River's Edge Magazine, July 2013 Issue by Rivers Edge Magazine

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Vol. 2 No. 2

Your guide to Business â&#x20AC;˘ Recreation & Living along Tulsa's River Corridor

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The Mighty Tulsa River Rises Rolling with Team Luna Bulldozing the River July 2013 | 1

Vol. 2 No. 2

Your guide to Business • Recreation & Living along Tulsa's River Corridor

’ edge

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The Mighty Tulsa river rises rolling with Team Luna

The waters of Oxley Nature Preserve at Mohawk Park are tributaries of the Arkansas River. For more on the river, turn to page 6.

Bulldozing the river June 2013 | 1

July

2013

Volume 2, Issue 2

Advertisers Please support our advertisers — they make this publication possible.

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Cover photo BY VERNIS MAXWELL

River’s Edge Magazine is published monthly by River's Edge Publications. It is a guide to Business, Recreation and Living along the Arkansas River corridor. It is distributed at no cost from downtown Tulsa to Jenks and from Brookside to Berryhill and at other select locations in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Our advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the ad’s scheduled insertion. Rates are online at www.riversedgemagazine.com or call 918.855.9469 to receive a rate card.

Articles and advertisements in River's Edge Magazine do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without expressed, written permission. River's Edge Magazine will be available on the website on the 1st of each month following the publication date. Copies may be mailed for a small fee to cover postage and handling. Annual postal subscriptions are available for $12.95 per year. Cost covers the postage and handling.

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The Drunkard & Olio Dr. Matt Crain Publisher River’s Edge Magazine

Finding New Ways to Connect

Enjoy your part of our SIXTY year history

Act on Stage, Volunteer on Show Night, Help out Behind the Scenes Join us every Wednesday night to find your part and learn the show. You could be the next star in one of our rotating casts. $15.00 per adult (12+), $13.00 for Seniors (62+), $10.00 for children. Call 918-587-5030 for reservations.The first 10 who mention River’s Edge when making their reservation get a special two for one rate.

iver’s Edge continues to answer the question, “What can we do this weekend?” for thousands of readers up and down the River Corridor. With our new plan to share our Event Calendar with “TYPros” beginning next month, we hope to have an even greater reach for our readers and advertisers. Increased circulation of our last issue opened many doors at community centers, libraries, area hotels and senior living centers. We added more than a dozen distribution points to our list and found new advertisers anxious to share their goods and services with you. While you’re figuring out what to do this weekend, why not shop at one of our advertisers to outfit your plans? Make sure to tell them you saw their ad in River’s Edge! I am most excited about an increased electronic presence for River’s Edge. You can already view current and past issues from our website, but we have been exploring making our content available on your digital device so you can flip the pages electronically while you wait for your next convenient trip to get your hard copy. Hundreds of readers from outside the Tulsa area (and even outside Oklahoma) picked up copies at Daniel Webster High School’s 75th Anniversary Reunion. They’ll be looking for electronic access sooner rather than later. Tornados aren’t the only threat to our River Corridor residents; imagine a catastrophe as large as the 1986 flood, described on the pages of this issue. And with our levees in such a state of disrepair, it could be worse in the future. Let us pray we can get our act together before it’s too late! ~

Downtown Tulsa West Tulsa Bixby Broken Arrow

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July 2013 | 3

by Tracy LeGrand

Bulldozing the River

Bulldozers enter the riverbed for regular upkeep. Photo by River Parks Authority.

Beverly A.

Atteberry, P.C. Attorney-at-law 918-605-1913 1861 East 15th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104 Fax: 918-744-6300 E-mail: beverlyatteberry@aol.com

4 | River’s Edge Magazine

arm weather along River Parks’ stretch of the Arkansas River means a lot of maintenance and repairs along with the recent rather odd sight of bulldozers on the riverbed pushing a lot of sand around. “For those Tulsans familiar with the history of the Arkansas River, this activity is nothing new,” says RiverParks Authority Creative Director Matt Carver. “In fact, a very similar project was carried out in 2010. Basically, we have a regular influx of sand that collects in Zink Lake upstream of the dam. The 30-year-old design of the dam has several flaws, one of

which is poor sediment pass-thru rates.” Basically, sand piles up. Advantages of moving the sand are three-fold: Pushing sand into higher-current areas encourages sediment to flow over Zink Dam; Removing “islands” of sand discourages unfavorable nesting by the Least Tern, an endangered species. Finally, sporting events at Zink Lake, such as rowing, need a certain depth of water that must be maintained The sand relocation project takes several weeks. In the meantime, the dam gates are lowered to empty Zink Lake, which allows the bulldozers to venture out on the sandbars. ~

by Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr.

BOK Center Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Courtesy Photo

One of Tulsa’s most iconic buildings, the BOK Center, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. The BOK Center has seen tremendous success, and to this day, is still booking some of the best talent around the world – such as Sir Paul McCartney, a rock legend. In 2003, Tulsa County voters passed Vision 2025, which included the construction of the BOK Center. Two of our leaders at the time, Tulsa County Commissioner Bob Dick

and Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune, led the way to see this vision realized that would positively impact our city. There have been many individuals involved in the creation of the BOK Center, but we would be remiss if we didn’t thank both Commissioner Dick and Mayor LaFortune for their bold visions. When you think of what this iconic arena has meant to Tulsa, including the transformation of downtown since it first broke ground, you have to admit:Tulsa would be a much different city today if the BOK Center didn’t exist. As we continue to celebrate the successes at the BOK Center, I must also thank John Bolton and the SMG team for their tireless efforts in making the BOK Center one of the best entertainment venues in the country. Here’s to the BOK Center – happy anniversary. I look forward to the promising future that lies ahead. ~

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July 2013 | 5

The 1986 Flood

The Mighty River Rises They say there are no hurricanes in Tulsa. People who say that don’t remember Hurricane Paine. It was, in fact, a setup. It had been raining since late September. The ground was a saturated sponge.

