BA City Magazine April/May Issue

FEATURE

PROFILE

ROOSTER DAYS

DEBRA WIMPEE

APRIL / MAY 2019

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UPFRONT

upfront The journey begins....

When I think about the launch of the new baMagazine the only word to use is excited. I’m excited about the possibilities, the community, the friendships, the camaraderie…excited about it all. And we get to discover all of this together.

Broken Arrow is without question a community on the move, a community that always keeps an eye to the future — and what a bright future it is. In this inaugural issue, you can see changes all around while staying aware of our shared past.

For starters, Kelsey Walker takes in this year’s Rooster Days, an event synonymous with Broken Arrow’s community spirit.

Kelsey found a grand history of success with the event, along with new adventures for the future of Oklahoma’s oldest festival. Along those lines, I met up with the good people behind Chalk It Up! An Art Festival for “Roses, Chalk & Kites, Oh My!” and it is looking like a can’t-miss activity. If the success of the event over the past three years is any indication, I know where everyone should be at the end of May and beginning of June. Personally, the notion of dozens of kites soaring through the sky is more than enough to excite me.

Additionally, we check out WWII vet Oscar “Junior” Nipps,

and can read his recollections of the war, including being on board the USS Missouri as the Japanese surrendered — good stuff for sure. We also take a look at the Broken Arrow Brewing Company, an exciting addition to the already-revitalized downtown.

Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite gal around town and city council member Debra Wimpee.

She’s never at a loss for words or at a loss for an interesting story or perspective, and you'll find both in this issue.

But I digress. Excitement, that’s what it’s about going forward with the baMagazine. You can be sure this will be a fun, colorful, and entertaining ride for everyone in this fine community.

With that, please turn the page and begin our journey.

I’ll be around!

Volume I Issue I 1216 E. Kenosha St., Ste.129 Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Publisher/Owner

Brian Engel brian@brokenarrowmagazine.net Art Direction

Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Senior Editor

Tim Hudson thudson@brokenarrowmagazine.net Account Executives

Melissa Lambert 918-698-3334 mlambert@brokenarrowmagazine.net Andrea Whitchurch 405-512-8791 awhitchurch@brokenarrowmagazine.net Project Manager

LaTrisha Dowell trisha@brokenarrowmagazine.net Calendar/Social Media

calendar@brokenarrowmagazine.net Contributing Writers Scott Goodpaster Kelsey Walker Jeff Thompson Kelcey Nobles Arthur Stevens Craig Thurmond Tim Hudson

Contributing Photographers Owasso Historical Musuem Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Steven Hall James Koch

MEMBER OF THE

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or otherwise, without prior permission of Broken Arrow Magazine.

ABOUT THE COVER Photos compliments of Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Creative concept and design by Copper Cup Images

Tim Hudson, senior editor baMagazine APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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Upfront

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Mayor’s Minute: A Message from Mayor Craig Thurmond

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Destination Downtown: Roses, Chalk & Kites, Oh My! BA Rose Festival & Chalk It Up! Team up for Annual Event

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National Treasure: A Participant in History Oscar “Junion” Nipps Reminisces About War Days

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Feature: Something to Crow About Annual Rooster Days Festival Brings Fun & Excitement

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Local Business: Good Things Brewing in BA Historic Building Now Home to BA’s First Craft Brewery

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Profile: Debra Wimpee

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Senior Living: Senior Health Fair Returns

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Looking Back: Keeping History Alive!

The Museum Broken Arrow Boasts Local Artifacts

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Out & About: Photos from Around Town

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Helping Hands: 911 - What’s Your Emergency?

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Arts & Entertainment: Inspiring Young Artists BAPAC Cornerstone of the Arts District

Events Calendar APRIL/MAY 2019

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

MAYOR’S MINUTE

Mayor’s Minute Book your Next Event at Stoney Creek

by Mayor Craig Thurmond In its first year and half in operation, Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center has demonstrated why it’s been a great addition to the City of Broken Arrow.

This venue, which is located at 200 W. Albany St. near the popular Bass Pro Shops, has brought in numerous events to Broken Arrow from various interest groups.

Stoney Creek has held trade shows, like the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association and Oklahoma Public MAYOR CRAIG THURMOND Fleet Management Association; hobbyist organizations such as Oklahoma Mahjong and the Oklahoma Numismatic Association; and even sporting events like Oklahoma Freestyle Cage Fighting’s mixed martial arts fights.

Stoney Creek Conference Center isn’t just for professional organizations. Staff at Stoney Creek can help event organizers of all sorts book an appropriate space. This includes company parties, association meetings, fundraising banquets and, of course, weddings.

Offering about 40,000 square feet of event and meeting space, Stoney Creek is highly adaptable and can hold up to 1,000 people. And your out of town guests, or guests who don’t want to travel home after an event, are welcome in one of the hotel’s 177 guest rooms, ranging from traditional hotel rooms to family rooms featuring bunk beds for the kids.

Guest amenities include a fitness center, pantry, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, whirlpool and heated indoor/outdoor pool. The Blind Buffalo Pour House also features a large selection of wines and craft beers.

As mayor, I’ve attended dozens of events there since its opening and always have a unique experience. So, if you or someone you know is planning an event soon, consider Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. To find out more, contact the Broken Arrow Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 866-503-7081 or tourism@brokenarrowok.gov.

Mayor Craig Thurmond was first elected to City Council in 2001 and served as Vice Mayor from 2003-07 and again from 2010-12.

Thurmond is a native Oklahoman born in Tulsa.

