Oklahoma Magazine June 2023

There are two kinds of people in this world. The ones who think Nebraska is nothing more than a 77,000-square-mile cornfield, and the ones who don’t. We find that second group to be a lot more interesting, and are comforted by the knowledge that there are people willing to look deeper to discover what makes this place so special. We’re not trying to convince everyone. Just you. So go to VisitNebraska.com and be the kind of person who gets a free Travel Guide.

Top Doctors

To honor physicians, their hard work and their dedication, Castle Connolly has compiled an exclusive Top Doctors listing. In it, Oklahoma’s brightest and most innovative providers are showcased.

52

Exciting Escapades Around the Region

Meander the midwest (and the south ... and the southwest) during your summer vacation. e options are endless – where will you go? We o er plenty of suggestions, including speci c cities, states, museums, theme parks, outdoor o erings and so much more.

57

Lake Living

Summer is here, and Oklahoma’s 200+ lakes beckon for warm weather and aquatic fun. We delve into a few of Oklahoma’s most beloved bodies of water, explore unique ways to enjoy the lake outside traditional boating, reiterate some safety measures and traverse lake-adjacent towns for on-land entertainment.

60 Wedding 101

e wedding world continues to evolve – with new trends, innovations and creations making people’s special days even more jaw dropping. In the wedding guide, we present helpful info on wedding etiquette, planning, timelines and more.

Dallas has family fun down to a science. From dinosaur bones to space stations, the Perot Museum is always a blast. A few blocks away, discover masterpieces from every era at e Dallas Museum of Art. And for lunch, head to Klyde Warren Park for food trucks, lounging on the lawn, and experiencing the world’s tallest interactive fountains. Whatever your all is, you’ll nd it in Dallas.

To plan your trip, go to VisitDallas.com

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Downtown Dallas

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It’s officially summertime, and with the (sometimes sweltering) heat comes ample opportunity to hop in an air-conditioned car and travel around the region. Head to page 52 for some vacation ideas – from neighboring states to weekend getaways, theme park recommendations and a few safety tips for your sojourn.

Oklahoma also harbors an array of aquatic adventures at area lakes. Visit page 57 for an Oklahoma lake guide, plus hidden gem spots for fishing enthusiasts.

Each June, we partner with Castle Connolly to showcase Oklahoma’s most lauded physicians. Visit page 39 to see the Top Doctors official listing, alongside interviews with local providers and some need-to-know healthcare tidbits.

The warmer months are also prime time for wedded bliss; we offer the June Wedding Guide in tandem (page 60). Discover new trends, plus general timeline and planning advice, as well as how to best treat your hardworking and loyal wedding party.

One of Tulsa’s most beloved sporting events cycles into town this month; we explore the culture behind Saint Francis Tulsa Tough and present a few other biking events to visit this summer (page 6). Other gems include an Oklahoma mural guide (page 14), a virtual trip to Kanazawa, Japan (page 27) and a sit-down chat with chef Trevor Tack of Tulsa’s Lowood (page 66).

Happy summer, Oklahoma!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

THE VOTES ARE

In conjunction with Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors listing, we offer more health-related content online. Visit okmag. com for additional health information, the entire listing, plus profiles with practicing physicians on the list.

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER

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MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

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GRAPHIC DESIGN

JAMES AVERY

JOHNNY KING

GREG CARMACK

JUSTIN OEFELEIN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

NATALIE GREEN, NATHAN HARMON, SCOTT MILLER, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, DAN MORGAN, DAVID COBB, SCOTT JOHNSON

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Cycling Sensations

Biking events roll through Oklahoma

this summer.

Abiker’s paradise, Oklahoma offers everything from urban cycling to scenic rides and mountain trails. Riders – both professional and novice – have numerous biking options at their fingertips, all with the added benefits of enjoying Oklahoma’s stunning scenery and promoting tourism through health and cycling.

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

June 9 through 11, the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough cycling phenomenon marks its 16th year in T-Town. The event is primarily known for its highly competitive, professional criterium (“crit”) races on closed courses downtown, with a street spectator party involved. Crit racers speed through Tulsa’s Blue Dome

District on Friday and the Arts District on Saturday. On Sunday, they race through the Riverside neighborhoods, and also the infamous “Cry Baby Hill.”

Non-competitive fondo riders choose from 40, 60 and 100-mile rides through Green County, and all skill levels can participate. Free kids’ races take place on Saturday and Sunday, plus a free, five-mile Townie Ride on Sunday.

The three-day event drew roughly 3,900 crit racers and 2,200 fondo riders last year. Bikers hailed from 40 different states and as far away as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe.

A criterium, or crit for short, isn’t for the faint hearted. Cyclists race through downtown streets at break-

neck speeds, taking tight turns at 30 miles per hour, often in huge packs. Aggressive and slightly manic, it’s one of bike racing’s fastest forms of competition, requiring navigation of corners with riders on either side and in front and back.

Wheeler Criterium

For those with the grit for more crit, saddle up in the Wheeler District for Oklahoma City’s premier cycling event – the Wheeler Criterium. Taking place weekly from spring through fall, bikers huddle up every Tuesday evening and start pedaling.

Considered a weekly festival in the 150-acre Wheeler District (which is perched on the south bank of the Oklahoma River), the

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough comes to town this June, welcoming world-class cyclists from around the globe.

Photo by Chris Barnes courtesy Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

events are expanding to include children plus other unique riding experiences. The landmark Santa Monica Ferris Wheel overlooks the shops, eateries and crowds, with pedestrian and bike access to the Oklahoma River Trail network.

OK Freewheel Route

Anyone hankering to challenge the outdoors will enjoy the 2023 OK Freewheel Route, which takes bikers to the roads for the 44th year from June 11 through 17. For over four decades, the seven-day trek has been Oklahoma’s only cross-state cycling touring event. Founded in 1979 to promote amateur bicycling tours, health and community spirit, bikers peddle through Chickasaw, Frontier and Green Country, with all their diverse terrain and beauty.

Hosted by No Drop Tours, cyclists pedal from the Red River to the Kansas border. Bikers start in Denison, Texas, then on to Tishomingo, Pauls Valley, Tecumseh, Perkins, Pawnee, Pawhuska, and finally to Sedan, Kansas.

Considered an outdoor camping event, bikers pop up tent cities along the route, with a hot-shower truck provided. Limited indoor camping is available. Spinners enjoy all things local at area cafés and restaurants, plus civic groups, churches and school groups also provide meals. And No Drop Tours is dedicated to removing hurdles, thus allowing children and families all that biking has to offer.

The Dehydrator

ose ready to sweat like crazy will love Duncan’s Dehydrator. Founded in 1985 and held the last Saturday every July, this year’s hot event takes place July 29. Participants get a free “famous homemade chicken spaghetti” meal, plus every-10-mile stops that include uids, fruits and homemade cookies.

The Dehydrator includes single and tandem bike (two riders) options for 10, 25, 50, 62 and 80-mile rides through Stephens County’s rolling hills and plains, and a stretch across the Waurika Lake Dam. Proceeds go to the award-winning Duncan High School bands, as well as funding needs for the community.

Dam J.A.M.

Rain or shine, on Sept. 9, roadies will line up for northeast Oklahoma’s most scenic fall bicycle ride. For the Dam J.A.M., they’ll wheel through Mayes and

Delaware counties with more than 2,500 miles of lake shorelines in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.

Options include 33, 55, 73 and 105mile treks with Lake Hudson, Lake Eucha, Grand and Chimney Rock lakes, and numerous dams along the way. Beginning the adventure in 1992, pals Jim, Allen and Marie (J.A.M.) created this unique event.

Mountain Biking Safety

Biking’s a blast, but safety is no joke. Choose the right bike for the ride. Wear proper clothing and footwear, take your helmet, eye protection, water, sunscreen, bike repair items, first aid kit and cash. Side mirrors are a good idea, plus a pre-ride bike check-up. Ride in groups, and check the weather forecast, which is especially important for mountain bikers.

For off-the-beaten path mountain bike adventures, Tulsa’s 300-acre Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is west of the Arkansas River. With no cars, the one, two and five-mile trails are hilly, primitive, wooded, and have

lots of rocks, steep climbs and descents, plus restrooms, water, and a bike tool station.

East of Edmond, Arcadia Trails, for biking, running, birding and horseback riding, includes 6.5 miles of twisting, single-track trails with a bridge, and a creek crossing (weather permitting).

Near Pawhuska, Osage Hills State Park boasts 3.5 miles of dedicated mountain bike trails. Heavily forested with wildlife, the challenging-single-track terrain has switchbacks, climbs and descents.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

The weekly Wheeler Criterium in OKC encourages participation from cyclists of all skill levels.

Photo courtesy the Wheeler District

Gran fondo and criterium races make for an adrenaline-pumping experience at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

Photos by Chris Barnes courtesy Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

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The Game of a Lifetime

After hosting a successful Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Championship, Oklahoma golf is hitting a high, but for reasons one might not expect. One of the most in uential factors in the rise of golf participants across the state is the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s always great to conduct PGA championship or any major championships in the state, especially here at Southern Hills, and it certainly lends itself to an increasing [number] of participants in the game,” says Nicholas Sidorakis, general manager and chief operating officer of Tulsa’s Southern Hills Country Club. “But COVID forced everyone outside.”

Sidorakis estimates golf participation has increased 15-20% nationwide since the pandemic, primarily in women and children, due to a high volume of indoor activities closing.

Women in Golf

If you are a woman looking for resources, check with your local course for women’s leagues, classes and groups. In addition, the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association (WOGA) is a nonpro t organization with a mission of “promoting the

game of golf for women and junior girls in Oklahoma.” According to its website, bene ts of membership include: supporting junior girls’ golf with a portion of annual dues, eligibility to participate in all WOGA events, experiencing tournament golf at premiere venues, competing with other women golfers of similar skill and more.

Children in Golf

As for children and youth, there are programs across the state that introduce life skills through the game of golf. First Tee is a program sponsored by Southern Hills, o ering “over 8,500 kids the opportunity to play golf and gain life lessons,” says Sidorakis, adding the program is free of charge and located at Mohawk Park.

Greater Accessibility

First Tee and programs like it are making golf more accessible, welcoming to every person, regardless of socioeconomic background.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that golf is a game for the elite, only for the country club people, and that’s certainly not the case,” says Aaron Kristopeit, director of golf at OKC’s Lincoln Park Golf Course. Lincoln Park is owned by the city of Oklahoma City and attracts all walks of life to the green.

“Some of the stereotypical norms are loosening in a way that allows other people to come into the game,” says Kristopeit, highlighting a more inviting culture in the sport

over generations. “Hooded sweatshirts were kind of a faux pas in the past, but now PGA tour players are wearing them, showing people the game has become more casual.”

Though Kristopeit acknowledges that golf is not the cheapest sport, he urges people interested in playing to not let finances prevent them from getting into the game. He advises to buy used golf clubs, to play on municipal courses and to check for discounted playing times.

Etiquette & Opportunities

Whether you are an experienced or novice golfer, etiquette is important to learn before you take to the green. Both Sidorakis and Kristopeit echo the sentiment. Players need to be mindful of pace of play, allowing faster players the chance to move forward.

Sidorakis says the most important thing for any golfer at any level is to play consistently.

“Get a net and carpet and practice putting in the garage,” he says. Regardless of weather, Oklahoma has golfing opportunities galore. Businesses like Flying Tee and mini golf courses are a great way to have family fun while practicing golf techniques in climate controlled spaces.

“I’ve had people play here at Lincoln, carrying their own bag, at 92. You can play your entire life,” says Kristopeit. “Golf is a game of a lifetime.”

CHLOÉ ZOELLNER

With increased accessibility and popularity, golf is on the rise in Oklahoma.

In recent years, the rise in golf’s popularity has led to greater accessibility around the state.

Photo by Andy Johnson courtesy Southern Hills

Let’s Partner For Better Health

At INTEGRIS Health, our mission is partnering with people to live healthier lives—and these days, Oklahomans are living faster, more demanding lives than ever.

At INTEGRIS Health, our mission is partnering with people to live healthier lives—and these days, Oklahomans are living faster, more demanding lives than ever.

That’s why we’re introducing new health care innovations that deliver more flexibility, convenience and high-quality experiences

That’s why we’re introducing new health care innovations that deliver more flexibility, convenience and high-quality experiences.

From new urgent care centers across the metro, to a cutting-edge home hospitalization program for acute care patients, the only hospital-based Medicare Advantage program in the area and a brand-new heart hospital, we are committed to meeting your every health care need—at your speed.

From new urgent care centers across the metro, to a cuttingedge home hospitalization program for acute care patients, the only hospital-based Medicare Advantage program in the area and a brand-new heart hospital, we are committed to meeting your every health care need—at your speed.

THE STATE | INFRASTRUCTURE

Expanding the Trail

RIVERSPORT OKC plans to unveil a massive trail hub this year.

The RIVERSPORT Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park expansion opens this fall. New additions will create a trail hub in Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District, which is located at the intersection of I-35 and I-40 along the Oklahoma River, connecting to the OKC metro’s 80 miles of trails. And the construction coincides with trail completions, all while complimenting the Boathouse District’s growing cycling community.

M. Elizabeth Laurent, RIVERSPORT’s chief marketing officer, says the expansion will serve existing state trails, RIVERSPORT Bike Park users, plus the mushrooming numbers of trail users expected to gravitate to the soon-to-be-huge trail haven.

Water fountains, added shade, restrooms, an elevated trail, dedicated parking and a venue for education about statewide trail systems will be other additions, with the bonus of re-channeling cyclists and pedestrians off city streets for optimized safety.

Funded by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Parks and

Public Spaces; Recreational Trails Grant Funding; and individual donors, expansion includes the use of shipping containers to create unique spaces including a gathering hub, welcome center, nature center and ADA restrooms.

With RIVERSPORT located at one of the nation’s busiest interstate system crossroads, Laurent says the bike park’s expansion will draw travelers and be a great gathering spot for cyclists, runners and others using the trail system.

The bike park already offers a mountain bike skills course and three world-class mountain bike/BMX courses for the bike, skateboard and skate communities. As the largest of its kind in the U.S., and with an integrated timing system, the Velosolutions Pump Track is a 15,000 square foot asphalt track featuring seamless paved waves for bikers and skaters. The Momentum Pump Track, the largest composite bike pump track in the U.S., is a fiberglass mountain bike/BMX course designed with a series of berms, bumps and jumps, allowing riders to utilize gravity and body

weight to “pump” rather than pedal the course.

RIVERSPORT OKC is a nonprofit project of the RIVERSPORT Foundation, offering innumerable opportunities to those who are novices, in training or even Olympic hopefuls. Located within walking distance of the Bricktown Entertainment District, RIVERSPORT is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site, with athlete training facilities and coaching.

The area venues host options for those of all ages who enjoy all levels of fitness, who want to find a sport, pursue a passion, or just have fun. Besides festivals, race events, kids’ summer camps, programs, lessons and leagues, visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, tubing, surfing, adventure courses, high speed slides, extreme jumping, climbing walls, sailing, flatwater kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and indoor alpine skiing. There’s also a 700-foot zip line crossing the river, plus a free-fall experience. Suffice it to say, entertainment options are endless.

CAROL MOWDY BOND

The RIVERSPORT Trailhead and Bike Park expansion will create even more outdoor opportunities in OKC. Rending courtesy RIVERSPORT OKC

Memorable Murals

Connected Pathways

By: Nanibah Chacon

533 South Peoria Ave., Tulsa

Painted against a bright blue background, the Connected Pathways mural comes alive in movement and dance with three pairs of decorated moccasins. Located next to the Indian Health Clinic in Tulsa, the 110-foot mural is a nod to the Native American communities in the area. Nanibah Chacon, a Diné and Chicano artist, based the design on pairs of ceremonial moccasins that belong to Indigenous women from Tulsa.

Loading Mural

By: Kristopher Kanaly

116 N. Main St., Miami

Some people see an empty wall – others see a blank canvas for art that is larger than life. Murals not only enhance an area’s curb appeal, but also represent Oklahoma’s rich culture and diverse communities.

The following is a listing of a few of these murals around Oklahoma – chock-full of symbolism, bold patterns and even historical references.

This Land Mural

By: Rick Sinnett

200 S.E. Fourth St., OKC

Driven by the idea of creating art for the people, Rick Sinnett, a self-taught artist from Mustang, took on one of the most ambitious projects of his career: beautifying Oklahoma City’s grain silos along Route 66. e is Land Mural, which originated from a Kickstarter campaign, took Sinnett three years to complete.

The 100’ by 128’ mural depicts many Oklahoma state symbols, including a bison and scissortail flycatcher, in Sinnett’s signature vibrant, geometric style.

Yukon’s Best

By: Carlos Barboza

220 W. Main, Yukon

Carlos Barboza, a muralist of Costa Rican descent, has left his mark on many buildings throughout Oklahoma. In Yukon’s Best, he pays homage to the place he grew up. With a penchant for portraiture, Barboza covered the exterior of Yukon’s Best Flour Mill in black-and-white, photo realistic renderings of Garth Brooks and the mill’s former mascot, the Czech Queen. e mural has other hidden details, like an excerpt from a 1906 postcard and Yukon High School’s mascot, the Original Miller.

Kris Kanaly, an award-winning artist and founder of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, transformed the side of the Main Attraction Beauty Academy in Miami, Oklahoma, with one of his colorful designs. e Loading Mural includes ultra-flat abstractions of terracotta buildings, as well as cacti and outdoor landscapes. His murals, which can be found throughout Oklahoma, center on otherworldly themes of time, space and travel.

Wildflower Butterfly Mural

By: Rhiana Deck

406 Flynn St., Alva

Monarch butter ies utter over clusters of Indian Blankets in the Wildflower Butterfly Mural by Rhiana Deck, an Oklahoma City artist. Although it may appear to be a simple design, the clusters of owers and butter ies form the shape of a larger butter y when viewed from a distance. Deck painted the mural on the Cushenberry building while participating in the 2022 Northwest Mural Fest, sponsored by the Alva Mural Society.

Building the City of Legends

By: Palmer Studios

323 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville

Building the City of Legends, located on the Southern Abstract building in Bartlesville, recounts the town’s unique history as Oklahoma’s rst oil boomtown.

Spearheaded as a community project by the Leadership Bartlesville Class XX, the mural comprises three distinct panels that depict historical events spanning from 1880 to 1929. Artist Bob Palmer, who owns Palmer Studios, drew his inspiration from hundreds of historical images provided by the Bartlesville Area History Museum and the Bartlesville Public Library.

FAITH HARL

Larger-than-life public art displays delight Oklahomans and tourists alike.

Connected Pathways by Nanibah Chacon showcases three pairs of decorated Native American moccasins.

Photo/art by Nanibah Chacon

The Standard of Living Established by the Parties During Marriage

They then might argue that they need spousal maintenance (or alimony) so that they can enjoy this same lifestyle after the marriage. If there are minor children involved, they might argue that the same lifestyle should be maintained for the benefit of the children as well.

ty who is seeking maintenance consult with an attorney about their specific situation to ensure that all the factors are appropriately looked at in their case.

Spousal maintenance cases can be one of the most contentious issues in divorce. States previously referred to spousal maintenance as alimony. In some states, the term is still used today. In many cases, one issue that can come up is the standard of living established by the parties during the marriage. In other words, one party may allege that they should receive an award of spousal maintenance. And one of the justifications for it is that they need it to maintain the standard of living that was established during the marriage.

The argument, oftentimes, revolves around the lifestyle a party had during the marriage. For example, a party might cite the general area in which they lived. They might point to the types of activities and possessions in which they became accustomed. In some circumstances, they might point to items that one might consider more wants than needs, like vacations, spa appointments, country club memberships, etc.

The laws in every state vary in some ways based on what a court looks for in ordering spousal maintenance. Thus, it is important that any party consult with an attorney who is licensed and competent to practice law in their jurisdiction.

Having said that, the lifestyle of the parties during the marriage can be one factor a court looks at in terms of ordering maintenance. Missouri does, as an example, list the standard of living during the marriage as one of the relevant factors in maintenance calculations. The same is true in Illinois as well as it relates to spousal maintenance.

But if you look at the statutes in Missouri and Illinois, there are various other factors that the court must look at in terms of spousal maintenance and the calculation of maintenance, including the need of the party seeking it. So, the standard of living of the parties during the marriage, while relevant, isn’t the end of the analysis.

This makes it critical that any par-

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Hitting Your Target

Hunting remains a popular activity for Oklahomans.

Hunting wild game has evolved from an ancient tradition to the formal process it is today, replete with licenses, formalized hunting seasons and more than one hundred legal hunt sites in Oklahoma alone.

To be legal to hunt, licensing depends on the season, resident status and age of the hunter, says Kelly Adams, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s communications and education supervisor.

The most popular hunting season is the deer gun season, which opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs for sixteen days.

The types of prey most readily available in Oklahoma include deer, elk, antelope, bear, turkey, dove, crow, woodcock, gallinule, various waterfowl, squirrel, rabbit,

quail, pheasant, coyote “and other various fur-bearers,” says Adams. “Some species are more abundant than others and some are only regionally abundant.”

Both experienced hunters and those new to the sport should be concerned with what makes for good hunting weather – and what kind of weather is best for just staying home.

“It depends on the hunter’s skill, the species they’re hunting and the method of hunting,” explains Adams. “For example, extremely windy days are hard to hunt, but especially difficult for archery hunters.”

When it comes to the do’s and don’ts of hunting apparel, weaponry choices, and even how much noise to make during a hunt, Adams suggests educating oneself on how each specific season of hunt-

Gun Safety 101

• Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

• Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.

• Never drink alcohol or use over-the-counter/prescription drugs before or while shooting.

• Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.

• Understand that falls tend to be the most common cause of injuries.

• Always check equipment and stands, and use safety belts to prevent falls.

• Avoid permanent tree stands, as they are more likely to deteriorate.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Place your finger on the trigger only when you’re ready to shoot.

• Always control the muzzle. Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and remember that wherever the muzzle points is in the cross hairs. Don’t overlook the possibility of a ricochet.

• Be sure of your target. You’re responsible for knowing what’s in front of your target, near your target and beyond your target. If you aren’t certain about any of the three, don’t take the shot.

ing has different requirements.

For example, “turkey hunters should not wear red, white or blue,” she says. Not for patriotic reasons, but because “red is the color most hunters count on to differentiate a gobbler’s head from the hen’s blue-colored head.”

Want to be effective in time spent hunting? Check out the territory you’re in carefully before you start.

“Scouting is the single most important thing a hunter can do to ensure success,” says Adams. “Being properly licensed and familiar with the rules and regulations is important. If hunting alone, make sure to tell somewhere where you’ll be.”