Editor’s note: With this article, the River’s Edge continues a series about the heritage and little-known lure of the Arkansas River at Tulsa, part of a forthcoming book - The Tulsa River. ©Ann Patton 2012 and 2013.

by Ann Patton 6 | River’s Edge Magazine

In the last week of September 1986, Hurricane Paine rolled out over the Pacific Ocean over Baja California, loaded with water, then headed northeast over Oklahoma and Kansas, carried along by the jet stream. It got wedged between two revolving clocks of pressure: a low pressure cycling counter-clockwise west of us, and a high cycling clockwise to the east. The hurricane stalled. While Paine was parked over southern Kansas and north-central Oklahoma, the hurricane turned loose of its water load. It rained. And rained. As much as two feet of rain. In northeast Oklahoma, the rain equaled half of what the region gets in a year. In northwest Oklahoma, it was like a whole year’s rainfall in one fell swoop. In six days, starting Sept. 29, Hurricane Paine dropped up to 24 inches over lower Kansas and northern Oklahoma – right above Keystone Dam, upstream from Tulsa. Opposite page: A tanker trailer is wedged against the Pedestrian

Bridge after floating down river from Sand Springs.

Photo courtesy of Tulsa World© issue Oct. 6, 1986 on page A1.

High water effected the River West Festival Park (above right) and near the Pedestrian Bridge, below. Photos this page all courtesy of the River Parks Authority archives

Left: The ampitheatre at River West Festival Park was surrounded by flood waters in October of 1986. Photo at Left Courtesy of the River parks Authority. Photo below is a Tulsa World© File Photo.

By Oct. 2, the engineers knew Hurricane Paine was going to bring big-time trouble to the Tulsa River.

The 1986 flood On Friday, Oct. 3, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed Tulsa city officials that the Arkansas River was going to flood at Tulsa for the first time since Keystone Dam was completed in 1964. The flood storage behind the dam was full. Predictions were that so much more water was coming down the river, the Corps would have to open flood gates and let more water flow downstream – even if it meant flooding people in Sand Springs, Tulsa, Bixby, and all along the river. The Corps had no choice. In the tense days that followed, officials were mesmerized by the changing numbers and what they meant for Tulsans. Engineers measured the river flow in cubic feet per second – cfs. If the river was flowing at roughly 100,000 cfs, it should stay inside the river channel at

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Tulsa, and nobody should be hurt. But predictions were that up to 410,000 cfs could flow into Keystone Lake. That bathtub could only hold so much. If the engineers had to release as much as, say, 300,000 cfs (or maybe even more), it could swamp entire subdivisions downstream along the river in Sand Springs, severely test the Tulsa/ West Tulsa levees, flood at least part of Garden City on the west bank, flood Riverside Drive, and threaten homes along the east bank from 26th to 71st streets. If they had to go much above 300,000 cfs, it could cause catastrophic flooding by washing out the old sand levees, which were designed to withstand 350,000 cfs (probably more than they can withstand today). To make matters even more difficult, hydrology is not an exact science. The Corps battled tremendous challenges. There were many unknowns, such as how much the flood would scour the river bottom and even how much was really flowing into the lake. At one point, the Corps lost power to the dam and had to switch to

backup power after the main transformer flooded. Upstream on the Arkansas, the control room at Kaw Dam almost flooded out. Still the rain continued, with sleepless nights and tense days filled with hurried preparations, sandbagging, and evacuations. At 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Corps raised the flood gates again to send 304,000 cfs of flood water flashing down through Sand Springs, heading toward Tulsa. By Saturday night, a hundred homes and businesses were flooded in Tulsa. In the Garden City neighborhood on the river’s westbank, a homemade levee broke, flooding homes, businesses, and a mobile home park south of 36th Street around Elwood Avenue. The river was raging out of its banks along Riverside Drive, which had been reclaimed by the river. At midnight, a levee broke along the Sand Springs Line, west of downtown, and only heroic sandbaggers were able to avert catastrophic flooding at that site and another levee breach.

Counting the costs If it was bad in parts of Tulsa, it was far worse elsewhere. In 45 counties throughout northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas, virtually every stream flooded. The Corps had to juggle crises at nearly every reservoir in the Arkansas Basin. Around 4 a.m. on Sunday Oct. 5, things began to slow down. The Corps was able to slowly cut back and gradually slow the flood waters coming down from Keystone Dam.

Communities began counting their losses. In all, flood damages totaled about $283 million, in 1986 dollars, and two people died. It was an historic flood but, despite what many people said, it was not entirely unprecedented. The Corps compared it to the 1943 flood, before the levees or Keystone Dam were built; but 1986 brought more extensive flooding, and 26 people died in 1943. In Tulsa County, the dollar damages were counted at $63.6 million. Most of that was in Sand Springs, Bixby, and other suburban areas. In Bixby, the flood covered many square miles of low land considered ripe for high-value development. In the City of Tulsa, dollar damages added up to around $3.5 million, about $1.4 million to private homes and businesses and almost $2 million to public projects, including erosion of the failed west bank levee. In Garden City, the water was trapped behind the remains of the old levee. The flooded area could not drain. Heavily polluted water was up to the roofs of old shotgun houses and lingered for days while the city struggled to pump out the water. Water-logged, the 1920s frame houses were coming apart.