He first became a resident of Broken Arrow in January 1977 and returned for good in 1992 after enjoying a successful career in the Construction Industry in the western United States.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

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DESTINATION DOWNTOWN

Roses, Chalk & Kites, Oh My! BA Rose Festival & Chalk It Up! Team Up for Annual Event

by Tim Hudson Color and creativity will hit the skies, gardens, and sidewalks in Broken Arrow, as the 6th annual Broken Arrow Rose Festival & Kite event is partnering with The 8th annual Chalk It Up! An Art Festival for “Roses, Chalk & Kites, Oh My!” “It’s going to be color, color everywhere, high and low,” said Chalk it Up! Chairperson Jennifer Deal.

“When you pull together the colorful chalk, the colorful roses, and the kites, they really will complement each other.”

Rose Festival Chairperson Beverly Forester said the intention of combining the events is to make something unique and special.

“We want to create something really wonderful, and we are bringing back our history and adding to it. We absolutely love art and are very excited,” Forester said.

“We’ve done this before, only not together, and realized that we were doing a lot of the same stuff, like closing the streets. I’m very confident that it will be a beautiful time.”

The festival will begin on Friday, May 31, as chalk artists begin their competition for cash prizes & awards in three age groups with five categories.

“Each year I am amazed at the quality of work that can be created on the pavement!” Deal said.

The chalk art contest will continue until 7 p.m. Saturday. Visitors can watch the transformations and vote for People’s Choice.

Saturday will also include the “Fun Rose Show.” Entrants can compete for cash prizes and ribbons in 14 categories. Vases for singles roses will be provided and rose care experts, along with Tulsa Rose Society representatives and master gardeners, will be on hand. A Rose Art Contest Exhibit will also be held at The Museum Broken Arrow.

“It’s all going to be bigger and better,” Forester said.

“We will be closing main street and hoping to fill the place with artist booths, live music, and food trucks.”

Sunday, June 2, the kites will take flight as Rose Kites over Broken Arrow happens at Event Park.

“Once again rose kites will be flying over Broken Arrow. The Rose Festival provides free kites to decorate,” Forester said.

“Last year was amazing. People trace a rose design or created their own original. We had everything from roses to unicorns, a spider, and an American flag.”

She says that this year the kite event will be “a lot bigger” than in years past.

“We will have candy drops and stunt kite flying, and are aiming at giving away around 1,000 free kites, last year was 850 free kites,” she said.

“We will set up stations like last year, when we had about 24, with magic markers and outline drawings of roses or whatever they want to draw. We will also have two kite artists coming in.”

She promises there will be “huge kites in the sky, in addition to the ones that the kids are flying.”

“People are still talking about it from last year, and we believe this year will be even better,” she said.

“There will be kites filling the sky and I get cold chills, just thinking about it. It will all be free and family friendly.”

More information can be found at www.KeepBaBeautiful.org. and on Facebook by searching for Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful.

For the full schedule get the “Visit Broken Arrow, OK!” app, available for free on Google Play and iTunes.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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NATIONAL TREASURE

A Participant in History Oscar “Junior” Nipps Reminisces About War Days

by Tim Hudson Oscar “Junior” Nipps has seen a lot over his 93 years, including some first-hand views of the most historic moments in our nation’s history.

“I was sitting on the side of the USS Missouri when they signed the peace treaty,” he said. “It was the best sight I’d seen in a long time.”

Nipps says he has lived in Broken Arrow all 93 of those years, “with the exception of the time I was in the Army.”

“They drafted me December 7, 1943, two years to the day after Pearl Harbor. I had two brothers that were in there, and I was ready to do my part if I could,” he said.

Nipps took basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he said he was “riding horses for 18 weeks.”

“From there I went to New Guinea,” he said. “It was still a combat zone, but they had cleared it out pretty good already.”

At that point, he joined the 1st Cavalry, 5th Regiment.

“I was just an infantryman, more or less, and carried ammunition for the machine guns and stuff; I didn’t get around much,” he said. “I wasn’t there but about three weeks.”

From there it was on to Bismarck Archipelago, a group of islands off the northeastern coast of New Guinea, where Nipps saw several months of intense combat.

“I was in combat for 63 days with no relief. We were just out in the field, up in the mountains, over the mountains, and all around; they couldn’t get relief to us so we just toughed it out ourselves,” he said, adding that food was a problem at the time and the soldiers just ate what they could, which was most anything they could find that was edible.

“Once, a C-487 came by and dropped us some K rations, it was like eating a Christmas dinner — almost.”

He says after the 63 days, the combat was over with and it was “pretty much just mopping up after that.”

“Then we went back to where we were stationed, and one night we killed about 130 Japanese; that was a little bit intense,” he said. “We took fire pretty much the whole time.”

From there it was on to Manilla, where Nipps had the enviable job of releasing civilian women and men from Santo Tomas University, a POW camp.

“We liberated 3,700 prisoners of war, and that was nice,” he said. “We didn’t know anyone, we just got the captives out of there and set them free.”

After that, Nipps and the other soldiers began loading up and preparing ships to invade Japan.

“By the time we got to Japan they had decided to surrender,” he said. "And I got to watch the signing of the peace treaty. I spent six months after the war was over in Japan, and got my discharge. I came back to Broken Arrow. This is my home, where I was born, and I’m going to stay.”

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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FEATURE

Something to Crow About

Annual Rooster Days Festival Brings Fun & Excitement

by Kelsey Walker Broken Arrow certainly has something to crow about, as the 88th Rooster Days festival returns with adventure and fun on May 9-12. The event is the longest continually running festival in the state of Oklahoma.

The four-day Rooster Days festival boasts something for everyone, including live entertainment, the Rooster Days parade, carnival food and rides, a wine garden, and the everexpanding Rooster Days Market Place. What you probably won’t find, however, is the plethora of feathered fowl which were present at the inaugural Rooster Days, and for which the festival was named.

