diagnosing on the Internet, which Guy does not recommend. tþ

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Specifics about specialists Here are some common types of specialists and what they offer, provided by Dr. Steve Sanders, vice president of medical affairs for Saint Francis Health System: Allergy Seasonal and food allergy sufferers can seek relief with allergists.

Allergists do “allergy testing and determine what specific things patients are allergic to,” Sanders says. Patients can then receive treatment such as allergy shots.

Cardiology Sanders says most cardiologists deal with patients who have congestive heart failure or hypertension. They manage medications and monitor these patients’ weight. Cardiologists also perform catheterizations and look for blockages in the arteries.

Dermatology Dermatologists perform skin checks, he says, “especially during the summer time, looking for malignancies like melanoma caused by sun exposure.” Dermatologists also perform outpatient surgeries to remove skin lesions.

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) ENT doctors see patients with chronic sinus infections and nasal obstructions, which sometimes require surgery. These specialists also care for patients who have dizziness and chronic ear infections, according to Sanders.

Gastroenterology Gastroenterologists conduct colon screenings via procedures such as colonoscopies, “where they’ll look inside the colon for polyps that can lead to colon cancers,” Sanders says. “Also, for patients who have severe heartburn, they’ll do endoscopies where they’ll look at the stomach and prescribe medications for that.”

Neurology Headaches are one reason a patient may see a neurologist “to identify the reason for the headaches and if there are new or different medications that can be used to control those,” he says.

Oncology Oncologists treat patients with obvious malignancies or sometimes blood disorders such as anemia, Sanders says. Treatments suggested may include chemotherapy, radiation or transfusions.

Ophthalmology Ophthalmologists perform general eye examinations on patients, testing their vision. They also look for increased pressure in the eye or glaucoma. “This might require medication for treatment, but sometimes it may require surgery where they’ll go in and actually relieve the pressure in the eye,” Sanders says. More specialized ophthalmologists can identify blood vessel disorders.

…is an effective way of treating Neck, Low Back and/or Sciatica Pain caused by: Bulging/Herniated Discs, Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Syndrome, Failed Back Surgery.

Peterson Chiropractic

6808 S. Memorial, Suite 100 918.481.0655 • www.petersonchiropractictulsa.com 100

TulsaPeople AUGUST 2014

Orthopedics Orthopedics focuses on patients with joint pain or fractures. Kids may need fracture repairs if they play sports, he says, adding, “In the adult population, they’re mainly dealing with arthritis in the knees or shoulders; they may do injections; they also do surgery for joint replacements.”

Urology Urologists help patients with urinary or prostate problems, including cancer. Sanders says they can perform prostate surgery and help patients with chronic urinary tract infections.

at Whether you’re at work or talking with a friend, be yourself when it matters most. When others are tuned out you’ll be in harmony with the moment, because with The Hearing Doctor you’ll be hearing ready!

Dr. Vowell provides comprehensive exams including identifying lifestyle and various medical diseases that can have a negative impact on hearing function. Common services include earwax removal, routine children & adult hearing check-ups, tinnitus exam, industrial hearing conservation programs, custom fit noise/water/music ear protection, and hearing aid fitting and repair.

The family owned office specializes in developing personalized communication solutions so your hearing is ready for whatever life has to throw at it. Audiologist Dr. Brandy Vowell focuses on keeping your hearing at its best by using the latest technology including Lyric. Lyric is the only hearing aid that can be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for months at a time, without daily insertion or removal. Since Lyric is placed deep in the ear canal you can enjoy the daily routines of life hassle free.

From age 0 to 100, every five years, your ears need a check up to keep them working at the speed of sound! Contact The Hearing Doctor and maintain your hearing at its best!

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Searching for the best medical care for you and your family?

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A SPONSORED EDITORIAL SECTION

SPECIALTY CLINICS 2014 Medical specialists and practices fill a number of needs in the medical community. Working with primary care physicians, specialists focus on a specific region of care to help patients lead a healthy life. The following medical specialists and their clinics help shape Tulsa’s medical landscape.

MyMD of Tulsa Dr. Christopher Teter opens new concierge medical practice.

In 2004, Christopher Teter, M.D. became the first Oklahoma physician to practice concierge medicine, a form of medical care giving the patient uncompromised attention.

“As a practicing internist in Tulsa for more than 30 years, I realize that patients still value very highly their doctor-patient relationship,” Teter says. “As payor systems become increasingly complicated for the patient to navigate, it remains the physician’s job to clearly communicate the patient’s needs to the multilayered systems. Patients like to know that the doctor knows them and remembers them from year to year. It is my job to see that my patients are seen as individuals and their issues are met promptly, correctly, and with dignity; no matter how large our health systems become.”

Teter, who earned his bachelor’s from Stanford University and his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma, specializes in the management of chronic medical conditions as well as primary care and preventive care strategies.

MyMD of Tulsa opened its new private practice office in mid-south Tulsa on April 1, 2014. It was built with the comfort and convenience of the patients in mind. MyMD of Tulsa keeps a low client census to ensure patients always have ready access to appointments and medical direction. Dr. Teter is available after hours via his cell phone for any patient needs.

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Dr. Christopher Teter “Our concept of concierge medicine is unique in that we are not involved with third-party payor systems,” says Robin Teter, wife and registered nurse with over 30 years experience. “Our patients pay a monthly subscription fee to the practice and no office co-pay. There is no billing MyMD of Tulsa or charge to insurance or Medicare for doctor’s 3124 E. 71st St., Suite 120 visits or office procedures. We are dedicated to 918-619-9090 providing the very best individualized care for our www.mymdoftulsa.com patients.”

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Options exist for cancer patients who want a family.

Inset: Laurence Altshuler, MD

Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa Fertility options for cancer patients Cancer does not ask to interrupt a person’s life; it invades without permission causing their priorities to suddenly change. For many young adults whose worlds are turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, they may be focused on fighting their disease and not realize how their future can be affected.

Many cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can interfere with a patient’s ability to have children later in life. This can occur with any type of cancer, not just cancers affecting reproductive organs. That’s why Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Tulsa launched the Oncofertility Preservation Program. This program is designed to identify and preserve fertility as early in the treatment process as possible.

Laurence Altshuler, MD, internist and director of oncology intake services, leads the oncofertility program in Tulsa. “We have recently seen a trend of younger patients, both male and female, who are being diagnosed with a variety of cancers,” says Altshuler. “Often, they are not considering whether or not they can successfully have children later in life after treatment; instead, they are concentrating on fighting their cancer.”

“For patients who still want to have children, it is important that we explain potential oncofertility options to them before they begin treatment,” Altshuler says. For example, an individual may choose to freeze their egg or sperm, or a couple may want to freeze their embryo.

CTCA® partners with a local, certified fertility center to provide multiple options including egg retrieval and sperm collection; on-site storage of egg, sperm and embryos; as well as in-vitro fertilization. “Our focus is on the patient,” says Altshuler. “It’s our job to help inform our patients so they can make the best decisions for themselves, both Cancer Treatment Centers of now and in the future.”

America in Tulsa 10109 E. 79th St. 800-515-9610 www.cancercenter.com

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Gregory L. Wilson, D.O. Resolving Spinal Pain with Minimally Invasive Procedures

Dr. Gregory L. Wilson is a Tulsa native committed to servicing his community with the most expert care for patients with brain and spine diagnoses.

For more than 20 years, Wilson has taken a conservative approach to surgery resolving neck and spinal pain. This means he determines a course of action that meets healthy goals in the most appropriate manner. Typically this includes performing minimally invasive surgical procedures with great outcomes, no lengthy recovery, less pain and cost-effective means for the patient.

Minimally invasive surgery uses innovative techniques and cutting-edge technology to make small incisions, which minimizes the damaging effects of muscle retraction, attempting to leave the body as naturally intact as it was prior to surgery. Wilson performs minimally invasive cervical and lumbar surgery, brain surgery and spinal cord stimulation.

Dr. Gregory L. Wilson and Breanna J. Brumley, PA-C Wilson’s practice is located in a state-of-the-art facility with on-site MRI and quick appointment access. Recently, Wilson welcomed to the practice Physician Assistant Breanna Brumley — a great resource to patients and the clinic.

Wilson graduated from The University of Tulsa and the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is board certified in neurosurgery.

Please call today to make an appointment.

Gregory L. Wilson, D.O. 9709 E. 79th St. Office: 918-994-4000 Fax: 918-994-4090 Toll-Free: 1-877-994-4044

Tulsa Fertility Center

Reproductive endocrinologists provide infertility treatments Dr. Stanley Prough and Dr. Shauna McKinney provide patients hope for their parenting dreams.

As the area’s only two fellowship trained physicians in reproductive endocrinology, Prough and McKinney treat those having difficulty getting pregnant or with recurrent miscarriages.

“We also help preserve a patient’s fertility due to her upcoming cancer treatment or due to maternal age,” says Prough.

“Those who desire not to have children right now also can have their fertility preserved through our care,” adds McKinney.

Tulsa Fertility Center positions itself at the forefront of fertility treatment in the Tulsa area, attracting patients from across northeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

“We are the only full service in vitro fertilization clinic and laboratory in northeastern Oklahoma,” says J. Kevin Thibodeaux, Ph. D., laboratory director. This allows the physicians to treat all fertility issues here at the office. “We can effectively remove barriers to getting pregnant — male infertility, maternal age, blocked tubes or recurrent miscarriage, for example.”

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Dr. Shauna McKinney and Dr. Stanley Prough Besides IVF, Tulsa Fertility Center offers intrauterine insemination and surgeries to correct underlying infertility issues.

The vast majority of patients in the Tulsa area have insurance coverage for their initial visit and pre-testing, however only half of those patients will have insurance coverage for fertility treatment. Some fertility treatment Tulsa Fertility Center can be expensive and Tulsa Fertility Center can 115 E. 15th St. suggest an outside financing company.

918-359-2229

www.tulsafertilitycenter.com

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Sarah Hall, D.O. visits with a patient.

Oklahoma State University Physicians Meeting the health care needs of Tulsa and Oklahoma Oklahoma State University Physicians is providing vital health care services to patients in Tulsa and communities across the state. The OSU Physicians system is helping to ensure the health of all Oklahomans while training the next generation of Oklahoma doctors.

More than 50 faculty physicians comprise the OSU Physicians system, lead

by OSU Center for Health Sciences President Kayse M. Shrum, D.O., OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Interim Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs William Pettit, D.O., and OSU Physicians Medical Director Jenny Alexopulos, D.O. OSU Physicians experience more than 135,000 patient visits per year.

The OSU Physicians system comprises 13 clinics in Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma, with additional services provided to other locations through telehealth technology. The clinics are staffed by faculty physicians and medical residents in nine different specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmology, osteopathic manipulative medicine and cardiology.

