BA City Magazine February/March Issue

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

STOMP IS BOUND FOR BA

FEATURE

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

NEW YEAR’S BABY CONTEST

2020SEPTEMBER | Broken Arrow 2018 City| bMagazine Monthly 1 CALENDAR EVENTS ★ FEBRUARY/MARCH THIS MONTH: BA BUZZ WITH DEB WIMPEE ★ UNIQUE WEDDING SERVICES FEBRUARY/MARCH

MARCH

2020 SHOW & SALE

ART 7 -8 10 - 5:30 SAT 11 - 4 SUN

STONEY CREEK HOTEL

200 W. ALBANY ST., BROKEN ARROW

Hundreds of Pieces of Art from over 40 Nationally Renowned Artists

Natureworks Art Show and Sale will be hosting 43 artists from around the country. Thirty percent of each art sale goes toward supporting the development and conservation of Oklahoma's natural habitats, as well as the creatures who live in and depend upon those habitats.

One of the top art shows in the nation!

Natureworks is beautifying Tulsa one statue at a time.

Sponsored by City of Broken Arrow

WWW.NATUREWORKS.org

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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WHATS INSIDE

what’s inside...

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27

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Upfront

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Museum Broken Arrow: A Place for Memories

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Capitol News: New Year, New Work to Do

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BA Buzz: Whats Buzzin’ Around BA 2020 Shaping Up to be a Busy Year for Broken Arrow

Local Gems: Military History Center A Broken Arrow Gem Located on Main Street

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Baby New Year 2020 Reader’s Choice Winner: Congratulations to Serayah & Nevayah McBride

Wedding Guide: Prairie Song Popular Village a Wedding Venue Close to Home

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Baby New Year 2020 Pictures A Look at All the Contestants

Pastor’s Corner: The Forgiveness Factor From Bitter to Better

30

Arts & Entertainment: STOMP is Bound For OK

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Unmissable Events: Rhea Lana Super Sale Returns

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13

Valentine’s Stories: A Story Full of Love

Bring on the Art NatureWorks Art Show Scheduled for March 7-8

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Events Calendar

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Exciting Events: ShamROCK the Rose Connecting Irish Culture, Patriotism & Community

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Making A Difference: Helping Hands Around BA Facebook Group Helping Hundreds in Need

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Mayor’s Minute: Broken Arrow’s Bright Future Recycling, Development, and City Projects in BA

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Out & About: Photos from Around Town

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 2

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

UPFRONT

upfront It's too much cute!

It’s a New Year! I know it’s February, but since we’re a bi-monthly publication (hopefully to be monthly sometime in the near future) our New Year issue didn’t fall on January. We had so many cute kids to put in and ... yada, yada ... we’re doing it this issue.

Whew!

With all that said, this time is such a wonderful time of optimism and excitement, and I enjoy it every year. I really like reflecting on how wonderful our life is, and plotting out how great the next year will be. I have to admit though, I keep being amazed at how far we keep going.

I mean, I remember when 1990 seemed out of reach. It seems sort of weird that we are at 2020, it still kinda sounds like a science fiction film date or something.

With all that said though I think this is going to be a great new year and decade, and as you’ve already seen on the cover, we have an adorable bunch of kids to ring in the new year with.

As you probably know, it was a contest — actually two contests — one judged by Facebookers, and the other by our panel of celebrity judges — but I’ll get to that a little later. Anyway we set up a pro-photo shoot, moms and dads signed up their little ones, and one afternoon we took a bunch of cute pictures. Luckily for all of us, you can see the fruits of that labor in these pages.

While we did have the aforementioned contests going on — and I’m sure you’ve

heard this speech before — all these kids really are winners here. They are all as cute as they can be and we are all happy that they are a part of this issue. Major thanks to Dayna Christ with Star Jewelers, Stacy Davis with Allie Ballie Boutique, Dr. Clarence Oliver, Dawn Seing with McGraw Realtors, and Mayor Craig Thurmond, for doing the hard part — the judging. You all were great and we are eternally grateful.

And in other new and absolutely no less earth-shattering news, we have some really good stuff from Representative Ross Ford. Ross shares several bills up for consideration this session, including his Domestic Strangulation Bill. This forward-thinking bill would toughen up punishment for perpetrators that attempt to strangle their domestic partner. We appreciate Representative Ford for protecting victims of domestic violence and for being an all-around good guy.

We also hit the “Out and About” jackpot this issue. Lots of cool things going on, with lots of Broken Arrow faces. The School of Rock stuff does my heart good every time I see it. Lots of kids with a lot of good times ahead of them. And also the best flash mob you’ll see this year (hint: done by a bunch of seniors)!

All that, and the usual looks at the military museum, the pastor’s corner, and everything that is buzzing in BA with the BA Buzz.

Anyway enough of this, turn the page and get to it.

Volume II Issue I Broken Arrow City Magazine is published by

ENGEL PubLishiNG

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

Publisher

Brian Engel brian@brokenarrowmagazine.net Art Direction

Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Senior Editor

Tim Hudson 918-815-2653 thudson@brokenarrowmagazine.net Account Executives

Melissa Lambert 918-698-3334 mlambert@brokenarrowmagazine.net Andrea Whitchurch 405-512-8791 awhitchurch@brokenarrowmagazine.net Peg Wilson 918-914-2965 peg@brokenarrowmagazine.net Brandy Swift 918-841-8808 bswift@brokenarrowmagazine.net Jodi Fry 918-720-5060 jfry@brokenarrowmagazine.net Calendar/Social Media

calendar@brokenarrowmagazine.net Contributing Writers Tim Hudson, Rep. Ross Ford, Deb Wimpee, Jack O’Connor, Mayor Craig Thurmond, Devin Williams, Melissa Lambert, Roger Moon, Ruben Tate, Jack Robie, Jason Lucas, Rich Manganero

Contributing Photographers Tim Hudson, Melissa Lambert, Dana Pugh, Museum Broken Arrow, Prairie Song,’ NatureWorks, Rhea Lana BA, Tulsa PAC, Rose District Ice Rink, BA Police Department, Steve McNicholas

MEMBER OF THE

From your family at Broken Arrow City Magazine!

All Rights Reserved.

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

ABOUT THE COVER Photo by Dana Pugh.

8-month-old Daniel Blalock won Judge’s Vote in the Baby New Year 2020 Contest.

Creative concept by Tim Hudson Design by Copper Cup Images

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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CAPITOL NEWS

New Year, New Work To Do

by Rep. Ross Ford The New Year is finally here and with it, some cold and snow. While I’m sitting here watching the snow flurries continue outside, I find myself looking forward to the upcoming legislative session.

One reason for my excitement is the House side of the Capitol Office Renovation Project is complete which means I can finally move back in. All of the offices have been renovated, resulting in new offices and roommates for many of us, including me. My office has moved to the south hall on the third floor.

REP. ROSS FORD

The other reasons for my excitement are the excellent bills I am running this session. Before I talk about those, I want to provide a brief overview of the legislative process so everyone knows what to expect this year.

