Oklahoma Magazine August 2021

AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2021

A preview of the season to come

Native America

Representation, infrastructure, culture 15 Outstanding High School Seniors 0821 cvr 1 .indd 1

ALL THINGS EDUCATION Getting back into the groove 7/26/21 9:48 AM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUGUST 2021

O K L A H O M A M AG A Z I N E

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Back to school: this common phrase holds more meaning than ever for the upcoming year. As students return to college towns around Oklahoma, we explore the ways the educational landscape has shifted in the wake of COVID-19.

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To A Bright Future From

aspiring theater stars to prospective doctors, performers and mathematicians, these soon-to-be collegiate freshmen are looking to make their marks on the world.

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26 27 28 30

64

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Finance Sports Community Business People Hobbies Makers Education Philanthropy Insider

Life and Style

Destinations In southern Spain, Seville welcomes travelers with its architecture, eats, shops and outdoor excursions.

Health Outside the Metro FYI Scene

Taste

A small Honduran restaurant nestled in OKC offers unique eats and a heartwarming story of perseverance.

65 66 67

Exploring Native America

In the last year, major changes have rocked Oklahoma’s tribes. From expanding infrastructure to adjusting existing programming, the Nations have remained resilient, creative and flexible. We touch base with them to discuss general updates, cultural preservation, bolstering Nativeowned businesses and more.

State

The under-construction Oklahoma National Guard Museum combines artifacts and high-tech exhibits to showcase the work of the state’s military members.

10 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 22

Back to (New) Normal

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Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When

Balloon festivals, wrestling, art shows and a trip to Margaritaville comprise the entertainment offerings for August.

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Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2021

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Return of the Arts

Concert halls and museums are filling up again, packed with patrons ready to experience the magic of the arts live and in-person. From exhibitions to concerts, world premiere choreography showcases and Broadway performances, the arts are well and truly back in Oklahoma.

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A preview of the season to come

Native America

Representation, infrastructure, culture 15 Outstanding High School Seniors

ALL THINGS EDUCATION Getting back into the groove

ON THE COVER:

IN THIS ISSUE, YOU’LL FIND A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES, SHOWCASES AND MORE IN THE ARTS PREVIEW. WE ALSO CATCH UP WITH THE STATE’S THRIVING NATIVE NATIONS TO GET UPDATES ON INFRASTRUCTURE, PROGRAMMING AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION. TO SEE A FULL LISTING OF ON-THECOVER CREDITS FOR THE ARTS PREVIEW, VISIT PAGE 58. NATIVE AMERICA PHOTO BY SCOTT MILLER

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life® Does It Matter How Property is Titled in Divorce?

Many individuals wonder whether it matters how property is titled in a divorce. In other words, some theorize that if an asset is in their individual name, it might mean that they will receive this asset in a divorce.

It could be a variety of property or assets. Some might try to title a bank account in their own name. Others might purchase a vehicle and put it in their own name. In other cases, an individual might set up an investment account that only has their name on it, but not their spouse. The possibilities can be infinite.

When a divorce takes place, many think the asset will be given to them by the court because it is not jointly titled with their spouse.

A common question for many is whether this is accurate or not.

The reality is that how property is titled in a divorce is normally not that important.

Instead, in states where equitable jurisdiction is controlling, courts look to when the property or asset was acquired. If the property is acquired during the marriage, it is normally labeled marital property. However, if the property was acquired before marriage, it is presumed to be separate property.

Courts then have to divide marital property in a just matter when considering all the factors. The factors can vary by state, but they can include different criteria. This includes

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contribution of each party, the length of the marriage, the education and work history of the parties, the conduct of the parties in some states, and a litany of other factors.

In terms of the titling of the assets, it is truly not that important. If the asset is in one spouse’s name, it does not matter if the asset was acquired during the marriage. A party cannot purchase property or buy an asset with marital funds and assume that the asset will be allocated to them in a divorce.

A prenuptial agreement is something to consider for those who have substantial property or assets prior to marriage. To ensure they receive it in the divorce, they must agree to it beforehand. Through a prenuptial agreement, the parties can agree to have property or assets set aside to them in the future.

It is vital to draft the prenuptial agreement appropriately and that both parties have independent counsel. Other important criteria are that there needs to be full and fair disclosure and that there be no duress or undue influence.

Even after the marriage, parties could enter into a postnuptial agreement to denote who would get what property or assets in the case of divorce. That said, parties sometimes have little incentive to do this after the marriage.

One potential exception is where a party receives inheritance or gifts during the marriage. Inheritance or gifts are generally viewed as separate property in a divorce.

Thus, if parties place inheritance or gifts in a separate account away from other marital property or debt, doing so makes sense. Otherwise, there can be a risk that the separate property is commingled with other marital funds or property. When this happens, it can convert separate property into marital property.

For this reason, parties who receive inheritance or gifts should speak to an attorney if they want to ensure that it remains their separate property. It often makes sense before they receive the inheritance or gift to ensure it is handled appropriately. A separate account in this instance may make sense for liquid assets.

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters.

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers.

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To schedule a consultation:

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WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Stange Law Firm, PC is respsonsible for the content. Principal place of business is 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.