After the residents begged the city to buy their ruined homes,Tulsa found money to buy the worst nine houses. They planned to buy more, drain the neighborhood, and use it for the kind of heavy industries that surround it. But when the city discovered a subsurface pool of petroleum and pollutants, they decided to let well enough alone and left the clearance area as a swamp and wildlife preserve. Tulsa River Parks took the brunt of the flood along the east bank, turning the park into a river. But River Parks said total damages were no more than $113,000 – because that low strip of green was an open space greenbelt park, so it was friendly to flood waters. RPA pretty much hosed off the park and went back to normal operations.

What did we learn from the 1986 flood? One lesson was that parks are more compatible friends with rivers and flood water than houses and businesses. The 1986 flood also drove home the point that flood control projects have finite capacity, the Corps said. In the case of Keystone Dam, experts say the Keystone flood pool behind the dam has maybe a 15-25 year capacity.When it’s full, the Corps will have to release more flood water downstream, even if it floods Tulsa and beyond. Can it happen again? Well, yes. Experts say one day, another hurricane will park upstream of Keystone, and there’ll be another rain that people will say is unprecedented. But when that will be and what it will bring is anyone’s guess. After all, the river is almost 500 miles long and drains 160,000 square miles of land, stretching clear up to Colorado. That river can carry a lot of water; the dam is sized to pass not just the 304,000 cfs of the 1986 flood but, in fact, nearly a million cfs.

There’s a map that shows what a million cfs would do to the people and investments in the river corridor, and it’s not pretty. Even less than half of that million would wipe out the levees and carry unthinkable numbers of homes and businesses downstream and toward the Gulf of Mexico. Most important, the 1986 flood showed us that the Arkansas River is a river, and a wild one at that. The 1986 flood clearly refuted the myth that the river will never flood because Keystone Dam has been built. Perhaps the biggest lesson from 1986 is that we need to learn to live in harmony with our river – the Tulsa River, which lured us here, nurtured us, terrorized us, shaped our lives, and profoundly influenced and enriched our community, from our forefathers through today and far into the future of coming generations. ~

Tuneful Tuesdays on the River

Free concerts! River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Tuesdays at 8pm featuring Starlight Concert Band & Starlight Jazz Orchestra June 11 June 18 June 25 July 9 July 16 July 23

Greatest Hits of the Big Band Era A Little Night Music Americana Night A Year of Music A Night at the Movies A West Coast Jazz Evening

www.starlightbands.net 918-798-STAR (7827)

July 2013 | 9

Where There’s

Our Customers Always Return

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Smoke…

ontrolled burns, such as the one pictured in the photograph below at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa, have a long history in agriculture, for8:48:10 AM est, and wildlife management. This particular controlled burn was done recently at Oxley as part of their prairie restoration effort. According to Stan May, Public Information Officer with the Tulsa Fire Department, “controlled fires burn away dead plants, weeds, thistles and underbrush, and prevent certain other plants from encroaching (such as trees). They also release nutrients into the ground, encouraging new growth.” May also wants people to know that “controlled burns should only be conducted with the supervision of the fire department or other experienced professional, to prevent the fire from raging out of control.” Summertime fire prevention tips for homeowners, says May, include “keeping your grass short and cutting back cedar trees away from your house.” ~

Photo and story by Vernis Maxwell

10 | River’s Edge Magazine

S ood pie

Juniper:

consistently wonderful food

ecently we were in the mood for that downtown Tulsa treat, Juniper, located at Third and Elgin. Madame didn’t even know that the moniker included the reference to Martini Bar. What is not to like? Yes, Food Spies have developed deserved fondness for Tulsa’s own Justin Thompson’s creations and Juniper is his flagship. After all, consistently wonderful food is hard to come by in the volatile world that is the battleground of restaurants. We wandered in for a meal in the middle of a rainy Saturday afternoon and had the place to ourselves. We had stupidly managed to not eat all day and were what can only be described as unreasonably hungry. We were immediately accommodated with brown sugar crusted bacon. We know…not everyone would ask for a bacon appetizer. But washing down brown sugar bacon with a wonderfully prepared martini on a rainy afternoon is a sublime experience and frankly quite enough, but of course, we did not stop there. We followed with an antipasto tray which was disappointingly small and generally unimpressive. Once you have had a Biga antipasto appetizer, it is hard for others to measure up. Brown butter trout! We have always contended that one could dip cardboard in brown butter and be happily satisfied with such a meal. It is nirvana to actually have wonderful fish so expertly and deliciously prepared with tasty cauliflower mash and dreamy brussel sprouts, a special talent of Thompson chefs. Our mothers would have been so proud of

to look at with its careful butchering and bed of potato and parmesan hash. Since the chicken was free-range from Talequah and so incredibly tasty, we all were happily satiated while feeling virtuous and Okie through and through. The dessert menu is a short experience, so we ordered off a pistachio ice cream that was not on the menu. It should stay off the menu with its unpleasant texture. Next time, Madame will go for the bread pudding. With its odd, 16-minute-extra cook time wait, there must be something awesome about it! All in all, we are happy to have Juniper as one of our favorites. The not so good part for us: The ambiance is unimpressive and does not seem to match the high quality of the food. ~

our vegetable consumption. With Justin’s commitment to the farm-to-table concept of locally sourced fresh food, vegetables are a special experience here. We so wanted the havarti and jalapena biscuits from the brunch menu, but though we were only five minutes late for brunch, all biscuits were long gone - clearly a winner that we didn’t get to try. The lunch bread is hot and delicious, but we would have so preferred olive oil for our bread instead of butter, but Juniper is a butter place. Our guest inhaled paneed rosemary chicken which was just beautiful

Food Spies is a South Tulsa-based family team of fervent foodies who refuse to ‘play nice’ and will only call it like they taste it. Food Spies reports on their culinary adventures in River’s Edge and other publications nationwide. Photo by Vernis Maxwell

Junipers 324 E 3rd St. 918-794-1090 Reservations accepted Closed Mondays and Sundays OpenTuesday-Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday brunch 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

July 2013 | 11

Photo by Vernis Maxwell

Greenie in Green Country

by “Recycle” Michael Patton

This is a great time to be a Greenie in Green Country. Those of us involved in environmentalism and love to help do our part to protect the earth are having a banner year in the Tulsa area.