Every year, the Legislature meets to discuss issues and pass their bills, which the governor may sign to make them laws. The Oklahoma State Constitution mandates when legislators can meet to complete this process. It puts the start date in the first full week of February and dictates the last business day in May as the deadline to complete state’s business.

Before the first week of February, each individual member works on a list of bill requests they plan to introduce and pass during the session. The first deadline is in the middle of December and requires legislators to submit the title for their requests. Next, there is a deadline in the beginning of January requiring the substantive language for all of those requests. The requests are then finalized and submitted by January 16 to become a House Bill.

Once a bill is introduced on the floor, it is assigned to a committee based on its contents. It is there, with the help of the Committee Chair, the bill will go through its first vote. If it passes in committee, it will then move to the House Floor where it will need to be heard before the eight-week mark so it can restart the process on the Senate side. In order for a bill to be heard in both chambers, it requires both a Senate and a House author. These two authors work together in moving the bill through the process to the Governor’s desk and, ultimately, to becoming a law.

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

If you are still awake at this point, let’s talk about some of my legislation for the second session of the 57th legislature.

One of my bills that I am excited to run this session is HB 2791 which will require seatbelts be worn in the backseat of the car for all children between the ages of eight and seventeen. Oklahoma is the only state in the nation that doesn’t require some form of safety belt restrictions for this age group, which is shocking since car crashes are the leading cause of injury for it. Prior to 2015, Oklahoma State Statue had a law covering this group, but during this time, the legislature was preoccupied with updating the child restraint statue to strengthen the use of infant car seats. That statute failed to provide coverage for older children. By the time they discovered the mistake, the bill had already passed and taken effect.

Another very important bill is my Domestic Strangulation bill.

While we have punishment in place for domestic violence, it doesn’t properly account for the long-term effects of the crime when strangulation occurred. A person who is a victim of strangulation, for instance, is eight times more likely to die within 12 months of suffering a strangulation. This bill would address the current legislation’s short comings by changing the maximum punishment from three years to ten.

Another bill that I have filed and am enthusiastic about is the Porch Piracy Act. I truly believe that your dwelling is your castle. You should be able to have a package, parcel or envelope delivered to your porch with the expectation it will be there when you return from work or play. It is a violation of your privacy when someone enters your porch and steals a sealed package. In addition, the risk of an unintended confrontation increases.

The Porch Piracy Act will not require the stolen parcel to have a monitory value. When a parcel company delivers a package to your porch and a pirate removes it, that is a crime. Today, more citizens are relying on parcel companies to deliver everyday necessities like prescriptions and contracts that hold no actually monetary value. The Porch Piracy Act will make theft a misdemeanor for the first offense, unless the pirate has parcels in his or her possession from several victims. At that point, the suspect could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. I will leave those decisions to Law Enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office to determine which charge is appropriate.

Please feel free to visit me at your State Capitol. My Office number is 300.2 or you may call me at 405-557-7347 or 918381-4777.

BA BUZZ

What’s Buzzin’ Around BA 2020 Shaping Up to be a Busy Year in Broken Arrow

by Deb Wimpee Hello BA Residents! Can you believe we have finished up the first month of 2020?! I have a feeling this is going to be a busy year. Here are a few fun things to know:

đ&#x;?•

#DeepCuts (Pint Night) is at Andolini’s Pizzeria - Broken Arrow every Tuesday night from 5-10! It is a celebration of beers you may not know of yet (but should). Each week they feature a select beer, and when ordering you will receive a special pint glass that’s yours to keep!

Every #DeepCuts pint night, they also pair a special pizza-by-the-slice from 5 pm to close!

đ&#x;’ƒ Daddy-Daughter Dance February 8 The annual Daddy-Daughter Dance is back! It will take place at Nienhuis Park Community Center on February 8, 2020. Tickets are $5 per person and are now on sale at Nienhuis Park Community Center, Central Park Community Center, and Ray Harral Nature Center. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

No tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the event. Don’t wait! Daddy Daughter Dance sells out every year.

â?¤ Valentines Cookie Decorating

February 9 at 3:30 at the Alli Balli Boutique - Corner of Ash & Dallas This is the perfect afternoon out with your friends or a fun opportunity to try decorating some sugar cookies for yourself.

Just bring your friends and they’ll bring the cookies and supplies.

This class is intermediate level, but does not require any previous decorating experience and is meant as a social gathering to decorate cookies and have fun. You will make four Valentine’s cookies that you’ll get to take home and one winner can take home sample cookies, as well. Practice piping, doing outlining, flooding, and wet on wet techniques. The cost of the class is $45 and also includes a goodie bag! Register on their Facebook page!

đ&#x;?† Rotary Trivia Night February 29 The Rotary Club of Broken Arrow started the annual event in 2009 to fundraise for local scholarships, build fellowship with

local and regional business and public entities, promote Broken Arrow, and showcase NSU-BA facilities. The buffet opens at 5:30 p.m. & contest begins at 6:30 p.m.

đ&#x;? HOA Workshop February 29 at the Stoney Creek Conference Center The 2020 Broken Arrow Homeowners Association Workshop is a great place to get helpful tips and resources for property owners, renters, and those wanting information on owning a home within an HOA. Learn all you need to know about getting your neighborhood HOA started or being the best neighborhood you can be! Join the casual roundtable discussion after the sessions to discuss topics tailored to those attending and get to know your “neighbors.â€? This is a great opportunity to network!

The free event is February 29, 2020 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

☘ 6th Annual ShamROCK the Rose

Saturday, March 14, 2020 This event is near and dear to me because I put it on every year, voluntarily, as a benefit for Soldier’s Wish, whose mission is to meet the unmet needs of Veterans! (Check out our standalone story on ShamROCK elsewhere in this issue!)

Here’s a Fun Valentine’s Idea: đ&#x;?Ť If you’re looking for a fun date night idea check out this fondue experience Nouveau Chocolates offers! This looks so yummy. Fondue is by reservation only, you can do this on their website, nouveauchocolate.com, under the "more" tab.

Did you know...

NobiliTea is open! They are located on the corner of Main & Dallas!

đ&#x;?ł Bramble Breakfast & Bar is about to open on College & Ash just off Main!!! Outstanding breakfast place! đ&#x;?š Great Oasis opened on the south side of BA, in the old Applebee’s at 101st & Elm. Have a wonderful day and until next time ... I’m buzzin’ off!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Proud sponsor of the Baby New Year 2020 Contest!

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

BABY NEW YEAR 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The winners of our Readers’ Choice vote are 6-month-old fraternal twins Serayah and Nevayah McBride. Serayah and Nevayah were able to charm their way to over 1,600 “likes” to take the 2020 title. According to their mom, Autumn Jones, the pair were born 14 minutes apart in August of last year.

“Serayah is the oldest and you can tell by her mannerisms, when her sister cries, she will try her best to comfort her,” Autumn said. “Nevayah is the shy one, but super loving once you break the ice with her. They are both very outgoing. Once they found their voice, it’s rare that they are silent.”