Tulsa County Office

6660 S. Sheridan Road, Suite 240

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Oklahoma County Office 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 411 W

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

6/10/21 7/21/21 11:08 9:14 AM

OKLAHOMA LET TER FROM THE EDITOR The phrase 'back to school' takes on more meaning than ever this year, and in our annual education feature, we examine the ways students and teachers are getting back into the swing of in-person instruction (page 33). We offer updates on some Oklahoma universities, explore new trends in learning and discuss how administrators are ensuring that students graduate – and do so on time. In conjunction, we highlight some promising soon-to-be collegiate freshman in the Outstanding Seniors spotlight (page 40).

The state's Native nations have remained flexible and resilient in the last year and a half. We sit down with tribal leaders to discuss infrastructure overhauls, collegiate incentives, representation in art and their opinions on Indigenous Peoples' Day (page 51).

After a brief hiatus in 2020, the Arts Preview returns in full force this year (page 58). We delve into the upcoming seasons of performing arts organizations, museums, galleries and theaters.

Our State section is jam-packed, too. Take a peek at the underconstruction Oklahoma National Guard Museum (page 7); venture into a day in the life of a florist (page 14); and get updates on the state’s two major zoos (page 13).

Keep reading for our write-up on a delicious Honduran restaurant in OKC (page 64), and enjoy a chat with the executive director of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Security (72).

Happy reading!

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

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What’s HOT at

OKMAG.COM COMING IN AUGUST Enjoy a comprehensive exploration into backto-school season in the education feature, available at okmag.com. We speak to teachers and administrators about getting back into the normal groove, plus new trends in learning and the importance of collaboration.

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

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Ron Spigelman, conductor THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s21)

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EXCELLENCE TIMES TWO Tulsa Community College is honored to received two prestigious Awards of Excellence from the American Association of Community Colleges.

2021 Award of Excellence for Student Success TCC dramatically increased our graduation rate by nearly 22 percent in degree/certificate completion from 2016 to 2020.

2021 Award of Excellence for Leadership Safety & Planning TCC’s safety-related investments enabled the College to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Thank you to our faculty and staff for your hard work, dedication and proactive, strategic planning and to our Board of Regents for your unwavering leadership, guidance and advocacy.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

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HONORING SACRIFICE

The under-construction Oklahoma National Guard Museum will combine artifacts and high-tech exhibits to showcase the work of Oklahoma’s military members.

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The 45th Infantry Division Museum, rebranded as the Oklahoma National Guard Museum, will cover the history and present-day happenings of the Army and Air National Guards in Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy the 45th Infantry Division Museum

embers of the Oklahoma National Guard have distinguished themselves at home and abroad for more than a century, and soon their story will be told in a state-of-the-art museum.

What’s now known as the 45th Infantry Division Museum will undergo a name change when it’s moved into a new 61,000-square-foot building, and the focus will be both expanded and narrowed in scope.

Since the museum opened in 1976 in an armory facility built by the Works Progress Administration, it’s gradually come to feature Oklahoma’s broader military history. The

new museum will focus on the Guard and will be called the Oklahoma National Guard Museum, encompassing the Army and Air National Guards.

“The new museum will allow us to talk about domestic duties as well as deployments,” says Denise Neil, the museum’s executive director.

Project director Doug Hayworth, a retired member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, says the state legislature appropriated $45 million for the new museum, which will be built near the current museum at N.E. 36 and Martin Luther King Ave. The exact location had not been

determined as of late July.

Hayworth says it will be built with state dollars, staffed by Oklahoma Military Department employees, and upkeep will be by the federal government. The Oklahoma National Guard Foundation will help with unbudgeted expenses, like traveling exhibitions.

The new building will provide a more stable environment for the museum’s artifacts, which include the Bill Mauldin Cartoon Collection.

Mauldin joined the 45th Infantry Division from Arizona in 1940, when it was comprised of troops from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and

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T H E S TAT E | S TA R T I N G O F F

The renovated museum will “tell a complete story of the Oklahoma National Guard,” says Brigadier Gen. Thomas H. Mancino.

Photo courtesy 45th Infantry Division Museum

Arizona. The museum owns more than 200 of his original World War II cartoons, primarily from 1944-1945 – the pinnacle of his wartime work.

“The legacy of the 45th Infantry Division is well-known in the annals of military history,” wrote Brigadier Gen. Thomas H. Mancino in a project summary prepared by Hayworth.

“Our current museum has focused on the exploits of the Thunderbirds in World War II and Korea. However, we are expanding our educational efforts to tell a complete story of the Oklahoma National Guard.”

Mancino is the Guard’s assistant adjutant general.

THE OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD The Oklahoma National Guard has a rich heritage of answering the call to defend the nation on home soil and abroad, according to its website.

“Since 9/11, more than 30,000 of our soldiers and airmen have deployed, many of them serving multiple deployments.

Although major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have stopped, the

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“We want this to be the premier Guard museum in the United States,” says Hayworth.

“We want people to be inspired. I hope it will promote service to one’s country.”

Hayworth says he expects the project to be finished in about two and a half years, saying it has drawn interest from some world-class architectural firms.