To learn more about the state’s hunting seasons, visit wildlifedepartment.com.

TRACY LEGRAND

Oklahoma has a wide range of hunting seasons throughout the year, with popular prey like deer, elk, turkey and dove.

Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Courtesy: The Mayo Clinic Health System and the Firearm Industry Trade Association

South Tulsa

Broken Arrow

Sapulpa

Muskogee

Ardmore Tahlequah

Bartlesville

McAlester

Okmulgee

Durant

Sand Springs

Mustang

Pulling the Strings

and crew of e Lion King work to make the show as magical as ever.

As far as stage musicals go, e Lion King is the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, and the North American tour returns to the Tulsa PAC courtesy Celebrity Attractions from June 1-17.

Michael Reilly, the puppet supervisor for the show, always knew he wanted to work with his hands. Taking classes at a technical school, he studied a variety of subjects, including woodworking and automobile repair.

“I kind of fell into theater,” he says. “As I went along, it became more and more technical.”

He worked on The Lord of the Rings musical – a show that only ran for a year on London’s West End –as the sword and armor prop master.

“I’ll tell you this, it was great and it was terrible,” he says with a laugh.

As puppets eventually came into regular play in the theatre world, Reilly found his niche. He began working on The Lion King in Canada in 1999 and moved to the American tour in 2006, where he’s been ever since.

Nick LaMedica, the actor behind the beloved hornbill bird character, Zazu, got his start early. After seeing his first Broadway show, Jekyll & Hyde, LaMedica waited for lead actor Robert Cuccioli to come out back; he then asked Cuccioli how to get into the field.

“He gave me really practical advice,” says LaMedica. “Take dances class, join chorus, take singing lessons, learn to play the piano. I came home from New York and started doing all of those things.”

Although initially overwhelmed by stage fright, LaMedica eventually took a shine to the art form in high school. Puppetry came later with his first big professional job working on the 2011 film War Horse.

“Since then, I’ve ended up doing a lot more puppetry,” he says.

The pre-show prep work for both Reilly and

LaMedica is hefty. There are 230 puppets, and Reilly looks over all the principal players each morning. On a weekly basis, he looks through every other puppet.

“My philosophy is if we do our job correctly during the morning and afternoon, the show goes much smoother at night,” he says.

LaMedica does his vocal warmups before coming to the theater and then spends 45 minutes in the makeup chair.

“It’s wonderful because I get to have such a great relationship with the makeup artists,” he says. “It’s like a relationship you’d have with your barber, but it’s every single day.”

Working with puppets lends itself to a few risks. During a previous The Lion King stint in Oklahoma, an elephant puppet snapped a leg, and there were no spares. After calling around to aluminum shops, Reilly convinced one to sell him a 24-foot piece, cut into fourths.

“I came back to the shop, bent it, and with ten minutes to spare, I got that thing back on the elephant and down the aisle,” recalls Reilly. “It was a tough day!”

For LaMedica, working on The Lion King truly is his most prized theatrical memory.

“To have the first piece of theater I do out of the pandemic be the world’s No. 1 musical, that’s been seen by millions of people ... if I woke up tomorrow and this was all a dream, that would seem completely reasonable.”

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Cast

Right: Nick LaMedica, the actor behind Zazu, got into puppetry around 2011 and has remained active ever since.

Photo by Matthew Murphy courtesy Disney/ Celebrity Attractions

Above: Michael Reilly, the puppet supervisor for The Lion King, has been involved with the production since 1999.

Photo by Selena Moshell courtesy Celebrity Attractions

Celebrating OU Health’s Nationally Recognized Experts

More than 100 OU Health Physicians Recognized as Top Doctors by Castle Connolly

As the state’s most highly-skilled and nationally-recognized physician group, OU Health doctors provide treatments not available anywhere else in the state, region or sometimes, even the nation.

More than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, experts in their respective fields, work together as OU Health Physicians in Oklahoma’s largest physician network, delivering expert health services that encompass almost every adult and pediatric specialty.

From pediatrics to cancer to neurosciences, our expert doctors are proud to be among the nation’s best.

Nature Awaits

Did you know Oklahoma is ranked eighth in the nation for most convenient camping states? Oklahomans seem to enjoy camping more than the average American – and for good reason; we have some of the country’s most diverse ecoregions.

In addition to the Great Plains, campers can enjoy four mountain ranges, large and lush forests, and even swamps. The state also has more dam-created lakes than any other state in the nation.

Some of the state’s most popular park sites include Lake Texoma in Kingston, Robbers Cave in Wilburton, Beavers Bend in Broken Bow, Greenleaf in Braggs, Black Mesa in Kenton, and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, among a large handful others.

An often overlooked gem of the Oklahoma camping ecosystem is Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom. Some highlights of Alabaster Caverns include a 50-foottall main cavern which spans nearly a mile, plus several natural bridges, varieties of bat species, RV camping near the caves, or unique camping in a cavern with a waterfall (which includes raised sleeping platforms).

Chase Horn, director of communications for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, has an exciting announcement for Okie campers: just in time for summer, La Ratatouille, an Oklahoma based company that owns and operates Falcone’s Pizzeria and Joni’s Cakes Bakery, will be operating newly refreshed and upgraded food service operations

at six Oklahoma state parks. La Ratatouille has served the OKC Thunder, the Zoo Amphitheater and other notable businesses in the state. Owner and operator JP Wilson grew up in Oklahoma and has numerous childhood memories enjoying the state park systems.

“We are excited to partner with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to provide restaurant services,” says Wilson. “The current facilities at these parks are top notch, and we are honored to be trusted with the responsibility of bringing a first-class dining experience to Oklahomans and park visitors from across the country.”

The parks served include Lake Murray in Ardmore, Quartz Mountain in Lone Wolf, Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert, as well as Beavers Bend and Robbers Cave.

JEFF THOMPSON

Camp Smart

If you’re planning to camp this summer, it’s essential to know the amenities and services available at or near your campsite. Bring plenty of food and drinking water – especially in summer months – and have a first aid kit on hand. You’ll also want to know how to properly make and extinguish a fire, and you should check with your mobile phone provider to determine if you’ll have coverage in that area.

If you plan to build a fire, you’ll discover that most campgrounds in Oklahoma have both small charcoal grills and fire rings available. You should check with park staff before gathering wood from the surrounding area. Also be mindful of local burn bans before lighting a campfire.

Many of Oklahoma’s camping sites are first come, first served, so arriving early is a great best practice.

The most important philosophy of camping can be summed up in the phrase, “Leave no trace.” Be mindful of protecting Oklahoma’s beautiful local ecosystems and ensure that these sites are available for future generations.

The state is overflowing with pristine, beautiful campsites for summer family fun.

Oklahoma harbors a vast array of well-preserved camping spots, including Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow.

Photo courtesy Lori Duckworth/Oklahoma Tourism

Finding the best care for you starts with a conversation between you and an Ascension St. John doctor. What sets us apart is our unrelenting commitment to advanced and high-quality care in our community.

• Experienced heart care for routine and advanced heart care

• Leading brain and spine specialists, caring for movement disorders, spine care and more

• Advanced cancer treatment and surgery, with you from diagnosis through recovery

• ER care teams available 24/7, including our Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center

And you’ll find we excel just as much in the things that can’t be measured — listening more closely and caring more compassionately.

Your first choice for leading care

KEEPING THE JOY

Ballet lessons for children are fairly routine, and many take a visit to a performing arts center to see professional companies perform. But increasingly, more adults are recognizing the bene ts of the practice of ballet as novices.

Arlene Minkhorst, director of education for the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education, says people come to adult classes from various age groups, health levels and experience backgrounds.

“I think people are beginning to understand that it’s not too late to start dance at an older age,” she says. People may think they have to be young and look like a conventional ballet dancer to dance. But you don’t – you just have to want to come in and move.

The benefits of ballet classes for adults are vast, going beyond the most obvious of general exercise. Balance, stability and an improvement in posture top the list of benefits for Macaira Pinto, school administrator for the Yvonne Chouteau School of Oklahoma City Ballet.

“Ballet combinations are not designed to be overly physical or aerobic. They are working small muscle groups that you didn’t know you owned until you get up the next morning,” she says with a laugh.

Practicing dance can also improve focus and may ultimately

BALLET 101

help in fighting off cognitive sluggishness as you age, as the art form requires the use of body and mind in coordination. Pinto also mentions the release of endorphins that happens when a person exercises.

“You’re going to walk out of ballet class happy, even if you don’t know why,” she says.

But starting a ballet class as an adult can be intimidating. Those who are brave enough to try can expect to start with the very basics of foot and arm positions, and to work on holding the body in a proper posture. The teachers will be patient, and excited to answer questions and make modifications to movements for all ability levels. Ballet footwear will be required, but clothing can usually be anything comfortable.

Ultimately, it comes down to taking the plunge.

“Somebody just has to come with an open mind and as little apprehension as they can manage. And just do it for themselves,” says Minkhorst.

If they give it a shot, they just may find the answer to why dance is an important part of culture and an enduring form of expression.

“Dance can be done by everyone – from the baby that starts swaying in front of the television to the 100-year-old that is tapping his foot to the beat,” says Pinto. “Inherently, we have a joy within

Though no experience is required for most beginning ballet classes for adults, it can help to know some of the terminology - much of which is in French.

Turn out: Rotating the feet out from the hip socket

Plié: Bending the knees while the feet are turned out from the hip

Tendu: To stretch; it involves a movement wherein one foot slides across the floor with the toes touching the floor, then returns.

Relevé: Starting in a plié position and rising up Rond de jambe: A circular movement of the leg

Dégagé: Pointing the foot

Looking for a class? Both OKC and Tulsa Ballet schools offer options. If these are not convenient, check with your local ballet school. If they don’t offer a class for adults, consider gathering a few friends and asking for a private class. Some schools may even offer “open” classes for anyone to try out – children and adults alike.

ourselves when we dance, so it keeps human beings emotional, it keeps them moving, it keeps them expressing, it keeps them joyful.”

BONNIE RUCKER

Caption for Photo

Adult ballet classes go beyond traditional exercise to improve posture, stability and cognitive function.

Tulsa Ballet adult classes welcome dancers of all experience backgrounds and fitness levels.

Photo by Jessie Kenney of Juneberry Photo

Going Back to T-Town

Author Carmen Fields prefaces Going Back to T-Town, a fine new book about her Tulsa-based band leading father, Ernie Fields, with lyrics from a well-known song written by another musical Oklahoman, Elk City native Jimmy Webb. The lines, from the Webb composition “Didn’t We,” are all about trying and not quite succeeding, ending with the question, “Didn’t we almost make it this time?”

Although “Didn’t We” is a love song, Carmen Fields chose those lyrics to reflect something else: the whole idea of “making it” as a performer.

“However you measure ‘making it,’ being a big name, a recognizable name throughout the country – he didn’t make it in that sense,” she says of her dad. “He had some close calls. He got the chance to go to New York City, but he was impatient about making the big time and didn’t stay as long as he could have or should have. He was proud of his accomplishments, but he never achieved the level of Duke Ellington, Count Basie or Cab Calloway.”

Yet, throughout his decades as a bandleader and trombonist, Ernie Fields at least carried on a serious, long-term flirtation with music-business stardom. He toured throughout the country, especially early in his career, headlining

at many venues and providing a decent living not only for himself but for his band members as well. His music was noticed by critics and industry insiders, with a number of stories and mentions of the Ernie Fields Orchestra seeing print in local and national publications, especially during the 1940s. And he not only recorded periodically for a number of labels; he also had a big hit record later in his career: a rockin’ version of the big-band standard “In the Mood,” which made it all the way up to the No. 4 spot on Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 in late 1959. It earned him a gold record (signifying sales of more than 500,000).

On top of all of that, he may have been the first person ever to lead an integrated orchestra.

“He insisted that he was, and Mother thought so as well,” says Carmen. “But all I could find on Dave Duncan was information from things like the census and the city directories; I couldn’t get a lead on anyone to verify that.”

She does know that in early 1928, her father, who was Black, hired Duncan, a white musician and arranger from Ponca City, as a member of the Ernie Fields Orchestra. It was a revolutionary and potentially dangerous move in those Jim Crow days, especially for a band that

regularly toured in the South. According to the book, Fields told him that if it was ever necessary, Duncan could say he was the group’s manager.

Going Back to T-Town is full of revelations like that, eschewing a strictly chronological narrative in favor of one that focuses on the group and its members from the very beginning. This was, the author assures us, intentional.

“I’ve had people ask why I didn’t start with his being born and all of that,” she recalls. “I very purposefully wrote it the way I did because I wanted the arc of his story to start with his discovery by [famed record producer] John Hammond and end with his biggest triumph, ‘In the Mood.’

“I was conscious of the fact that I didn’t want it to be like a doctoral dissertation. That comes from my journalistic background. I wanted to tell a story, and I wanted to anchor the stories in the book, wherever possible, in actual events, which is why I used a lot of newspaper accounts and things like that.”

Carmen Fields went from writing and editing for the Boston Globe to a position as news anchor on Boston’s WGBH-TV. Later, she got into television production and scriptwriting; the 1993 PBS American Experience documentary she wrote about the Greenwood race massacre was also called “Going Back to T-Town” – a line from one of her father’s earliest recordings, 1939’s “T-Town Blues.”

“I would say I’ve been working on the book, on and off, for over 30 years,” she notes. “My father [who died in 1997] was still alive when we started talking about it, and he was very excited and engaged.

“I think the light bulb really went off in my head when the musicians who’d been in his band started dropping like flies. There were a good dozen of them I would’ve liked to have looked in the eye and have them confirm or deny the stories I’d heard – and maybe add new ones.

“The actual writing of the book,” she concludes, “happened during the pandemic; that’s when I no longer had the excuse that I didn’t have the time to get it done.”

Going Back to T-Town combines her father’s memories with reminiscences from many of his band members, along with the newspaper and magazine references she mentions. And, as she dug deeper and deeper into her father’s musical past, she says, “I was surprised by the number of musicians in his band who became famous or had careers in their own right. Before, I’d had no sense of that; I’d just

A new book explores a history-making Oklahoma bandleader.

Pictured is the group talent scout John Hammond and agent Willard Alexander heard circa 1940. Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma Press

seen them as boys in the band. So I gained a particular respect and even awe for the work that my father did in melding these often talented and brilliant people, with all kinds of problems and personalities, into a great organization.”

The book includes an annotated list of personnel from the Fields bands, and those interested in jazz, blues and big-band-era music will find such familiar names as trumpeter Miles Davis, saxophonist Earl Bostic, trombonist J.J. Johnson and Freddie Green, who left Fields to start his near halfcentury as Count Basie’s guitarist. Familiar Tulsa-based musicians who appear in the book include Tulsa Sound pioneers Rick Eilerts, Leon Rollerson and Mike Bruce; Ernie Fields’ son (and Carmen’s brother) Ernie Jr., who worked years with his dad before becoming a top music-business figure on the West Coast; and two of T-Town’s top musical legends, Western-swing innovator Bob Wills and impresario Jim Halsey.

“I don’t know how he and Bob Wills met, but for whatever reason, they clicked,” says Carmen. “Bob Wills gave him advice on booking strategies and opened a lot of doors for him.

“Jim Halsey was still in college when he started booking Dad. They just bonded. Even after Dad was no longer leading bands, they continued to collaborate on booking. He was the one who advised Dad to have both a Tulsa and California address on his letterhead, and he did that right up until the end.”

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While Ernie Fields was one of the first bandleaders to integrate his orchestra, he was also one of the last – if not the last – of Oklahoma’s so-called “territory” outfits, bigband-styled groups that spent much if not most of their time playing in and around only a few states. After his rivals had given up, he kept the Fields Orchestra going, Carmen says, “through sheer will and business sense. I can remember him getting up and saying, ‘Let’s see ...where can I go find me some money today?’” She laughs. “He was a business strategist to the very end.”

What is Hospice care?

JUNE

People have suggested to me selling health insurance as a career opportunity. Should I consider it?

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I have found that the best way to describe Hospice care is to state what Hospice care isn’t. Hospice has long been some sterile, cold place where dying people are taken, removed from their medications, stripped from seeing their primary physician, and given lethal amounts of morphine to die. THAT COULDN’T BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH. The truth is, Hospice care is given wherever you call home; a private residence, nursing home, or even assisted living. Our interdisciplinary team works alongside your physician to create a unique plan of care for you and will keep your preferred physician in the loop every step of the way. We’ll never take you off or put you on a medication that you, your physician, and our hospice physician don’t agree upon. The goal of Hospice care is to help patients live comfortably, with dignity, when a cure is no longer possible.

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A career in health insurance sales can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and personally. At HealthMarkets, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for growth and development, and a chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives. One of the most attractive aspects of this career is the ability to work from home and set your own schedule. Plus, our commission-based compensation means the harder you work, the more you can earn. With our extensive range of products, including health, life, and supplemental insurance policies, there’s a lot of potential for growth and income. As the leader of the Oklahoma City team, I’m passionate about helping others succeed in this industry. If you want to know more about becoming a HealthMarkets agent, let’s connect and see if this is the right opportunity for you. Schedule an appointment with my office manager Hannah at 405-850-1900 or Hannah. Little@healthmarkets.com.

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Carmen Fields plans to introduce the book at three different events in June. The first is set for June 15 in Oklahoma City, as a part of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Juneteenth celebration. The second and third are both scheduled for June 17: From 1-4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church North Tulsa, 1414 W. Greenwood Ave., and later that evening at the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. The latter two are presented in conjunction with Tulsa’s Magic City Books.

Sung Kang

JOHN WOOLEY

Rachel Arnold, MHA, CHM Grace Hospice

Licensed Insurance Agent

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DR. CRISTIE HAWKINS

RACHEL ARNOLD, MHA, CHM

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DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

LIFE & STYLE

MAP TO LIVING WELL

A City of Art and Elegance

The temples, shrines and neighborhoods in this seaside town of half a million re ect Japan’s colorful past better than most Japanese cities, because Kanazawa, much like Kyoto, escaped destruction during WWII. e in uence of the feudal lords and emperors who reigned for centuries is evident in the city’s culture, architecture and food.

Kanazawa is on the Sea of Japan, on the opposite side of the central island from Tokyo. In Japanese, the name means “marsh of gold,” thanks to an old peasant farmer who one day discovered gold leaf on the potatoes he was washing. Today, 99% of the nation’s gold leaf comes from the area. Some of it is even edible.

Bullet trains shorten the trip from Tokyo to just a little more than two hours. Pulling into Kanazawa’s station, visitors are greeted by the towering glass and steel Motenashi Dome and the equally massive, allwood Tsuzumi-mon Gate, built to resemble traditional tsuzumi drums.

The Maeda clan ruled Kanazawa and surrounding lands for nearly three centuries until the Meiji Res-

toration restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868. At one point, the Maeda family controlled the largest feudal domain in the shogunate. The family’s low white castle, the moat, the large stone walls, the ponds and the gardens have been partially restored to look as they did in 1850. Striking horizontal roof gables protect the castle’s intricate wood carvings.

Directly across from the castle, on what had been Maeda family grounds, is the meticulously-manicured Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three. It comes complete with cherry blossoms in the spring and spectacular foliage in the fall.

The Maeda clan was quite keen in their support of the arts. The peaceful D.T. Suzuki Museum with its simple, minimalist Water Mirror Garden reflects the philosopher’s theories of Zen Buddhism as a physical space.

The nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art uses circular architecture dotted with numerous doors and entrances to symbolize the many ways art can be viewed. The permanent collection includes

A

Kanazawa reflects Japan’s storied history.

Kanazawa presents tourists with historical gems galore. All photos are stock

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Leandro Ehrlich’s large-scale “Swimming Pool,” a senses-defying experience above and below the surface of the water that reminds us things are not always as they appear.

At the legendary Omicho market, the only rival to the just-picked farm produce is the fresh catches from the sea. Omicho has been crammed with traders buying and selling the day’s harvests for 300 years. Restaurants in the area do a brisk business selling sushi, Kanazawa curry and bowls of rice crowned with seafood.

For dessert, have some ice cream covered with Kanazawa’s specialty, edible gold leaf. Then shop for ornamental mizuhiki knots, lacquerware and paper umbrellas.

Among Kanazawa’s inviting neighborhoods is the Nagamachi Samurai District, its streets lined with earthen walls hiding the homes where former high-ranking Samurai lived. Nicknamed “the Ninja Temple,” Myoryuji Temple is filled with secret staircases, concealed spaces and hidden passageways dating back to 1643.

The three remaining Chaya teahouse districts in Kanazawa are also very well maintained. Many geisha teahouses still open every day.

Kanazawa is the gateway to the rugged, sea-swept Noto Peninsula where locals haul in great catches of buri, yellowtail, shrimp and black scraper. Seaside restaurants serve that bounty in hot pots called oden where it meets umami-rich dashi broth and vegetables. Enjoy with local sake, hot.

Accommodations run the gamut. Simple ryokans are Japanese cottages, usually with communal baths and thick woven straw mats, called tatami, on the floors. In addition, many fine western-style hotels dot the skyline. But for my money, I’ll take the Yuzuya Ryokan Kanazawa Ryokusone, up in the trees above the city. Seven well-appointed guest rooms, each based on a theme such as Japanese Dogwood or bamboo, terrific views of city and scenery, and an excellent restaurant.grand dame in the heart of Centro. The impressive former convent is filled with patios, gardens and all the amenities in an atmosphere of French savoir-faire.

CHUCK MAI

NO MEETINGS. NO DEADLINES. NO TELLING WHAT THE NIGHT HOLDS.

Understanding MINOCA

Most often, heart attacks are associated with blocked arteries. However, with MINOCA – a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries – this isn’t the case. And it seems that women are at an increased risk.

Michael Fogli, M.D., a noninvasive cardiologist with Ascension St. John in Tulsa, explains that MINOCA is an umbrella term applied to patients who are experiencing what looks like a heart attack but, when examined via a coronary angiogram, “they do not have an obstructing coronary plaque of at least 50% of the diameter of one of the heart arteries.”

(He adds that it’s important to understand that the 50% attribution is an arbitrary cutoff, based on history and convention.)

“We have come to realize that this type of clinical syndrome can occur due to many possible causes, including spasm or spontaneous tear – dissection – of one of the coronary arteries, or severe blockage in the tiny branch vessels that we cannot see with our contrast dye – microvascular disease,” says Fogli. “Also, sudden inflammation or stress on the heart muscle –myocarditis – completely unrelated to any heart artery problem, can mimic a heart attack.”

In addition, he says “other acute noncardiac disorders, such as a pulmonary embolus or pneumonia, can mimic a heart attack, can cause chest pain like a heart attack and can stress the heart muscle enough to lead to heart muscle injury on EKG and blood testing.”