12 | River’s Edge Magazine

Above: Michael Patton judges a mulch content contest. Below: The local television media comes out for the twice-annual pollutant collection events at Tulsa

Fairgrounds. Courtesy photos

Tulsans are recycling at record rates, thanks to the City of Tulsa making it more convenient with a separate recycling cart. Jenks and Bixby residents are now able to put bagged recyclables in their carts through a vendor who sorts and processes for

them. These demonstrate how recycled tonnage is up more than 300 percent in the area in just one year. Recycling is also becoming easier with a new partnership between Pepsi and Kum&Go stores that has added recycling bins near gas pumps

at 10 area stations. It was a very wet spring in northeast Oklahoma, which means that the river is now full and the fish and birds who live there are happy. Up with Trees added a couple hundred very tall trees to downtown this last year, and the rain has helped get them established in normally hardgrowing conditions. A new program called Compost Everything was started this past year as a partnership between the M.e.t., Master Gardeners and the Tulsa County Extension folks, with record crowds at seminars and trade shows. There are new efforts to add bus service and real discussions about light rail in our future, and Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bicycling community is having a banner year in recruiting new members. Many new bike racks have helped make cycling not only exercise but now as a means of transportation. People are out and about more and a new downtown trolley has helped promote big civic events like concerts at the new urban park known as Guthrie Green. This park shows off geothermal heat pumps and features a large patio shaded by new technology solar panels. While we are having a great year, there is still more to do. Two bad summers in a row have us in trouble with ozone levels. Most area businesses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recycle anything but paper while too many residents are mixing grass clippings in their trash cart. We also hope that a permanent household hazardous waste facility makes it onto the capital improvements election ballot in the fall. If we can make as much progress in the next 12 months as we have in the last year, then 2014 will be even greener than 2013. ~ Michael Patton is executive director of the Metropolitan Environmental Trust.

July 2013 | 13

Summer Concerts offer Free Music by Sarah Crain

t is no secret that I love music. I love to sing, dance, play piano, and I compose from time to time. When I hear about a music festival, outdoor concert series, or a favorite band coming to town, I immediately start looking at my calendar. Like most of you, I sometimes miss a concert due to financial limitations, so this summer I plan to take advantage of the free concerts taking place along the River Corridor to get my music fix!

Starlight Concert Series The Starlight Concerts have provided fantastic, live music for Oklahomans since 1947. Every concert is free to the public, and the River West Festival Amphitheater at 2100 S. Jackson can hold up to 2000 attendaees. Performances take place Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. during June and July. This month patrons can enjoy Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra performances July 9, 16, and 23. Concessions are available, though patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnic foods. Pets on leashes are allowed. For more info: www.starlightbands.net, or 918-798-STAR.

14 | River’s Edge Magazine

Photo by Vernis Maxwell

Music on the Guthrie Green

WunderFest

The beautiful new Guthrie Greenat 111 E. Brady, offers Tulsans a gorgeous place to walk, picnic, and sit with friends. There are activities almost every day on The Green, and this summer there will be free concerts as well. On Thursday, July 4, the Concert Band will present “A Salute to America” at 8 p.m. and the performance will conclude in time to see the Driller’s Stadium fireworks. On Sunday afternoon, July 14 Horton Records presents Jimbo Mathus, Wink Burcham, and John Moreland in concert from 2-6 p.m. These singer-songwriters are sure to touch your hearts and get your blood flowing with music ranging from old-fashioned country to honky-tonk. Sunday, July 28, the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice presents their “Tulsa Unites” concert series.The OCCJ seeks to bring Tulsans together and will present free live music and speakers in an effort to create relationships between neighbors. Last but not least, on Friday, August 2, the Jazz Orchestra will present “Jazz Under the Stars.”

Yea, a music festival with an “End of Summer Beach Party” theme! August 9 and 10, this year’s annual Wunderfest will stir things up for Tulsans.The festival promises art, food, and 20 bands in two days.The entertainment includes performances by local artists and national headliners. In addition to the music, families can enjoy “Wunderfood Pavilion” and “The Boardwalk” with carnival-style food vendors, WunderBeach, volleyball, and a KidsZone with inflatable toys, gaming trucks, and art stations. For those over age of 21, local wine and beer vendors will also be present. For more information and a complete listing of the bands, visit their website at www.wunderfest.com (River West Festival Amphitheater, 2100 South Jackson). If you’re interested in a quiet night out with your sweetheart listening to some jazz, a patriotic get-together for the Fourth of July, or a rocking good time with your kids, there is plenty of FREE Tulsa fun this summer. I look forward to seeing all of you there! ~

Sarah Crain studied Music and Theater throughout school and has two associate degrees from Tulsa Community College in Music and Theater. She has appeared in several Tulsa shows including Fiddler on the Roof, Once Upon a Mattress, and Jekyll & Hyde.

by Isabell Estes

Tropical Smoothie Café a Tulsa success story

n my line of work, I get the privilege of sharing the joys and tears of entrepreneurship. When business ownership is right for someone, you just relish in his or her success.They are building wealth and equity, creating jobs and stimulating an economy that sorely needs it. One such couple is Tim and Nicole Smallwood, franchisee owners of Tropical Smoothie Café here in Tulsa. I met Tim and Nicole through the FORWARD program, a private/public partnership between the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation / Creative Capital and the City of Tulsa. FORWARD is an acronym for Franchising Opportunities Reinforced with Assistance Reward Development.