Neil says museum curators will draw artifacts from the current collection and will probably source some new ones to fill in gaps. The Oklahoma Historical Society has been very helpful during the planning stages, and Neil plans to visit the collections at the Oklahoma History Center and perhaps borrow some artifacts.

The museum is visited by 18,000 to 19,000 people every year, with guests from 43 countries in 2019, says Neil.

Lt. Col. Geoffrey Legler, the Guard’s state public affairs officer, said 6,300 men and women currently serve in Oklahoma’s Army National Guard, and 2,200 in the Air National Guard.

Anthony Jones, public affairs specialist and social media manager, says one major difference between the National Guard and the regular military is that Guard members live in Oklahoma and may train and deploy with the same people for decades, often becoming good friends.

“Every generation of the National Guard has had that one experience that’s going to stand out to them,” says Jones. He listed as examples the Oklahoma City bombing, Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new museum will feature state-of-the-art interactive exhibit spaces, archive and research library facilities, collections storage and preservation areas.

Neil, an art historian, says she understands that today’s visitors expect a high-tech experience at museums.

“But if it gets too high-tech, you run the risk of not honoring the sacrifices of the soldiers,” she says. “I want people to respect their sacrifices. I like to use artifacts to tell the story.”

KIMBERLY BURK

Oklahoma National Guard is still deploying in large numbers to support national objectives.”

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen performed missions and training in the past year with active-duty and coalition counterparts in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. They provided helicopter airlift and air support, military police, air combat support, unmanned aerial systems and medical, logistics, security and engineering capabilities.

In May, National Guard Bureau Chief

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense that the men and women of the National Guard “served more than 7.6 million days in support [of] the COVID-19 pandemic – a mission that continues today,” he says.

“They provided over 632 million meals to neighbors; distributed over 539 million pieces of personal protective equipment to essential workers; and tested or screened over 16.1 million people for the virus across the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia in 2020.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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T H E S TAT E | F I N A N C E

THE WORLD OF CRYPTO

The blooming financial realm of cryptocurrency has space for Oklahoma investors.

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ryptocurrency can be a confusing topic for the uninitiated, but all it takes is a little explanation to begin to understand this digital currency and its ramifications for online buying and investing.

Digital or virtual currency has been around since the early 1990s, but has become more common since the rise of the internet, smartphones and app technology, as well as online shopping.

Simply put, it is the transferring of money online, and makes it possible to bank and purchase online. Often, it is linked to or represents fiat currency – money that is issued by a government, such as the U.S. dollar or the euro.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency, with the “crypto” referring to the special way this kind of currency is kept secure. It is decentralized and not tied to a specific issuing government.

“At its simplest, it’s just a digital currency that is outside of central banks, that is proven up through this mining, which is a complex series of mathematical calculations,” explains Brad Scrivner, CEO of Vast Bank, based in Tulsa.

Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, came onto the scene in 2009, shrouded in a bit of mystery as the person or persons who created it is/are still unknown. But Bitcoin was unique in the digital currency playing field because of its truly peerto-peer nature; it was completely decentralized.

“Most cryptocurrencies use a ledger system to record digital transactions in a way that is decentralized, publicly validated and permanently recorded,” writes Jesse Carlucci, Ph.D., in an online article for Arrow Investment Management, where he’s CEO and CIO. “This blockchain technology is already widely used in a variety of ways and has thousands of use-cases across many different industries.”

Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency can be used as an investment tool. But there are benefits and pitfalls to be aware of, as with many investment choices.

“You have people getting involved in [cryptocurrency] for different reasons. Some people are scared about inflation, and so they’re using cryptocurrency as a store of value, similar to gold,” says Scrivner. He also mentions that some people and companies use it for a faster, cheaper

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Altcoin - Cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin way to transfer Bitcoin - A type of cryptoassets, as well as currency those who are Blockchain - A type of jumping in for database that organizes speculation, as information into chunks, they see an asset or blocks, chained appreciating together chronologically greatly in price.

Carlucci Cryptocurrency - Digital mentions in currency secured by his article that mathematical equations “there are some Digital currency - Curserious securency that exists purely rity concerns in a digital format, around holding but can represent fiat cryptocurrencurrency cies in online Fiat currency - A centralwallets. In 2020 ized currency like the alone, billions of U.S. dollar or the euro dollars were lost to hacking and Mining - The solving of cybersecurity mathematical computafailures.” tions that support Scrivner cryptocurrency continues: “This Public and private keys is a volatile asset.

Public keys are the pubThe use-cases lic address that people are still being use to send bitcoin to. developed, it’s Private keys are known still maturing.” only to the account So, it remains to holder to authorize be seen where transmissions. cryptocurrency will go in the Source: Investopedia future.

There are some other options for dealing in cryptocurrency on the horizon. Vast Bank has recently made an announcement along these lines.

“We are the first national bank to, out of a single bank account, your bank account, be able to purchase and sell and custody cryptocurrency,” says Scrivner.

Ultimately, as with most investment decisions, it is important to do your research and speak with a professional to find out if cryptocurrency is the right investment choice.

BONNIE RUCKER

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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T H E S TAT E | S P O R T S

TRACK MEET 101 When athletes compete, team members participate in a variety of events during a day-long meet or bracketed competition.