The clinic system is committed to improving the health of all Oklahomans through preventative and general health care. Through community partnerships,

the clinics also are working to address womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health needs and tackle the challenges associated with childhood obesity.

The community-based clinics serve as a teaching model for medical students at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Patients receive high-quality service with the exceptional health care delivered in each visit to an OSU physician and students learn the skills necessary to be outstanding physicians.

The clinics are part of the OSU Center for Health Sciences, which offers professional and graduate studies in osteopathic medicine, biomedical sciences, forensic sciences and health care administration. OSU-CHS trains osteopathic physicians, research scientists and health care professionals, with an emphasis on serving rural and OSU Physicians underserved Oklahoma.

OSU Health Care Center 2345 Southwest Blvd.

918-582-1972 www.healthsciences.okstate.edu

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Twenty Twenty Eyecare Practice offers unique Corneal Vaulting Device for improving vision Persons who have fluctuating, blurry vision or vision loss due to Radial Keratotomy(RK) or an eye injury are those who benefit most from the skills of Lynsey Bigheart, O.D. and Shannon Morgans, O.D. at Twenty Twenty Eyecare in Tulsa. With the use of a Corneal Vaulting Device (CVD), the doctors at Twenty Twenty Eyecare can provide vision for those who can no longer see clearly with glasses or contact lenses.

The two optometrists specialize in the treatment of moderate to severe vision loss, including that caused by an abnormally shaped cornea or large amounts of astigmatism. The cornea is the front surface of the eye that can become distorted due to vision correction surgeries, eye injury, or eye diseases like keratoconus.

“The vision provided by a CVD is unparalleled because the device creates a smoother, more regular ocular surface,” says Bigheart. “The device is custom-made and

easily fit to the eye within an hour.

It is comfortable and durable. The CVD lasts up to two years with regular six month appointments.”

“A Corneal Vaulting Device is particularly helpful for those with abnormal corneas but it can also be beneficial for those who are unable to wear contact lenses Dr. Shannon Morgans and Dr. Lynsey Bigheart due to dry eye,” says Morgans.

“The space between the CVD and the anterior cornea acts as a tear reservoir to keep the front of the eye moist and comfortable.”

Twenty Twenty Eyecare Generally, anyone interested in achieving “their best 8931 S. Yale, Suite H vision possible” is a candidate for a corneal vaulting 918-794-6700 device. Insurance may help cover the cost. www.2020Tulsa.com

Heart Care of Tulsa, Inc. At the heart of the matter

W. W. Stoever, D.O. has been providing Tulsa and the surrounding communities cardiac care for over 30 years.

This longtime cardiologist has extensive knowledge in his specialty, providing the best possible care for his patients. He sees every person that walks into his office as a guest, inviting them into his practice.

Dr. Stoever was the founder of the first Cardiology Fellowship Program for Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa.

Whether the patient needs a routine check-up or more intensive testing, such as cardiac catheterization, coronary artery angioplasty, stenting or pacemaker placement, Dr. Stoever and his expert staff are ready to care for you every step of the way.

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Dr. Stoever and his team assess a patient’s vital statistics during an examination.

ICD monitoring, echo cardiographs and advance lipid testing are just a few of the common procedures done at his office. Dr. Stoever provides a registered dietician to all his lipid patients at no charge, teaching the patient how to take control of their diet to increase their ability to lower their cholesterol numbers.

Heart Care of Tulsa, Inc. By continually learning and making strides in 802 S. Jackson Ave., Suite 225 research, Dr. Stoever is able to help anyone who may 918-582-3332 need his cardiac services.

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Dr. James Higgins and son Dr. Chris Higgins in their Harvard Family Physicians building offices.

Higgins Cardiology James Higgins, M.D., and Chris Higgins, M.D., enjoy father-son practice The team of James Higgins, M.D., and son Chris Higgins, M.D., forms an experienced, highly-skilled invasive cardiology practice in Tulsa. The heart specialists perform several procedures including routine heart catheterization, emergent and elective cardiac/peripheral angioplasty/stenting, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, venous and cardiac ablation, cardioversions, and all non-invasive procedures such as arterial, venous, and cardiac sonography, nuclear stress testing, and CT angiography.

Dr. James Higgins opened his cardiology practice in 1986. The South Dakota native is a graduate of South Dakota State University, where he was a two-time All-American in basketball, and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester in New York. He interned at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, completed residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and fellowship at the University of California at San Francisco. Higgins served as director of invasive cardiology for the U.S. Air Force until leaving the military and establishing a medical practice in Tulsa.

“The best form of therapy is to prevent the heart attack,” says Higgins.

“Over many years, I’ve seen constant improvements and advancements in

surgical and preventive procedures, including the development of unbelievably good medicines that effectively help control blood pressure and lower cholesterol.”

Dr. Chris Higgins joined his father’s Tulsa practice in 2013. He is a graduate of Holland Hall School, Princeton University, and earned his medical degree at Columbia University. He served his internship and residency at Duke University, and fellowship at The Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

“I enjoy cardiology because it offers a very diverse field in medicine,” he says. “It combines being a radiologist, surgeon, primary care physician and intensive care doctor in one sub-specialty which I find very rewarding. Plus, so many people are affected by cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists today are doing quick-fix procedures that save people who are literally at death’s door.”

Higgins Cardiology 7912 E. 31st Court, Suite 320 918-496-8499

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Oklahoma Heart Institute offers the Cardiac CT Scan, under the direction of Dr. Victor Cheng, director of the Cardiac CT program.

Three-dimensional display of normal coronary arteries shown by cardiac CT. The coronary arteries are filled with contrast and appear bright in this image.

Cardiac CT at Oklahoma Heart Institute State-of-the-art scanner detects your risk for heart disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. But for many, the first symptom of heart disease is a heart attack.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma Heart Institute is changing that by offering a Cardiac CT Scan performed by a state-of-the-art ultrafast scanner that is more than 95 percent sensitive in detecting heart disease. The scanner creates detailed and accurate images of the heart and arteries in just seconds, all meaning easy and early detection of heart disease.

Dr. Victor Cheng administers this new technology at Oklahoma Heart Institute.

Cheng, who came to OHI via Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital, says using the Cardiac CT Scan is a good way to test if a patient’s symptoms are due to heart disease or if a patient with significant risk factors has developed heart disease.

“For both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, Cardiac CT detects the presence and amount of plaque in the coronary arteries,” Cheng says. “This information helps doctors tailor the intensity of recommended therapies to reduce heart attack risk and can motivate individuals to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle.”

He adds, “For individuals with chest pain or breathlessness, Cardiac CT is the most reliable noninvasive test to show that the person does not have significant

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coronary artery blockage. The use of Cardiac CT in this situation determines whether additional evaluation or treatment for coronary artery disease is needed.”

Cardiac CT is a painless screening test that uses an X-ray machine to take clear, detailed pictures of a heart and blood vessels. The scanner uses 50-90 percent less radiation than earlier generation scanners. The average patient is exposed to a radiation dosage comparable to a mammogram. This one-time radiation exposure is considered quite safe.

For individuals concerned about, or are at risk for, heart disease, Cardiac CT detects Oklahoma Heart Institute if there is no disease, mild 1120 S. Utica Ave. disease or severe disease.

1265 S. Utica Ave., Suite 300 Cardiac CT also effectively 9228 S. Mingo Road, Suite 200 determines presence of heart 8801 S. 101st E. Ave. disease in those who have 918-592-0999 undergone a stress test with www.oklahomaheart.com an inconclusive result.

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Functional Medical Institute

Better health through collaboration and education Adopting a healthy vision is a key to achieving and maintaining better health. Dr. Michele Neil, founding physician of the Functional Medical Institute, focuses her wellness-based practice on these principles.

“We are outcome based, looking at each individual’s unique health needs,” Neil says. “We aim to obtain the highest level of overall function and maintain it through a collaborative and educational approach involving doctor and patient.”

Functional Medical Institute sees those age 18 and older that have a healthy vision for their lives and want to adapt a health lifestyle to maintain long-term wellness and high quality of life.

“We encourage an active, education, individual process of being aware and making choice toward

a more successful existence and vital lifestyle,” Neil adds.

Neil uses the Physicians Prescription for Nutrition to balance out a person’s systems at the beginning of treatment. This 12-week program modifies and educates the patient in making the best choices regarding nutrition, exercise, stress and hormone balance.

Neil is board certified in sports and internal medicine and has vast experience in functional, integrative and nutritional medicine. Recently, Neil welcomed Naturopath Mark Sherwood to the practice. Sherwood’s background in nutrition, exercise and lifestyle counseling provides a great resource for the practice’s patients.

Dr. Michele Neil and Mark Sherwood Functional Medical Institute 6048 S. Sheridan Road 918-748-3640 www.fmidr.com

Lee Bottem, D.O. Tulsa’s Premiere Fellowship Trained Oculoplastic & Orbital Surgeon MEDICAL SERVICES:

Ophthalmic plastic surgeons are best qualified to perform surgeries and procedures focusing on the structures surrounding the eye. Lee Bottem, DO is a seasoned ophthalmologist who has completed a prestigious oculoplastic fellowship. He performs many functional surgeries, from upper and lower lid repair to benign and malignant facial and eyelid lesions.

Because the structures of and around the eye are such a delicate area, Dr. Bottem is frequently called upon by various dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to perform his distinct services.

PEDIATRIC OCULOPLASTICS:

He is also well-experienced in Pediatric Oculoplastics, providing our “littlest patients” (and their parents) excellent care and peace of mind in this uncommonly specialized practice.

Childhood orbital diseases and various injuries fall into this category.

COSMETIC SERVICES:

Dr. Bottem provides a variety of cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate your appearance. Non-surgical options such as Botox® and Juvederm® can help patients achieve a softer look with little to no downtime. Surgical approaches such as blepharoplasty (surgery on the upper and lower eyelids), as well as brow and cheek lifts are often performed, giving way to remarkable results.

Ophthalmology Consultants of Tulsa P: 918.994.4104 F: 918.994.4106

www.octulsa.com

Current Location:

9343 S. Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74133

As of Sept. 1, 2014 3920 E. 91st Street Tulsa, OK 74137

EDUCATION: Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical School OSU Medical Center Ophthalmology Residency Oculoplastic Fellowship 2007-2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Patrick Murray Award (2005-06) American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (AOCOO-HNS) Highest scoring resident on the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program Exam 2006 OSU Chief Resident 2006-07

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SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Dr. Vic Trammell, Dr. Greg Segraves, Dr. Larry Lander, Dr. Todd Johnson, Dr. Heath Evans

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Northeastern Oklahoma’s largest and most established oral surgery group Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (EOOMS) is committed to providing comprehensive oral surgery care. They practice the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Common procedures include wisdom teeth and dental extractions with intravenous anesthesia for patient comfort. They specialize in all aspects of dental implant surgery, bone grafting and jaw reconstruction. As a group they offer 24-hour practice coverage and take trauma calls for local hospitals.

