Guide to the Holidays

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THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND - DECEMBER 13 STYX - DECEMBER 14 COOP CONCERT SERIES: WHISKEY MYERS - DECEMBER 27 GARY ALLAN - DECEMBER 31 TRAVIS LEDOYT - JANUARY 4 NEAL MCCOY - JANUARY 10 CHRIS TUCKER - JANUARY 18 COOP CONCERT SERIES: PARKER MCCOLLUM - JANUARY 25 WILLIAM SHATNER LIVE - FEBRUARY 14 RANDY ROGERS BAND - FEBRUARY 15 JAY LENO - MARCH 27

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405.322.6000 • WWW.RIVERWIND.COM I-35 AT HIGHWAY 9 WEST, NORMAN, OK GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY 1.800.522.4700

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INSIDE COVER Get into the holiday spirit with Oklahoma Gazette’s Guide to the Holidays! In this issue, find local chefs’ favorite holiday recipes and fun events and music for the whole family.

By Gazette staff Cover by Phillip Danner

NEWS 4

An Original Music Docuseries

STATE abortion access litigation

6 CITY busking deregulation 8 CITY new zoo additions 10 CHICKEN-FRIED NEWS 12

Forty Under 40

EAT & DRINK 28 HOLIDAYS local chefs’ holiday recipes

Downtown in December 35 REVIEW The Mayan 36 GAZEDIBLES local fast food 29

S t re a m i n g On l i n e Now

P LA YIT LOU D S HOW .COM

ARTS & CULTURE 38 HOLIDAYS holiday events

40 ART Fighting for Abortion Access Is

an Act of Love at Kamp’s 1910 Café

41 OKG LIFESTYLE Ali Harter-Street 42 CALENDAR

MUSIC 46 HOLIDAYS The Imaginaries’ new

Christmas album

Jones Assembly

47 EVENT Rodrigo y Gabriela at The 48 LIVE MUSIC

THE HIGH CULTURE 51 CANNABIS outdoor growing season 54 CANNABIS new OMMA rules 57 CANNABIS The Toke Board 57 CANNABIS strain review

FUN 58 PUZZLES sudoku | crossword 59 ASTROLOGY

OKG Classifieds 59

COMING SOON

streaming november 25

branjae

DECEMBER 28

RODNEY CARRINGTON

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S TAT E

Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice provides an informational booklet with details on various aspects of getting an abortion in Oklahoma. | Photo provided

Abortion access Attorneys and advocates continue fighting for reproductive rights. By Miguel Rios

Proposed legislation in 2012 that would have granted a fertilized egg the same rights as a person mobilized Danielle Williams to join the fight for reproductive justice.

“It was kind of the first moment that I took the abortion debate personally. I luckily have never needed abortion care or anything like that, but it was just such an insult that my state would … devalue me so much,” she said. “I went up to the Capitol one day when I happened to hear that some members of [Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice] were meeting up to try to organize a rally. I didn’t know anyone, and I had never even been to the Capitol before.”

Today, Williams is co-president of Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice (OCRJ) board and is still deep in the fight — this time against an effort to ban a specific type of abortion.

Abortion litigation

District judge Cindy Truong ruled in July that a 2015 law banning dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions was constitutional, making Oklahoma the first state ever to uphold a law of its kind.

D&E is widely considered the safest and most common abortion procedure for women in the second trimester.

“D&E is a procedure that women use for second-trimester abortions. After a certain period of time, a medication abortion is not an option,” Williams said.

“There are a lot of health issues that may not be apparent early in a pregnancy. So this policy, if it were to go into effect, wouldn’t just hurt women who want to prevent pregnancy; it would hurt women that want to have healthy babies and want healthy pregnancies. D&E is also used for miscarriage care. So again, that’s women who want families who are put at risk and having their health threatened.”

However, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ordered that the state can’t enforce the law while its constitutionality continues to be challenged in court. Attorneys for Center for Reproductive Rights, along 4

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with local attorney J. Blake Patton of Walding & Patton, represent Tulsa Women’s Clinic in the litigation and are preparing to appeal Truong’s ruling.

They initially asked Judge Truong to maintain the injunction preventing enforcement of the law until the case was appealed, but she denied it. They then filed an emergency motion for the injunction in the Supreme Court, where it was eventually granted Nov. 4 with only two dissenting votes.

Patton said the case could take a long time to be fully litigated, so keeping the injunction in place was crucial.

We’re trying to turn the conversation toward just highlighting the compassion that’s inherent in making sure people can get the care that they need.

Danielle Williams “Through that [injunction], women in Oklahoma and providers are safe from enforcement of this law. … It’s a massive deal. Enforcement could begin and this incredibly safe and extremely common method of health care could be taken off the table for Oklahoma women if that had not occurred, which would be devastating,” he said. “We will carry it through to the Supreme Court, and at the end of the day, that will be the ultimate court that renders the final opinion on the constitutionality of these laws.”

Tamya Cox-Touré, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes regional director of public policy and organizing, told Oklahoma Gazette via email that efforts to restrict abortion do nothing to protect the health of Oklahomans.

“This decision allows Oklahomans to continue accessing safe, legal abortion

care and upholds our right to make decisions about our own bodies without government interference,” she wrote. “It’s important to remember that decisions about whether to end a pregnancy are deeply personal and should be left to the individual, their family, their faith, and their physician — not politicians.”

The high court also issued a briefing schedule. Attorneys for Tulsa Women’s Clinic have until Nov. 25 to file their brief. The state will then file an answer within 15 days, and then Tulsa Women’s Clinic attorneys have 10 days to reply.

“Once that last brief is in, it is ripe for submission and consideration by the Supreme Court,” Patton said. “Theoretically, they could ask for additional briefing, but it’s always difficult to predict an appellate timeline. It could be a year, more than a year; it’s just all across the board.”

Attorneys are currently challenging another Oklahoma law that forces doctors to inform patients that medication abortions can be reversed, which they say has no medical basis. The law was also temporarily blocked late last month.

In addition to the laws challenged in the suits, Oklahoma has passed other abortion restrictions, including a ban on the use of telemedicine to prescribe pills for medication abortion and a physician-only law that bans advanced practice registered nurses from providing abortion care.

Attorneys filed a new case in Oklahoma Nov. 8 challenging both those restrictions.

This marks the sixth case attorneys for the center have filed against the state in just over five years.

“If we get these senseless laws off the books, we can expand abortion access in Oklahoma, which has very few abortion providers,” said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of Center for Reproductive Rights. “As clinics shutter across the country, telemedicine is a crucial way to keep services available.”

Visit reproductiverights.org.

Act of love

For Williams and other reproductive rights activists, reaching and connecting with people who are anti-abortion is difficult. That’s why they’ve launched an art tour campaign that asserts, “Fighting for abortion access is an act of love.” (See page 40 for more on OCRJ’s art tour series.)

“We’re trying to turn the conversa-

tion toward just highlighting the compassion that’s inherent in making sure people can get the care that they need.

Too often the conversation turns into what a tragedy it is, but it really isn’t always like that,” she said. “When we equate this issue to compassion, it really fires people up. Whether that be good or bad, it touches people in a way that talking points like ‘Abortion is healthcare’ doesn’t.”

Only four health centers provide abortion services in Oklahoma. OCRJ provides an informational booklet on how to get an abortion that outlines accessible clinics; how to access financial aid; various procedures, laws and restrictions; local resources; and other information on legislation and advocacy. It is available on the organization’s website.

“I have a handful of personal friends who have [sought abortion care], and just watching the relief on their faces when they’re able to book an appointment or when they’re able to get that care that they need, it’s life-changing,” Williams said. “I’ve possibly never felt more satisfied and caring than I had when I was able to help someone do something that definitely put them in charge of their own lives and their own trajectories.”

For people that want to get involved in the fight for reproductive rights, Williams encourages getting plugged-in with local organizations.

J. Blake Patton of Walding & Patton is the local counsel for various plaintiffs in several cases aiming to expand abortion access in the state. | Photo Miguel Rios

“Seek out OCRJ, and we will give you instructions on which policies to lobby and how and who to reach out to. Or reach out to your local Planned Parenthood chapter, or plug into university campus clubs,” she said. “Me personally, I had no idea what I was doing. I did not know who I was meeting, but when I met them, they led me to just tons of new opportunities over the years. … Anywhere that you can just get your hands on information or things to be active over, it’s going to lead you to something else.”

Visit ocrj.org.

Red Dirt Rangers w/ Edgar Cruz My Big Operatic Wedding Thursday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday–Saturday, Nov. 21-23, 7:30 p.m.

Foxx Rose

UCO Percussion Consort

Jazz Ambassadors, The United States Army Field Band

UCO Jazz Ensembles Concert

Friday, Nov 15, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m.

UCO Jazz Combos Concerts

Sunday, Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.

Garrett “Big G” Jacobson Friday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m.

Monday–Tuesday, Nov. 18-19, 7 p.m. Miss Brown To You Saturday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m.

Jazz Ambassadors

For tickets, visit www.ucojazzlab.com or call 405-974-2100.

100 E 5th St, Edmond, 73034

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Street tunes

An ordinance introduced last week could make it easier for people to busk. By Miguel Rios

An Oklahoma City councilwoman wants to deregulate the city’s busking process.

JoBeth Hamon (Ward 6) said the change could add vitality and more culture to Oklahoma City streets.

The ordinance was introduced at the Nov. 5 council meeting where mayor David Holt joked the measure might be the first “Twitter-instigated ordinance change in city history.”

Hamon first learned about the process for street entertainers and buskers through a Twitter conversation she was tagged in. After that, she began talking with local musicians who were concerned the current ordinance was too cumbersome and prohibitive and discouraged people from busking.

“We have this process right now where if you wanted to do some kind of street performance anywhere in the city, you have to get a permit, which requires going down to the police station, getting background checks, paying a fee and then having to renew that on a yearly basis,” she said. “That’s just citywide, but if you

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wanted to … do the street performance in Bricktown, you have to then do another permitting process, which would require another fee and a renewal every year.”

A street entertainer license costs $30 annually. Those interested in acquiring one for performances outside Bricktown Canal must first contact Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for a background check and provide various required documents to Oklahoma City Development Center, including an additional background check by city staff, a general application, a street entertainer application and an immigration affidavit.

Another set of rules exists for performances along Bricktown Canal.

Aubrey McDermid, assistant city manager, said Nov. 5 that the city regulated street entertainers in two different places, which is why there are two sets of rules. The first set comes from regulation as a public amusement. The second set of rules comes from the Parks & Recreation department.

“If you want to locate along the canal

as a public amusement or a street entertainer, you’re subject to a whole bunch of different types of restrictions because they’re trying to limit where people could be appropriately offering street entertainment because of the limited area between sidewalks and buildings,” she said. “The parks director can issue that permit. It’s a $100 permit, and it’s only good for a year.”

The proposed ordinance amendment would delete the requirement for a street entertainer license except along the Bricktown Canal. | Photo Bigstock.com

Ordinance change

The proposed ordinance would eliminate the need for a license unless street entertainers plan to perform along Bricktown Canal. However, if the entertainers are using sound amplification, they would need a noise permit or

special event permit no matter where they perform.

City staff researched 13 peer cities, none of which required permit or licenses for street performers, McDermid said. Several cities required a permit for sound amplification or if the performance involved multiple people.

I would hope that it maybe gives some of our artists and our performers opportunities to get out there and practice their craft.

JoBeth Hamon “We modeled our change after that,” she said. “What this ordinance does is it gets rid of the secondary permit requirement that goes through the parks department, and it moves those specific safety restrictions under the licensing requirement. So if you want to locate along the Bricktown Canal, the parks director has to sign off on it. It’s still subject to those location sites that the parks director deems is safe. You would still pay the $30 license fee, still get the background check and you would have that license for a year and reapply annually.”

Hamon said she hasn’t heard a lot of

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pushback but expects some people might be concerned about performers blocking pedestrian traffic or aggressively soliciting. While the new ordinance does not address either concern explicitly, the city has other codes and ordinances that address those concerns.

“We do have an ordinance against what I believe is termed in our code as ‘aggressive panhandling’ or aggressive solicitation,” she said. “This kind of permitting process doesn’t really change much about what those other things are there to address and cover.

You can’t block a sidewalk or right-ofway, so there are other things that cover what other concerns may be.”

Potential impact

When the current ordinance was implemented by the city council roughly two decades ago, Hamon said the arts culture in Oklahoma City was still just beginning to develop.

“They weren’t foreseeing or necessarily expecting what Oklahoma City might be 20 years later as it relates to performing arts, so it sort of felt like it was time to change that and open that up ... for people to access,” she said. “I’ve seen, and I know when a lot of people travel they express getting to see people busking on the street or seeing different

kind of performance as being part of this exciting experience they had.”

Street performances or busking is relatively common in other cities like Chicago and Austin, and Hamon said she hopes the ordinance change will add some life to streets.

“There’s a life and a vitality to that that adds to our streets and community,” Hamon said. “We have people coming downtown really often this time of year for Thunder games. … You might go to a game and you walk along quiet streets or maybe you’re coming from Bricktown so there’s a little bit more going on, but I think there’s just an opportunity to

kind of add to the fabric of communities that our city seems to be very good at embracing, but we just put up some kind of strange artificial walls to be able to add this piece to our city culture that exists in so many places.”

Through potentially more exposure to art on streets, Hamon also hopes that artists will be able to flourish without necessarily booking big venues.

“I would hope that that provides the opportunity to take down those guardrails ... that may have been deterring people from getting out there and doing whatever performance they had, while at the same time offering another venue for performers that are trying to either get exposure without the infrastructure of booking a concert space or a little supplemental income if they open up their guitar case or put out a hat or whatever,” she said. “I would hope that it maybe gives some of our artists and our performers opportunities to get out there and practice their craft.”

Hamon’s ordinance introduced Nov. 5 was approved unanimously and is now set for public hearing Nov. 19 and a potential final hearing Dec. 3. City residents are encouraged to attend and speak in support or opposition of the proposed change. The Nov. 19 meeting begins 8:30 a.m. at City Hall, 200 N. Walker Ave.

Ward 6 councilwoman JoBeth Hamon is working to eliminate a cumbersome process for street entertainers. | Photo Alexa Ace

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E10/25/19 R 1 3 , 2 0 1 910:20 7

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List your event in Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Submit your listings online at okgazette.com or email them to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

e Home for m Co

the Holidays

The American Spirit Dance Company Jo Rowan, Director

One Weekend Only!

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New digs

The zoo is building new habitats that will pave the way for a major new exhibit. By Miguel Rios

December 5-8

“It was an evening of high energy and spectacular dancing, smooth, polished and highly effective.”

-Oklahoma Gazette

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Several projects are in the works for Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden that officials say will give people renewed reasons for visiting.

Apart from three new animal habitat construction projects, the zoo is in the early planning phase of a big new exhibit.

“We have what seems like a whole slew of projects that are in the planning phase right now,” said Dwight Lawson, the zoo’s executive director and CEO. “The biggest one is a new Africa exhibit that’s going to basically reinvent the central 12-plus acres of the zoo — so everything past the turnstile, the old pachyderm building, Island Life, up toward the giraffe yards.”

Planning and logistics for the Africa exhibit will take about another year before an additional year of construction starts. Lawson said it could be ready in spring 2022.

“The other project that we have planning right now is new habitats for our cheetah and wild dogs. They will go in Africa as well,” Lawson said. “The area where the wild dogs currently are will be repurposed before that for new and additional space for African painted dogs and cheetah and other mediumsized carnivores. It was the area that used to be called Dog Row. A lot of it has been taken down because it was getting pretty old. That should be up … maybe late summer next year if all goes well.”

Modern habitats

The zoo is also working to renovate habitats for its Galapagos tortoises, its condors and other amphibians.

The new Galapagos tortoises exhibit has been under construction for a few

months now and should be complete by the end of the year, according to Candice Rennels, director of public relations. The expansion costs approximately $700,000 and is taking place in the former Secret Garden area of the Children’s Zoo.

It’s another reason to visit. It’s better homes for a lot of these incredible animals that we have.

Dwight Lawson “It gives them a much better space, and it puts another animal exhibit kind of right up there at the front entry where there wasn’t much before. It also helps pave the way for the next really huge project that we have with Africa,” Lawson said. “The place where they currently are (Island Life) is going to be going away in the next 18 to 24 months, and we had a nice spot in the Children’s Zoo that was underutilized and nice and sunny, which is perfect for them. So it’s a better spot for them and will activate that space.”

The zoo has had Galapagos tortoises in its animal population since 1966.

Currently, the zoo is home to one male and three female tortoises ranging from 70 to 110 years old. Through the Zoo’s Wild Encounter Program, Rennels said guests will have an opportunity to connect with the tortoises and learn about them from their caretakers.

Initial construction has begun on a

Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden is getting several new expansions and renovations for animal habitats in anticipation of a major new exhibit. | Photo OKC Zoo / provided

new Andean condor exhibit and habitat.

Lawson said it could be completed by late spring or early summer of next year.

He said Works Progress Administration built grottos in the ’20s and ’30s that have been walled off from public view for about two decades.

“I’m excited about this one,” Lawson said. “We’re going to open that area up and basically repurpose a couple for those grottos for a couple large aviaries for Andean condors and a few other bird species. It’d be nice to have that [mix of] history and something new and some new homes for the condors. We used to have those guys down there in the reptile house in some old bird cages that were actually the only original animal habitat structure or enclosure from when the zoo was at Wheeler Park.

They actually moved that cage up here, and it was actually a little bit past its useful lifespan, so we got rid of it a year or two ago and have been working toward this new home for condors.”

The 10,000 square-foot habitat will provide room for condors to fly in a native landscape that includes viewing opportunities for guests. The expansion costs a little more than $1 million and will move condors to the area west of the zoo’s Noble Aquatic Center. It will also feature a dedicated azalea garden space that Lawson said was supported by a longtime donor.

Next month, construction begins on a new amphibian plaza. Lawson said that will be a series of wetland features and landscaping to go in front of the current reptile house.

“We’re going to put in some water features that will feature turtles and amphibians and things like that that people can kind of walk through and around,” he said. “That’ll tie in nicely to the landscaping that we upgraded with the picnic area that opened a year and a half ago. … That one should be done The zoo’s Galapagos tortoises are getting a new habitat just inside the zoo’s entrance that should be completed by the end of the year. | Photo OKC Zoo / provided

in the spring. It’s not as complicated.”

The plaza will also feature water gardens that extend from outside the Herpetarium to the picnic area. The project will cost $693,000.

In addition to habitats for its animal population, the zoo is also in the early stages of building a new administration building and renovating the existing one. Construction is estimated to cost $6 million.

“Most of the administration services of the zoo have been living in the basement of the science museum forever.

We’ve outgrown that space, so what we’re looking to do is build some new office space,” Lawson said. “Then the space that we currently occupy in the bottom of the science museum we want to convert to additional space for education programs. They’re kind of busting at the seams as well, so it’s a one-two punch to get them some additional room. … This will be a nice, separate environment to place that.”

Lawson said the new exhibits will be good for animals and attractive for visitors while providing enhanced educational experiences for everyone involved.

“It’s another reason to visit. It’s better homes for a lot of these incredible animals that we have. Our standards of care continue to evolve and improve, so we’re always anxious to keep up with that,” Lawson said. “The situation for animals out in the wild and nature isn’t getting any better, so I think there’s more and more reason to get people in here and tell them that story and give them a compelling experience as part of that.”

While temperatures in Oklahoma City continue dropping, officials still encourage people to visit the zoo. Some animals need to remain inside, but other species are comfortable in the colder temperatures.

November is also Military Appreciation Month, which means free admission all month for active duty or retired veterans of the military, National Guard and Reserves with military ID. Up to four immediate family members also get 50 percent off general admission.

Visit okczoo.org.

THE SHOPPES AT NORTHPARK - NORTH MALL ENTRANCE - ACROSS FROM ROCOCO MAJOR SPONSORS: amshot, Quail Creek Bank, The Shoppes at North Park, Ben E. Keith, Mercedez-Benz of OKC, U.S. Foods Certificate of Art Purchase: Dr David & Lisa Korber

PRESENTING

Paintings, Sculptures & Jewelry by

Dustan Buckley Emily Buckley Margaret Carrol Henrie Close Yvonne Covey Teri Cunningham Barbara Fluty Debbie Flynn

Diane Goldschmidt Margaret Hoge Jeanne Kleinschmidt Linda Littlechild Peggy Lunde Allison Powers Bert Seabourn Jessica Seikel

Karen Seikel Steve Seikel Jan J Smith Kay Smith Glen Thomas Sandy Wallace

100% of Raffles and a percent of sales benefit Mercy Health Foundation - Stroke & Parkinson’s Education Raffle Prizes and Donations by: Glen Thomas Fine Artist, Dustan Buckley Jewelry, Steve Seikel, Kirkpatrick Bank, B.C. Clark Jewelers, Framed in the Village, Rococo, Big Sky Bread, Schelly’s Aesthetics and Vera Bradley Join us for updates on the latest Stroke Treatment & Prevention at no charge Sunday only 2:00 by Dr. Richard V. Smith, Medical Director Emeritus Mercy NeuroScience Institute

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What’s beef?

After Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 392, prohibiting “certain misleading or deceptive practices” in labeling meat products, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association released a celebratory statement.

“SB 392 would ensure that packaging of lab cultured, and plant substitute products may not pirate the term ‘beef,’” said association executive vice president Michael Kelsey in April.

But The Shawnee News-Star reported Nov. 2 that this attempt to thwart those dreaded beef pirates also inadvertently “ended up causing an insurmountable hurdle for local beef ranchers,” with a now-altered requirement that beef could not be sold in the state unless it had been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) — something cattle rancher William Payne said was impossible.

“We do not have any approved USDA plants in the state of Oklahoma for retail sale,” Payne said. “We sell beef that’s inspected by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture — not with the USDA sticker.”

Payne said that when he pointed this out to Oklahoma Department of Agriculture secretary and commissioner Blayne Arthur, she had not even seen the bill.

Fortunately, Payne told The Shawnee News-Star, a discussion with Speaker of the House Charles McCall (R-Atoka) resulted in a change to the law that allows Destiny Ranch to continue operating in

don’t want to contribute to the greater good and also be above the law?

Well that, dear readers, is exactly the kind of ideology you get from people that consider themselves sovereign citizens.

They don’t have to pay taxes or respond to law enforcement or law and can live life as they see fit. It’s Libertarians that have a perverse reading of the 14th Amendment.

A man claiming to be a sovereign citizen led Oklahoma City Police on a standoff in late October after he refused to comply when officers clocked him going 75 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone on Interstate 35, according to KOCO. “He didn’t believe the office pulling him over had the authority to pull him over,” Lieutenant Carlton Hardman told KFOR. Officers surrounded his truck near NE 23rd Street and Martin Luther King Avenue and eventually went into custody after speaking with officers on his phone, according to KFOR because he did not sign for his traffic violations.

the state selling meat, which according to SB 392, is legally defined as “any edible portion of livestock, poultry or captive cervid carcass or part thereof.”

We’re glad Payne is still in business, of course, but we’re even more relieved to know that the next time we bite into a big ol’ hunk of captive cervid carcass, we can rest easy knowing it’s not secretly made out of kale or some shit.

