QUALITY OF LIFE IN TULSA
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SPECIAL SECTION
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SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019
OUTLOOK2019
Shining example Tulsa recognized for improving quality of life with Gathering Place, arts community
INSIDE 10 things to love about the city. O2
Mayor: Tulsa becoming a worldclass city. O4
‘Hamilton’ focal point for 2019 arts season. O5
Breweries, brunch among dining trends. O14
Oklahoma can be Top 10 state for health. O20
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outlook 2019
Tulsa, here are 10 things to love about you Ten things to love about Tulsa:
Tulsa is a happening place Musician Jack White visited Tulsa, looked around and decided to acquire a residence here. “The first day I came into town, just looking at it, I was really upset that nobody had ever told me about Tulsa,” he told the Tulsa World last year. “It’s a nice place for me Jimmie to just experiTramel ence a part of Tulsa America that I World think is incred- A design rendering for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture was revealed during a news conference in 2018. OKPOP will be built across Main Street from historic Cain’s Ballroom in the Tulsa Arts District. Courtesy/OKPOP ibly beautiful.” jimmie.tramel @tulsaworld.com White spelled out specific reasons why he “hearts” Tulsa, including the art deco influences, author S.E. Hinton and the films Francis Ford Coppola made here, including “The Outsiders.” White donated $30,000 to the renovation of The Outsiders House, a home that was used during the making of the 1983 film. The person behind the renovation is House of Pain rapper Danny Boy O’Connor. Like White, O’Connor had no ties to Tulsa, but he found a lot to like and became an advocate for the city.
We are new and old at the same time
Musician Jack White, sitting outside The Outsiders House, 731 N. St. Louis Ave., donated $30,000 to the renovation of the site. Courtesy/Outsiders House
People visiting Tulsa for the first time in a decade or so are blown away by the makeover that has occurred in the Tulsa Arts District. A part of town that once was desolate now is a go-to destination — and it will become more so when the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture springs up across the street from Cain’s Ballroom. Combine the new-ness of the Arts District and Gathering Place (see below) with Route 66 history and established attractions like Gilcrease/ Philbrook and you can reach a conclusion that the Oil Capital of the World is the new Rob Lowe. We’re aging well.
We have a great new drawing card Gathering Place isn’t just a stunning new Tulsa park. It’s the top new attraction in the nation, according to an online poll conducted by USA Today. Instead of reading about the 66.5-acre park along Riverside Drive, go see it for yourself. Now.
We are a bargain Businessstudent.com conducted research to find the 25 most affordable cities to live/ work in 2019. Tulsa didn’t just make the list. Tulsa topped the list. You can find other stud-
Bono and U2 launched a tour in 2018 at Tulsa’s BOK Center. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World file
Tulsa is a town for foodies. The Eastside Onion Rings at Freeway Cafe are a local favorite. MIKE SIMONS/ Tulsa World
Park Executive Director Tony Moore (left) and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum were present when it was announced that a Tulsa park, Gathering Place, was named America’s Best New Attraction in a USA Today Readers’ Choice poll. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
We love our food Though Green Country is blessed with a great outdoors worth exploring, our city is not located smack dab in the middle of a mountain range or next to a beach. Theory: Food is, therefore, more important to us than to people in some other geographic regions. Don’t interpret this to mean restaurants are our only staging grounds for adventure. That would be selling ourselves far short. But many indicators reinforce to us that Tulsans are foodies. Area eating establishments have raised their game to keep up with our expectations. As a result, we have great — not just good, but great — food.
Tulsa has a food culture all its own, from old-fashioned burgers at Hank’s to fine dining. Tulsa World file
of local artists who, decades ago, became influential figures in the music world. Among them: Leon Russell and J.J. Cale. Tulsa is a music town. You can practically feel the history at Cain’s Ballroom, a former home of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and therefore the Carnegie Hall of Western Swing. The Bob Dylan Archives are here. The Woody Guthrie Center is here. BOK Center, entering its second decade, continues to be ranked among the top concert venues in the U.S. The seasoned Brady Theater and newer casino concert venues provide stages for music artists who need a “fit” other than BOK Center and Cain’s Ballroom. Someone’s playing somewhere today. We sound fantastic.
Clark spend the last 44 years of his life in Tulsa? Because it put him in the middle of everything, or at least the middle of the country. Clark was raised on the East Coast. At the height of his career, he was being booked for gigs and appearances all over the U.S. Tulsa-based music impresario Jim Halsey sold Clark on the idea that he would be able to spend more days at home if he moved to middle America. Clark bought a home in Tulsa in 1974 and never left. There’s something to be said for being in the middle of everything. You’re on a shortcut to everywhere.
We are diverse
Oklahoma probably gets stereotyped by outsiders as We have major college athletics being this or that. Don’t look at us through that lens. Think multicolored kaleidoscope, Don’t underestimate this. instead. Tulsa, the heart of NaWithin the city limits, Tulsa tive America, is a blending of has two universities that compete in Division I athletics. cultures, and we are enriched by the qualities that all ethnic Both institutions — the UniActor Gary Busey took the stage with other musicians at Cain’s Ballroom groups bring to the table. Have versity of Tulsa and Oral Robin 2018 during a benefit show for late “Tulsa Sound” music figure Jimmy we solved the world’s get-along erts University — have been Markham. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World problems? No. Have we solved within one victory of a Final Four appearance in the NCAA all of our problems? No. But cities. Barring unusual ciries that rank other cities atop we’re as united as we choose Tournament. The University cumstances, you can get from similar lists, but, what the to be, and sometimes we just anywhere to anywhere — Point of Tulsa plays major college heck, let’s endorse this one. football and offers some of the need a common enemy (like A to Point B — in 20 minutes or less. Time is one of the most most reasonably priced college Texas during football season) We are the right size to avoid to remind us we’re all in this football tickets in the nation, important things you’ll ever big headaches together. just in case you like soaking have in life. You won’t waste it up the sun on a perfect fall amid bumper-to-bumper agSometimes, the best of both Saturday. worlds is less of one world. For gravation. Jimmie Tramel instance: less traffic. The worst 918-581-8389 rush hour logjam in the metro We sound great jimmie.tramel We are in the middle area is barely an inconvenience @tulsaworld.com of everything when compared to gridlock Twitter: The “Tulsa Sound” is a music in some of the nation’s largest @JimmieTramel style synonymous with a wave Why did the late, great Roy
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outlook 2019
Tulsa is quickly becoming a world-class city
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ur vision to make Tulsa a globally competitive city continues moving full-steam ahead as we work toward being the best we can be. We are focused on improving public safety, creating equal opportunities for all Tulsans and further developing the city we want for us and those who come after us. People G.T. Bynum around the country and Mayor around the of Tulsa world are sitting up and taking notice of our evolving city. They realize Tulsa is becoming a globally competitive, worldclass city. Our mindset is one in which we recognize not only our competitors around the world, but also our collaborators here at home. We are committed to making Tulsa safer. We have funded two of the largest expansions of police hiring in Tulsa history, with 90 new officers funded two years in a row. This past year, we have also experienced a 30 percent decrease in homicides. Our Sobering Center serves as an alternative to incarceration, and the Better Way program is helping our neighbors in need get back on their feet. With $300 million in downtown projects set to begin construction in the next 12 months, our city’s core continues to grow at an unparalleled pace. A recent study by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency found Tulsa’s job growth outpaced not only our state’s but also the country’s. Our Resilient Tulsa strategy