EOOMS is comprised of four experienced oral surgeons: Larry Lander, D.D.S. MS.; Vic Trammell, D.M.D.; Todd Johnson, D.D.S.; Gregory Segraves, D.D.S., M.S, Heath Evans, D.D.S. All EOOMS surgeons hold memberships in numerous dental societies including the Tulsa County Dental Society, Oklahoma Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

For patients’ convenience, most of the group’s services are provided in the EOOMS offices. The offices are board certified for office IV anesthesia to

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ensure patient comfort. Quality of care and patient safety are always the group’s primary concern.

The EOOMS staff is a committed group of employees who strives to achieve the highest standard of care. Their surgical team has specialized training in oral surgery and anesthesia assisting, which provides for a more comfortable and safe oral surgery experience.

EOOMS currently is located in the 91st and Highway 169 area at 4716 W. Urbana St. and Owasso (tel. 918-274-0944). For more information, visit www.eooms.com.

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Broken Arrow Owasso 4716 W. Urbana St. 12455 E. 100th St. N. 918-494-5800 918-274-0944 www.eooms.com

A SPONSORED EDITORIAL SECTION

THE LARGEST TEAM OF

CANCER EXPERTS UNDER ONE ROOF Research I In-House Laboratory Radiation I Chemotherapy I On-Site Pharmacy At Tulsa Cancer Institute, we have the largest cancer treatment team in Oklahoma with over 20 oncologists and more than 100 nurses and associates.

Our physicians personalize their treatment approach for each patient. Now with locations in Tulsa, Stillwater, Bartlesville and McAlester, our care centers have provided compassionate and innovative treatment for patients since 1972. We focus on recovery and a long and healthy future for our patients.

Our board-certified doctors received their training at major cancer centers across the United States such as Roswell Park, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Prentice, Loyola, USC, National Cancer Institute, Baylor and Cleveland Clinic.

Ourprofessional relationships with leading cancer research groups ensure that each patient receives the most advanced cancer care available.

Learn more about our services online at tciok.org

12697 E. 51st South

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146

(918) 505-3200

tciok.org TulsaPeople.com

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The Joint Center at Oklahoma Surgical Hospital

The Joint Center

at Oklahoma Surgical Hospital combines the very latest in medical technology with the medical expertise of our physicians to treat all joint conditions. Our patients receive exceptional treatment through our coordinated care and specialized approach – allowing them to return to their normal and active lives quickly. Our physicians have years of experience, are specialized in joint care, and have treated thousands of patients.

Their skill, along with our outstanding nursing care, has resulted in national recognition for OSH as the leader for joint care in Tulsa.

If you suffer from joint pain and would like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us at: (918) 477- 5900.

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital has received the following national rankings:

• OSH is ranked #1 in Oklahoma for Joint Replacement • OSH is in the top 1% in the nation and ranked 27th for Joint Replacement • OSH is in the top 1% in the nation and ranked 18th for Major Orthopedic Surgery

• America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement • Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement • Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement • HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award 81st & Lewis | CityPlex Towers | oklahomasurgicalhospital.com 112

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a physician-owned hospital

Dr. Keithline & the entire PDG team would like to welcome our newest pediatric specialist Dr. Waleed Clark.

Come and check us out at 602 South Utica Avenue 918-585-3744 Monday thru Thursday 8am-5pm Friday 8am-noon

www.pediatricdentalgroup.com TulsaPeople.com

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THANKS

To Our Supporters & Participants In the 34th Annual

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tom Boyd CF Golf Classic at Cedar Ridge Country Club Presented by

Lexus Champions for Charity and Lexus of Tulsa May 12, 2014 PRESIDENTIAL SPONSOR The Jean Boyd Family PRESENTING SPONSORS David and Rita Adams Anonymous in Memory of Lo Detrich Breeze Investments, LLC – Jim and Mary Bush Pam and Terry Carter CMark Resources, LLC – Mark and Cinda Marra Jeff Galvin Family – In Honor of Grace Galvin Independent Tubular – Mike and Debbie Allred Lexus Champions for Charity Lexus of Tulsa Matrix Service Company Mesa Products Primary Natural Resources III, LLC Jack Richardson Foundation Senior Star Living – Jill and Robert Thomas, Susan and William Thomas TulsaPeople The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation HOSPITALITY SPONSOR Plaster & Wald Consulting Corp.

LUNCH AND DINNER SPONSORS Red Rock Canyon Grill – Lunch TiAmo Restaurant - Dinner TOURNAMENT SPONSORS CJ and Theo Silas Unit Corporation WPX Energy GOLF SPONSORS Baker Hughes Chart Cooler Service Company, Inc. Cox Business Executive AirShare Grant Thornton LLP Green Country Interiors Halliburton Energy Services In Honor of Sara Sheehan Linn Energy McAfee & Taft Mickey Meimerstorf Panther Energy Co. II and SIEMENS Progressive Supply, Inc. Sercel-GRC Corp.

Tulsa Sports Authority Williford Resources, LLC HOLE SPONSORS Jan and Pat O’Connor Venture Properties

AUCTION DONORS Mary and Jim Bush Cedar Ridge Country Club Charleston’s Forest Ridge Country Club Gateway Tire and Service Center Hilti Jeannine and Rob Irwin Lexus Champions for Charity M&I Limo Cinda and Mark Marra Pat and Terry May Old Village Wine and Spirits ORU Mahogany Grill Red Rock Canyon Grill Savoy Jill and Robert Thomas Susan and William Thomas Tulsa Country Club Ultimate Golf Experience University of Tulsa Verizon Paul Woodul EVENT CONTRIBUTORS Citizens Security Bank Coney I-lander Scott Jergensen Sue and Gary Jergensen LDF Companies Lexus of Tulsa Lexus Champions for Charity Plaster & Wald Consulting Corp QuikTrip Corporation Red Rock Canyon Grill Ti Amo Ristorante Verizon WPX Energy GOLF COMMITTEE Mark Sheehan – chair Mark Marra – Honorary Chair Sean Dolan Phil Eller Jack Fritts Rob Irwin Bob Joyce Mike Sellers Renee Sheehan Rich Talley Jo Ann Winn, CFF Executive Director SPECIAL THANKS CF Volunteers Cedar Ridge Country Club Ryan Harper – emcee

Left to Right: Randy Sullivan, Mark Marra, Ryan Harper and Mark Sheehan – chair.

Congratulations and Thank You, Tulsa, The Tom Boyd Memorial Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic once again had a very successful event, raising $200,000 for CF Research this year! That brings the eleven-year total net proceeds raised to about $1,800,000! This is an outstanding accomplishment for a local charity golf tournament, and is due to the generosity of our many sponsors, participants and donors.

All involved with the tournament have contributed to this fundraising success. It is impossible to thank everyone, but some people and organizations deserve to be singled out. Special thanks go to our golf committee: my wife Renee, Jack Fritts, Rich Talley, Bob Joyce, Mike Sellers, Sean Dolan, Rob Irwin and of course the indomitable Jo Ann Winn. Red Rock Canyon Grill and Ti Amos Restaurant have continuously and graciously provided lunch and dinner, and Plaster & Wald was our new hospitality sponsor this year. Barbara and Don Thornton of Lexus of Tulsa gave the tournament a big boost when they came on board seven years ago and have contributed some outstanding auction prizes as well as their other support. David Bryan, Cleve Stubblefield and the entire staff of Cedar Ridge Country Club have always done an outstanding job hosting the event. And, of course, the tireless efforts of Jo Ann Winn, her staff and the many volunteers of the Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have been the catalyst to making this golf tournament one of the most successful small market golf events in the nation.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has ever been a sponsor, participant or volunteer for this tournament, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the years to come. As many of you know, this is a very personal effort for me as my daughter Sara has CF, so it is difficult for me to put into words the gratitude I feel towards everyone who has supported this tournament and the CF Foundation in general. I am continuously amazed at the generosity of the people in Tulsa!

Sincerely, Mark Sheehan Chairman CF Golf Classic

The Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is located at 2642 E. 21st St. in Tulsa. If you would like information on next year’s Tom Boyd Memorial Golf Classic or the work of the CF Foundation, please call 918-744-6354.

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agenda

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ✻ OUT & ABOUT ✻ BENEFITS

Chalk it up to fun 8/9

by BRITT GREENWOOD Each second Saturday of the month, a local artist cultivates a chalk mural at Colourblind Salon in the East Village district, 816 E. Third St., from 7-10 p.m. This month’s artist is Lenny Hope. The chalk art event follows the East Village’s Second Saturday StreetFest from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring live local music, food trucks and art.

Visit www.eastvillagetulsa.org for more information on both events.

Evan Taylor

Artist Chris Mantle creates a chalk mural at the June 14 live chalk art event at Colourblind Salon.

Couple with a cause P. 122

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Getting warmer P. 126

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Field day P. 144 TulsaPeople.com

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August’s can’t-miss events

Summer’s Fifth Night at Utica Square

Nathan Presley

Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma Aquarium

Not only can Tulsans set their DVRs for the Discovery “Shark Week” at the Channel’s yearly Oklahoma Aquarium “Shark Week” programs; they also can complement the nautical celebration with a face-to-face encounter at the Oklahoma Aquarium.

With 20 bull and nurse sharks swimming overhead inside the tank’s custom walk-through tunnel, visitors can interact with the aquarium’s biologist to learn about the amazing sea creatures — their behavior and how the aquarium’s own sharks have been used in potentially life-saving research. Staff biologists dive with the sharks, and the audience also has an opportunity to observe shark feedings. Other Shark Week activities can be anticipated.

Located at 300 Aquarium Drive, the Oklahoma Aquarium is open from 10-6 p.m., daily, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 9 p.m. Admission is $15.95, adults; $13.95, seniors/military; $11.95, children; and free for children under two.

For more information, the feeding schedule and an updated list of “Shark Week” activities, visit www.okaquarium.org.

8/10-16

8/7, 8/14, 8/21 and 8/28 Summer’s Fifth Night

Gather the lawn chairs and pack for a picnic because the summer staple activity hosted by

Utica Square is underway.

Located in the historic shopping center at South Utica Avenue and East 21st Street, the annual concert series, Summer’s Fifth Night, attracts thousands of Tulsans. Performances are from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday this month, featuring a variety of genres.