I am the law

Every high school student reading David Thoreau’s Walden has probably fantasized about leaving society behind and living off the land. What if you wanted to consume public utilities and drive on streets paved with taxpayer dollars but

It might seem like a weird situation, but the FBI considers some sections of the sovereign citizen movement domestic terrorists. Alfred P. Murrah bombing collaborator Terry Nichols was a member of one such organization.

KFOR reports that one of the passengers in the traffic violator’s truck said that he considers himself a Moor, which is likely a connection to the Moorish Science Temple of America organization, which was founded on the premise that African Americans are of Moorish nationality and thus immune to federal laws. It’s hard to blame any A frican A merican citizen for not wanting to associate with the U.S. government, but this case seems a little iffy.

Highway robbery

The day after Oklahoma celebrated the birthday of its favorite son Will Rogers, two Republican lawmakers filed a bill to essentially spit all over part of his legacy. You can’t make this stuff up.

Sens. Nathan Dahm (RBroken Arrow) and Marty

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Quinn (R-Claremore) want to rename part of historic Route 66, aka Will Rogers Highway, after a corrupt sitting president facing possible impeachment for pressuring foreign leaders to investigate an election opponent. You know, conservative values and all that.

Dahm, who is probably best known for doing and saying and tweeting dumb things for attention (remember the bill that would have made “all wildlife found in this state … property of Almighty God”? Yeah, he wrote that.), went on KOCO to explain why he initially picked Route 66.

Apparently, the highway goes through Commerce, Oklahoma — not through either senators’ districts — which he said would “be a good nod to the commerce and industry that president Trump has brought back” to Oklahoma and the United States.

Well, if that’s the criteria, how about one in the town of Braggs? That would be a good nod to everything that comes out of Trump’s mouth in lieu of a town named Lies. Or maybe Devol? That one’s pretty self-explanatory, and the town’s population was roughly 150 in 2010, so the damage would be minimal.

Unfortunately, Dahm likes to go all-out when fishing for attention, so he’s not quite backing off tarnishing Route 66.

“Normally when naming a section of highway after somebody, it’s usually 2 miles long,” he told KOCO. “This one section that ODOT identified was 4 miles long, so with President Trump, everything being huge, I thought doing something larger than normal would be appropriate as well.”

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also serves as secretary of tourism and branding, recognized how bad this move would be for tourism and spoke to Dahm about looking at other highways to desecrate with the President Donald J. Trump Highway name. Associated Press even wrote a story saying Dahm ditched the bid, to which Dahm responded via Twitter—the account of every immature high school troll with too many gifs—that he hasn’t abandoned the idea. He also called AP fake news and “the enemy of the people,” but he’s a Trump brownnoser, so that’s par for the course.

Save the Date!

A Holiday Party for dogs and their humans benefitting The Midtown Association

ECEMBER 5 D , Y A D S R U TH DOG PARK S T T U M N W MIDTO LACE 407 W PARK P Grab your pups and get ready for a pet-friendly holiday party and fundraiser featuring photos with Santa, festive goodie bags, and delicious treats for all.

For more information, visit www.downtownindecember.com

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Congratulations to Rachel Hubbard for being chosen as a Forty Under 40 honoree and for her 20th year at KOSU!

EXCELLENCE DEFINED.

(She started really young).

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Lauren LaurenDaughety Daughety Executive ExecutiveVice VicePresident President

class of

2019

V&A’s leadership and staff celebrate Lauren’s commitment to excellence.

Congratulations!

LAUREN DAUGHETY

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Contact: advertising@okgazette.com 12

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VannPR.com | (405) 509-9312

CL ASS OF 2019

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0

F

The diverse group of honorees in this year’s Forty Under 40 class provides a glimpse of what the future of Oklahoma City might look like — driven, enterprising, communityminded and abundantly creative.

These are individuals striving to make Oklahoma a richer, better place by impacting various groups and issues in unique ways through work in the fields of law, the arts, public relations and public service, among others.

Meet this year’s Forty Under 40 class.

CONGRATULATIONS, JENNIFER EDWARDS.

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ABBY WOLFE. . ............................................ 27 ADÈLE WOLF. . ............................................ 26 ALEX A GOETZINGER....................................21 AMANDA RIVER MD, MPH........................... 24 ANGIE DOSS ............................................ 20 ASHLEY HOWARD, MAEd............................. 23 BEN J. HARVEY, MD . . .................................. 23 J. BLAKE JOHNSON.. .................................. 23 CAROLINE E. LOWERY . . ............................... 24 CARRIE ELLIS. . ............................................17 CARTER CAMPBELL.....................................18 CELESTE J. ENGLAND, ESQ... ....................... 20 CHASE KERBY............................................ 23 CLAYBURN THOMAS CURTIS. . .......................19 COLLIN ROBERT WALKE.............................. 26 DEREK DUTY.............................................. 20 DONNIE A. DAHLGREN................................18 ELECKTRA STANISLAVA............................... 26 HALLEY BRUNSTETER REEVES. . ...................... 24 JACOB RYAN SNOVEL. . ............................... 26 JANELLE MARIE ARCHER..............................17 JEFF CHANCHALEUNE.................................18 JENNIFER BURGESS-WRIGHT........................16 JENNIFER EDWARDS . . ..................................21 JENNIFER D. SANCHEZ............................... 25 JOBETH HAMON........................................ 22 KORI HALL.. ................................................21 KRISTIN D. MELONI.....................................13 LAUREN PAIGE DAUGHETY . . ..........................18 MATT BURKHOLDER.....................................17 MATT FARLEY............................................. 20 MELANIE K. DITTRICH. . ................................19 MERIDETH VANSANT................................... 27 MICHAEL TRENTON KRAFT.. ......................... 24 MONICA MCKEE........................................ 25 RACHEL HUBBARD.. .................................... 22 RONN BURTON...........................................17 RYAN C. EARLY...........................................21 WILLIAM W. SAVAGE III (TRES)..................... 25 WHITNEY ANDERSON. . .................................16

Caroline Lowery Executive Director, Oklahoma Humanities

We’re proud of your leadership!

Congratulations on this recognition of your accomplishments.

OH Board of Trustees and Staff

OKLAHOMA HUMANITIES okhumanities.org

@Ok.Humanities

@OKHumanities

@OKhumanities

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or other funders and donors of Oklahoma Humanities.

No federal funds were used on this communication.

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WHITNEY ANDERSON

AGE 35

Executive Director and Co-founder, The Dragonfly Home

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On behalf of all of us at DeWitt, Paruolo & Meek, we want to congratulate you on this milestone.

Congratulations

MELANIE KAY DITTRICH 16

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Whitney Anderson left behind a longtime corporate position when she realized she needed to be an advocate for victims of sex and labor trafficking. She first learned about the issue during a business course and decided to become part of the solution.

“After working with human trafficking survivors on a mission trip to Africa, I was further inspired,” she said, “inspired by the survivors’ strength and courage to begin volunteering nearly full-time at a nonprofit in Oklahoma City.”

She and two co-founders started The Dragonfly Home in 2016. The facility became Oklahoma’s first state-certified service program for victims of human trafficking. The crisis center provides non-residential services like case management, emergency relocation, mental health services, assistance with medical care, court advocacy and employment and education support.

The facility also provides a safe space and a supportive community.

As executive director, Anderson facilitates volunteer training and ensures the facility complies with state certification standards.

“We at Dragonfly are inspired daily by the human trafficking survivors we serve,” she said, “inspired by their courage, strength and resiliency. We are motivated in knowing that true healing and restoration is possible even after the most brutal trafficking experiences.”

Anderson is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

She recognizes the additional need to serve a marginalized population with culturally appropriate care.

Anderson is also CEO and co-founder of Unveiled Human Trafficking Training and Consulting, an organization that offers training courses and educational programs to those who want to learn more about the issue of human trafficking.

Additionally, The Dragonfly Home is a member of Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force, where Anderson serves as chair of the Training and Awareness Committee.

Previously, Anderson served as assistant executive director at Beautiful Dream Society, an emergency shelter for adult female victims of sex trafficking.

JENNIFER BURGESS-WRIGHT

AGE 37

Corporate Director of eCommerce and Marketing, Coury Hospitality

Jennifer Burgess-Wright has played a key part in Oklahoma’s hospitality industry through her work with Coury Hospitality over the past 12 years.

Through her role in digital marketing, she oversees marketing and branding for Coury Hospitality’s impressive portfolio. In Oklahoma, she has been involved in the opening of four hotels and six restaurants. She regularly collaborates with Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring influencers to Oklahoma City.

“I like that there’s no monotony in my daily work,” Burgess-Wright said. “I get to work with people throughout the country, but I think most importantly, they all have a heart of hospitality and of serving others.”

She was also recently selected for Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s OklaX initiative and is involved in Project Blue Sky, which was formed to rebrand the state of Oklahoma and increase tourism.

“It’s going to be really transformational, in my opinion, for Oklahoma,” she said.

Burgess-Wright is a member of Junior League of Oklahoma City, where she is serving as the Mistletoe Market special events chair.

She also serves as chair of the Oklahoma chapter of Women in Lodging, an organization that seeks to empower women in lodging, provide community outreach and offer educational programming.

Burgess-Wright has helped develop the group’s social media presence and increase attendance.

“I’ve always enjoyed mentoring other women,” she said. “Through Oklahoma Women in Lodging, I’m able to help women who are just coming into the industry or even shed light on our industry and how you can forge your own path in hospitality.”

In 2019, she was named Outstanding Women in Lodging Leader of the Year.

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 JANELLE MARIE ARCHER

AGE 26

Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Allied Arts

CARRIE ELLIS

AGE 35

Owner, Lush Fashion Lounge

Janelle Marie Archer has made her mark on Oklahoma City’s advertising and arts communities in several big ways.

Archer is a marketing and public relations manager with Allied Arts, an organization that helps fund arts organizations and educational outreach programs throughout Oklahoma.

Archer said the most gratifying aspects of her job are meeting community leaders and seeing those who benefit from the programs Allied Arts helps provide. She is honored to tell those stories.

“I’ve met people who’ve claimed that a program that one of our member agencies has done has completely saved his life,” she said.

Archer is a member of Ad 2 OKC and Junior League of Oklahoma City and is a board member of American Advertising Federation Oklahoma City Ad Club and Plaza District Association.

This year, Archer also chaired Oklahoma American Advertising Awards (ADDYs). She praised the diverse work of regional advertisers and creative organizations that participated in the awards.

She previously served as a content marketing specialist with BigWing. While there, Archer led a team as director of Confluence Conference, a national digital marketing conference that brought hundreds from the marketing field into Oklahoma City.

Archer described Confluence Conference as an opportunity for creative professionals to collaborate rather than compete. She said it was an accessible conference that offered the marketing community a chance to learn and network.

“I think creating community in any industry is really important,” she said. “I’ve learned to be more innovative and inspired in my work through other people. I think it’s validating to be able to have those connections and have really important open-ended conversations with people who are passionate about the same things that you’re passionate about.”

Carrie Ellis opened Lush Fashion Lounge in 2008 at the age of 23.

She had just graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing and a minor in business administration from University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and briefly considered working in sports marketing. After a job search, she decided to open a clothing boutique.

Her popular store, which carries clothing and accessories for women and men as well as trendy gear for local professional and collegiate sports teams, grew quickly from a sixperson staff to a team of 50 and a warehouse as well as a brick-and-mortar location and online shop.

Once the shop took off and had the means, Ellis decided to use her position to give back, especially since she had some bumps in the early days of opening a business.

Now Boevers participates in the fashion marketing program at UCO, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and helping grade their business plans. She also approached a mother of a staff member about ways the business could get involved in charity endeavors.

Lush now partners with American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign, Warriors for Freedom and local animal shelters, creating custom shirts and donating the proceeds from sales.

Lush has also worked with children’s and women’s organizations like Ally’s House, OK Foster Wishes and YWCA, offering shopping sprees and styling sessions. Ellis hopes to continue doing hands-on volunteer work with various organizations.

She said other aspiring entrepreneurs should be patient and work hard, even if things are difficult in the beginning.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks,” she said, “and don’t be embarrassed by failures that come before success!”

MATT BURKHOLDER

RONN BURTON

AGE 35

Director of Community Engagement, Oklahoma Zoological Society If you’ve attended a special event at Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden recently, then you have the creative efforts of Matt Burkholder to thank. Burkholder has been responsible for planning and implementing the popular outings so many zoo guests enjoy, including Safari Soirée, Ostrich Egg Breakfast and ZOObrew.

Burkholder received his bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood University. He started his career as a part-time grade school teacher and a football, basketball and track coach at Casady School. After teaching, he shifted to the oil and natural gas industry and became a contract landman.

Later, his passion for education and nonprofits brought him to Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma, where he worked as communications coordinator for several years and aided fundraising efforts. He said it was a “natural progression” to move from teaching to telling the stories of nonprofits.

He has worked at Oklahoma Zoological Society since 2017, where he started as coordinator of special events. He quickly doubled attendance at the zoo’s gala, Safari Soirée, and greatly increased the zoo’s sponsorship income.

“One of my favorite things I get to do is I get to connect a lot of our donor base to our conservation mission at the Oklahoma City Zoo,” he said.

This year, he became director of community engagement. Burkholder also added two new brand-new zoo events, Wine in the Wild, a winter wine event, and Brainy Beasts, an animal-related trivia night.

He said ZOObrew remains his favorite event. It is a fundraiser that allows guests to explore the zoo after hours while sampling beer flights from over 55 breweries. This year, the event was even more focused on conservation.

“We’re doing a lot of animal enrichment activities that will connect the beer lovers to conservation missions,” he said.

“I’m really excited about that part of it.”

Burkholder also oversees Oklahoma City Zoo’s young professional organization, ZOOtroop.

AGE 33

Founding Artistic Director, 19th Century Hound

Ronn Burton is an Oklahoma native who received his bachelor’s degree in theater from Shenandoah Conservatory and now splits his time between Oklahoma City and New York City, working as an actor, director and filmmaker.

He has appeared in numerous productions, including Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s recent production of Frost/Nixon. His additional Oklahoma credits include acting and directing at Lyric Theatre and productions with Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre (OKC Rep), Carpenter Square Theatre, Reduxion Theatre and Sooner Theatre. He is a member of Actors Equity Association.

Burton has contributed to Oklahoma City’s theater scene significantly with the founding of his own company, 19th Century Hound. He recognized the need for a new type of theater experience after three local companies closed in 2017.

“We have a lot of really talented Oklahoma City artists, and the opportunities for them were disappearing a little bit,” he said.

He wanted to create those opportunities in a unique, fresh setting that will hopefully introduce new ways of storytelling to a broad local audience. He decided to bring immersive theater to Oklahoma City.

This goal resulted in a collaboration with Factory Obscura’s Beyond installation, for which Burton created an immersive show, Those Who Lie Beyond.

“Part of our mission is immersive nontheatrical spaces, so Factory Obscura was a great partner for that,” he said, “and then also collaboration in a new way.”

Burton was selected to attend Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab in New York City in 2018 and 2019. He was also accepted to Directors Lab Mediterranean in Lebanon this year.

Burton is an adjunct acting professor at Oklahoma City University (OKCU) and University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) as well as an acting and voice instructor at Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy.

“I think we’re all meant to be creative,” Burton said.

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CARTER CAMPBELL

JEFF CHANCHALEUNE

AGE 35

AGE 34

Director of Account Services, Freestyle Creative

Chef and Owner, Goro Ramen and Gun Izakaya

Carter Campbell graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 2007 and since then has carved an impressive path through Oklahoma City’s advertising world.

Campbell currently holds a position as director of account services at Freestyle Creative, where he leads the account services and digital marketing teams and oversees strategy for the company’s accounts. He enjoys that his work is diverse and different every day.

Campbell was part of creating a campaign for Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, which he points to as one of his greatest creative contributions to the Oklahoma City community. Freestyle Creative even took part in a build of one of Habitat for Humanity’s houses.

“I think the overall general sense of Habitat for Humanity ReStore and its mission and its vision and values is something that we can relate to as a company, as well,” Campbell said.

He also currently serves as president for American Advertising Federation Oklahoma City Ad Club.

Campbell said he appreciates getting to know other professionals in his field.

“It’s a big part of our story to help with education and get people informed,” he said of OKC Ad Club. “And it’s also a great way to bring us all together and provide programs for continuing education.”

With OKC Ad Club, he has been integral in bringing the district Advent10n conference to Oklahoma City in 2020, which will draw advertising professionals from around the region.

Campbell’s past positions include senior account executive at Staplegun, a management position at BigWing and brand manager at Boiling Point Media. He also served as operations committee member for the 2016-2017 Confluence Conference.

The culinary landscape of Oklahoma City would look much different without the contributions of Jeff Chanchaleune.

As a chef, restaurateur and partner at 84 Hospitality Group, Chanchaleune has been instrumental in diversifying Oklahoma City dining options, most notably with 16th Street Plaza District’s Gorō Ramen and Gun Izakaya in The Paseo Arts District.

Chanchaleune received his bachelor’s degree from University of Oklahoma (OU) with a focus on advertising. He worked in this field briefly and unhappily before deciding to leave it behind for a life as a chef.

“I spent a lot of my days looking at food websites or blogs,” he said. “I was like, ‘What am I doing? You know what, I think food is my true passion.’”

The leap made sense for Chanchaleune, who grew up in the kitchen with his father, a chef.

He opened Kaiteki Ramen food truck in 2013, which received national recognition. In partnership with fellow restaurateur Rachel Cope of Empire Slice House, he then created a ramen pop-up called Project Slurp.

In 2016, he opened Gorō Ramen. He has been pleasantly surprised that something as different and fresh as ramen has been embraced so fully in Oklahoma City. He called Oklahoma City “an emerging food scene.”

“A lot of [Oklahoma City’s] population and a lot of people in Oklahoma are becoming more open to other types of food,” he said. “They just need to be introduced to it and educated about anything that is new.”

Gun Izakaya opened in July 2019. Chanchaleune continues to develop additional restaurant concepts.

“There’s a Japanese saying; it’s called ‘kaizen,’” he said. “It means ‘constant improvement.’ So I’m always figuring out a way to make something better, whether it’s execution, organization, food or ingredients.”

DONNIE A. DAHLGREN

LAUREN PAIGE DAUGHETY

AGE 39

President and CEO, Stryker Integrated Solutions, LLC

Donnie A. Dahlgren has a passion for protecting people and property. As president and CEO of Stryker Integrated Solutions, he has put together a team dedicated to fire protection, safety and security in the state of Oklahoma.

Dahlgren’s academic background includes an associate’s degree in fire protection from Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) and a bachelor’s degree in industrial safety from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).

Dahlgren got his professional start as a firefighter and EMT in Cushing, Oklahoma. He held the position for 10 years. It was there that he realized that many emergencies could be averted.

“A lot of things that I noticed were human error,” he said. “A lot of incidents could be prevented. Sitting around the fire station, we were always reacting to bad situations. Being there, you could see, ‘Well, this could have been prevented if somebody would have had preventative measures in place.’”

In 2009, he made the shift to the life safety and fire protection industry. He worked for two major companies in various positions to learn the business, and many of his loyal customers followed him when he opened Stryker Integrated Solutions in 2016.

Stryker Integrated Solutions is now a $2 million company. It provides fire alarms, access control, CCTV and maintenance services. It is licensed to provide services in Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Dahlgren has made a commitment to remain in Oklahoma City no matter how much his company grows.

He is a member of American Society of Safety Engineers and the Oklahoma Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

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AGE 33

Executive Vice President, Vann & Associates

Lauren Paige Daughety serves as executive vice president of Vann & Associates, a public relations and marketing firm that she helped found with business partner Tony Vann.

Daughety graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations from University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and worked for several years in corporate communications. She said starting an agency on her own was not on her radar at 24 years old, but it has paid off.

“Owning and operating an agency fulfills my love of solving problems, and a fast-paced environment is where I thrive,” she said. “Plus I genuinely wish to help organizations reach their goals through effective communications and creative solutions.”

Vann & Associates also offers free services to partnered nonprofit organizations as part of its community initiative.

In 2018, Daughety helped launch Brownie Mary & Jane Cannabis Marketing. This firm assists business owners with the unique challenges they face in the burgeoning medical cannabis industry.

Daughety is a member of Oklahoma Museums Association board of directors and for the past two years has created an annual campaign for Oklahoma Museum Week, highlighting Oklahoma’s cultural institutions as part of a larger, international campaign.

Additionally, Daughety is a member of Public Relations Society of America and PRConsultants Group.

Daughety calls herself a “champion” of Oklahoma’s culture.

“Deep within the roots of Oklahoma, there is a sense of value based on hard work, culture, acceptance and forgiveness,” she said. “Within that, we find all of us can collaborate and gain success by working hard and understanding a variety of different perspectives. To champion that culture is to maintain it, perpetuate it, grow it and welcome new ideas which will continue the heritage and shape our future.”

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 CLAYBURN THOMAS CURTIS

AGE 34

Attorney, Overman Legal Group and Consultant, Climb Collective

Clayburn Thomas Curtis is a founding partner at Overman Legal Group and a founder at the consulting firm Climb Collective. An Oklahoma native, he earned his Juris Doctor from University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Law in 2011.

Curtis spent about six years in the public defender’s office of Oklahoma County, which he described as a greatly rewarding period. He was involved in Oklahoma County diversion programs, including ReMerge, which endeavors to keep women with children out of prison.

He was also an attorney in the drug court.

He said that while the state might see people “as a file,” he aims to see the humanity in every case.

“Every client I represent is a person,” he said. “They all have a story. They’re not just a file on a piece of paper. I try to bring that human element and compassion to my practice.”

Now Curtis accepts cases ranging from speeding tickets to first-degree murder.

This year, Curtis was awarded the Clarence Darrow Award from Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, distinguishing him as Oklahoma’s criminal defense attorney of the year.

The award recognized his work on four homicide cases. Two of these were conducted through the public defender’s office, and another was a pro bono case.

Curtis said he believes his position can be used to advocate for different groups and issues, hopefully changing public perception in the process. For example, he seeks to change the negative stigma associated with cannabis use through his work consulting for cannabis brands through Climb Collective.

“I think both the firm and Climb [Collective] are both uniquely positioned to help with a progressive change,” he said.

MELANIE K. DITTRICH

CONGRATULATIONS MATT BURKHOLDER

Congratulations Class of 2019!

AGE 37

Attorney; DeWitt, Paruolo & Meek

Melanie K. Dittrich is an attorney who is passionate about positively impacting her community. She received her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University (OKCU) School of Law in 2009 and joined DeWitt, Paruolo & Meek in 2012. In 2017, she was promoted to partner.

She was selected as an Oklahoma Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Dittrich is serving a second term as a chair of Oklahoma Bar Association’s Women in Law Committee. In addition to planning and organizing the annual Women in Law Conference, the committee promotes networking and service opportunities.

During her first year as a chair, Dittrich started an annual clothing drive to benefit Suited for Success, a nonprofit that provides professional clothing and career development services to women. The committee also sponsors events to benefit ReMerge, Domestic Violence Intervention Services and Infant Crisis Services. Dittrich said these types of events allow lawyers to help communities in the city.

“Every year, when we’re planning events for the Women in Law Committee, that’s always something that’s been at the forefront,” she said, “providing opportunities for our members to be involved in the community and in different events that have a positive impact on the community.”

She is also involved in Young Lawyers Division of Oklahoma Bar Association, where she has served as a board member since 2016. She serves on the board of Patrons of OKC Animal Shelter.