Chue Yang (upper left), who lives in a transitional home, and Melvin Pursley, who is homeless, pick up trash at Owen Park while working in the program called A Better Way. The innovative program gives people a day’s wages by working in the community. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World Huda Abdulhameed listens to a speaker during the city’s launch of the New Tulsans Initiative, which seeks to make Tulsa a more welcoming place for everyone. MIKE SIMONS/ Tulsa World file
is the first comprehensive plan to address the great moral issue of our time in Tulsa: racial disparity. We are striving to
create an inclusive future that honors ALL Tulsans. Our New Tulsans Strategy makes our city a more welcoming place
for our immigrant community. We also want to make Tulsa a place of opportunity for all people through the Mayor’s Initiative for Women to address gender equity disparities within the city of Tulsa. Perhaps the most tangible step we have taken to become a globally competitive city relates to our built environment: In 2018, we landed the two largest new employers to ever come to Tulsa in the history of our city. Amazon, one of the world’s most innovative companies, and Greenheck Group are investing millions of dollars into their campuses
in north Tulsa and will employ thousands of people. While these two companies are historic wins for Tulsa, they represent a broader trend. Our city’s top three priorities this year will focus on infrastructure, education and development. The City Council and I will work to put together an estimated $500 million renewal of the Improve Our Tulsa capital improvements package. We are committed to improving city streets and fixing and replacing aging and defective infrastructure, including police cars, fire trucks and park buildings. We will tackle one of the city’s lesser-known problems: long wait times for building plans to be reviewed and construction permits issued. Instead of five weeks for initial plan reviews, we will reduce that number to five days by adding five plan reviewers, making available self-certification and third-party plan review programs, and modernizing internal permitting processes. One of Tulsa’s most amazing accomplishments took place last fall. We opened Gathering Place, the best city park in the world that brings people together. As a testament to the uniqueness of this incredible park, USA Today’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards recently announced Gathering Place as the “Best New Attraction” in the nation. I hope Tulsans share my excitement for the path Tulsa is on right now. We are truly building the city we want for us and generations to come. Please join me in advancing our community on behalf of the people we love as we continue our efforts to make Tulsa a globally competitive, worldclass city.
Gathering Place sets exciting 2019 schedule with food, wine, more There is such a thing as being so caught up with the process that you completely miss the joy of the experience, or otherwise stated, “be sure to stop and smell the roses.” Well, for me, it’s just that. Since the opening of Gathering Place on Sept. 8, it’s been a wild and exciting ride. I frequently have to discipline myself to step Tony away mentally Moore and emotionally Gathering to acknowledge Place director the successes we have achieved as a park and as a city. 2018 was truly a significant year for Gathering Place, and we are excited about the impact the park will continue to have in 2019. It’s hard to look forward without looking back to rightfully acknowledge what a ride it has been and how Tulsa and the entire state of Oklahoma have embraced Gathering Place as their own. Since our grand opening, the park has come to life with visitors and entertainers, music and art, laughter and energy. We’ve served more than 1 million guests. Our team hosted 100 days of opening celebration, with daily activities and entertainment. We curated a conversation between centenarians and elementary school students. We’ve launched two original songs and music videos. Welcomed visitors from across the city and across the world. Sang with the Roots, danced
our mission to reach all Tulsans through culturally specific and inclusive events. Guests can look forward to signature top-tier events ranging from a Food & Wine Festival to a multiday event celebrating Native American dance, food and art. There will also be world-class cultural events celebrating Hispanic/ Latina culture, Asian Heritage, a Caribbean-like carnival, and a local and national gospel explosion. Our portfolio of events truly has something for the entire family to enjoy, from food, music and entertainment to educational elements and surprises that engage and excite. This year will kick off our The ONEOK Boathouse is a focal point of the Gathering Place, which has a series events, too. This will feahuge 2019 planned. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file ture repeat events that guests can look forward to incorporatwith Montez de Durango, drank all Tulsans to a vibrant and ing into their everyday routine. inclusive space that engages, cocoa at Winter Wonderland. We will have movie nights and educates and excites, on which Opened art exhibitions. Read fitness events, and, yes, the we have to continue to deliver. books at weekly Story Times. It’s to this North Star and focus popular Dog Play Wednesdays Premiered our park characters. that we will continue to deliver. will be back and better than Maybe most notably, we were before. This will not be your avawarded Best New Attraction in We will not be guilty of patting ourselves on the backs and lose erage repeat event — there will America by a USA Today readsight of the expectations of qual- be awe and excitement around ers’ poll. every corner. ity that Tulsans have quickly To acknowledge these sucWe are bringing new, first-ofgrown to expect of us. I believe cesses is to acknowledge the their-kind consumer events that that we have set the bar with intentional civic collaboration will attract visitors from all over that has defined this park from our first 100 Days of Opening Tulsa, the state and the region. Celebration, where our events its conception by the George We will host a Food Truck NaKaiser Family Foundation. This were strategically selected and tion event and barbecue cookscheduled as a crowd-control success is attributed to all the contributions and alliances fos- measure to disperse over a lon- off festival with a Gathering Place twist. We are creating and ger visitation window. During tered by our generous donors, this celebration, we had one-of-a curating two robust community our hardworking team memfairs where local vendors can kind events and a massive conbers and volunteers and, most showcase the best of Tulsa in importantly, all our visitors who centration of programming to celebrate this historical opening. terms of their products and have embraced our park, the services, providing economic This upcoming season will experience and its mission. It’s opportunity to local merchants. begin a more normalized our commitment to this misHealth and wellness will be a programming calendar. The sion, to be a world-class riverspecific focus for us as we highfront park designed to welcome strategy remains to align with
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light and bring attention to four major areas of focus: vision, diabetes, obesity and mental health. We are forming local partnerships to bring initiatives and programs to the park that help further community awareness in these areas. As we strive to make Gathering Place Tulsa’s park for all, we continue to do our best to provide diverse programming and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. It’s important to remember this unique gift we have here in Tulsa. The Gathering Place experience is not quite typical of other park experiences. All this programming and entertainment carries its own internal cost, but how cool is it that this quality entertainment continues to be free for all our visitors? We cannot take for granted this gift that Tulsa has been given. We cannot take for granted the impact and contributions such a democratic, public space can and will have on its community and city. We certainly have had a great start, but we are truly excited to see the growing impact Gathering Place will continue to have in 2019. Tony Moore is park director for Gathering Place. With more than 30 years of experience in the theme park and hospitality industries, Moore’s career has included leadership positions at Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. These roles included overseeing marketing, park operations, strategic development, and health and safety.