Visitors should arrive early to not only secure a parking space, but also to dine at one of the center’s many restaurants, grab a beverage or shop, of course.

The event is free and dancing is encouraged.

This month’s line up: Aug. 7, Traveler plays rock; Aug. 14, Jeff Shadley’s Mad Men of Swing play Rat Pack; Aug. 21, Jessica Hunt Band plays blues/soul; and Aug. 28, Grady Nichols plays jazz.

Utica Square also gives away prizes during Summer’s Fifth Night events. For more information, visit www.uticasquare.com.

TulsaPeople.com

Visit our online calendar for additional and updated event information.

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Fab Lab Tulsa’s Mini Maker Faire

Tulsa Mini Maker Faire

agenda

This is the event for curious, inventive, do-itTulsa Mini Maker Faire yourself Tulsans.

Presented by the Hardesty Center for Fab Lab Tulsa, the Mini Maker Faire is a celebration of the worldwide “maker movement.” In Tulsa, 150 makers will display their projects in Central Park Hall at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St., from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Aug. 30 Approximately 3,000 people are expected to attend the six-hour free event that explores the ideas and work of Tulsans in areas such as art, science, technology, engineering, food, sustainability and crafting.

The Faire is family friendly and aims for community engagement and discussion. Food will be available for purchase, and free interactive shows and demonstrations will occur throughout the day.

For more information, visit www.makerfairetulsa. com or call Fab Lab Tulsa at 918-779-6025.

8/30

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 ONEOK FIELD 201 N. ELGIN AVE., DOWNTOWN TULSA

Whether you run, walk or stroll, discover with every step your power to change the world. Join the Susan G. Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure速 and the movement that started it all. Together, we CAN end breast cancer forever.

Three Races: Timed 5K, Untimed 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Register at komentulsa.org

TulsaPeople.com

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OUT & ABOUT

People, places and events

Mollie Williford, Give Our Regards to Barry honorary chairwoman; honoree Dr. Barry Epperley; Mary Shaw, event chairwoman; and Jane Epperley.

Texas Exes annual Fundraiser The Tulsa Chapter of the Texas Exes topped its fundraising record at the organization’s 2014 event at Gilcrease Museum.

Pictured are University of Texas president Bill Powers, keynote speaker at the event, with Lindy and Steve Hobbs. Steve Hobbs, an ‘01 UT grad, is the current president of the Tulsa chapter, which raises scholarship money for Tulsa-area students.

Courtesy of Cornelius Photocraft

Tulsa Signature Symphony The Give Our Regards to Barry gala May 22 honored retiring Signature Symphony Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Barry Epperley and featured a special performance by Broadway legend Bernadette Peters, left. The event celebrated Epperley’s contributions to the performing arts in northeastern Oklahoma.

Iron Gate Iron Gate’s second annual Founders’ Dinner was May 29. The event, which raised $147,000 for the nonprofit and was hosted in the Great Hall of Trinity Episcopal Church, honored David York, Shelley Jackson, Clayton Woodrum and Steve Jackson (not pictured).

22nd annual Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards The dinner, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tulsa, honors “two premier athletes who have excelled in their sport and have shown by their actions a desire to help others.” This year’s honorees were Betsy King, LPGA member and World Golf Hall of Famer, and Larry Fitzgerald, eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

Pictured are keynote speaker Sherri Coale, head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma; Betsy King; Larry Fitzgerald; and emcee Seth Davis, senior writer for Sports Illustrated magazine.

The Pencil Box The Pencil Box nonprofit — a store where teachers can shop for free school supplies — announced its “coming out party” on June 17 at the home of Paula Marshall. The store will serve Tulsa Public Schools, grades kindergarten through 12, in which 87 percent of the students participate in the free and reduced-cost meal programs. The projected soft opening is Feb. 2, 2015, with a grand opening on Aug. 3, 2015. Pictured at the event are Tom and Stacey McKeon with The Pencil Box President and Executive Director Nancy Bolzle and her husband, Bruce.

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The all New MDX, a Class Above.

2014 ACURA MDX 28 MPG • Third Row Seating

ACUR A of Tulsa

4905 S. MEMORIAL (918) 664-2300 doncarltonacura.com

Tulsa’s ONLY Local Family Owned & Operated HONDA Dealer

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VACATION

2014 HONDA ODYSSEY All Pilots 0.9% Up To 60 Months

4141 S. Memorial Drive • 918.622.3636 • doncarlton.com TulsaPeople.com

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OUT & ABOUT

People, places and events

Western Days 2014 “OKLAHOMA! Our Home is Grand!” will mark the 18th annual Western-themed fundraising event benefiting Saint Simeon’s on Sept. 9 at Central Park Hall at Expo Square. Pictured at the Patron Party at the Tulsa Tennis Club are Kristin Bender, event cochair; Lucy and John Barker, patron chairs; and Mable Rice, Pioneer Spirit Award recipient and Saint Simeon’s resident.

Dan Rabovsky Retirement Recognition Tulsa Country Club was the setting for a celebration of Dan Rabovsky, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, who is retiring after leading the organization for 27 years. Pictured are Meals on Wheels leaders, including Trey Cooper, board president-elect; Dan Rabovsky; Sarah Hansel, Advisory Council chairwoman; and Kathryn Offerman, board president.

Boots, BBQ & Boogie The 10th anniversary event at Cain’s Ballroom supported the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program. Pictured are Holly Brooks, Bit by Bit’s director of daily operations; Linda Barron, founder and director of the program; event chairwoman Leslie Westfall; and Lisa Turner, who cochaired the inaugural event with Westfall in 2004. Bit by Bit is a nonprofit serving individuals with special needs and their families, using equine training to increase students’ strength, coordination and cognitive and behavioral skills.

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Tulsa Flight Night Tulsa Charity Fight Night, a fundraiser begun 22 years ago

by NORDAM’s founder, the late Ray H. Siegfried II, is becoming Tulsa Flight Night. The flight-themed evening on Sept. 18 will include aerial displays, dinner, entertainment, an auction and engineering feats. Proceeds benefit STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) programs. Pictured are NORDAM board members and event co-chairs Meredith, Terrell and Bailey Siegfried.

Flag Day The annual Flag Day Ceremony was June 14 at the Military History Museum in Broken Arrow. Pictured at the event are Brig. Gen. Ed Wheeler (Ret.), who last year purchased the naming rights for the pole that flies the U.S. Army flag in the museum’s Flag Plaza in honor of his late son, Army veteran Brian Wheeler; 2014 Miss Oklahoma Alex Eppler; and U.S. Navy veteran Henry Primeaux, who purchased the naming rights for the pole flying the Navy flag.

Memory Gala Chairman’s Dinner 2014 Memory Gala Chairman Jack Allen hosted 48 friends to a special dinner in the rotunda at Philbrook Museum of Art. Each attendee donated $1,000 at the Memory Gala for the opportunity to honor Allen at the special dinner and raise additional funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma. The Memory Gala, the major fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, raised $1.2 million. Pictured at the event are P.S. Gordon, Joe and Susie Willard, and host Jack Allen.

Harold Holden Frank Eaton - Pistol Pete Oil on canvas; 30 x 24 in.

Postal Plaza Gallery 720 South Husband Street | Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 405.744.2780 | museum@okstate.edu

facebook.com/OSUMuseumofArt twitter.com/OSUMuseumofArt

You’re Invited

REAL WEDDINGS

to announce your recent wedding in TulsaPeople Magazine

Live in: Edmond.

Occupations: Melissa is a preschool teacher; Josh is in his second year of dental school at the University of Oklahoma.

Weather: Partly cloudy.

Number of people who attended: 210.

How they met: Josh and Melissa were high school sweethearts who originally met through a private music teacher ( Josh plays guitar and Melissa sings). Their teacher set them up to perform together in a recital in 2007, and that’s when it all began.

Colors: Silver and shades of aubergine/ plum.

Favorite detail: Melissa’s dad is the creator of the Unity Cross, so Josh and Melissa thought it would be special to have him give the unity message in their ceremony while they assembled their Unity Cross. This was a special part of their ceremony that meant so much to them.

Her advice for other brides: Don’t get so caught up in all of the details and planning that you don’t stop and enjoy the whole process. All of the details can be overwhelming at times, but don’t forget the meaning and purpose of your wedding day — you are getting to marry your best friend and love of your life, and that’s all that matters. This is such a special time, so enjoy every moment of it!

Honeymoon: Secrets Marquis in Los Cabos, Mexico.

TulsaPeople Real Weddings features beautiful photos and details of real Tulsa weddings in a beautiful layout you are sure to treasure. To have your special day featured in the October issue of TulsaPeople, please contact us at the number below.

Melissa Letney

&

“Real Weddings” Deadlines for October 2014 issue:

Josh Woodward

5.18.13

photography by Artworks Tulsa Photography

Space reservation deadline: August 15 Photos, questionnaire and payment deadline: September 2

The engagement: Going to Grand Lake has always been very special to Josh and Melissa. They have made many memories at the lake over their five years of dating, and they always watch the sunset on the dock before they leave. Josh decided to propose to Melissa on May 19, 2012, while they were at the lake visiting her grandparents. After a nice dinner, Josh and Melissa went to the dock to watch the sunset before they left.

There Josh told Melissa how much he loved her, listing all of the special memories they had made at the lake.

Please call 918-585-9924, ext. 232 for more details.