“Although my ambition and strong work ethic are key to my professional success, I also believe it is important to be connected with and give back to the community in which I practice,” Dittrich said. “Through my leadership roles with the OBA Women in Law Committee, OBA YLD Board and OKC Animal Shelter Board, I am able to devote my time to causes I am particularly passionate about—empowering women, advancing young lawyers and animal welfare.”

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ANGIE DOSS

DEREK DUTY

AGE 36

AGE 39

Chief External Relations Officer, Sunbeam Family Services

Director of Sales and Marketing, Anthem Brewing Company

Angie Doss serves as chief external relations officer with Sunbeam Family Services. The social service agency aids children, families and seniors in need in Oklahoma. It also provides mental health services and foster care.

“What I love the best is that we really are holistic services that fit the needs of our community,” Doss said. “We are here to help, and we’ve been around since 1907.”

Doss volunteered with Educare Oklahoma City, a Sunbeam program, for two years before landing what she called her dream job with the organization. As a member of the Sunbeam executive team, Doss oversees fundraising efforts and serves as a public face of the agency.

She joined in September 2018 and played a key part in her department exceeding fundraising goals for the first time in three years.

Her previous experience includes several years in the marking department of Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, serving as the organization’s director of marketing and communications from 2012 to 2018.

At Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Doss helped expand the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive from 28 to 190 Oklahoma cities. During this drive, mail carriers collect donated food while working their routes.

Doss is from San Diego and moved to Oklahoma in 2008. She said Oklahomans have a welcoming nature she hasn’t seen anywhere else.

“I think what surprised me most about Oklahoma is how generous the community is in terms of supporting individuals and families when they need it,” she said. “The kindness that radiates out of Oklahoma City is really comforting and inspiring.”

Derek Duty has found the perfect place for his mix of sales experience, love of craft beer and passion for community service in his position as director of sales and marketing with Anthem Brewing Company.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication from University of Oklahoma (OU), Duty worked in sales at various companies, including Yeti, before landing at Anthem Brewing about a year ago. He said the job has been perfectly suited to his desire to always “help people first.”

He immediately set a goal to increase the company’s community presence and outreach.

“We’ve always had a really cool community vibe about what we do,” he said. “But I really wanted to make that more of who we are as a brand.”

To that end, he started a program called Cheers to Charity in which a local charity is featured each month and receives a portion of Anthem Brewing’s taproom sales.

The idea initially grew out of a desire to help the population experiencing homelessness in downtown Oklahoma City. One early partner organization was Someday Soon Foundation, which provides basic necessities to those experiencing homelessness.

Duty said it was important that the company also support community arts and culture, so Anthem has partnered with events like Norman Music Festival and Oklahoma City Pride.

Although it is a craft brewery hoping to grow, Duty said community outreach will always be extremely important to the team.

“Our situation’s like, ‘How can we use our brand to make this cool place way cooler and better and make the community better in a neat way?’”

Duty said.

CELESTE J. ENGLAND, ESQ.

MATT FARLEY

AGE 33

Attorney, Celeste J. England Attorney at Law, PLLC

Celeste J. England, Esq. received her Juris Doctor in 2012 from Oklahoma City University (OKCU) School of Law. Shortly after, she opened a firm of her own, Celeste J. England Attorney at Law, PLLC, where she focuses on advocating for clients who are victims of domestic violence and providing low-cost mediation services.

“I think what’s most gratifying about the day-to-day with my job is I’m helping people through one of the most difficult times of their lives,” she said. “But I’m helping them without sending them into bankruptcy.”

England’s father was a small business owner who was unable to afford an attorney at different points of England’s childhood. She saw a need for affordable legal services.

England also volunteers at Oklahoma County Courthouse Access Clinic, providing free legal services for guardianship and probate matters.

Previously, England was involved with Oklahoma County Bar Association Lawyers for Learning, serving as vice-chair and chair. In 2017, she received the Oklahoma County Bar Association Community Service Award.

England is passionate about public education and has held several independent fundraisers and book drives in support of Oklahoma City Public Schools. Starting in 2018, her firm has sponsored a local classroom for an entire school year. She and her husband coach and mentor young athletes.

Volunteerism is so important to England that she provides paid time off to her employees to join volunteer opportunities.

“I think it’s important to give back to our community,” she said. “We all need to stand together and help each other.”

Recently, England was selected as part of the 2019-2020 Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy.

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AGE 30

Business Development Executive, Insight Creative Group Matt Farley brings a passion for education and the state of Oklahoma to his work with Insight Creative Group, where he serves as business development executive.

Farley graduated from University of Oklahoma (OU) with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His father worked extensively at universities, and Farley grew to love and value education.

“Literally no one can take an education away from you,” he said. “I’ve seen it change people’s lives.”

When he moved into working at marketing and communications agencies, he kept that passion for education alive. At Insight Creative Group, he was part of creating a marketing initiative for Oklahoma CareerTech, a statewide system of career and technology centers.

He was also involved in the recent rebranding of Oklahoma City Public Schools, creating a new logo inspired by the scissor-tailed flycatcher bird.

“The most gratifying thing for me is when we’re able to tell a great story that people are able to take a lot of pride in,” he said.

Farley was among the marketing professionals selected for Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s OklaX initiative and Project Blue Sky. He calls himself an “Oklahoma lifer” and expressed enthusiasm for telling the story of Oklahoma and putting it on the map for the rest of the world.

“Oklahoma City is crushing it,” he said with a laugh.

Farley serves as vice president of membership for American Marketing Association OKC and as sponsorship committee chair for IgniteOKC. He sits on Oklahoma Memorial Union Board of Trustees. In 2017, he became part of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class XIII. In 2019, Farley was named to The Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40 class.

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 RYAN C. EARLY

JENNIFER EDWARDS

AGE 37

AGE 35

CEO and Founder, Nayr Holdings and Can-Tek Labs

Program Manager, REI Oklahoma Women’s Business Center

Ryan C. Early is founder and CEO of Can-Tek Labs, a manufacturing facility of hemp-infused products in Oklahoma. The labs were registered with U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2016, the first and only facility in the state to do so.

Can-Tek Labs produces over 70 products, which are sold through Early’s distribution company, American Wholesale Hemp. The diverse products include CBD oils, phytocannabinoidrich supplements and topical products, CBD-infused water, beauty products, pet products and more.

Can-Tek Labs products are THC-free, containing hemp-derived cannabinoids and none of the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

“Hemp has the potential to drastically transform this world,” Early said. “From biofuels and plastics to CBD and breaking into the pharmaceutical industry, the applications are endless.”

In June 2018, Can-Tek Labs hosted Mid-America Medical Cannabis Conference and Expo. In April 2018, Can-Tek brand PureCannaceutical cohosted World Medical Cannabis Conference & Expo.

Early has also been at the forefront of hemp legislation in Oklahoma. Starting in 2016, he contributed to efforts to pass an industrial hemp pilot program, which culminated in House Bill 2913 being signed into law in April 2018.

The bill created the Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program, which allowed his research and development company Hempyre Genetics to form a research partnership with Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The program researches and breeds industrial hemp.

Early and his company continue working to remove the stigma from hemp and cannabis and make strides in breeding and seed studies.

“We’re really excited about the future of genetics with the hemp industry,” Early said.

As program manger at REI Oklahoma Women’s Business Center, Jennifer Edwards is dedicated to helping Oklahoma women successfully start and operate their own businesses.

Women’s Business Center provides workshops, networking opportunities and other resources to help women business owners excel.

Edwards has now been at REI Oklahoma Women’s Business Center for 10 years. She pointed out that women are starting to expand into industries and fields that have typically been male-dominated, making it an exciting time for women in business.

“I think that women-led ventures have more potential in Oklahoma now than ever before,” she said.

Edwards has also helped create networking breakfasts, starting with Oklahoma City Women’s Business Breakfast. The monthly initiative started about eight years ago as a way for women to come together to learn, share experiences, voice feedback and find connections.

They have used the Oklahoma City model to launch three additional business breakfasts throughout the state, including in Tulsa. Edwards said Women’s Business Center strives to provide resources that are accessible not only in cost, but also in location.

Edwards is a member of Moore Involved Young Professionals Group. She also serves on the advisory council for Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and on the board of Enid Women in Business.

In 2017, Edwards was named Women in Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Edwards said that learning about women’s backgrounds and what motivates them is the best part of her job.

“Getting to hear those stories, as women come through our doors, about what’s led them to this point so we can figure out what the best type of assistance is we can provide them, that inspires me,” she said.

ALEX A GOETZINGER

KORI HALL

AGE 28

Director of Education, Artspace at Untitled

Alexa Goetzinger draws upon a background as an art teacher to spark creativity in Oklahoma City residents.

She serves as director of education at Artspace at Untitled, a nonprofit and contemporary art center that holds numerous exhibitions and educational programs. Goetzinger manages the center’s mentorship, artist-in-residence and short films programs. She also oversees studio workshops.

She said one of her most important contributions to the center is expanding its mentorship program from two to 10 Oklahoma City high schools, welcoming 120 students from area schools monthly. Goetzinger is in her fourth year of working with the program.

“Not only does the mentorship program function as an incubator for creative thought, it’s a totally different experience than the classroom,” Goetzinger said.

Students spend an entire day at Artspace, creating and collaborating on projects, using professional tools and learning what the life of an artist is like.

In 2018, Goetzinger and Emma Difani cofounded Connect: Collect, an annual exchange for printmakers. The project culminated in a May 2019 exhibition titled Print as Object, which ran in Nona Jean Hulsey Art Gallery at Oklahoma City University (OKCU). Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s (OVAC) Creative Projects Grant funded the project.

“With Connect: Collect, we were able to accomplish our goal of having a print exchange that highlights Oklahoma City as a place of creative impact and power,” Goetzinger said.

She is already planning 2020’s Connect: Collect, featuring at least 15 Oklahoma artists and 15 national and international artists. She also hopes to continue developing her own art, with a focus on printmaking and paper installations.

Goetzinger is a member of The Paseo Arts Association, Oklahoma Museums Association and OVAC.

AGE 35

Deacon, Frontline Church Downtown and deadCenter Film Festival Coordinator Kori Hall uses a background in social work and the performing arts to support and influence various Oklahoma City communities.

Professionally, Hall works as a deacon and women’s discipleship director at Frontline Church Downtown and also is on staff at deadCenter Film Festival as a festival coordinator.

Both positions allow her to provide creative platforms for others and allow her to engage with diverse groups.

This intersection between creativity and advocacy is important in many areas of Hall’s work, and giving marginalized communities access to the arts is one thing she feels is integral.

“I think that when you’re building relationships with those who are in any type of crisis, so often, we’re focused on the crisis and not the person as a whole,” Hall said. “And so having access to art is a way for us to get to know the person as a whole.”

She calls her main focus “public policy advocacy,” and the issues of homelessness and mental health care are ones close to her heart. Hall volunteers with RestoreOKC and does advocacy and advisement work for 405 Center.

She is also part of Mayor David Holt’s Oklahoma City Task Force on Homelessness, which was formed in April this year. Hall brings her experience as an on-the-ground social worker and case manager to the group.

In the past, she has also been on the board of directors at Be the Change, a nonprofit serving transition-age youth experiencing homelessness. She previously served on the day shelter board committee for City Care OKC and continues to work with the organization. In November, she will join the City Care OKC board.

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On behalf of HOUSE DISTRICT 87, Advanced Body Scan, Awake OKC, congratulations on this monumental accomplishment.

All of us are so honored to have you working on our behalf.

JOBETH HAMON

AGE 29

Oklahoma City Council Member

JoBeth Hamon was elected to Oklahoma City Council on Feb. 12, 2019, at the age of 28. She serves Ward 6 and is the 11th woman to serve on the city council.

Originally from Washington State and Oregon, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in 2012. She moved away to Chicago for two years and then returned to Oklahoma City and took a position with Mental Health Association Oklahoma in 2014.

She began as a community engagement assistant and in 2016 transitioned to a role as education coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating Mental Heath Association Oklahoma events, including Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, which is the largest mental health conference in the region. Hamon said it’s a unique opportunity to bring “cutting-edge” conversations to the provider community.

She also helps facilitate suicide prevention training.

When she moved back to Oklahoma City, she chose not to get a car and instead began utilizing public transit. Through this life experience and her work in the field of mental health, she began taking note of how several elements of her life were structured.

“In general, in the last few years, I’ve noticed how mental health and public health work intersect so much with our government policies and practices,” she said.

She decided to run for city council, with a mind toward working for affordable housing and making Oklahoma City more transit-friendly and walkable.

Hamon has also volunteered with CommonWealth Urban Farms since 2014 and currently serves on its steering committee. The farm is a communitysupported urban project that aims for sustainability and meaningful use of empty lots in Oklahoma City.

Hamon said the “sense of do-it-yourselfness” in Oklahoma City residents and a commitment to making the city better keeps her motivated and encouraged.

RACHEL HUBBARD

AGE 38

Interim Director, KOSU

Rachel Hubbard has made her mark on local public radio during her long and successful career at KOSU. She began at the network as a student reporter in 1999. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 2003, she joined KOSU as the state capitol reporter and then went on to become news director. Today, she serves as interim director for the station, helping to create programming that informs and impacts.

“I think the thing that is most gratifying is being able to contribute to a more informed citizenry,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard also brought StoryCorps to Oklahoma City in 2018, allowing Oklahomans to share and record their stories. In 2016, she helped secure a Localore grant so KOSU could conduct unique coverage of Native American communities.

Hubbard’s contributions at KOSU have received awards from Oklahoma Society for Professional Journalists and Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters. She was part of the Oklahoma Engaged team covering elections in 2016 and 2018, which received the regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation.

Hubbard frequently mentors aspiring journalists as part of the NPR Next Generation Radio Project boot camp.

Hubbard also spearheaded an innovative collaboration with The Spy in 2012, creating a platform to feature local Oklahoma music. Now this programming airs nightly on KOSU from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“As an Oklahoman, I feel we have some amazing things that are going on here, and people don’t know about it on a national level,” Hubbard said. “And so when I talk to people from NPR Music, there is a real need for people to be on the ground and to be listening to local music and elevating artists.”

In addition, Hubbard serves as interim editor for StateImpact Oklahoma, a collaborative journalism project involving KGOU, KOSU, KWGS and KCCU.

CONGRATULATIONS

COLLIN WALKE 22

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FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 BEN J. HARVEY, MD

AGE 39

Ophthalmologist, Dean McGee Eye Institute

ASHLEY HOWARD, MAEd

AGE 33

Director of Business Development, Koch Communications

Dr. Ben J. Harvey has dedicated himself to combating blindness and eye injuries in Oklahoma. He is an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist and anterior segment surgeon as well as a clinical assistant professor with Dean McGee Eye Institute.

Harvey received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 2007. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Dean McGee Eye Institute and served as a glaucoma fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Palm Beach Gardens.

He currently serves as president of the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology, of which he has been a member since 2008.

He was part of the society’s efforts to advocate for patients to obtain early refills of eyedrop medication since patients often apply more drops than needed and run out faster than their refills. This resulted in the passage of House Bill 1819, also known as the Early Eye Drop Refill Bill.

Harvey and Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology are currently focusing on providing protective eyewear for young Oklahoma athletes.

“I have seen many patients who suffer from potentially preventable vision loss,” he said, “either through lack of knowledge for the need of eyewear or lack of access to protective eyewear. Having that available [and] taking those limitations out of the equation, I think, would be a great benefit to Oklahomans.”

He also volunteers at Crossings Community Clinic, a health clinic facilitated by Crossings Community Church. He performs screenings for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

“Any way you can give back to the community is important,” he said. “This is a way in which I can donate  my time and help those out who don’t have access to care.”

Harvey is a member of American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, Oklahoma State Medical Association and American Medical Association.

Ashley Howard works as director of business development at Koch Communications, where her duties include liaising with businesses and community organizations, developing marketing strategies and campaigns and more.

Her past experience includes several years at The Oklahoman Media Company, where she served as events, promotions and educational services manager and audience development manager.

Howard is passionate about nonprofits and has spent several years working with organizations that support Oklahoma.

“I think somewhere inside of me, I just love giving back,” Howard said. “And I have a lot of experience in both marketing and fundraising, and so I bring a unique skillset to the boards I sit on.”

Those boards include Force 50 Foundation, OKC Beautiful, Teach for America, Redline4Kids and American Lung Association. Howard is also a member of ReadOKC Task Force and a volunteer at LifeChurch.

Howard helped launch Redline4Kids in June 2017. The organization serves patients at Oklahoma children’s hospitals, allowing them to see and experience exotic cars while in treatment.

She also is working with Force 50 Foundation, which seeks to streamline resources for veterans in Oklahoma. Currently, not all resources are connected or even always aware of one another. Force 50 will be able to connect veterans with services from job readiness assistance, homelessness, VA benefits and more.

“Our vision is to get that partner network up and fully functioning in a way that is useful and allows a holistic approach to serving people that served us,” Howard said.

She was born in San Diego and has been in Oklahoma City since August 2013. She quickly noticed that Oklahomans are always seeking to improve.

“I love this revitalization mentality where everybody is all-in on making the city better and really investing to make it a great place to be,” Howard said.

J. BLAKE JOHNSON

CHASE KERBY

AGE 34

Attorney, Overman Legal Group and Consultant, Climb Collective J. Blake Johnson is a founding partner at Overman Legal Group, as well as a founder of the cannabis industry consulting firm, Climb Collective.

Johnson received his Juris Doctor from University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Law in 2015. He graduated Order of the Coif, Order of Barristers and National Order of Scribes.

From 2015 to 2019, he was employed at Crowe & Dunlevy, one of Oklahoma’s oldest law firms. There, he founded and also chaired its Cannabis Industry Practice Group, putting himself at the forefront of cannabis law in Oklahoma just as the industry was taking off after the State Question 788 vote.

Johnson left the firm and helped found Overman Legal Group, which opened its doors this year. He said the firm is geared toward doing public interest work.

“We’re taking aim at some policies and practices in Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City more specifically, that we think are ripe for challenge,” he said, “with the intent to use our legal resources to improve life on the ground here.”

He said decarceration is one overarching policy goal of the firm.

Johnson has continued making moves within the cannabis industry as well, co-founding Climb Collective alongside Overman Legal Group. The firm already represents roughly 200 cannabis companies in Oklahoma.

“I’ve been involved in the cannabis industry in Oklahoma probably longer than any other attorney in the state,” he said. “That was the impetus for forming the new companies, to work with other progressive legal minds that are equally focused on this new industry.”

Johnson said its work has helped launch hundreds of small business in Oklahoma.

AGE 34

Art Moves Director, Arts Council Oklahoma City Chase Kerby is an Oklahoma performing artist and advocate whose goal is to share art and support his community, whether is through playing music himself or being involved with Arts Council Oklahoma City.

As a singer-songwriter, Kerby has performed extensively at local events like Norman Music Festival, regionally for several years at South by Southwest (SXSW) and even nationally as a competitor on season nine of The Voice.

He currently plays lead guitar and piano for Beau Jennings and The Tigers.

At Arts Council Oklahoma City, Kerby directs the Art Moves program. This initiative stages free weekday art events around downtown Oklahoma City.

Residents might find a jazz saxophonist on one of the streetcars one day and a painter doing a live demonstration in the library on another. Kerby said this helps artists and audiences connect in new ways.

“Being able to champion art and its importance on a daily basis is pretty damn gratifying,” he said.

Kerby is also performing arts staff liaison for the yearly Festival of the Arts, overseeing the entire performing arts side of the festival. This involves organizing over 150 acts over multiple stages.

Kerby is open about how deeply he is invested in Oklahoma City and how much he cares about positively impacting his community. He has organized numerous outreach events, including book and clothing drives for Positive Tomorrows.

“Once you get a taste of being able to see a little bit of a positive impact on something [or] on someone that isn’t you, all of a sudden, you’re like, ‘I really want to do more of this,’” he said.

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MICHAEL TRENTON KRAFT

AGE 27

CAROLINE E. LOWERY

AGE 34

Owner, Neighborhood JA.M.

Executive Director, Oklahoma Humanities

Michael Trenton Kraft has found a fun way to mix his love of breakfast food with community outreach.

As creator and proprietor of local restaurant Neighborhood JA.M., Kraft has brought upscale breakfast and brunch to Oklahoma. It has quickly become a modern space for customers to share breakfast items like popular biscuits and jam, unique pancakes and Tulsasourced coffee.

The restaurant currently has three locations, including a new location in Tulsa that opened recently.

Kraft came up with the idea for Neighborhood JA.M. when he was attending college at University of Mississippi. He worked on the concept for several years before opening the first location when he was 25 years old.

Despite the restaurant’s success, Kraft wanted to do more than merely serve food. He came up with the idea for Breakfast with Benefits. On the first Friday of every month, Neighborhood JA.M. opens for dinner and donates 20 percent of sales to a local organization, school or nonprofit.

“I think it’s really important for us to give back,” he said. “I think in a restaurant, conventionally, people wouldn’t think that is possible or something that really makes sense.”

He said the event creates a “fun atmosphere” and even helps bring his staff together.

Breakfast with Benefits also gives an opportunity for customers to visit the restaurant after hours. Neighborhood JA.M. locations usually close at 2:30 p.m. daily.

Past partners in Breakfast with Benefits include several local schools, Children’s Hospital Foundation, Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society and Hope Is Alive.

Neighborhood JA.M. will open two new locations in the next year, one in Midtown and one in east Edmond.

Caroline E. Lowery draws upon 15 years of experience in the humanities community as Oklahoma Humanities’ newest executive director.

Oklahoma Humanities supports public programs based in the humanities disciplines, including history, ethics, philosophy, art history and film studies. The organization serves 77 counties.

“Our federal mandate is to bring humanities-based public programming to all of Oklahoma,” she said. “I think that’s a tall order, specifically in Oklahoma, because of not only the wonderful diversity our state has, but also the geographical sprawl of our state. I’m really excited to bring our programming to all corners of our state.”

Oklahoma Humanities offers grants, reading and discussion programs, traveling exhibits and more.

Lowery received her bachelor’s degree from University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and her master’s degree from University of Oklahoma (OU). She has served on the advocacy board at University of Central Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts since 2013. In this position, she helps raise money for liberal arts scholarships.

She credits community scholarships with helping her attend college when she otherwise would have had to work multiple jobs to afford school.

“A scholarship of $500 can change the course of your life,” she said. “You don’t have to work three jobs to be able to buy your books. You don’t have to sweat out every single little penny. You have the luxury of being able to focus your time and your energy into your future instead of into your present.”

Lowery is passionate about giving people access to the humanities, which she believes are integral to being an informed member of society.

“That has been my lifelong goal,” she said, “understanding our present by studying our past so you can dream about the future. I just think that the humanities are the lifeblood and the source code of our democracy.”

HALLEY BRUNSTETER REEVES

AMANDA RIVER MD, MPH

AGE 33

Community Health Strategist, The Health Strategist, LLC

Halley Brunsteter Reeves has brought her skills as a health strategist to Oklahoma City, moving back to the state last December after several years in Massachusetts.

Reeves describes her professional focus as “health in all policies,” doing impactful work at the intersection of economic development and public health.

“What that means is trying to figure out ways to make our environments and policies — ‘policy, systems and environments’ is what they’re called in public health terms — promote health,” Reeves said.

Reeves strives to find investment strategies that promote health, as well.