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outlook 2019 THE ARTS
‘Hamilton’ focal point for 2019 arts season By James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World
Easily the biggest thing in the performing arts in Tulsa for 2019 will be a little show about an illegitimate Caribbean immigrant who ended up helping to create a new nation before getting gunned down by a rival some 215 years ago. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “Hamilton” has been a pop-culture juggernaut since its Broadway debut in 2015, and Tulsans will get their shot to experience this phenomenon when Celebrity Attractions brings the national touring production to the Tulsa PAC on Aug. 20-Sept. 8. The show, which combined multiracial casting and a score that included rap, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, as well as traditional show tunes, is certain to sell every one of the approximately 57,000 seats that will be available during the run. That is why Celebrity Attractions is warning potential buyers to purchase tickets — once they become available — only from the Tulsa PAC or Celebrity Attractions to ensure that their tickets will be honored. Landing the “Hamilton” tour is a major accomplishment for Celebrity Attractions, but the shows leading up to, and following, the run of “Hamilton” are equally impressive. They include the award-winning musical “Waitress” (April 16-21), “Fiddler on the Roof” (June 18-23), “Les Miserables” (Sept. 24-29), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Nov. 19-24) and “Miss Saigon” (Dec. 31-Jan. 5). Tulsa’s history of local theater is almost as lengthy and as colorful as the history of the city itself — Theatre Tulsa, for example, has been producing shows continuously since 1922. And of the shows Theatre Tulsa has scheduled for the coming months, perhaps the most intriguing is “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night,” May 16-26. This Tony Award-winning
exhibit created by the Newseum in Washington, D.C., showcasing some of the most iconic images of photojournalism. Philbrook Downtown will open on May 31 two exhibits that present distinctive, unique and, at times, disturbing images of a Tulsa most people never see. “Larry Clark: Tulsa” is the complete portfolio from Clark’s landmark 1971 book, which has exerted a powerful influence on popular culture through the decades, while “Jason Lee: Oklahoma” is a collection of images that chronicle the travels the popular actor (“My Name is Earl”) made through Oklahoma, including an extended stay in Tulsa. The BOK Center continues to attract the biggest names in popular music, as evidenced by such upcoming concerts as Bob The touring production of “Hamilton” finally comes to Tulsa in August. Courtesy/Joan Marcus Seger (May 4), Jimmy Buffett ing innovative and challenging March 29-31, with the world play by Simon Stephens, based (June 4), Michael Buble (July concerts, with the Signature premiere of “Tchaikovsky: on the best-selling novel by 15), Shawn Mendes (July 20), Symphony at Tulsa ComThe Man Behind the Music,” Mark Haddon, is about a Backstreet Boys (Aug. 28) and munity College celebrating its Carrie Underwood (Oct. 24). which explores the composer’s teenager with a form of autism struggles against the constraints 40th anniversary this season whose investigation into the The Brady Theater will with concerts that include of 19th century Russian society mysterious demise of a neighwelcome John Mellencamp program suggestions from the as he was creating what would bor’s dog leads to disturbing on March 16, as well as guitar orchestra’s audience. become some of the most betruths. legend Robin Trower (April 20), One of those suggestions is loved music of all time. Resident The company also has big the Piano Guys (April 25) and plans for its forthcoming season, choreographer Ma Cong is creat- the return of Gustav Mahler’s Eddie Izzard (June 15). ing the ballet, with a libretto by epic Symphony No. 2, “Resurrecwith productions of “Mamma The Joint at the Hard Oliver Peter Graber and sets and tion,” which will be performed Mia!” (Aug. 9-Sept. 1) and “The Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa with full chorus and vocal Drowsy Chaperone” (Oct. 11-20). costumes by Tracy Grant Lord. will showcase such legendary soloists April 20, and the second performers as Diana Ross (April The company will also American Theatre Comannual “Tulsa Sings!” vocal pany will get dystopian with its premiere the first ballet by 13), Melissa Etheridge (April 25), Andy Blankenbuehler, the Tony competition, which will be part Alanis Morriette (May 8) and production of “Denim Doves,” of a Pops concert celebrating Award-winning choreographer a play by Tulsa Artist Fellow Trace Adkins (June 13). the unique collaborations of two of “Hamilton,” as part of its Adrienne Dawes, April 12-20. A River Spirit Casino Resort’s American geniuses — Leonard family of five “sister wives” have “Signature Series” mixed bill, Paradise Cove will host acts Bernstein and Jerome Robbins their staid lives upended when a May 9-12, and will revive what including comedian Wayne has been called the “Hamlet” of — April 5-6. new woman joins the family. Brady (March 23), magician The Tulsa Symphony The Tulsa PAC Trust’s Orbit ballets, “Giselle,” Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Michael Carbonaro (April 27), Orchestra will join forces Tulsa Opera captured the Initiative, a communitywide musician Sammy Hagar (May 4) with homegrown pop-rock trio attention of the international endeavor to bring people from and “Long Island Medium” star opera world when it announced Hanson for its “String Theory” all parts of the city together Teresa Caputo (May 30). project, featuring new and clasthat, for its production of through the performing arts, Osage Casino’s new Skyline sic Hanson songs arranged by Mozart’s masterpiece “Don will culminate June 8 with a Event Center will have Smash David Campbell for full orches- Mouth (March 23) and Walk Off Giovanni,” May 3 and 5, it had special production of William cast Lucia Lucas in the title role, tra. The concert will be May 17 Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” the Earth (April 26). at the Tulsa PAC. that will feature all participants making Lucas the first transPhotography will be a focus gender woman to appear in a in the program — community James D. Watts Jr. of exhibits at Tulsa’s two leading theater in the grandest sense of principal role on a U.S. opera 918-581-8478 museums. Gilcrease Museum stage. the word. james.watts will host “Pulitzer Prize PhotogTulsa’s two orchestras conTulsa Ballet will present one @tulsaworld.com tinue their tradition of present- raphy,” (March 29-July 14) an of its most ambitious projects Twitter: watzworld
Tulsa is earning national attention for its arts, innovation “Everything is happening in Tulsa!” At a recent national museum meeting, I was cheerfully greeted by this exclamation from a fellow director from a large East Coast institution. She gushingly commented that Tulsa was grabbing the attenScott tion of the Stulen country. She Director & is right. president, Philbrook From the Museum opening of Art of Gathering Place to the recent Bloomberg Award for support of the Greenwood Art Project to the expanding Tulsa Artist Fellowship program, Tulsa is earning the attention. Recent success builds upon the legacy of established cultural organizations, including one of the best ballets in the world, an accomplished symphony and opera, along with numerous museums, galleries and arts spaces. Together, Tulsa offers a cultural landscape to rival