She said that for Christmas, the girls got “tons of clothes and toys to encourage them to learn to crawl and sit up independently,” and “an abundance of diapers, because you can never have too many diapers with twin babies.”

She said that additionally, the girls love to hold each other’s hands, and have inside jokes randomly. “You can hear them talking to each other then bust out into loud laughs together,” she said.

The family is currently working on creating a YouTube page for the girls. The intention is to allow family members and friends around the United States, and even some overseas in the military, the “opportunity to watch them grow and develop into young ladies.”

We expect big things from Serayah and Nevayah and wish them well this year and in the future.

READERS’ CHOICE

Serayah & Nevayah McBride

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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BABY NEW YEAR 2020

Baby New Year 2020 Contest Judge’s Choice Cover Winner: Daniel Blalock Our Judges Choice winner for 2020 is 8-month-old Daniel Blalock. According to Daniel's mother, Elizabeth, Daniel’s middle name is Wayne “after his beloved papa, who passed away last January.” She said that this past Christmas morning Daniel “got lots of fun toys with his favorite being a blue dog that plays peek a boo. He has to have his blankie everywhere he goes and definitely when he goes to sleep,” she said. “He absolutely hates any type of baby food with pears in it, but his favorite is banana.”

She says his current fascination is the family dog Lilly.

Eternal thanks to our panel of Celebrity Judges. It was a hard decision and these guys rocked it! Thanks a million!

Contest judges included: Dayna Christ, Star Jewelers; Stacy Davis, Allie Ballie Boutique; Dr. Clarence Oliver; Dawn Seing, McGraw Realtors; Craig Thurmond, Broken Arrow Mayor.

AYDEN 8

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

bAKER

ARiA

bRYNLEE & bENTLEY (TWiNs)

BABY NEW YEAR 2020

CALLuM

CANNON

ChRisTiNE

COLT

DAWsON

EAsTON

ELEANOR

EMERsON

FiONA

GREYsON

iZZA’bELLA

JACE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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BABY NEW YEAR 2020

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JACKsON

JETTsON

KREW

LORiNA

LuKE

LuKE

MAsON

NOLAN

PEYTON

PEYTON

PJ

RiLEY

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

BABY NEW YEAR 2020

RiVER

RYKER

sERAYAh & NEVAYAh (TWiNs)

siLAs

sTELLA

sTEVEN

ViViENNE & ELiZAbETh (TWiNs)

ZAMORA

ZAYLEE

Congratulations to all our Baby New Year 2020 Contestants!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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UNMISSABLE EVENTS

Super Sale Returns Rhea Lana BA Consignment Sale Set for February 2-6

by Jack Robie Broken Arrow is poised to be ground zero for the 2020 version of the largest upscale children’s consignment event in the area, when Rhea Lana Broken Arrow returns on February 2-6.

The 2020 Spring & Summer Event is set to be held at the Rhema NRC Recreation Center, located at 1367 W. Kenosha St, and will feature more than 450 families consigning over 50,000 items.

“At Rhea Lana’s, we are moms who love helping moms,” said Rhea Lana representative Kristin Jedamski. “Our greatest desire is to bring you the highest-quality consignment experience possible, and we are here to serve you.”

She said that Rhea Lana’s mission is “to serve with love and integrity families everywhere, with inviting, excellent, and valuable children’s consignment events.”

The Broken Arrow event will be comprised of high-quality children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, baby items, and gently used maternity clothes — among many other items.

“Consignors prepare and price their own items, enter them into our easy-to-use online system, and make 60-70% on all items that are purchased during the week of the sale,” she said, adding that Rhea Lana does not accept recalled items.

“As a consignor, you can check your sales live online or on your smartphone throughout the week of the event. We guarantee all items and will reimburse you for anything lost! Unsold items can either be donated to a few carefully-selected charities or you can pick up unsold items along with your check on the sale’s final day.”

Rhea Lana has a large footprint across the United States, with over 100 locations in 22 states. Locally, the Broken Arrow event has also garnered multiple honors, including the 2017 Consignment Mommies award for Best Consignment Sale in

Oklahoma. In 2018 the event also received the Tulsa Kids Family Favorite, as well as the Consignment Mommies Top 10 National Consignment Sale in the United States.

Jedamski says that there are multiple reasons to consign with Rhea Lana.

“Our consignors earn a minimum of 60% of their sales, and up to 70% with referrals. Our average consignor made $375+ last year. All of our items are guaranteed against loss, and we have voice recognition item entry,” she said. “Their check is ready on pick-up day, and consigners can watch sales live throughout the week.”

She said the Broken Arrow event will have “everything you need for spring and summer to clothe your kids, all the way from babies to high schoolers” “We will have baby equipment and all that fun stuff that you need for the year. We also have maternity clothes for expectant moms. You can really save some good money shopping at this event,” she said.

“One of the best things about it is that all of the people that are consigning are local, so when you spend money here it goes back to the community.”

Another great aspect of the event is that local foster families get to shop for free. Kristin said that they don’t have to sign up in advance, but must bring the proper paperwork showing that they are a certified foster family.”

Public Admission and parking for the event are both free.

For more information visit www.brokenarrow.rhealana.com.

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

VALENTINE’S STORY

A Valentine’s Story Full of Love

by Melissa Lambert I recently had the opportunity to witness a remarkable reunion. One that involved a World War II soldier from Broken Arrow and the American woman that he helped rescue from an internment camp in Manilla.

3,000 prisoners confined there and many internees were near death from starvation. He said he was fired upon from Japanese soldiers, but fortunately they couldn’t hit him since he was behind the tanks.

With Valentine's day approaching, I couldn’t help thinking that their story is a love story. One of agape, or unconditional, “God” love.

Georgia said that she remembers the fateful day when the tank crashed through the fence of Santa Tomas, it’s lid opening to the sky. A soldier stood up and was chomping gum. She said it was then that they knew the Americans had come to rescue them, because the Japanese didn’t chew gum.

Imagine a young man called to serve his country. He proudly fights for the freedom of his countrymen, always facing danger head-on because he has taken vows to protect his beloved country. That, of course, is another kind of love; the love of his country and love of his fellow man.

Now, imagine a girl being taken hostage and put into a prisoner of war camp at the very young age of 12. That girl, Georgia Barnes-Payne, lived in dire conditions with very little food and fear intensifying through her three years of internment.

Imagine the joy when that girl saw a tank crash through the wall of the camp and saw soldiers march alongside the tank, realizing that those men were there to rescue her and her family.

I think it would be fair to say there was love felt at that moment as she realized she was being rescued.

The story started when the four and a half-year-old Georgia and her family set sail for Manila in the 1930s after her father had accepted a job in the Philippines. The job came as a great relief to a family suffering through the Depression. After Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941 however, the Japanese started bombings in the Philippines. Georgia said that before their capture, they endured the fear of constant bombings, and then in 1942, she, her father, mother, and sister were captured and imprisoned. Two brothers were also born while the family was imprisoned.