While MINOCA is not well known, Fogli says it’s more common than people think, as it accounts for approximately 10% of patients who appear to be having a conventional heart attack.

George Chrysant, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with INTEGRIS in Oklahoma City, says while MINOCA is “largely felt to be a problem of the microvasculature,” it affects women more than men and “patients often do not have any risk factors, or at least any traditional risk factors,” associated with heart attacks. Another condition with little to no

blockages is INOCA – ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries.

“INOCA is very different from MINOCA, as INOCA is a chronic condition, not acute. It is characterized by ongoing symptoms of angina or an equivalent of angina, like shortness of breath, or fatigue, due to a problem of the coronary arteries that you cannot see with the coronary artery dye injection, in what we call the micro-circulation. These are the tiny microscopic blood vessels in the heart muscle,” he says. “Often, you can see evidence of a problem on a stress test, but then the coronary angiogram does not show a blockage of greater than 50% of the blood vessel diameter. More specialized cath lab testing – called coronary functional testing – can be done, but most cath labs don’t customarily perform it.”

According to Chrysant, there are several new findings in regards to INOCA and MINOCA.

“Diagnosis of INOCA and MINOCA should be confirmed with either a cardiac MRI, to look for signs of microvascular obstruction, and/or OCT – optical coherence tomography – inside the coronary arteries,” he says. “What is being found is that while angiographically, the arteries appear completely normal, a fairly significant portion of patients actually do have obstruction on OCT that is not appreciated by the angiogram. There are some new articles that go over these findings and recommendations.”

And while current treatment plans may vary, the medical community’s knowledge of these conditions continues to evolve.

“We have learned in preliminary studies that conventional treatment of coronary risk factors, such as using statins for cholesterol, ACE inhibitors or ARBs for blood pressure control, and achieving a healthy weight, eating right, controlling stress and not smoking are likely to be effective,” says Chrysant.

REBECCA FAST

Myocardial infarctions – or heart attacks – do not always begin with the symptoms you’d expect.

A Little of Everything

Elaine Graybill is sure that the collections at Alva’s Cherokee Strip Museum – where she works as the business manager – make it a must-see among museums in northwest Oklahoma.

But whether the museum, located in the building that once served as Alva’s city hospital, includes late-night supernatural activities … well, she isn’t so sure about that.

Several paranormal teams have visited the privately-owned, nonprofit museum over the past few years, she says, setting up their specialized equipment at night and waiting for something extraordinary to happen.

“I’m not going to say we’re haunted, but there are just some … unexplained things,” she says.

“Most of the ‘activity’ occurs between midnight and 2 a.m.,” Graybill tells an inquisitor. “Some rooms are more active than others.”

The Cherokee Strip Museum (and its variety of exhibits) is just one of the attractions in Alva. The city sits at the intersection of U.S. Highways 281 and

64; Tulsa is 187 miles to the east, Oklahoma City some 150 miles to the southeast. With an estimated population of about 5,000, Alva is in the part of Indian Territory that was designated as the Cherokee Strip, and was established in 1893 as a land office for the Cherokee Strip land run.

The city is also the home of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Museum of Natural History at NOSU contains more than 8,000 artifacts, including birds, mammoth tusks and different types of fossils and artifacts – some acquired more than 100 years ago.

What became NOSU was first established in 1897 as a “normal” school to educate future teachers, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.

The first classes met in a local church on September 20, with three faculty members and 58 students. In 1996, the Oklahoma Legislature established branch campuses of NOSU in Enid and Woodward, with the university emerging as Alva’s largest employer in the 1990s.

It also has an arrangement with the two-year Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, whereby students can transfer their credits and complete their bachelor’s degrees at NOSU.

Alva is also surrounded by some of Oklahoma’s richest outdoor life. The Alva Chamber of Commerce points out that the city is within 30 miles of some of Oklahoma’s most diverse and inviting outdoor recreation, such as Great Salt Plains State Park and Wildlife Refuge in Jet, Alabaster Caverns State Park in Freedom, Little Sahara State Park in Waynoka and the famed Selman Bat Cave.

Jo Decker, director of the Graceful Arts Gallery and Studios located in Alva’s

580-327-1647 visitalvaok.org

downtown square, says the arts community in Alva is burgeoning, thanks in large part to the recent addition of visual arts as an academic major at NOSU.

“We have several students [from NOSU who] come and help us,” says Decker. The gallery pulls artists from most of Oklahoma, southern Kansas and the Texas panhandle. “The art community here is growing every year.”

The Chamber of Commerce also touts Alva’s Western credentials, with rodeos and all things “cowboy and cowgirl” as a strong local influence.

The Cherokee Strip Museum, meanwhile, continues to attract a stead y number of visitors, Graybill says, with the individual rooms allowing for several specialized exhibits. One section is dedicated to a World War II prisoner of war camp for German military officers that, for 28 months, was located just outside town.

“We were known as ‘Camp Alvaraz,’” says Graybill.

The former hospital’s surgical suite now is part of the museum’s medical display, and in the opinion of the paranormal investigating teams, might – or might not – harbor spirits from the underworld.

“We have been told that we have ‘friendly spirits’ running around,” Graybill says. “I’m not a believer – yet.”

HENRY DOLIVE

Art galleries, outdoor enrichment and some (perhaps haunted) museums make Alva a must-see city.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a highlight in Alva.

Senior living communities have transformed over the last few decades, as have perceptions of them. Long gone is the idea that these places are full of dim halls, bland food, few activities, lack-luster amenities and little stimulation.

Now, senior living communities are rightly known for fostering true happiness and growth for residents. Amenities range from high-end gyms to pools, activity centers and luxury lodging. Events and gatherings happen nightly, and residents are nurtured – mind, body and soul.

Easing the Transition

Making the transition to a retirement community is a big decision. It can be exciting, as seniors look forward to all the ways a supportive living arrangement will make life easier and more pleasant ... but it can also bring stress when the future resident thinks about the logistics.

“The easiest way to reduce stress that often comes with moving is to prepare in advance,” says Gary Frias, executive director at Tulsa’s Cedarhurst of Woodland Hills. He recommends downsizing gradually over time to make this process easier and smoother, as well as beginning the search for the right place well before the time comes to move; this way, there is no pressure to make a snap decision.

Another way to ease the transition is to begin to make friends in the chosen community before the move in, adds Frias. By doing this, the future resident has a support system in place ahead of time.

Once the move has happened, residents can expect an informational orientation, as well as welcoming contact from several groups, including other residents, staff and even a chaplain in some cases.

Jim Kiel, a chaplain at Covenant Living at Inverness in Tulsa, reaches out to new community members as part of his role. He says it is important to “[find] out about their past — [let] them tell me their story. Then [I look] for ways to help them find commonality in all that we offer them. This would include finding out about their faith background and doing what I can to help them feel included in what is offered.”

Making the Right Call

Before a senior can move into a new home, a community has to be selected. is should be carefully considered.

A few obvious elements to consider would be location, qualifications of staff and what levels of care are offered. Location can come into play both in regards to safety of the neighborhood, as well as proximity to family who may plan to visit/ provide care. And, depending upon the

types of housing and care options available, the reality of another transition in the future should weigh into the decision.

But beyond these basic housing details, Frias also recommends really getting to know the community being considered and deciding if it is a good fit.

“Community fit can be described as the feeling you get when being there, and if you could see yourself living there,” he says. “The best way to determine if a community is a good fit for you or your loved one is to tour and experience the community for yourself. Touring also gives you a chance to interact with the people on site.”

This also gives the potential/future resident an opportunity to begin making friends and building that very important support system within their future community.

The Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Once the move has happened, it is time to start reaping the bene ts. But what exactly are those bene ts, and what are the best ways to take full advantage of them?

“When we ask our residents about things they would like to do; we truly believe that the sky is the limit,” says Sharon Goforth, resident life director at Covenant Living at Inverness. “Therefore, we have been skydiving, zip lining and had rides

in a tethered balloon. If people want to do something, we try to make it happen.”

Through listening to their community members and possessing a sincere desire to help them meet their lifestyle goals, many of the local senior communities offer all types of beneficial amenities, including various kinds of educational and exercise classes, field trips to local attractions, outdoor activities like hiking, gardening and walking, and state-of-theart classes to boost brain power and memory.

But even beyond the amenities provided, the sense of community and care is what many seniors value most.

Kiel mentions the social interaction with peers that includes “shared memories, as they [have lived] through the same periods in history,” and “the added care available as we age, and living with professionals trained in caring for people of your age group.”

Nurturing Mind, Body and Soul

rough all the transition and changes that come with getting older, it is important to remember to nurture the mind, body and soul in tandem. is is another way a retirement community can provide help with overall well-being.

Rick Davis, a chaplain at Covenant Living at Inverness, lists several available activities to nurture all aspects of the whole person – including tai chi chih classes, worship services, Bible studies, book clubs and movies with conversation, topical presentations, and devotions offered while walking the campus. Davis also mentions counseling options, including grief and caregiver support groups.

“Believing in the many benefits of multi-generational experiences,” adds Goforth, “we have partnered with a local homeschool group.” The children come regularly to read to residents, or have residents read to them.

With all these amenities and opportunities for interaction, the most important thing to remember is to get involved right from the start.

“After a great orientation and welcoming from our residents and staff, we recommend participating in the numerous activities we offer and engaging as much as possible within our community,” says Frias.

BONNIE RUCKER

Cedarhurst in Tulsa offers enrichment activities galore, from gardening to painting classes and everything in between.

Photos courtesy Cedarhurst of Woodland Hill

Sarah Karimian, Crystal Stovall, David Karimian; Icons & Idols, Tulsa Ballet

Rita Dearmon, Nancy Bradley, Carol Blackwood; AWARE Luncheon, Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, OKC

Lin Sanchez, Betsy King, Amber Kern; Bubbles and Blooms, OKCMOA

Mike Murphy, Natalie Taylor, Gregg Conway, Ken Callen, Johnny Clark; WA Spring Luncheon, Tulsa Boys’ Home

Karen Nichols, Dale Bratzler; Legacy Award Ceremony, Osteopathic Founders Foundation, Tulsa

Shelley Welker, Sarah Welker, Ruth Wetzel; Mahjong Madness, Wes Welker Foundation, OKC

Michelle Wishnuck, Isaac Badayos, Ryan Lassiter, Jeff Moody, Trent Brown; Bowl For Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Norman

Jason & Linsy Schroder; Tricia & Matthew McClurg; Red Ribbon Gala, Tulsa CARES

Sheena Karami Hollander, Polly Nichols, Adrienne Nobles; Board of Directions Celebration, Junior League of Oklahoma City

Stella Faye Dobson, Janice Carletti , Nena Carletti, Linda Clark, Willie Garvin; Sapulpa Women’s Auxiliary Spring Dinner, Salvation Army – Tulsa Area Command

Chip McElroy, Angela Kouplen, Marcia MacLeod; Scholarship Luncheon, University of Tulsa

Trisha Daly, Ellen Wyatt-Magrini; Under the Big Top, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, OKC

With the help of these amazing surgeons, CORE Hospital in Jenks, OK secured these prestigious awards for the 4th year in a row!

CORE is proud to consistently make the list for the Top 100 for Joint Replacement, making it the BEST PLACE IN OKLAHOMA to get a joint replaced.

TOP

With over 30 years’ experience researching, reviewing, and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible healthcare research and information company. Our mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class

reputation, disciplinary history and if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician’s interpersonal skills, such as listening and communicating eff ectively, demonstrating empathy, and instilling trust and confidence, are also considered in the review process. The Castle Connolly Doctor Directory is the largest network of peer-nominated physicians in the nation.

Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s “Top Doctors” feature may also appear online at www.castleconnolly.com, or in in conjunction with other Castle Connolly Top Doctors databases

TOP DOCTORS

SCOTT A. FENGLER

Adolescent Medicine

AMY B. MIDDLEMAN

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.6208 sp: Eating

Disorders, Adolescent Behavior-High Risk, Depression, Reproductive Health, Vaccines

Allergy & Immunology

JANE T. PURSER

Saint Francis Hospital • Ascension St. John Medical Center • Allergy Clinic of Tulsa 918.307.1613 sp:

Asthma & Allergy, Food Allergy

Cardiac Electrophysiology

KAREN J. BECKMAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.7001 sp: Arrhythmias

SEAN M. HALLERAN

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Cardiovascular Physicians 405.948.4040 sp: Arrhythmias, Cardiac Catheterization, Pacemakers/ Defibrillators, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Disease in Athletes

SUBHA VARAHAN

Oklahoma Heart Hospital • Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South Campus 405.608.3800 sp: Arrhythmias, Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Cardiovascular Disease

MUHAMMAD ANWAR

Norman Regional Hospital •

HealthPlex Hospital • Heart Clinic

Central Oklahoma 405.321.0199 sp: Preventive Cardiology, Cholesterol/Lipid Disorders, Hypertension

JEFFREY A. CROOK

Norman Regional Hospital

HealthPlex Hospital

Michael Malloy, M.D. RHEUMATOLOGY

SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL, WARREN CLINIC Tulsa

During his residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., Michael Malloy, M.D., rotated through the field of rheumatology and quickly realized it was the perfect fit for him.

“I loved the long-term relationships with patients, the science and art of diagnosing, and treating the various immune and musculoskeletal related conditions,” says Malloy, who works at Saint Francis Health System’s Warren Clinic – Rheumatology. “Rheumatology is a specialty that combines the immune system and musculoskeletal system in a unique way.”

He says it’s fulfilling to see patients with any sort of disability (such as not being able to close their hands or walk without assistance) receive specialized treatment and then later do those skills, as well as other activities, in their daily lives.

Malloy began his career in the advent of biologic medications within rheumatology.

“I feel like the discovery of biologic medications has truly been the most significant breakthrough in the field of rheumatology in the last 30 years,” he says. “There are also numerous other medications which have been developed recently, including JAK inhibitors.”

Malloy is quick to share the spotlight, and says he works with a wonderful team at Warren Clinic Rheumatology. He mentions that the practice is expanding soon.

“I also feel like what I do is a ministry, and I am reminded daily of the mission statement of the Saint Francis Health System: ‘To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do.’” - RF

RICHARD KACERE Ascension St. John Medical Center 918.748.7650 sp: Cardiovascular Imaging, Preventive Cardiology, Congenital Heart Disease-Adult, Nuclear Cardiology

THO DINH LE

Saint Francis Hospital • Saint Francis Hospital South • Warren Clinic 918.494.8500

DWIGHT W. REYNOLDS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.7001 sp: Pacemakers/Defibrillators, Arrhythmias

MUHAMMAD SALIM

Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital • Norman

Heart and Vascular Associates

405.515.2222 sp: Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology

MICHAEL LEE VILLANO

Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital • Norman

Heart and Vascular Associates 405.515.2222 sp: Pulmonary Hypertension

D. MATT WILKETT

Oklahoma State University Medical Center • Claremore Indian Hospital 918.582.7711 sp: Non-Invasive Cardiology

Child & Adolescent

Psychiatry

ROBYN LYN COWPERTHWAITE

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • OU Health –Edmond 405.271.5251 sp: ADD/ADHD, Anxiety & Depression, Autism Spectrum

Disorders, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorders

•

• Norman

Heart and Vascular Associates

405.515.2222

ARCHANA GAUTAM

Child Neurology

DAVID J. SIEGLER

Saint Francis Hospital • Ascension

St. John Medical Center • Child

• Warren Clinic

Saint Francis Hospital

918.794.4788 sp: Anorectal Disorders, Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Laparoscopic Surgery

STUART D. HOFF

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital

• OU Physicians 918.634.7500 sp: Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Anal Cancer, Anorectal Disorders, Laparoscopic Surgery

RAHAL Y. KAHANDA

Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital • Oklahoma Surgical Associates 405.329.4102 sp: Robotic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Colon & Rectal Cancer

MATTHEW WILSON

Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.599.8200 sp: Laparoscopic Surgery

Dermatology

JEFF ALEXANDER Je Alexander Dermatology

918.494.8333 sp: Skin Cancer, Facial Rejuvenation, Cosmetic Dermatology

PAMELA S. ALLEN OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.6110 sp: Cosmetic Dermatology

LYNN A. ANDERSON

Ascension St. John Medical Center • Midtown Dermatology

918.728.3100 sp: Cosmetic Dermatology, Acne & Rosacea

TIFFANY BRAZEAL

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • SSM Health Dermatology

405.280.7546 sp: Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology

DAVID KEITH DUNCAN

2413 Palmer Circle 405.321.3868

SHELBI HAYES

Norman Regional Hospital

• HealthPlex Hospital

• Norman

Heart and Vascular Associates

405.515.2222 sp: Peripheral Vascular Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Heart Disease in Women

JOHN R. HARVEY

Oklahoma Heart Hospital • Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South Campus 405.608.3800 sp: Angioplasty & Stent Replacement, Coronary Artery Disease

KATHERINE HAYS

Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital

• Norman

Heart and Vascular Associates

405.515.2222

DOUGLAS A. HORSTMANSHOF

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • INTEGRIS Advanced Cardiac Care

405.713.9900 sp: Heart Failure, Transplant Medicine-Heart, Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)

Neurology of Tulsa 918.493.3300 sp: Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders, Headache, Neuromuscular Disorders

Colon & Rectal Surgery

HANI BARADI

Mercy Hospital 405.936.5718

sp: Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Crohn’s Disease, Incontinence/ Pelvic Floor Disorders, Minimally Invasive Surgery

KRISTINA BOOTH

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • SSM Health

St. Anthony Hospital 405.271.1632

sp: Robotic Surgery, Colon Cancer

GARY D. DUNN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • SSM Health

St. Anthony Hospital 405.271.1400

sp: Colon & Rectal Cancer, Anorectal Disorders

Health boxes by Rebecca Fast

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital

405.280.7546 sp: Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology

CHRISTINA G. KENDRICK

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic

918.749.2261

MARK D. LEHMAN

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic

918.749.2261 sp: Laser Surgery

KELLI ANN LOVELACE

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic

918.749.2261 sp: Botox

JULIE BOWMAN LOWE 13220 N. MacArthur Blvd. 405.608.6877

SCOTT WILLIAM MEYERS

Saint Francis Hospital • Dermatology Surgery Center 918.293.9966 sp: Mohs Surgery

GEORGE WASHINGTON MONKS

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic

918.749.2261 sp: Skin Cancer, Psoriasis, Botox

Doctor profiles by Tracy LeGrand and Rebecca Fast

Mental Health

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a mental health crisis is any situation in which people’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others, and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively. Behaviors surrounding a mental health crisis can include social withdrawal, rapid mood swings, abusive behavior, psychosis and paranoia. If you believe an individual is a threat to him/herself or to those around him/her, call 911 and explain that this person is experiencing a mental health crisis, and ask for someone who is trained to work with people with mental illnesses. - National Alliance on Mental Illness

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, stroke, heart failure and hypertension, or high blood pressure – and the United States experienced a steep rise in cardiovascular disease deaths during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heart disease also remains the leading cause of death

ASHWINI KAMATH VAIDYA

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic

918.749.2261

Diagnostic Radiology

DOUGLAS P. BEALL Oklahoma Spine Hospital • Summit Medical Center • Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma 405.601.2325 sp: Musculoskeletal Imaging, Interventional Radiology, Sports Medicine Radiology

ELIZABETH JETT

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4514 sp: Breast Imaging, Mammography

KELLY N. MCDONOUGH

OU Health – Edmond • Breast Health Network Edmond

405.844.2601 sp: Breast Imaging, Breast Cancer

RYAN TROJAN

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center 405.949.3417 sp: Interventional Radiology

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

MARY Z. BAKER

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Cente • Harold Hamm Diabetes Center 405.271.1000 sp: Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Pituitary Disorders, Thyroid Disorders

DAVID W. HARRIS

Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic 918.497.3140 sp: Diabetes

Family Medicine

ANDREA M. ADAMS Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.291.5200

CLAUDIA E. CEA Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.392.7500

STEPHEN E. CONNERY

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic Primary Care 405.329.0121

SARAH E. COX Mercy Hospital 405.378.5491

SARAH R. ELNESER Hillcrest Hospital South • Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park ClinicJenks 918.298.2603

SCOTT J. FOWLER

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Premier Family Care 918.258.9990

RACHEL M. FRANKLIN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4311 sp: Women’s Health, Preventive Medicine

KYLE B. FRENCH

INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Family Care South 405.425.8190

SCOTT ANTHONY GHERE

Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic 918.502.7300

JEFFREY DEAN HODGDEN

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • SSM Health Medical Group 405.231.3000

in the United States and globally. Preventative care is key to avoiding cardiovascular disease and should include knowing your familial risk, eating healthy, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, living tobacco free and closely monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. - American Heart Association

CHITRALEKHA KATHURIA

Saint Francis Hospital South • Warren Clinic South Family Medicine 918.307.5525 sp: Adolescent Medicine, Women’s Health

CHANDAN D. LAD Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic 918.481.7700

ELIZABETH WICKERSHAM

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4311

Gastroenterology

SATISH K. ARORA Norman Regional Hospital • GI of Norman 405.515.2777 sp: Colon

Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Gallbladder Disease, Liver Disease

JAVID FAZILI

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • VA Medical Center - Oklahoma City

405.271.8478 sp: Liver Disease, Transplant Medicine-Liver, Hepatitis

RALPH T. GUILD III

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Oklahoma

Children’s Hospital at OU Health

405.271.3445 sp: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Peptic Ulcer Disease, Nutrition

MARKHAM NIGHTENGALE Saint Francis Hospital South • Hillcrest Medical Center • Adult

Gastroenterology Associates

918.438.7050 sp: Liver Disease

CHINTAN A. PARIKH

Norman Regional Hospital • GI of Norman 405.515.2777 sp: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Liver Disease

*AMIR RUMMAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Pancreatic/ Biliary Endoscopy (ERCP), Pancreatic & Biliary Disease

GEORGE SALEM

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8423 sp: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s

HARVEY A. TATUM

Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.582.6544 sp: Crohn’s Disease, Hepatitis C, Liver Disease

WILLIAM M. TIERNEY

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • VA Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Endoscopic Ultrasound, Colon Cancer, Pancreatic Disease, Gastrointestinal Cancer

Geriatric Medicine

INSUNG KIM

Gynecologic Oncology

MICHAEL A. GOLD

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

918.505.3200 sp: Ovarian Cancer, Uterine Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Pelvic Surgery-Complex

CAMILLE G. JACKSON Mercy Hospital 405.749.7023

ROBERT S. MANNEL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8707 sp: Laparoscopic Surgery, Gynecologic Cancers, Clinical Trials

DARON G. STREET

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

918.505.3200 sp: Cervical Cancer

Hand Surgery

STEPHEN W. MIHALSKY

Mercy Hospital • OU Health – Edmond • Alliance Health Center Edmond 405.348.5060 sp: Trauma, Microsurgery, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis

Hematology

ALEXANDRA P. IKEGUCHI

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8299 sp: Melanoma, Hematologic Malignancies, Breast Cancer, Sarcoma, Targeted Therapies

AMARA NANDIKOLLA Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3850

Hospice & Palliative Medicine

TIMOTHY W. HOLDER

Supportive Care Solution of Tulsa

918.728.7586 sp: Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment, Cancer Palliative Care

ROBERTO SALINAS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4311

Infectious Disease

DOUGLAS A. DREVETS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.6434 sp: Infections-CNS, HIV/AIDS

DAVID N. SCHECK Hillcrest Hospital • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3875 sp: HIV/AIDS

Internal Medicine

SARAH ANDREWS Hillcrest Hospital South • Utica Park Clinic 918.392.5600

Chad Glenn, M.D. NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

SSM HEALTH ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL

OKC

A board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in brain tumors, Chad A. Glenn, M.D., is a Louisiana native who earned undergraduate and medical degrees at Louisiana State Univ. –Shreveport before completing his neurosurgery residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He completed his fellowship – which specialized in the skull base and cerebrovascular issues – at Case Western Reserve University and served as faculty at the University of Oklahoma before transitioning his practice to SSM Health.