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELDS

Track and field athletes leave it all at the meet.

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In June, TU track athlete Patrick Dever won the NCAA Division I Men’s Outdoor Track and Field 10,000m race, becoming a national champion.

Photo by Jon Baillie

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very four years, track and field is (shot) put into the spotlight during the summer Olympic Games. The best of the best sprint, jump and throw their ways to the podium.

During this summer’s Tokyo games, spectators might have glimpsed some of Oklahoma’s own athletes giving it their all during track and field events.

For most, going pro isn’t the end goal. The athletes who love these events make their college years their best years, leaving it all on the track, says Steve Gulley, head coach of both men’s and women’s track and field, plus cross country, at the University of Tulsa. Year round, collegiate athletes are working hard at a sport that most view as a discipline.

“When somebody messes up in football or basketball, what do they make them do? Run,” says Gulley.

Yet running, at both long and short distances, comprises only a portion of the 10-plus track and field events. Jumpers and throwers round out the roster. Despite being a team, however, one of the only things members have in common is the logo on their uniform, as training for and perform-

ing in each event looks vastly different.

While a runner puts in miles pounding the pavement, a discus thrower spends time lifting in the weight room.

Training involves perfecting technicalities and making small adjustments, such as shin angles and foot placement, to shave a few milliseconds off a time or gain distance on a throw.

“I like that you’ve got completely different personalities, completely different body types and different mind sets that have to go into each event, but they’re all working towards the same goal as one team,” says Josh Langley, an assistant track and field coach at Oklahoma State University, who focuses on combined events, pole vault and throwers.

With the variety of events that span an entire day, Gulley says track and field meets are a hard sell for spectators. Langley adds that for the throwing events, those watching often don’t have a sense of what a good throw looks like; but anyone familiar with running, or who took physical education growing up, knows that a four-minute mile is speedy.

LAUREN MIERS

TRACK EVENTS: Short- and longdistance sprints: Track races ranging from 100 to 400 meters Mid- and longdistance races: Track races ranging from 800 to 10,000 meters Hurdles: Runners sprint and jump over hurdles on the track Steeplechase: A track race combining distance, hurdles and other obstacles Relays: Multiple runners from the same team compete in a single track race FIELD EVENTS: Long jump: The jumper runs and makes a single jump into the sand pit Triple jump: The jumper hops and bounds before jumping into the sand pit High jump: The jumper runs and jumps over a high bar Shot put: A heavy ball, the shot, is launched, or put, as far as possible using one hand Discus: A heavy disc is thrown as far as possible Javelin: The athlete runs and throws a sharp spear as far as possible

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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T H E S TAT E | C O M M U N I T Y

ZOOS: BACK IN ACTION The state’s major animal havens are ready to welcome back ample guests.

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t’s been a strange year and a half for many Oklahoma businesses, and the state’s two prominent zoos are no exception. As the country emerges from COVID-era restrictions, there’s plenty on the horizon.

TULSA ZOO

Above: In Tulsa Zoo’s Lost Kingdom, guests can see Malayan tigers.

Photo courtesy Tulsa Zoo Below: The Dino Safari at the OKC Zoo features life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs that demonstrate the movements and sounds of creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Photo courtesy OKC Zoo

With everyone trying to get back to normal, the Tulsa Zoo is more than ready for people to return for summertime activities. The newest addition to the park is the Helmerich Playground: Behaving Like Animals.

“Each area is carefully designed, based on age, to educate children while they play,” says Nick Walters, the zoo’s community engagement manager. The three million dollar add-on challenges kids to move like their favorite animal, “encouraging children to climb, slide, and soar,” he says.

During the brunt of COVID-19, the Tulsa Zoo took the necessary steps to keep people and animals as safe as possible, including limiting the number of onsite guests, minimizing touch points with animals and requiring all staff to wear masks.

“Safety of our animals, guests and employees is a top priority,” says Walters.

Popular events and programming, like WALTZ on the Wild Side and HalloZOOween, are right around the corner.

“WALTZ (We All Love Tulsa Zoo) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with Tulsa’s finest food, specialty drinks, up-close animal encounters and dancing,” says Walters. The event is scheduled for Sept. 17.

HalloZOOween underwent small changes during 2020 by adding daytime hours.

“The expanded options proved so successful that we are keeping that model this

year,” says Walters.

The Tulsa Zoo has some new attractions in the works that leadership looks forward to sharing with the community soon.

“In the coming year, we will begin two major expansion projects – African Wilds: Carnivores, and Lost Kingdom: Elephants,” says Walters.

OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo is looking to bring back guests in a big way. The park recently opened its Raptor Ridge (showcasing Andean condors and cinereous vultures) and Wetlands Walkway (showing off diverse tortoises). In addition, Asha, an adult Asian elephant, became pregnant and is due to give birth next February.

“This will be Asha’s forth calf to be born at the Zoo,” says Dwight Lawson, Ph.D., the Zoo’s executive director and CEO. Since reopening in May 2020, the park has operated on a timed ticketing system, with masks required for all guests and employees. Although they saw a staggering loss of memberships during the height of the pandemic, things have been looking up in recent months.