any mid-sized city in the nation. A vibrant cultural community benefits everybody. It drives dollars into our city, supports tourism and investment, attracts and retains talent, and makes a better, and far more enjoyable, place to live. I give frequent tours to prospective employees of Tulsa companies and their families at Philbrook and can attest first hand to the power of the cultural institutions in helping them to make the move and then persuading them to stay. So why Tulsa? Why now? Our arts scene is exploding. It’s a common occurrence to have numerous events, on the same night, competing for our attention, an awesome problem to have. I believe there are three key factors that, nationally, set Tulsa’s arts community apart. First, we have an unmatched philanthropic community. The spirit of generosity, passed down through generations, is unlike anywhere in the country. We are fortunate and should be thankful. Second, we share an openness to try new
what putting this mission into action looks like: We offer free memberships to all public school teachers in Oklahoma, host naturalization ceremonies and partner with numerous nonprofits, from Power of Families to DVIS and Women in Recovery to Tulsa Public Schools. We added amenities and offerings including a new restaurant (Kitchen 27), accessible garden paths, a Friday Burger Night and a stained-glass log cabin. Later this year, we will host the first Oklahoma museum show of Larry Norah Juarez (left) and cousin Emmy Smith sketch artwork for Clark’s iconic Tulsa series; screen printing during a Second Saturday at Philbrook Museum debut an exhibition of of Art. Tulsa World file Oklahoma photographs by actor, skateboarder and and driven by a spirit of things, take calculated artist Jason Lee; showcreativity, it is a welcome risks and be innovators. case a thousand years of home for artists of all Finally, Tulsa is a place types. That said, we aspire Islamic design; flood the where you can get work Philbrook rotunda with to be a gracious host for done. The ability to comeveryone in Tulsa, a place a dazzling installation by fortably live, raise a famthey can be inspired, take New York artist Sharon ily, afford space to work, Louden; and close the ownership and experihave access to resources year with a jaw-dropping ence new things. We’re and enjoy a community changing the perceptions light installation by of support is attractive Indianapolis-based artist of a museum from stuffy to creatives looking for a Anila Quayyum Agha. and staid to accessible place to call home. I am Not least, we deaccesand inclusive. This is not one of them and thrilled sioned a Chinese vase to a “dumbing down” of the to be here. establish a transformative Philbrook is an example museum; rather, we’re $15 million acquisition making it more relevant, of each of these points. fund that will support the approachable and, dare I Founded and annually expansion and diversisay, … fun. supported by the generfication of the museum At Philbrook, here’s osity of the community
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collection for generations to come. While that made headlines in the art world, what I am most excited about is our renewed focus in the coming years on supporting living artists — including local artists — through programming, education opportunities and exhibitions. All of this work is getting noticed. In the past year, I have given keynote addresses in London, Hong Kong, Athens and, later this month, Sydney. People around the world want to know, “What is it with Tulsa?” There is a lot to talk about. So let’s be bold, set aside our humility and proudly tell our story. It’s a good one. Scott Stulen is director and president of Philbrook Museum of Art. He is the former curator of audience experiences and performance at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In his brief tenure as Philbrook director, the museum has expanded its programming and exhibition offerings, launched a teacher membership program and established a new fund for acquisitions.
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outlook 2019
Casinos continue to expand, spark tourism Hotel rooms, concert venues are just part of the gaming experience By John Klein Tulsa World
The continued expansion of Gathering Place and Route 66’s revival has sparked a renaissance in northeastern Oklahoma tourism. The addition of a third major casino resort in the Tulsa metropolitan area last year makes sure visitors will have plenty of hotel/entertainment options. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa and River Spirit Casino Resort in south Tulsa have been joined by the Osage Casino near downtown to give metropolitan Tulsa three major resorts with more than 1,000 casino-resort rooms combined. The Hard Rock and River Spirit continue to expand space and amenities, too. The Cherokee Nation’s Hard Rock is currently working on a 65,000-square-foot expansion. “We have consistently remained the market leader in gaming and hospitality due to our firm commitment to guest experience,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “That commitment is what our reputation is founded on, and it extends far beyond our businesses. “When our businesses are successful, the Cherokee Nation and our neighbors throughout northeastern Oklahoma reap the benefits.” The Creek Nation’s River Spirit has opened a 483-room hotel tower, along with the
the number of entertainment venues from the BOK Center to Cain’s to the venues at our tribal resorts, has become a national entertainment center. People from across the country are starting to recognize Tulsa as a real hub for entertainment.” Bighorse said Osage Casino has already started planning a second hotel tower, along with other amenities such as retail space, movie theaters, bowling, golf course and other possibilities. “We don’t want to get out over our skis too far, but we have to continue to always be thinking ahead,” Bighorse said. According to the American Gaming Association, Oklahoma is second only to Nevada in number of casinos. Oklahoma has about 134 casinos, while Nevada has an estimated 334. In this region, Kansas City has six casinos with about 834 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa is currently getting a 65,000-square-foot expansion. Tulsa World file casino-resort rooms. Margaritaville Casino and Cafe, new ideas and ways to expand,” more than 1,000 hotel rooms. The Hard Rock, in 2004, was “It has been a great decade of the first casino resort to open in Crofts said. resort pool and entertainment The $365 million project that growth for all of us,” said Byron the Tulsa area. Since then it has venue in the past two years. Bighorse, CEO of Osage Casinos. undergone a series of expancreated the hotel, along with “We have been very pleased “The growth at all three of our with the expansion of the prop- Margaritaville Casino and pool sions and renovations. Tulsa-area casino resorts is great erty and the enhanced amenities deck area, created about 1,000 The Hard Rock’s new for all of us.” new jobs in the Tulsa area. for our guests,” said Pat Crofts, 65,000-square-foot facility It isn’t Las Vegas, but it The Margaritaville Casino CEO of Creek Nation Casinos. will have about 450 electronic “Our occupancy and group sales was about a 50,000-square-foot certainly gives Tulsa fantastic games, new poker room, multioptions in hotel rooms and has been very strong since we’ve expansion of the existing River purpose center and added space entertainment. All three resorts for VIPs. It recently opened opened all of our new facilities. Spirit Casino. not only have casinos but also The 27-story hotel tower We are sold out in the hotel Track 5, a two-story entertainentertainment venues and a opened in early 