The most rewarding part of Glenn’s vocation is helping people during stressful times. He says neuroscience builds “deeper, longer-term connections with patients. Neurosurgery is, no doubt, an opportunity to integrate medical science into many aspects of my job, but the subspecialty where I focus my time allows me to see fewer patients for longer periods, which helps me get to know them and, I hope, helps me make a positive impact on their health and their lives.”

Glenn has amassed a pro team that offers the best possible care.

“Because I focus my practice primarily on brain tumors and other cranial issues, we are able to be very specialized in what we do,” he says. “I’m so fortunate to have been able to select a team that I know is the best of the best; we not only work well together, but everyone keeps patient advocacy at the top of their minds, no matter their role. When a patient has been referred to a brain tumor specialist, they are often very anxious. To us, being present, caring and comforting to them and to their families goes hand-in-hand with providing top-notch medical care.”

Saint Francis Hospital

• Warren Clinic 918.497.3650 sp: Alzheimer’s Disease, Osteoporosis

PETER A. WINN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4311 sp: Palliative Care, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia

L. RENE BALLARD

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic 405.329.0121 sp: Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Women’s Health, Preventive Medicine

Cutting-edge medicine draws patients and referrals to Glenn from around the state to provide individualized treatment.

“There are no ‘one-size-fits-all’ technologies, but rather, we evaluate each person’s unique needs and work together to build the care plan that works best for them,” says Glenn. -TL

PHOTO COURTESY SSM HEALTH SAINT ANTHONY

TOP DOCTORS

JONATHAN A. BRYAN Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic Primary Care 405.329.0121

MANUEL J. CALVIN

Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic 918.495.2685 sp: Autoimmune Disease, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease

ROBERT BERNARD COYE Saint Francis Hospital • Ascension St. John Medical Center • MDVIP 918.615.4015

LISA FARHOOD

Deaconess Hospital • OklahomaMedical Specialists 405.458.7188

MICHAEL GEBETSBERGER

Hillcrest Hospital South • Utica Park Clinic 918.392.5600 sp: Alzheimer’s Disease, Geriatric Medicine

ANDREW GORDON

Ascension St. John Medical Center • Bernsen Medical Plaza

918.748.7640

ALLEN J. HAMAKER

Deaconess Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • 3613 Northwest 56th St., Suite 140 405.795.5907

MARTINA J. JELLEY

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 918.619.4400 sp: Preventive Medicine, Women’s Health, Hypertension, Diabetes

JOHN M. KRODEL Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

405.329.0121 sp: Preventive Medicine, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Illness, Hypertension

THOMAS H. MERRILL

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

405.329.0121 sp: Geriatric Medicine, Cholesterol/Lipid Disorders, Diabetes, Preventive Medicine, Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease

GARY D. RATLIFF

Norman Regional Hospital • Norman Regional Internal Medicine 405.515.0380

GEORGE TARDIBONO

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Oklahoma

Children’s Hospital at OU Health

405.271.3445 sp: Weight Management, Nutrition & Obesity

STEPHEN RALPH TRAVIS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Oklahoma

Children’s Hospital at OU Health

405.271.3445 sp: Rheumatology

MICHAEL A. WEISZ

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Ascension St. John Medical Center

George Monks, M.D. DERMATOLOGY

TULSA DERMATOLOGY CLINIC Tulsa

Harboring a passion to help people, George Monks, M.D., who works with the Tulsa Dermatology Clinic, was drawn to his specialty because he could care for patients of all ages.

“I love the patient interaction, visual nature of the field, and that it combines so many different disciplines,” he says. “It’s very rewarding to alleviate the pain and suffering – both physical and emotional – that skin conditions can cause.”

He says people may not realize that dermatology is a blend of all medical specialities, requiring a knowledge base of multiple fields.

“Our skin is often a window to understanding manifestations of systemic disease,” he says. “Dermatology residency is the most competitive residency to be accepted into, and major advances in cutaneous therapeutics have revolutionized our field.”

With a special interest in skin cancer and psoriasis, Monks says every day is different, and he performs numerous in-office procedures and surgeries. He also served as president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association during the pandemic, from 2020 to 2021.

“Dermatology has recently undergone a renaissance in treatment advances,” he says. “We now have much more effective treatments for skin cancer, psoriasis and eczema with the development of biologics, JAK inhibitors and other small molecule medications. It’s a very exciting time.” - RF

Interventional Cardiology

RALPH DOUGLAS ENSLEY

Saint Francis Heart Hospital • Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic 918.494.8500 sp: Cardiac Catheterization, Patent Foramen Ovale

NAJI E KARAM

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • 608 Northwest Ninth St., Ste. 6100

405.272.8477 sp: Echocardiography

AGHA K. KHAN

Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South Campus • Oklahoma Heart Hospital 405.608.3800 sp: Angioplasty & Stent Placement, Nuclear Cardiology

FAISAL LATIF

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • SSM Health Medical Group

405.231.3737 sp: Angioplasty & Stent Placement, Peripheral Vascular Disease

Maternal & Fetal Medicine

CHARLES P. MIRABILE JR.

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center • Mercy Hospital • The Perinatal Center 405.748.4726 sp: High-

Risk Pregnancy

JOHN R. STANLEY III

Mercy Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • The Perinatal Center 405.748.4726 sp: High-

Risk Pregnancy

Medical Oncology

JESS FRANKLIN ARMOR

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

Oncology and Hematology

405.751.4343

JANAE MICHELLE CLAPP

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Cancer Institute

405.773.6400

BRIAN V. GEISTER

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Cancer Institute

405.773.6400 sp: Breast Cancer, Lung

Cancer, Lymphoma

MICHAEL JOSEPH KEEFER

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

Oncology and Hematology

405.751.4343

CARLA D. KURKJIAN Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

Oncology and Hematology

405.751.4343 sp: Gastrointestinal Cancer,

EDWIN L. MCCREARY Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3850 sp: Hematology

ALI H. MOUSSA

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma

918.619.4400 sp: Headache

Digestion 101

Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 918.505.3200 sp: Leukemia & Lymphoma

JENNIFER O’STASIK

Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3850 sp: Hematology

CRAIG LEE REITZ

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic

Oncology and Hematology

405.751.4343 sp: Lung Cancer, Lymphoma, Breast Cancer

GEORGE B. SELBY

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8299 sp: Stem Cell Transplant, Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematologic Malignancies

CHARLES TAYLOR

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma

Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 918.505.3200 sp: Leukemia & Lymphoma, Solid Tumors, Hematologic Malignancies

ALEDA TOMA

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital

• Cancer Specialists of Oklahoma

405.942.9200 sp: Breast Cancer

LESLIE K. WALKER Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3850 sp: Hematology

Nephrology

MARY ANN CAMERON Nephrology Specialists of Oklahoma 918.712.5000 sp: Kidney Stones

BENJAMIN D. COWLEY JR. OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • VA Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Transplant MedicineKidney, Transplant Medicine-Pancreas, Chronic Kidney Disease

JOSE EL-AMM

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute 405.949.3816 sp: Transplant Medicine-Kidney

LUKAS HARAGSIM

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • VA Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease

PRANAY KATHURIA

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Hillcrest Medical Center 918.619.8700 sp: Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Glomerulonephritis, Transplant Medicine-Kidney, Dialysis Care

SUDHIR K. KHANNA

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center • Kidney Specialists of Central Oklahoma 405.942.5442

Constipation is typically described as fewer than three bowel movements a week and can be occasional or chronic. Treating constipation depends on the underlying cause – which can range from having a poor diet and getting too little exercise to more complex issues such as blockages and/or neurological problems in the colon and rectum. To avoid constipation, eat plenty of high-fiber foods, stay active and hydrated, keep stress levels low and try to create a regular schedule for bowel movements. - Mayo

Clinic

PHOTO COURTESY GEORGE MONKS, M.D.

STEVEN R. SARKISIAN, JR., MD

is the Founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, PLLC and specializes in premium laser cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS. Dr. Sarkisian is passionate about helping people get rid of their glasses by implanting premium lenses such as the Light Adjustable Lens and PanOptix lenses with or without toric correction for astigmatism, and he was the first surgeon in the state to perform the PanOptix trifocal lens, the iStent, iStent Inject, the Xen Gel Stent and canaloplasty. He was the first in the USA to use the OMNI device and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI.

Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma fellowship, and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

Dr. Sarkisian obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis.

Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He co-authored the book “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide”.

Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS), and on the Editorial Board of Glaucoma Today, Glaucoma Physician, and Ophthalmology Management. Dr. Sarkisian is listed in Woodward/White’s Best Doctors in America and Castle and Connolly Top Doctors.

He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.

TOP DOCTORS

SATISH KUMAR

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • VA Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Chronic

Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Kidney Failure

Neurological Surgery

SHON W. COOK

Community Hospital • Keyhole Brain & Spine 405.310.6977 sp: Neurovascular Surgery, Brain Tumors, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Spinal Surgery, Pituitary Surgery

IAN F. DUNN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.8299 sp: Brain Tumors, Meningioma, Pituitary Tumors, Acoustic Neuroma/ Schwannoma

CHAD GLENN

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 405.815.5050

CAPLE SPENCE

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4912 sp: Brain Tumors, Cerebrovascular Disease

Neurology

EDUARDO A. DE SOUSA

Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic Neurology 405.302.2661 sp: Electromyography (EMG), Neuromuscular Disorders, Peripheral Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis

DAVID LEE GORDON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.3635 sp: Headache, Cerebrovascular Disease, Migraine

Obstetrics & Gynecology

MARILYN APPIAH

Norman Regional Hospital • Care for Women 405.793.2229

KATHERINE ARNOLD

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

Jose El-Amm, M.D. NEPHROLOGY

INTEGRIS BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER, NAZIH ZUHDI TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE OKC

As the medical director of the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute – kidney transplant division, Jose El-Amm, M.D., says the most rewarding part of his career is visiting patients after a transplantation.

“The hope and relief on the patients’ faces and family members is indescribable,” he says. “Physicians and surgeons get the most credit, but none of this is possible without a dedicated transplant team. Transplant coordinators, social workers, pharmacists, financial coordinators, administrators, floor nurses and physician assistants are intricate parts of the team and are a must for a successful transplant. And none of this will happen without the extreme generosity of the organ donors and their families.”

When El-Amm relocated from Michigan to Oklahoma City in 2008, he says transplant nephrology was a budding subspecialty. He credits the referring nephrologists for trusting him to take care of their patients following transplantation. Today, the institute performs around 100 kidney and pancreas transplants a year.

El-Amm’s special interests and research in the field of transplantation includes desensitization, paired kidney donation, newer immunosuppressive medication with less toxicities and high risk transplant recipients.

“Transplant patients have to routinely undergo lab testing for the rest of their lives to check on their kidney function and drug toxicities,” he says. “They are usually on multiple medications that suppress the immune system, and unfortunately these drugs have multiple side effects. We try to find the best combination of medications that will protect the kidney and/or pancreas without harming the patient.” - RF

JULIE HANSEN

INTEGRIS Health Edmond • INTE-

GRIS Women’s Health 405.657.3952 sp: Uterine Fibroids, Diabetes in Pregnancy, Laparoscopic Surgery

KATHLEEN HEFFRON

Hillcrest Medical Center • Ascension St. John Medical Center

• The Women’s Health Group 918.293.6200 sp: Gynecology Only

LAUREL M. JORDAN

Norman Regional Hospital • Care for Women 405.793.2229

DAPHNE L. LASHBROOK

HealthPlex Hospital • Norman Regional Hospital • Women’s Healthcare of Norman 405.360.1264 sp: Hormonal Disorders, Robotic Hysterectomy

HODA MAAROUF

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center 405.946.4735

ANDREA J. MILLER

INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Family Care South 405.425.8162

KATHLEEN MOORE

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 05.271.8707

LESA MULLIGAN Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital • 1139 36th Ave., NW 405.364.0643

SUMEETA NANDA

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center 405.946.4735

LYDIA D. NIGHTINGALE

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Variety Care 405.632.6688 sp: Gynecology Only

ARTHUR COLE NILSON

Saint Francis Hospital • Saint Francis Hospital South • Tulsa

Women’s Health Care 918.299.5151 sp: Laparoscopic Surgery

LESLIE JUNE OLLAR-SHOEMAKE

• OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Variety Care 405.632.6688 sp: Gynecologic Surgery, LGBTQ+ Health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases

JOHN MARTIN BEAL

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital • Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Tulsa

OB-GYN Associates 918.747.9641

JOHN L. CHERRY

Norman Regional Hospital • Care for Women 405.793.2229 sp: Women’s Health, Pregnancy

GRANT R. COX

Ascension St. John Medical Center • Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • OB-GYN Specialists of Tulsa 918.712.8700 sp: Infertility, Gynecologic Surgery, Miscarriage-Recurrent

KIMBERLY J. FLETCHER

INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Women’s Health 405.425.8163

HealthPlex Hospital • Norman Regional Hospital • Women’s Healthcare of Norman 405.360.1264

MUKESH T. PAREKH

Deaconess Hospital • Mercy Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Northwest Obstetrics and Gynecology 405.943.6288 sp: High-

Risk Pregnancy, Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Repair, Robotic Surgery

NIMISH PAREKH

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• Northwest Obstetrics and Gynecology 405.943.6288

LISA RENEE WATERMAN

HealthPlex Hospital • Norman Regional Hospital • Women’s Healthcare of Norman 405.360.1264

Ophthalmology

ANN ACERS-WARN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1093 sp: Glaucoma

ANDREW K. BAILEY

Dean McGee Eye Institute

405.271.6060 sp: Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery

RAY M. BALYEAT

Ascension St. John Medical Center • The Eye Institute 918.749.2220 sp: Retina/Vitreous Surgery, Retinal Disorders, Retinal Detachment

JOHN M. BELL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1090 sp: Cataract Surgery

SANDEEP BHATIA Oklahoma Medical Eye Group 918.747.2020

CYNTHIA BRADFORD

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1090 sp: Cataract Surgery, LASIK-Refractive Surgery, Glaucoma

REAGAN BRADFORD JR. OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1092 sp: Retina/Vitreous Surgery, Retinal Disorders

TODD A. BROCKMAN The Eye Institute 918.742.5513 sp: Cataract Surgery

*ANNA EDMISTON ClearSight LASIK 405.733.2020 sp: LASIK-Refractive Surgery

BRIAN KEITH FIRESTONE Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060 sp: Eye Tumors/Cancer, Intraocular Lens, Cataract Surgery

LAYNE E. GOETZINGER OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1090 sp: Cataract Surgery

MARC A. GOLDBERG Ascension St. John Medical Center • The Eye Institute 918.584.4433 sp: Cornea & External Eye Disease, PRK-Refractive Surgery, Cataract-Complex

BEN J. HARVEY OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060 sp: Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery

RALPH B. HESTER III Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.9500 sp: Cataract Surgery, LASIK-Refractive Surgery

ERIN L. HOLLOMAN Summit Medical Center • Oculoplastic Surgeons of Oklahoma 405.521.0041 sp: Oculoplastic Surgery

DAVID W. JACKSON OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1090 sp: Cataract Surgery, LASIK-Refractive Surgery

MAHMOUD KHAIMI OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1093 sp: Glaucoma

Common Cancers

Approximately 39% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. Common cancers affecting men, an estimated 43%, are prostate, lung and colorectal cancers. For women, an estimated 50% of all new cancer diagnoses will include breast, lung or colorectal cancer. While cancer symptoms vary, they can include bladder issues, a persistent change in bowel habits, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, and changes in breasts – a lump or firm feeling, nipple discharge and/or itchy, red, scaly, dimpled or puckered skin. - National Cancer Institute

TOP DOCTORS

CAROLYN E. KLOEK

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Cataract Surgery

MARIA E. LIM

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Amblyopia, Cataract-Pediatric, Glaucoma-Pediatric

*ANDREW T. MELSON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center

• Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060 sp: Neuro-Ophthalmology, Cataract Surgery, StrabismusAdult & Pediatric

*AMAN MITTAL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Cornea & External Eye Disease, Cataract Surgery, LASIK

REBECCA K. MORGAN

Dean McGee Eye Institute

405.271.1793 sp: Low Vision

JAMES O’BRIEN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Neuro-Ophthalmology, StrabismusAdult & Pediatric

ANIL D. PATEL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1091

sp: Neuro-Ophthalmology

ENSA PILLOW

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• Summit Medical Center • Oculoplastic Surgeons of Oklahoma

405.521.0041 sp: Oculoplastic Surgery

RONALD LUKE REBENITSCH

ClearSight LASIK 405.733.2020

KAMRAN MOHAMMED RIAZ

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center

• Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Cornea & External Eye Disease, LASIK, Cataract Surgery

JAMES M. RICHARD

Marilyn Appiah, D.O. OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM, CARE FOR WOMEN

Norman

Marilyn Appiah, D.O., helps to bring new life into the world. An Oklahoma native and graduate of Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Appiah completed her residency in Akron, Ohio, before returning to Oklahoma to be near family. She joined Moore Medical Center soon after the facility had been ravaged by a May tornado, and later joined Norman Regional Health Center.

The doctor says she continues to be humbled and moved to work in the field of reproductive health, providing best-in-class care to women.

“It has truly been a journey, and continues to be,” says Appiah. “I was called by God at an early age to become a physician and did not deviate from it. Obstetrics and gynecology – OB/ GYN – is an exciting field, which can be both rewarding and heartbreaking.

“The most rewarding part is being part of bringing new life into the world,” she continues. “I love hearing the sound of babies [first] crying and seeing patients with their significant others, bonding with their baby, or in some cases babies –plural. I enjoy educating patients, watching them grow in their knowledge, and, in doing so, becoming their advocate.”

Appiah’s typical day includes performing deliveries and then “going back to the office and getting home late at night, only to repeat the next day,” she says. “There is rarely a dull moment. OB/GYN is a complex, evolving field – and an exciting field.”

Giving birth is as old as time, and is a process often enhanced by modern medicine when the need arises.

“One of the biggest breakthroughs are robotics,” she says. “Patients recover faster and are able to return to their everyday lives quicker.” – TL

JEREMY F. TAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery

ANIKA TANDON Pediatric & Family Eye Care

918.949.9898 sp: Pediatric Ophthalmology, Eye Muscle Disorders-Child & Adult, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Strabismus-Adult & Pediatric

DEANA S. WATTS

OU Health – University of Okla-

homa Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1090

sp: Cataract Surgery

THOMAS C. WOLF

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Wolf & Associates 405.562.2036

TAMMY L. YANOVITCH

OU Health – University of Okla-

homa Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1094

sp: Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, Amblyopia, Glaucoma-Pediatric, Eye Muscle Disorders

*EMILY ZEPEDA

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center

• Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060 sp: Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus-Adult & Pediatric

Orthopaedic Surgery

SHEILA ALGAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.2663

sp: Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

JAMES L. BOND

Norman Regional Hospital • HealthPlex Hospital • Norman Regional Hospital 405.360.6764 sp: Hip & Knee Surgery, Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

BRADFORD BOONE

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Saint

Francis Hospital • Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma 918.494.2665

sp: Sports Medicine, Elbow Surgery, Knee Surgery, Shoulder Surgery

BRETT A. BRALY

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• Children’s Eye Care 405.751.2020

sp: Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus-Adult & Pediatric, Eye Muscle Disorders

STEVEN R. SARKISIAN JR.