Reeves earned a master’s degree in public health from University of Washington and a master’s degree in city planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a member of American Public Health Association and American Planning Association.

This year, Reeves began a collaborative community health needs assessment process for OU Medicine. Her professional path also led her to Councilwoman Nikki Nice and OKC Health Task Force. The task force was established in August to address a food desert issue in northeast Oklahoma City.

The task force is focusing on this area’s lack of access to a grocery store as well as transportation options to food sources. Reeves created an informational website for the task force speaking to this issue, completing the site just 48 hours after the group’s second meeting. The site provides residents with information on transportation to grocery stores and food distribution centers.

Additionally, Reeves is a volunteer and a member with Crown Heights-Edgemere Heights Neighborhood Association and also rebuilt the organization’s website.

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AGE 35

Physician, Natural Remedy MD of Oklahoma and OU Medical Center Dr. Amanda River has long been at the forefront of cannabis in Oklahoma.

River received her doctorate from University of Iowa College of Medicine. She is not only an attending emergency physician at OU Medical Center, but she also works at her clinic, Natural Remedy MD of Oklahoma, in Edmond.

The clinic was among the first to begin giving medical cannabis evaluations in the Oklahoma City area in 2018.

“Our clinic empowers patients and community members to move to a more engaged and empowered place with their health,” River said. “We see so many patients who felt stuck in the places they were in before experiencing what cannabis and lifestyle changes could do for them. Assisting the community in taking their health into their own hands is exciting, and I think has had a positive impact for many people.”

River has been surprised and impressed by how many Oklahomans have been eager to embrace the new industry.

A major goal of the clinic has been to educate as well as evaluate patients. River would like to see the industry become even more educated and patientfocused.

Recently, she completed a clinical nutrition course and will soon be certified as a Lifestyle Medicine physician.

“I am looking forward to incorporating more lifestyle education and interventions into my practice as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases,” she said. “Our lifestyle choices make a huge difference to our health and are often overlooked in favor of pills and procedures in modern medicine. I’m excited to help guide folks in taking control of their own health through the activities they engage with every day.”

River also works as a physician on the National Hot Rod Association circuit.

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 MONICA MCKEE

KRISTIN D. MELONI

AGE 34

Director of Patient Services, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Monica McKee serves as director of patient services and acting dental director at Oklahoma City Indian Clinic.

McKee received her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in public health from University of Oklahoma (OU) Health Sciences Center. She has been with Oklahoma City Indian Clinic since 2007, where she started as a dental hygienist.

Now, as director of patient services, she oversees the day-to-day administrative duties and is in charge of over 10 departments and 200 employees. She hires medical providers and develops initiatives to improve care for Native American patients.

McKee is also responsible for spearheading an initiative to make Oklahoma City Indian Clinic an inclusive and safe space. This year, it was the first Native American health facility to be awarded the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

“I just saw a glaring need that was there,” McKee said. “When you talk about marginalized populations, especially within the Native American community, it’s an underserved population within an underserved population. The health disparities were really striking, to be honest with you.”

In an effort to make the clinic a more inclusive space, it changed its patient rights and intake forms and made it clear through signage that the clinic was accepting of LGBTQ patients. McKee also established a diversity council to focus on inclusivity policies.

She is also a member of the Oklahoma chapter of March of Dimes Board of Directors, where she serves as chair of maternal and child health. She is also a member of International Association of Healthcare Professionals and Native Oral Health Council.

JENNIFER D. SANCHEZ

AGE 31

Associate Litigation Attorney, The Rudnicki Firm

AGE 34

Kristin D. Meloni was born and raised in Texas but has called Oklahoma her home for more than seven years. She earned her Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2015, where she was a merit scholar and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity.

Since then, she has become a force in the Oklahoma City legal community and currently works as an associate attorney at The Rudnicki Firm. The firm is comprised entirely of female attorneys. Meloni praised the collaborative and diverse environment in which she works.

She has helped impact various Oklahoma City communities, especially through her involvement in the Young Lawyers Division of the Oklahoma County Bar Association, where she has served in various leadership positions. The organization has a strong focus on community service.

“Anytime you give back to the community, I think that’s important,” Meloni said.

As co-chair of the board’s community outreach subcommittee, Meloni has helped organize several community service projects. For example, they helped improve and refresh different areas in The Salvation Army’s Chesapeake Energy Center of Hope in 2017.

Meloni has joined Oklahoma County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in other community outreach efforts, such as donating items to schools and volunteering with The Salvation Army during holiday gift drives.

Meloni was also a member of a team from The Rudnicki Firm that took part in the 2019 Oklahoma Bar Foundation’s Lip Sync for Justice fundraiser. Not only did The Rudnicki Firm’s team win first place, it also helped raise more than $2,000 for Oklahoma Bar Foundation’s access to justice programs.

Meloni received Outstanding Young Lawyers Division Director of the Year Award at Oklahoma County Bar Association’s 2019 Awards Luncheon.

WILLIAM W. SAVAGE III (TRES) AGE 35

Human Resources Manager, ClimateCraft, Inc. and ClimaCool, Corp.

Editor-in-Chief and Co-owner, NonDoc Media

As a human resources manager, Jennifer D. Sanchez has extensive responsibilities, including creating programs for staffing, employee relations, training and more. She has grown in her role with Oklahoma City’s Climate Control Group throughout her eight years there, and she now leads a human resources team for ClimaCool Corporation and ClimateCraft, Inc. Sanchez faces different tasks every day, but her favorite moments include bringing on employees and seeing how jobs can influence and support families.

“I think the most rewarding part of it is just being able to help people,” she said.

Sanchez received her bachelor’s degree from University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and within six months earned the Professional in Human Resources certification. She later became a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional.

Sanchez has also been a member of Junior Hospitality Club since 2010 and has served on the board of directors for six years. She jumped at the chance to meet others and give back to the Oklahoma City community.

“I think it’s important that when you have availability — whether it be time or funds or resources — to help people,” she said.

As special events chair in previous years, she has helped lead the club’s largest annual fundraiser and has spent time volunteering at Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community and more.

In 2016, Sanchez was awarded Junior Hospitality’s Red Rose Award for her contributions to the organization.

She also enjoys baking and has had wedding cakes featured in Brides of Oklahoma magazine.

William W. Savage III ( Tres) has helped bring important independent local news coverage to Oklahoma through his work on NonDoc, an online publication based in Oklahoma City.

Savage is an Oklahoma native born and raised in Norman. While obtaining his journalism degree from University of Oklahoma (OU), he worked for The Norman Transcript and was also editor of OU Daily. He went on to work for eCapitol.net at the Oklahoma Capitol.

He helped start NonDoc in 2015. For the past two years, the site has been named Best Website by the Oklahoma chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. The publication has also won awards for online writing and site design.

“We set out to try to fill a void four years ago,” he said. “That void was to have a publication that, at times, had a more modern editorial freedom and voice while also being steeped in traditional journalism ethics and the civic watchdog roles that journalism is super valuable for.”

When NonDoc was in need of additional funding at the beginning of this year, the Oklahoma community rallied around the news outlet and it was able to nearly double its revenue from 2018 to 2019.

“I think that’s a testament to the fact that many people and organizations recognize critical demand for information about our civic processes in Oklahoma,” Savage said.

He also has extensive experience in the mental healthcare sphere. He is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and has been leading training courses since 2013 that help individuals respond to mental health crises. Educating others and breaking down stigmas about mental health are extremely important to him.

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JACOB RYAN SNOVEL

AGE 39

Adult Programs Coordinator, Moore Norman Technology Center

ELECKTRA STANISLAVA

AGE 34

Youth Care Specialist, Sisu Youth Services

Jacob Ryan Snovel has spent several years of his professional career helping educate adult learners in new and exciting ways.

As an adult programs coordinator for industry education at Moore Norman Technology Center, Snovel has trained educators to use technology and designed curriculums that integrate social media and technology.

He also helped create a new yearlong program certification course that teaches marketing strategies and design. The course involved an internship before students were certified as user experience (UX) designers.

Snovel is also executive producer and owner of Perm Machine, a production company that produces feature films that have been shown at deadCenter Film Festival and Fantastic Fest.

He was able to merge his loves of film and education through creating Film Producers Conference, which was held for the first time this year. Snovel wanted to focus on encouraging filmmakers to create their own content as well as the topic of producing from a business and distribution angle.

“The inspiration really came from realizing that filmmaking isn’t a job,” he said. “And a lot of people see themselves as filmmakers. You can’t get onto Monster.com and look up jobs for ‘filmmakers.’ It’s not a thing. I wanted to really drive that home. You’ve got to learn to be an entrepreneur. You have to learn the business, and then you get to make your movies.”

The next conference will host over 70 producers and filmmakers.

He holds memberships in educational organizations Oklahoma Post-secondary Adult Career Education (PACE) and The Oklahoma Association of Career & Technology Education (OKACTE).

Elecktra Stanislava works extensively to support and educate the young people of Oklahoma through contributions to multiple organizations.

She is a youth care specialist at Sisu Youth Services, a shelter and resource center for atrisk youth. There, she supports clients and helps with case management as well as operational duties of the shelter.

Stanislava is also an instrument instructor with Rock N’ Roll Camp for Girls OKC, a oneweek day camp where girls learn about music and collaboration. She has worked with the camp since 2015. She teaches drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and vocals. She even demonstrates death metal growl and can switch to an operatic style with ease.

“I teach the rock campers how to not blow out their voice if they want to do screams,” she said, “and how to switch back and forth.”

Stanislava is a songwriter and performer as well and plays several different genres. She is also a sound engineer. She has served as sound engineer for Bang Bang Queer Punk Variety Show and the booking manager for Sauced on Paseo’s Sunday Showcase, both since 2017.

“I’ve always performed music,” Stanislava said.

“It’s very much a part of who I am. I started playing the organ when I was 4.”

Now Stanislava is a multi-instrumentalist and also provides free piano lessons at Sisu Youth Services. Creating safe, inclusive spaces for musicians in Oklahoma City is one thing that is tremendously important to her.

She contributes to Make Oklahoma Weirder and serves as the entertainment coordinator for OKC Pagan Pride Day.

COLLIN ROBERT WALKE

ADÈLE WOLF

AGE 37

State Representative, Oklahoma House District 87 and Attorney, Select Legal Services Collin Robert Walke serves Oklahomans both in his role as a state representative and as an attorney and mediator.

Walke received his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University (OKCU) School of Law. He worked as an assistant public defender from 2008 to 2011 and then spent several years at different firms.

He started Select Legal Services this year and now serves as corporate counsel for over a dozen companies in Oklahoma and Texas as well as representing individuals. He also has a mediation practice that handles roughly three mediations per week.

“It’s really fantastic and rewarding,” he said, “because I’m able to get people to save the time, expense and uncertainty of litigation by getting them to come to perhaps not a happier agreement, but at least an agreement better than the risks of going to court.”

Walke was elected to the Oklahoma Legislature in 2016, the first Democrat to hold the seat in over 30 years. He serves as vice-chair of Native American Caucus. He said the most rewarding aspect of the position is helping his constituents. Education is one area of focus for him.

“Improving things for the state is certainly one of the reasons why I got into it,” he said.

“But being able to help constituents directly is the real joy in the work.”

He also co-founded AwakeOKC, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing mindfulness-based practices to Oklahoma City communities. The inspiration grew out of Walke’s own experiences with meditation.

“I think that mindfulness is not only important, it always has been,” he said. “But I think that it’s needed now more than ever because of the way our culture is.”

AwakeOKC classes are held five days a week and are donation-based.

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AGE 30

Performing Artist and Event Producer, Adèle Wolf Productions Adèle Wolf has been dazzling audiences around the world for several years, bringing her talents as a burlesque performer and show producer to international stages as well as venues in Oklahoma.

After developing an early interest in burlesque as a young performer, Wolf realized there were no local prospects to learn or enjoy professional burlesque in Oklahoma. She decided to create those opportunities herself. She founded Adèle Wolf Productions, at first producing relatively small shows in art galleries and clubs.

Over the course of seven seasons and multiple yearly events, Wolf’s shows have grown to include casts full of international talent, and her productions have graced the stages at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Plaza Theatre and Tower Theatre.

Her yearly slate includes New Year’s Eve Bash, Halloween Spectacular and Oklahoma City Burlesque Festival. The festival, founded in 2013, is Oklahoma’s largest burlesque production and takes place over two days.

Wolf is also an instructor at Oklahoma School of Burlesque, where she holds several workshops throughout the year.

Wolf is Potawatomi and Creek and a member of the LGTBQ community and has long been an advocate for diversity and representation within her shows and the performing arts.

“I think that it’s important for people to see themselves reflected in our media,” Wolf said, “because when you have more inclusive representation, then that translates into having a better world for everyone, ultimately. When you see Native people represented, that could make people think about Native issues where they may not have before. Same with other marginalized communities.”

Despite touring extensively, Wolf said Oklahoma City audiences remain her favorite to play for.

FO R T Y U N D E R 4 0 MERIDETH VANSANT

AGE 32

Owner, 405 YOGA

Merideth VanSant has a diverse range of experience that has led her to impact Oklahoma in many ways, including through practice in yoga and mindfulness.

While getting her undergraduate and first graduate degree in Oklahoma, VanSant worked her way from greeter to lead regional trainer with Hal Smith Restaurants. She then moved to Washington, D.C., to become a management consultant with GINIA Group.

In 2015, while living and working in D.C., VanSant started looking for a community and found yoga. She got her teaching certificate and opened her fitness company, 405 YOGA. “I wanted it be a place where, just by showing up, you were included,” she said.

405 YOGA opened in Oklahoma City just a few years later. The D.C. location is still open but is currently moving to a new space in the same neighborhood. VanSant also organized the first Oklahoma City Metro Area Yoga Week in September 2017.

In addition, VanSant is co-founder of True U, a social enterprise company that provides mindfulness resources, leadership training and yoga to underserved teenagers.

“Most of the work we do is with preteen and teenage girls that are at poverty line or below,” she said, “that really need someone to believe in them and to teach them skills for selfconfidence, leadership, emotional regulation, things that they might not be taught outside of our program.”

VanSant also serves as senior vice president of marketing for OHC Supply, a family-owned lumberyard and building supplier.

She is a board member for IgniteOKC and a committee member with Downtown Oklahoma City’s Mobility and Connectivity Committee. She is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City’s Signature Class 37.

ABBY WOLFE

AGE 34

Director of Marketing and Communications, Cory’s Audio Visual Abby Wolfe calls herself a storyteller who finds joy in making an impact on communities through messaging. Over the years, she has used these skills to help influence the futures of clients, animals and children.

Wolfe graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree focused on public relations. She started at Cory’s Audio Visual in 2017 as director of marketing and communications.

Wolfe praised the Cory’s AV team and its company culture. She described her position as a “culture-in-chief,” someone who manages the constant changes at the technology-centered company.

Wolfe held previous communications positions at Central Oklahoma Humane Society and at Feed the Children. Both companies address big community issues that remain important to Wolfe.

During her time at Oklahoma Humane Society, Wolfe oversaw Rita’s Angel Fund, which provides medical treatment to animals facing euthanasia in underfunded shelters. She helped maintain Rita’s Angel Fund through in-the-moment storytelling, quickly raising thousands of dollars to save Oklahoma pets.

“The problems in our world today are multifaceted,” she said, “and that means that there’s not just a onesize-fits-all fix for those problems like hunger, like homeless pets. You name the cause; they’re all multifaceted. Those two jobs taught me how to find my portion of that resolution or solution to those multifaceted issues.”

Wolfe is a member of Public Relations Society of America. In 2018, she was named to Commercial Integrator magazine’s Forty Influencers Under 40 list.

Her work also received two Uppercase Awards of Merit for best website and branding from Public Relations Society of America in 2018.

CONGRATS TO OUR VERY OWN BLAKE JOHNSON & CLAY CURTIS FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS 2 OF OKG’S FORTY UNDER 40!

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H O L I DAYS

EAT & DRINK

Kitchen cheer

Local chefs provide some of their favorite recipes for a change to spice up the holidays. By Jacob Threadgill

It’s never too early to start planning your meals for the holiday season. A few local chefs provide some of their favorite recipes for Oklahoma Gazette’s Guide to the Holidays.

An example of duck confit | Photo bigstockphoto.com

Duck Confit Chef Ryan Parrott of Humankind Hospitality Services (Picasso Cafe, Frida Southwest, The Other Room, Oso on Paseo) is the reigning winner of Gazette’s Best of OKC readers’ poll for the city’s best chef, and he helped launch ambitious Frida Southwest in The Paseo Arts District this year that is reclaiming Southwestern cuisine that honors the region’s roots in a stunning space.

Butternut squash soup | Photo bigstockphoto.com

Butternut Squash Soup Over the course of her culinary career, Alicia Gomez-Grayson has worked from seed to table. She has been a farmer, an instructor and a chef. Her newest venture is owner of Café 110, 110 N. Robinson Ave., in downtown Oklahoma City. She’s providing her own take on her grandmother’s butternut squash soup recipe.

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional) 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (I prefer to cut it in half and bake it in the oven until soft, which will make it easier to peel and cut.)

1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock or vegetable stock if you would like to keep it vegan salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS 1. Melt the butter in a large pot and cook the onion, celery, carrot, garlic and squash (if raw) 5 minutes or until lightly browned, but if you cook squash in the oven first, add it right before the stock.

2. Pour in enough of the chicken or veggie stock and add red pepper to cover the vegetables. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer 40 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

3. Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return it to the pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

—Alicia Gomez-Grayson

Cornbread Dressing with Chorizo Isabel Orozco-Moore puts a spin on family recipes for modern and fresh takes on Mexican-inspired recipes for her blog Isabel Eats, which is one of the most popular Mexican food blogs on the internet, and it’s based in Oklahoma City. Orozco-Moore provides her take on cornbread dressing.

For more recipes, visit isabeleats.com.

Chorizo cornbread dressing from Isabel Eats | Photo Isabel Orozco-Moore / provided 28

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INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing 14 ounces Mexican chorizo 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced

INGREDIENTS For the duck: 6 duck leg quarters 5 cups rendered duck fat (or highquality animal or vegetable fat) For the curing salt: 1⁄2 cup kosher salt 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns (lightly toasted before cracking) DIRECTIONS 1. Mix all ingredients for the curing salt in a food processor until well-blended and bright green. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.

2. Place the duck legs in a shallow baking dish and rub each leg with 1 tablespoon of the curing salt.

3. Wrap the container and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

4. Warm the duck fat just enough so it is not solid and pour it over the duck legs. Vacuum-seal the duck legs and cook them in a sous vide at 155

1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage leaves (about 8-10 leaves) 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1 1⁄2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock) 1 large egg 8 1⁄2 cups roughly chopped cornbread (the amount made from a 15-oz box of cornbread mix) DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease the inside of a large casserole dish with butter and set it aside.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and crumble it up with a spatula. Cook the

degrees Fahrenheit for 36 hours or wrap them with foil and place them in an oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 and 1/2 hours.

Cranberry-Spiced Rum Mole INGREDIENTS 2 cups fresh cranberries 1 can chipotle chiles in adobo 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano 1 cup spiced rum 1⁄2 cup brown sugar 6 corn tortillas (torn) 1 cup toasted almonds 4 cups chicken or duck stock DIRECTIONS 1. Place all of the ingredients in a heavybottomed stockpot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Stir the mixture often until it reaches a low boil, reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 2 hours. Remove the mixture from the heat and carefully puree, working in small batches in either a blender or food processor.

2. Return the pureed mole to the stove to simmer for an additional hour.

Remove it from the heat and place it in a container in the refrigerator.

3. Note: This sauce is best made a day or two in advance and cooled and then reheated to serve. This allows the flavors to develop, creating a more complex and robust mole.

—Ryan Parrott

chorizo until browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add onion, celery, garlic, sage, rosemary and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Remove from the heat.

4. In a medium bowl, add the chicken stock and egg. Whisk until fully combined.

5. Add the cornbread and cooked chorizo mixture to the greased casserole dish.

Gently toss them together to combine.

6. Pour the chicken stock mixture evenly over the cornbread stuffing.

7. Bake the stuffing for 25 minutes. Garnish it with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

—Isabel Orozco-Moore continued on page 33

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Devon Ice Rink Devon’s Saturdays with Santa SandRidge Santa Run Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival presented by Sonic Free Holiday Water Taxi Rides Automobile Alley Light Display Bricktown Canal Lights LifeShare WinterFest & Snow Tubing Little Willie's Triple Dog Dare A Dog Day in December at Midtown Mutts Dog Park Lights on Broadway Annual Event Holiday Pop-Up Shops Lyric’s A Christmas Carol OKC Philharmonic’s The Christmas Show OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker Canterbury Christmas Myriad Gardens Holiday Events Skirvin Holiday Events OKCMOA Holiday Events Arts Council OKC’s Opening Night Candy Cane Christmas Mannheim Steamroller Christmas OKC Streetcar Birthday Celebration Holly Jolly Shops at the Brick OKC Christmas Crawl African Children’s Choir at First Church OKC Mesta Park Holiday Home Tour Holiday Events at ARTSPACE Sugar Plum Promenade at Scissortail Park

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SPONSORED PROGR AM

An annual collection of

H O L I DAY

EVENTS

Downtown in December, presented by Devon, is a collection of more than 30 holiday events that take place in and around downtown Oklahoma City each year.

All information about the following events, including schedules, pricing, and other details can be found online at DOWNTOWNINDECEMBER.COM

@DOWNTOWNOKC @DOWNTOWNOKC @DOWNTOWNOKC @DEVONICERINK

DECEMBER 7 - 10AM TO 4PM DECEMBER 8 - 10AM TO 4PM THIS WINTER WEEKEND SPECTACULAR WILL INCLUDE:

› Holiday games and crafts › Visits & photos with Santa Claus › Storytelling & photos with Mrs. Claus › “Polar Express” train ride › Food trucks & market vendors › Live entertainment throughout the day

Visits with Santa are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests should register upon arrival and bring their own camera.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens are located at 301 W. Reno Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City. For more information, visit DowntownInDecember.com.

@DEVONICERINKOKC @DEVONICERINK @SATURDAYSWITHSANTA @SATURDAYSWITHSANTA #DOWNTOWNINDECEMBER

DEVON ICE RINK AT MYRIAD GARDENS

The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 9th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens and will be open through February 2. Join us for another great winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction.

Open seven days a week, the Devon Ice Rink hosts daily public skating, private parties, and special events all winter long.

The Devon Ice Rink is located in the Myriad Botanical Gardens at 100 S. Robinson Ave. (at the corner of S. Robinson Ave. and Sheridan Ave.) Please call 405-708-6499 to book a private party or for general questions.

Visit DowntownInDecember.com to see the full schedule and daily hours of operation.

RATES:

› $13 per person for all ages, includes skates › $8 for guests who bring their own skates › $9 for 10 or more guests, includes skates Reservations are encouraged for groups

DEVON’S SATURDAYS WITH SANTA

Santa Claus is coming to town! Devon Energy has teamed up with Downtown in December and the Myriad Botanical Gardens to bring Saturdays with Santa to the Gardens this holiday season. Bring the kiddos downtown Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 to visit Santa, make crafts, and participate in holiday-themed activities.