2017 and has every weekend. ment venue with a huge dance been a huge draw for the resort. handful of restaurant options at floor (1,200 square feet). “But we’re always looking to each resort. The Osage Casino opened a improve our guest experience In the past 14 years, the “Our recent opening of the $160 million expansion of its and to expand. We believe our Hard Rock has built two hotel concert venue is sort of the last towers (about 454 rooms), a business is going to continue to resort just north of downtown piece of the puzzle, although we 2,700-seat entertainment venue, Tulsa last year including the grow.” Crofts said the Creek Nation is recent opening of a new concert are already planning for down 23,000-square-foot convention the road,” Bighorse said. “Addlooking at several developments venue. center, luxury spa and a resort ing a venue for entertainment The result is a major expanaround the current facilities pool. including more than 30 acres of sion of casino resorts in the Tul- is just adding another value to our resort. sa metro with close to 400,000 Creek-owned land. John Klein 918-581-8368 “I believe Tulsa, because of square feet of casino space and “We’re constantly looking for john.klein@tulsaworld.com
restaurants
Breweries, diners, brunches lead Tulsa-area restaurant trends By Scott Cherry Tulsa World
More diners, large and small. More brew pubs and more breweries serving food. More breweries. More breakfasts and brunches. More food trucks moving indoors. Those are some of the dining-out trends that can be expected to continue to grow in the Tulsa area in the coming months, according to Paul Sorrentino and Wes Alexander, two people who have their fingers on the pulse of the local restaurant and craft beer industries. “Food trucks exploded three or so years ago, and now, you see more of them finding small brick-and-mortar spaces,” said Sorrentino, a partner in Old School Bagel Café, Roosevelt’s, Boston Avenue Grille and R Bar & Grill. “I see that continuing. “We definitely have more brew pubs coming, and I see more places doing breakfast and brunch. That has become a very competitive market. Sunday has become one of the biggest days of the week, all because of brunch. It used to be 11:30 (a.m.) to 1:30 (p.m.), and now, it’s five to six hours straight serving food. We now have to keep an owner in our stores on Sunday, which used to be a day off.” Sorrentino said diners can expect more chef-driven, locally owned restaurants to show up this year,
Owner Suan Mang prepares a specialty drink at Zogam Cafe. It is just one of many exciting new ethnic restaurants to open in Tulsa, and more are planned.
Owner Johnathan Neff offers three trends wrapped into one at his New Era: Fine Fermentations — a craft brewery, brewpub and an all-gluten-free operation. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World file
MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Paul Sorrentino and Boston Avenue Grille partners Shelly Brown (left) and Licia Sorrentino said diners can expect more chef-driven, locally owned spots to open. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file
and chain eateries will continue to make inroads. “I know for a fact that some smaller chains are coming to Tulsa,” he said. Alexander, director of sales and marketing for Marshall Brewing Co., said the craft beer and restau-
rant industries are natural partners. “Craft beer has been on the same trajectory as the local food movement over the last decade,” Alexander said. “Consumers have willingly explored options, educated themselves and
Wes Alexander, sales and marketing director for Marshall Brewing Co., sees more cooperation among craft breweries and local restaurants in the coming year. TOM GILBERT/Tulsa World file
become more discerning. “Luckily, for craft beer, the most independently operated food establishments feel a kinship to brewers in bringing quality to the forefront of our trades. Craft beer has certainly benefited, as almost
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every new establishment to open in Tulsa over the last few years feature a craft beer alongside food pairings as a focal point of their beverage menu.” It probably goes without saying that we can see more attention and op-
tions given to niche audiences, such as gluten-free and vegan items, and a continued emphasis on local vegetables, fruits, dairy products and meats. We saw an uptick in mom-and-pop diners last year, as well as large diner chains coming to the area, such as Black Bear Diner, Metro Diner and Cotton Patch Café. A casual, family-style chain, Newk’s Eatery, recently opened in Tahlequah. Can the Tulsa area be far behind? One of the most exciting trends to surface in the past year and is expected to grow is more ethnic restaurants. Among our choices are French, German, Chinese, Burmese, British, South American, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Mediterranean, East Indian, Central American, Peruvian, Korean and multiple variations of those. An Indonesian restaurant, Rendang & Co., which opened in February, is the latest to join the crowd. According to Alexander, it is the customers who fuel the growth. “Indeed, we have many talented chefs, restaurateurs and brewers in Tulsa, all being driven by a steadily increasing demand for quality,” he said. Scott Cherry 918-581-8463 scott.cherry @tulsaworld.com Twitter: @ScottCherryTW
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outlook 2019 education
Initiatives prepare kids for career tech, college Tulsa County leads effort to get students ready for higher ed, workforce
with Oklahoma State University the No. 1 receiving school, followed by NSU and the University of Oklahoma. To better facilitate those transfers, TCC has embarked on By Randy Krehbiel a project with the Schusterman Tulsa World Foundation, the John Gardner Institute and the college’s priGov. Kevin Stitt has made mary transfer partners. cooperation among the state’s “We have to be incredibly republic education systems a sponsive to university changes,” priority for his administration. Hess said. “Whenever they make In his first State of the State ada change ... that trickles to us to dress, he called for tearing down change the curricula to maximize the “silos” separating common the students’ ability to transfer.” education, career tech and Tulsa Tech, meanwhile, does higher education. its best work with high schools In Tulsa County, that work has and others to catch students who been going on for decades. might otherwise fall out of the Key players in those efforts education system altogether. are Tulsa Community College Programs include: and Tulsa Technology Center. • 23 offsite extension offerings Through a variety of initiareaching nearly 1,500 students tives, they connect high school • Success Centers providing students with post-secondary high school academic credit reeducation and the workforce covery and credit advancement, while also serving many adult utilizing blended online curricula students. Tulsa Tech instructor John Antonelli (left) helps Elijah Powell measure a door while screwing on hooks at the school. with certified teachers One of those connections is Tulsa Tech is helping Tulsa County’s high school students become ready for the workforce. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World • Online and virtual learning concurrent enrollment, which aldents to earn two-year associate • Career Academies for at-risk lows students to enroll in college degrees by the time they finish high school students courses while still in high school. high school. • Career advisors for every TCC, the state’s largest two-year The Early College High School high school sending students to college, also has the largest conprogram with Union Public Tulsa Tech current enrollment in the state. Schools targets students who Tulsa Tech has also started High school students who would be the first in their fami- a new program called Propel, qualify may take any TCC course, lies to attend college. It begins which recruits at-risk students but the college does have secin the eighth grade and includes without defined career paths. tions specifically designed for intensive college prep courses The students are trained in comthese young students. for ninth-graders and some col- munications and interviewing “One of the things we’re relege courses in the 10th grade. skills and connected with local ally proud of is how we work to The first cohort is scheduled manufacturers looking for new prepare our faculty for some of to complete the program in employees. the differences that occur when spring 2022. As most school districts’ budyou’re teaching in a concurrent The second arrangement is a gets have tightened, Tulsa Tech course as opposed to a tradi“2+2” model that allows Broken has moved onto several camtional-age course,” said TCC The Early College High School program at Union Public Schools targets stuArrow High School students puses, offering technical coursePresident Leigh Goodson. “We dents who would be the first in their families to attend college. It begins in the to graduate with two years of work for elective credits toward do try to make sure (faculty) eighth grade and includes intensive college prep courses for ninth-graders and college credit that flows directly graduation. This year, Tulsa Tech have the professional developsome college courses in the 10th grade. Courtesy/Union Public Schools into bachelor’s degree programs was in 10 districts and is adding ment foundation so that those at Northeastern State Universi- programs in Glenpool and Sand enrolled and nothing for high with 59 educational organizacourses are successful.” ty-BA. school juniors. Springs next fall. tions, which include school disThese classes are taught on While many TCC students Goodson said TCC is the only Twenty-one schools have onall the TCC campuses, as well as tricts and home-school groups. are seeking two-year degrees or line courses through Tulsa Tech. school in the state that absorbs TCC has about 2,500 concurabout 10 high schools and other professional certification, many the full cost for juniors in its remote locations. Concurrent en- rent students and would like to others are just getting a leg up rollment is also available online. have more. The biggest obstacle own budget. “We think it’s that Randy Krehbiel 918-581-8365 on further education. The colimportant,” she said. In all, said Provost Cindy Hess, is money — the state pays only randy.krehbiel lege said about 56 percent of its TCC is involved in two ambi87 percent of the cost for high the college has working concur@tulsaworld.com tious arrangements to allow stu- students transfer to universities, school seniors concurrently rent enrollment arrangements Twitter: @rkrehbiel
The Tulsa-City County libraries are centers of innovation Last year, a man came into the downtown Central Library and visited our new AEP/PSO Foundation Digital Literacy Lab. He worked with staff one-on-one to learn the ins and outs of some of the lab’s video editing technology and then took video editing courses using the free online learning Kimberly tools the Johnson library offers. CEO, Tulsa City-County He Library visited the lab nearly every evening after his regular day job for months. He spent hours learning, honing and then perfecting his video editing skills on the library’s state-of-the-art technology. Today, that man owns a video production company in Tulsa. He’s even made it a point to come back to the library and offer free video editing classes to other aspiring videographers. This is just one of the many examples of how your neighbors are growing,
expanding services like our new curbside delivery program, currently available at our Hardesty Regional Library and Schusterman-Benson Library locations. This service lets library customers pull right up to the library, call a number and have their materials brought directly to their vehicle, just like local restaurants and retailJOEY JOHNSON/ ers. We’ve seen such a Tulsa World file positive response to the service that we’ll be adding more locations for curbside delivery later this year. Some of our youngest library users will get to hands-on learning with experience our new Readtools like 3D printers, ing Roadshow this year, laser engravers, screenprinting and even sewing a state-of-the-art vehicle loaded with library mamachines. We also offer terials. 3D printing at four reThe Reading Roadshow gional libraries throughserves preschoolers and out the county, all in an their caregivers at 22 difeffort to make this technology more accessible to ferent sites around Tulsa County, delivering library Tulsa County residents. experiences to early In 2019, Tulsa County childhood preschools or library customers can expect to see more excit- day care centers in underserved communities. ing features as we work While we’ll be working to adapt our services to hard to bring new and meet the needs of our exciting services to Tulsa community. Increasing convenience County, TCCL knows that and accessibility is always reading is the foundation of all learning, and books front of mind for the are the cornerstone of library as we look at Employee Eric Tackett tells Rachel Brazelton about the 3D printer at the Central Library in downtown Tulsa. Modern libraries are about books — and so much more.
changing and enhancing their quality of life at the Tulsa City-County Library. I can’t speak for other library systems, but in Tulsa, our library system continues to innovate and transform. We have grown and evolved by embracing new technologies and a customer-centric service model. We remain a prominent player in the county’s continuum of learning and inspiration by providing books, magazines, movies and music that people want in the ways they want them — both traditional formats and online with our continuously updated
digital collection, new website and library app. We offer high-tech spaces like our Digital Literacy Lab complete with iMacs, digital drawing tablets, tape and VHS converters, video cameras, a green screen and even flight simulators. Our Audio Lab gives customers access to a sound booth, instruments and recording equipment so they can live out their passion for music or share their stories through podcasts, CDs and more. Creatorfocused spaces like our Makers Space at Central Library offers customers
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what we do. That’s why TCCL is also working to reduce wait times on new and popular titles in 2019. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our WOWbrary digital newsletter so you’ll be one of the first to know what’s new in the world of literature. This year is sure to be another exciting year for the Tulsa City-County Library. We are and will continue to serve as a sustainable, sustaining resource by advancing and promoting local creativity, preserving our collective history, advancing technologies, supporting small businesses and nonprofits, and providing a much-needed, comfortable place in the community where everyone may enrich their lives. If you don’t already have a library card, you’re really missing out. Be sure to head over to our website and sign up for one today. Kimberly Johnson is in her 20th year with the Tulsa City-County Library. As chief executive officer, she leads 24 branch locations in 10 cities throughout Tulsa County.