According to Lori Lewis, investor relations manager with the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, roosters were overabundant in the thriving poultry industry on farms and acreage 8

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

surrounding Broken Arrow in the 1930s. Depression-era farmers commonly bartered with Broken Arrow merchants using chicken eggs as a form of currency. In those days, farm families would take their fresh eggs to local grocery stores to trade for staple goods, clothing, and even shoes. Refrigeration was rare back then, so fertilized eggs would begin

A look at Rooster Days Festival circa 1940.

incubation in just days and become useless for cooking. However, infertile eggs would stay fresh longer, even without being chilled. Thus, roosters were becoming less and less in demand.

A high school vocational agriculture teacher, Leo Wortman, believed the best and simplest solution would be to cull the roosters, as they were messing up plans to establish an infertile egg market in the area. He suggested establishing a special day for farmers to bring to market their excess roosters.

Wortman was also the secretary-manager of the Chamber of Commerce, and decided to form an exploratory committee to research options.

O.L. Patterson managed to secure a price of 13 cents per pound (5 cents over the market price) for the roosters for a one-day-

FEATURE only event. The Chamber chipped in an additional 2 cents to the premium, making a top price of 15 cents for that day. But that price was dependent on a minimum of at least two tons of roosters being gathered.

On that first Rooster Day, approximately 5,000 pounds of roosters were sold. Prizes were given to the best, largest, and noisiest roosters. According to the Chamber, a highlight of the day was a sound system — something almost unheard of in those days — which played music throughout the day as people visited and enjoyed each other’s company.

And so the local tradition of Rooster Days took flight.

The next year, the market price was even lower, but an increased premium was secured again for the single-day event. The celebration expanded to include the entire city, and boasted live music and contests such as hog-calling, horse shoe pitch, ladies nail driving, and greased pig catching. A popular addition was terrapin races, and children from across the area collected small turtles to enter the races. Top prize for the fastest reptile was as much as $100.

Festival organizers made up to $15,000 on the terrapin races alone some years, Lewis said.

The committee thought the community needed some special fun, and brought in Bob Wills and the

Miss Rooster Days candidates riding in one of the parades from the 1960s.

Texas Playboys to broadcast their noon show over KVOO from a Main Street grandstand. Spectators also enjoyed a free wrestling match that evening brought in by Sam Avery, wrestling impresario of the Old Coliseum in Tulsa.

Over the years, as the festival grew, the entertainment options also broadened. Music became a mainstay of the festival, as a number of musical acts performed each year. Featured performers have included Johnnie Lee Wills & His Boys and Roy Clark, to name just a couple. Unusual performances have included a tag team

wrestling match on Main Street in 1951, which featured Jimmy Lott and Angelo Savoldi teamed against Karol Krauser and Wayne Martin. Attendees also enjoyed a “one-man circus” complete with a bear, Brahma bull, and mule led by magician and rodeo clown Buck Robinson.

Eventually, however, the chicken flocks began to die out and were replaced by other agricultural industries. The culling of roosters eventually came to an end, and Rooster Days instead morphed into a special event for townfolk to come together and have some fun. Local merchants

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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FEATURE brought in carnivals, constructed beautiful floats, and engaged top talent to entertain the community as a way of expressing their appreciation to customers for their loyal patronage.

But the festival’s roots have not been entirely forgotten. A boy named Rusty Brainerd once reminded festival goers of the origins of Rooster Day by leading his pet rooster, George, in the parade in 1966, Lewis said. George injured his feet at some point during the event, and Rusty carried his pet the remaining distance. Judges did not select Rusty and George for a parade prize, Lewis said, but the community passed a hat and proceeds were deposited at First National Bank in the boy’s name. Pictures were taken by local artist Letha Nichols, who based her painting “Rooster Boy” on Rusty and George.

Today’s Rooster Days draws crowds of 40,000-plus, boasting a festive parade with floats and marching bands, tempting deep fried treats and freshly squeezed lemonade, rides, booths, and countless other forms of entertainment. And with each passing year, the Rooster Days festival becomes a more beloved community tradition in Broken Arrow.

“While it started as an economic development program for our farmers, it has become a celebration of our hometown,” says Alex Pfingston,

communications and marketing manager for the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.

The Rooster Day tradition continues this year on May 9-12 at Broken Arrow’s Central Park, 1500 S. Main Street. Admission is free. Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursday, May 9; 5-11 p.m. Friday, May 10; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 11; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 12. Rides close one hour before the festival closes each night.

The Rooster Days Run, hosted by Fleet Feet in Broken Arrow, will be held on Saturday, May 11. The race begins in downtown Broken Arrow at W. Memphis St. and S. Main St., and

will feature both a 5K and Fun Run. Registration is $35 (5K) or $20 (Fun Run); prices increase after noon on April 10. Anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to egister online at www.roosterdays.com.

Race day registration opens at 6:30 a.m., and the 5K kicks off at 8 a.m. The Fun Run and Walk steps off shortly after at 8:05 a.m. All finishers will receive a short-sleeve cotton Tshirt and a finisher medal.

The annual Rooster Days parade, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, will feature more than 100 entries ranging from colorful floats, exciting dance teams, award-winning bands, local businesses, Broken Arrow Police and Fire Departments, Miss Rooster Days candidates, car clubs, civic clubs, and more to get festival-goers in the Rooster Days spirit. The parade marches south through the Rose District and entertains all the way down Main Street to the front gates of Rooster Days.

“We have thousands of people come to Main Street to view the parade each year,” says Pfingston. “For many families, it is an annual tradition.”

Those interested in participating in the parade can find an application and info at www.roosterdays.com.