Junior came into the picture in 1943. He was drafted into the Army shortly after he turned 18 and became part of the First Cavalry Division which shipped out for the Pacific the next year.

Shortly after he arrived, his division began the liberation of the Philippines. The islands had been overrun by the Japanese since 1942. In 1945, after seeing intense combat and being on the frontlines for 63 days with little relief and very little food, he was ordered to liberate the Santo Tomas internment camp, where Georgia’s family was being held. There were more than

For seventy-five years, Georgia searched to find someone from the first Calvary that brought her beloved freedom. That search brought her to Broken Arrow’s very own “Junior” Nipps.

On November 14, 2019, Georgia was reunited with Junior.

The gratitude that was displayed was tremendous. I’m taking liberties here, but I believe that it’s not a far stretch to say she “loved” finally being able to tell one of her rescuers “thank you.”

I believe that he “loved” being able to see someone that he actually rescued. And I can say with assurance, that everyone in that room felt love. An unexplainable, deep love witnessing this reunion. You couldn’t help for a moment putting yourself in their shoes and just being so thankful this moment happened. Touchingly, a friendship has blossomed from this reunion.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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FEB/MAR 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!

Feb 1-2

Feb 7-9

7:30 PM

Times Vary

Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show Expo Square, Tulsa

Feb 1-6 Times Vary

Rhea Lana’s Spring Family Shopping Event Rhema's Ninowski Recreation Center

Sat, Feb1

Fitz and the Tantrums

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Voctave is an 11-member a cappella group from the Central Florida area.

Formed in the winter of 2015, the voices that bring their artistic arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Group members have professional roots with Walt Disney World entertainment, but their range does not stop there. From gospel music to musical theater, contemporary Christian to barbershop, pop music to choral specialists, Voctave voices have covered it all both in and out of the a cappella realm.

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

7:30 AM

Leads Breakfast Location TBD Held every Tuesday.

11:30 AM 9 AM

Leads Luncheon

Tulsa Fishing & Hunting Expo

Location TBD

Exchange Center, Tulsa

Wed, Feb 12 Fri, Feb 7

11:30 AM

7:30 AM

Monthly Chamber Luncheon

Leads Luncheon

OAGCT Annual Convention

Central on Main Ballroom

11:15 AM

Location TBD

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Held every Wednesday.

7 PM

5:50 PM

Miranda Lambert: Wildcard Tour 2020

Dorothy and the Prince of Oz

BOK Center

Chapman Music Hall

7:30 PM

Thu, Feb 13

BOK Center

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center Join us for an elegant evening at the 2020 Annual Gala where achievements in business and community leadership in Broken Arrow will be recognized and celebrated! The Annual Gala is a black tie event and will be hosted at the Stoney Creek Conference Center located in Broken Arrow.

Tue, Feb 11

Wed, Feb 5

Celine Dion - Courage World Tour

6 PM

Broken Arrow Chamber Annual Gala

8 PM

Voctave in Concert

Feb 6-9

Jon Pardi The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

Times Vary

I Have Before Me A Remarkable Document Given to Me By a Young Lady From Rwanda Liddy Doenges Theatre

Sat, Feb 8

Feb 13-16 Times Vary

9:30 AM

Oklahoma Women in STEM Conference BSU-Broken Arrow

6 PM

Daddy-Daughter Dance Nienhuis Park Community Center

Winter Jam BOK Center

Feb 14-16 Times Vary

Darryl Starbirds National Rod & Custom Car Show River Spirit Expo

Are your valuables

insured?

Business 14

Auto

Home

Life

Health

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

918-251-2511 harmonins.com

EVENTS CALENDAR Feb 14-23

Thu, Feb 20

Mar 6-8

Times Vary

11 AM

Times Vary

Fri, Mar 13 7:30 AM

Godspell

Small Business Matters

STOMP

Legislative Breakfast Briefing

John H. Williams Theatre

AVB Bank, Downtown - 2nd floor

Chapman Music Hall

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Fri, Feb 14

Sat, Feb 22

Mar 7-8

11 AM

10 AM

Tulsa Oddities & Curiosities Expo

NatureWorks Art Show & Sale

Expo Center, Tulsa

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Sat, Mar 14 5 PM

8 PM

Sat, Mar 7

August: Osage County Liddy Doenges Theatre

All Day

Big 12 Wrestling Championship

Feb 28 - Mar 1

BOK Center

7:30 AM

10 AM

Legislative Breakfast Briefing

Just Between Friends All Season Sale

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Rhema's Ninowski Recreation Center

10 AM

The Struggle is Real: The Real, Real Talk About Relationships Glass Chapel

Sat, Feb 29

9 AM

6 PM

Vintage Tulsa Show

The Dysart Family in Concert

Expo Square, Tulsa Vintage Tulsa Show aims to provide customers and dealers with the opportunity to attend quality events featuring authentic antique merchandise, experience enjoyable interactions and leave feeling satisfied with the quality of service. It will display a variety of antiques, vintage, estate jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, comics, tv/movie memorabilia, mid-century modern, furniture, vintage jewelry, and vintage decor.

The Assembly South Campus

Tue, Mar 10

Held every Tuesday.

10 AM

BA Home Owners Association Workshop

Wed, Mar 11 11:15 AM

Monthly Chamber Luncheon Central on Main Ballroom

7:30 PM 8 PM

Live with Kelli O’Hara Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center An Oklahoma native with world-class resume, Kelli O’Hara is making her Broken Arrow PAC debut! On Broadway, Kelli’s portrayal of Anna Leonowens in the revival of “The King and I” garnered her the 2015 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Other stage credits include “The Pajama Game,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “South Pacific,” and her current starring role in “Kiss Me, Kate.” Kelli received a 2018 Emmy nomination for her role in the hit web-series thriller “The Accidental Wolf,” and appears in the second season of Netflix’s series “13 Reasons Why.” Other film and television credits include” Sex & The City 2” and “Masters of Sex.”

Tue, Feb 18

The Rose District

Location TBD

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

Sat, Feb 15

ShamROCK The Rose District

7:30 AM

Leads Breakfast

Casey Donahew

7 PM

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

Marshall Charloff: Purple Experience

Sun, Mar 1

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

1 PM

7:30 PM

Wedding Show & $10k Wedding Giveaway

The Choir of Man

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa

Wed, Mar 4 11:30 AM

Leads Luncheon Location TBD Held every Wednesday.

Thu, Mar 5 8 AM

4 PM

Networking Breakfast

Chamber After Hours

Tulsa Tech BA Campus - Callahan Room

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Known across the globe as “the ultimatefeel good show,” The Choir of Man offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s a pint-filled good time set in a working pub that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live Percussion with footstomping choreography.

The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever attend! CHEERS!

From Shamrocks to Shenanigans, you will find something fun to do. Enjoy some rocking entertainment on the outdoor stage, experience some tasty beers, including green ones at one of beer stations, enjoy original artwork and hand crafted items from local artisans, food trucks, kid zone, Scotfest games and much more including bringing back the ever popular… Craft Beer Garden to this year’s event! Once again this Soldier’s Wish event helps raise funds to grant wishes to our soldiers! We will have a silent auction as well as an ongoing online auction leading up to the event!