Oklahoma Eye Surgeons

405.943.4413 sp: Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery

VINAY A. SHAH

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.6060

sp: Retina/Vitreous Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease/Retinopathy, Macular Disease/Degeneration, Endophthalmitis

RHEA L. SIATKOWSKI

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1095

sp: Cornea Transplant, Trauma

R. MICHAEL SIATKOWSKI

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean

McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1094

sp: Pediatric Ophthalmology, NeuroOphthalmology, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Strabismus, Eye Muscle Disorders

GREGORY L. SKUTA

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Dean McGee Eye Institute 405.271.1093

sp: Glaucoma

DEENA A. SYLVESTER

Mercy Hospital - Oklahoma City • Sylvester Eye Care & Aesthetics

405.607.8948 sp: Cataract Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Botox

DIANA TAMBOLI

Summit Medical Center - Edmond

• 9821 South May Ave., Suite C

405.708.7876 sp: Cosmetic Surgery-Eyes, Oculoplastic Surgery

KYLE MCGIVERN

Oklahoma Center for Orthopaedic & Multi-Specialty Surgeries • INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • Sonospine 405.445.0155 sp: Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement

YOGESH MITTAL

Hillcrest Medical Center • The Orthopaedic Center 918.582.6800 sp: Hip & Knee Replacement, Robotic Surgery, Arthroscopic Surgery-Knee, Arthroscopic Surgery-Hip, Knee Resurfacing, Hip Resurfacing

ANDREW B. PARKINSON

Oklahoma Spine Hospital • Orthopaedic Spine Associates 405.463.3370 sp: Spinal Surgery, Spinal Deformity, Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Microsurgery, Knee & Shoulder Pain

CHARLES B. PASQUE

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.2663 sp: Arthroscopic Surgery, Shoulder & Knee Surgery, Hip Surgery, Elbow Surgery

COREY E. PONDER

SSM Health Bone & Joint Hospital at St. Anthony • SSM Health Medical Group 405.218.2530 sp: Joint Replacement, Reconstructive Surgery, Arthritis

TIMOTHY A. PUCKETT OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.2663 sp: Spinal Surgery

GHAZI M. RAYAN

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • INTEGRIS Hand and Microsurgery Clinic 405.945.4888 sp: Microsurgery, Hand Surgery

DAVID C. TEAGUE

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.2663 sp: Trauma, Fractures-Complex, Pelvic & Acetabular Fractures

THOMAS K. TKACH McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital • McBride Clinic 405.230.9270 sp: Joint Reconstruction

Community Hospital • The Spine Clinic 405.424.5415 sp: Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, Spinal Disorders

BRIAN A. CHALKIN

Ascension St. John Medical Center • The Orthopaedic Center 918.582.6800 sp: Hand & Wrist Surgery, Elbow Surgery

ARTHUR CONLEY

Sonospine 405.445.0155 sp: Spinal Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

CHAD E. CRAWLEY Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.2300

SCOTT M. DE LA GARZA

SSM Health Bone & Joint Hospital at St. Anthony • SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 405.218.2530 sp: Spinal Surgery

CHARLES H. FUNDERBURK JR. McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital • McBride Clinic 405.230.9270 sp: Hand Surgery

BRYAN J. HAWKINS

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Saint Francis Hospital • Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma 918.494.2665 sp: Foot & Ankle Surgery, Arthroscopic Surgery, Sports Medicine

RANDALL L. HENDRICKS

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Saint Francis Hospital - Tulsa •

Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma 918.494.2665 sp: Spinal Surgery, Arthroscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery

THOMAS P. LEHMAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • SSM Health

St. Anthony Hospital 405.271.2663 sp: Trauma, Hand Surgery

Sleep Recommendations

Otolaryngology

BLAKE L. ANDERSON Hillcrest Hospital South · Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.459.8824 sp: Ear Disorders, Nasal & Sinus Disorders, Throat Disorders, Head & Neck Surgery

WAYNE E. BERRYHILL Community Hospital South • Norman Regional Hospital • Community Hospital • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates

405.364.2666 sp: Neurotology

JEFFREY ALFON BUYTEN Norman Regional Hospital • Community Hospital South • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates

405.364.2666

KEITH F. CLARK

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • SSM Health ENT Medical Group

405.272.6027 sp: Airway Reconstruction, Voice Disorders, Vocal Cord Disorders-Botox Therapy, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

SHANNON KYLE KANEASTER Deaconess Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates 405.242.6887 sp: Allergy, Sinus Disorders, Sinus Disorders/Surgery, Sinus Surgery-Revision, Sinus Tumors

GREG KREMPL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.7559 sp: Head & Neck Cancer, Skin CancerHead & Neck, Oral Cancer, Throat Cancer, Thyroid Cancer & Surgery, Salivary Gland Tumors

Nightly sleep recommendations vary by age, with suggested quantities being at least 7 hours of sleep for adults, 8 to 10 hours for teenagers, and 9 to 12 hours for school-aged kids. A sleep deficit is created when a person consistently gets less sleep than needed. Despite the number of hours, if you can wake up feeling rested and productive throughout the day, then you’re more than likely getting enough shut eye. - Sleep Foundation

PHOTO

TOP DOCTORS

KIBWEI A. MCKINNEY

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1368

sp: Allergy, Nasal & Sinus Disorders, Rhinosinusitis, Skull Base Surgery

JEREMY A. MOORE

Norman Regional Hospital • Community Hospital South • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates

405.364.2666

CHRISTOPHER A. PASKOWSKI

Norman Regional Hospital • Community Hospital South • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates

405.364.2666 sp: Pediatric & Adult Otolaryngology, Nasal & Sinus Disorders, Hearing & Balance Disorders, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Sleep Disorders/ Apnea/Snoring

JONATHAN M. PILLOW

Mercy Hospital • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates 405.562.1810

STEVEN V. RICHARDS

Mercy Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates 405.755.1930

JOSE SANCLEMENT

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.7559 sp: Microvascular Surgery

NILESH VASAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.7559 sp: Skin Cancer-Head & Neck, Oral Cancer, Throat Cancer, Thyroid Cancer & Surgery, Salivary Gland Tumors

RICKY L. VISOR Mercy Hospital • Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates

405.755.6475

Pediatric Cardiology

EDWARD D. OVERHOLT

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health • Mercy Hospital • Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU

Health 405.271.5530 sp: Arrhythmias, Interventional Cardiology, Congenital Heart Disease

Pediatric Endocrinology

LAURA J. CHALMERS

Saint Francis Hospital • Harold Hamm Diabetes Center

918.619.4803 sp: Sexual Differentiation

Disorders, Growth/Development Disorders, Obesity, Weight Management

SOWMYA KRISHNAN

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health • OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center

405.271.3303 sp: Diabetes, Metabolic Bone Disorders, Obesity

Pediatric Gastroenterology

MUHAMMAD ADNAN ALTAF

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.6549 sp: Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders, Gastrointestinal Functional Disorders, Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Pediatric HematologyOncology

ASHLEY BAKER

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.4412 sp: Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment, Sickle Cell Disease

RENE Y. MCNALL-KNAPP

Barish Edil, M.D. SURGERY

Barish Edil, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin graduate, came to the University of Oklahoma for a general surgery residency and research fellowship in surgical oncology. He was inspired by both his patients and his mentors to enter “the very technical and challenging field of pancreatic surgery,” he says. He went on to complete highly specialized training at John Hopkins Medicine, and served as faculty there – where he delved deep into cancer vaccine research. Edil was later recruited back to Oklahoma and now serves as the chair of the surgical department at OU, and serves as surgeon-in-chief for OU Health.

“Now as I’m older and more reflective, what drives me in the field are my patients,” says Edil. “They’re very brave in dealing with challenging problems, and to help them through that process is very rewarding.”

With administrative duties involving the oversight of 60 surgeons, Edil spends much of his day ensuring his department is functioning well, and keeping up with the clinical component of his work – seeing patients. In addition, he embraces the role of educating the next generation of physicians in the OU residency program.

Around 50% of people will be diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetimes, and pancreatic cancer in particular typically inspires some nihilism, says the doctor. He’s working to change that.

“Cancer care is amazing, and it’s become a team sport,” he says. “I’m a surgeon, and I’m part of a team. We’re hitting for the fences to get as long a life as possible. People should know that care of cancer is changing dramatically and quickly. I’m just one of multiple people taking care of cancer patients. Cancer care is a lot of people.”

Helping people to live longer is Edil’s primary motivation. To that end, during his Hopkins residency, Edil developed a minimally invasive laparoscopic whipple technique; today, the technique is lauded as one of the biggest surgical advancements in thirty years.

“Back in the ’80s, there was a 30% mortality rate with the operation, and in the ’90s, the guy who trained me at Hopkins took it down to 2%,” says Edil. “In the early 2000s, I was part of the generation that made it minimally invasive.” -TL

DAVID W. WHITE SR. Saint Francis Hospital • Tulsa

Spine & Specialty Hospital • Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose & Throat 918.492.3636 sp: Otology, Neurotology, Hearing & Balance Disorders

Otolaryngology/Facial

Plastic Surgery

IVAN WAYNE

Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates 405.748.5950 sp: Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rhinoplasty, Pediatric & Adult Otolaryngology

Pain Medicine

RITA M. HANCOCK Community Hospital • INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • 1601 S.W. 89th Street, Ste. E200 405.900.5300 sp: Pain Management, Pain-Musculoskeletal

*AHMAD KHATTAB

Saint Francis Hospital • Warren Clinic Pain Management 918.307.3110

ATUL A. WALIA

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional Hospital • INTEGRIS Pain Management 405.945.4359 sp: PainChronic, Pain-Back, Head & Neck, Headache, Pain-Interventional Techniques

TRACI L. WHITE

Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital • Pain Management of Tulsa 918.447.9300 sp: Pain-Interventional Techniques, Pain-MusculoskeletalSpine & Neck, Pain-Spine, Spinal Cord Stimulation

Pathology

KAR-MING A. FUNG

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5653 sp: Neuro-Pathology

Vision Health

REBA A. BEARD

Norman Regional Hospital 405.912.3100

TERENCE LEONARD CAREY Hillcrest Hospital South • Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis • The Carey Clinic 918.481.8100 sp: Allergy, Asthma, Pulmonary Disease

KIMBERLY EDGMON

Mercy Hospital • Village Center Pediatrics 405.726.8000

JUSTIN E. FIELDS Mercy Hospital • Mercy Clinic Primary Care 405.329.0121

JAMES E. FIELDS

Norman Regional Hospital • Premiere Pediatrics 405.364.6432 sp: Preventive Medicine

RICHARD A. GORDON Hillcrest Medical Center · Utica Park Clinic 918.574.0150

CASEY HESTER Northwest Pediatrics of Oklahoma City 405.755.2230

NANCY R. INHOFE OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Ascension St. John Medical Center 918.619.4400 sp: Asthma

DONNA JACKSON Norman Regional Hospital • Norman Pediatric Associates 405.321.5114

ADRIENNE E. KESINGER

INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Family Care South 405.425.8150 sp: Newborn Care, Preventive Medicine

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.4412 sp: Brain Tumors, Neuro-Oncology

LAURA ROOMS

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.4412

Pediatric Pulmonology

NIGHAT F. MEHDI

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health 405.271.2234 sp: Cystic

Fibrosis

JOSEPH N. WALTER

Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis

• Warren Clinic 918.502.2000

Pediatric Surgery

EDWARD G. FORD

Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis

• Warren Clinic 918.494.9450 sp: Critical Care

Pediatric Urology

DOMINIC C. FRIMBERGER

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health • OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.3800

BRADLEY KROPP

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • OKC Kids Urology 405.286.0755 sp: Neurogenic Bladder, Bladder Exstrophy, Bladder Reconstruction

OREN F. MILLER Ascension St. John Hospital • Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma 918.749.8765 sp: Voiding Dysfunction

Pediatrics NOOR JIHAN ABDUL-HAQQ INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Peace of Mind Pediatrics 405.602.5166

LAMIAA HASSAN ALI

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Ascension St. John Medical Center 918.619.4400

TAMMY R. MASCHINO Mercy Hospital • Village Center Pediatrics 405.726.8000

JULIE M. MORROW

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital • SSM Health Medical Group 405.272.7337

SHEELA VARDEY Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.574.0150

VICTOR T. WILSON HealthPlex Hospital • Caring Pediatrics 405.360.7337 sp: ADD/ADHD, Asthma, Allergy

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

JONATHAN STONE Community Hospital • Oklahoma Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine 405.601.5899 sp: Pain-Interventional Techniques

Plastic Surgery

PAUL R CALLEGARI

Saint Francis Hospital • 6585 S. Yale Avenue, Ste. 1050 918.494.8200 sp: Body Contouring after Weight Loss, Cosmetic Surgery-Face & Breast, Hand Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

CHRISTIAN EL AMM OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4864 sp: Craniofacial Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery

ROBERT ALAN HEIN

Mercy Hospital • 14024 Quail Pointe Dr. 405.286.4333

JUSTIN MICHAEL JONES

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Jones Plastic Surgery 405.848.3459 sp: Cosmetic Surgery-Body, Cosmetic Surgery-Breast, Liposuction & Body Contouring, Fillers & Injectables

ARCHIBALD S. MILLER III

Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital • Tulsa Plastic Surgery 918.492.2282 sp: Breast Reconstruction & Augmentation, Cosmetic Surgery-Face & Body, Facial Rejuvenation

A healthy lifestyle not only supports your overall health, it helps protect your eyes. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all cause eye health and/or vision problems –and smoking increases your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. To care for your eyes, have routine eye exams, wear sunglasses and protective eyewear when needed, and allow your eyes the chance to rest when working on your computer with the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. - National Eye Institute

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA MEDICAL CENTER, OU HEALTH STEPHENSON CANCER CENTER OKC

JANE T. PURSER, M.D.

JAMES T. LOVE, JR. M.D., PH.D.

LODIE G. NAIMEH, M.D.

TIMOTHY J. NICKEL, M.D.

KATHRYN C. BROWN, M.D.

AHMAD AMMAR MOURAD, M.D.

BRANDON C. HUMBLE, M.D.

On June 1, 2023, we will commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre that took place in the historic Greenwood District.  Visit the Greenwood Cultural Center to learn more about the massacre and the community’s determination and resilience that led to its resurgence and renaissance.”

GREENWOODCULTURALCENTER.ORG

TOP DOCTORS

KAMAL T. SAWAN Summit Medical Center • Sawan Surgical Aesthetics 405.285.7660

sp: Body Contouring after Weight Loss, Pulmonary Disease

AJAY R. BEDEKAR Hillcrest Medical Center • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3270

Radiation Oncology

OZER ALGAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5641

sp: Brain Tumors, Genitourinary Cancer, Breast Cancer, Sarcoma

SHRIPAL K. BHAVSAR

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Cancer Institute

405.773.6400

CHRISTOPHER BOZARTH

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5641

JOHN HAN-CHIH CHANG

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• Oklahoma Proton Center

405.773.6710 sp: Proton Beam Therapy, Pediatric Cancers, Head & Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer

MICHAEL CONFER

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5641 sp: Pediatric Cancers, Central Nervous System Cancer, Proton Beam Therapy, Head & Neck Cancer, Sarcoma, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Palliative Care, Cancer Survivors-Late Effects of Therapy

JOSHUA D. GARREN

Ascension St. John Medical Center

*MICHAEL BLAKE EVANS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1616

KARL R. HANSEN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1616

sp: Infertility-IVF, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis

ROBERT A. WILD

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5239

sp: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Rheumatology

*JOHN GOETZINGER

Rheumatology Associates of Oklahoma 405.608.8060

LATISHA HEINLEN

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center • Rheumatology Associates of Oklahoma 405.608.8060

MICHAEL A. MALLOY

Saint Francis Hospital · Warren Clinic 918.495.2685 sp: Autoim-

mune Disease

IRA N. TARGOFF

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center · VA Medical Center 405.271.8478 sp: Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Arthritis

AIKATERINI (KATHERINE) THANOU

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • 405.271.8478

sp: Autoimmune Disease, Lupus/SLE

AMANDA TITUS

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center ·

Rheumatology Associates of Oklahoma 405.608.8060 sp: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease

Mahmoud Khaimi, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGY

DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA MEDICAL CENTER OKC

A native of Detroit, Mahmoud A. Khaimi, M.D., received his medical education in Michigan, including a residency in ophthalmology. Applying nationwide for a fellowship in the subspeciality of glaucoma, Khaimi was thrilled to join the world-renowned Dean McGee Eye Institute, moving his wife and then-one-month-old baby to OKC. Khaimi was recruited to stay as a glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon and, a decade later, says his six children are true ‘Okies.’

Khaimi’s non-surgical days start early – seeing patients from newborns to those in their 90s who’ve been battling glaucoma for decades. He finds the most rewarding part of his career involves daily efforts to prevent patient blindness.

In 2015, the doctor pioneered a new type of canaloplasty – a glaucoma surgical procedure – and recently developed a corresponding ergonomic surgical device to perform it. His surgical innovations have stood the test of time and are now used internationally “so that ophthalmologists worldwide can treat their patients with glaucoma,” says Khaimi.

Preserving eyesight starts with vigilance, he says.

“The biggest thing with glaucoma is awareness, because it can be brewing in your eyes and you have no idea of it. By the time you do, it’s pretty far along in the disease process,” he says. “It can be the silent thief in the night, stealing your vision – and you don’t know until you wake up. It’s a progressive disease, so getting to an eyecare provider to get your eyes dilated and checked out is key. It’s especially recommended if there are risk factors of age, family history, and race – as Black and Hispanic populations are much more likely than other races to develop it. Also, eye trauma and other conditions can lead to glaucoma. You want to have a baseline comprehensive eye exam for comparison.”

Khaimi is pleased with breakthroughs in his field, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, and is especially proud of the work he and his colleagues are doing at Dean McGee.

“I think I was always a closet Okie, and I would love Oklahoma to know that we at Dean McGee are doing amazing, groundbreaking things that send ripples worldwide,” he says. – TL

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

918.505.3200 sp: Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer

*TYLER GUNTER

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center 405.271.5641 sp: Thoracic Cancers, Genitourinary Cancer, Central Nervous System Cancer, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, Palliative Care, Proton Beam Therapy

DIANE HEATON

Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma CyberKnife 918.949.6676

CHRISTINA HENSON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5641 sp: Palliative Care, Head & Neck Cancer, Breast Cancer

*ANDREA JOHNSTON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center 405.271.5641 sp: Proton Beam Therapy, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

M. CONNIE NGUYEN

Ascension St. John Medical Center

• Saint Francis Hospital • Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 918.505.3200 sp: Stereotactic Radiosurgery

KIRAN PRABHU

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

• INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center • INTEGRIS Cancer Institute 405.552.0490 sp: Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Brachytherapy, Radionuclide Therapy

TERRY STYLES

Hillcrest Medical Center • Oklahoma CyberKnife 918.949.6676

J. SPENCER THOMPSON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.5641 sp: Gynecologic Cancers, Pediatric Cancers, Palliative Care

Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility

HEATHER R. BURKS

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1616 sp: Infertility-IVF, Ovarian Failure, Menstrual Disorders

LATASHA B. CRAIG

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1616 sp: Miscarriage-Recurrent, Ovarian Failure, Menstrual Disorders, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology

LOYAL STIERLEN

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center ·

INTEGRIS General Surgery Southwest 405.636.7900 sp: Gallbladder Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery

SARA SUTHERS Mercy Hospital 405.749.7023 sp: Breast Surgery

TARA BETH WILSON Hillcrest Medical Center · Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3840 sp: Breast Cancer & Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery

Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery

R. MARK BODENHAMER Oklahoma Heart Hospital · Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South Campus 405.608.3800

HAROLD MACDONALD BURKHART Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health · OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4631 sp: Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

SCOTT K. LUCAS

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 405.310.3028 sp: Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery, Coronary Artery Surgery, Heart Valve Surgery-Mitral, Aneurysm

JOHN D. RANDOLPH Oklahoma Heart Hospital · Oklahoma Heart Hospital-South Campus 405.608.3800 sp: Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Coronary Artery Surgery

Sports Medicine

LAMONT E. CAVANAGH

Hillcrest Medical Center · OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • Sports Medicine and Family Medicine 918.619.4600

sp: Primary Care Sports Medicine

BRIAN R. COLEMAN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4311

SEETHAL R. MADHAVARAPU

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 405.218.2530

Surgery

JOSEPH CARLO BUENDIA

Mercy Hospital 405.749.4231 sp: Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

NICOLE SHARP COTTRELL

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center · Lakeside Women’s Hospital •

INTEGRIS Breast Surgery Clinic

405.552.0400 sp: Breast Cancer & Surgery, Breast Disease, Minimally Invasive Surgery

EUGENE DICKENS

Hillcrest Medical Center · Utica

Park Clinic 918.599.8200 sp: Hernia

WILLIAM C. DOOLEY

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center · SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital 405.271.1400

sp: Breast Cancer & Surgery, SarcomaSoft Tissue, Appendix Cancer, CancersRare & Unusual

BARISH H. EDIL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center • OU Health

Stephenson Cancer Center

405.271.1632 sp: Pancreatic Cancer, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

CHRISTOPHER W. LENTZ

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center • INTEGRIS Paul Silverstein

Burn Center 405.552.2857 sp: Burn

Care, Reconstructive Surgery, Critical Care, Wound Care

MARY K. LINDEMUTH

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center

· Lakeside Women’s Hospital • INTEGRIS Breast Surgery Clinic

405.552.0400 sp: Breast Disease, Breast Surgery

DENISE L. RABLE

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center · Lakeside Women’s Hospital • INTEGRIS Medical Group 405.552.0400

sp: Breast Cancer & Surgery, Breast Disease

ALEXANDER RAINES

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.1400

sp: Hernia, Gallbladder Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery

AJIT K. THARAKAN Hillcrest Medical Center · Oklahoma Heart Institute 918.749.6400 sp: Heart Valve Surgery, Lung Surgery

Urogynecology/Female

Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

LIESCHEN QUIROZ

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.9493 sp: Incontinence-Urinary, Pelvic Floor Disorders, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Urology

ROBERT BRUCE

Ascension St. John Hospital · Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Urologic Specialists of Okclahoma

918.749.8765 sp: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Prostate Benign Disease (BPH), Kidney Stones

MICHAEL S. COOKSON

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4088 sp: Urologic Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Robotic Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery PAUL GUY HAGOOD Hillcrest Medical Center · Hillcrest Hospital South • Utica Park Clinic 918.579.3130

JONATHAN HEINLEN

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4088 sp: Prostate Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Penile Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Incontinence-Urinary, Erectile Dysfunction

SCOTT E. LITWILLER

Ascension St. John Hospital · Oklahoma Surgical Hospital • Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma

918.749.8765 sp: Urogynecology, Incontinence

SANJAY PATEL

OU Health – University of Oklahoma Medical Center 405.271.4088

Vascular & Interventional

Radiology

THOMAS E. WILEY III

Saint Francis Hospital Radiology Consultants of Tulsa 918.494.1655 sp: Peripheral Vascular Disease, Thrombolytic Therapy, Angioplasty & Stent Placement

Advertising in the publication is in no way connected to the selection of doctors for the issue.

PHOTO COURTESY DEAN MCGEE

Meander the midwest (and the south ... and the southwest) during your summer vacation. The options are endless; where will you go? We o er plenty of suggestions, including specific cities, states, museums, theme parks, outdoor o erings and so much more.

Arkansas

Big Al is not just any old sh – he’s one of 66 tagged sh released May 2 into Lakes Hamilton and Catherine near Hot Springs. And if you catch him by 5 p.m. July 31, you will be $20,000 richer. Not a bad return on the investment of an Arkansas shing license.

“It’s really fun for us, just waiting for the sh phone to ring,” says Bill Solleder, director of marketing for Visit Hot Springs.

All the sh in the Hot Springs Fishing Challenge are worth something to the people who reel them in and call the phone number on the tag. Twenty are worth $500, 40 carry a prize of $1,000 and four are worth $5,000. e runner-up to Big Al is a $10,000 sh.

e contenders include largemouth bass, bluegill and cat sh. Visit Hot Springs is mum about the genetics of

Big Al, but clues are released during the contest season. e top dog can be illusive.

“So far, 2017 is the only year Big Al was caught,” says Solleder.

Hot Springs National Park is the city’s star attraction. Visitors can bathe in the thermal water, “and ll up your jug with the best water in the world,” Solleder says.