Franchising is a popular method of business ownership because of the “winwin” relationship between the parent company, the franchisor, and the individual owner – the franchisee. It is winwin because the franchisor provides the structure, the training and ongoing support of a successful business model while the franchisee provides the knowhow of the market and the expertise of running a business well. The franchisee reaps the lion’s share of the profits, the franchisor profits through royalties. Both get the brand recognition they desire. Franchised businesses represent 75 different industries and range in total investment between $30K for homebased concepts to the $1 million range for brick-and-mortar concepts like

hotels. Most people are familiar with food franchise concepts but are often surprised to find that businesses like Express Personnel, ServPro and Comfort Keepers are franchises. New concepts coming to Tulsa include Tutor Doctor, a franchise based out of Toronto that provides at-home tutoring. Nicole left a long-term managerial position to run the business full-time, with Tim filling in during his free time away from the Tulsa Fire Department as spokesperson and recruiter. They fell in love with the Tropical Smoothie concept because of their healthy lifestyle and they had the enthusiastic endorsement of their basketball-playing sons and many friends who “loved everything” about the great-tasting, yet super-healthy menu items. They knew that they were onto something that would fit Tulsa perfectly. The Tulsa Hills Tropical Smoothie Café location celebrates its second anniversary in June. So far, Tulsa’s favorite menu items are the Baja Chicken Flatbread, a savory combination of chicken, low fat mozzarella, green and red peppers, onions, romaine and light southwestern ranch on toasted flatbread and the Sunrise Sunset smoothie, a delicious concoction of strawberries, pineapple, mango and orange. With the popularity of the concept proven, the Smallwoods opened their second location at the Shoppes on Peoria, off Pine and Peoria.The Peoria location has a drive-thru window and both locations have dinein and catering. When asked how they would advise anyone looking at a franchise, Tim replied, “Do your research if it’s a new franchise to the area, and be sure to be prepared to work. We believe in our product, which has made the rough times easier to deal with.” ~ Isabell Estes is a business coach and consultant with The Entrepreneur’s Source. She can be reached at 918-296-9599.

July 2013 | 15

by Paul Wilson

Tulsa Drillers bringing on the heat his second season with the Drillers under way. “I was a starter last year in Tulsa through the entire season.We did From his Bishop Kelley High School days to his current well and made the playgig with the Tulsa Drillers, Parker Frazier brings on the offs — but we just came speed. Photo by Rich Crimi/Tulsa Drillers. up short,” says Parker. or many, warm-weather sports “And this year I come back as a relievseason is the most wonderful er. It is going to be a new challenge, a time of the year. We enjoyed new experience, so I hope for the best. the late spring NCAA basket- I led the league in innings, which was ball and Masters Golf tournaments as a big thing for our team. I was trying well as watching the National Hockey not to use the bullpen too much when League and National Basketball Asso- I started. We all had a good year. It was ciation playoff hunts. But now is the a good season for everyone, and being time to think of that great, all-American at home, it was nice to pitch in front of pastime...baseball. everybody.” The Tulsa Drillers – the AA afBeing from Tulsa, Frazier praises filiate of the Colorado Rockies – will his hometown and says, “It’s just a nice take to the field this year for its 37th city, I’ve played around most of the year in Tulsa, giving fans the excite- United States, and I’ve been in six difment of watching young men play ferent minor leagues on the east coast baseball with the dream of becoming and west coast. Being from here, I am major leaguers. I spoke with Parker a little biased, but it is nice when you Frazier, a Bishop Kelley graduate and have a city that has what you want in relief pitcher for the Drillers about a downtown. And then you can drive the upcoming season and his expec- 15 minutes and you are in the country. tations and goals for the year. Frazier That is what I like best about Tulsa – is moving to the bullpen after leading you have the city experience, or counthe Drillers and the Texas League in try experience all in one town. I reinnings pitched last season. He is ex- ally like coming here. As a professional cited and looking forward to getting player you want to move up every year,

16 | River’s Edge Magazine

but coming back to my hometown a great city — which has tons of fans — you can’t ask for anything more. I like country dancing, so I go to the Caravan every now and then and go twostepping. There is really not a bad place in Tulsa. I love going to Brookside and eating at Leon’s. Brownie’s is one place I have been going since I was a kid.” Maintaining a positive attitude, Frazier sets humble goals for the upcoming season, “I go in with the same mindset every year: to never give the club and excuse to hold me back. If I can do everything I can with my ability and feel like I have accomplished everything, even if I don’t get moved up and stay here the entire year, I think I have made an impression on them. They tell us every day that you are not playing just for your team, you are playing for the other teams around, so you are always showcasing yourself. That is the one thing you want to do — to go out and show your ability. That is my mindset going into every season individually, but it is a team sport so you go in and give your team a chance to win. That’s fun.” The baseball season always starts with high expectations and if Parker Frazier can keep his positive attitude, we will soon be talking about another Tulsa native in the Major Leagues. ~

by Cindy Bayles

Discovering the Kid in All of Us

ulsa children and their families have a new place to play. Discovery Lab, a 12,000 square foot children’s

The recently opened Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab offers interactive fun for all ages.