“Good weather, a new limited Dino Safari experience and a very active spring break saw membership sales return to numbers not seen since 2019,” says Matt Burkholder, the zoo’s interim executive director.

Dino Safari is a new exhibit that allows guests to interact with animatronic dinosaurs that mimic the movement and sound of creatures long extinct.

“These amazingly life-like creatures were created

by Jurassic Park advisor ‘Dino Don’ Lessem’s company, Dino Don Inc.,” says Lawson. The event runs through Oct. 31.

Along with the Safari, ZOObrew, an outdoor beer festival hosting more than 70 breweries, will return Oct. 1. Read for Adventure also kicked off on June 21st to “encourage literacy and library visitation.” For guests who check out the Zoo’s self-published book Junipers Butterfly Garden, they receive free admission to the Zoo, says Lawson.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

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T H E S TAT E | B U S I N E S S

BLOOMING ASPIRATIONS

Florists in Oklahoma work hard to dream up one-of-a-kind creations for their clients.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Florists often order products from around the world for their creations.

Photos courtesy New Leaf Florist

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Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said: “The Earth laughs in flowers.” With a bit more normalcy returning to life, people are searching for ways to beautify their personal spaces. Whether you’re interested in brightening up a room with a splash of color or you’re planning a major event, flowers are always a smart choice. But the life of a florist takes hard work – just ask Toni Garner, owner of Toni’s Flowers and Gifts in Tulsa.

Flowers are ordered from all over the U.S. and from as far as South America and Europe, she says. When they arrive (usually every Monday), arrangements are designed and produced. Many shops like Toni’s have an idea of what each arrangement will look like, and Toni says her shop has its own personal style of design.

Her staff, she says, are all truly passionate about floristry and have decades experience between them.

They do like to keep their designs fresh, so a lot of time is spent perfecting ideas seen on social media outlets like Instagram and Pinterest, as well as ideas from specialty magazines. Another large aspect of the job involves marketing and keeping up with their own social media presence.

“Every day is different, but we stay busy,” says Garner. “There is an art to floristry.”

Their busiest times are the big holidays: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, followed by Easter and Thanksgiving. Wedding seasons have spread out some, so while June remains a popular time to tie the knot, the fall has sprung up as another in-demand

season for nuptials – meaning consistent business for florists. But you don’t need a specific holiday to enjoy fresh flowers; Toni’s has arrangements for all occasions and budgets.

LEARNING THE ROPES

Jaykob Janes, manager of New Leaf Florist in OKC’s Casady Square, says that floristry is a passion, and it’s best to learn in a more hands-on environment rather than a classroom.

“There are avenues to take, like floral design at OSU, but if floristry is something you’re passionate about, come spend a busy holiday week in a shop,” he says. “If you love it, that’s half the battle.”

Marketing classes would also be helpful to a budding florist, says Janes.

Recently, New Leaf partnered with Infant Crisis Services for Mother’s Day and donated a portion of proceeds to the cause. To Janes, giving back is a definite bonus, especially after the last year full of turmoil.

“It’s so fulfilling to have the ability to use flowers as my art, and giving back to the community is equally as important,” he says.

Whatever the case – be it a wedding, birthday or holiday, it’s safe to say there is a flower or an arrangement for every occasion. Florists like Toni Garner and Jaykob Janes are more than willing to dream up and create the perfect piece for you.

ERIKA BROWNING

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/23/21 4:30 PM

T H E S TAT E | P E O P L E

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

KKT’s president and CEO strives to unite the Tulsa community through architecture.

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hen Andy Kinslow, founder of KKT Architects, decided to venture down a new career path, doors opened for Sarah Gould.

No stranger to leadership within the Tulsa-based, full-service architecture firm, Gould took on the role of president and CEO in July 2020.

The firm, opened in 1989, has been steadily progressing for decades, and Gould is thrilled to be at the helm.

“I love meeting new people, learning about [KKT] clients’ unique needs and listening to diverse perspectives,” she says. “I take great satisfaction in working with the team to find and make connections and find solutions to complex problems.”

This consistent growth has allowed the company to work on more extensive, higher-profile projects including a new mental health facility in Tulsa.

“I am excited to continue this trajectory as we expand our circle of influence in Oklahoma and the region,” she says.

Not only is Gould looking at the business growth, but she’s also got her eye on ways to diversify the office so it better reflects the perspectives and experiences of the entire community. While KKT does take pride in its diverse leadership and its five generations of workforce, there’s always room for improvement, she says.

“In 10 years, I hope that we will have not only achieved [the diversity goal] in our office, but can also help move the needle in that direction for the design community,” she explains. “Our diverse voices make us stronger.”

With more than 95% of KKT’s work

in Oklahoma ─ the majority in the Tulsa metro ─ it’s safe to say the architecture firm focuses on community. This is also true about its leader: Gould’s passion projects are often in the education sector because of their immediate and direct impacts on young minds.

“The great thing about the book of work at KKT is that the projects we are involved in ultimately improve the lives and experiences of local communities and user groups,” she says. “Through collaborative relationship building with our clients, it is easy to be passionate about all the work we do. My passion lies in making our communities and our state better for all citizens.”