TulsaPeople.com

Single Full Page (shown): $500 ~ Two Page Spread: $800

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1603 South Boulder Avenue | Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119 | 918.585.9924 | TulsaPeople.com

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CHARITABLE EVENTS REGISTRY

Fundraisers and fun happenings

August Volunteer Spotlight

by JUDY LANGDON

August Courtesy of Jacob and Kimberly Will

compiled by JUDY LANGDON

8/7 Make-A-Wish Home Auction Williams & Williams Real Estate Auction has partnered with Make-A-Wish Oklahoma and Simmons Homes to auction a 2,300-square-foot Broken Arrow home. Pictured are DC Roberts, Williams & Williams; Pat and Greg Simmons, Simmons Homes; Katie, a Make-A-Wish Kid; and Jeff Summers, Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, the auction’s beneficiary. www.oklahoma.wish.org

8/23 Sixth annual Oklahoma Steak Championship Cook-off

Tripp Haggard, Paul White, Michael Bibens, Scott Gaffen and Susan Palmer are shown at the 2013 Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-off. The 2014 event will be held downtown in the area surrounding Trinity Episcopal Church and features a 16-ounce rib-eye dinner. Tickets are $20, and the event benefits Our Garden Project and Tulsa Zoo. www.oksteakcookoff.com Aug. 1-31 — Assistance League of Tulsa Letter Campaign Launch Benefits Assistance League of Tulsa. www.altulsa.org Aug. 1-Sept. 18 — Care Card Pre-sale Benefits Family & Children’s Services. www.fcsok.org Aug. 2 — Owasso Baptist Homes for Children Back-To School Style Show and Brunch Benefits Owasso Baptist Homes for Children. www.obhc.org/owasso/style_show Aug. 9 — Mustache Bash Pub Crawl Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. www.tulsa.cff.org/pubcrawl Aug. 11— Golf FORE Good Benefits Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League. www.mtul.org

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Aug. 18 — Musical Mondays Benefits LIFE Senior Services. www.lifeseniorservices.org Aug. 22 — “Divas” 4 H.O.P.E. Benefits H.O.P.E. Testing. www.hopetesting.org Aug. 23 — Tulsa Walk to End Alzheimer’s Benefits Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter. www.tulsawalk.org Aug. 23 — Wild Brew 2014 Benefits the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center. www.wildbrew.org Aug. 25 — 16th annual Habitat for Humanity Golf Classic Benefits Habitat for Humanity. www.tulsahabitat.org Aug. 30 — Adopt a Little Okie Benefits Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. www.animalallianceok.org

Jacob and Kimberly Will Volunteers, Walk to End Alzheimer’s In lieu of traditional wedding gifts, Tulsa newlyweds Jacob and Kimberly Will requested guests make contributions to their favorite nonprofits. One of those is the Alzheimer’s Association, which will host its Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Aug. 23.

It’s no surprise the Wills have been intricately involved in planning the awareness event.

Volunteer roles: Jacob, 2014 Walk co-chairman with Andy Eckstein, and 2015 Walk chairman; Kimberly, Walk 2014 public relations committee chairwoman Alzheimer’s Association mission: To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Years involved: Jacob, 3-plus years; Kimberly, 2 years On why the couple volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association: Jacob: I’ve been working with the elderly since I was in college (he is director of assisted living at Oklahoma Methodist Manor), and many of them are affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Few things in life are worse than watching someone you know and love lose their memories and everyday abilities. My mission is to help fight this terrible disease.

Kimberly: Jacob inspired me to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. A good friend of my family was officially diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s about three years ago, so I like to think I’m honoring him and his family in a way.

Kimberly, on why the couple requested charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts: Any chance we have to bring attention to a great cause is worth it. Also, as Jacob would concur, I don’t cook or bake much, so I didn’t need all of that kitchen stuff anyway. tþ Aug. 23 — 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 7:30 a.m., untimed 5K; 8:30 a.m., quarter-mile walk; 9 a.m., 100yard kids dash; 9:30 a.m., walk ceremony; 10 a.m., official 1 1/2 mile walk, CityPlex Towers, 2488 E. 81st St., and Oral Roberts University, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Free; family event.

Benefits Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter Inc. Visit www.tulsawalk.org.

S A U S A G E

F A C T O R Y

2014

August 22nd & 23rd 2 Days Steaks • Live Music • Cold Beverages • Great Food

Friday, August 22nd SCA US Steak Championship - Great bands, food trucks, adult beverages and fun activities starting at 5 P.M. in the area surrounding the big stage at 6th and Cincinnati.

Saturday, August 23rd Starting in the morning, cooking teams move in to compete for the chance to be Oklahoma’s King of the Steak.

Appetizers will be passed out in the afternoon, with music playing on two stages, and Made in Oklahoma vendors offering their wares. Best of all, enjoy the taste of the competition with 16 oz. Ribeye Dinners at $20 per plate!

Friday

lineup subject to change

Weston and the Outsiders • The 66 Dante and the Hawks • Desert Noises

Saturday

$20 per plate

The Whisky Misters • Steve Liddel Band • Red Wood Rising Agenda • Alaska and Madi • Meggie McDonald Chloe Johns • Chris Hyde

tickets available at oksteakcookoff.com

More Details & Registration Online at: oksteakcookoff.com

TulsaPeople.com

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THE CULTURIST

The best of local arts and culture

Change of art

BY KENDRA BLEVINS

Bixby student Brook Becker performs at the 2014 Louder Than a Bomb Tulsa “poetry slam” competition in February.

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“Science of Frozen” The Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab’s final day camp of the summer, “Science of Frozen,” reveals the cooling properties of liquid nitrogen, dry ice, salt and more through science experiments. Campers in first through third grades will make their own ice cream, build ice sculptures and play with fog.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 4-8, at the Tulsa Children’s Museum, 560 N. Maybelle Ave. $180, Discovery Lab members; $200, non-members. Call 918-295-8144 or visit www.tulsachildrensmuseum.org.

Jeremy Charles

A

A Tulsa program that celebrates the power of words is under a new umbrella that organizers say will strengthen the program’s future and focus on the literary arts as a vehicle for personal transformation.

Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB), which supports youth expression through performance poetry, was for the past two years a program of the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, but Director Kent Martin is leading the nearly five-year-old LTAB program into new territory.

LTAB is now under a new umbrella organization called Oklahoma Literary Arts Alliance (OLAA), which Martin, the group’s executive director, describes as a grassroots nonprofit venture that “combines the introspective and communal aspects of writing, reading and sharing stories.”

In a press release, the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa said the change will allow LTAB to accommodate a growing audience of teens in the community, as well as additional statewide initiatives.

“The Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa is proud of the growth and successes that LTAB Tulsa has been able to foster in the past few years in Tulsa as a council program,” wrote Ken Busby, Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa executive director and CEO. “We are excited to see what comes next for this program that has such a clear impact on student writers and poets.”

Martin says LTAB — known for its year-round curriculum workshops, in-school residencies and annual “slam” poetry competition — is moving forward optimistically.

ALSO THIS MONTH

Creation of OLAA, he says, will establish long-term sustainability for the LTAB program, which was modeled after Young Chicago Authors, home of the original LTAB. However, “the heart and intention of the program will not change,” Martin says. “We may have to scale down a bit in the short term, but we are building a stronger and wider-reaching foundation for the future.”

Helping to build that foundation, pending 501(c)3 approval, are a board of directors, local stakeholders and partners such as Tulsa Public Schools and the Tulsa City-County Library, he says.

True to its vision of “connecting communities and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals through exploration of the written and spoken word,” OLAA already plans to launch a new statewide initiative this fall.

The Oklahoma State Youth Poet Laureate program is a new partnership with the New York-and Los Angeles-based organization Urban Word, Martin says.

The program is separate from the Oklahoma Humanities Council’s statewide program that, on behalf of the governor’s office, solicits nominations every two years for the honorary position of Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate.

“The Youth Laureate program will seek out and select a young writer to hold this esteemed title, and he or she will become a human relations ambassador and literacy advocate in the state,” Martin says.

A panel of local judges, including Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Nathan Brown, will select the Youth

Equality Center First Thursday Ceramic artist Karen McCauley and acrylic artist Renee Sweetwood will display pieces of their work at the Equality Center through Sept. 1. The opening reception is 6-9 p.m., Aug. 7, at the Equality Center, 621 E. Fourth St. Free. Call 918-743-4297 or visit www.okeq.org.

“Warped Wefts: A Weaving Invitational” An exhibition of contemporary woven work by local artists showcases a series of traditional and historical weavings of various techniques, dying methods and colors. Also, experience live weaving and spinning demonstrations.

Through Aug. 17 at 108 Contemporary, 108 E. M.B. Brady St. Free. Visit www.108contemporary.org.

Poet Laureate from among the program’s applicants.

The honoree will receive a book deal and embark on a library and university tour throughout the state, Martin says.

OLAA will be the first Urban Word partner to conduct a statewide Youth Poet Laureate search.

Future OLAA initiatives will largely depend on funding, which the organization hopes to obtain from individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities.

Despite so many recent changes for LTAB and its related programs, one thing remains the same.

“We need community support more than ever,” Martin says. tþ

Kendra Blevins is a freelance writer who enjoys playwriting, community theater, traveling and reading.

A cAsuAl evening of books, bArds And bites benefiting tulsA city-county librAry’s ruth g. hArdmAn Adult literAcy service

photo by thomas caruso

feAturing Authors dAvid berg, John seArles And lArry yAdon

And delectAble Appetizers from some of your fAvorite restAurAnts And businesses

Friday, Sept. 5 • 6:30 p.m.

HardeSty regional library • 8316 e. 93rd St. $50 per perSon

Call 918-549-7494 For more inFormation or to mAke reservAtions. www.tulsalibrarytrust.org • 2014

KICK OFF A

85

%

GREAT SEASON Support your favorite charity (and your team)!

of our members are small businesses Small business is the backbone of the nation’s economy, and the Tulsa region is no different. Without our entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses, and the diverse industries they represent, we wouldn’t have the resiliency for which Tulsa is known.

We Give Meaning To Cleaning Small business makes #TulsaStrong Stronger. Together. Join us.

TulsaChamber.com

We love to give back to our local charities and help our clients do the same.

“A Janitorial Company” • 918-663-1919 TulsaPeople.com

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TULSA SOUND

What’s happening in the local music scene

Sticking with it

by WYNDHAM WYETH

The Lukewarm — photographed at one of their favorite spots, the Super 11 at East 18th Street and South Boston Avenue — is Noah Beal, drums; Lars Gardner, keyboard; James Connelly, guitar; and Caleb Campbell, bass.

J Just

hours before their high school graduation from Booker T. Washington, the members of The Lukewarm sat down to discuss their music.

While their peers were frantically trying to get the tassels on their caps to hang just right or deciding which graduation party to attend, the band was sitting in a downtown coffee shop explaining the difficulties of reconciling the future of the band with the future of their academic educations.

It all started during their freshman year of high school. Guitarist James Connelly and drummer Noah Beal had begun dabbling in music the previous year, but when their buddy Caleb Campbell became interested in learning the bass — amusingly, after “playing” the instrument in the popular video game “Rock Band” — the idea of actually forming a band started to take shape.

Campbell also brought another much-needed aspect to the table: he was the only one of them who could sing. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when their classmate and friend Lars Gardner offered to learn the keyboard for the group.

“I just wanted to do it to be cool,” he says. “Then, I really got into it.”

The Lukewarm’s music easily falls into the broad spectrum of indie rock. The influence of bands like The Strokes and The Arctic Monkeys can be clearly heard in their songs, but by drawing inspiration from more experimental groups such as Radiohead and Pink Floyd, The Lukewarm sets itself apart in the genre.

The boys are self-proclaimed perfectionists when it comes to the songwriting process. Rather than “jamming” when they write or perform, they prefer to carefully construct their songs as a team.