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SANDRIDGE SANTA RUN

On Saturday, December 14, people of all ages will be prancing in the streets of downtown Oklahoma City in the 2019 SandRidge Santa Run. As part of Downtown in December, the SandRidge Santa Run includes a 5K race and one-mile Fun Run. All runs begin and end at SandRidge Energy (123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.) where there will be free snacks, a photo booth, and other familyfriendly activities. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each 5K age group, and all runners are invited to dress up in their most festive holiday attire for cash prizes in a costume contest afterward!

Register now at DowntownInDecember.com.

OKLAHOMA CITY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SONIC

On Friday, November 29 from 5pm to 7pm, the annual Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival presented by SONIC, America’s Drive-In will take place on the Third Base Plaza at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Guests will enjoy live entertainment, hot cocoa and coffee from Junction Coffee, and food and fun as Mayor Holt lights the city’s Christmas Tree. All are invited to take a free photo with Santa at the festival, which are printed on-site. The event also features food trucks, face painters, holiday characters, and special performances.

The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival presented by SONIC is free and open to the public. For more information, visit DowntownInDecember.com.

FREE HOLIDAY WATER TAXI RIDES

All aboard for an adventure cruise on a Bricktown Water Taxi! Come enjoy a funfilled float down the beautifully-adorned Bricktown Canal free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown Business Improvement District.

The narrated and holiday-themed Free Holiday Water Taxi Rides will begin at the main dock on canal level, below the entrance to Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and Brickopolis.

The tours will run on a continuous loop through Bricktown, Thursdays through Sundays, November 29 through December 29 from 6pm to 9pm. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 405234-TAXI or visit DowntownInDecember.com.

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY LIGHT DISPLAY

See the historic buildings of Automobile Alley in a whole new light at Automobile Alley’s light display on N. Broadway Ave. beginning November 23 through January 11. More than 230,000 colorful LED lights will drape the buildings along ten blocks of N. Broadway Ave. making for a magical holiday wonderland. (N. Broadway Ave. and side streets between N.W. 10th and N.W. 4th in downtown Oklahoma City.)

BRICKTOWN CANAL LIGHTS

The Bricktown Canal light display will once again brighten your Bricktown experience from November 29 through January 11. As you stroll the canal, enjoy the dining and shopping along downtown OKC’s premier entertainment district under the gorgeous holiday lights. The light display is free to the public. Don’t forget to enjoy the lights from the Free Holiday Water Taxi Rides on certain nights of the week throughout the season.

LIFESHARE WINTERFEST & SNOW TUBING

The LifeShare WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is returning this year and opens on Friday, November 29. Riding down the gigantic snow tubing slope is a thrill you won’t want to miss.

From snow tubing to holiday movies on the video board, plus sparkling holiday lighting and décor, this will be a holiday highlight that

your family will remember for years to come!

There’s something for the whole family, so bring everyone along for a ride in the snow, hot chocolate and a snack, and a festive holiday atmosphere.

Guests can buy single-session tickets for $14 per rider. Non-riders are admitted in the area for free.Please call 405-218-1000 for group rates and private event information or visit OKCDodgers.com.

LITTLE WILLIE’S TRIPLE DOG DARE

The 8th annual Little Willie’s Triple Dog Dare will be held Saturday, December 7 at Leadership Square (211 N. Robinson Ave.) This stair climbing athletic event is open to people of all ages, and in keeping with the ‘Little Willie’s’ spirit, there is also a Firefighters Division racing in full gear! Awards will be given to top three overall male and female finshers, as well as age group divisions. All proceeds go to The Homeless Alliance and Sunbeam Family Services. For more information, visit littlewilliestripledogdare.com.

A DOG DAY IN DECEMBER AT MIDTOWN MUTTS DOG PARK

Bring the pups and enjoy a pet-friendly holidaythemed fundraiser on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30pm to 8pm at Midtown Mutts Dog Park (407 W. Park Pl.), benefitting the Midtown Association. Dogs can take photos with Santa (printed on site) for a small donation and enjoy complimentary “puppuccinos.” Humans can enter a drawing for a chance to win special prizes from Midtown business. Goodie bags filled with treats, toys, Midtown swag will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by the Midtown Association. For more information, visit DowntownInDecember.com.

SPONSORED PROGR AM

LIFESHARE WINTERFEST & SNOW TUBING

SANDRIDGE SANTA RUN OKLAHOMA CITY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY SONIC

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY LIGHT DISPLAY

DEVON ICE RINK

LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL LIGHTS ON BROADWAY ANNUAL EVENT Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and the first day of this year’s stunning light display with the 4th annual Lights On Broadway event on Saturday, November 23 from 4pm to 8pm on N. Broadway Ave. and side streets between N.W. 10th and N.W. 4th.

Retail shops and restaurants will feature photo-worthy holiday window displays in addition to family-friendly activities, special promotions, and giveaways. There will be complimentary carriage rides, visits with Santa, live artists and musicians, a free photo booth, an outdoor screening of classic holiday movies, hot cocoa, free s’mores, and more!

Join us in discovering the Alley “in the new old-fashioned way”! For more details, visit DowntownInDecember.com.

HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS AT MIDTOWN

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are returning to Midtown in 2019! Visit over 30 Oklahomaowned shops and an urban Christmas tree lot by Bishop Carrol School for four weeks this holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shops rotate weekly through a set of geodesic domes at N.W. 10th and N. Hudson Ave., next to Bleu Garten. The holiday shopping village is open each weekend, starting Black Friday, Thursday through Sunday and is pet and family-friendly. Entry is free, shopping is encouraged. Buy a top shopper preview pass for early access. For more information, including the list of shops, visit OKCPopUps.com.

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 5 - 8 DECEMBER 12 - 15 DECEMBER 19 - 22 HOURS: THURSDAYS - 10AM TO 9PM FRIDAYS - 10AM TO 9PM SATURDAYS - 10AM TO 9PM SUNDAYS - 10AM TO 6PM

In its 9th year running, the spectacular Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric’s production of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, sponsored by Devon Energy.

Go on a magical journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future!

Tickets start at $25, and the show takes place at Lyric’s Plaza Theater (1725 N.W. 16th St.) To purchase tickets or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com or call 405-524-9312.

OKC PHILHARMONIC’S THE CHRISTMAS SHOW

The OKC Phil’s annual holiday extravaganza returns starring Broadway’s Max von Essen, the Philharmonic Pops Chorale, the Mistletoes, and of course, Santa – all singing and dancing to your favorite holiday songs. This show delivers laughter, joy, and maybe even a few sentimental tears, all packaged in delightful costumes and fantastic sets and lights. Don’t miss this festive musical experience the entire family can enjoy. For more information, visit OKCPhilharmonic.org or call 405-842-5387.

SHOW DATES & TIMES: DECEMBER 5 - 7:30PM DECEMBER 6 - 8PM DECEMBER 7 - 2PM & 8PM

OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED BY DEVON

Tchaikovsky’s familiar score and Artistic Director Robert Mills’ delightful staging of The Nutcracker will fill your heart with the spirit of the season as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince return to enchant both the young and the young at heart. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic and students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School join with the professional company dancers to present an experience your whole family will remember for years to come.

To purchase tickets or for more

information, visit OKCBallet.com or call OKC Ballet at 405-848-8637.

SHOW DATES & TIMES: DECEMBER 14 - 2PM & 7PM DECEMBER 15 - 2PM DECEMBER 20 - 7PM DECEMBER 21 - 2PM & 7PM DECEMBER 22 - 2PM & 7PM

CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS AT THE CIVIC CENTER

Hear Canterbury Voices’ encore performance of Eugene Goossens’ arrangement of Handel’s masterwork, Messiah, on Sunday, December 8 at 7pm for this year’s Canterbury Christmas at the Civic Center Music Hall. Over 140 voices will sing accompanied by a full orchestra from the OKC Philharmonic. Canterbury will host its annual Holiday Reception after the concert in the Civic Center lobby featuring home-baked cookies and punch from their adult chorus.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance for photos. To purchase tickets, call 405-232-7464 or visit CanterburyOKC.com.

MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS HOLIDAY EVENTS

ILLUMINATIONS: STARRY NIGHT PRESENTED BY OG&E WEDNESDAYS - FRIDAYS - 6PM TO 9PM SATURDAYS - 6PM TO 10PM Join the Myriad Botanical Gardens between November 22 and January 5 for the second iteration of Illuminations, an immersive light installation that combines light and sound inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.

Dress warm, wear rubber-soled shoes, and prepare for a fun morning on the ice. All other equipment will be provided.

RATES:

› $20 for members › $25 for nonmembers DECEMBER DROP-INS DECEMBER 19-DECEMBER 20, 10AM TO 12PM Kids can drop-in to make a natural ornament, learn about winter plants and animals, play games, read a holiday book, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory and Children’s Garden.

POLAR EXPRESS PJ PARTY & PANCAKE PARTY DECEMBER 9 - 9:30AM-11:30AM Do you BELIEVE? Join the Myriad Botanical Gardens for a morning of holiday festivities in the Park House Event Center. Guests will be able to ice skate at the Devon Ice Rink, drink hot cocoa, and create Polar Express crafts! Special guest, Santa, will also make an appearance. Wear your PJs to get in the spirit!

SENSORY SANTA MORNING SPONSORED BY BANK OF OKLAHOMA DECEMBER 15 - 8:30AM-10AM An event tailored for families with children with special needs, join us inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory for a morning with Santa. This event provides a more controlled and welcoming environment for a Santa photo experience.

The Myriad Botanical Gardens will be offering additional paid classes to enjoy this holiday season, such as: WILD BIRD HOLIDAY DECORATIONS GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP THE GIFT OF BOTANICAL DRAWINGS

For more information and to sign up for classes, visit MyriadGardens.org or call 405-445-7080.

RATES:

› $8 for members › $10 for nonmembers LEARN TO CURL AT THE DEVON ICE RINK NOVEMBER 23 - 9AM-10:30AM DECEMBER 7 - 9AM-10:30AM DECEMBER 21 - 9AM-10:30AM JANUARY 4 - 9AM-10:30AM JANUARY 18 - 9AM-10:30AM Join the Oklahoma Curling Club as they teach the basic rules and etiquette of curling.

SKIRVIN HOLIDAY EVENTS

As Downtown Oklahoma City comes to life this holiday season, The Skirvin Hilton once again will host several festive events you will love sharing with your friends, families, and loved ones. For reservations or more information, contact the Holiday Desk at The Skirvin Hilton at 405-702-8444.

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SPONSORED PROGR AM

CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS AT THE AMERICAN BANJO MUSEUM

OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art will feature several holiday events this winter.

Art installations, SONIC Free Family Day on December 1, Drop-In Art making on December 7 and 21, a New Year’s Eve event, Annual Holiday Film Series, and more.

The new exhibition Renewing the American Spirit: The Art of the Great Depression is open now and features work by Dorthea Lange, Alexandre Hogue, John Steuart Curry, and more.

For more information, visit OKCMOA.com.

ARTS COUNCIL OKLAHOMA CITY’S OPENING NIGHT

Ring in the New Year in style. In its 33rd year, the Opening Night celebration is the go-to event for families and friends to “open” the New Year in the spirit of community!

Downtown Oklahoma City sets the stage for a variety of bands, entertainment, local food trucks, family activities, and more. Adults 21+ can grab a drink and warm up in our New Year’s Cheers tent facing the Finale Stage.

The day begins with the festive Finale 5K race and concludes with a bang at the midnight fireworks extravaganza! Wristbands to access indoor performances, including the children’s area, go on sale December 1. They are $8 in advance and can be purchased at metro 7-Eleven’s and will also be available day of the event for $10. Kids 5 and under are free. For more information, visit ArtsCouncilOKC.com

The American Banjo Museum welcomes you to an afternoon of holiday music, candy canes, refreshments, and more! Bring the entire family to sing along with the Okie Dokies, the American Banjo Museum’s Executive Director Johnny Baier, and TV’s Lucas Ross as they perform holiday favorites.

Admission is FREE when you bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner. Children 15 and under are admitted free without a gift. Join the American Banjo Museum for Candy Cane Christmas on Sunday, December 8 from 1pm to 4pm. For more information, visit AmericanBanjoMuseum.com.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

Join the festivities as Mannheim Steamroller Christmas makes history and celebrates 35 years of holiday magic by bringing their annual holiday tour to the Civic Center Music Hall on Tuesday, November 26 at 7:30pm. Experience the performance that started it all and hear the entire album played live for the first time ever!

This year’s show will feature all of your favorite classic Christmas hits along with unforgettable multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Tickets can be purchased at OKCBroadway.com, by calling 405-594-8300, or visting the Civic Center Box Office Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.

OKC STREETCAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

EMBARK is celebrating the OKC Streetcar’s first year of service with an all-day birthday party on Saturday, December 14 beginning at Leadership Square. All are invited to join the festivities which include letters to Santa, photos with holiday characters, kids’ crafts, entertainment, wrapping paper station, and more. The festivities will end with a ticketed beer and food event at Elk Valley Brewing benefitting the Homeless Alliance.

On December 15 the Transit Center (501 N. Hudson Ave.) will be full of holiday cheer with photos with Santa available to all bus passengers.Learn more at OKCStreetcar.com.

FREE WEEKEND STREETCAR RIDES

Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcar weekends (Fridays through Sundays) beginning November 22 through January 5 in celebration of their one year anniversary. Learn more about OKC Streetcar at OKCStreetcar.com.

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FREE HOLIDAY WATER TAXI RIDES

DEVON’S SATURDAYS WITH SANTA

HOLLY JOLLY SHOPS AT THE BRICK

Holly Jolly Shops at the Brick is a two-day event featuring amazing retailers, food, and fun on the concourse of the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Come enjoy holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere! This open-air market is free and open to the public. For more information, visit Revolve-Productions.com.

HOURS: DECEMBER 7 - 12PM TO 7PM DECEMBER 8 - 12PM TO 5:30PM

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Visit Oklahoma City’s local shops and celebrate the Shop Small movement on Saturday, November 30. Small Business Saturday is recognized in communities nationwide to promote holiday shopping at small storefronts.

Enjoy special promotions and in-store events at participating businesses throughout the city. Visit DowntownInDecember.com for a list of businesses.

OKC CHRISTMAS CRAWL

The OKC Christmas Crawl returns for its 6th year on Friday, December 13, 6pm-11pm, in Automobile Alley. Crawl your way through participating bars, enjoy food and drink specials, and be merry in your best holiday costume. The Christmas Crawl is a local charity fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Oklahoma City. For more information, visit OKCCrawl.com.

AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT FIRST CHURCH OKC

Hear the African Children’s Choir in concert at First Church in downtown Oklahoma City on Sunday, December 1 at 7pm. Admission is free and open to everyone. Visit FirstChurchOKC.com for more information.

MESTA PARK 42ND ANNUAL HOME TOUR

Take a peek at all of the beautiful historic homes on display at Mesta Park’s 42nd Annual Home Tour on December 7 and December 8. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association’s beautification and improvement efforts. For more information, visit MestaPark.org.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT ARTSPACE

ARTSPACE at Untitled will feature several holiday events and workshops this winter. The Postcard Perspectives exhibition will be on display through December 28 and includes over 2,000 small works of art that can be purchased right off of the exhibition walls and be given as the perfect holiday gift.

Learn more at 1ne3.org.

HOURS: TUESDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-6PM SUNDAY-MONDAY: CLOSED

SUGAR PLUM PROMENADE AT SCISSORTAIL PARK

Enjoy a beautiful stroll down the Sugar Plum Promenade at Scissortail Park! Celebrate the season on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 with holiday festivities including lights, children’s entertainment, games, music, food trucks and Santa’s Cocoa Showdown! Visit ScissortailPark.org for details and updates.

YS

EAT & DRINK

BOOK YOUR P R I VAT E EVENT

H O L I DAYS

continued from page 28

No-pumpkin pie

Emma Ryan is a chef, nutritionist and all-around dietary coach. After years of working as a personal consultant, she opened her own restaurant Plant, 1120 N. Walker Ave., in Midtown this year. Ryan credits going to a plant-based diet for finding relief from autoimmune disorders and wants people to know that making the switch is more about what your body gains from eating plant-based rather than what it’s missing.

INGREDIENTS For the crust: 1 cup toasted coconut flakes 3 cups cashews 1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon salt For the filling: 1 cup cashews 3⁄4 cup pure maple syrup 1⁄3 cup carrot juice 1⁄3 cup melted coconut oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger powder pinch ground cloves pinch sea salt DIRECTIONS 1. Pour all of the cashews and coconut flakes into a food processor and process until the consistency is like sand/flour.

Emma Ryan’s no-pumpkin pie | Photo Emma Ryan / provided

2. Add in all of the other crust ingredients and process until the mixture turns into a thick, sandy dough. It should stick together if you press it with your fingers.

If not, add more maple. You want it to be dry, but not too dry.

3. Once done, press it firmly into a pie dish of your choice. You will have to use your hands to really press it in and get it to stick. (I personally use cheesecake pans so it is easy to pop out, but any dish will work.) Place the prepared crust in the freezer while you make the filling.

4. Using a high-speed blender (or food processor), add in all of the filling ingredients except the coconut oil.

Blend the mixture on high until smooth and then add in the coconut oil. Blend again until smooth and then pour the filling into the dish over the crust.

Place it in the refrigerator or freezer until it is firm, typically 2-4 hours.

5. Once firm, keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. If you’re making it days in advance, feel free to cover it with plastic wrap and freeze it until the day you plan to eat it.

—Emma Ryan

Meatloaf from Metro Diner | Photo provided

Metro Diner Meatloaf Jacksonville’s Metro Diner parlayed an appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives into a national expansion. One of the dishes featured on the appearance is the restaurant’s meatloaf, which blends three types of meat with mushrooms for a tender take on the dish.

Metro Diner is located at 3000 W. Memorial Road, Suite 109 in Oklahoma City.

INGREDIENTS 1⁄2 onion, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 6 medium mushrooms, sliced 1 egg 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce pinch salt pinch pepper 1 cup breadcrumbs

1 pound ground beef 1⁄2 pound ground turkey 1⁄2 pound ground pork DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Pulse the onion, carrot, celery and mushrooms in a food processor.

3. Combine all remaining ingredients and place them in a meatloaf pan (or two depending on size).

4. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour or until completely cooked.

5. Remove it from the pan and slice it into 1-inch-thick pieces.

6. In a very hot sauté pan, add a bit of oil and sear each side of the meatloaf slices before serving.

7. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables and some hot, crusty bread.

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EAT & DRINK

REVIEW

Al pastor, nopales and shrimp tacos at The Mayan Taqueria & Cantina | Photo Jacob Threadgill

Mayan tacos

The Mayan Taqueria & Cantina lives up to its top billing status on Yelp. By Jacob Threadgill

The Mayan Taqueria & Cantina 3020 N. Walker Ave., Suite A WHAT WORKS: Each taco gets its own treatment, and honey with shrimp works well.

WHAT NEEDS WORK: The chicken in the enchilada was a little dry.

TIP: Be on the lookout for new cocktails in early 2020.

In late October, Yelp released its ranking of top 50 restaurants in the Oklahoma City metro, taking into account both the total number of reviews on the social media app, and overall rating and health scores.

The same month it celebrated its oneyear anniversary, The Mayan Taqueria & Cantina, 3020 N. Walker Ave., Suite A, also celebrated reaching the No. 1 overall spot on Yelp’s ranked list of local restaurants.

“We really care about our customers and want anyone who comes in here to enjoy authentic Mexican food and find comfort in the flavors,” said Mayan owner Tania Perez. “We’ll take care of them from the time they come in until they leave. We take pride in making sure everyone is OK. If the food is good but the service is bad, people won’t come back.”

Perez and her husband Ulysses took the experience they got turning tickets while running the Taco Box food truck on SW 59th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and applied to the restaurant that formerly served The Paseo Arts District as El Fogoncito.

Perez, who has a background in finance, has also worked in the restaurant industry. She worked for Heartland Financial, running payroll and credit

card services for clients, which included El Fogoncito. The restaurant’s previous owner told her they wanted to sell, and originally Perez worked to find another owner.

“That night, I was going through my contacts, and my husband asked what I was doing. I told him I was looking for a buyer for one of my clients, and he asked which one, and I told him El Fogoncito. He said, ‘Why don’t we buy it?’ Hold on; I’m 8 months pregnant and he wants to buy a whole restaurant? We talked about it and said, ‘Hey, why not?’

We’re the kind of people that are like, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ So we jumped in and bought the place.”

The couple made the decision to rebrand after El Fogoncito dealt with inconsistency under two different owners and focus the concept on a tacocentric menu that fits on a single page.

They kept the restaurant’s main mural on the south wall but called in its artist Sergio “Tank” Ramirez to add some new murals to the bar and bathrooms.

“We wanted a name that would stick with people,” Perez said. “We want people to see Mayan and think tacos.”

The Mayan offers 11 types of taco, and every choice of filling gets a different treatment. Perez said they’re serving a higher level of taco than what they dished when they ran the Taco Box food truck, as prices run $2.75-$4 per taco.

Carnitas is paired with tomatillo salsa while the grilled chicken gets a topping of ranch. Asada is topped with avocado and pico de gallo while the barbacoa is garnished with the traditional

cilantro, onions and radish. The menu also features burritos, flautas and a pair of enchilada preparations.

Perez said that al pastor, which is topped with fresh pineapple, is the most popular taco. It’s followed closely by conchita pibil, which is similar to al pastor in that they’re both marinated pork, but it has less heat and more citrus in the marinade.

“A lot of people think it’s going to be spicy, but once they order it, they come back for it,” Perez said.

I was intrigued when I saw The Mayan atop Yelp’s ranking. I covered El Fogoncito in the review section for Oklahoma Gazette in June 2018, and thought it had some hits and misses. My biggest memory of the meal was my disappointment around its signature appetizer, the queso fundido, in which the cheese cooled within minutes and became an inedible block within minutes after arriving at the table.

Perez said they heard similar complaints from customers, who thought they were the same ownership when they opened as The Mayan. The mixture of

asada, al pastor and melted cheese remains on The Mayan menu—where Perez said it is the most popular appetizer—after they made a tweak to how the item arrives from the kitchen to the table.

“We took [the complaints] into consideration so that it doesn’t happen as it stays on the table,” she said. “It’s a timing thing; if you don’t time it right, the skillet gets cool too quickly.”

Next time I dine at The Mayan, I will definitely give the queso another shot.

Before speaking with Perez, I kept it safe by starting the meal off with chips and guacamole, which hit the spot. For tacos, I ordered al pastor, nopales and shrimp. The al pastor is served on fresh corn tortillas and had some heat. The grilled shrimp is served over spinach with a little drizzle of honey, which complemented a nice dollop of bottled tomatillo salsa nicely. The nopales taco is the only vegetarian taco, and it’s piled high with the cactus strips that have a nice smoky flavor.

My wife ordered the enchiladas verde, which is chicken topped with a poblano and sour cream sauce. I’m so used to getting enchiladas with a tomatillo sauce that the poblano threw me for a moment, as the char from the peppers gave a depth to the sauce. I would’ve preferred the tortillas to be drenched in the sauce before rolled around the chicken, as the chicken was a little dry, but they were more than satisfactory.

For the cooler months, The Mayan is offering three soups: pozole, chicken and meatball. Perez said the bar is focused on Mexican beer, tequila and mescal and will roll out a Mexicaninspired cocktail menu in early 2020.

Margaritas are only served on the rocks; nothing from a machine.