One project in particular that stands out for Gould is the Discovery Lab, currently under construction on the south end of Gathering Place park at 31st St. and Riverside Dr. After years of design and coordination, the 50,000 square-foot museum will soon be a reality.

Sarah Gould took the helm at KKT Architects in July 2020, and she’s working to diversify the company’s portfolio and its office.

Photos courtesy KKT

ALAINA STEVENS

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT: Sarah Gould is the youngest of six children and grew up in Tulsa, where she was exposed to the beauty of local architecture. After graduating from Nathan Hale High School as a National Merit Scholar, she started her higher education at the University of Oklahoma. A French exchange program led her to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles, to finish her bachelor’s in French.

“I wanted to do something that was both creative and technical, challenging and logical, and that made a difference in people’s lives,” says Gould. “Architecture bridged those divides for me.”

After having her first child, she moved back to Tulsa to earn a master’s degree in architectural urban studies at OU Tulsa, then got another master’s degree in architecture from the University of Texas – Austin.

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T H E S TAT E | H O B B I E S

COLLECTING MEMORIES

With historical finds and a strong sense of community, philatelic clubs are a hot ticket in Oklahoma.

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Above right: The National Stamp Show is held in June annually in Midwest City.

Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Philatelic Society A variety of Oklahomacentric stamps are a hot commodity for local collectors.

Photos courtesy Andy Warwick

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hilatelics, the study of postage stamps and history, may not illicit the flashy appeal that some hobbies do, but it’s still a mentally rewarding activity with an avid following in Oklahoma.

The state has a rich history when it comes to stamps. For starters, the Oklahoma Philatelic Society has roots going all the way back to 1933, when horses graced the roads of this state far more regularly than motorized vehicles. The Tulsa Stamp Club was created around 1928. Both clubs have seen generations of enthusiastic collectors roll through the doors over the years.

For many, collecting stamps starts at a young age, often due to familial interest.

Tulsa Stamp Club president Andy Warwick hails from a military family, and he was initially attracted to “topical” stamps, which are specifically designed with certain images, like airplanes, horses or cars. A future pilot, Warwick was most drawn to planes and military topicals. Due to his heritage, he also harbors an appreciation for German stamps.

Warwick got interested in philatelics initially because he liked the artwork as a child. As he grew up, he put his collecting on hold to pursue a career as a pilot and start his family, but he picked the hobby back up when life got a little less hectic. He later became involved in the clubs as a way to learn more about philatelics, as well as for the camaraderie.

“[Stamp collecting] is a great hobby even if you don’t have a lot of money,” he says. “You can get a lot of great stamps for $20 at a show.”

The Tulsa Stamp Club meets the first and third Thursday of the month at Asbury Methodist Church. The club offers swaps and auctions, and hosts speakers at many of the meetings. Topics can be about anything stamp related.

Joe Crosby, an avid collector and president of the Oklahoma Philatelic Society, honed in his interests on early Oklahoma stamps and post office histories.

He also helps organize large events, including the annual stamp show held in Midwest City in June, where collectors from Oklahoma and Texas merge.

“It’s one of the few times we don’t fight over the Red River,” he says.

The pandemic caused expo cancellations for 2020 and 2021, but event planners are already working on next year’s event.

With exhibitors and competitors from all over the world, people go to these events to buy and sell, as well as share stories surrounding their stamps.

ERIKA BROWNING

T A Prized Find

Joe Crosby, president of the Oklahoma Philatelic Society, shares his favorite stamp story: Many years ago, he bought an envelope full of stamps from an unknown origin for just $35.

Upon doing some research, he discovered that one of the pieces he had purchased was an incredibly rare letter – a correspondence from the Siege of Paris in 1870. There are only three known letters from this time, two of which are in museums. He has the only other piece in private collection. Talk about a prized find!

he ju ex w tw th in 91 co

View view

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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T H E S TAT E | M A K E R S

THE DOC IS IN

A saddle maker based in Yukon creates custom wares for clients around the U.S. and Canada.

J

ust a smidge off of Route 66 in the heart of historic Yukon, a glass storefront reads “C Bar H Saddlery.” That’s where Clinton “Doc” Hole is working his magic. The Oklahoma maker has been crafting customized saddles since 2009 – and for that first entire year, he grossed $11,000. But during the 2020 pandemic, he filled his biggest order ever at just over $15,000.

Doc’s customers include ranchers, those in the rodeo industry, ranch hands, ropers, barrel racers, horse trainers and more.

“A lot of men still ride horses to move cattle,” says Doc. “They have to have equipment to do that, and I make the equipment.”

He also makes leather goods for law enforcement, has a cinch loom to make custom cinches, and can whip up just about anything someone needs.

Doc purchases saddle trees in order to build his saddles. An amazing artist in his own right, Doc explains: “I draw on paper first, and then I transfer the images by tooling them onto the Clinton Hole has created cusleather.” He uses stamp tools and hand cuts with a swivel knife tom saddles since 2009.

Photos by Carol Mowdy Bond to tool the leather, and ornate silver trim adornment is usually part of the package.