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Evan Taylor

AUGUST’S BEST BETS FOR LIVE MUSIC

“Composition is our strong suit,” Gardner explains, and you can hear the proof in the tight, controlled nature of The Lukewarm’s music.

Despite the calculation involved, the band’s songs don’t sound cold or stiff. In fact, the music comes across as quite bright and organic, partly due to the warm and inviting tenor of Campbell’s croon.

Since their humble beginnings, the boys have become dedicated musicians, constantly writing songs and practicing together at least twice a week.

Connelly and Beal take private lessons from the Oklahoma Music Academy to further hone their craft, as well. It’s impressive that a group that started with little to no musical background has become such a well-oiled machine in four short years.

Standing on the precipice of adulthood with high school coming to a close, the band was faced with the difficult task of carefully deciding its next moves.

While the importance of a post-secondary education seemed clear to the young men, giving up on the band would be a tragedy, especially considering how much time and effort they’ve devoted to it and their potential.

“It was really up to me,” says Gardner, who considered attending Trøndertun Folkehøgskole, a music-focused boarding school in Norway, his mother’s home country.

But that would’ve put a decided end to The Lukewarm. Instead, Gardner decided to stay in Tulsa to focus on the band. The rest of the guys plan to attend Tulsa Community College in the fall, while Gardner will attend The University of Tulsa, though he will defer for a year.

“We’re going to work on it for a year,” Beal says of the band. “We’re going to try to work really hard and see if we can do something.”

8/20 Nickel Creek, Cain’s Ballroom To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band’s formation, the members of folkpop trio Nickel Creek decided to reunite this year for a series of shows for the first time since disbanding in 2007. Violinist Sara Watkins and brother guitarist Sean hoped to record a couple of new songs with their bandmate and virtuoso mandolinist Chris Thile to debut on the tour.

But when the group got together, they found they had a whole album’s worth of material just waiting to be fleshed out.

The trio will perform several songs from the resulting new record, “A Dotted Line,” as well as selections from their back catalog. Folk singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz will open the show. The concert starts at 8:15 p.m.

Doors open at 7.

8/29 KISS & Def Leppard, BOK Center Two of the biggest bands in classic rock music are joining forces for a massive tour across North America, featuring a stop in Tulsa. The show promises to highlight both groups’ repertoire, including selections from their combined 30-plus chart-topping hits. Get ready to give in to the “Hysteria” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” with these two legendary groups. Opening act is The Dead Daises, the new group of Jon Stephens of INXS fame. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6.

The band has been saving money to record its debut EP at The Closet Studios in Tulsa, which it hopes to release later this year. Connelly says the band also is looking to do a small tour outside the city.

In the meantime, Tulsans can catch The Lukewarm at venues such as The Vanguard and The Creative Room. Check out the band’s music online at www.soundcloud.com/thelukewarm-1. tþ

Wyndham Wyeth is a freelance writer originally from Arkansas.

He grew up hearing his mother sing John Denver tunes, so he will always have a soft spot for “Poems, Prayers and Promises.”

AUCTION DATE:

Thursday, August 7 6:30 PM

OPEN PUBLIC INSPECTIONS:

2600 W. Tucson Court in The Villas of Spring Creek in Broken Arrow

11 am-4 pm, Saturdays & 1-4 pm, Sundays

100% of the proceeds from the auction of this brand-new, beautiful home will benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma, which will help grant hundreds of wishes for area children battling lifethreatening illnesses. Visit oklahoma.wish.org for more info.

Auction by

Built by

THE NEW 2014

SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 POSTOAK LODGE live entertainment by:

DIRECTORY is now online!

The A-List Directory features Tulsa’s BEST businesses according to more than 5,000 TulsaPeople readers.

proceeds benefit the American Cancer society

FOOD

BODY

FUN

SERVICES

SHOP

www.TulsaCBBInfo.org • 918.477.5415 • kristen.schooley@cancer.org

TulsaPeople.com

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WORTH READING

News and notes on the local literary scene

Crooked ‘Mile’

by JESSICA BROGAN

Upcoming book events 8/20 Books and Brunch book discussion, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road

9/14 Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States,” 2 p.m., Gilcrease Museum, 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road, BookSmart Tulsa

“Mile of Cars Murders” is the sixth novel for self-published author Joe Harwell, pictured at The Phoenix.

I If

you are an Oklahoman who loves to read about Oklahoma, you should know about “Mile of Cars Murders,” the new novel by Tulsa-based author Joe Harwell that is the sequel to his 2012 work, “Payne County Weekly.”

A self-published writer, Harwell began penning novels in 2009 through the grief of his wife’s death the previous year. All six of his books are set in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Harwell’s background in such diverse areas as retail management, coal mining, telecommunications, TV, newspaper and metals buying enables him to write and publish books on dissimilar subjects — vampires, futuristic fiction, the media and the mining industry.

Set in the 1990s, “Payne County Weekly” depicts the story of a Stillwater newspaper editor struggling with whether to blow the cover on a story that would expose crooked law enforcement agents in the county. “Mile of Cars” continues the storyline.

In his sequel, Harwell says he wanted to create a story that involved the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Federal Building.

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“It took awhile to create a story line around the bombing that didn’t directly center on it, but once I had it, the story really rolled out of me,” he says.

The other inspiration for the “Mile of Cars” storyline came in September 2012, as Harwell participated in three Stillwater book signings for “Payne County Weekly,” which he says was well received.

“After the last signing, I went to Eskimo Joe’s, accompanied by my son, now 33, and one of our friends,” the author says. “OSU had a home game that day and Joe’s was packed. After a few hours, and enough beers that we stayed over in Stillwater that night, I turned to my son and said, ‘Since we’re having this much fun in Stillwater, I have to come up with a book set in Norman.’ A selfish motive, but it’s the truth.”

“Mile of Cars” begins by introducing the four sons of a couple that goes missing the day of the Oklahoma City bombing. The reader’s assumption is that the parents have been killed in the bombing, but in fact, a more sinister plot awaits; four other individuals turn up missing that day, as well, though none of their bodies are found among the bombing debris.

Evan Taylor

9/16 Charles Burns, “Sugar Skull,” 6:30 p.m., Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, BookSmart Tulsa

The plot most closely follows the life of the oldest boy, Joe Paul Jr., who attempts to move beyond his parents’ absence. However, he finds himself following a job as a storm chaser back to his hometown of Norman.

In an interesting parallel to the increasing tension of the missing people plot, there is a simultaneous increase in the storms and tornados occurring.

Harwell brings the story to a dramatic conclusion.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction, fiction based on local Oklahoma events and areas, and anyone who loves a great “who-done-it?” murder mystery will appreciate “Mile of Cars Murders” (and “Payne County Weekly,” both available at Amazon.com). tþ

Jessica Brogan is a freelance writer, photographer and creative entrepreneur. She has lived all over the world and now calls Tulsa home.

2014 2015 SEASON TulsaPeople.com

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Welcome to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s 2014-15 season.

We are excited about a performance lineup that promises all the thrills and rewards that can only be provided by live entertainment. Please browse these pages and plan to attend as many events as your schedule allows. The delightful mix of music, theatre, dance and more is presented here in chronological order and also by presenting organization. Refer to this brochure throughout the year and look for exciting additions to the PAC event calendar on TulsaPAC.com. Also consider entering your email on our website to receive special presale notifications and a monthly bulletin about upcoming shows.

Tickets are generally available first in a season package, and ultimately individual show tickets go on sale at least 30 days in advance of a performance. Contact information that will help you purchase season tickets is provided on the opposite page. Please remember that dates, specific show titles and artists are always subject to change.

Despite challenges that may arise in the area of arts funding, the arts are thriving in our city. Tulsa is very fortunate to have so many outstanding presenting organizations, and the Tulsa PAC is proud to serve as their performance home. Tulsa Ballet and Chamber Music Tulsa also stage some season events at other Tulsa venues. Please check their websites for a complete listing. Additionally, we are excited to have Choregus Productions and Tulsa Project Theatre rejoin our PAC family. TPT’s season will be announced soon. Please access our websites, listed below, for more information on performance times, theatre locations and ticket prices.

Thanks for your support of the arts. I’ll see you in the lobby.

John E. Scott PAC Director

110 E. Second Street, Tulsa, OK 74103 Administrative Office: 918.596.7122 Ticket Office: 918.596.7111 Tickets at TulsaPAC.com and MyTicketOffice.com A department of the city of Tulsa

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2014-2015 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY Wait Until Dark A Christmas Carol Superior Donuts Amadeus Season tickets: 918.596.7109

Charlotte’s Web

THEATRE NORTH

All We Ever Do Is Talk About It

THEATRE POPS

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Once Camelot The Phantom of the Opera Million Dollar Quartet Add-On Shows: Hal Holbrook: Mark Twain Tonight!

Mannheim Steamroller Season tickets: 918.596.7109

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

Lysander Piano Trio Morgenstern Trio Danish String Quartet Takács Quartet Modigliani Quartet Season tickets: 918.587.3802

CHOREGUS PRODUCTIONS

PLAYHOUSE TULSA

August: Osage County Bard Fiction

THEATRE TULSA

Main Series: Les Misérables (August 2014) Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Chicago: The Musical The 39 Steps 9 to 5: The Musical Family Series: The Little Mermaid Jr. Treasure Island Season tickets: 918.587.8402

TULSA BALLET

Martha Graham Dance Company Koresh Dance Company Rastrelli Cello Quartet Jeffrey Zeigler, Cello Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca Wendy Whelan: Restless Creature Season Tickets: 918.688.6112

Carmina Burana The Sleeping Beauty The Three Musketeers Add-On Show: The Nutcracker Season tickets: 918.749.6407

TULSA OPERA

Cinderella Romeo and Juliet Of Mice and Men Season tickets: 918.587.4811

TULSA PAC TRUST

BOOM Brain Storms: New Works by Young Writers Imagination Series: Harold and the Purple Crayon The Adventures of Robin Hood David Gonzalez’s Sleeping Beauty The Gruffalo’s Child Season tickets: 918.596.7109

TULSA SYMPHONY

Simply Great Simply Sibelius Simply Romantic Holiday Simply Classical Simply Tragic Simply Cinematic Season tickets: 918.584.3645

TULSA TOWN HALL

Jessica Fellowes Bill Bryson Fareed Zakaria James Bradley Will Shortz Season tickets only: 918.749.5965

PLUS

David Sedaris Shaping Sound Neil Gaiman John Edward Tulsa Project Theatre Season (to be announced)

Tickets not in a season package (except for Tulsa Town Hall) are available at the PAC ticket office, 918.596.7111, and through MyTicketOffice.com and TulsaPAC.com. Tickets for individual shows go on sale at a time set by the presenter. Schedules are subject to change.