Through these events, we’ve been able to raise $46K to provide wishes to our soldiers!

Sun, Mar 15 6 PM

Remembering Hee Haw with T. Graham Brown The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

15

EVENTS CALENDAR Tue, Mar 17

Sat, Mar 21

Tue, Mar 24

Sat, Mar 28

4 PM

Restaurant Palooza Location TBD

Mar 26-27 8 AM

7:30 PM

2020 Oklahoma Social Work Summit

Finding Neverland

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 8 AM

Thu, Mar 26

Lucky Ducky 5K & Fun Run

Thu, Mar 19

Fleet Feet Broken Arrow

8 PM

7 PM

Easton Corbin

Toby Mac: Hits Deep Tour

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

11:15 AM

Successful Women’s Lunch Central on Main Ballroom

BOK Center

Fri, Mar 27

Fri, Mar 20

8 PM

8 PM

7 PM

Jim Jefferies: Oblivious

Clint Black

Dan + Shay: The Arena Tour

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino

BOK Center

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center You will believe in magic and miracles-and that anyone (regardless o f age) can dream of flying! Based on the Miramax motion picture by David Magee and the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan” by Allan Knee, “Finding Neverland” follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up – one of the most beloved stories of all time.

Mon, Mar 30 3:30 PM

Meet Your Chamber Chamber Office, AVB Bank Room

FEB/MAR SCHOOL CALENDAR Thu, Feb 13

Mon, Feb 24

Mon, Mar 2

Soccer vs. Jenks (G)

Tennis vs. Union (B)

Tennis vs. Muskogee

Baseball vs. Stillwater

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex

2 PM; Tiger Tennis Complex

2 PM; Tiger Tennis Complex

5 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Fri, Feb 14

Tue, Feb 25

Tue, Mar 3

Softball vs. Putnam City North

Basketball vs. Bartlesville

Softball vs. Berryhill

Soccer vs. Bishop Kelley

4 PM; Tiger Softball Field

6:30PM; BA High School Gym (G)

4 PM; Tiger Softball Field

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (G)

8 PM; BA High School Gym (B)

Soccer vs. Bartlesville

8 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (B)

Thu, Mar 12

Mon, Mar 23 Soccer vs. Nathan Hale

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (G)

Thu, Mar 5

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (G)

Baseball vs. Cascia Hall

Baseball vs. Coweta

8 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (B)

4:30 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Thu, Feb 27

4:30 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Basketball vs. Bixby Senior Night

Baseball vs. Berryhill

6:30PM; BA High School Gym (G)

3:30 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Tue, Feb 18

8 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (B)

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (G) 8 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (B)

Baseball vs. Enid

Baseball vs. Bixby

5 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Feb 28-29

4:30 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Softball vs. Union

Wrestling at State

Soccer vs. Jenks

Tiger Softball Field

All Day; State Fairgrounds Arean, OKC

6 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (G)

8 PM; BA High School Gym (B)

Soccer vs. Owasso

8 PM; Kirkland Activities Complex (B)

Thu, Feb 20 Baseball vs. Pryor 4:30 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Feb 21-22

Fri, Feb 29 Mon, Mar 9

11 AM; Tiger Baseball Field

Baseball vs. Bartlesville

Softball vs. Union

5 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

Tue, Mar 10 Softball vs. Muskogee 5 PM; Tiger Softball Field

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Times TBD; Tiger Baseball Field

Mon, Mar 30 Baseball vs. Sand Springs

11 AM; Tiger Softball Field

All Day; Location TBD

Mar 26-28 BA/Jenks Baseball Classic

Baseball vs. Union

Wrestling at Regionals

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Tue, Mar 24

Fri, Mar 6

6 PM; Tiger Baseball Field

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Helping Hands All Around BA Facebook Group Helping Hundreds of Families in Need

by Tim Hudson A local man made sure hundreds of needy families in and around Broken Arrow had what they needed for Christmas, and is being lauded around the state for his efforts.

John Lee Livingston said that he started the Facebook group “Help Broken Arrow/Tulsa� about two weeks before Christmas — but the beginnings of it went back to October. “In October, on Halloween, I was put in the hospital for a week. I was really sick and couldn’t work for a while,� he said. “I wanted to do something, so I started looking on Facebook and saw all these people who were looking for toys or things for Christmas. I made a Facebook group.�

The simple act seemed to have a fairly big ripple effect that started almost immediately, and he got a call from Channel 6 News the next day.

The sentiment struck a nerve and John said the response was immediate. “It blew up overnight, and I woke up to so many notifications I about didn’t know what do with them all,� he said. “One lady donated everything from her house, not the house itself, but everything in it.�

He said that after everything was said and done, the donated toys were enough to help 500 children — and counting. Vouchers and toys helped more than 450 people in about a nine-day period. “Donations started with toys and Christmas baskets. Next, we started taking donations of clothes and food,� he said. “We recently have been using monetary donations to get formula and diapers."

While the group was intended to be temporary, the kindhearted sentiment has taken root and it looks like the group will be around for a while. “We are looking at becoming a 501c3 and making an organization of it. Being on Channel 6 twice and Fox 23 once really helped a lot, and things have barely slowed down since Christmas,� he said. “We have four admins on site, and I didn’t know any of them before this started. They were people who came forward to help.�

Admins for the site are Kimberly Brown, Rachel Love, Nikki Coats, and Chris Cox.

“A lot of people had their holidays enhanced. We went to a battered women’s facility in Tulsa to help one woman and ended up helping eight more that saw what we were doing. That really got me,â€? he said. “We’ve taken clothing that has been donated The mission of the group is: to homeless shelters and youth “What is one thing you NEED that you cannot afford right shelters.â€? now? đ&#x;¤” Let’s check and see what others say. Maybe you have it, don’t need it, or have a connection to get it.

For more information about ����� the group, or to learn how to No SELLING. If you’re offering something on here to make a contribution or request someone it means you’re GIVING it to them for FREE! help, visit Facebook and search If you want to post things you are giving away add the for the Help Broken Arrow/Tulsa CITY and write FREE.� page.

Additionally, the group made 96 Christmas baskets that each had hams or turkeys. “One lady donated 30 hams,� he said, adding that the group currently has over 1,300 members. “One lady told us that she got her grandson a bike but didn’t have the money to get it out of layaway. The next day she said someone anonymously paid off the bike.�

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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OUT & ABOUT

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

OUT & ABOUT

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

MUSEUM BROKEN ARROW

A Place for Memories Museum Broken Arrow Adding New Display

by Roger Moon Museum Broken Arrow board member and former Rodeo rider Roger Love said great things are on the horizon in 2020 for the already terrific museum.

Rodeo, of course, played a big part in Love’s life, and in Broken Arrow as a whole. He said that both rodeos and the local cowboys that rode in them contributed to the zeitgeist of the area.