museum and discovery center opened to the public in late spring 2013. This project began in 2007 when a group of parents and professionals sought ways to bring a children’s museum to Tulsa. Since that time, Tulsa Children’s Museum (TCM), has reached thousands of children and their families, through outreach programs and a family concert series. In late 2012, TCM entered an agreement with the City of Tulsa to lease the Owen Park Recreation Center and transform it into Discovery Lab. Children’s museums impact children, families, and communities in many ways. A children’s museum can play a critical role as a community partner - a force in the community for the expansion of science and technology. TCM Executive Director Ray Vandiver explains, “Many of the exhibits will incorporate a blend of multiple-medium arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The emphasis will be on a multi-sensory, whole-brain

approach to learning that encourages children to practice critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and collaborative skills.” The opening of TCM Discovery Lab will help fill an educational niche in the Tulsa landscape, however, based on research by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM),TCM will outgrow the square footage at Discovery Lab within five years. Preparing for that eventuality, TCM anticipates breaking ground for a permanent 40,000-squarefoot facility in 2018. As TCM is launching its Discover Lab, they are launching their Founding Donor campaign to allow donors to make a multi-year commitment to support Discovery Lab. For details, contact Susan Carroll at 918-295-8144 or email scarroll@tulsachildrensmuseum.org. TCM memberships are now available for purchase on the TCM website. To purchase an Inaugural membership, visit tulsachildrensmuseum.org. ~

Courtesy photos

July 2013 | 17

Downtown Dwelling:

by Meisha McDaniel Photos by Vernis Maxwell

Upscale

he key to discovering downtown Tulsa is to explore the landscape. Because I live in the area, I know firsthand that downtown bustles with opportunities and energy. Downtown is the main attraction for those looking for the big city scene. Downtown Tulsa residencies such as the Mayo Hotel are located close to the Tulsa Performing Art Center, upscale restaurants and the funky-cool shops at the Indie Emporium.

The Mayo and surrounding buildings are part of downtown Tulsa’s Art Deco heritage. Photos by vernis maxwell.

18 | River’s Edge Magazine

Katie Koljack, an attorney at Gable Gotwals, resides inside the Mayo Hotel and says,“Living downtown allows me to walk to work which, for a young professional, gives a town like Tulsa a larger city feel without all the negatives that come along with big city living.” Not only is the Mayo Hotel a home to some, it also has a rich history. Icons of yesterday and today have stayed there including President John F. Kennedy – and, in just the past

year, movie star George Clooney. The Mayo also sports a trendy rooftop bar with breathtaking views of T-town’s gorgeous Art-Deco skyscrapers and buildings. The Renaissance Uptown - a downtown apartment gated community on Denver - is located close to the BOK Center. Residents here experience the urban living of the environment nearby, as well as privacy and skyline views. Although there are not many houses in downtown itself, there are lofts and towers known for lavish amenities and artistic flourishes, especially in the Brady Arts District, where you’ll find the Brady Lofts and the ornate, unforgettable, historic Philtower. A pair of gargoyles preside above Boston Avenue, perched on the Philtower. The 24-story building was positioned strategically, with an eye to its proximity to other downtown Tulsa landmarks and is part of downtown’s premiere architectural corridor. In 2003, neon lights that had originally graced the tower’s apex were restored to their former brilliance, adding a further distinctive design feature to the roof. Home to those who can afford it, it’s also a destination to simply visit and check out all the decorative elements, both indoors and out. Taking a tour of the Philtower is a must-do as this fascinating building was constructed in conjunction with the Philbrook Museum mansion in the Brookside era and is a hallmark of our city’s past of oil riches and oil barons. For more information on any of the above-listed housing units, visit their websites: www.themayohotel. com, www.renaissanceuptown.com, www.philtower.com and www.metroatbrady.com. ~

The Campbell Hotel • 26 unique theme rooms • Full-service luxury spa • Event center • Lounge

www.thecampbellhotel.com

2636 E. 11th St. • (918) 744-5500 July 2013 | 19

by Tracy LeGrand

Getting Fit

Rolling With Team Luna No one gets called names like “pansy” or “crybaby” if they’re less than stellar on a bike when biking with Luna Chix. The core group of ten local women and any number of about 75 regulars show up for the biking ladies’ Thursday evening and Saturday morning rides or occasional weekend trips. Their seminars and informational sessions draw women of all ages who come away better bicyclists – and munching on sample Luna bars.

20 | River’s Edge Magazine

Opposite page: Megan Branstetter and Shelly

Chronister participate in a skills clinic.

Above: Teal Stetson helps with a skills clinic

and rides for the Luna Pro Team.

Courtesy photos

Left to right: Melanie Biskup, Michelle Wamego, Leah Gifford, Ginger Renshaw, Cyndi Ballard, Heidi Blackmon, Emily Culpepper and LaDonna Baroni.

Luna Chix is sponsored by San Francisco-based Luna, which includes a Tulsa-based mountain-biking ladies team among its 25 or so sponsored teams nationwide. Melanie Biskup has been a Luna Chix from the group’s beginning when her former group – BOMBS (Babes on Mountain Bikes) – discovered the opportunity for Luna sponsorship. BOMB-member Carol Mullen heard about the nutrition-bar company’s philanthropic and marketing effort to promote women’s fitness by sponsoring mountain biking, road bike, triathlon and running teams.Another team member, Cara Holland, applied for the group. In return for the sponsorship, which includes riding wear discounts on gear – and lots of Luna bars – the women hold frequent rides and informational seminars designed to get women riding in a safe, supportive atmosphere.