I think the overall rebrand of The Mayan has worked. It has benefitted from streamlining the menu, and the items are served fresh in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Chicken enchiladas with a poblano and sour cream sauce | Photo Jacob Threadgill O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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GAZEDIBLES

EAT & DRINK

Window service

Saturday is National Fast Food Day, but instead of supporting international conglomerates, you can get fresh food through your car window at a lot of local restaurants.

By Jacob Threadgill with provided and Gazette / file photos

Crudoolandia

Tim’s Drive Inn

La Loteria Tacogrill

The ability to get fresh seafood through your car window in Oklahoma City might seem like an oxymoron, but the quality of seafood Crudoolandia serves with its signature beer or sparkling water-paired Micheladas are unmatched. You can also get ceviche or even shrimp aguachile, which is raw shrimp marinated in lime juice for multiple days and served with spicy red or green sauce.

There are some days in which the only thing that will fill your craving is an Indian taco with fry bread cowering in fright at the amount of shredded yellow cheese, meat, beans and lettuce piled high on top. At Tim’s, you can get a hearty Indian Taco, classic burger, gyro, or footlong hot dog at a price that won’t break the bank.

The people behind Hugo’s Taquizas now operate this former Taco Bueno location and have kept the drive-thru window operational as the food has been elevated to another level. From breakfast served all day to tacos, burritos, tortas, hamburgers, rich stews and soups, there is a lot to choose from.

641 SW 29th St. crudoolandia.com | 405-432-4352

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GREAT GIFT IDEA!

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Pollo Campero

1414 NW 23rd St. us.campero.com | 405-601-1234 The Guatemalan-based chain expanded into Oklahoma thanks to the local folks who own City Bites. While people are trying to figure out how to get the Popeye’s chicken sandwich, Pollo Campero is offering its version that is packed full of flavor. Also, Popeye’s doesn’t have horchata, yucca fries or the delightful corn salad. You can get chicken either fried or grilled with lime and spices.

Tacos Don Nacho 3721 S. Council Road 405-745-2550

For a lot of people in Oklahoma City, their favorite restaurant is simply Tacos Don Nacho. The location has a vocal section of support, and for good reason.

You get full-service restaurant quality in a relaxed setting that also serves out of its drive-thru window. There’s nothing quite like cutting into one of its cheese and red sauce-covered wet burritos.

Poké Loco

14600 N. Pennsylvania Ave. gopokeloco.com | 405-607-0035 Poké Loco recently announced that the only way to enjoy its poké bowls and sushi burritos is during its lunch rush from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the drivethru window, which will allow the restaurant to focus its attention on an already well-received service. Customers choose from its choice of protein, vegetables and toppings with ease by ordering online or at its window.

Taste of Soul Giant Egg Rolls

4605 SE 29th St., Del City facebook.com/tasteofsouleggroll 405-677-5820 This is somewhat of a speculative addition to the list because Taste of Soul will be adding drive-thru service at its new Del City location, but it’s still working out the ordering kinks. Watch the restaurant’s social media pages for official announcements, but based on the satisfying product it’s serving, the drivethru addition figures to be a hit.

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H O L I DAYS

ARTS & CULTURE

Merry go-round

Oklahoma Gazette suggests 12 local holiday events to jingle your bells. By Jeremy Martin

Happy holidays, dear readers! As our gift to you this year, rather than the traditional 11 pipers piping or 10 lords a-leaping (you hardly even used the eight maids a-milking we gave you last year) we decided to offer you and yours 12 holly-jolly happenings to tide you over till our New Year’s Guide. Whether you fancy the perennial classics or irreverent reinventions or you just want to tie one on (and we ain’t talking bows and presents), you should find something to make your days a little more merry and bright.

12 Bars of Christmas Crawl 4-11 p.m. Dec. 14 Pretty Please Social Room 104 Flaming Lips Alley xmasok.eventbrite.com $16-$20 In all the holiday hubbub, we too often forget the true meaning of Christmas: gettin’ hella hammered in ridiculous outfits. This pub crawl is a perfect excuse to don your gaudiest sweaters, seasonal costumes, footy pajamas or whatever other ridiculousness you can think of and hit a dozen local bars. But be sure to pace yourself; the only thing worse than coal in your stocking is activated charcoal in your stomach.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 FireLake Arena 18145 Old Rangeline Road, Shawnee firelakearena.com | 405-273-1637 $20-$35 See Charles Schulz’s classic 1965 animated holiday special performed by a cast of live actors with the original dialogue and musical score and try your best not to weep openly in front of all the children present when Snoopy and company spruce up that tiny tree and sing the “oooohs.” Good grief.

Erin Woods’ Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker offers an interactive theatrical holiday party with plenty of literary references Dec. 5-21 at Oklahoma Shakespeare. | Photo provided

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Christmas with the Crawfords 8 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 28 The Boom 2218 NW 39th St. theboomokc.com |405-601-7200 $25 Spend the holidays with Mommie Dearest herself at this holiday musical by Richard Winchester and Mark Sargent set during a 1940s Christmas Eve broadcast from the home of Joan Crawford (Kitty Bob Aimes). Expect a plethora of cheeky cameos from the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age including Judy Garland, Ethel Merman and, of course, Bette “Baby Jane” Davis.

No wire hangers!

Deck the Hall With Buddy Holly

Holiday Reindog Walk & Puppy Parade

7-10 p.m. Dec. 7 The Auditorium at The Douglass 600 N. High Ave. auditoriumatdouglass.com 405-652-9541 $15-$35

10 a.m. Dec. 7 Earlywine Park 3101 SW 119th St. Search “reindog” at runsignup.com $35

In January 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper began their Winter Dance Party Tour, which ended tragically on Feb. 3 when all three performers were killed in a plane crash. Oklahomabased tribute band Buddy Holly and The Legends of Rock and Roll recreate the now-historic Feb. 2 Clear Lake, Iowa, Winter Dance Party concert and perform hits by Elvis Presley and classic holiday favorites at this ’50s revival show.

When Tom Waits sang, “I am a rain dog, too,” did he actually mean he was a puppy dressed as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Let’s assume so because this parade of “reindogs” — featuring a prize for best dressed pup and benefitting OU Medical Center’s Volunteer Program and Pet Therapy Pals — is likely the cutest sight you’ll see this holiday season, and, yes, we are including your children when we say that.

Handel’s Messiah 7 p.m. Dec. 8 Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. canterburyokc.com | 405-594-8300 $15-$62 Hear baroque composer George Frideric Handel’s famous work played by a full orchestra including harps, horns and a wind section from Oklahoma City Philharmonic and sung by the Canterbury Voices choir featuring more than 160 members. Hallelujah!

Oklahoma City Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Dec. 14-22 at Civic Center Music Hall. | Photo Kate Luber/Jana Carson / provided

Canterbury Voices presents Handel’s Messiah 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Civic Center Music Hall. | Photo Michael Anderson / Performing Arts Photography / provided

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Nov. 29-Dec. 22 The Pollard Theatre 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie thepollard.org | 405-282-2800 $15-$20 Playwright Joe Landry reimagines Frank Capra’s 1946 film classic as a radio play in Pollard Theatre Company’s new annual holiday tradition. Last year, Pollard artistic director W. Jerome Stevenson told Oklahoma Gazette that the radioplay staging, which includes sound effects created live onstage, “eliminates some of the noise … to give you the essence of the story itself.”

Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker

Oklahoma City Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Opolis Holiday Program

Dec. 5-21 Oklahoma Shakespeare 2920 Paseo St. okshakes.org | 405-235-3700 $10-$20

Dec. 14-22 Civic Center Music Hall 201 N. Walker Ave. okcciviccenter.com | 405-594-8300 $20-$80

8 p.m. Dec. 20 Opolis 113 N. Crawford Ave., Norman opolis.org | 405-230-0311 $7

A theatrically enhanced interactive holiday party, Erin Woods’ original play invites audience members to mingle with 18th-century author Jane Austen and some of her most beloved characters; era-appropriate costumes encouraged.

See Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s world-famous ballet about young Clara’s magical adventures with the Nutcracker Prince with staging by OKC Ballet artistic director Robert Mills and a live soundtrack provided by Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

In the tradition of holiday variety shows, this local celebration features music, comedy and poetry from local favorites Samantha Crain, LABRYS, Beau Jennings, James Nghiem and more. Don’t forget to bring clean socks and gloves to donate to Homeless Alliance.

Lyric Theatre’s A Christmas Carol

RACE Dance Company’s Hip-Hop Nutcracker

Nov. 29-Dec. 24 Lyric at the Plaza 1727 NW 16th St. lyrictheatreokc.com | 405-524-9312 $25-$68 Charles Dickens’ classic holiday ghost story suggests all it takes for a one-percenter to become more compassionate is multiple visits from supernatural beings and a touch of time travel. Lyric’s perennially popular retelling of this sweetly optimistic tale features Broadway actor Dirk Lumbard returning for his fourth year as Ebenezer Scrooge.

God bless us, every one!

Dec. 6-7 Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater Oklahoma City Community College 7777 S. May Ave. racedance.com | 405-410-4978 $10-$20

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie. | Photo provided

In an interview with Oklahoma Gazette last year, RACE Dance Company founder and executive director Hui Cha Poos said this annual but ever-evolving show is her attempt at adapting Tchaikovsky’s 1892 classic ballet “so that it [is] a little more relatable” to modern life with updated choreography and soundtrack and a cast of dancers including students from local schools.

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M E B R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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ARTS & CULTURE Madihah Janjua’s “Voices” is on display at Fighting for Abortion Access Is an Act of Love, 2-4 p.m.

Saturday at Kamp’s 1910 Café. | Photo Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice / provided

Muqaddam will be present to take questions about current litigation in and outside Oklahoma.

“Abortions are not easy to access or afford for practically any woman due to the amount of restrictions imposed on clinics and the cost of the procedures,” the zine, also available on OCRJ’s website, says, but it later adds, “Most people do not regret having their abortions. … The number one most common emotion reported after an abortion is relief.”

We don’t have to paint abortion like it’s just a tragedy.

Sometimes it’s just a necessary thing.

ART

Danielle Williams

Show support

Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice presents local art exhibition Fighting for Abortion Access Is an Act of Love. By Jeremy Martin

Abortion can be a hard topic to talk about, but approaching it artfully may change the tone of the dialogue.

“Doing reproductive rights work, we get some pretty vile responses sometimes, and it’s just kind of hard to break through in that conversation with people,” said Danielle Williams, codirector for Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice (OCRJ). “We thought about art as a really good way to just show people the personal impact, make it a creative expression that might be a little easier to digest and spark new ideas and new ways to talk about this and reach new people, basically.”

Fighting for Abortion Access Is an Act of Love, an exhibition of works by local artists, is 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Kamp’s 1910 Café, 10 NE 10th St. The event will be the fourth in a series of shows also held in Norman, Edmond and Tulsa.

Williams said the first show at University of Oklahoma was a success with a bigger turnout than expected.

“We hosted a conversation after, and everyone was pretty engaged, talking about some of their own stories,” 40

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Williams said. “Some people were literally, just like we wanted them to, using the art to say, ‘This artist interpreted fighting for abortion rights in this way, and it spoke to me for whatever reason,’ so that was really nice.”

Williams said a casual conversation is often best because “where healthcare and law intersect, it can be kind of intimidating.”

“Overwhelmingly, we want people to let it be a free-flowing discussion,” Williams said. “If you have questions or if you want to talk about your own experience, it’s going to be very open.

There’s not going to be a formal panel discussion or anything like that.”

An annually updated zine titled How to Get an Abortion in Oklahoma will also be available, but Williams cautioned that some of the information might soon be outdated depending on the outcomes of multiple ongoing court cases concerning state abortion restrictions. (See page 4 for more information.) Center for Reproductive Rights attorney Rabia Tiffani Nicole Sanders with her painting“Safe Space” | Photo Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice / provided

While obtaining an abortion in Oklahoma can be complicated, Williams said finding a group of artists willing to contribute work in support of reproductive rights was much easier than she anticipated. Some viewers, meanwhile, might find that the artworks are more positive and uplifting than they expected.

“I kind of hope that they’re surprised by the art, just because even with people who support abortion rights, the discussion so quickly spirals into tragedy and all the terrible things that could have happened to a woman who’s seeking an abortion,” Williams said. “I’m lucky enough to have never needed abortion care, but I have a handful of friends who went through it, and they were just relieved once it was over. It was just like a weight off their shoulders. I mean, I’m sure it’s a hard thing to go through, but it’s a positive if that’s what you need, and I don’t think we should be afraid to just say that that’s the case. We don’t have to paint abortion like it’s just a tragedy. Sometimes it’s just a necessary thing.”

Safe space

Tiffani Nicole Sanders said her painting “Safe Space” depicts an Afro-futuristic vision of “women from the past, present

and future unconditionally supporting a woman in her choice, whether it be physically, spiritually, emotionally, verbally.”

“In my paintings, with every stroke or color or even concept, I tend to tell the story of a certain situation,” Sanders said. “It may be my personal story or a story that was shared with me by someone that I met along my journey. …

I’ve dealt with women who have had some very serious trauma in their lives, and I was the advocate for them. Many of the ones I helped were faced with this decision, so it’s basically their story that I was trying to help them with portraying. … If I was in their situation … I would want someone to love me and respect my decision and support me in every way without question, without judgment.”

For Sanders, art is a safe space.

“It’s where I can be my true self,” Sanders said. “It’s where I can speak my truth. … There’s always going to be some type of conversation coming from something I created because I told the story, and I’m making people look at something different and feel something different. For those who understand the story, they can relate to the story, and they feel safe within it, that someone is out there speaking the same story, speaking the same truth and they can relate to that.”

Madihah Janjua said her painting “Voices” depicts the positive effects of the support she heard patients receiving when she worked as a volunteer at an abortion clinic.

“It’s a difficult decision when they come in, and there’s this internal struggle because of what society says,” Janjua said. “There’s a negative stigma associated with abortion just because of our current political climate living in Oklahoma. … Hearing some of the words of support and seeing the impact that it had on these women was something that’s really struck a chord with me, and I wanted to make sure that if someone may be considering it or may have been in that situation that they saw the support that comes their way. There’s healing in that, and it empowers women to be able to take control of their body and make their own decisions. I just wanted to be able to show that within this piece.”

“You are free to choose,” the painting reads in part. “You are safe. You are not alone. … You are loved.”

The show will also be in Tulsa 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Visit ocrj.org.

Fighting for Abortion Access Is an Act of Love 2-4 p.m. Saturday Kamp’s 1910 Café 10 NE 10th St. ocrj.org Free

OKG Lifestylew

Around OKC EAT

Elbow mac and cheese with bacon and Andouille at Republic Gastropub

WATCH Unbelieveable (Netflix) LISTEN Media and the End of the World podcast READ The Girl Who Sang the Monsters to Sleep by Kinsey Charles,

illustrated by Natasha Alterici LOVE Mammoth vape cartridges

EXPERIENCE Angry Scotsman Brewing’s taproom

Outside OKC Campisi’s Restaurants in Dallas EAT Chef ’s Table (Netflix) WATCH Bonnets at Dawn podcast LISTEN Middlewest comics by Skottie Young, READ illustrated by Jorge Corona

“Death By a Thousand Cuts” by Taylor Swift LOVE Letterkenny (Hulu) EXPERIENCE

Ali Harter-Street ’s Picks EAT lengua/beef tongue tacos with salsa

verde from the Taqueria Sanchez taco truck WATCH Yellowstone (Paramount Network) LISTEN The Mean Hustle Broad Cast Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on KOSU The Spy.

Bonus: Chris Gethard’s Beautiful Anonymous podcast

READ How To Get Back Up: A Memoir of Failure & Resilience by Neil Pasricha LOVE grapefruit Bubly water w/ lime & salt (AKA Virgin Party Water) EXPERIENCE Driving the rolling plains and windmill fields on the Osage Nation Heritage

Trail Scenic Byway/I-60 near Pawhuska at sunset, windows down, blasting “Back to Me” by Kathleen Edwards, in 90-degree Oklahoma-specific heat

Ali Harter-Street is the owner/artist of Pigs Fly Shop, VP/co-founder of Annie Lillard Legacy, Inc., a musician and the host of The Mean Hustle Broad Cast on The Spy FM. THE GIRL WHO SANG THE MONSTERS TO SLEEP BY KINSEY CHARLES, ILLUSTRATED BY NATASHA ALTERICI | IMAGE PROVIDED LITERATI PRESS • MEDIA AND THE END OF THE WORLD PODCAST | IMAGE MEDIA AND THE END OF THE WORLD / PROVIDED • CHEF’S TABLE (NETFLIX) | IMAGE NETFLIX / PROVIDED • BONNETS AT DAWN PODCAST | IMAGE PROVIDED • TAQUERIA SANCHEZ TACO TRUCK | PHOTO GAZETTE / FILE • YELLOWSTONE (PARAMOUNT NETWORK) | IMAGE PARAMOUNT NETWORK / PROVIDED• ALI HARTER-STREET | PHOTO PIGSFLYSHOP.COM / PROVIDED O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M E B R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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CALENDAR are events recommended

by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

FILM Filmography: Hal (2018, USA, Amy Scott) a documentary about the life of Oscar-winning director Hal Ashby, 8-9:30 p.m. Nov. 15. 21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main St., 405-982-6900, 21cmuseumhotels.com. FRI The Stories We Tell (2012, Canada, Sarah Polley) a documentary about a family of storytellers reveals the subjective nature of memory, 2 p.m. Nov. 13. Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave, 405-208-5000. WED

HAPPENINGS Afro Beats a dance party with soca, hip-hop, Caribbean, dancehall and other genres of music provided

by DJ Sinz, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays. Glass Lounge, 5929 N. May Ave., 405-835-8077, glasshouseokc.com. FRI Banquet Cinema Bingo Night buy a card for a chance to win cash prizes, 7-8:45 p.m. Wednesdays.

The Banquet Cinema Pub, 800 NW Fourth St., banquetcinema.com. WED Board Game Day enjoy local craft beer while playing old-school board and arcade games with friends, 5-8 p.m. Sundays. FlashBack RetroPub, 814 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-633-3604, flashbackretropub.com. SUN Conversational Spanish Group Meetup an opportunity for all experience levels to practice speaking Spanish, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-842-2900, fullcirclebooks.com. TUE Devon Ice Rink ice stake in the Myriad Botanical Gardens and enjoy seasonal food and beverages., Mondays-Sundays. through Feb. 2. Devon Ice Rink, 100 N. Robinson Ave., 405-708-6499, downtownindecember.com/devon-ice-rink. FRI-SUN Downtown Recyclers Toastmasters practice your public speaking skills at this ongoing weekly meeting, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Department of Environmental Quality, 707 N. Robinson Ave., 405702-0100, deq.state.ok.us. WED

Wednesdays. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Building, 2501 N. Stiles Ave., 405-523-2300, okfarmbureau.org. WED House Cleansing and Blessing Workshop learn about spiritual cleansing techniques at this workshop taught by shamanic practitioner Eileen Hetherington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 19. The School of Natural Wisdom, 6817 NW 27th St., 405-255-8366, facebook. com/schoolofnaturalwisdom. TUE Indoor Gardening with Houseplants learn about choosing plants to grow indoors, as well as proper lighting, feeding, temperature control and more, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 13. Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 36th St., 405-943-0827, okc.gov. WED Jackbox.tv Game Night play interactive party games with host Alex Sanchez, 8-10 p.m. Mondays.

Oak & Ore, 1732 NW. 16th St., 405-606-2030, oakandore.com. MON Moore Chess Club play in tournaments and learn about the popular board game at this weekly event where all ages and skill levels are welcome, 1-4 p.m.

Sundays. Moore Library, 225 S. Howard Ave. SUN PAMBE Ghana Global Market shop for handmade and artisanal crafts, clothing and other items at this holiday pop-up shop benefitting bilingual education, Oct. 29-Dec. 24, Through Dec. 24. 50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 405-848-5567, 50pennplacegallery.com. TUE Pooches on the Patio bring your best friend to this dog-friendly happy hour with drink specials, appetizers and free pet treats, 4-7 p.m. Saturdays. Café 501 Classen Curve, 5825 NW Grand Blvd., 405-8441501, cafe501.com/. SAT Postcard Perspectives an exhibition featuring thousands of postcards created by artists from across the U.S. and 37 other countries, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 15-Dec. 28. Artspace at Untitled, 1 NE Third St., 405-815-9995, 1ne3.org.

FRI-SAT

Renegade Poker compete in a 2-3 hour tournament with cash prizes, 3 p.m. Sundays. Bison Witches Bar & Deli, 211 E Main St., 405-364-7555, bisonwitchesok.com. SUN Toastmasters Meeting hone public speaking and leadership skills in a move-at-your own pace environment, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. McFarlin United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Drive, 623-8100295. THU

Poetry and Chill Second Anniversary Hosted by Gregory II and Jillian Whitaker and featuring live performances by Deezy, Anthony Crawford Jr. and Douglass High School Marching Band, this evening celebrates two years of cultural enrichment and arts education outreach in OKC and beyond courtesy of Poetry and Chill.

Through open mics, children’s workshops and a recently completed college tour, Gregory II’s Poetry and Chill has been working to elevate the conversation through creativity. Obviously two years is not nearly enough. The celebration is 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday at The Auditorium at The Douglass, 600 N. High Ave. Admission is free.

Visit poetryandchillokc.com. SATURDAY Photo Steve Ihekona/S I K E images/ provided Drag Me to Bingo bingo night hosted by Teabaggin Betsy, 9 p.m. Tuesdays. Partners, 2805 NW 36th St., 405-942-2199, partners4club.com. TUE Governor’s Club Toastmasters lose your fear of public speaking and gain leadership skills by practicing in a fun and low-stakes environment, noon-1 p.m.

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Trivia Night at Black Mesa Brewing test your knowledge at this weekly competition hosted by BanjoBug Trivia, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Black Mesa Brewing Company, 1354 W Sheridan Ave., 405-778-1865, blackmesabrewing.com. TUE

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

Trivia Night at Matty McMillen’s answer questions for a chance to win prizes at this weekly trivia night, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Matty McMillen’s Irish Pub, 2201 NW 150th St., 405-607-8822, mattymcmillens. com. TUE

FOOD OKC Farmers Market a year round farmers market featuring fresh produce, honey, baked goods, meat, hand made goods and more., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. OKC Farmers Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 4054860701, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT

YOUTH Art Adventures children can enjoy story time and related activities, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-3253272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE Early Explorers toddlers and preschoolers can participate in fun scientific activities they can repeat later at home, 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. THU Figure Drawing for Kids young artists can practice the fundamentals of graphite and charcoal pencil drawing with a (fully clothed) live model, 6-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19. Heart Studios, 3208 Teakwood Lane, Suite 103, 405-664-4194, heartstudiosllc.com. TUE Reading Wednesdays a weekly storytime with hands-on activities, goody bags and reading-themed photo ops, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405-445-7080, myriadgardens.com. WED Sankofa Chess Club children 7 and older are invited to learn chess in this club meeting weekly, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Nappy Roots, 3705 Springlake Drive, 405-896-0203, facebook.com/pg/nappyrootsbooks. WED Signing Time Sign Language Class children can learn American Sign Language at this class taught

by Mrs. Stacy, 4-5 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 19.