“We have started putting in a new display upstairs reflecting back on the way life was in Broken Arrow’s heyday,” he said. “The display will reflect the beginning up to now.”

“The rodeo here in Broken Arrow used to be really big. At one time, the Rooster Day rodeo was one of the bigger rodeos around, and you had cowboys here in Broken Arrow that were some of the toughest going down the road then. When the Rooster Day rodeo came about, it was wall-to-wall cowboys and everybody was trying to jockey for a position. That was just a way of life back then — and a fun way of life,” he said.

The Museum has been enjoying an upswing in visibility and community involvement as of late, and Love said he believes that will continue to grow.

“A lot of things are getting Museum Broken Arrow board member Roger Love during his rodeo days. ready to jump off. The more people realize the museum is “In that era, everyone was trying to go to the next rodeo. Out there, the more exciting it is. Local people really play a big part in there on Lynn Lane, where the Roundup Club used to be, were it. Long-time Broken Arrow people who have moved away and some of the best rodeo stories and horse stories you’d ever want don’t keep up with what’s going on, but when I mention it to them to hear.” they becomes very interested,” he said. “We had our 45th class reunion there this past June, and a lot of former classmates that As a board member of the Museum Broken Arrow, Love said don’t really keep up on Broken Arrow were very interested. As we he would like the organization to further explore the historic rodeos walk back down memory lane and see something, we reflect on a and cowboys. moment and that brings a lot of joy and smiles.”

“Broken Arrow produced some pretty good cowboys; everyLove said that everybody has their own story about their expebody was glad to call Broken Arrow home. You’d see a cowboy rience with their hometown, and “when you walk through the with a rodeo bag and he was glad to let it be known that he was museum you’ll see something you know from Smitty’s or Ben from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.” he said. “You had some good Franklin or Murray’s Five and Dime.” cowboys come through here, and some even went on to win the PBR, and on and on. If you stop to talk to them, they will mention “Places like the old Hamilton’s coffee shop, someone will say ‘I Broken Arrow in their travels. “ remember going in there with grandpa or dad.’ It’s fun to hear those stories then you move on, shift gears, and turn pages,” he The Museum Broken Arrow is located at 400 S. Main Street in said. downtown Broken Arrow.

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LOCAL GEMS

Military History Center A Broken Arrow Treasure Located on Main Street

by Jack O’Connor This gem is hidden in plain sight.

Behind those dark panes of glass, set in what was the original Broken Arrow Hospital, lies a real treasure worthy of a deep look by every visitor to our fair city, and more importantly, every citizen of this progressive enclave known as Broken Arrow. Almost as important as its existence is the small group of patriots who make it hum.

The Women of MHC Though few in number, they produce a beehive of activity.

JeanE Bailie (yes, that is the proper spelling of her first name) is the only paid employee and more than earns her keep. Born in Philadelphia, she spent the better part of her life in Louisville, Kentucky. Twenty years ago, she saw the light and moved to God’s Green Country, where she met Colonel Bob Powell and helped him move many museum artifacts from their temporary museum location to their current home. She was with Colonel Powell in January of 2013, when the Military History Center was referred to as the Military History Museum. One of the most notable things about JeanE is that you will rarely see her without a smile.

Claudia Ann Price, born in Richmond, California, is the epitome of a dynamo. She moves around the center swiftly and effortlessly, seemingly everywhere at once. She is going in all directions in a controlled frenzy, carrying out the boss’s (BG Tom Mancino) directives and ideas. She is a goldmine of talent when it comes to ensuring that all things are as they should be. She has been with the center since she helped with the move to the current location. A big smile is permanently on her face. A room noticeably brightens when she enters.

Susan Virdell was born in Lansing, Michigan. She spent time living in Texas and Denver before finally settling in Tulsa for the last 35 years, where she spent 30 years working at American Airlines. A librarian extraordinaire, she is constantly tending to her flock of over 4,000 military-related books and magazines. Some of these tomes are one of a kind. These volumes, which are of great value, are available for research at the large library table. Unfortunately, they are not available for check out. She has worked as a mechanic and can do plumbing. She also does repair work on the models in the hallway.

JEANE BAILIE

A newcomer to this group is another dynamic addition to the volunteers: Cathy Johnson, who lives in Broken Arrow and assists JeanE on Wednesdays.

Almost as essential are the docents, who really are the heart of the center. These wonderfully dedicated women make the center operate like a well-oiled machine.

The Center without them — ?

I don’t even want to think about it!

CATHY JOHNSON

CLAUDIA PRICE

SUSAN VIRDELL FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

WEDDING GUIDE

Prairie Song

Popular Village a Unique Wedding Venue Close to Home

by Jason Lucas A Northeastern Oklahoma old west village is becoming a destination for brides and grooms across the state.

Prairie Song, an 1800s-style old west town located just outside Dewey, Oklahoma and owned by Kenneth Tate & Marilyn Moore-Tate, is quickly becoming the destination wedding spot in the state.

The village features a saloon, post office, general store, jail, school house, chapel, doctors office, and stables, among other things. In recent years, the chapel and several other locations on the grounds have become very popular for weddings.

“It is the ideal location to host a peaceful country wedding, and we are able to accommodate weddings of all sizes,” Marilyn said. “The Wildwood Chapel is a log cabin that is able to handle small weddings, and we also have a banquet room that can handle a large ceremony. It would be difficult to find a better location that captures the real American country-western lifestyle.”

Marilyn said that she and Kenneth had a dream they wanted to express

through building Prairie Song. All of the buildings were designed and built by Kenneth, and Marilyn filled each building with beautiful 19th-century antiques, designed the interiors, and arranged the display areas.

“What started out as a cottage turned into the old west town of Prairie Song.

No blueprints were used to build Prairie Song,” she said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.”

Marilyn said that spots are already filling up, with people even asking about 2021. Each wedding is unique and special in its own way, she said.

“Weddings normally take two to three days of set up and tear down time. You really have to see one, because Prairie Song is definitely not a cookie-cutter place. We’ve been doing weddings for 32 years, and I’ve never had any two that are alike. There is so much to choose from, so many different sites and places.

We have weddings down by the creek, some on the hills, even in the saloon,” she said. “Some bring champagne bars and set them, up or things like that; this

really is a blank canvas and brides can fill it in however they want to. Some of the wedding ideas have been amazing.

Sometimes I can’t even believe it’s Prairie Song. It was just what the bride’s dreams were, unfolded on the canvas of Prairie Song.”

According to Marilyn, the mission of Prairie Song is “to preserve and honor the heritage of pioneers who crossed the plains to settle in Indian Territory, and to acknowledge the Cowboy and Indian cultures of Oklahoma.” She feels weddings are a perfect way of accomplishing that.

“We really love doing weddings. Everyone says that Prairie Song is a beautiful setting, and it is. We’ve really never advertised it until recently. It had just been word of mouth,” she said.