The Fairview native knows horses – he spent years on the rodeo circuit, riding in rough stock events such as bronc riding and saddle bronc riding, including several years on the bull riding circuit. He competed in the sport of cowboy mounted shooting, winning titles that include a world championship. And he personally trained his horse, Lou, for competition and as a trick horse for variety acts. Doc also worked livestock auctions, pushing cattle on horseback.

Starting out as a trained farrier, Doc specialized in equine hoof care and shoeing horses. Then he learned saddle making from the renowned master craftsman Don Atkinson in Ingram, Texas. Doc and his wife Mindy, a certified horse therapy riding instructor, were living with her parents at the time.

“I came home from Ingram and set up shop to make saddles in my in-laws’ garage,” says Doc. But with a growing client base, he outgrew the garage and moved his shop into downtown Yukon.

These days, the majority of Doc’s An Equine Love Story saddle orders come by phone, and he In 2004, Doc met Mindy, who has quite a few equine and business-related university ships most products that he builds. His customers span the U.S. and into Canada. degrees under her belt. In 2006, the two married on horseback under an Old West-style He improved on a barrel racing saddle wedding arch that Doc made out of wire. Doc was riding Lou, and the wedding took place on design that he developed several years the historic Fort Reno parade grounds. ago, and a large number of his customers “As far as we know, we are the only couple in the Fort’s history with a wedding on want saddles for their Gypsy Cob horses; horseback,” says Doc. currently very popular, it’s a draft horse After exchanging their vows, Doc and Lou made a victory lap around the Fort Reno breed that originated in the British Isles.

grounds, and Lou reared back on her hind legs in a classic “Hi-Yo Silver Away!” moment.

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CAROL MOWDY BOND

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/23/21 4:43 PM

T H E S TAT E | E D U C AT I O N

OPERATIC AMBITIONS This art form has ardent supporters in the state.

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The University of Oklahoma’s opera program presents a variety of performances annually, including Bluebeard’s Castle.

Photo courtesy OU

pera, a flourishing art form in Oklahoma, is supported by performing arts companies and competitive collegiate programs. Those passionate about this mixture of singing, acting, music and dance work diligently to appeal to young generations.

“At Tulsa Opera, we have programs for all levels of students,” says Aaron Beck, the company’s artistic administrator and director of education. “Young children might begin their opera exposure through a visiting performance through our Opera on Tour! Program, where we bring a short, child-friendly opera directly to students.”

Depending on their music teacher, says Beck, these students might learn the basics of opera before they arrive, or know little to nothing about it.

“We’re currently in ten Tulsa Public Schools and community organizations, teaching students who want to study [opera] but can’t through their regular schools,” says Beck. He adds there is no charge to families or schools for this program.

“Opera is the ideal art form

THE LIFE OF AN OPERATIC PERFORMER OKCU’s David Herendeen, who performed as a resident baritone at the Deutsche Oper Berlin while the Berlin Wall was still up, provides a bit of insight into the life of an opera singer:

• Opera life is like any other performer’s life • Careers have a beginning, middle and end • Opera performers’ careers vary in success and length • A career in opera make one resilient and introduces those within it to different people and cultures

• Herendeen’s life as a performer was “fulfilling, exciting, scary, daring, frustrating and happy!”

for young people learning to perform,” he continues. “That might sound like a strange statement to some people, but opera incorporates all of the arts into one: singing, instrumental music, acting, dance and visual art all together.”

The first opera in Oklahoma was performed in 1904.

“Opera has been an integral part of our state since before we were a state,” he says. “Tulsa Opera has been around for almost 75 years, and we’re proud to offer not only professional operas for the public, but education programs that reach over 25,000 students across the state each year. Most of the kids we reach won’t be opera singers, but that’s not our ultimate goal; if we’ve created well-rounded arts lovers, we’ve succeeded.”

For those who are ready to move on to college-level instruction, Oklahoma City University takes up the challenge to foster local opera singers.

“Opera companies have finally realized they have to be relevant,” says David Herendeen, Ph.D, a professor of music and the director of opera and music theater at OKCU. “Everybody wants to be moved and enter-

tained. Opera should be an emotional, theatrical sugar rush, not an ‘eat it because it’s good for you’ experience.”

Herendeen stresses: “Each of us, as an individual, lives an epic, operatic, emotionally rich life. We all respond to music messages that verify our own drama.”

Jonathan Shames, the director of orchestral studies and the artistic director and conductor of the OU Opera Theater, describes opera as “multi-faceted. In my experience, young people respond with great fervor to the drama and beauty of opera – the excitement and romance of the plots, and the incredible emotional range of the music.”

Shames believes opera communicates to all ages in different ways, and can reach enthusiastic audiences anywhere.

“Opera in Oklahoma is very healthy, with excellent professional companies, as well as significant college and university departments and productions,” he says. “We have lots of wonderful singers coming up in our schools, and plenty for them to do as they develop and refine their operatic skills and ambitions.”

DEBI TURLEY

AUGUST 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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T H E S TAT E | P H I L A N T H R O P Y

ENDING CYCLES OF VIOLENCE

Tracey Lyall, CEO of Domestic Violence Intervention Services, has spent decades advocating for the vulnerable in her community.

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Tracey Lyall, CEO of DVIS, started her history with the nonprofit in the 1990s as a college advocate.