“Luna likes for us to hold skills workshops to help new riders or anyone who wants to become a better rider in a supportive, fun atmosphere,” says Biskup.“Our rides are for all skill levels, even beginners, who want to get together and get healthy with lots of fun and camaraderie.When I first started biking, it was with my boyfriend who could not understand why I was so nervous about certain things. But when riding with other women, it is much more supportive and encouraging. Others have said the same thing, that it’s nice to not hear things a guy would tend to say like ‘stop being a pansy’ instead of how we encourage each other – ‘you can do it.’ If it scares you, we say to get off the bike and walk that part and, of course, we’ll work with you to increase your skills and your confidence.” The No. 1-favorite ride for the Chix is Turkey Mountain. They also

are often found at Lake Keystone’s trails. Popular biking trips include trails at Lake McMurtry in Stillwater and “some great trails in Arkansas or a fantastic biking festival in Eureka Springs,” says Biskup. For more information, find Team Luna Chix on Facebook or email Biskup03@tulsacoxmail.com. ~

July 2013 | 21

Upcoming events Movie in the Park (see website for weekly film), 8:30 to 10:30, Guthrie Green, www. guthriegreen.com July 12-13 Dhadkan, 7:30 pm, Tulsa PAC, www. tulsapac.com Little Women, 7:30 pm, Tulsa PAC, www. tulsapac.com July 01-07 The Lion King, times vary, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com

Sat, Jul 27, 2013 at - Tulsa, OK

Bedlam Run If you are in Oklahoma and hear the word bedlam, your thoughts immediately go to the rivalry between The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. This annual event celebrates more than 100 years of spirited competition between orange and red. Proceeds will benefit the OSU Alumni Association and OU Club Of Tulsa. Location: Blue Dome District Distance: 10 km, 5 km, 1 mi fun run Visit www.bedlamrun.com for more info.

Bubble Boutique! Cherry Street is now home to a quirky, fun shop with lots of extra fun stuff including a Pin-Up Girl Make-Over Contest. To be considered, send a full length photo and a brief paragraph why you or someone you know is deserving of this make-over to zoe@bubbleboutiqueandgifts.com by July 31. Read more about Bubble Boutique in the August issue. July 12, 2013

An Affair of the Heart, one of the largest arts and craft shows in the United States, is known for its quality and variety of merchandise. Come to An Affair of the Heart, held at the River Spirit Center at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st St., Tulsa, for a truly unique marketplace and shopper’s dream, with booths occupying multiple buildings throughout the fairgrounds. An Affair of the Heart offers a vast array of arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, accessories, jewelry, clothing, gourmet foods and more. Visit www.heartoftulsa.com for more information

We are always looking for area events to feature and list in our calendar. If your organization has scheduled an event, please email the information to editors@riversedgemagazine.com by the 10th day of the month preceeding and we’ll try to include it.

22 | River’s Edge Magazine

July 01-07 Reflections of Design (photo art show), 10 am to 5:30 pm +, Tulsa PAC, www. tulsapac.com July 02, 09,16, 23, 30 Starlight Concerts, 8 pm, River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson, www. starlightbands.net July 03 Brews, Blues, & BBQ, 6 pm to Midnight, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First St., www.okjazz.org July 03-07, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28 Fair Meadows Live Racing, times vary, Fair Meadows Race Track, Expo Square, www.exposquare.com July 03-05 Tulsa Drillers vs. San Antonio Missions, 7:05 pm, ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Avenue, www.milb.com July 04 OneOK FreedomFest, 6 to 10:30 pm, Tulsa River Parks, www.riverparks.org Starlight Band: “A Salute to America”, 6 to 10 pm, Guthrie Green, www. guthriegreen.com July 05 2013 Crude Classic Opening Party, 5 to 10 pm, Guthrie Green, www. guthriegreen.com July 05, 12, 19, 26 Films On the Lawn (see website for weekly film), 7:30 to 10:30, Philbrook Muesum of Art, www.philbrook.org July 06-08 Tulsa Drillers vs. Corpus Christi Hooks, 7:05 pm, ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Avenue, www.milb.com July 08 American Idol Live, TBA, BOK Center, www.bokcenter.com July 09 Tod Snider w/ Dustin Pittsley, 7 pm, Cains Ballroom, www.cainsballroom.com July 11 Tulsa Shock vs. Los Angeles Sparks, 8 pm, BOK Center, www.bokcenter.com July 11-12 A Song is Born, 7:30 pm, Tulsa PAC, www. tulsapac.com July 11, 18, 25 Summer’s Fifth Night (Concert Series), 7 to 9 pm, Utica Square, www.uticasquare. com

July 12-14 An Affair of the Heart, times vary, River Spirit Expo, Expo Square, www.exposquare.com July 13 Philbrook Muesum of Art (free admission Saturday with family activities), 10 am to 5 pm, Philbrook Muesum of Art, www. philbrook.org

July 13 Tulsa Shock vs. Minnesota Lynx, 7 pm, BOK Center, www.bokcenter. com July 13-14 Mischievous Swing, times vary, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com July 14 Jimbo Mathus, Wink Burcham, John Moreland (Concert), 2 to 6 pm, Guthrie Green, www.guthriegreen.com Alabama Shakes + Fly Golden Eagle, Hurray for the Riff Raff, 7 pm, Cains Ballroom, www.cainsballroom.com Weddings of Tulsa Bridal Show, 1 to 5 pm, Mabee Center, www.mabeecenter. com Appassionata Duo, 4 pm, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com July 14-17 Tulsa Drillers vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 7:05 pm, ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Avenue, www.milb.com July 17 Hockey + Saint Motel, SWIMM, 7 pm, Cains Ballroom, www.cainsballroom.com July 18-21 Native Women’s Voices: Sofkee for the Soul, times vary, Tulsa PAC, www. tulsapac.com