We Rock the Spectrum, 64 E 33rd St., 405-657-1108, werockthespectrumoklahomacity.com. THU Story Time with Britt’s Bookworms enjoy snacks, crafts and story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. first and third Thursday of every month. Thrive Mama Collective, 1745 NW 16th St., 405-356-6262. THU

! es! ! s n ry tio eek Pric r Hu duc 2 W eats & o In st S r P s r Be n Fo e p O r Now

de r O

Storytime Science the museum invites children age 6 and younger to hear a story and participate in a related scientific activity, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, 405-602-6664, sciencemuseumok.org. TUE

PERFORMING ARTS

by CHARLES

Anjelah Johnson the standup comic and actress performs on her Technically Not Stalking Tour, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan Ave., 405-308-1803, criterionokc.com. THU Black Violin the duo Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste combine classical music and hip-hop in a unique performance, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14. OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S. May Ave., 405-682-7579, tickets. occc.edu. THU Divine Comedy a weekly local showcase hosted

by CJ Lance and Josh Lathe and featuring a variety of comedians from OKC and beyond, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays. 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St., 405-463-0470, 51stspeakeasy.com. WED

OKLAHOMA CITY’S FAVORITE

HOLIDAY TRADITION!

NOV 29 - DEC 24

DICKENS • directed by MICHAEL BARON

From Humbug to Happy in One Magical Night!

A Doll’s House Part 2 Nora Helmer returns to the family she left behind in playwright Lucas Hnath’s sequel to Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play, Nov. 8-24, Through Nov. 24. CitySpace Theatre, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N Walker Ave, 405-594-8300. FRI-SUN Don Quixote Open Mic a weekly comedy show followed by karaoke, 7:30-9 p.m. Fridays. Don Quixote Club, 3030 N. Portland Ave., 405-947-0011. FRI Dope Poetry Night read your poems or just go to listen to others at this open mic hosted by J. Wiggins and Proverb, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Ice Event Center & Grill, 1148 NE 36th St., 405-208-4240, iceeventcentergrill.eat24hour.com. WED Iron Horse Open Mic and Showcase perform music on stage at this show open to all experience levels, 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays. Iron Horse Bar & Grill, 9501 S. Shields Blvd., 405-735-1801. WED Jim Gaffigan the comic and actor performs on his Secrets and Pies tour, 7-9 p.m. Nov. 15. Riverwind Casino, 1544 W. State Highway 9, Norman, 405-3226000, riverwind.com. FRI Joel Forlenza: The Piano Man the pianist performs variety of songs made famous by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and of course Billy Joel, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Othello’s Italian Restaurant, 434 Buchanan Ave., Norman, 405-701-4900, othellos.us.

TUE-THU

Kendell’s Open Mic play up to four songs at this weekly music open mic, 8-11 p.m. Tuesdays. Kendell’s, 110 S. May Ave., kendellsbar.com. TUE

Photo by KO Rinearson

Charge Tickets Instantly at LyricTheatreOKC.org or (405) 524-9312 Discounts for 8 or more • E-Mail: Groups@LyricTheatreOKC.org for priority seating.

SEASON SPONSORS

continued on page 44

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CALENDAR Run the Alley a three-mile social run for athletes of all abilities ending with beers at The Yard, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. OK Runner, 708 N Broadway Ave., 405-702-9291, myokrunner.com. THU

Grown-Ups Retro Christmas Tree Painting Party pick from a variety of Christmas tree themed ceramics to paint while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 15. Unpluggits Paint & Play, 575 Enterprise Dr., Suite 110, 405-340-7584, unpluggits.com. FRI

Twisted Coyote Brew Crew a weekly 3-mile group run for all ability levels with a beer tasting to follow; bring your own safety lights, 6 p.m. Mondays.

Twisted Spike Brewing Co., 1 NW 10th St., 405-3013467, twistedspike.com. MON

Harold Stevenson: The Great Society a collection of 98 large-scale portraits of residents of Idabel, Oklahoma, through Dec. 29. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE-SUN

Wheeler Criterium a weekly nighttime cycling event with criterium races, food trucks and family activities, 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Wheeler Park, 1120 S. Western Ave., 405-297-2211, wheelerdistrict.com. TUE

Leviathan I: The Aesthetics of Capital an experimental exhibition created by artist Pete Froslie exploring climate change, moral and political philosophy through electro-mechanics and game engine-based digital projection, through Dec. 31, Through Dec. 31. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., 405-325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. WED-TUE

Yoga with Art workout in an art-filled environment followed by a mimosa, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays.

21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main St., 405-982-6900, 21cmuseumhotels.com. SAT

VISUAL ARTS Between Pastures & Skies: Art from the Ranch, 2014-2019 view mixed-medium works, paintings, drawings, installations, photos and videos created by Irmgard Geul and Skip Hill, Oct. 11-Nov. 16, Through Nov. 16. MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., 405360-1162, mainsitecontemporaryart.com. FRI-SAT

C A L E N DA R

continued from page 43 Lumpy’s Open Mic Night play a song of your own or just listen to the performers at this weekly show hosted by John Riley Willingham, 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Lumpy’s Sports Grill, 12325 N. May Ave., 405-2863300, lumpyssportsgrill.com. WED Monday Night Blues Jam Session bring your own instrument to this open-stage jam hosted by Wess McMichael, 7-9 p.m.

Mondays. Othello’s Italian Restaurant, 434 Buchanan Ave., 405-701-4900, othellos. us. MON

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker this touring production features hand-painted sets, colorful costumes and 10-foot-tall puppets, 7 p.m. Nov. 13.

Rose State College, 6420 SE 15th St., 405-733-7673, rose.edu. WED OK Country Cafe Open Mic show off your singing talent, 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of every month. OK Country Cafe, 6072 S. Western Ave., 405-602-6866, okcountrycafe.com. THU OKC Comedy Open Mic Night get some stage time or just go to listen and laugh at this open mic hosted by Travis Phillips, 7 p.m. Mondays. The Paramount Room, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 405-887-3327, theparamountroom.com. MON

Seeing Now an exhibit of multimedia art works

by Hank Willis Thomas, Ken Gonzales-Day, Travis Somerville, Paul Rucker, Graciela Sacco, Terence Hammonds and Michael Waugh, through Dec. 31.

21c Museum Hotel, 900 W. Main St., 405-982-6900, 21cmuseumhotels.com. THU-TUE

Colors of Clay an exhibition of clay pots, bowls, pitchers and jars created by Native American artists, Aug. 30-May 10, Through May 10, 2021. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd

Sanctuary Karaoke Service don a choir robe and sing your favorite song, 9 p.m.-midnight Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sanctuary Barsilica, 814 W. Sheridan Ave., facebook.com/sanctuarybarokc. WED The Spongebob Musical the animated aquatic hero must help save Bikini Bottom in this stage musical, Nov. 12-17. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 405-297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. TUE-SUN Staged a stage show hosted by Raven Delray, 10:30 p.m. third Saturday of every month. Frankie’s, 2807 NW 36th St., 405-602-2030, facebook.com/ frankiesokc. SAT VZD’s Open Mic Night a weekly music mic hosted by Joe Hopkins, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. VZD’s Restaurant & Bar, 4200 N. Western Ave., 405-6023006, vzds.com. WED

ACTIVE

N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

Seeds of Being an exhibition examining the evolution of art created by Indigenous groups in North America, through Dec. 30. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 405-325-3272, ou.edu/ fjjma. WED-MON

Rhyme in Reasons share your talent or just watch other artists perform at this weekly open mic, 7:30-10 p.m. Thursdays. Reasons Lounge, 1140 N. MacArthur Boulevard, 405-774-9991. THU

Triple’s Open Mic a music and comedy open mic hosted by Amanda Howle, 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday. Triple’s, 8023 NW 23rd St., 405-7893031. WED

44

SAT

Red Dirt Open Mic a weekly open mic hosted

by Red Dirt Poetry, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Sauced on Paseo, 2912 Paseo St., 405-521-9800, saucedonpaseo.com. WED

Weekly Jams bring an instrument and play along with others at this open-invitation weekly jam session, 9:30 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays. Saints, 1715 NW 16th St., 405-602-6308, saintspubokc.com. TUE

Othello’s Comedy Night see professionals and amateurs alike at this long-running weekly open mic for standup comics, 9 p.m. Tuesdays. Othello’s Italian Restaurant, 434 Buchanan Ave., 405-701-4900, othellos.us. TUE

brown, carmine, and blue an exhibition of visual, installation and performance art about blackness, queerness, and femininity by artist Le’Andra LeSeur, Through Nov. 21. Melton Gallery, 100 N. University drive, 405-525-3603, uco.edu. THU

Renewing the American Spirit: The Art of the Great Depression an exhibition of paintings, prints, photographs and more created in the 1930s, Through April 26, 2020. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 405-236-3100, okcmoa.com.

The Princess Bride...Died?! an interactive mystery dinner theater experience parodying The Princess Bride, Nov. 15. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, 1309 S. Agnew Ave., 405-236-0416, cattlemensrestaurant.com. FRI

OKC Improv performers create original scenes in the moment based on suggestions from the audience, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Oklahoma City Improv, 1757 NW 16th St., 405-4569858, okcimprov.com. FRI

Open Mic at The P share your musical talent or just come to listen at this weekly open mic, 7 p.m.

Wednesdays. The Patriarch Craft Beer House & Lawn, 9 E. Edwards St., 405-285-6670, thepatriarchedmond.com. WED

FRI-SAT

Stars and Stripes Spin Jam a weekly meetup for jugglers, hula hoopers and unicyclers, 6-8 p.m.

Wednesdays. Stars & Stripes Park, 3701 S. Lake Hefner Drive, 405-297-2756, okc.gov/parks. WED

Yoga Tuesdays an all-levels class; bring your own water and yoga mat, 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 405445-7080, myriadgardens.com. TUE

A Historic Evening with Eva Schloss “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” George Santayana famously wrote, but that axiom is significantly more haunting for some than others. As a survivor of Holocaust death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau and childhood friend and stepsister to Anne Frank, 92-year-old Eva Schloss is a priceless source of all-too-recent history we forget at our own peril, and having the opportunity to hear stories like hers firsthand is unfortunately becoming rarer all the time. The evening begins 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 at Oklahoma City Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 7777 S. May Ave. Tickets are $18-$180. Call 405-682-7579 or visit tickets. occc.edu. NOV. 21 Photo provided

St., 405-478-2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Co-ed Open Adult Volleyball enjoy a game of friendly yet competitive volleyball while making new friends, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Jackie Cooper Gymnasium, 1024 E. Main St., Yukon, 405-350-8920, cityofyukon.gov. WED Monday Night Group Ride meet up for a weekly 25-30 minute bicycle ride at about 18 miles per hour through east Oklahoma City, 6 p.m. Mondays. The Bike Lab OKC, 2200 W. Hefner Road, 405-603-7655. MON Open Badminton hit some birdies in some morning pick-up games of badminton with friends, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Jackie Cooper Gymnasium, 1024 E. Main St., Yukon, 405-350-8920, cityofyukon. gov. SAT

First We Dance, Then We Eat, Then We Greet A community-building twist on dinner and dancing, this monthly event, curated and organized by Marie Casimir and Chaya Fletcher, pairs a one-hour dance class with a 30-45 minute food preparation demonstration and concludes with an hour of communal eating. Learn new moves in the kitchen and on the dance floor and share them with real people. “I am inspired by my Haitian-American upbringing, where food was prepared, while family and neighbors danced, music played and there was always an occasion to celebrate in our home,” Casimir said in a press release. The event is 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday at SixTwelve, 612 NW 29th St. Tickets are $20-$75. Visit sixtwelve.org. SATURDAY Photo provided

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

Submissions must be received

by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date.

Late submissions will not be included in the listings.

Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible. Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

For OKG live music

see page 48

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS | November 17 PENNY & SPARROW | November 20 SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS | November 22 PIGFACE | November 26 GRYFFIN | December 1 PJ MORTON | December 4 CRISTELA ALONZO | Deceember 5 FLATLAND CAVALRY | December 6 OLD 97s HOLIDAY HOOPLA | December 8 YELLOW HOUSE REVISTED | Deemcber 13 BLACK JOE LEWIS | December 14 TICKETS & INFO AT TOWERTHEATREOKC.COM @TOWERTHEATREOKC 405-70-TOWER | 425 NW 23rd Street | Oklahoma City

11.13 GREYHOUNDS 11.14 THUNDER JACKSON 11.17 JADE JACKSON 11.20 CORB LUND with Jaida Dreyer 11.21 AUDIO BOOK CLUB 12.05 BUDDY SOUTH 12.11 DEE WHITE 01.23 WILDERMISS 02.13 BROTHER MOSES 02.17 MOTHERFOLK WWW.PONYBOYOKC.COM @ponyboyokc #StayGoldOKC

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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Opens Friday, November 22nd exclusively at Rodeo Cinema THE IRISHMAN

Martin Scorsese’s epic saga of organized crime in postwar America, as told by a hit man, stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Now in his old age, WWII veteran and former mafia hitman Frank Sheeran reflects on the moments that defined his mob career, especially his role in the 1975 disappearance and murder of Jimmy Hoffa.

OKC’S UNIQUE NONPROFIT ART HOUSE MOVIE THEATRE SHOWING INDEPENDENT, FOREIGN, AND DOCUMENTARY FILMS.

Showtimes & Tickets at Rodeocinema.org

2221 Exchange Avenue, OKC 405-235-3456 (FILM)

Follow Us On

FALL/WINTER 2019

KOSU PRESENTS

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA 11.17.19

ROBERT EARL KEEN

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

12.26.19

TICKETS & INFORMATION AT

THEJONESASSEMBLY.COM 901 W. SHERIDAN, OKC

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H O L I DAYS

MUSIC

Hometown Christmas

The Imaginaries — Maggie McClure and Shane Henry — are currently a supporting act on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks! Tour. | Photo provided

Norman-based The Imaginaries make the most of holiday music’s “evergreen” appeal. By Jeremy Martin

For Norman-based duo The Imaginaries, Christmas has, in many ways, been the most wonderful time of the year.

Married musicians Maggie McClure and Shane Henry’s holiday songs have been featured in Hallmark movies, played on the radio and earned them invitations to play NBA halftime shows, including a New York Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden.

“We love the holidays, and we love Christmas music,” McClure said. “And over the years, the holidays and holiday music have been really good to us, and our holiday music has opened a lot of doors for us. It’s been really cool.”

The Imaginaries release Hometown Christmas — a compilation of originals, including the title track and Magic 104.1 favorite “First Thing On My Christmas List” and traditional tunes such as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “White Christmas” — Friday. Henry said artists often underestimate the opportunities the yuletide can bring.

“Not a lot of musicians look to Christmas or holiday music as a way to find a niche,” Henry said, “and the beautiful thing about Christmas music is it’s evergreen. The same songs get played every year.”

The key to a good Christmas song, original or traditional, is to honor tradition without slipping into clichés, McClure and Henry agreed.

“We tried to handpick the songs very intentionally and try to do our own version and own arrangement of the songs,” McClure said. “So they’re not exactly the same, arrangement-wise, as some of the classic recordings of the songs that we hear. We tried to make them our own and not force it but just try a different spin on it. I think we really did a good job with that. … They’re all really fun to play, and people at

Christmastime, they want to hear songs that they are familiar with sometimes.

So it’s good to have a mix, I think, of classic covers that we really love and our own originals, as well.”

The album includes a cover of the annual online-argument-starter “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with the now-infamous lyric “Say, what’s in this drink?”

“Because it’s become more controversial in recent years, we haven’t been performing it live as much,” said McClure, who added that the duo originally played the song by request for an NBA holiday halftime show, “but I will say that there are not a lot of duets out there, so we didn’t want to keep it off the album because we recorded it and certain people like it. …

That song was written a long time ago, and I highly doubt that the people writing it had any ill intention.”

The beautiful thing about Christmas music is it’s evergreen.

Shane Henry Henry said he thinks “the controversy is ridiculous.”

“It’s funny that people pull stuff out of their butt like this,” Henry said. “I’ve always thought of it as just flirty, two people who already are digging each other. … It’s a good Christmas duet, and people that don’t like it can skip it. They can hit the ‘next’ button.”

McClure and Henry began dating in 2006 and playing backup for each other on tour about 10 years ago. They began collaborating as songwriters after moving to Los Angeles. The decision to combine forces as The Imaginaries was “fast-tracked” by an invitation to

perform on engineer John Cuniberti’s YouTube-based “The OneMic Series” in Mussel Shoals, Alabama, a performance that led to further recording sessions with studio musicians who have played with Aretha Franklin, Gregg Allman and Little Richard.

Playing in a duo relieves some of the pressures and decision fatigue a solo artist faces, Henry said, but McClure added that the combination business, romantic and creative partnership takes effort to maintain.

“At first, it took us a while to really work out the kinks,” McClure said.

“When we tried to write our first song together, it was a train wreck; it ended up in an argument. But as time went on, we figured out how the other operates. … We’ve been making music together and independently around one another for a very long time, so we’ve figured out a way to make it work. Sometimes the business becomes a lot of what we talk about and a lot of what we do, and so we have to make sure that we try to find balance and not let that become our entire marriage because it’s easy to do. We have to work on it daily.”

The Imaginaries plan to release a self-titled debut in spring of 2020. The duo is currently a supporting act on The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks! Tour, an opportunity that came from an unsolicited email McClure sent to the orchestra’s manager.

“This is something I think that’s really encouraging for other musicians because you can kind of feel like, a lot of times, ‘Oh, I’m not going to bother sending that email because they won’t respond,’” Henry said. “But guess what?

They responded. … It really all came from a cold email. The cool part about that is just telling people, ‘Man, don’t give up. Keep trying. Keep thinking outside the box. You just never know where the next opportunity is going to come from.’”

Visit imaginariesband.com.

EVENT

Transcendental arpeggiation Acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela brings newfound clarity and focus to The Jones Assembly. By Jeremy Martin

Rodrigo y Gabriela’s fifth studio album, Mettavolution, finds the acoustic duo discovering how to evolve through simplification, but that’s more complicated than it sounds.

“We’re playing very differently, a lot of new techniques,” said rhythm guitarist Gabriela Quintero. “[Lead guitarist Rodrigo Sanchez] played simpler on all the solos and all the lines because he was a little too under pressure to play a lot of intricate stuff and he just wanted kind of to relax, a little bit more chill.

For me also, it was a lot of very simple stuff on the guitar — arpeggios, stuff like that. It’s simple to play, but there was a moment that I couldn’t even play it because I was used to playing so much complex stuff that all the simple things, they became challenging for me. So I just kind of had to practice the basics of the guitar.”

Rodrigo y Gabriela plays 6:30 p.m.

Sunday at The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan Ave.

Quintero and Sanchez have been playing together for more than 20 years, first in the mid ’90s in Mexico City heavy metal band Tierra Ácida, then as a duo playing a coastal resort in Ixtapa.

At the end of the decade, they moved to Dublin to perform as buskers before topping the charts there in 2006 with their self-titled debut, which featured Led Zeppelin and Metallica covers alongside original flamenco-infused freakouts. But following 2014’s 9 Dead Alive, Quintero said, the duo felt stuck.

“We were under pressure to come up with new music for a new album,” Quintero said. “We were just writing so much music, and some of the music sounded like the first album. So we said, ‘No, no, no. Let’s bring more different elements,’ so we experimented quite a lot with drums and bass and pianos, and it sounded way too extreme. It sounded like completely another band that was far away from Gabriella and Rodrigo altogether. … At some point, we finally found the key to unlock this new creativity; now we just decided not to go onto the road of pleasing people or following the advice from the industry about how everything needs to be super catchy, very short. … There was a moment we realized that we’re not that, so we’re going to keep authentic to ourselves. We reconnected with that, then we got momentum.”

Even with that momentum and a natural creative chemRodrigo y Gabriela plays 6:30 p.m.

Sunday at The Jones Assembly. | Photo Ebru Yildiz / provided

istry developed over decades, Quintero said, finding the right notes took considerable effort, especially since the duo decided to take on the ambitious challenge of covering Pink Floyd’s “Echoes,” the epic and experimental sidelong song from 1971’s Meddle.

“When you are practicing in the same room and coming up with a new arrangement and all that stuff, everything you start to see clear,” Quintero said. “For example, we were trying to work on ‘Echoes,’ and it required a lot of very minimalistic guitar for my part, very simple rhythm, very simple lines — nothing crazy, nothing flashy. And then also, what Rod was coming up with was also minimalistic, just the right notes here and there to just keep it very elegant. But we were both working on the arrangements, and then all of these sort of little bits of alignment came in that just happened to work precisely … but also it requires a lot of practice — and practice upon practice.”

We just decided not to go onto the road of pleasing people or following the advice from the industry about how everything needs to be super catchy, very short.

Gabriela Quintero Some of the newfound clarity might be credited to meditation.

“Rodrigo and I, we’re a kind of hyper type people,” Quintero said. “We’ll move a lot; we’re restless, so meditation brings us a way to just calm down, take everything in its own time, so probably that makes us play less crazy. Although, in my view, I’d like to come up with new music in the future that is less crazy, so we probably need to meditate more.”

Though Rodrigo y Gabriela have sold more than 1.5 million albums and have played at Radio City Music Hall, Hollywood Bowl and London’s Royal Albert Hall since working as buskers on

Mettavolution was released in April. | Image provided

Dublin’s Grafton Street, Quintero said she remembers a valuable lesson from those early days.

“We were under so much pressure being in a foreign country and not speaking the language, and we ran out of money,” Quintero said. “For us, it was the only thing that we could do good. So we would just go out and hope that people liked us and hopefully people gave us something. … It just made me focus so much. I never was so focused in my life. … In the metal band, only our family and friends sort of listened to what we’re playing, and then when we were doing covers in Mexico in the tourist resort, it was more like a song set for honeymooners and nobody really listened to what we were doing. But when we got to Ireland, it was super cold; it was freezing; it was windy; it was so full of people, and it was scary. … But being so focused on the music made us perform really, really well, so I see every single stage as if I was walking on Grafton. Every single stage deserves that commitment and focus and presence.”

Ida Mae and local pop rock band One Two Ten share the bill. Tickets are $39.50-$59. Call 405-212-2378 or visit thejonesassembly.com.

Rodrigo y Gabriela 6:30 p.m. Sunday The Jones Assembly 901 W. Sheridan Ave. thejonesassembly.com | 405-212-2378 $39.50-$59

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LIVE MUSIC These are events recommended

by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members. For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13 Greyhounds, Ponyboy. ROCK John Carlton & Kyle Reid, The Winston.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

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Koffin Kats, 89th Street-OKC. PUNK

THURSDAY, NOV. 14 The Chainsmokers/5 Seconds of Summer, Chesapeake Energy Arena. POP

Kottonmouth Kings, Oklahoma City Limits. ROCK Saint Loreto/Beach Language, 51st Street Speakeasy. POP/ROCK Young Culture/Homesafe, 89th Street-OKC. ROCK

SUNDAY, NOV. 17 Hosty, The Deli. ROCK Jarvix/Eos/Chameleon Factory, Sauced on Paseo.