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Oklahoma can be Top 10 state for health At the end of 2018, the United Health Foundation released its annual America’s Health Rankings, and the news wasn’t favorable for Oklahoma. Oklahoma dropped from the 43rd spot to the 47th, the largest fall in rank of any state in the nation. What precipitated our state’s stark degradation in overall health Kayse M. status? UnfortuShrum, D.O. nately, our state President, continues to be OSU Center plagued by high for Health rates of obesity, Sciences physical inactivity and cardiovascular deaths. As a state, we eat less healthy and move less frequently — behaviors that can increase a person’s risk for heart disease and heart attack. In his first State of the State address, Gov. Kevin Stitt outlined his vision to make Oklahoma a Top 10 state in everything from education and criminal justice reform to economy and health care. It’s an ambitious goal, to go from a health rank of 47th to 10th, but it’s a goal that we must embrace with fervor and conviction. Over nearly three decades, Oklahoma has fallen in the health rankings from 32nd in 1990 to 47th in 2018. We must reverse our downward spiral before we find ourselves dead last. There is a human and economic price for placing in the bottom 10th percentile in health. While public policy and public investments in health care impact health outcomes significantly, as a community and as individuals, we can play
Simulated patients lie in beds in the simulation emergency room at the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. Tulsa World File
our part in helping to move our state’s health in the right direction. According to the County Health Rankings, 80 percent to 90 percent of health takes place outside the clinical care setting. Health and wellness starts at home, at work, at school— the places where we live and play. Adopting behaviors such as eating healthy, exercising and refraining from tobacco use, combined with regular visits to a primary care doctor, can contribute greatly to improving our state’s health status. As a pediatrician, I often see children and their families struggle with obesity. It has become one of Oklahoma’s most pervasive public health crises. It is often linked to chronic
diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Research has even shown links between obesity and an increased risk of certain cancers. According to a study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2017, Oklahoma has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation for youth ages 10 to 17. In 2014, we had the third-highest adult obesity rate in the nation at 36.5 percent. Fortunately, we in Tulsa have community resources available that encourage us to make fitness a part of our daily lives. Under the leadership of George Kaiser, Gathering Place opened in the fall of 2018, transforming nearly 100 acres of Tulsa’s waterfront along the Arkansas
River into a delightful playground for adults and children. Tulsa also benefits from municiKayse M. Shrum, D.O., is pal leadership that understands president of the Oklahoma the importance of recreation asState University Center for sets as an essential component Health Sciences and dean of to community health and wellthe OSU College of Osteopathic ness. Tulsa is a wonderful place Medicine. She earned her docto live, work and be healthy. tor of osteopathic medicine Unfortunately, there are a degree from the OSU College of number of communities in Osteopathic Medicine and has Oklahoma, especially those in completed executive leadership rural Oklahoma, that do not and management training have Tulsa’s philanthropic larprograms at Harvard Univergesse or municipal capacity to sity and Stanford University. make preventative health a priUnder her leadership, OSUority for their community. AcCHS has successfully launched cess to medical care and health rural physician pipeline information, as well as healthy programs and health care acfood choices and opportunities cess initiatives to address the for physical activity, are crucial health care workforce shortage to battling the obesity epidemic in rural Oklahoma.
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in Oklahoma. At the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, we are working to bring our resources to these underserved communities through Project ECHO, a collaborative model of telecommunication between medical specialists and physicians in rural areas, with obesity medicine one of the specialties available through this virtual learning network. But more has to be done and by more people, businesses and organizations. As Oklahomans, we must take a serious look at all aspects of our health and community and work collectively to improve our state’s overall health. Getting yourself, your family, your community and our state healthy is the responsibility of us all — individuals, civic leaders, educators, employers, legislators and physicians. We all have a role to play in making our homes and communities healthier and in making Oklahoma a Top 10 state in health.
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housing
Mindfulness training aims Neighborhood west of downtown getting makeover, new attention to help students cope The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Tulsa and THA a $30 million grant to revitalize the Eugene Field neighborhood in west Tulsa.
By Tim Stanley By Michael Dekker
Tulsa World
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Tulsa has a variety of innovative health and wellness programs targeting the young to the elderly, including one aimed to prevent children from lashing out when faced with stressful situations. The new program, called “mindfulness training,” is coordinated through Family & Children’s Services and incorporates yoga, breathing exercises and other strategies. “There are groups of kids who have challenges with anger, getting along with others,” said Ginger Page, principal at Wright Elementary School, where the program began earlier this year. “They just need coping skills. They’re with peers who have a lot of the same issues. “We’re hoping to accomplish a couple of things. Giving them coping skills ... but also developing their peer relationships during those sessions,” she said. “We’re hoping it will help them be more introspective about themselves but also their relationship with others and how their actions impact people around them.” Mindfulness groups at Wright are facilitated by Oklahoma State University master’s of counseling
Taylor Collins (left), Hailey Walsh and Shannon DeYong, interns from Family & Children Services, speak to a group of students at Wright Elementary School on Tuesday and emphasize mindfulness. Family & Children’s Services teaches students yoga, meditation and breathing techniques to help those who might otherwise act out. JOHN CLANTON/Tulsa World
interns supported by Family & Children’s Services mental health supervisors. The program began this year at Wright and another school site, said Faith Crittenden, program director for school-based teams at Family & Children’s Services. “Our hope is next year to expand it,” she said. Page said 20-25 students are currently participating in the program at Wright. The students learn techniques such as deep breaths and guided exercises — focusing on body sensations with stretching physical exercising — in groups. Page said it is still too early to tell how effective the program will be but said she is “absolutely” optimistic about it. “They’re excited,” she said of participants. “They
love going. They take it seriously and they understand they are a select group of kids.” Because of confidentiality rules, children participating in the program are not publicly identified. But in a letter to parents, Wright quoted several who are participating. “The mindfulness group is very fun, very thoughtful, very nice and very cool,” she quoted one fifthgrader as saying. “When I go to mindfulness, I feel calm. It teaches us to be calm and happy. I like mindfulness because they are nice and I want to continue doing mindfulness,” a fourth-grader said. Said another, “I think it’s fun, and I like it because it helps with sadness and dealing with mad people.”