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

FEATURE

Roy Clark, shown here in the parade during the1970s, is one of the noted celebrities that has participated in Rooster Days festivities over the years.

Returning for its 65th year, Miss Rooster Days will be held on Saturday, May 11. Once crowned, Miss Rooster Days serves as the Youth Ambassador to Broken Arrow.

“Miss Rooster Days is a very busy young woman during her one-year reign,” says Pfingston. “She is responsible for attending ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and grand opening ceremonies as an honorary member of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club.

She is rewarded for her year as an ambassador with a $4,000 scholar-

ship for the college of her choice at the end of her reign.”

Miss Rooster Days also serves on the Taste of Summer planning committee, as well as the Miss Rooster Days planning committee, and takes part in the contest the following year.

She represents the youth of Broken Arrow at various events and festivals.

Miss Rooster Days is also responsible for writing “Thank You” notes to contributors and pageant sponsors within four weeks of selection.

Contestants must be 16 years of age by Thursday, May 9. Contestants must be a high school sophomore or junior, and must live within Broken Arrow Public Schools boundaries. The winner is selected based on the contestant’s ability to speak in public and answer questions. Reigning Miss Rooster Days Sophie Arroyo, a junior, will pass on her crown this year.

In 2018, a new event debuted at Rooster Days, bringing the competition of a beloved backyard game.

Competitors should get their throwing arms ready for the 2nd annual Cornhole Tournament on Friday, May 10.

“We were trying to think of another experience to add to the carnival to appeal to the adults that attend,” Pfingston says. “Cornhole seems to be a very popular game right now.”

Approximately 40 teams participated last year, and the Chamber hopes for another successful turnout.

Cost is $50 per two-person team, with the field limited to 64 teams. The double-elimination tournament will offer a cash payout and trophies to the firstand second-place teams. Prizes will

Applications can be found online at www.roosterdays.com.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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FEATURE be up to $600 for first place, and up to $300 for second place, depending on the number of teams entered.

Register at www.roosterdays.com.

Check-in will be from 5-5:45 p.m.

May 10. Bags fly at 6 p.m.

Sponsors are also still being accepted. Contact Jessica Mugg at Jessica.Mugg@bachamber.com for info or to purchase a sponsorship.

One-day ride passes are $30 per day, and can be purchased in advance or at the event. Mega ride passes are $60 for all four days and may only be purchased in advance.

A mix of local and out-of-town vendors will offer their goods at the festival’s marketplace — from clothing and beauty products to arts and crafts. Home improvement companies will also have booths set up.

Applications can be found on the Rooster Days website for both indoor and outdoor vendors. For more information, email roosterdays@gmail.com.

Volunteers are also welcome and encouraged to take part and support the community festival and help the tradition of Rooster Days continue.

Sign up on the Rooster Days website.

For questions about volunteering, email roosterdays@gmail.com or call 918-251-1518.

Grab your family and friends and head to downtown Broken Arrow on May 9-12 for carnival rides, great food, live entertainment, and more.

And find out why Broken Arrow truly has something to crow about.

2019 Rooster Days Festival Hours (Admission is free) Thursday, May 9: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday, May 10: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, May 11: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, May 12: Noon to 6 p.m. *Rides close 1 hour before festival closes*

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

2019 Rooster Days Schedule of Events Cornhole Tournament: Friday, May 10 Rooster Days Run: Saturday, May 11 • Registration: 6:30 a.m.

• 5K: 8 a.m.

• Fun Run: 8:05 a.m.

Rooster Days Parade: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11 Miss Rooster Days: Saturday, May 11

APRIL/MAY EVENTS CALENDAR

Know of an upcoming event you would like to see on our calendar? Submit the info to calendar@brokenarrowmagazine.net for a free listing!

Tue, Apr 2

2 PM

Tue, Apr 16

8 AM - 12 PM

7 AM - 7 PM

Steel Magnolias

6:30 PM

City Council Election

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

City Council Meeting

Annual Trash Bash - Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful

Wards 3, 4 & At-Large

See April 5 event for info.

City Hall

Central Park Community Center

Wed, Apr 17

Thu, May 2

6:30 PM

6 PM

City Council Meeting

Auditions for Godspell

City Hall

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

Wed, Apr 3

Wed, Apr 10

3 - 10:30 PM

11:15 AM - 1 PM

Dinner with the Delegation

Monthly Chamber Luncheon

Oklahoma City

Central on Main Ballroom

Thu, Apr 4

Thu, Apr 11

8 AM

6:30 PM

Chamber of Commerce Sales & Marketing Breakfast

Let’s Talk About It Oklahoma

12 - 6 PM

8 AM

Community Blood Drive

Chamber Networking Breakfast

Central Park Community Center

Tulsa Tech BA Campus - Callahan Room

Thu, Apr 18

8 PM

TBA

Steve Earl and the Dukes Concert

A Comedy Tonight

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

May 3 -5

Fri, Apr 19

Times Vary

Broken Arrow Museum

Good Friday - City Offices Closed

The Wizard of Oz

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

8 PM

Sat, Apr 20

Apr 5-14

Gladys Knight Concert

3 PM

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

International Cooking Class

Times Vary

The Wedding Singer

Fri, Apr 12

Tulsa Performing Arts Center Call (918) 596-7111 for show times.

Fri, May 3

Raindrop Turkish House

8 PM

Robert Cray Concert

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

2 PM

Thu, Apr 25

Call (918) 596-7111 for show times.

Steel Magnolias

12 - 6 PM

Fri, Apr 5

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

Community Blood Drive

See April 5 event for info.