The national park and its nine historic bathhouses “stand as icons for healing and tributes to the American Spa of the 20th century,” according to the National Park Service. “The ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes and abundant creeks make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.”

e Fordyce, the largest on Bathhouse Row, serves as a visitor

center for the national park. e Hot Springs Mountain Tower’s indoor and outdoor observation decks o er 360-degree views of the national park and the city of Hot Springs.

Also in Hot Springs is Garvan Woodland Gardens, a giant botanical garden that features a four-story

Theme Parks to Visit

Theme parks are perennial winners with kids, but grown-ups can also have a blast on Ferris wheels, zip lines and roller coasters.

DOLLYWOOD PARKS AND RESORTS, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.: Beyond rides and attractions, it boasts live music and shows sure to entertain every member of the family.

SIX FLAGS over Texas in Arlington or St. Louis: Take your pick – either offers every ride you could think of.

SEAWORLD in San Antonio: New this summer is Catapult Falls, the world’s first launched flume coaster featuring the steepest flume drop on Earth.

SILVER DOLLAR CITY: An essential part of the Branson experience.

GLENWOOD CAVERNS

ADVENTURE PARK: Yet another reason to cool off in the Colorado mountains.

treehouse and a glass chapel. Another top Arkansas attraction is the Cosmic Cavern near Eureka Springs. e walking tour lasts about an hour and features two bottomless cave lakes and the Silent Splendor section, where many of the formations are transparent.

Traveling Tips

No family vacation is perfect. But if you do some research before you go and follow basic safety rules, your trip can deliver the stress-free days you’re hoping for.

• Investigate your lodgings when you arrive for any possible security issues, and don’t leave anything in your car.

• Know before you go if your chosen attractions offer public restrooms, plenty of parking spaces and on-site refreshments.

• Be wary of public WiFi, and make copies of things like admission tickets and boarding passes in case you lose cell phone service.

• Try not to act like a tourist. Force the pickpockets to find another line of work!

Anthony Chapel, Hot Springs, Arkansas Photos courtesy Tourism Arkansas

Garvan Gardens, Hot Springs, Arkansas Photos courtesy Tourism Arkansas

Colorado

Widely regarded as Colorado’s most celebrated piece of architecture, the amphitheatre at Red Rocks State Park is an acoustically perfect venue for acts ranging from the Colorado Symphony to Sting to the world’s greatest opera singers.

At 6,450 feet above sea level, the park is where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains and where visitors can see plants, birds and other animals of both regions.

is summer’s musical line-up includes Duran Duran, the Avett Brothers, Tori Amos and My Morning Jacket.

A visit to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park starts with a gondola ride to the top of Iron Mountain. e western-themed mountaintop park o ers Colorado’s rst alpine coaster, along with a cli hanger roller coaster, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride and the Glenwood Canyon Flyer.

e Trail Ridge Road soars to an elevation of 12,183 feet and is one of the best ways to see the Continental Divide as it cuts through Colorado.

e two-hour drive passes through Rocky Mountain National Park between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve o ers the tallest dunes in North America and is an international dark sky park. Activities include sand sledding, beach play, forest hiking and free ranger programs.

Cold winters, mine closures and economic troubles led to the abandonment of mountain towns across the state, and visitors can now explore such ghost towns as Alta, Animas Forks and Antero Junction.

Red Rock Canyons, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca, Colorado All Colorado photos by Matt Inden/ Miles courtesy Colorado Tourism

Missouri

It was such a simple idea in the beginning – why not create a pleasant atmosphere for people waiting to tour Marvel Cave? Well, one thing led to another, and some 70 years later, Silver Dollar City is a 100-acre park with music and venues, more than 40 rides and attractions, 18 restaurants, 60 shops and 100 resident craftsmen.

e 1880s-themed attraction near Branson is recognized internationally for its theme, presentation and operations, and much of the credit goes to the Ozark landscape and culture.

e mountain scenery is to die for, and those skillet dinners are legendary, but “what really sets us apart are our demonstrating craftsmen,” according to the theme park’s website. “ e e ortless skill

that these artisans display is breathtaking.”

As visitors watch, skilled workers create candy, lye soap, candles, handblown and cut glass, mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and decorative objects fashioned from clay, leather, wood and metal.

On the other side of the state, Forest Park is where another modest idea grew legs. Originally conceived to celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, the movement grew into the 1904 World’s Fair, “when the world came to St. Louis.”

e property became a city park again after the iconic fair closed and is home to the city’s zoo, art museum, history museum, science center, boathouse, skating rink, tennis center, golf courses –the list goes on and on.

A few decades later, architect Eero Saarinen’s design of a 630-foot stainless steel arch would further secure the city’s claim as the “Gateway to the West.”

Gateway Arch National Park, on the banks of the Mississippi River, encompasses a westward expansion museum and the Old Courthouse, currently closed for renovations, where nationally important civil rights cases were heard.

More than 100,000 people gathered in 1926 for the consecration of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, a labor of love that would not be fully completed until 1988. Tours are available of the basilica, a synthesis of Byzantine and Romanesque design that is known for its stained glass windows, high altar and ornamental mosaics.

Texas

Natural and man-made attractions lure visitors from one end to the other of the giant state of Texas.

Landlocked Oklahomans often make the drive to South Padre Island, a tropical oasis that o ers 34 miles of white sand and clear emerald water, with such highlights as snorkeling, deep sea shing and sunset dinner cruises.

Nature tourism includes dolphin and eco tours, nature trails, birding and an alligator sanctuary. Indoor o erings include dining, dancing, shopping and relaxing in spas and yoga studios. Art galleries, museums and the Port Isabel Lighthouse add to the culture of the island paradise. Moody Gardens on Galveston Island has an educational and conservation mission, but kids nd it just plain fun. ere’s a rainforest pyramid, a paddlewheel boat, a ropes course and zip line and Palm Beach, Galveston’s only white-sand beach.

You won’t nd any run-of-the-mill

The Cathedral Basilica, St. Louis, Missouri

Photo courtesy Cathedral Basilica

Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, Missouri

Photo courtesy Missouri Division of Tourism

Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri

Photo courtesy Missouri Division of Tourism

Guadalupe Mountains, Pine Springs, Texas

Photo courtesy Travel Texas

San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas

Photo courtesy Travel Texas

sea creatures at the Dallas World Aquarium, where species sport such monikers as starki damsel sh, magni cent foxface, leafy seadragon and Napoleon wrasse.

e aquarium’s Cloud Forest Trek, which opened in 2020, sports a giant LED screen that extends the exhibit to the clouds of Colombian rainforests and animals indigenous to South America.

If it’s wilderness you crave, check out Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with more than 80 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to all-day hikes into the high country forest. McKittrick Canyon is the heart of the park and the launching point for trails leading to dramatic landscapes. e west side of the mountains o ers remote hiking and access to the Salt Basin Sand Dunes.

Just steps from the Alamo is San Antonio’s River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, famous for guided barge tours of a 15-mile urban waterway with riverside shopping and dining.

Nearby is the wonder- lled Natural Bridge Caverns, where a ropes course and zip rails o er treetop views of the Texas Hill Country. Twisted Trails Tykes is a ropes course for the 4-feet-tall and under set. Gem and fossil mining, a ranch roundup maze, shopping and dining and Bracken Bat Flights and of course a discovery tour of the caverns round out the package.

Nebraska

Walk on the bottom of the ocean and come nose-to-nose with sea turtles as sharks circle above you. Discover polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon. at’s the promise made by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium about the adventure that awaits at the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest aquarium to be found in a zoo.

e zoo is all about context and interpretation.

e Desert Dome, a geodesic dome that’s become an Omaha landmark, is the world’s largest indoor desert. ere you will nd

plant and animal life from Africa’s Namib Desert, the Red Center of Australia and America’s Sonoran Desert. Wallabies, meerkats and a cape cobra are among the animals living there. Visitors continue on through a butter y and insect pavilion, African grasslands, a Birds in Flight program, children’s adventure trails and a wildlife safari park.

To cool o during your summer travels, man-made options across Nebraska include the Island Oasis Water Park in Grand Island, Fun Plex in Omaha and Aquacourt in Hastings. e Dismal River beckons the paddling crowd. Described as a “short, wild river” in the Sandhill Region of the state, it features natural springs that bubble up through the sand and is best suited for intermediate to advanced kayakers and canoers.

“Magical Mystery Tour” is the 2023 theme at the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln. is year’s designs will re ect the artwork on album covers from the Beatles era. Admission is free, and visitors can enjoy a healing garden, perennial and annual ower gardens, water features and art installations.

Western Nebraska’s Scotts Blu area is also known as Landmark Country.

e Chimney Rock National Historic Site marks the most-noted landmark on the Oregon Trail.

e Horse Creek Treaty Marker describes the 1851 gathering of 10 tribes of Plains Indians, numbering about 10,000, to negotiate a treaty that would soon be broken by the U.S. government.

A paleontological adventure awaits at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, an important source for 19.2-millionyear-old Miocene epoch mammal fossils. e monument also features the Cook Collection of American Indian Artifacts.

Other Getaways

Chicago, IL: One of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago beckons for great eats, art, outdoor activities and music. Highlights include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Navy Pier, Millennium Park (home of the famed metal Bean) and Wrigley Field.

Lincoln, NE: Nebraska’s capital city o ers unique stops including the International Quilt Museum, the Museum of American Speed and the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Plenty of breweries plus the Memorial Stadium also draw visitors.

Santa Fe, NM: Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe presents a slower pace and art o erings galore. Stroll through Santa Fe Plaza, visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, or enjoy Meow Wolf – an immersive art exhibition you won’t soon forget.

Scottsdale, AZ: e desert city of Scottsdale o ers outdoor activities for the active tourist, like the Gateway Trailhead, Desert Botanical Garden and Pinnacle Peak Park. Cool o at the OdySea Aquarium or the Penske Racing Museum.

New Orleans, LA: e Big Easy is a perfect pit-stop for those looking to meld history with a bustling nightlife. Visit the French Quarter for great eats and live music, or venture to the National WWII Museum. Louis Armstrong Park and Jackson Square are other must-visit locations. ■

Suzanna and Walter Scott Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska Photos courtesy Nebraska Tourism

Red Willow County, Indianola, Nebraska Photos courtesy Nebraska Tourism

Lake iving

Summer is here,

and Oklahoma’s 200+ lakes beckon for warm weather and water-based fun. We delve into a few of Oklahoma’s most beloved bodies of water, explore unique ways to enjoy the lake outside traditional boating, reiterate some aquatic safety and traverse lake-adjacent towns for on-land entertainment.

By Chloé Zoellner

OKLAHOMA LAKE GUIDE

Included below are just some of the 200+ lakes Oklahoma harbors within its borders.

BROKEN BOW LAKE – About 14,000 surface acres and 180 miles of shoreline, located in southeast Oklahoma near Broken Bow. Mountain water feeds the lake, making it a scuba diver’s ideal location for spotting aquatic wildlife. Described as one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the state, Broken Bow boasts spectacular views from most lodging options in the area.

LAKE EUFAULA – Oklahoma’s largest lake with 105,500 surface acres and 800 miles of shoreline. It is located in the eastern part of the state, surrounding the town of

Eufaula, stretching north towards Checotah and south near McAlester. e notable activities on or around Eufaula are: shing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, biking/ ATV riding and gol ng. Rentals are available on-site for all listed activities, including boats.

Lake Murray is a popular destination for aquatic enthusiasts around the region.

Photo by James Pratt/Oklahoma Tourism

Lake Eufaula is a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing and rafting.

Photo courtesy the Lake Eufaula Association

GRAND LAKE – 46,500 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline. It is located in the northeastern part of the state in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Home to seven state parks, Grand Lake provides all the traditional water activities in addition to terrestrial outdoor activities, too. This lake is known for its scenic lodging and campgrounds, unique dining experiences, festivals, events and vibrant nightlife.

northwest of Tulsa. Best known for its lakefront RV/camping sites and a dense sport- sh population, Skiatook attracts shing enthusiasts from across the state.

LAKE TENKILLER – 13,000 surface acres with 130 miles of shoreline located in northeast Oklahoma, just south of Tahlequah. Also known for its clear water and ideal scuba diving location, Tenkiller is a treasure worth visiting for all lake activities, plus three state parks. If relaxation is the goal, Tenkiller has multiple spa and golf opportunities surrounding the lake, in addition to a lively festival and event scene.

LAKE TEXOMA – 93,000 surface acres with 580 miles of shoreline bordering Texas, and southeast of Ardmore. Known for bountiful sh, over 600 campgrounds and casinos headlining some of the most popular musicians in the country, Texoma o ers fun for everyone.

Unique Ways to Enjoy the Lake

HEFNER LAKE – Located in Oklahoma City with 2,500 acres and 18 miles of shoreline. Small but mighty, Hefner o ers the population an escape from city life with various waterfront dining and lodging options. Although this lake does not permit swimming, water skiing or jet skiing, boats and shing are allowed, but require permits.

SKIATOOK LAKE – 10,190 surface acres and 160 miles of shoreline located in northeast Oklahoma,

Oklahoma lakes and rivers o er individual and family adventure, plus competition, escape and relaxation, but you do not have to own a boat to enjoy the beautiful waters and scenic views. Here are some less traditional, but equally memorable, ways to enjoy Oklahoma lakes and rivers: Canoe/kayak/ raft rentals are a

great way to interact with the waters directly. Depending on the location, visitors can experience a more relaxed or ambitious approach. Local canoe, kayak or raft rental vendors are easily found at your closest lake or river. It is an intimate way to allow participants to explore Oklahoma. Popular traditional rental locations include: along the Illinois River in Tahlequah, along the Lower Mountain Fork River and Beavers Bend State Park area.

Arti cially stimulated whitewater activities are ideal if you are looking to engage your competitive and athletic side. Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Adventure Park o ers sur ng, water skiing, whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, tubing, at water kayaking, at water paddleboards, ziplines, climbing walls, a bike park, eSports and a youth zone.

Enjoy a meal on a river cruise. Oklahoma City River Cruises o er specialty trips for holidays such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween and more. e cruise also hosts summer “Cocktail Cruises.”

Participate in Citizen Science on a hike or camping trip. Jena Donnell, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, is one of the developers for Oklahoma’s Citizen Science, a program where people can post pictures of plants and animals on platforms such as “iNaturalist.” Donnell says programs like Citizen Science are the “easiest way to get involved and help contribute to statewide conservation.”

Water Safety

When engaging with open waters, safety is the priority. Justin Alberty,

Grand Lake, one of the most popular lakes in Oklahoma, welcomes ample boaters every summer.

Photo courtesy GRDA

Many boats often gather together at Grand Lake for on-the-water festivities.

Photo courtesy GRDA

communications director at the Grand River Dam Authority, urges people to continue the pursuit of safety by staying updated with regulations as they change over time. However, a steadfast safety tip is always wearing a life jacket when engaging in open waters. Alberty urges parents to “set a good example and always wear your life jacket. Life jackets are not ‘onesize ts all,’ and a child needs a childsized life jacket. Not something they will, ‘grow into.’”

A lesser known caution, Alberty warns, is the damage the sun can have on a person’s senses, creating imbalance in water and becoming a danger while operating around or on a boat/open waters. He encourages people to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Additional tips include communicating with a person onshore if visiting open waters by yourself, and obeying the no-wake zone markers and other designated buoy areas.

“Finally,” says Alberty, “do not drink and boat, as most recreational boating accidents are alcohol-related.”

Top Spots for Anglers

From crappie to paddle sh and a wide range of species in between, Oklahoma waters are teeming with a diverse population of sh.

Before heading to your local lake or river, make sure you get a state shing permit or check if you are exempt at gooutdoorsoklahoma. com. You can purchase an annual or two-day license. If you are shing in city waters, make sure you acquire additional licensure from that speci c municipality. Note: shing for paddle sh requires a speci c free permit used to provide data to help track paddle sh populations.

Popular shing locations include Lake Texoma for striped bass, Lake Eufaula for crappie, Canton Lake for walleye (this lake is also known for hosting a “Walleye Rodeo” event each year), Mountain Fork River for trout, Fort Cobb Lake for cat sh and Grand Lake for paddle sh.

Kelly Adams, communication and education supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, unveils hidden gem locations for anglers. Guymon’s municipally owned Sunset Lake is 17 surface acres and periodically stocked with trout and cat sh. Secluded in the Ouachita National Forest, Cedar Lake covers 86 surface acres and holds the state record for largemouth bass (14 pounds and 13.7 ounces, caught by Dale Miller).

Adams also shares the department’s “Close to Home Fishing Program.” According to its website, the program provides “a local pathway for sharing the shing heritage.” Adams says the idea is to inform people of nearby “urban small lakes or large ponds that are stocked with touchable-sized sun sh and cat sh, o ering people places to conveniently sh.”

Adams says the “Close to Home Fishing Program” is perfect for people or children who are being introduced to shing, or want to start shing

without the hassle of long drives.

Adams and Donnell believe the Department of Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation’s “ e Dock,” an online platform for anglers to post photos and reviews of their catch, is a helpful tool for novice and experts alike to share information on lakes, types of sh and current conditions.

Lake Town Guide

Come for the water, stay for the amenities. Towns and cities surrounding lakes and rivers are brimming with family-, couple- or individual-friendly activities.

Cookson is just east of Lake Tenkiller. Nestled in the Cookson Hills of Cherokee County, the town is best known for its popular scuba diving opportunities. Nautical Adventures Scuba o ers scuba certi cation courses, scuba equipment rentals and an introduction to scuba diving events in an indoor pool. For history bu s, a visit to e Hunter’s Home, formerly known as the George M. Murrell Home, is a must-see historical home preserved by the Oklahoma Historical Society as one of Oklahoma’s last standing plantation homes through the Trail of Tears.

e city of Eufaula is known for its bald eagle sightings near Eufaula Dam as the national bird comes south for the winter, arriving in late November and staying through March. Outdoor enthusiasts should consider staying in a once-in-alifetime yurt at Eufaula State Park. Eufaula is an angler’s dream, priding itself in hosting an enclosed and heated dock for all-year shing.

For the opulent vacation seekers, Monkey Island is a peninsula on the northern shore of Grand Lake and features the luxury Shangri-La Resort featuring ne dining, a 27-hole golf course, a spa and more. is island is an ideal location for special events, membership opportunities and extravagant rentals.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline adventure, Oklahoma open waters and surrounding cities/towns are ready to provide you with spectacular memories. ■

Oklahoma is a treasure trove for those looking to find the perfect catch.

Photo by Kelly Bostian courtesy the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

We ing

The wedding world continues to evolve, with new trends, innovations and creations making people’s special days even more jaw dropping. In the wedding guide, we present helpful info on nuptial etiquette, planning, timelines and more.

Popular Dates

You’ll likely notice your fridge is extra full of wedding invitations during certain months of the year. e following are 2023’s most popular wedding dates, in order:

• September 23

• October 7

• October 14

• May 20

• October 20

Also, look out for three-day weekends: Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are among the most popular times to schedule a celebration.

Venue 101

Perhaps the most important element to have nailed down early during your wedding planning is your venue choice. Unless you’ve found a hybrid indoor-outdoor venue, you’ll likely be choosing one or the other. Pros and cons exist for both.

Indoor venues o er a bevy of pros:

Security; you don’t need a back-up plan in case of bad weather.

Comfort; you won’t have to battle the elements, like a chill, humidity or pesky mosquitoes.

Noise; you don’t need to worry about noise ordinances if you’re inside a private venue.

But a few cons exist:

Limited space; ensure you aren’t going over your allotted quota of guests.

Higher demand; most people opt for indoor venues out of convenience, so you’ll have to battle others for the date you desire.

By Mary Willa Allen 101

More rules; if you book an indoor venue, you’ll likely have more regulations to follow to ensure the space isn’t damaged.

Pros of an outdoor venue:

More space; no cramped guests here! People can spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.

More freedom; with an outdoor space, there will likely be less rules and penalties re: damage.

Better visuals/lighting; nature can do a lot of the aesthetic work for you.

Cons of an outdoor venue:

Less security; whether you’re stressed out about a potential rainstorm or wedding crashers, outdoor venues o er a little less stability.

e elements; aside from weather issues, critters could play a potentially major role in your day depending on where your outdoor venue is.

No grand entrance; if your wedding is outside, people will be able to see everything you’re doing behind the scenes. If you want that dramatic entrance, consider an indoor venue.

A Quick Timeline

You nailed down your engagement; now it’s time to start planning! Here are a few rules of thumb as it pertains to time management.

A year or more out:

• Book your venue

• Book your caterer

• Determine and nalize your budget

• Make your guest list

• If you want one, hire a wedding planner

10-11 months out:

• Hire in-demand vendors, like photographers, videographers, DJs, bands, make-up artists, etc.

• Take your engagement photos

• Create your wedding website and ensure all relevant info is included

• Secure hotel room blocks for guests

8-9 months out:

• Send save-the-dates

• Purchase your wedding dress

• Con rm (and promote) your registry

• Meet with potential orists

6-7 months out:

• Con rm your rehearsal dinner venue

• Hire ceremony musicians

• Hire or choose your o ciant

• Con rm your orist

4-5 months out:

• Get the groom and groomsmen’ tuxedos

• Book the honeymoon

• Con rm transportation for

Trend Forecasts

It’s no secret that each new year brings with it a handful of wedding trends on the rise. While some will never go out of style, others are ephemeral. We explore a few.

Popular 2023 color schemes:

• Emerald and sage green

• Lavender

• Dusty rose

• Blush pink

• Earth tones and neutrals

Hot wedding dress trends:

• 3D oral elements

• Bows

• O -the-shoulder dresses

• Pops of color

• Transparent sections (on sleeves or sections of the dress)

• Capes

• Mini dresses for the reception

In-demand florals:

• Unique bouquets with less greenery

• Floral arches and aisle accessories

• Single ower varieties used en masse

• Dramatic oral installations in the reception

• More living plants (think potted plants instead of bouquets)

General trends

• Wedding maximalism – the more the better!

• Private last dances

• More pops of color just about everywhere, from owers to dresses and table settings

• Statement aisles

guests and you and your spouse

• Finalize your cake

• Schedule make-up and hair trials

2-3 months out:

• Send out invitations to the wedding and rehearsal dinner

• Write your vows

• Plan the elements of your goodie bags

• Make your wedding playlists

1 month or less out:

• Do nal venue walk-throughs

• Do nal dress ttings

• Perform general aesthetic maintenance – hair, nails, tans, massages, etc.

• Make all nal vendor payments

Wedding Party: To Do and Not To Do

One of the most important parts of your wedding is sharing the day with your friends/family members in the wedding party. Of course they’re excited to celebrate you, but what’s appropriate and not appropriate to ask your party to do for you throughout the process? A few do’s and don’t include:

Do expect them to show up to major milestone moments of your wedding journey – like the wedding itself (obviously), the rehearsal dinner, bachelor/bachelorette parties and (ONE) bridal shower.