A public housing redevelopment effort aimed at a west Tulsa neighborhood is set to kick off this summer, and officials say it could serve as a model for how Tulsa revitalizes its poorer areas. Made possible by $40 million in grants and the teamwork of local agencies, Tulsa’s Choice Neighborhoods project will focus on the Eugene Field neighborhood, transforming two public housing complexes into larger, mixed-income facilities as part of an effort to spark a turnaround in the area. The hope is that it will “become a neighborhood anyone would want to live in, not just be forced to live in,” said Jeff Hall, Tulsa Housing Authority vice president of strategic planning, speaking recently to Leadership Tulsa. “There are a lot of needs there. This program lets us take a look at that need,” he said. The project will occur in six phases. Phases one through four will focus on the Riverview Park complex at 2212 S. Jackson Ave. These will be done between this summer and summer 2020. The last two phases at the Brightwater Apartments, 2202 S. Phoenix Ave., will follow in 2021. The complexes now offer 390 apartments. That will
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JOHN CLANTON/ Tulsa World file
increase to 460. The project was announced last year when the city and THA won a $30 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods program, one of just five cities nationwide to be approved. Supplemented by a $12 million grant from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, the money was earmarked for the Eugene Field plan. Residents will have to be relocated while the work is going on, and officials say their comfort will be a chief concern. All residents will receive relocation and case management assistance, as well as mobility counseling. HUD rules require that the entire project be finished by 2024. The Choice Neighborhoods project encompasses a much bigger vision than just housing. With the involvement of the city, THA, Tulsa Public Schools and other community partners, the goal is total revitalization of the area
— including grocery stores and medical services that Eugene Field is lacking. To those ends, the plan for mixed-income housing should help, officials say, bringing in more residents with disposable income, enough to support a grocery store and other businesses. From the city’s standpoint, investing here makes sense. With the downtown core thriving, it’s time to shift focus to surrounding neighborhoods. Eugene Field, east of Southwest Boulevard and south of the Arkansas River, is an easy drive — almost walking distance — from downtown. The federal Choice Neighborhoods program has been around for several years. Tulsa leaders will look to other program cities like Seattle and Memphis for inspiration, they say, while creating a project that is wholly unique to Tulsa. Tim Stanley 918-581-8385 tim.stanley @tulsaworld.com
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outlook 2019 gardening
senior living
Communities could get younger as Boomers age From Staff Reports
A male monarch butterfly dries its wings in the morning sun at the Gathering Place. Local gardeners are planting more species that attract monarchs. KELLY BOSTIAN/Tulsa World
Local groups spreading love of butterfly gardens them. Others just help the butterflies along by protecting them in their chrysalis stage and then Many Oklahomans are tagging and releasing the combining their love of wildlife and the outdoors adult butterflies after they emerge to send them on with gardening by planttheir migration south to ing butterfly gardens. Mexico. They have found that Monarch Watch special— to borrow from the izes in all things monarch, movie “Field of Dreams” — “if you build it, he will including best practices for rearing butterflies, come.” But in this case, and is the only source for it’s monarch butterflies, official monarch tags for not the 1919 Chicago its population surveys, Black Sox. The fun is watching the with more than 320,000 tags issued to volunteers life cycle of the butterfly in 2018. — caterpillar to adult — Social media also plays play out in your backyard. a big part, and the OklaSome people not only homa Friends of Mongrow these gardens but archs Facebook group, led also begin raising butterby Oklahoma Monarch flies in their homes and may add a variety of host Watch Conservation Specialist Sandra Schwinn, is plants to attract other the best place to interact butterflies, such as swalwith Oklahomans who lowtails. grow milkweed and monOf course, the nectar archs. Discussions include that feeds one pollinaexperienced hands and tor benefits many others, beginners alike with quesincluding bees. tions, advice and tips. A visible decline in the A great place to start is nationwide population Okies for Monarchs, an of monarch butterflies initiative of the Oklahoma the past several decades Monarch and Pollinator served as a springboard Collaborative, a group of for broader awareness, more than 40 state and and a monarch garden is one way for people to help private or volunteer organizations working togethwhile beautifying their yard and enjoying nature er to inform, educate and support people who want at the same time. to become involved with Monarch Watch, a program financed in part helping pollinators — or those who just want to through the University make a pretty garden and of Kansas Endowment, enjoy seeing the butterprovides guidelines for flies as a side benefit. people to create certified The collaborative webMonarch Waystations, garden plots that include site okiesformonarchs. org is designed to pull toall the necessities for gether the help and advice monarchs to feed and reproduce on their annual from its many member organizations and provide migrations. a central calendar for Many gardeners colevents and web links to lect caterpillars from each site as well — includtheir garden and rear By Kelly Bostian Tulsa World
ing Monarch Watch. The Okies site helps with basic guidelines for butterfly gardens. Because they rely on milkweed to reproduce, guidelines for a monarch garden call for at least 10 milkweed plants of two or more species and several annual, biennial or perennial flowering (nectar) plants that are in bloom sequentially or continuously during spring, summer and fall. That information leads off the “What to Plant” section on the Okies for Monarchs page. After a garden is planted and producing, the next step, if desired, is to get involved in butterfly watching and rearing. Journey North, a continent-wide citizen science project, tracks monarch migrations, as well as those of other species — hummingbirds to gray whales — with thousands of amateur “citizen scientist” spotters in the U.S., Canada and Mexico reporting sightings from the field that are posted to maps online in real time. Many involved with Monarch Watch also participate with reports to Journey North. Monarch Watch specializes in science and population monitoring and is the source for all things monarchs — milkweed seeds to monarch tags applied to butterflies by volunteers to help gauge population trends.
The trends in senior housing are what you would expect. Communities are getting even more sophisticated, with a variety of dining choices, saltwater pools, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and community life centers. But many retirement communities also think they’re about to start getting younger. Baby Boomers especially are “getting out of their homes — all the maintenance headaches, the lawn care, the expense of property taxes and insurance. They’re downsizing,” said Sherry Sims, director of fund development with Zarrow Pointe. At Zarrow, residents “have everything maintained for them — even a light bulb going out. … All they have to do is live and enjoy life.” And choosing a facility that spans a continuum — from independent living to long-term care — means people have to move only once and never have to leave a campus. “We have residents moving in earlier in age because it’s the best gift they could ever give their child,” Sims said. It’s a decision that families should start talking about early, said Oklahoma Methodist Manor CEO Steve Dickey. “If adult children can work with their parents to effectively plan for these things, the life of the family is strengthened and enriched,” he said. “If you avoid this, and we’re all going to face it, you end up being dealt a hand that’s very difficult to play. These changes, this family dynamic, this process, can either strengthen you or it can weaken you. You have control over that. You can choose that.” A worst-case scenario is having a medical emergency dictate where you are going to live, Dickey said. Instead, you want to be able to plan for the place that is the best fit for you. And with 10,000 Baby Boomers turn-
Kelly Bostian 918-581-8357 kelly.bostian @tulsaworld.com Twitter: @KellyBostian
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Zarrow Pointe in Tulsa is the only retirement community in the country that has combined covered parking and solar power generation, said Jim Jakubovitz, CEO of Zarrow Pointe. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file
ing 65 every day, that discussion needs to be happening a lot earlier. “Aging does not have to be an ongoing sequence of loss and decline,” Dickey said. “Aging can and should be a time when we discover new opportunities and develop new relationships. It should be a time when we share wisdom and experience new expressions of purpose and meaning.” To that end, Methodist Manor is building a huge new community life building that should serve its campus like a student union would a college. “It will be the hub of social activity on the campus,” Dickey said. So how do you choose the right facility? Dickey has four points to start thinking about. First, study the amenities you’re looking for — curb appeal, design, food and customer service. Then look at the opportunities available to explore diverse interests and experiences. Make sure a community has a variety of residential options — can you age in the facility? And, finally, “look for assurance of priority access to health care, should it ever be needed,” he said. A national survey ranked “being a burden to their children” as the biggest concern of seniors, Dickey said. Looking into all the options early is the “No. 1 way that you can address that issue head-on,” he said.
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