Neinhuis Park Community Center

7:30 PM

Steel Magnolias

7 PM

8 PM

Something Rotten

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

Crayons Improv Comedy Show

Melissa Etheridge Concert

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center

Heritage United Methodist Church

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

8 PM

Sat, Apr 13

Fri, Apr 26

6:30 PM

Beach Boys Concert

8 PM

9 AM - 2 PM

City Council Meeting

Diana Ross Concert

29th Senior Resource & Health Fair

City Hall

Sun, Apr 7

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Central Park Community Center

9 AM - 3 PM

Apr 16-20

Sat, Apr 27

Times Vary

Motorcycle Safety Course

Times Vary

7 AM - 4 PM

Rooster Days Festival

Waitress

Free Dump Day

Central Park Community Center

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Waste Management Quarry Landfill

7:30 PM

Call (918) 258-0077 for more information.

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Events Park

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

Sat, May 4

Tue, May 7

May 9-12

Call (918) 596-7111 for show times.

300 N. Main St. Broken Arrow

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Thu, May 9

8 PM

Tue, May 21

8 PM

Chicks with Hits Concert

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

Alanis Morissette Concert

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

City Council Meeting

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Wed, May 15

City Hall

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Fri, May 10

11:15 AM - 1 PM

Mon, May 27

7 PM

Monthly Chamber Luncheon

Memorial Day - City Offices Closed

Crayons Improv Comedy Show

Central on Main Ballroom

Heritage United Methodist Church

Fri, May 31

Thu, May 30

Apr/May Recurring Events Fridays & Saturdays, 10 PM - 1 AM

Glow Bowling

Thu, May 16

11:15 AM - 1 PM

Sat, May 11

6:30 PM

10:30 AM

Let’s Talk About It Oklahoma

Chamber Successful Women’s Luncheon

Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM

Rooster Days Parade

Broken Arrow Museum

Central on Main Ballroom

Rose District Farmers Market

Sat, May 18

May 31- Jun 1

The Rose District The parade marches through the Rose District down Main Street to the front gates of Rooster Days.

Rose District Plaza

10 AM - 2 PM

Times Vary

Camp Bandage

Rose Festival / Chalk it Up! Art Festival 2019

Chisolm Trail South Park A free children’s safety fair.

Broken Arrow Lanes

Rose District

APRIL/MAY SCHOOL CALENDAR Apr 1-Sep 4

Tue, Apr 9

6 & 8 PM

Youth City Council Seeking Applicants

TBA

Soccer vs. Muskogee (Girls & Boys)

8 AM

SAT Testing for all BAHS Juniors

Broken Arrow High School

Tiger Golf vs. TBA

Within Broken Arrow School District Contact your school counsel r for info.

Broken Arrow High School

Thu, Apr 18

Fri, Apr 26

Forest Ridge Golf Club

8 AM

5 PM

4 & 7 PM

Mon, Apr 1

Tennis vs. TBA

Baseball vs. Bixby

Baseball vs. Sapulpa & Ozark, MO

3 PM

Tiger Tennis Complex

Tiger Baseball Field

Tiger Baseball Field

Tennis vs. Claremore

5 PM

Tiger Tennis Complex

6 PM

Sat, Apr 27

Baseball vs. Muskogee

BAPS Teacher of the Year Gala & Star Awards

Baseball vs. Blue Valley, Kansas

Tue, Apr 2

Tiger Baseball Field

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

11 AM Tiger Baseball Field

9:30 AM

Thu, Apr 11

PTA Council Meeting

6 PM

Fri, Apr 19

Central on Main Ballroom

Softball vs. Sand Springs

7 PM

Tiger Softball Field

11:30 AM

6 PM

Baseball vs. Owasso

Baseball vs. Sand Springs

6:30 PM

Tiger Baseball Field

PTA Council Spring Awards Luncheon

Tiger Baseball Field

Baseball vs. Ponca City

Soccer vs. Enid (Girls & Boys)

Tiger Baseball Field

Sat, Apr 20

Broken Arrow High School

8 AM

Tue, Apr 30

Central on Main Ballroom

Thu, May 2

Fri, Apr 12

Tennis vs. TBA

6 PM

Apr 4-6

4 & 6:30 PM

Tiger Tennis Complex

Indian Education Title VI Meeting

TBA

Baseball vs. Union & Sapulpa

BA-Union Softball Tournament

Tiger Baseball Field

Tue, Apr 23

Tiger Softball Field

6 PM

Central on Main

Tue, May 7

Sat, Apr 13

Baseball vs. Jenks

5-7 PM

Sat, Apr 6

8 AM

Tiger Baseball Field

Project Graduation Restaurant Night

6 PM

Tennis vs. TBA

Black & Gold Gala

Tiger Tennis Complex

Thu, Apr 25

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

3 PM

Chick-Fil-A

Wed, May 8

Tue, Apr 16

Tennis vs. Bishop Kelley

7 PM

Mon, Apr 8

6 PM

Tiger Tennis Complex

Class of 2019 Graduation

2 - 6 PM

BAPS Board of Education Meeting

BAPS Teacher Job Fair

Education Service Center Board Room

Central on Main Ballroom

14

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

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Saturday, May 25 Monday, May 27 Reading of the Honor Roll

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

LOCAL BUSINESS

Good Things Brewing in BA Historic Building Now Home to BA’s First Craft Brewery

by Jeff Thompson For those who have watched Broken Arrow grow up over the past 30 years, it’s always beautiful to see an old, historic building like the Broken Arrow Ice and Electric Power Plant restored and returned to good use. The building was built in 1906, with the ice plant being added three years later. It’s a building which has seen its share of firsts: The first Electric Power Plant for BA, and years later, Broken Arrow Brewing Company opened Broken Arrow’s first craft brewery.