PHOTO CREDITS: John Scott [Michelle Pollard]; Jessica Fellowes [Beatrix Jacot de Boinod]; Martha Graham Dance Company [Hibbard Nash Photography]; Lysander Piano Trio [Richard Blinkoff]; Cinderella [Jim Scholz/Opera Omaha]; Tulsa Ballet photos by J. Shelton Photography; Theatre Tulsa photos by Steven Michael Hall; Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas [Paparazzibyappointment.com]; Once [Joan Marcus]; Danish String Quartet [Nikolaj Lund]; Sarah Coburn [Ervin Photography]; Neil Gaiman [Kimberly Butler]; Takács Quartet [Ellen Appel]; Wendy Whelan [Nisian Hughes]; The Phantom of the Opera [Matthew Murphy]; Craig Verm [Michael Ray]; Corey Bix [Arturo Everitt]; Modigliani Quartet [Jerome Bonnett].

Brochure design by Morgan Welch, Langdon Publishing

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SEPTEMBER Simply Great • September 13

Pianist Meng-Sheng Shen, winner of the 2013 Crescendo International Music Awards, is guest artist for a program that includes Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major. Daniel Hege returns as guest conductor. • Tulsa Symphony

Jessica Fellowes • September 19

A magazine and newspaper journalist, and niece to the creator of Downton Abbey, Fellowes will talk about the inspirations for the PBS drama, which are drawn from historical figures and Fellowes’ own family. Jessica Fellowes is the Sandra West Memorial Speaker. • Tulsa Town Hall

BOOM • September 20

BOOM is a one-man multimedia performance that documents the music, culture and politics that shaped the Baby Boom generation. Award-winning Canadian actor Rick Miller takes you through 25 turbulent years (1945-1969) and gives voice to more than 100 influential politicians, activists and musicians of that generation. • Tulsa PAC Trust

perform works by Graham, Andonis Foniadakis and Nacho Duato.

• Choregus Productions

Lysander Piano Trio • September 21

Energy. Youth. Sensitivity. Brilliance. It’s all there. Formed at Juilliard in 2009, the trio won the international Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh competition, which secured them a concert at Carnegie Hall in April 2014. The trio’s Tulsa debut will feature music from composers Shostakovich, Danielpour and Tchaikovsky. • Chamber Music Tulsa

Hal Holbrook: Mark Twain Tonight!

• September 25

See Tony and Emmy award-winner Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain in the one-man play Holbrook devised himself and has been performing for the past 60 years. The show depicts Twain, wearing his trademark white suit, giving dramatic recitations from his humorous and thought-provoking writings.

• Celebrity Attractions

Martha Graham Dance Company • September 20-21

The 88 year-old Martha Graham Dance Company is among the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance companies in the U.S. Making their first appearance in Tulsa, the troupe will

OCTOBER Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

• October 3-12

Melancholy turns to mayhem in this riotous 2013 Best Play Tony winner by Christopher Durang. Bickering siblings Vanya and Sonia, along with their clairvoyant maid Cassandra, find their dull lives turned upside-down when their Hollywood starlet sister Masha and her gorgeous boy-toy Spike pay them a surprise visit. For mature audiences. • Theatre Tulsa

Simply Sibelius • October 4-5

Influential Finnish composer Jean Sibelius is the focus of this concert, which includes performances of Finlandia, The Swan of Tuonela from Lemminkäinen Suite, Valse triste from the play Kuolema, and Symphony No. 2 in D major. Grant Cooper is guest conductor. • Tulsa Symphony

Meng-Sheng Shen

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Jessica Fellowes

Martha Graham Dance Company

Lysander Piano Trio

Wait Until Dark • October 10-18

Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher resets this classic 1966 Frederick Knott thriller in the 1940s. The play follows a blind Greenwich Village woman who finds herself in the middle of something lifethreatening. Who is in on it and what do they want? American Theatre Company has produced two Hatcher plays in the past, A Picasso and Scotland Road. • American Theatre Company

All We Ever Do Is Talk About It • October 16-19

In this original play by Dr. Rodney L. Clark, a community is outraged about the state of education in its local school district.

As the news media explore problems of low student test scores, high dropout rates, disciplinary issues, etc., local parents, teachers, police officers and community members fight for students in low socioeconomic areas. • Theatre North

Brain Storms: New Works by Young Writers

Koresh Dance Company • October 28-29

With stunning athleticism, this Philadelphia-based company seamlessly shifts between classical, folk and pedestrian movement styles. Roni Koresh’s compelling evening of dance juxtaposes Middle Eastern music with classical favorites, incorporating both the grounded, earthy rhythms of the old world and the ethereal, heavenly sounds of the new.

• Choregus Productions

Carmina Burana • October 31-November 2

Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and Tulsa Symphony come together for the monumental Carmina Burana.

The power of love is expressed through Ma Cong’s choreography and Carl Orff’s music, based on poetry written by 13th-century Benedictine monks. Also on the program is Nicolo Fonte’s Bolero.

• Tulsa Ballet

• October 18

The winners and select entrants in the one-act play category of the Tulsa City-County Library’s Young People’s Creative Writing Contest will see their original plays produced under the direction of University of Tulsa professor Michael Wright and performed by accomplished Tulsa actors. • Tulsa PAC Trust

Harold and the Purple Crayon • October 24

This Enchantment Theatre Company of Philadelphia production is based on Crockett Johnson’s book series, which follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy. Resourceful and brave, Harold creates the world he wants to explore using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his wild imagination. • Tulsa PAC Trust

Cinderella • October 24, 26

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Rossini’s delightful romantic comedy La Cenerentola is the ultimate rags-to-riches story, in which goodness triumphs over selfishness and hatred. Packed with stunning vocal fireworks and fabulous ensemble work, Cinderella features the return of Tulsa native Lauren McNeese in the title role, along with tenor Gregory Schmidt and bass-baritone Peter Strummer. • Tulsa Opera

Cinderella

Carmina Burana

Harold and the Purple Crayon TulsaPeople.com

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NOVEMBER Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

David Sedaris • November 12

Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations evoke the whimsical world of Whoville, while the story is a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

• Celebrity Attractions

Bill Bryson • November 14

• November 4-9

Morgenstern Trio • November 9

Named after a witty and popular 19th-century German poet, the Morgenstern Trio creates its own sparkling poetry in rich, nuanced sound. The group is hailed for its display of “unanimity, polished technique and musical imagination” (Washington Post). They will perform music from Ravel, Brahms, Bloch and Fontyn.

• Chamber Music Tulsa

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

This bestselling author of A Walk in the Woods is known for his warmth, wit and amusing anecdotes. His latest book, One Summer: America 1927, shares stories of fascinating American figures — Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, Al Capone, Dorothy Parker and others — who contributed to a landmark summer in American history. • Tulsa Town Hall

The Adventures of Robin Hood • November 21

Somewhere near you there is a band of brothers fighting for justice. They are lean, mean, justice-fighting machines seeking to rid the land of evil and return hope to the poorly treated. Join Scotland’s Visible Fictions for a silly and unexpected take on Robin Hood! • Tulsa PAC Trust

The Little Mermaid Jr. • November 21-23

Journey “Under the Sea” with Ariel the mermaid and her aquatic friends in this charming Broadway Bootcamp production of the Disney musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. • Theatre Tulsa

Mannheim Steamroller • November 24

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the “Renaissance rock” group’s first Christmas album at this Thanksgiving-week concert. The multi-platinum-selling recording ensemble employs a unique mix of classical compositions, rock rhythms, Baroque instruments and synthesizers.

• Celebrity Attractions

Mannheim Steamroller

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

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David Sedaris

DECEMBER Simply Romantic Holiday • December 6

Music by Romantic Era composers Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn are at the heart of this holiday season concert.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 in G minor (“Winter Dreams”) and selections from The Nutcracker will be performed, along with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor featuring Rossitza Jekova-Goza. Guest conductor is Steven Smith.

• Tulsa Symphony

A Christmas Carol • December 11-23

Experience this original adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale, now in its third decade. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey from Christmas curmudgeon to holiday celebrant as told through delightful song and dance in a world of Victorian costumes and settings.

• American Theatre Company

The Nutcracker • December 12-21

A young girl’s fantasy unfolds in this sparkling holiday program. Combining the visuals of a Broadway show and the story of a heartwarming fairytale Christmas, Tulsa Ballet’s professional company and more than 100 local children help the Mouse King battle the Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldier brigade. • Tulsa Ballet

A Christmas Carol

The Adventures of Robin Hood

The Nutcracker TulsaPeople.com

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JANUARY Once • January 6-11

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Once features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. Based on the critically acclaimed 2007 film, Once incorporates Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s music and lyrics, including the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” • Celebrity Attractions

August: Osage County • January 8-18

You’ll recognize the setting, if not your own relatives, in Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Broadway play.

The dark comedy takes place near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, as a dysfunctional family reunites to deal with the disappearance of their alcoholic father and confronts the cruelty of their sharptongued, pill-popping mother. For mature audiences.

• Theatre Pops.

Fareed Zakaria • January 16

Esquire Magazine described Fareed Zakaria as “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.” His in-depth interviews with heads of state, including Barack Obama, have been broadcast worldwide on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS and elsewhere. His stories and columns reach more than 25 million readers weekly. • Tulsa Town Hall

David Gonzalez’s Sleeping Beauty • January 30

Storyteller, musician, poet, actor and writer David Gonzalez combines rhymed verse, live music and large-scale image projection to create a magical multimedia world in which a beautiful (and funky) princess is awakened by true love’s kiss … maybe. • Tulsa PAC Trust

Chicago: The Musical

• January 30–February 15

From the sexy sass of Roxie Hart and the va-va-voom of Velma Kelly to the sardonic wit of their attorney Billy Flynn, this satire about celebrity criminals is packed with unforgettable characters. Bob Fosse-style musical numbers include “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

For mature audiences.

• Theatre Tulsa

Simply Classical • January 17

James Bagwell conducts the Tulsa Symphony in a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F major and Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D minor, featuring Tulsa Oratorio Chorus. Bagwell, director of choruses for the Bard Music Festival and other prestigious events, was music director for Light Opera Oklahoma for many years. • Tulsa Symphony

Fareed Zakaria

Rastrelli Cello Quartet • January 24

The Rastrelli Cello Quartet has been thrilling audiences with its non-traditional programming since 2002. With a mission to perform music “between the genres,” the quartet’s varied repertoire mixes works by Bach, Saint-Saëns and Tchaikovsky with that of George Gershwin, Dave Brubeck, Leroy Anderson and The Beatles. • Choregus Productions

Once

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Rastrelli Cello Quartet

David Gonzalez’s Sleeping Beauty

FEBRUARY Danish String Quartet • February 8

This dynamic Copenhagen-based string quartet is engaging and powerful. “We are simply your friendly neighborhood string quartet with above-average amounts of beard,” they say. The trio will perform the music of Bartók and Nielsen, along with traditional Scandinavian folk music.