Prairie Song is located on West 1600 Road in Dewey, about five minutes east of downtown, off of Highway 75 and Durham Road. To reserve a wedding date, or for more information on Prairie Song in general, call Marilyn at (918)5342662 or visit www.prairiesong.net.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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PASTOR’S CORNER

The Forgiveness Factor From Bitter to Better

by Rich Manganero, Harvest Church Broken Arrow Pastor There are times in all our lives that we would consider to be bitter experiences.

As a pastor, I often hear from people concerning these wounds and how they are still angry and hurt. Maybe they are from our childhood, and we remember how our parents treated us in negative ways, or from a relative, teacher, or friend.

Recently, somebody in their 40s shared with me a hurt that was very deep, and how at three years old their parents got divorced. When they were sharing it, it became obvious to both of us that they were still hurt and angry.

Our hurtful experiences can easily make us bitter and resentful if we allow them to. Jesus said in Luke 4:18, “He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,” which I have seen Him do in my own life and countless others. On the other hand, the scriptures say in Hebrews 12:15, “to look carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up causing trouble and by this become defiled.” It would be so easy if we could go through life with no bitter experiences, but that is pretty impossible. This verse points out that we can call upon God’s grace to help us, and not fall short when hurts happen. If we allow the roots to stay, then we can affect the very people we love and work with in defiling ways through our attitudes and resentments.

Jesus provided a way of escape for this negative fruit. I call it the forgiveness factor. To paraphrase Luke 17:1-6, Jesus says, “It’s impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come. If your brother offends you seven times in a day, then seven times in that day forgive him.”

The disciples responded, “Increase our faith” the Lord replies, “If you have faith like a mustard seed, you can say to the sycamore tree, be

plucked up by the roots and be planted in the sea and it will obey you.”

The sycamore tree was the perfect example for Jesus to use. Its roots go very deep, it grows best in dry conditions.

Its wood is used for caskets. And it pollinates by the sting of a wasp. My bitterness is very dry and my hurts can go very deep. Unforgiveness and bitterness doesn’t do me or those around me any good. I don’t want my life to be dry,

or to be used in any way to sting others through my negative actions, or become a casket filled with dead fruit. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and by faith, I can forgive, release, and be free from any bitterness. God’s Grace is there for me. I just have to accept it.

The forgiveness factor is part of the culture of Harvest Church Broken Arrow so that we as the church can walk in God’s Love and give it away.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

STOMP is Bound For OK

by Tim Hudson In advance of the three-day STOMP engagement at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in March, we had the opportunity to sit down with cast member Joshua Cruz for a short interview.

How did you get involved with STOMP? A: I’m from New York City, which was home to the show, and tickets were given to me by my mom as a graduation gift. We got to see the show and sat in the balcony. At the time, I was already a little drummer boy, and I always loved to dance. So as time passed, I got older and worked as a social worker with kids, also working with kids in camps in the Poconos, recruiting 1,200 kids. After doing all that, I decided that I wanted to switch it up a little bit and try out for the show and four years later here I am now. I tried out for the show, went through the ten-week process to learn the actual numbers and play with everyday objects in the show. Now I’m still a part of it and this is the first tour that I’ve been a part of.

I would assume auditioning for STOMP is pretty nerve-wracking.

A: Yeah, so you go in and I like to say it’s like a game of “Bop-it”, the old kids game of “Bop-it”, you know “push it”, “pull it”, “twist it.” It’s like a human version of that where they teach you to do a beat or a rhythm with your hands and feet, and you have to show them that you have rhythm, and what they look for is a bit of your personality with it. Something that is really cool about the show is that all the music is written, but what you do is bring your own character into the show, however you feel that day you bring that on stage. You do that with the music, and it keeps the show fresh, every show is different Is it symbiotic in that each show depends on what people bring to the table each day?

A: Every show that you watch is going to be different, but the music is going to be the same. There are different character 30

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

choices that you can bring on to the stage, which is pretty fun because you get to see what your cast-mate brings to the table each day. So it’s cool you get to have a conversation with that on stage ... although we’re not talking. There’s no talking in the show at all. You speak with the music that you play, and with the energy that you bring to the table.

What’s the instrumentation that you will use?

A: We have different numbers. We have a number called “Brooms” where we make music with brooms, and it’s one of the most iconic numbers in the show, and it’s the first number that we play. We have a number we play with our hands and feet, and we do a number with matchboxes. We do a number with what they call “Trolley’s” in Europe, but we call them shopping carts here, and that’s a pretty fun number. We have two new numbers that just entered the show. One is “Suitcases” where we make music with suitcases, and on top of that there’s an old movie called “Poltergeist” where a lot of objects fly out of a TV. I think it’s a horror film or something like that. So we all bring out objects, and the main guy who’s name is Sarge plays music with these objects, and that’s a pretty fresh number. And of course, the most iconic number at the end is something called “Bins” where we make music out of trash cans. We walk out with these huge oil barrels with ski boots on top, so yeah ... it’s a lot. There’s a lot going on at the show, and there’s a lot more numbers that I didn’t get to mention.

Have you been to Oklahoma before?

A: I haven’t, but I’m looking forward to learning more about Tulsa and see what kind of crowd comes out. Hopefully, they love what we are doing on stage. I really hope to get to know people out there.

STOMP will be at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for five performances over three days on March 6, 7, and 8. For tickets please log onto: www.celebrityattractions.com

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

THE ARTS

Bring on the Art NatureWorks Art Show Scheduled for March 7-8 One of the largest wildlife art shows in the United States is about to descend on the Stoney Creek Hotel in Broken Arrow.

The 2020 annual NatureWorks Art Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8.

According to Vic Vreeland, the show will feature paintings, sculptures, and wooden carvings by the top wildlife, western, and landscape artists from across the United States.

“There will be anywhere between 40 and 50 artists from 31 different states, and there are also a couple of Broken Arrow artists that are in the show,” he said. “We have artists come from all over. This is one of the top 10 wildlife art shows in the United States.”

Vreeland said that NatureWorks selects a few featured artists in addition to the many talented exhibiting artists whose work will be on display throughout the entire show. Thirty percent of each art sale goes toward supporting the development and conservation of Oklahoma’s natural habitats, as well as the creatures who live in and depend upon those habitats.

“We do a monument every year with some of the proceeds, and the rest is spent on wildlife conservation. We fund different projects with Oklahoma wildlife — we help buy tractors and things like that.

We’ve funded the trout fishing at LaFortune park a couple different times,” he said. “We always work with a lot of conservation-type stuff. We’ve always been a wildlife conservation organization.”

by Ruben Tate

The show started in 1977 under the name of the Ducks Unlimited Art Show and was held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Tulsa. It moved locations several times before being renamed the Oklahoma Wildlife Arts Festival and being held at the Camelot Inn. By 1991, some in the group felt the Art show needed a new direction, and NatureWorks, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. In 1997, the name of the show was changed to NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale. That began a period of growth for the show, as painters and sculptors from all over the country sought to participate.