Broken Arrow Brewing Company has the distinction of being Oklahoma’s only Native American-owned craft brewery and brewpub. They first started out as Indian Brewing Company, but concerns about their intentions being misinterpreted led them to adopt the namesake of their beloved city. “While I’m proud of my Native American ancestry, it just wasn’t worth having “Indian” in the name if anyone was going to be offended by it.” Founder Austin Ferguson is a rare breed of passionate craftsman and business owner with compassion and authenticity. He co-owns the business with his friend, Jason Northern, and his father-in-law, Bud Farris.

Visitors to the brewery always feel welcome, and most seem to love how the interior space feels like it’s always been there; the energy of history seemingly baked into the very bricks. The brewery’s location on W. Dallas is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant and eclectic Rose District, and the BABC feels fortunate to be part of that revitalization at the heart of downtown Broken Arrow.

“People comment on our consistency a lot,” said Ferguson, as he sipped a pint of one of his Resilience IPAs, which was brewed to generate proceeds for Butte County, California, which was ravaged by wildfires earlier this year. Even when they brew a batch that doesn’t exactly meet their rigorous standards, they’ll offer it as an “out of spec” limited offering.

Farris cautioned that people will think you don’t know what you’re doing, but that’s not something Austin worries about.

He’s such a believer in the goodness of people, he willingly shares his best industry secrets and practices with up-andcoming brewers because he wants the whole craft beer movement to be as good as it can be. Whether that’s transparency, faith, or authenticity, it points to the genuine heart of BABC. Good beer brewed by good guys.

The same can be said of BABC Co-Owner Jason Northern. It is clear he wanted to ensure that any publicity they get also gets shared with the other local brewers in this growing craft movement. “We always try to shine the light on others,” Northern said.

They innovate in other ways as well, always looking for opportunities to connect with the larger craft beer commu-

Broken Arrow Brewing Company is the community’s first craft brewery.

nity. They are currently working on a Tiny Lab Concert Series.

The brewer’s lab is outfitted like a little jam room, complete with guitars, a full drum kit, and a rug that ties the room together. The idea is to get together and make music with other brewers, building community. Eric Marshall has been known to sit in, and it’s that unpretentious, creative energy that’s always on display at Broken Arrow Brewing Company.

BABC regular Todd Sullivan was there on opening day, and his go-to beer is the signature BABC Brown Ale. Sullivan comes back frequently for his old stand by, but he’s not afraid to mix it up and try something a little adventurous. “I used to be into the hoppier beers, but now I appreciate the browns and porters as well.”

The owners of Broken Arrow Brewing Company have a humility and willingness to shine the light on other people who have made their success possible. Speaking about BA City Councilor Deb Wimpee, Austin said: “She is directly responsible for the resurgence of the Rose District, and we wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

That may be true, but having phenomenal beer served in an authentic historical environment probably doesn’t hurt either.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

17

PROFILE

Debra Wimpee

by Tim Hudson We were fortunate enough to sit down for a few minutes with Ward 1 City Council member Debra Wimpee. She of ShamRock the Rose; Red, White & Brew; Cinco De La Rosa; Street Eats on Main; BA Buzz Pop Up Shops; and Summer Solstice — to name a few. But if you spend much time in Broken Arrow, you’ve probably seen her around town and already know how much she does for the community.

So we just finished the ShamRock the Roses. How did that go?

A: From what I hear, it was the best year yet. Still finalizing the numbers, but I think they said we might 18

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

have had around 10,000 people that came out for it.

The weather couldn’t have been better; I mean it was beautiful, so that was awesome.

As a member of the City Council, can you tell us a little bit about how things are going with the city?

A: As far as Broken Arrow, we are the fastest growing city right now, so it’s exciting to be a part of that.

I’m halfway through my first term, and I’ve been asked how did my last two years go and what did we accomplish in the time. It’s kind of fun to look back and see all the different things that in only two

PROFILE years we’ve been able to put in motion that will move the city even further along years from now. We just passed the largest general obligation bond package in the history of Broken Arrow. It will be a 10-year bond, and it will be exciting to see what will come out of that.

That’s a good amount to work with; what are some things you would like to see those funds used for?

A: My passion is to help and serve veterans, so one of the things in the bond is that we are getting a Veterans Armed Forces Center in Broken Arrow. And it’s going to house the VFW, the American Legion, the Blue Star Mothers, all those guys, which is going to be kind of cool. It’s going to be located at Veterans Park on Main Street, and it’s kind of neat to be part of that. The VFW had a building back in 2013 that got condemned by the city and they were promised a building. So it’s kind of neat for me to be part of a bond that passed that fulfilled that promise to our veterans.

You’ve been a part of the revitalization of downtown. What do you think about what is going on with that?

A: So we are going on, I think, our sixth year for the Rose District, and I was actually a retailer before the revitalization of the downtown. I can remember residential, office, and retail spots… that and more being down there and just hoping that people would restaurants that are going to come down to Main come through the door every day. So to look back Street, so it’s going to expand even further and and see — like, my gosh — I can’t imagine if I had we’re going to be able to do tons more activities. It’s my store now after kind of exciting to “We are the fastest growing city right now, so it’s exciting the renovations and think where it will be to be a part of that. I’m halfway through my first term, and the planning that we even a year or five I’ve been asked how did my last two years go and what have coming down. years from now did we accomplish in the time. It’s kind of fun to look back We have a new compared to what and see all the different things that in only two years we’ve multi-use building it’s like now, and been able to put in motion that will move the city even furthat’s coming in everyone loves it ther along years from now. that’s going to have now.

— Debra Wimpee

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by Arthur Stevens The Broken Arrow Senior Health Fair, scheduled for April 26, is poised once again to be the largest event of it’s kind in the area.