• Chamber Music Tulsa

Romeo and Juliet • February 13, 15

The greatest love story ever told, sung beautifully, is the perfect Valentine’s treat. Gounod’s sumptuous Romeo et Juliette marks the return of Tulsa’s favorite soprano, Metropolitan Opera star and native Oklahoman Sarah Coburn, in the role of Juliet. • Tulsa Opera

Jeffrey Zeigler, Cello • February 20

For eight seasons Jeffrey Zeigler was the cellist of the internationally renowned Kronos Quartet, and he has played an integral role in redrawing the boundaries of the string quartet medium. This coming season Zeigler begins a variety of new collaborations as a solo performer, including the premiere of new works for cello by leading contemporary composers. • Choregus Productions

James Bradley • February 27

This World War II scholar is the son of Navy corpsman John Bradley, who was one of the six soldiers photographed raising the American flag on Iwo Jima.

James Bradley is the author of Flags of Our Fathers, written with Ron Powers, which details that battle.

He also wrote Flyboys: A True Story of Courage and The Imperial Cruise: The Secret History of Empire and War. • Tulsa Town Hall

The Sleeping Beauty • February 20-22

Love conquers all in this story of an enchanted princess and her handsome, rescuing prince. The production features scenery and costumes by Tony Award-winning designer Desmond Heeley. Choreography is by Marius Petipa with additional choreography by Marcello Angelini. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed by Tulsa Symphony.

• Tulsa Ballet

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company • February 24-25

The dances of choreographer Nai-Ni Chen fuse the dynamic freedom of American modern dance with the grace and splendor of Asian art. Her repertoire blends ancient rituals and modern concepts, engaging the audience with the thunder of martial arts and the rhythm of poetry as dancers glide across the stage with color, intensity and a whisper of Chinese tradition. • Choregus Productions

Danish String Quartet

Romeo and Juliet

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

The Sleeping Beauty TulsaPeople.com

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MARCH Camelot • March 3-8

This Tony Award-winning musical recounts the legend of King Arthur, who rules his kingdom with new ideals but finds himself in a love triangle with his beautiful Queen Guinevere and the dashing Sir Lancelot. The celebrated score includes the classics “If Ever I Would Leave You” and “Camelot.”

• Celebrity Attractions

Superior Donuts • March 6-14

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts lightens up from his earlier work (August Osage County, Bug, Killer Joe) in what the New York Times described as a “gentle comedy.” An aging hippie who owns a donut shop is challenged by his young, enthusiastic employee to make the business more friendly, outgoing and healthy.

• American Theatre Company

Simply Tragic • March 14

Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in A minor (“Tragische”) is the featured work in this concert. Ironically, this “tragic” symphony was composed during a very happy time in Mahler’s life; he had recently married and welcomed a new child to his family.

Gerhardt Zimmermann is guest conductor. • Tulsa Symphony

The 39 Steps • March 20-29

An irreverent homage to the master of suspense, this fast-paced farce by Patrick Barlow is based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1939 nail-biter, only this time it’s played for laughs. See if you can catch all the references to other Hitchcock favorites, such as Rear Window, Psycho, Vertigo and North by Northwest. • Theatre Tulsa

Psychic John Edward • March 21

The star of two internationally syndicated talk shows, psychic John Edward’s compelling, often startling and occasionally humorous manner has earned him a vast and loyal following. He is the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers and was named one of People Magazine’s Most Intriguing People of the Year. • Jee Corp.

Neil Gaiman • March 10

Bestselling author Neil Gaiman is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers. A prolific creator of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics and drama, Gaiman’s latest book is The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains. • The Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers at OSU

The 39 Steps

Camelot

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Neil Gaiman

Takács Quartet • March 22

“The Takács Quartet are matchless, their artistry manifest at every level.” (London Guardian) Recognized as one the world’s greatest ensembles, this quartet plays with a unique blend of drama, warmth and virtuosity. For its Chamber Music Tulsa audience, the quartet will play Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven.

• Chamber Music Tulsa

The Three Musketeers • March 27-29

The adventures of three swashbuckling comrades come to life in a full-length ballet based on the 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas. Follow Athos, Porthos and Aramis as they swordfight, make mischief and romance women while trying to protect the honor of Queen Anne. Choreography is by Andre Prokovsky, with music by Giuseppe Verdi. • Tulsa Ballet

Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca

The Three Musketeers

• March 31, April 1

Noche Flamenca is recognized as the most authentic flamenco company working today. Formed in Spain in 1993 by Martín Santangelo and his wife, Soledad Barrio, the group has brought to the stage the essence, purity and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms. The troupe will perform Sophocles’ Antigone. • Choregus Productions

Takács Quartet

Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca TulsaPeople.com

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APRIL Of Mice and Men • April 10, 12

John Steinbeck’s iconic novella becomes a riveting opera through Carlisle Floyd’s rendition of this Depression-era saga.

Floyd is one of America’s most revered opera composers, known for Susannah and Cold Sassy Tree. Corey Bix and Craig Verm star. • Tulsa Opera

The Phantom of the Opera

Modigliani Quartet • April 12

This ensemble comprising four close friends was founded in Paris in 2003 and quickly won several prestigious awards.

Known for its range of dynamics, color and musical maturity, the group was applauded for its “Gallic cool, supported by a solid, thoroughly unified technique.” (New York Times).

The foursome’s Tulsa program will highlight the work of Shostakovich, Saint Saëns and Ravel. • Chamber Music Tulsa

The Phantom of the Opera • April 15-25

This spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical boasts many exciting special effects, including the show’s famous chandelier, innovative scenic and lighting designs, and fresh staging and choreography.

The thrilling score includes “The Music of the Night” and the haunting title song. • Celebrity Attractions

Bard Fiction • April 16-19

Honor. Betrayal. Foot rubs. Shakespeare and Tarantino collide in this Elizabethan retelling of the cult classic film Pulp Fiction.

The story follows the seedy characters of Tarantino’s opus, now part of London’s underworld, in seemingly disparate plot lines that merge in unexpected ways. For mature audiences.

• Theatre Pops

The Phantom of the Opera

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Of Mice and Men

Will Shortz • April 17

In addition to his job as crossword editor at the New York Times, Shortz is puzzle master for NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday and the subject of the award-winning documentary Wordplay. He has authored and edited more than 500 puzzle books and even devised the puzzle clues that The Riddler left for Batman in the film Batman Forever.

• Tulsa Town Hall

Charlotte’s Web • April 17-19

The Zuckerman farm is full of enchanting characters: Wilbur (a pig), Fern (a girl), Templeton (a rat) and Charlotte, an extraordinary spider who proves to be a true friend and a good writer. This charming play about friendship is based on the classic children’s book by E.B. White. • The Playhouse Tulsa

Treasure Island

Treasure Island • April 24-26

The young actors of Broadway Bootcamp stage a fresh take on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale about buccaneers and buried gold. This fastpaced musical is packed from stem to stern with action. Yo-ho-ho! • Theatre Tulsa

Modigliani Quartet

Will Shortz TulsaPeople.com

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MAY The Gruffalo’s Child • May 1

Tall Stories’ adaptation of the award-winning book combines the London theatre company’s unique storytelling style with new songs, humor and a touch of magic. Puppetry helps create a sense of the Gruffalo’s size and illustrates the scary mouse the Gruffalo’s child thinks she has seen.

• Tulsa PAC Trust

Wendy Whelan: Restless Creature • May 2

The New York Times called Wendy Whelan “America’s greatest contemporary ballerina.” In Restless Creature, Whelan collaborated with four on-the-rise, contemporary dance-makers, Kyle Abraham, Joshua Beamish, Brian Brooks and Alejandro Cerrudo, to create a suite of duets, which she will perform, in turn, with each.

• Choregus Productions

Amadeus • May 8-16

Amadeus

Music and theater come together in an unconventional way in a new version of Amadeus. An 18th-century drawing room with musicians and actors positioned around it is the setting. Costumed actors perform Peter Shaffer’s play with dialogue interspersed with excerpts from Mozart’s symphonies and operas.

• American Theatre Company

9 to 5: The Musical • May 8-17

Fed up with their manager’s domineering ways, three women turn the tables on the egomaniac, creating more comical chaos than they bargained for! Patricia Resnick’s hysterical story about the ups and downs of making a living, set to playful tunes by Dolly Parton, is a show that hardworking women — and men — can appreciate. • Theatre Tulsa

The Gruffalo’s Child

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Simply Cinematic

Simply Cinematic • May 9

Jaws, Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan.

Academy Award-winning composer John Williams (pictured below) created the scores for all these memorable movies and many, many more. Ron Spigelman, principal pops conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony, returns to helm an evening honoring one of the greatest film composers of all time. • Tulsa Symphony

Million Dollar Quartet • May 26-31

Inspired by the true story of a famed recording session that brought together music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night, this Tony Award-winning 2010 musical features the hits “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire” and more. • Celebrity Attractions

Wendy Whelan: Restless Creature

Million Dollar Quartet TulsaPeople.com

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Courtesy of Beryl Ford Collection/Tulsa City-County Library

Flashback

An aerial view of Skelly Field in the 1930s. The campus of The University of Tulsa is visible in the upper right corner.

Golden gridiron

I

by MOLLY EVANS

It bears a new name and holds twice as many University of Tulsa fans these days, but

in 1930 Skelly Field was nothing less than a dream come true for then-coach Elmer “Gloomy Gus” Henderson and the college itself.

Plans for the football field were blueprinted that year after William Skelly donated $125,000 that April with the condition that another $175,000 be raised. To provide the additional funding, local businessmen organized the Stadium Corp. of Tulsa, university records show.

Ground was broken a month later, and by game day on Oct. 4, 1930, Skelly Field was primed for kickoff against the University of Arkansas, according to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane website.

Dating to the field’s first decade, this aerial shot captures an ongoing football game; the Beryl Ford Collection archives state the field could welcome 15,000 fans at capacity.

The photo also features a glimpse of the TU campus in the right corner.

TU’s football arena transitioned to Skelly Stadium in 1947 with 5,000 more seats, and 60 years later was renamed Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium, boasting 30,000 spots for Hurricane spectators, according to the TU website.

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TH E

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STYLE FA LL OP ENI NG 2014 AUGUS T 21 AN D 22 Find more information about our annual fall preview, including a list of trunk shows and special events, at MissJacksons.com/Events .

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M O N - SAT

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