Don’t expect them to come to every single wedding-related event, like dress ttings or vendor appointments.

Do feel free to ask them for advice on wedding elements.

Don’t expect them to have nuanced opinions on every portion of your wedding – they have lives, too!

Do ask them for small favors in the weeks/days leading up to your wedding, like co ee runs or oral pick-ups.

Don’t expect them to be your personal assistants and run a bevy of errands for you in their limited free time.

Do ask them to look their best on your wedding day.

Don’t expect them to spend unnecessary money to do so, like fake tans, professional make-up and hair, or over-the-top shoes, bags or jewelry – unless you’re willing to foot the bill.

Favors People Will Actually Like

Wedding favors often take up a big chunk of the budget but don’t get a lot of use. What are some favors that will give you bang for your buck? We o er a few suggestions:

• His and hers candy

• Coasters

• Olive oil

• Co ee or tea

• Custom playing cards

• Custom candles

How to Incorporate Children

If you have kids, nieces, nephews or other beloved kiddos coming to your wedding, how can you incorporate them into the ceremony or make them feel included?

• Appoint them as ower girls or ring bearers

• Give them ‘day-of’ gifts

• If they’re a bit older, let them do a short speech at the rehearsal dinner or reception

• Include them in the ‘ rst look’ if you choose to have one

• Add them to your wedding party

Cake & Floral 101

Some of the most fun you’ll have when wedding planning will revolve around cake tastings and oral appointments. But how can you get started?

Cakes

First, you’ll want to do a bit of research on bakers in your area. Con rm good reviews, what kind of avors and llings they o er, general prices and their portfolio. Other logistics to con rm are how far in advance you need to order, how much a tasting will be, deposit necessities and how big of a cake you’ll need.

Second, visit for a tasting. You’ll have endless combinations to try – a few popular ones include vanilla, buttercream and raspberry; red velvet and cream cheese; lemon, vanilla and butter cream; and carrot, cream cheese and candied pecans. ird, con rm the style of your wedding cake. How many tiers do you want? How about oral accents or fruit? After you’ve decided on all of these goodies, place your order.

Florals

Much like cakes, you’ll want to do research into potential orists before making a consultation. Have your budget and general needs ready to go.

Additionally, have style ideas at the ready, as well as preferred blooms and your ideal color palette.

At the consultation, con rm availability, price, delivery fees and general timelines. Bring mood boards for inspiration. Remember that your orals aren’t just bouquets – there are also boutonnieres, centerpieces, arches, aisle/ceremony decor and corsages. Plan accordingly!

Speech Etiquette

If you’re a person with passionate or outgoing friends and family, it’s only a matter of time before they ask when, exactly, they’re giving their speech for your wedding. But before you’re handed the mic, remember some speech etiquette.

When is it appropriate to give a speech?

Bottom line: it’s only appropriate to give a speech if you’re asked to give one. Don’t attempt to weasel your way to the microphone if you’re not given express permission to do so. e only other time it’s appropriate is if the couple opens up the mic to anyone.

Who should be expected to give a speech, and at which event?

e simple answer is that the bride and groom get to decide that on their own. But tradition dictates that parents and the maid of honor/best man speak at the wedding reception, while other special members of the wedding party/family speak at the rehearsal dinner.

How long should you keep your speech?

e sweet spot for toasts is around 3-5 minutes. You want to have enough time to include tear-jerking memories, sentimental anecdotes or jokes, but not so long that you start to lose your audience.

What is appropriate to mention in your speech?

Do mention: Great memories, compliments, and bride-and-groomapproved jokes or subject matter.

Don’t mention: Any problems you have with the couple, not-safe-forwork memories, any mention of exes, or politics. Profanity is a maybe – but remember who’s in the audience! ■

TASTE

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

A Taste of Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s o cial state meal may be a nod to its homesteading past, but one local restaurant is bringing the avors of the Sooner State into the 21st century, all while preserving its history. Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails Paseo and chef Zach Hutton, a James Beard Foundation Award Semi-Finalist, provide a modern twist on traditional Oklahoma avors. From the mouthwatering smoked bison pastrami and short rib burger to the fry bread served with pimento cheese, every dish is designed with local ingredients in mind.

The restaurant’s summer menu offers a fresh take on dishes as diverse and captivating as the culture-rich area itself.

Hutton “grew up eating salted watermelon,” so his signature salted watermelon and tomato gazpacho with cold pressed ginger is floated with local herbs and flowers, acting as a nod to his childhood.

“Recently, chef Loretta [Barrett Oden] at [OKC’s] First Americans Museum said eating my gazpacho reminded her of her childhood, too,” he says.

Pimento cheese has become so popular

at Scratch that it was recently added back to the menu and is served with the fry bread. The restaurant is also doing Indian tacos that “are a little classier than like at a state fair,” says Hutton. In-house ground short rib, black eyed peas, heirloom tomatoes, seasonal greens and Watonga cheese (a small-batch, artisanal cheese made in Oklahoma) are piled onto a house-made fry bread for a true taste of Oklahoma.

“Everything I do, I do it based off either something that is influenced directly from Oklahoma history or buying specifically,” says Hutton. He mentions that his team creates everything on the menu from scratch (see what they did there?), using locally sourced ingredients to show off the best Oklahoma has to offer. The sweet tea, house-brined fried chicken, chicken fried steak and buttermilk biscuits are glowing examples, featuring local, free-range chickens, freshly baked biscuits, and in-house butter and cream from Red Ridge Creamery in Lahoma.

“Every single component is within 80 miles of here [Oklahoma City],” he says.

One of the hallmarks of Scratch is its commitment to sourcing local ingredients.

For over two and a half years, the restaurant has “sourced 95% from local, small farms, and we know every farmer by name,” says Hutton, referencing No Name Ranch for its beef and Benjamin Lee Ranch for its bison.

“Chickens come from a gentleman named Mark Hamilton, and produce comes from a good dozen different places with five mushroom farms,” Hutton continues. “But the majority is Prairie Earth Gardens and J.B. Pratt with Wellness Connection.”

This summer, the Paseo Farmer’s Market returns, bringing al fresco dining to Scratch’s outdoor patio. Every other Wednesday, you can shop from local farms and vendors that Hutton uses, as well as Flora Bodega, which recently opened its storefront in the same district.

Whether for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch, Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails Paseo is the place to try authentic Oklahoma-inspired dishes and craft cocktails, all while supporting local farmers in the process. It’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike are making this their go-to spot for a taste of Oklahoma.

NICKY OMOHUNDRO

Scratch Kitchen + Cocktails Paseo honors Okies and Okie cuisine.

The majority of ingredients used at Scratch are sourced “within 80 miles of Oklahoma City,” says chef Zach Hutton.

Photo courtesy Scratch

McKinney’s Modern Dining

Stephen Reshetar has been cooking for as long as he can remember. His parents discovered him one day trying to make an omelet ... he was five. He honed his knife skills at age ten, learning to dice vegetables by watching Yan Can Cook. He always planned to go to cooking school, but a restaurant job opened just after he graduated high school and he took it, working his way up to sous-chef. He learned as he worked.

“I have shelves and shelves of cookbooks,” he says.

His parents, Bible ministers, moved a lot, from Philadelphia to Colorado and back to Pennsylvania, where he became sous-chef. Finally, they landed in Clovis, New Mexico. There, he scraped together enough money to open Clovis’ only high-end Italian restaurant. He visited a friend in Tulsa, loved the town, and when Clint McKinney offered him the job of running his new restaurant, Reshetar took it.

McKinney has been in the business for decades. He owned a restaurant in Independence, Kansas, worked for big restaurant supply companies, then moved to Tulsa and bought Toast, the breakfast restaurant in Broken Arrow. He moved it to sleek new digs in a bright, glass-walled apartment building on Main Street and decided a dinner restaurant with delicious food, elegant plating and moderate prices was just what Broken Arrow needed. It was.

Diners come back again and again for the tender, glistening beef short rib, the pork chop prepared Saltimbocca style with prosciutto and fresh sage leaves, and of course, the hearty pasta dishes that Reshetar cooks.

“It’s the first restaurant I’ve wanted to put my name on,” says McKinney. It’s certainly worthy.

305 N. Main St., Broken Arrow; mckinneysmoderndining.com

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano

Leadership at Ti Amo has one goal: to deliver an exceptional dining experience to all who enter its doors. You’ll enjoy delicious food, of course, but also top-notch service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Originally founded in west Berlin, the restaurant made the move to Tulsa in 1988 and has been an Oklahoma mainstay ever since.

Traditional Italian fare is the star of the menu – with classics like tortellini, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, linguine, fettuccine and Cajun pasta. But don’t forget to start with the popular bruschetta, crab cakes, calamari, artichoke dip or even Italian nachos.

“From the land” offerings are mouthwatering – beef filets, bone-in ribeye, short ribs, bone-in pork chops and piccata di pollo are stand-outs.

Or, venture to the “from the sea” portion – with options like grilled salmon, red snapper or flounder. Make sure to wash it all down with velvet cheesecake, tiramisu or crème brûlée cheesecake. There’s also a full bar and ample wine offerings.

Ti Amo’s dual locations are popular for birthday parties and rehearsal dinners, and the restaurant also offers catering. Make sure to swing by on Thursdays for live music on the patio.

6024 S. Sheridan Rd. A.; 219 S. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa; tiamotulsa.com

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy McKinney’s Modern Dining

Photo courtesy Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano

Anything but Ordinary

As the new executive chef of Lowood, culinary veteran Trevor Tack loves to exceed expectations.

Intense, clean-cut and with movie-star charisma, Trevor Tack laughs hard and works harder. He grew up in Chickasha, the child of supportive, hard-working parents (a lawyer from Michigan, a schoolteacher from Chickasha) who had little time for gourmet food. He had more than a passing acquaintance with Hamburger Helper.

It’s a wonder he became a chef at all – but, after arriving at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater with no strong career inclinations, the chef life slowly drew him in. He was thrilled by the magic of it; he liked the honesty of it. If you cook a bad dish, there’s no fooling people, but you get to start fresh the next day. He changed his major from business to hospitality.

His first job was at the Chalkboard in Tulsa. He worked for chef Paul Caplinger, and he still admires the man. He learned a lot about food there, but the most important thing Caplinger taught him wasn’t about cuisine at all.

“He taught me you didn’t have to lead by using fear,” Tack explains. “Back then, it was the usual tactic. The chef would deliberately make people afraid of him. Paul taught me that when you work for someone who truly cares about you, you do your best to succeed.”

That lesson remained at the forefront of Tack’s mind throughout his career. And what a varied, exciting career it’s been. He has either worked at, designed, opened, or led almost every fine dining restaurant you can think of in the area. Chalkboard, SoChey, Dalesandro’s, Stonehorse, Main Street Tavern, Bodean (“I had fun there,” he says), R Bar (“My weekly Sunday brunch was a party that revolved around food, not mimosas,” he says), Bull in the Alley, Fassler Hall, Dilly Diner (“My toughest opening ever; we opened in the middle of the Tulsa Tough bike marathon and were packed from seven in the morning till midnight,” he says), executive chef for McNellie’s Group and Watershed Hospitality Group, and the Hemingway. Now, just when Tack

thought he’d finally take a short break, he’s found a home at Lowood.

“Noah Bush [owner of Lowood] told me they needed a chef and asked me to step in for a few weeks,” he says. “I came, and I fell in love with the place.”

Get Tack talking about the dishes he’s planning for Lowood and you’ll feel his contagious enthusiasm.

“We’ll hard-char broccolini, serve it with a sauce inspired by Andalucian ajoblanco soup. What you’ll taste? Freshness, char, surprise, creaminess, satisfaction,” he says. “That’s what I want the whole menu to feel like. I like surprises, I like to under-promise and overdeliver – like my Chilean sea bass in consomme. It comes to the table, it looks quite ordinary. But what you taste is anything but. It’s rich, light, satisfying, bright, acidic, with a fatty note, too.”

On my first visit to Lowood after Tack joined the team, I sat at the counter overlooking the cooking area, and the first thing I noticed was the laughter. Tack runs a happy kitchen – a place where the chefs can enjoy themselves as they are turning out works of art.

“Oh, I love that!” Tack says when I share the thought with him. “We enjoy each other’s company, and our food is born from pride and a desire to do it right. I want my kitchen staff to grow. I like to

mentor, and I like to learn from them. It’s a hard, hard job we do, working all day with sharp objects and fire. I love the people who work in kitchens; they are my people.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Trevor Tack has made a name for himself in Tulsa, working at some of the most popular restaurants in town. He now helms downtown’s Lowood.

Photo by Stephanie Phillips

The radish and butter starter includes cultured butter, radish, herbs and maldon salt.

Photo courtesy Lowood

Laurannae Baking Co.

Described as a boutique bakery, espresso and pastry bar, you can find Laurannae Baking Co. in the heart of Broken Arrow’s Rose District. The bakery is best known for its cakes; customers are able to customize color palettes, favors and other modifications for the perfect fit, or order classic cakes from the menu. The bakery is bustling with goodies, from cupcakes to signature cookies, pies, rolls, cheesecakes, scones, muffins and more. If you’d rather make some creations at home, utilize the ‘take and bake’ options including cinnamon rolls and cookie dough. Stick around for a full-service espresso bar to get your caffeine kick. You can also take decorating workshops, rent out the space for events, or visit monthly socials. 112 W. Commercial St.; 1205 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow; lbcotulsa.com

Dado’s Pizza

Independently owned Dado’s Pizza in OKC serves up classic New York-pies, as well as pizza by the slice. The affordable and delicious menu is led by a bevy of hand-stretched, 20” pies, with prices ranging from $3.75-$4.50 for a slice and $24-$28 for a whole pie. Highlights include the White with grande sopraffina ricotta, aged mozzarella, oregano, garlic, black pepper and olive oil drizzle; the Buffalo Chicken with grande aged mozzarella, buffalo chicken and blue cheese dressing; and the Garden Pie with bell peppers, Roma tomatoes, red onion, black olives, cremini mushrooms and garlic oil. Don’t forget to add both appetizers and desserts to your order, including mozzarella sticks, garlic and cheesy knots, wings, salads or zeppole – a sweet Italian pastry. 10942 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City; dadospizzaokc. com

Ah-Sigh-E

If you’re on the hunt for a quick lunch or snack stop, Ah-Sigh-E may be your new favorite dining destination. Brimming with acai bowls, smoothies and coffee confections, the restaurant is a must-visit for healthconscious eaters. A popular bowl is the Red, White and Blue – replete with a blend of acai, strawberries, blueberries, dark sweet cherries, banana, unsweetened almond milk and almond butter, topped with homemade granola, fresh strawberries, banana slices, hemp hearts, chia seeds and raw honey. Others opt for the Protein Bowl, which offers over 40 grams of plant-based protein with a blend of acai, cacao powder, mango, sweet cherries, banana, unsweetened almond milk and almond butter, topped with homemade granola, fresh blueberries, pumpkin seeds, almond slices, sunflowers seeds and honey. Smoothie options are endless, with a highlight being the Tropical Blend, with acai, pineapple, mango, peaches, strawberry, banana, honey and unsweetened coconut milk. The joint also sells cold brew, salad dressings and health-conscious energy drinks. Locations throughout the Tulsa metro and surrounding areas; ahsighe.com

Cajun Corner

Family-owned Cajun Corner presents diners with three convenient locations in OKC. Cajun delicacies, as well as out-of-the-box fusion dishes, pepper this dynamic menu. Keep it classic with po boys, blackened fish, fried oysters, gizzards and gumbo. There are plenty of seafood baskets as well, ranging from shrimp to oysters to crawfish. Fusion dishes surprise and delight, with options including Cajun fettuccine Alfredo, loaded crawfish fries, the Crabby Patty burger, the surf and turf, and the rib eye Philly cheesesteak. Sides include dirty rice, Cajun coleslaw, okra and popcorn shrimp. Top off your meal with a drink from the full bar or a dessert like bread pudding or beignets. ree locations in the OKC metro; cajuncornerokc.com

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy Cajun Corner

Photo courtesy Laurannae

Photo courtesy Ah-Sigh-E

Photo courtesy Dado’s Pizza

WHERE & WHEN

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

PRESENTS: THE LION

KING June 1-17 Tulsa

PAC More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. celebrityattractions.com

WORLD STAGE THEATRE

COMPANY PRESENTS:

SOME GIRLS June 2-11 Tulsa

PAC Follow a single man’s odyssey through four hotel rooms as he flies across the country in search of the perfect woman (whom he’s already broken up with). tulsapac.com

SAPAF PRESENTS: DIL

SE June 3 Tulsa PAC Dil Se... Rubaroo with A.R.Rahman narrates a story of the musician and a generation that thrived on his music. tulsapac.com

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS PRESENTS: 1964 ... THE TRIBUTE June 23 Tulsa

PAC The band is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute. celebrityattractions.com

CONCERTS

LADY A June 1 River Spirit

Casino Resort Enjoy this country band with special guest David Barnes. riverspirittulsa.com

SHANIA TWAIN June 3 BOK

Center Shania Twain is coming to Tulsa on the Queen of Me Tour with special guest Breland. bokcenter.com

DEAN FORD AND THE BEAUTIFUL ONES June 7 Hard Rock

Hotel and Casino Tulsa You won’t want to miss this free show at the Hard Rock. hardrockcasinotulsa. com

CLINT BLACK June 9 Hard Rock

Hotel and Casino Tulsa Enjoy one night with country singer Clint Black. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

BASTILLE June 11 Cain’s Ballroom This rock band comes to Tulsa courtesy the radio station z-104.5 The Edge. cainsballroom. com

PATTI LABELLE June 15 River

Spirit Casino Resort Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known as Patti LaBelle. riverspirittulsa.com

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE June 24 River Spirit Casino Resort Get funky with Earth, Wind and Fire at River Spirit. riverspirittulsa.com

PERFORMANCE

EXPLORING NEW SHOWS

Beat the heat by enjoying a variety of showcases, performed by arts companies around the state.

First, you won’t want to miss the bestselling musical of all time: The Lion King, coming to the Tulsa PAC June 1-17 courtesy Celebrity Attractions. Become mesmerized by the compelling story of Simba as he goes on a journey to find himself with the help of his ragtag crew – including Nala, Timon and Pumba. Celebrity Attractions also brings the most beloved Beatles tribute band to the PAC – 1965 ... The Tribute – on June 23. Also at the PAC, you can enjoy Some Girls from June 2-11. The story follows a single man’s odyssey to find the perfect girl ... whom he’s already broken up with.

In OKC, offerings abound. Smash-hit Hamilton finishes out its run at the Civic Center Music Hall through June 4, courtesy OKC Broadway. Also at the Civic Center, don’t miss Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s The Sound of Music, running June 27-June 1. Classics fans should visit Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s Much Ado About Nothing, June 8-18 in the Shakespeare Garden. Other goodies include Painted Sky Opera’s presentation of La Boheme, June 23-24 at Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center in Midwest City, and Unboxed by OKC Ballet, described as “a celebration of contemporary dance by

FOXES June 30 Cain’s Ball-

ART

MARIUM RANA AND RACHEL RECTOR GALLERIES June

2-23 Living Arts Rana’s showcase reflects a sense of belonging that an individual seeks when they are in between existing places, and the folklore of stories told of “back home”. To be immersed in the tallgrass prairie is to feel true comfort and peace, for artist Rachel Rector, these feelings are equivalent to the comforts of home. livingarts.org

ROBERT PETERSON: HOMECOMING Through June 11 Philbrook Museum of Art Lawton, Oklahoma based artist Robert Peterson’s stunning portraiture depicts the diversity of the Black experience and pushing against stereotypes. philbrook.org

FLORAL RESILIENCE Through June 25 Philbrook Across time, flowers have been a source of inspiration for artists, not only for their beauty but

also for their symbolic – and sometimes secret – meanings. philbrook. org

ALEXANDRE HOGUE: HUMAN/

NATURE Through June 25 Philbrook Growing up in Texas, Alexandre Hogue saw the devastation of the Dust Bowl firsthand. He responded in his artwork. philbrook.org

NEW REALMS: ART LAB June 28-Sept. 17 Philbrook Engage with striking, reality-bending works of art, then explore three hands-on spaces–each inspired by the artwork on view – where you can experiment, play, and create new realms of your own design. philbrook.org

SLUMGULLION: THE VENERATE OUTPOST Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with awardwinning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

SPORTS

TULSA DRILLERS BASEBALL

June 6-11, 20-25 ONEOK Stadium The Drillers head to the field for summer games. milb.com/tulsa

three world-renowned choreographers at the top of their fields.”

You can also venture to Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre to view Little Shop of Horrors from June 9-July 1.

TULSA OILERS INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE June 10-17 BOK

Center The indoor football league comes to life. bokcenter.com

PINTO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SHOW June 12-24 Expo Square Some of the most talented equestrians and their horses gallop to Tulsa for this event. exposquare. com

TULSA FC SOCCER June 17, 30 ONEOK Field The Tulsa FC plays at home this month. fctulsa.com

USA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS June 20-24 BOK

Center More than 1,600 of the nation’s best gymnasts in the acrobatic, rhythmic, trampoline and tumbling disciplines compete. bokcenter.com

SIMULCAST HORSE

RACING Through Nov. 4 Expo Square Don’t miss a variety of horse racing fun at Expo Square. exposquare.com

COMMUNITY

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL June 2

Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays

as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. travelok.com

RIDE TO REMEMBER BLACK WALL

STREET June 3 400 N. Main St. Hop on your bike and take a tour of one of Oklahoma’s most storied areas. thecommunitylight.org

THE WORLD OF BOB

DYLAN Through June 4 100 E. Second St. As part of Tulsa’s premier festival of art, Switchyard, The World of Bob Dylan will bring together scholars, critics, journalists and fans to study Dylan and the impacts of his work. dylan. utulsa.edu

MISS OKLAHOMA 2023

June

7-10 River Spirit Casino Resort The Miss Oklahoma Competition is a high energy production featuring the state’s brightest and most talented young women. riverspirittulsa.com

MECUM AUCTION TULSA

June

9-10 Expo Square Enjoy an exciting auction located at the SageNet Center. exposquare.com

SAINT FRANCIS TULSA

TOUGH June 9-11 214 N. Main St. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is an annual three-day cycling festival

designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles. tulsatough.com

SECOND SATURDAY ARCHITECTURE TOUR June 10 100 E. Second St. Take a fun and educational walking tour during the Second Saturday Architecture Tour. tulsaarchitecture.org

TULSA JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL June 15-17 Greenwood Historical District Enjoy a multi-arts experience that recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage of Tulsa’s Greenwood District. tulsajuneteenth.org

ROUTE 66 ROAD FEST June

23-25 Expo Square Explore the history of the Mother Road at this three-day festival. exposquare. com

TULSA PRIDE FESTIVAL June 23-25 Dennis R. Neill Equality Center The Tulsa Pride Festival is the longest-running LGBTQ+ pride event in Oklahoma. This free event for all ages features live music, food, various vendors in a marketplace setting, a children’s zone and much more. okeq.org/tulsa-pride

CHARITABLE

OKC BALLET

Photo by Jana Carson courtesy OKC Ballet

FLEET

room This indie band visits Tulsa on their Shore Tour cainsballroom.com

EVENTS

EVENING OF GIVING June

1 Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa Visit the Evening of Giving to benefit the Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation. tulsahba.com

THE PARTY: JUST WEAR

WHITE June 2 ONEOK

Field This can’t miss event, which is sure to leave you glowing, features craft cocktails created by Tulsa’s top mixologists and your favorite dance grooves. It benefits Family and Children’s Services. thepartyok.com.