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“The senior fair is the largest event that the Broken Arrow Senior Center hosts every year. It’s for our seniors and their families to come and learn about products and services,� said Broken Arrow Seniors Inc. Members Services Coordinator Amy Bucher. “We are in our 29th year of doing this.�

The Senior Health Fair is a free event held to benefit older adults and their families in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow area. The 2019 event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Park Community Center, located at 1500 South Main. It will be presented by Prairie House Assisted Living and Memory Care and hosted by the Broken Arrow Senior Center. “This health fair is successful year after year because it draws a wide audience and it’s the only event in Broken Arrow designed to help people ages 55 and up and their families discover resources available to them,� said Sean Simpson, President of BASC. Bucher says that the set up of the fair is similar to a trade show and that sets it in a class by itself. “It is a trade show in nature because we do offer booths, and our vendors participate in that way as exhibitors,� she said.

Organizers say the Health Fair will feature nearly 100 informational and health screening booths, including displays by the Center's lead sponsors: Prairie House, Floral Haven Funeral Home & Cemetery, and Hillcrest Hospital South. Valuable information, free health screening for visual acuity, hearing, glaucoma, blood pressure, diabetes, and bone density will all be offered. “Preventative care is a primary focus of our program,� Simpson said. “It is more than just helping raise awareness about the importance of health screenings and healthy living. It’s our goal that older adults have access to information so they can make informed decisions about their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health.�

Senior Health Fair Returns

She says that the BASC will also be on hand offering free document shredding as well as a drop-off point for used and out of date pharmaceuticals.

More information on the fair may be obtained by visiting www.baseniors.org or by calling (918) 259-8377.

20

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

LOOKING BACK

Keeping History Alive!

The Museum Broken Arrow Boasts Local Artifacts In the early decades after Broken Arrow’s founding, the grain elevators located near the railroad tracks were important elements of the community’s primarily agriculture-based economy.

Farmers would bring their harvested grains into town to the elevators, where in turn the grain would be loaded onto railroad cars and shipped to markets throughout the U.S. The Bower and Brown Elevator was owned and operated by Dr. J.W.S. Bower and George A. Brown, who also owned grain elevators in Porter, Coweta, and Alsuma. The numerous wagons

pictured in the historic photo are queued up to deliver corn.

Across the tracks was the Jamison and Baxter Grain Elevator and Grist Mill, later known as the Hannifer Mill and Elevator Company.

The elevator still standing today on Ash Street was constructed in 1958 by the Farmers Cooperative of Broken Arrow, later operated by the Hampton-Mueller Company, hence the HM logo on the top. Standing 150-feet tall, it can be seen from as far away as Tulsa. When full, it held 153,000 bushels of wheat or 205,000 bushels of oats.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am - 4pm | Thursday 4-8pm | Saturday 10am - 2pm | Closed Sunday & Monday 400 S Main St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 | 918-258-2616

Upcoming Events at Museum Broken Arrow April 9

7PM

Geneology Meeting

11

6:30PM

16 18

11AM 4:30PM

25

5:30PM

LTAIO Book Club - Roughneck Discussion: Dr. Andrew Vassar Ladies Tea (almost sold out) Ribbon Cutting & Dedication - Barbara Brown Kimbrough 1st Floor Exhibit Hall Out of the Archives Exhibit featuring Beth Perry Potluck Dinner

11

10AM

May Pioneer Dinner Fundraiser Event - Tickets on sale now!

16

6:30PM

LTAIO Book Club - The Silver DeSoto Discussion by Dr. Bill Corbett

21

Rose Art Festival Exhibit (Through June 1)

Artifact Spotlight - Ice Tongs Circa early 1900s After large blocks of ice were cut using an ice saw, ice tongs were used to lift them into a wagon to be taken to an ice storage house, where people could pick up ice as needed to put in their ice boxes, earlier versions of refrigerators, which didn't become widely available as we know them today until the 1950s. Broken Arrow had just such an ice house.

Although there is no need for an ice house in Broken Arrow today, the building still stands and is now occupied by the Broken Arrow Brewing Company. Did you ever get ice from the ice house or do you have any stories on how the ice was stored? If so call The Museum Broken Arrow at 918-258-2616.

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OUT & ABOUT

CHAMBER GALA

SHAMROCK - SOLDIERS WISH EVENT

22

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

HELPING HANDS

911 - What’s Your Emergency?

by Kelcey Nobles It’s often said that the backbone of any business is its support system. This holds true for the Broken Arrow Police Department’s communications department.

The BAPD Communications Center is responsible for providing dispatch services to the city’s police department, fire department, and ambulance service. Its 22-employee staff consists of four call takers, 15 telecommunicators, and three communications shift supervisors. Staff duties include answering emergency 911 calls, non-emergency calls, and providing pre-arrival medical instructions to callers on ambulance calls.

“This information flow between the caller and the telecommunicator provides medical instruction for such things as CPR, choking, child breath, and allergic reactions for the patient while the ambulance is en route,” says BAPD Public Information Officer James Koch.

“The ambulance crew is kept apprised of the patient’s status change(s) during the response period.”

A Day in the Life What’s the day-to-day of a dispatcher like? “To sum it up in one word … stressful,” says Communications Supervisor Brandon Reynolds. “Our bodies are on a constant adrenaline high from the moment we enter the doors to begin our shift,” he says. “Every time the phone rings, we never know what kind of call it will be. Those calls can range from anything from a water line that has broken to a parent that has walked in and found their child deceased.”

Reynolds says the person behind the telephone is having a bad day, if not the worst day of their life.