July 15-16 Whitesnake, 7 pm, River Spirit Event Center, www.riverspirittulsa.com July 19 Tulsa Shock vs. Connecticut Sun, 7 pm, BOK Center, www.bokcenter.com 1964…The Tribute, 8 pm, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com July 19-21 Children’s Letters to God, times vary, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com July 19-20 Center of the Universe Festival, 5 pm to 2 am, Brady Arts District, www. centeroftheuniverse.com July 19-21 Combined Minds, times vary, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com Green Country Family Recreational Expo, N/A, River Spirit Expo, Expo Square, www.exposquare.com July 21 Tulsa Shock vs. Atlanta Dream, 3:30 pm, BOK Center, www.bokcenter.com July 25 Tulsa Shock vs. Indiana Fever, 11:30 am, BOK Center, www.bokcenter.com Tulsa Playboys, 6:30 pm, Cains Ballroom, 427 N. Main, www.cainsballroom.com

July 25-28 Tulsa Drillers vs. Arkansas Travelers, 7:05 pm, ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Avenue, www.milb.com July 26 Tinkerbell’s Greatest Hits, 8 pm, Tulsa PAC, www.tulsapac.com July 26-28 The Home & Garden Expo of Oklahoma, times vary, River Spirit Expo, Expo Square, www.coxradiotulsa. com All Things Women Love, times vary, River Spirit Expo, Expo Square, www. coxradiotulsa.com July 27 Gaither Vocal Band Homecoming Tour 2013, 6 pm, Mabee Center, www. mabeecenter.com

July 28 OCCJ: Tulsa Unites Concert Series, 2 to 6 pm, Guthrie Green, www. guthriegreen.com July 30 Adam Ant + Prima Donna, 7 pm, Cains Ballroom, www.cainsballroom.com July 30-31 Tulsa Drillers vs. Springfield Cardinals, 7:05 pm, ONEOK Field, 201 N. Elgin Avenue, www.milb.com July 31 Phiip H. Anselmo & The Illegals + Warbeast, Author & Punisher, 7:30 pm, Cains Ballroom, www.cainsballroom.com

Event Locations BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Brady Theather, 105 W. Brady St. Cains Ballroom, 427 N. Main Guthrie Green, 111 E. Brady St. Henthorne PAC, 4825 S. Quaker Ave. Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road SpiritBank Event Center, 107th & Memorial Spirit Event Center, 8330 Riverside Parkway Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Dr. Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center (4th & Houston) Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria Ave. Tulsa Historical Society, 2445 S. Peoria Ave. Tulsa Performing Arts Center (PAC), 119 E. 2nd St.

tulsa area running/ CYCing events Running • 07.04.13 Fleet Feet Firecracker 5K , Tulsa

Running • 07.13.13 Josh Hatzell Ram Run, Owasso Duathlon • 07.14.13 Christa Voss DU, Tulsa Running • 07.19.13 ‘Know When To Run” Poker Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, Collinsville

Running • 07.05.13 Tatur’s Midnight Madness 50 Mile Road Race, Tulsa Cycling • 07.06.13 Tour of Payne, Stillwater Triathlon • 07.13.13 Bartlesville Tri: Not Another Day Lost to Siezures Race, Bartlesville

Running • 07.20.13 Tatur’s Undie Run One Mile - presented by Leon’s, Tulsa -7 pm Start Running • 07.27.13 Bedlam Run, Tulsa Running • 07.30.13 Summer 5km Series, Tulsa Running • 08.02.13 T-Town Twilight Run, Tulsa

Ongoing Events: Sundays Jazz Hall of Fame Sunday Evening Concerts, 5:30 pm, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First St., details at www.okjazz.org Sunday Market, 10 am to 4 pm, Guthrie Green, www.guthriegreen.com Tuesdays Depot Jams, 5:30 pm, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First St., details at www.okjazz.org Wednesdays JazzWich Wednesday, 11:30 am, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First St., details at www.okjazz.org Thursdays Open Mic Night, 6:30 pm, Gypsy Coffee House, 303 MLK Boulevard, details at www.gypsycoffee.com Thursdays-Saturdays Live Music, times vary, River Spirit Casino Mistic River Lounge, 8330 Riverside Parkway, details at www.riverspirittulsa. com Saturdays Just for Teens Coffee House, 7-11 pm, Downtown, 311 S. Madison, details at www.yst.org Tulsa Flea Market, 8 am to 4 pm, Exchange Center or Super Duty Arena, Expo Square, details at www.tulsafleamarket.net The Drunkard and the Olio, 7:30 pm, The Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Drive, details at www.spotlighttheater.org

Sat, July 20, 2013 at – Tulsa – 7pm Start

Tatur’s Undie Run Join hundreds of Tulsa area runners for the biggest and sexiest bash to ever hit Tulsa. On Saturday July 20, the streets of Tulsa’s Brookside bar district will come alive with runners, college students, housewives, construction workers, and office workers, running wild in the streets wearing nothing more than their underwear, pajamas, nightgowns, or sports bras. This one-mile untimed run is presented by Leon’s and sponsored by K-Hits & BOB FM. The event features Jello shot aid stations, beach balls, live music, free beer, costume contest women’s sexy legs contest, and men’s six pack ab contest. Location: Leon’s on Brookside (33rd & Peoria) - Heats start at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association. Visit www.tatur.org for more info.

July 2013 | 23

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5031 South 33rd West Avenue • Tulsa, OK 74107

The Red Fork Art Gallery & Studio Where artists come to play – to paint – to grow. • A variety of art classes are offered for ages 8 to adult. • W e accept commissions – just tell us what you want and we’ll paint it.

• W e have a large variety of art —including oils, acrylics, pastels, porcelain, watercolor, and jewelry — affordably priced.

The Red Fork Art Gallery and Studio is located in the heart of historic Red Fork.

4071 Southwest Boulevard Call 918.639.4811 for more information