Vreeland said that in 2011, NatureWorks made its highest single sale. A large bronze statue of two cowboys on horseback shaking hands over a fence sold for more than $150,000. The statue now stands at the entrance of a large cattle ranch outside of Ft. Worth, Texas.

“We have all levels of artwork with lots of price points,” he said. “They are not all priced like that one.”

According to the show’s website, the show also features a student art competition that asks students to creatively examine an environmental issue facing their community and world.

“The assignment is to tell an intriguing story with a media project and short written essay that focuses on their personal interest and involvement in wildlife conservation,” the site states.

The winning student claims the coveted Sutton Award, which pays up to $20,000 in cash.

More information on the show may be found by visiting the NatureWorks website at www.natureworks.org.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

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Try our green chili poutine topped with a fried egg!

Come in today and try our French dip with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. Served with special au jus sauce and house-cut truffle fries.

Enjoy an AMAZING breakfast!

203 S Main St

918.286.6770 34

Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

201 S Main St, Broken Arrow

918.286.6770

EXCITING EVENTS

ShamROCK the Rose Connecting Irish Culture, Patriotism, and Community

by Devin Williams On March 14, the Rose District, the historic cultural hub in Broken Arrow, will be transformed. Green beer, men and women in kilts, and the joyful harmonics of bagpipes will join with the irresistible smell of Irish cuisine that perfuming the air. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the spirit of Saint Patrick will descend from the misty hills of Ireland and make its home in the streets, hearts, and souls of a projected 15,000 people. ShamROCK the Rose has grown exponentially in the past seven years from its original attendance of 1,500. This year will be the sixth ShamROCK and will be the biggest and best yet. One of the event organizers, Debra Wimpee, said that vision, passion, and purpose has turned an idea into one of the must-attend events in Broken Arrow. An active member of the community, Wimpee created the website babuzz.com which helps connect business and charities to the Broken Arrow community. In addition to ShamROCK the Rose, she also has organized the Red, White, and Brew and Cinco De La Rosa events.

“I know what my purpose is,” Wimpee said. “It is to be a light that connects people.”

Seven years ago, there was no large scale St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Broken Arrow. Wimpee decided to combine her expertise in creating and organizing community events with her passion for Irish culture and her dedication to serving the men, women, and families of our armed forces. She, along with her many sponsors, volunteers, and supporters have constructed an event with live music from artists like Corey Lee, Paul Holt Band, and “Dressed to Kill”, a full production KISS tribute band. There will also be a beer garden in the farmer’s pavilion featuring over 15 local craft breweries. “Early Bird” tickets are only $25 dollars. They include a tasting glass, and you can indulge until your is heart’s content for the entire span of the event. The shenanigans continue with a cornhole tournament, items handcrafted from local artisans, original artworks, food trucks, and a kids zone, among other attractions. Don't forget to pick some swag for yourself, friends, and family from the many stores and merchants in the district who will be at maximum St. Patrick's Day spirit for ShamROCK. “ShamROCK the Rose is so much more than a “street party.” We are serving the

bravest people in our county: our active-duty military, veterans, and their families.” Wimpee said,adding that her father is a veteran of the Vietnam War and her sister is a Chief in the Navy, The event will partner with Soldier’s Wish, a nonprofit organization, that Wimpee said “Identifies the unmet needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, providing resources directly.” She said this is done through “private donations and corporate sponsorships.” Currently, profits from ShamROCK the Rose have raised over $70,000 in donations for Soldier’s Wish in addition to all of the wishes they grant at the event. Wimpee recounted one granted wish that is special to her.

“There was a veteran who was wounded in combat, and she had to travel to another state to receive speech therapy. It was a great cost to her with transportation, flight, food, and a hotel. ShamROCK the Rose, in coordination with Soldier’s Wish, paid for all those expenses to insure she received the care she needed without having to suffer the financial burden” she said.

For ShamROCK the Rose ticket information visit: www.visitbrokenarrowok.com.

If you would like to help support Soldier’s Wish please visit: www.soldierswish.org

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 | Broken Arrow City Magazine

35

MAYOR’S MINUTE

Broken Arrow’s Bright Future Recycling, Development, and City Projects in BA

by Mayor Craig Thurmond Happy New Year Broken Arrow!

2019 was another exciting year for the community. The city saw the creation of its second Tax Increment Finance, or TIF, district with the Creek 51 Business Park; the Elm and New Orleans Advisory Committee was formed to decide the best way the City MAYOR THURMOND can help revitalize an important area; we hosted a nationally-televised Showtime boxing event, and the City had more than $117 million in improvements underway.

All that momentum puts the city in a wonderful position heading into 2020. For starters, Showtime loved the Rumble in the Rose District and the atmosphere that Broken Arrow had for the fights. The producers have told us they would like to return to the Rose District to host a second event again this year. Hopefully, the weather cooperates more and we can keep this one outside.

Also in 2020, City leaders plan to maintain a major focus on economic development in the community. The Elm and New Orleans Advisory Committee I mentioned continues to meet twice each month gathering information and forming ideas on how the city should proceed in helping the area. I’m excited about the work this committee is doing and look forward to the full report, which should be ready in May or June.

Other economic developments include the opening of the Milestone project and the Bramble restaurant in the Rose District. I know I speak for the rest of the City Council and the administration when I say growing retail shopping and dining opportunities in the south part of our community is a major priority for all of us. We want all of our residents to feel they can get everything they need within a reasonable distance from their home, but within Broken Arrow. We are all very excited about the planned ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings in South Broken Arrow in 2020.

Another major change coming this year is the change to the trash service. The Municipal Authority last fall decided to implement curbside recycling for all residential trash customers.

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Broken Arrow City Magazine | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

need to have a cart for trash and another for recyclables. This also means the entire city’s pickup schedule has to be updated to accommodate changing to once-per-week pickup. The city’s administration is working hard on all the logistics concerning this transition. Look for information from the city in the coming months about the implementation. I know this is a big change for both the city and residents, but pretty much all successful cities our size have curbside recycling, and it’s time Broken Arrow did too.

2020 won’t be without its challenges for the city. Two of the biggest are also two of the most visible – the Hillside Drive and the Tiger Hill retaining walls. There are plans to correct both, and work on the planned shopping center at Tiger Hill will go on unimpeded. Hillside Drive should be ready for traffic again this summer.

Another challenge is that, like all Oklahoma communities, we rely on sales tax to fund operations. Among other things, this provides vital Police and Fire service for BA and money to fix our streets. This is why you will always hear city leaders say it’s so important to shop local — when you need a police officer or have a medical emergency, Amazon isn’t coming to help you.

On exhibit January 30 - May 10, 20200 Warhol and the West is the first museum exhibition to fully explore Andy Warhol’s love of the West represented in his art, movies, attire, travel and collecting. Developed in a partnership with The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Ga. and the Tacoma Art Museum, Warhol and the West presents the full range of Western imagery Warhol produced.

1700 Northeast 63rd Street • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111 nationalcowboymuseum.org • (405) 478-2250 Illustration inspried by Andy Warhol, created by National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

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