“We, as dispatchers, are the first person they speak with to get help,” Reynolds says. “We are responsible for getting help to them as soon as possible and keeping everyone safe, including the police officers, firefighters, and paramedics while responding to the call and during the call, by keeping everyone up to date on what is going on. Safety is our primary concern, both for our citizens and our first responders. Other than a few short bathroom breaks during the day, we are at our desks for eight hours, ready and willing to take the next call for help. We even eat lunch at our desks in between phone calls. More often than not, our food is cold before we even get to take the first bite.”

Communications Supervisor L. Sanchez says a usual day at work is “much like entering a room full of the unknown.”

“You come in ready and with a clear mind and use both experience and training to tackle any event that you and the rest of

your teammates may get confronted with,” says Sanchez. “Not only do you come in ready to work your normal scheduled shift, but you are also prepared to work overtime as needed and with very little advance notice. You maintain first responder safety as a paramount, and you are ready to instruct callers on how to perform CPR and/or other life saving measures on any person going through a life-threatening event. After having to go through multiple adrenaline rushes throughout your shift, you hand over your assignments to the next shift that comes on and you go home to your family.”

Need to Know “We have a multitude of questions that have to be asked and answered to process the call,” says Reynolds. “The biggest and most important question we need to know is ‘Where are you?’ If we don’t know that, we can’t get them help.”

Sanchez says when calling a 911 or non-emergency line, callers should be prepared to answer a list of questions helpful to the dispatcher.

“Ideally, we would like all callers to have the following information ready for us -their location (address, cross streets, landmark), their phone number, their name, and the where, who, what, and how,” Sanchez said.

“Being a dispatcher is an important and professional position,” Reynolds said. “It definitely has it challenges, but it also has its rewards. How many people can say they leave work each day knowing they made a difference in someone’s life? We can. Each and every day, we answer the phones and dispatch emergency assistance to those in need. Unfortunately, not all calls have a happy ending. We are here when the callers and response units need us. That alone makes a difference.

“When you’re in a position involving safety, there is always a certain degree of stress. In this job, the stress is compounded by the shift work requirements and the stationary nature of this job. The good news is that we are working as a team with several other people on duty. We as a team share experiences, understanding, and a sense of mutual support. And that can be a source of strength to us when facing the stresses of the job.”

The BAPD Communications Center receives approximately 550,000 calls annually, including 70,000 emergency 911 calls and 480,000 non-emergency calls. The center also generates a little over 100,000 calls for service between police, fire, emergency medical services, animal control, and public works. For more information, visit www.brokenarrowok.gov/90/police-department.

APRIL/MAY 2019 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

23

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Inspiring Young Artists BA Performing Arts Center Cornerstone of the Arts District

by Scott Goodpaster If true happiness comes from giving, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center must be the happiest place around. Owned and operated

by B.A. Public Schools, the PAC opened in 2009, partnering with the city to bring world-class entertainment such as Broadway tours, pop concerts, specialty shows, and other events to the area. According to Executive Director Kim Vento, that’s not all they do.

“In addition to being the cornerstone of downtown’s arts district and substantially increasing commerce in the city, the BAPAC also offers multiple opportunities for students drawn to the performing arts,” she said.

Perhaps the most well known is the Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp, now in its fifth year. Auditions are held yearly for students enrolled in any Oklahoma school. “Only around 50 students are selected from the 200-300 who audition,” said Vento. “The lucky students will work with a staff of about 15. This program seeks to pair students with standout professionals in the arts.”

Another popular program is the Master Class. “Ms. Chenoweth has participated in three Master Classes,” said Vento. “Five high school and five college students are selected from a nationwide pool to work with Ms. Chenoweth on stage, in front of an audience. To watch them dramatically improve in such a short period of time is a testament to Ms. Chenoweth’s extensive talents and skills as a coach, as well as the student’s drive to succeed.”

The Spotlight Series has been bringing top-rated Broadway musicals and concert artists to the BAPAC since opening in 2009. “The 2019-20 season lineup will be announced at the end of April. Season tickets are first offered to last season’s ticket holders, then to new season ticket holders, before being offered to the general public,” says Vento.

The BAPAC offers many more opportunities to the youth of Broken Arrow: scholarship programs, summer arts institutes, and national

24

Broken Arrow City Magazine | APRIL/MAY 2019

Kristin Chenoweth and the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center offer invaluable opportunities for youth interested in the arts.

travel and performance workshops, to name a few. Local students may purchase tickets to Broadway shows at seriously-discounted prices and are invited to participate in question & answer sessions with the cast.

As Vento explains, “Over the past 10 years, the BAPAC has become the artistic home for students, staff, and the Broken Arrow community, showcasing some of the finest talent in the world. These artists came to Broken Arrow not only to perform, but to inspire future generations of artists. Without the extensive planning and incredible collaboration amongst school district, city leaders, ARTSOK, Ms. Chenoweth, and the BAPAC staff, the theater would not be the artistic inspiration it is today.”

The BAPAC is clearly a community organization that gives, gives, gives. Anyone who would like to share in the giving can visit www.brokenarrowpac.com for information on how to donate to The Kristin Chenoweth Arts & Education Fund. If true happiness comes from giving, you will be happy you did.

B.a. Part of the Action -Broken Arrow, OK-

Broken Arrow Convention and Visitors Bureau Festivals and events fill the days from ROOSTER DAYS, the oldest festival in Oklahoma; Tuesdays in the Park with live music; Award-winning Chalk It Up Festival and street parties in the Rose District. Arts and entertainment options include the luxury Warren Theater; state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center; and historical experiences at the Military History Center and The Museum Broken Arrow. Visit the Bass Pro Shops or choose from eight Golf Courses.

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