EXPERIMENTAL

Jeremy Rowe Band, TapWerks Ale House. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

Lana Del Rey, The Criterion. POP MetroJazzCollective+, Othello’s. JAZZ

MONDAY, NOV. 18

Giant Stride/Antique Gardens/Elderly Smackdown, Red Brick Bar. ROCK

Incubus, The Criterion. ROCK

Hot House Band, Othello’s Italian Restaurant. JAZZ

Jason Hunt, Sean Cumming’s Irish Restaurant. FOLK

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The Coathangers Released in March, The Devil You Know combines thoughtful politically charged lyrics, skillfully crafted pop hooks and artfully abrasive noise, masterfully balancing righteous anger with fiery rock ’n’ roll. “Don’t be fooled by the honey-coated harmonies,” wrote Paste critic Libby Cudmore, “these girls are not here to be simply listened to. They’ve got a world to save.”

Saving the world from itself is a tall order for non-superhumans, but watching Julia Kugel, Stephanie Luke and Meredith Franco tear into “F the NRA” live will probably have you wishing our own universe would grant them Marvel-ous powers and realizing that it already kind of has. Control Top shares the bill.

The show is 7:30-11 p.m. Friday at 89th Street – OKC, 8911 N. Western Ave. Tickets are $12-$14. Visit 89thstreetokc.com. FRIDAY Photo Jeff Forney

Jade Castle, Angry Scotsman Brewing.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

Red Dirt Rangers/Edgar Cruz, UCO Jazz Lab.

Takeand small portions rich with foods and fill up lean protein.ofStick smaller on lighter fare like veggies and lean turkey. portions of treats.

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Country Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. COUNTRY

Shelly Phelps & Dylan Nagode, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Café. ACOUSTIC

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20

Stonecutters/Turbo Wizard/Analgesic, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

Corb Lund, Ponyboy. COUNTRY

Tony Lucca/Moonlight Social, The Blue Door.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

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FRIDAY, NOV. 15

Pearl Earl/Helen Kelter Skelter/Psychotic Reaction, Opolis. ROCK Saymyname, OKC Farmers Market. ELECTRONIC Sophia Massad/Roots Of Thought/Don’t Tell Dena, 51st Street Speakeasy. ROCK

SATURDAY, NOV. 16 Joel T. Mosman & Oklahoma Uprising, Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. AMERICANA

N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

John Carlton & Kyle Reid, The Winston.

Penny & Sparrow, Tower Theatre. FOLK Rozlyn Zora/Mandias/Death by Knowledge, The Deli. SINGER/SONGWRITER

On a Whim, Bossa Nova Caipirinha Lounge. JAZZ

The Highway Walkers, The Paramount Room. ROCK

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Caleb McGee & the Underdogs, The Deli. ROCK

AMERICANA

Index Paradox, Kendell’s. ROCK

HEALTHY TIP Fill your plateHEALTHY with mostlyTIP fruits, veggies

TUESDAY, NOV. 19

Live music submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date.

Late submissions will not be included in the listings. Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail to listings@okgazette.com.

Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

GO TO OKGAZETTE.COM FOR FULL LISTINGS!

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CANNABIS

THE HIGH CULTURE

Oklahoma grown

The first outdoor season was a mixed bag, but many growers reported excellent harvests.

By Matt Dinger

Oklahoma has already seen its first freeze, signaling that its first outdoor growing season is at a close.

Under the state’s new medical cannabis law, both commercial growers and patients are allowed to cultivate crops outdoors with a few restrictions.

Predictions for how THC-containing cannabis would fare in Oklahoma’s climate wildly varied, with some predicting that the volatile severe weather would wreak havoc upon crops, while others pointed out that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the state would be an ideal location for growing cannabis outdoors.

Natural experimentation

Kimberly Campbell said her two runs of outdoor crops this season fared extremely well and she lost only one of her 12 plants this year.

She planted seeds or bought clones of the following strains: Alaskan Thunder Fuck, Blue Flame, Diamonds & Dust, DJ Short Blueberry, GG4, Hemlock, Hindu Kush, Jack Herer, LSD, Maui Wowie and Lemon Larry OG. “And a wonderful Diesel that I almost threw away because it was just a scrap plant but it turned out to be amazing,” Campbell said. “I started them indoor, and then I brought them out in late April, so when you do that, your daylight times may put them into bloom, which I didn’t really know last year, so it was kind of an experiment. You may have to add additional lights like an extra light out in your garden if you’re doing outdoors if your light is close to 12 daylight

and 12 darkness, so in springtime, it’s close to what it is in fall, which is when it promotes the plants to bloom naturally. So next year, I will be adding supplemental lighting in so that I don’t go into bloom immediately. I put out my plants in April, and then they started blooming, then the daylight started lengthening and so they started reveging, so I had flowers on a plant that started to re-veg. … What I did was I just took the flowers off and I just went ahead and re-veged it and let it continue its life naturally just to see what our climate and light and air and microclimate was going to do. I didn’t spray with anything. I wanted to see what kind of plants we were going to have naturally. I wanted one year as not tinkering with it just to see what Oklahoma was going to bring me on a full scale outdoor all year.”

Only one plant — the GG4 — was lost due to bud rot this year. Next year, Campbell plans to spray her crop with a hot pepper spray with essential oils.

“This was a great learning experience because now I know that we’ve got to somehow battle the fungus and the bud rot,” she said. “That’s going to be a thing in Oklahoma, trying to keep bud rot away and the powdery mildew because we’ve got the humid temperatures.”

Campbell used a planter, pots and the natural soil this year to see how each fared and got the best results with the natural Oklahoma dirt, using only compost tea and no nutrient brands.

“I just harvested the last one right before the freeze, like the day before the freeze, so I pushed it all the way up.

… I did that on purpose because the cold weather, I think it produced something extra or at least colorwise they started to turn purple and really pretty colors,” Campbell said.

Experienced grower

Shane Shriver owns both 77 Gardens and 77 Extracts. He grows cannabis, sells clones and concentrates cannabis from many outdoor growers. He got his start in the Michigan and Colorado markets and moved here to start cannabis production in Oklahoma City.

I wanted to see what kind of plants we were going to have naturally.

Kimberly Campbell “I developed relationships with these outdoor farmers on a large scale in order to take their products in and process them into extracts once they were able to harvest,” Shriver said. “I have a lot of expertise coming from years of doing this, and I expected to see some good and some bad and some ugly, and I definitely saw some of everything. … We also saw a wide variety of issues, whether it was bud rot or grasshoppers or growing in the wrong soil or mites, both spider and Russet mites.

“I ran 100 30-gallon pots outdoor this year under a friend of mine’s license, but I provided all the genetics and ran it start to finish. I also did about 200 10-gallon plants outdoors. Some of them we put out full-term, some of them we put out a little bit late and let them finish late to see how the Oklahoma sun would respond to doing those plants late. We processed them all as live resin extracts and fresh frozen. We pulled a good amount in comparison to what we’ve seen in Colorado based off those same pots and the same amounts, et cetera, and we’re excited to scale based

Oklahoma’s first outdoor growing season has come to an end. | Photo bigstock.com

off of the proof of concept that we’ve seen. In fact, the most important things seem to be that you just get a little bit more dew on your plants here in the mornings, so it’s important to either shake them off or have them covered in some ways so you’re not getting as much dew on your plants, especially in the last weeks of flower because if you’re not getting that morning sunshine, they’re just not going to dry them up as quickly and potentially get some bud rot or have to give them a lot more attention and then natural preventative maintenance in the aspect of clearing the area around where you’re growing and making sure that you have a fence that potentially stops intruders from coming in, not only people but insects; if you have a fence that can actually stop some of that ground transportation, that’s going to have a big effect also. But yeah, it was a wonderful season.”

New trimmer

Sara Wallace Boyd is the co-owner of Rock and Rolled Trim Co. It provides trimming services, both by hand and using machines. All of the harvests that they have trimmed for clients this first season were outdoor grows. Wallace Boyd said that they have harvested nearly 1,800 pounds of outdoor flower this season and has seen all manner of quality of outdoor grows.

“We’ve seen some really discouraging grows,” she said. “A lot of people don’t care for machine trim. A lot of the newer people, though, are willing to give it a shot, and some of that clearly is because they wanted to hurry and get this harvest done, especially because a lot of was getting burnt up. And I’m sure you saw there was a lot of live plants that really were just burned alive or mold was prevalent in a couple of areas.”

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New rules

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority released its latest set of rules for the cannabis industry on Nov. 1. By Matt Dinger

Nov. 1, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) published its latest set of rules for the state’s medical cannabis program.

“Legislators can’t legislate every bit of minutiae in the way some of these things run,” J. Kyle Davis with Overman Legal Group and Climb Collective said.

“That’s why you have the administrative law framework, where the Legislature will grant some rulemaking authority to agencies that have the appropriate personnel to have better insight than your average lawmaker, so the Legislature puts the health department in charge of some of this.”

OMMA puts these rules in place without input from outside sources and the authority to make emergency rules as well.

“In the [Oklahoma] Administrative Code, there is such a thing as an emergency rule, which we saw earlier in the rollout of the medical cannabis industry, which has a different set of rules.

The public sometimes is not entitled necessarily to hearings or a chance to comment when certain conditions are

The Oklahoma Medical Authority released its updated set of rules. | Photo bigstock.com / Phillip Danner

met,” Davis said.

While these rules could be challenged, a threshold would have to be met by a petitioner filing a lawsuit against OMMA. “Most of the time with administrative law, you’d have to find that an agency acted in a manner that was arbitrary or capricious, where they basically ignored data, made rulemaking that was just totally arbitrary and there was no common sense behind it. … The blank spaces in the law are where these agencies are specifically granted authority to fill in the gaps,” he said.

Davis said the latest set of rules focuses on updating three sections: research and education facilities, waste disposal companies and testing requirements.

Provisions for research and educational facilities were parts of State Question 788 that had yet to be outlined until now.

A medical cannabis research facility can be operated in Oklahoma for these

The blank spaces in the law are where these agencies are specifically granted authority to fill in the gaps.

J. Kyle Davis Licenses for research and educational facilities are good for one year and are valid for only a single location. Additional locations will require the acquisition of multiple licenses, and these licenses can neither be transferred from one person to another, nor can they be converted to another license type, according to the rules.

Sections governing waste facilities licenses have also been updated from their framework in Senate Bill 882.

While the application process is now open and the license fee is set the same as other cannabis businesses, the selection of companies for those licenses is still ongoing, though the number of available licenses is limited to 10. Those chosen will have to also be permitted by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and Davis said there are required insurance limits for those licenses.

“That’s the only one that has a limited number of licenses, so you see in other states when they do that, then the application process becomes much more expensive,” he said. “You’re competing against other potential licensees.

They’re not granting it to everybody that qualifies, so people are really unsure. I don’t know that these rules really clarify much because it doesn’t really speak to how the licenses will be issued.”

The other subsection that has substantive changes is the one governing testing requirements and facilities.

Laboratory specifics

A “surveillance laboratory” is in the works that will audit existing laborato-

ries three times a year by asking for samples and the laboratory results from those samples. The provision prohibiting ownership in other cannabis businesses that will have samples tested by the labs has been retained wholesale from legislation, but other sections pertaining to laboratory operations are new, including technical requirements for equipment, cleaning, records and how long those records must be retained.

Already in place are rules governing acceptable thresholds of bacteria or fungus of samples, including less than one colony-forming unit of E. coli, salmonella or staphylococcus aureus.

Samples shall also be tested for yeast, mold, mycotoxins (including aflatoxins and ochratoxin A). Additionally, they shall be tested for residual levels of solvents and chemical residue including but not limited to acetone, benzene, butanes/ heptanes, hexane, isopropyl alcohol, pentane, propane, toluene and total xylenes. They must also contain less than half a percent per parts per million of pesticide residues and be tested for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury.

“All these requirements mirror legislation in terms of maximum parts per million. They’ve added kind of an obvious one to the contaminants and filth section that disallows product with evidence of bugs and animals or similar uncleanliness,” Davis said.

For those not operating the laboratories, the most notable change in that section is the batch requirements for cannabis testing.

“We knew previously that a batch size was 10 pounds, but now it’s laid out that the samples you have to provide to a testing laboratory have to be a halfpercentage of the batch size that you submit,” Davis said. “And you have to submit two, so basically 1 percent of each batch you turn in has to be submitted for testing. And it says a reserve of samples should be stored by the department for 90 days.”

That means that if 10 pounds is submitted for a testing batch, the laboratory will require 45 grams for testing, which is more than one and a half ounces of cannabis flower or cannabis concentrate.

“That’s a significant amount. Aside from the testing fee you’re already paying, that’s a significant amount of valuable product businesses should now expect to lose off the top,” Davis said.

The latest rules are available on OMMA’s website, omma.ok.gov.

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Allows the entity to purchase medical cannabis from a processer licensee or grower licensee and sell medical cannabis only to qualified patients, or their parents or legal guardian(s) if applicable, and caregivers

MON-FRI 9AM-6PM SAT 8PM-3PM

GROWERS

RANDY WHITEKILLER, DO

allows the entity togrow, harvest, and package medical cannabis for the purpose of selling medical cannabis to a dispensary, processor, or researcher *Business totals still pending during renewal process.

SUMMIT BUILDING 5929 N. May Ave, Suite 500 Oklahoma City

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CANNASOUTH.NET @canna_south

FLOWER REVIEW

Cannabis effects vary wildly from patient to patient based on a multitude of factors, including THC tolerance, brain chemistry and personal taste. This review is based on the subjective experience of one patient.

Strain name: Glue Zauce Grown by: Red Dirt Sungrown Acquired from: Green Roots Wellness Date acquired: Oct. 18 THC/CBD percentages: 14.55 percent/.07 percent (per True Fit Medical Laboratories)

time last year, but it was nice to have it in my system again and remember why both are so popular. I have wondered since its inception how greenhouse and outdoor cannabis would fare with the Oklahoma weather and now have my answer. Red Dirt Sungrown will be growing more indicas going into the colder months, and I am also curious to see how those will turn out.

Physical traits: green with very little orange and frosted with small trichomes Bouquet: fruity and earthy Review: After my visit to the Tischausers’ farm last month, I was looking forward to trying some of their greenhouse-grown cannabis powered by this summer’s natural sunlight. I had no idea what to expect but definitely was not disappointed. The cannabis strains I tried had a unique scent, a deeper earthy smell than most of the cannabis I’ve smoked over the past year, with a taste to match. The effects were immediate and powerful as well, keeping me both energized and relaxed at the same time. I had a similar reaction to their Special Ops strain, but the Glue Zauce is a cross between GG4 and Zkittlez. I wore myself out on both of those strains this

Glue Zauce | Photo Phillip Danner

O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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PUZZLES NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE ALL THE RIGHT MOVIES | 1117

By Kristian House Puzzles edited by Will Shortz ACROSS

1 Broods 6 “____ are the voyages of the starship Enterprise” 11 Long-billed wader 15 Idiosyncrasies 19 Brownie ingredient 20 Actor Tom of The Dukes of Hazzard 21 Indie singer/songwriter ____ Case 22 1980s U.S. Davis Cup team captain 23 Your apartment-mate, if you don’t close the door before showering?

26 Self-involved 27 Blend 28 Expensive 29 Drumstick 30 Gets better 31 Your wish, maybe, when a rambunctious terrier puppy is first brought home?

36 Browning who directed Dracula, 1931 37 Draw a bead on 38 Bring in 39 Songwriters’ org.

42 Lady friend, in Florence 44 Great ____ 45 See 88-Across 48 Soprano ____ Te Kanawa 49 Giant star 50 Tyrannic sort?

54 O. Henry?

56 Time and Tide 57 Zap 58 President pro ____ 59 Giant flying turtle monster of film 61 “What greater gift than the love of a ____”: Charles Dickens 62 But: Fr. 64 Not digital 66 Hankering 67 Monarch’s inits.

68 It can cause shortness of breath 71 Sight at a gladiatorial fight 72 Fluffy neckwear 73 Chooses 75 Actress Grier of Jackie Brown 76 Location of Hephaestus’ forge 78 Spoil, as a parade 80 Online reference about toilets?

82 Guys who pass out Halloween treats?

85 Greenhouse containers 86 Some fútbol cheers 87 Completely dominate 88 With 45-Across, what was once the world’s fourth-largest inland body of water 89 Atkins dieters’ no-nos 91 Rapunzel feature 92 Walked over 93 ____ syrup (natural sweetener) 95 Drummer Starkey 96 What outsiders think about the new hire?

103 Common baitfish 104 Terminal guesstimate, for short 105 Statistical tool for checking a hypothesis 106 Be a stool pigeon 109 Mila 18 novelist 110 What the exhausted working woman wears to bed?

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300,000 on its first day in 2010 25 Michigan college 30 Biblical peak 32 Beat walker 33 Astrologer Sydney 34 Slowly eases (off) 35 Andrew ____, businessman turned-politician 39 Pointy-eared dog 40 Tornado warning device 41 Early human 42 Early human 43 Michael Lewis best seller with the subtitle “The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” 44 Got results 45 Editor’s stack of unsolicited manuscripts 46 Wapiti 47 All-vowel avowal 49 Publicist’s concern 51 German city near the Belgian border 52 Tree knot 53 Textbook section 55 Bela Lugosi’s role in The Ghost of Frankenstein 56 Word before bread or boat 60 Take care of, as a persistent squeak 62 Computation class in Cambridge 63 Part of A.P.A.: Abbr.

65 Truckful 69 Assembles

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113 Chicken, in a Chinese dish

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N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 9 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Puzzle No. 1110, which appeared in the November 6 issue.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: “How easy it is to make people happy when you don’t want or need anything from them,” said Gail Godwin. Give an example.

FreeWillAstrology.com ARIES (March 21-April 19)

If there are any potential Aries heroes or leaders or saviors out there, the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to fully bloom and assert your practical magnificence. The lessons you have learned while improvising workable solutions for yourself are ripe to be applied to the riddles that are puzzling your tribe or group or gang. I want to let you know, however, that to achieve maximum effectiveness, you should be willing to do good deeds for people who may not be able to pay you back.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You’re entering a phase of your astrological cycle when it’s crucial that your receptivity be as robust as possible.

To guide you in this delightful but perhaps challenging work, here are good questions for you to pose. 1. Do you know what help and support you need most, and are you brave and forthright enough to ask for it? 2. Is there any part of you, perhaps unconscious, that believes you don’t deserve gifts and blessings? 3. Do you diligently cultivate your capacity to be refreshed and restored? 4. Are you eagerly responsive when life surprises you with learning experiences and inspirations?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

“Many people will not be honest because they fear loss of intimacy and togetherness,” writes self-help author Henry Cloud. But the truth, he adds, is that “honesty brings people closer together,” because it “strengthens their identities.” Therein lies the tender paradox: “The more you realize your separate identities, the closer you can become.” Living according to this principle may not be as easy or convenient as being deceptive and covert, but it’s ultimately more gratifying. Henry Cloud concludes, “Telling loved ones what is really on your mind and telling others what you really think is the foundation of love.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22) “Maturity is having the ability to escape categorization,” said poet Kenneth Rexroth. That’s the opposite of the conventional wisdom. For many people, the process of growing up and becoming a seasoned adult means trying to fit in, to find one’s category, to be serious and steady and stable. Rexroth, on the other hand, suggested that when you fully ripen into your potentials, you transcend standard definitions; you don’t adhere to others’ expectations; you are uniquely yourself, outside and beyond all pigeonholes and classifications. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to practice and cultivate this sacred art.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Is there an event from your past that would be empowering for you to remember in detail? Is there a neglected but still viable dream you could resurrect, thereby energizing your enthusiasm for the future? Are there old allies you’ve lost touch with but who, if you called on them, could provide you with just the boost you need? Is there a familiar pleasure you’ve grown numb to but could reinvigorate by visualizing the original reasons you loved it? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to meditate on these questions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Catholic saint St. Francis (1181–1226) loved animals and the natural world. According to one folkloric tale, he was once traveling on foot with several companions when they came upon a place where the trees were filled with birds. Francis said, “Wait for me while I go preach to my sisters the birds.” He proceeded to do just that. The birds were an attentive audience for the duration of his sermon, apparently captivated by his tender tones. Seven centuries later, author Rebecca West offered a critique of the bird-whisperer. “Did St. Francis preach to the birds?” she asked. “Whatever for? If he really liked birds he would have done better to preach to the cats.” In the coming weeks, Virgo, I encourage you to do the metaphorical equivalent of preaching to both the birds and the cats.

Every now and then I authorize you Libras to shed your polite, tactful personas and express the angst you sometimes feel but usually hide. That’s now! To egg you on, read this mischievous rant by Libran blogger Clary Gay (claryfightwood.tumblr.com): “We Libras are constantly thinking about how to make everyone else comfortable and happy. There’s not a minute going by when we’re not worrying about radiating a soothing and comforting aura so everyone can have a good time. If a Libra is cranky, it’s because they snapped! Because of some non-Libra who doesn’t appreciate them! If a Libra is mean to people, it’s their own damn fault!”

Poet Robert Bly tells us that the door to the soul is unlocked. You don’t have to struggle through any special machinations to open it or go through it. Furthermore, the realm of the soul is always ready for you. Always! It harbors the precise treasure you need in order to be replenished and empowered. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because I think that during the next two weeks, you should abide as much as possible in the soul’s realm— the cornucopia of holy truths and ever-fresh riches.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In my estimation, what you’ve experienced lately has been akin to a fermentation process. It’s as if you’re undergoing a transformation with resemblances to the way that grapes turn into wine or milk becomes yogurt or dough rises before being baked into bread. You may have had to endure some discomfort, which is the case for anything in the midst of substantial change. But I think you’ll ultimately be quite pleased with the results, which I expect will be ready no later than ten days after your birthday—and quite possibly sooner.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Many books have been written about Joan of Arc, a fifteenth-century teenage peasant girl whose improbable ascent to military leadership, under the guidance of her divine visions, was crucial in France’s victory over the English. Among the many miraculous elements of her story was the fact that less than a year before she led troops

into battle on horseback, she didn’t know how to ride a horse. She learned by riding around her father’s farm astride his cows. I foresee an equivalent marvel in your future, Capricorn. By this time next year, you will have developed an aptitude that might seem unimaginable now. (P.S. There’s evidence Joan was a Capricorn.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The Divine Comedy is one of history’s greatest literary works. Its author, Dante Alighieri, was 43 when he began writing the Inferno, the first part of his three-part masterpiece. Up until that time, he had published just one book and a few poems, and had also abandoned work on two unfinished books. Early on in the *Inferno*, the not-yet-renowned author presents a fictional scene in which he meets with the spirits of antiquity’s most famous authors: Virgil, Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan.

Those illustrious five tell Dante he is such an important writer that he ranks sixth, after them, in his excellence.

I’m going to encourage you to dare indulging in behavior like Dante’s: to visualize and extol—and yes, even brag about—the virtues and skills that will ultimately be your signature contribution to this world.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

The Latin word for sea is mare. Flustra is the calm sea.

Undisonus means “resounding with waves.” Caeruleus is the sea’s deep shade of blue, aestus is the tide, and aequoreus means “connected with the sea.” My hope is that as you meditate on these lyrical terms, you’ll be moved to remember the first lakes, rivers, and oceans you ever swam in. You’ll recall your time floating in your mother’s womb and your most joyous immersions in warm baths and hotsprings. Why? It’s a favorable time to seek the healing and rejuvenating powers of primal waters—both metaphorically and literally.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes.

The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

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Leave Choice to the Pros.

Women should control their reproductive health with help from professional healthcare providers, not professional politicians.

As legislative efforts attempt to erode our reproductive freedom, OKG will continue to give voice to choice.