ASCENSION ST. JOHN

STREET PARTY June 3 St.

John Medical Center The group expects a large crowd this year, where you can dance to music from Zodiac Band, and enjoy food and drink samples from more than 60 of Tulsa’s finest restaurants, food trucks, and caterers. stjohnhealthsystem.com/foundation/ street-party

A STATELY AFFAIR June

15 Cox Business Convention Center A Stately Affair celebrates Oklahoma State University’s impact in Tulsa and recognizes the icons for their significant contributions to the community and state. astatelya air.com

TU UNCORKED June

16 Cain’s Ballroom Dust off your boots and hat and make plans to join the Tulsa Chapter for an evening of fun, food and wine, benefitting the TU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. tualumni.com/uncorked

IN OKC PERFORMANCES

OKC BROADWAY PRES-

ENTS: HAMILTON Through June 4 Civic Center Music Hall Hamilton is the story of America then, told my American now. okcbroadway.com

10 MINUTE OPERA FESTI-

VAL June 4 UCO Jazz

Lba This evening of music will feature five short operas commissioned by local composers. operaontap.org/ oklahoma-city/

TOBIN ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENTS: MADAGASCAR

THE MUSICAL June 6-7 Civic Center Music Hall Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. okcciviccenter.com

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING June

8-18 Shakespeare Garden Feel the warmth of summer love when Oklahoma Shakespeare brings their production of Much Ado About Nothing to the stage. okshakes.org/ shakespeare-gardens

PAINTED SKY OPERA PRES-

ENTS: LA BOHEME June

23-24 Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center, Midwest City The opera follows the lives of six struggling artists trying to make a living in Paris despite poverty and hardship. okcciviccenter.com

OKC BALLET PRESENTS:

UNBOXED June 23-25 Oklahoma Contemporary Te Ata Theater Unboxed is a celebration of contemporary dance by three world-renowned choreographers at the top of their fields. okcballet.org

LYRIC THEATRE OF OKLAHOMA PRESENTS: THE SOUND OF MUSIC June

27-July 1 Civic Center Music

Hall Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved family favorite returns in an all-new production featuring a 75-member cast and live orchestra. lyrictheatreokc.com

CONCERTS

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD June

1 Tower Theatre See this musician for one night in OKC. towertheatreokc.com

ALL TIME LOW June 2 The Criterion See these indie rockers for one night only. criterionokc.com

THIN WHITE DUKES June

10 Tower Theatre This David Bowie tribute band is a can’tmiss. towertheatreokc.com

LOSE YOURSELF TO DANCE: AN HOMAGE TO DAFT PUNK BY BUMP June 16 Tower Theatre Enjoy a dedicated tribute band as they play Daft Punk tunes. towertheatreokc. com

ELVIS COSTELLO June 20 The Criterion See Costello with special guests the Imposters. criterionokc.com

ART

PRIX DE WEST INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBITIONAND SALE June 2-Aug.

6 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The invitiational features paintings and sculpture by the finest contemporary Western artists working today. nationalcowboymuseum.org

EVA SCHLEGEL: MULTIPLE VOICES Through June 10 Oklahoma Contemporary Multiple Voices is the first public artwork in the United States by Eva Schlegel, the Austria-born and -based artist known for engineering steel and mirrors. oklahomacontemporary.org

TRUE NATURE: RODIN AND THE AGE OF IMPRESSIONISM June 17-Oct.

22 OKCMOA OKCMOA hosts a major exhibition of 100 artworks including sculptures, paintings, prints and photographs to celebrate artist Auguste Rodin. okcmoa.com

PAUL REED: WORKS ON PAPER June 17-Oct.

22 OKCMOA Abstract artist Paul Reed, one of the original six Washington Color Painters, earned national notoriety for his complex series of colorful stained and shaped-canvas paintings. OKCMOA was gifted 125 paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the Paul and Esther Reed Trust. okcmoa.com

EDITH HEAD: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD

COSTUME DESIGN June

22-Sept. 29 OKCMOA Organized by OKCMOA, this exciting retrospective of award-winning costume designer Edith Head features costumes from the 1930s to the 1970s that were worn by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. okcmoa.com

ARTNOW: THE SOUL IS A WANDERER June 22-Jan.

15 Oklahoma Contemporary The Soul is a Wanderer is the latest iteration of Oklahoma Contemporary’s biennial ArtNow exhibition. oklahomacontemporary.org

ARTOONS Through July 26

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Presented in conjunction with the Toys R Western and You Have Died of Dysentery exhibitions, ARToons will continue the playful nature of the exhibitions on display throughout the Museum at the same time. nationalcowboymuseum.org

PATTERNS OF KNOWING Through Oct. 23 Oklahoma Contemporary Patterns of Knowing features works by three artists — Jordan Ann Craig, Benjamin Harjo Jr. and Jeri Redcorn — exploring how patterns sourced from Indigenous cultures embody a lineage of ideas. oklahomacontemporary.

CYNTHIA DAIGNAULT:

OKLAHOMA Through Dec.

31 OKCMOA This exhibition features one painting, “Oklahoma” by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the painful history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa. com

CHIHULY THEN AND NOW: THE COLLECTION AT TWENTY Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly

COMMUNITY A JAM-PACKED SCHEDULE

Community events are around every corner.

Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

SPORTS

OKC DODGERS BASE-

BALL June 1-4, 13-18, 20-25

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Enjoy the Dodgers as they play at home. milb.com/ oklahoma-city

WOMEN’S COLLEGE

WORLD SERIES

June

1-9 Hall of Fame Stadium See the best collegiate softball teams compete for top prizes. ncaa.com

OQHA REDBUD SPECTACU-

LAR HORSE SHOW

June

1-11 OKC Fairgrounds See a variety of horses compete for top prizes. okcfairgrounds. com

2023 NATIONAL REINING

HORSE ASSOCIATION

DERBY June 14-25 OKC Fairgrounds You won’t want to miss this exciting equine event. okcfairgrounds.com

STARS & STRIPES

REGATTA June 24 Boathouse District Start your Fourth of July celebrations off early by enjoying a mix of outdoor activities and racing during the Stars & Stripes Regatta in Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District. riversportokc.org

NATIONAL & YOUTH WORLD APPALOOSA

HORSE SHOW June 28-July

5 OKC Fairgrounds Appaloosa horses gallop into action at this event. okcfairgrounds. com

COMMUNITY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY

WALK June 2 Paseo Arts

District Visitors can enjoy art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

RED EARTH NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL June 2-3 National

Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The Red Earth Festival features more than 1,000 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America, celebrating the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world. redearth.org

OKLAHOMA CRAFT BEER

FESTIVAL 2023 June 3 OKC

Fairgrounds Enjoy a variety of craft beers at this annual event. okcfairgrounds.com

BLUEGRASS, BBQ & BREWS June 3 RIVERSPORT OKC Visit Riversport OKC this June for an evening of delicious food and live music. riversportokc.org

DEADCENTER FILM FESTIVAL June 8-11 Various downtown locations deadCenter Film Festival is an annual independent film showcase that highlights over 1,000 indie films. deadcenterfilm.org

LIBERTYFEST June 14-July

In Tulsa, kick the month off with Ride to Remember Black Wall Street on June 3 at 400 N. Main St. During the event, you can hop on your bike and take a tour of one of Oklahoma’s most storied, historic areas. Other T-Town goodies include the Miss Oklahoma competition from June 7-10 at the River Spirit Casino Resort, as well as the Route 66 Road Fest from June 23-25 at Expo Square.

June also ushers in three of Tulsa’s most lauded community events: the cycling extravaganza of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, running June 9-11 in downtown Tulsa and near Riverside Drive; the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival, running June 15-17 in the Greenwood Historical District; and the Tulsa Pride Festival, running June 23-25 at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

The community calendar is jam-packed in OKC as well. Firstly, don’t miss the annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival, coming to town on June 2-3 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. There, you can enjoy more than 1,000 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout the country. Also visit the deadCenter Film Festival, June 8-11, at various downtown locations for local, national and international cinema. Juneteenth on the East runs June 16-17 on N.E. 23rd St., with live music, interactive murals and dance performances. Other can’t-miss events include the OKC Pride Alliance Festival and Parade on June 23-25 at Scissortail Park; Father’s Day Fest at Scissortail Park on June 18; and LibertyFest from June 14-July 4 citywide in Edmond.

In Durant, the Magnolia Festival takes place June 1-3 at the Choctaw Event Center; the National Sand Ball Festival runs June 5-10 at Madill’s Town Square; the

town on June 10 in Tilghman Park; and the Okie Noodling Tournament

Chandler Ice Cream Festival comes to

returns June 16-17 in Pauls Valley’s Wacker Park.

Photo courtesy Red Earth Festival

WHERE & WHEN | ENTERTAINMENT

4 Citywide, Edmond These events are nationally recognized and bring out entire families from across the United States to celebrate the nation. libertyfest.org

JUNETEENTH ON THE EAST June 16-17 N.E. 23rd

St. Celebrate Juneteenth in Oklahoma City with an allday, family-friendly event featuring live music, interactive murals, dance performances and much more. withloveokc.org/ juneteenth

FATHER’S DAY FEST June

18 Scissortail Park This June, celebrate fathers and father figures in Scissortail Park during Oklahoma City’s annual Father’s Day Fest. travelok.com

QUILT, CRAFT & SEWING

FESTIVAL June 22-24 3312

Wichita Walk The Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival features a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art and craft supply exhibits from many quality companies. quiltcraftsew.com

OKC PRIDE ALLIANCE

FESTIVAL & PARADE June

23-25 Scissortail Park This historic event at Scissortail Park encompasses music, film and art for three days of uplifting fun. okcpridealliance.org

CHARITABLE EVENTS

OKC ZOO GALA June 2 OKC

Zoo The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS) are hosting the second

annual fundraising event to recognize dedicated individuals who have amplified the Oklahoma City Zoo’s mission. okczoo.org

AUTISM OKLAHOMA

PIECEWALK June 3 Scissortail Park The PieceWalk is the largest autism event, largest collective autism voice in Oklahoma, and AutismOklahoma’s primary source of annual funding. autismoklahoma.org

PICKLEBALL CLASSICCASA OF OKLAHOMA

COUNTY June 4 Chicken N

Pickle Join CASA for a little competition and a lot of fun as the group aims to raise $40,000 to support children in foster care. casaofokco.org

OKC WALK FOR KIDS June 10 Scissortail Park Walk for Kids is a family-friendly event that raises funds and awareness for families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities. rmhc-okc.org

YWCA OKC’S 20TH

ANNUAL PURPLE SASH

GALA June 24 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Come dressed in fun cocktail attire (black tie optional) and enjoy a delicious plated meal, a high energy fashion show, and both live and silent auctions. ywcaokc.org

THE STATE PERFORMANCES

PAULS VALLEY OPRY

June 3 Pauls Valley High School The Pauls Valley Opry revived a 1960s and 1970s tradition built on trav-

FEEL THE SUMMER SPORT BREEZE

Sports fans can enjoy a bit of everything. America’s favorite pastime goes strong through the month. You can catch the Tulsa Drillers at home at the ONEOK Stadium June 6-11 and 20-25, and the OKC Dodgers at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark June 1-4, 13-18 and 20-25. Softball fanatics won’t want to miss the Women’s College World Series, taking place June 1-9 at OKC’s Hall of Fame Stadium. Also at ONEOK Field are Tulsa FC soccer matches on June 17 and 30.

Tulsa’s BOK Center offers plenty of action. Don’t miss the Tulsa Oilers indoor football league June 10-17, as well as the USA Gymnastics Championships June 20-24. You can also venture to Expo Square for the Pinto World Championship Show, June 12-24, and simulcast horse racing through November.

The OKC Fairgrounds are abuzz with sporting excitement. Events include the OQHA Redbud Spectacular Horse Show from June 1-11; the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Derby from June 14-25; and the National and Youth World Appaloosa Horse Show from June 28-July 5.

eling the state to play country, rock and folk music in a variety of clubs. travelok.com

THE CEMENT OPRY June 3 410 N. Main, Cement The Cement Opry is a monthly live variety show held in the Jesse James Ballroom, which is located above the Cement Museum. travelok.com

POLLARD THEATRE PRESENTS: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

9-July 1 Theatre, Guthrie meek floral assistant named Seymour stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” after his coworker crush. The plant promises fame and forture for Seymour.

TULSA TOUGH 3

NOW HIRING CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS

CONCERTS BILLYCURRINGTON

9 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant This up-and-coming country singer

Visit the Boathouse District on June 24 for the Stars and Stripes Regatta to kick off Fourth of July festivities.

Around the state, travelers should head to the Route 66 Festival Triathlon from June 2-3 at Lake El Reno. Other events include the Durant Pro Rodeo from June 2-3 at 1901 S. Ninth Ave., and the NCAA Division II World Series through June 3 at Enid’s David Allen Memorial Ballpark.

visits Choctaw Casino. choctawcasinos. com

THIRD EYE BLIND June 10 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See the beloved rock band Third Eye Blind for one night only. choctawcasinos. com

SPORTS

ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL TRIATHLON June 2-3 Lake El Reno, El Reno The Route 66 Triathlon held at Lake El Reno is a draw for athletes throughout the region and surrounding states. travelok.com

DURANT PRO

RODEO June 2-3 1901 S. Ninth Ave., Durant Head to the Durant Riding Club Arena for two days of exciting rodeo competition. durantrodeo.com

NJCAA DIVISION II

WORLD SERIES Through June

3 David Allen Memorial Ballpark, Enid This annual baseball tournament features the ten best baseball teams from accredited junior colleges and two-year institutions across the country. davidallenballpark.com

COMMUNITY

MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL OF OKLAHOMA June 1-3 Choctaw Event Center,

Durant Honoring the heritage of Durant, also known as the “City of Magnolias,” the annual Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma began in 1997. magnoliafestival.com

SPIRIT OF OKLAHOMA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL June 2-3 324 N. Second St., Stroud The Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival features a variety of storytelling styles and genres, including prairie stories, American Indian stories and more. territorytellers.com/ events

OKLAHOMA RENAISSANCE FESTI-

VAL Through June 4 The Castle of Muskogee, Muskogee Step back in time to the 16th century with Queen Elizabeth I of England and over 400 entertainers and artisans as they create the boisterous Village of Castleton at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. okcastle.com

NATIONAL SAND BASS

FESTIVAL June 5-10 Madill Square, Madill The National Sand Bass Festival free festival features food vendors, a carnival and numerous craft booths. sandbassfestival.org

CHANDLER ICE CREAM

FESTIVAL June 10 Tilghman Park, Chandler Spend the afternoon enjoying endless scoops of deli-

cious ice cream at the annual Ice Cream Festival in Chandler. The event is held in honor of Chandler’s Hiland Dairy plant. chandlerareachamberok.com

OKIE NOODLING TOURNAMENT June

16-17 Wacker Park, Pauls Valley Bring your lawn chair to Wacker Park in Pauls Valley and celebrate the sport of noodling – or catching fish with one’s bare hands. Noodlers compete for exciting prizes. okienoodling.com

MUSCOGEE NATION FESTIVAL June

22-25 Calude Cox Omniplex, Okmulgee Each year, thousands gather at the Muscogee Nation Claude Cox Omniplex for a weekend filled with activities celebrating contemporary Muscogee life. You won’t want to miss this once-ayear event. creekfestival. com

FLOATING FOUNDER SCAVENGER

HUNT Through June 30 Downtown

Yukon Enjoy a family friendly outdoor scavenger hunt for all ages, spotlighting Yukon’s history along Main Street a.k.a. Route 66. $1k in prizes are up for grabs! yukon66mainstreet.com

Photo by Chris Barnes courtesy Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

FEELING THE HEAT

Superheroes, big-name directors and sequels round out June cinema.

The halfway mark of the year is (somehow) already here, and June has more films than ever for you to enjoy. It has a larger number of sequels and franchises than I’d like to see (surprise, surprise), but the polish and hype of those movies cannot be understated.

For your animation hit, make sure to check out Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The sequel to the hugely profitable and well received Into the Spider-Verse, this story finds Miles Morales/ Spider-Man (Shameik Moore) being recruited by his love interest Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfield) to help save every universe of Spider-People. Other cast members include Jake Johnson, Issa Rae and Oscar Isaac, among many others. Although the film features no actual voice actors, it does look to be a stellar follow-up with beautiful animation and a fun hook of different art styles based on different universes. It hits theaters on June 2.

If you’re looking for more superheroes, don’t miss The Flash Starring Ezra Miller as The Flash, the film takes the titular character – who appears in several other DC Universe related stories –and has him travel back in time to prevent his mother from dying. This, inadvertently, creates a universe where no metahumans (humans with superpowers) exist. Ben Affleck reprises his role as Batman, and Michael Keaton also shows up as an alternate universe Batman, donning the cape and cowl again for the first time since 1992’s Batman Returns. The DC extended universe is completely up in the air, so the meaningfulness of this film is debatable ... but the spectacle will likely be dazzling when it releases on June 16.

Wes Anderson returns this month with Asteroid City. Set in 1955, the film concerns a stargazer convention in an American desert town. The trailer is exactly what you would expect from a coming-of-age story by Anderson, and the cast is crammed with his usual suspects: Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton and literally twenty others of note. It has a limited release on June 16 before expanding on June 23.

For a sequel that is hopefully better than its last, take a look at Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Harrison Ford is back as our eponymous lead, this time with the backdrop of the Space Race of 1969. Nazis return as the primary villain, this time with the face of Mads Mikkelsen as the antagonist, along with Phoebe WallerBridge as Helena Shaw, Jones’ goddaughter. Directed by James Mangold (Logan), the film looks to end Indiana Jones’ legacy on a high note when it comes to theaters on June 30.

Lastly, I implore you to watch the five minute short HIDARI. A stop-motion samurai film, the short offers attention to detail, amazing fight choreography and excellent use of music – all coming together to form a perfect pitch for a feature length narrative. The short uses wooden puppets to tell a story inspired by the life of Jingoro Hidari, a renowned 17th century sculptor whose life is shrouded in mystery. It’s currently on YouTube.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Jim Roth

The thirteenth dean of Oklahoma City University’s School of Law, Jim Roth guides law students into successful futures. He is also a director at Phillips Murrah Law Firm and a lawyer with A New Energy, a consultancy specializing in energy policy and developments. Roth, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold a statewide elected office in the state, also served as Oklahoma County Commissioner and an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner. We caught up with Roth and got his thoughts on ...

... his many responsibilities.

I’ve always heard that if you want to get something done well, ask a busy person. I hope that is true in my case, as I am certainly busy, and I am grateful for it. My professional life is driven by passion, and so each day is giving 110% in as many directions as are needed in the moment. As Law Dean, every day is different, and by far the best part of the job is engaging with our law students in a great, encouraging, community vibe. As a director at Phillips Murrah law firm and a lawyer at A New Energy, I am better able to manage the day-to-day demands because of awesome colleagues, and we work ahead of deadlines. But when days demand it, I usually get up at 4 a.m. to try to get ahead.

... his passion for clean energy.

Throughout my life, I have always marveled at nature and the incredible gifts of this earth. As a kid, that meant immersing myself in the natural wonders. As an adult, I caught the professional bug for clean energy from my time serving as an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner (OCC). That powerful agency touches the lives of every citizen through its rates and regulations of utilities, oil and gas regulation, transportation, telecommunication and so many other industries. Our state has immense energy blessings, both below and above the ground, and we need it all. But it is my hope and prayer that we move quickly towards cleaner options to lower costs, improve public health and safeguard God’s green Earth. That’s the winning trifecta to me.

... how he stays energetic.

Coffee and the idea that I will sleep in the afterlife.

... his proudest moments. Probably my public service and the two elections as an Oklahoma County Commissioner, first elected in Oklahoma County in 2002. At the time, no one had been elected openly gay or lesbian, so with the help of a ton of friends, my family and supporters, we made history and began a chance to serve our fellow citizens. It’s been a high honor. I genuinely believe I have a heart for service, which is why it has also been so rewarding to work for the OCU law students these past five years as their Law Dean. They give me hope for the future.

... his involvement with LGBTQ+ equality

efforts.

I guess I was called to action because Oklahoma politics were so anti-gay in the 1990s, a time when I had moved here in my twenties. Since then, I have found it necessary to stand up for equality,for my family and the broader minority community, sometimes directly and most other times indirectly by just trying to be a good and involved citizen. My direct involvements have included: co-founding of the Cimarron Alliance Group, Oklahoma’s first LGBT political action committee, in 1995; a member of the national Human Rights Campaign’s major donor program; a board member of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund’s Victory Institute in Washington, D.C.; a supporter across the decades of Freedom Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Equality; past co-chair of the Oklahoma AIDS Care

Fund’s Red Tie Night; and other occasions to support allied community groups the Jewish Federation for Greater Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice. It takes all of us to protect all of us.

... where you’ll find him in his spare time.

One word: Outside. I love the outdoors. In fact, my mom claims that was the first word I ever uttered. And I’ve been all about it ever since.

... his hope for the future.

I guess I would just simply share that it is my hope for our Oklahoma, a great state I chose to call home, that for us to be better, to improve the human condition of so many Oklahoma neighbors with so many real challenges, that I wish we could all chose more kindness, mutual respect and more understanding for each other. That’s my hope.

... his recent appointment as Grand Marshall of the OKC Pride Festival.

It’s surreal for sure, because there are many, many more deserving people who have overcome tougher circumstances in life. But I am grateful for the chance to join in community to celebrate how far LGBTQ+ Oklahomans have come, how far we must go, how hard we must still fight to live and thrive in Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy Jim Roth

Photo courtesy Jim Roth