Photo courtesy DVIS

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racey Lyall’s devotion for providing love and support to domestic and sexual violence survivors started in 1990 while she was in college, acting as an advocate at the Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) emergency shelter.

“Seeing and working with families at the shelter was transformative,” she says. “It was then that [I] changed [my] major from business to psychology. The importance of anti-violence work resonated.”

After graduation, Lyall focused on supporting other community efforts surrounding homelessness. However, during those years, the work she did ignited

her passion to care for domestic violence survivors. In 2007, she returned to DVIS ... this time as the chief executive officer.

Her dedication to the cause has molded DVIS into the program it is today. Annually, the nonprofit helps more than 13,000 Oklahomans who have been impacted by domestic violence.

The organization has grown to an agency of more than 100 employees. In addition, she and the DVIS board completed a $24 million capital campaign in 2018, which funded new facilities for each of DVIS’ programs – allowing the nonprofit to serve more survivors and their families in a sensitive, trauma-informed way.

Lyall’s goal to create safe, healthy families in Tulsa and ensure the cycles of violence end within those families has been a driving force in her career – especially to help the next generation heal and stop the abuse.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DVIS continued to respond and provide assistance to survivors in need, but Lyall doesn’t think the center has seen the end of the pandemic’s impact.

According to her, studies show increased rates of domestic violence and child abuse during and after significant stressors. Also, a few social factors that put people at greater risk of experiencing violence include reduced access to support during quarantining and social distancing, along with strained finances.

“We are focused on meeting the increased demand in this post-pandemic space,” she says.

“While the reality is that we are working with a stretched workforce, we continue to prioritize self-care, diversity, equity and inclusion work, as we know that these are spaces that ensure we are providing the very best to any survivor that is seeking support.”

Domestic Violence: The Numbers Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors in which a partner in an intimate relationship attempts to gain power and control over the other. This could be a current partner or a former partner, and there is no such thing as a “typical victim.” It can happen to anyone at any time.

According to the World Population Review, 49.1% of Oklahoma women and 40.7% of Oklahoma men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

DVIS provides safe housing services; counseling for children, youth and adults; legal advocacy and representation; court advocacy; law enforcement advocacy; education and outreach; hospital advocacy; childcare; and batterers intervention.

If you’re experiencing domestic violence or want to help someone who is, DVIS has advocates available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can help with safety planning, along with assisting on resources to meet a survivor’s needs.

The 24-hour information and crisis line can be reached at 918-7-HELP-ME (918-7435763). Additional information can be found at dvis.org or on the DVIS Facebook page.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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T H E S TAT E | I N S I D E R

HUTCHISON & MAKSOOD

Merging their different backgrounds, this musical duo has created something special.

F Scott Hutchison and Tanya Maksood recently collaborated on a new album, dubbed Songs with Scott.

Photo courtesy Tanya Maksood

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or well over three decades now, Tulsa’s Scott Hutchison has been pretty much the personification of a working songwriter. Area music fans with long memories may recall his association with Oklahoma’s late guitar hero Steve Pryor; when Pryor, a longtime favorite on the T-Town music scene, got his major-label deal in the early ‘90s, the subsequent disc was full of tunes cowritten by Hutchison. Those fell mostly into in the blues-rock genre, but Hutchison has shown himself to be proficient

in any number of other styles. He was involved in writing some nice countrified numbers, for instance, for the hitmaking band Little Big Town a few years back, along with working on the staff of BMG Music Publishing in Nashville. He also spent time as a staff writer at Polygram and Warner Brothers, working with fellow tunesmiths in a variety of genres. And he was a longtime collaborator with his friend Brandon Jenkins, one of the leading lights of Red Dirt music before his unexpected passing in 2018.

In fact, just about the only field Hutchison hasn’t delved into is classical music, which is something that makes his current project even more intriguing. It’s with vocalist and vocal coach Tanya Maksood, who spent a full decade of her life working in that very genre, both in L.A. and New York.

However, points out California native Maksood, her ten-year foray into the classics happened “by accident.”

“I didn’t grow up with classical music,” she notes. “I grew up with pop and Spanish music and some R&B. When I started college at CalArts [the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita], I thought it was supposed to be more popular, mainstream music. I just happened to stumble across a vocal coach who was all classical.

“In the classical work, you have to be all-in,” she adds. “You can’t really spend any time dedicating yourself to other genres.

So, once I decided that I didn’t want to throw myself all-in to the classical world, when I got to a point where I had to make a decision, I just decided to explore what was natural for me, so I went back to what I’d grown up with.”

She also left New York, joining some family members who’d relocated from California to Tulsa.

“I didn’t plan to be here for that long, and then the pandemic hit,” she explains. “It turned out to be a good place to be, because we [she and Hutchison] got the time to write all the songs we’ve written.”

A longtime voice coach, Maksood hung out her shingle in Tulsa, attracting a number of clients that included both Hutchison’s wife, Tamara, and their daughter, Nora. One day, Maksood mentioned to Tamara that she was looking to explore songwriting as well as singing. Tamara, of course, knew someone who might be able to lend a hand.

“Tamara’s from California, too, and she had seen me out there working as a songwriter with publishers and artists,” recalls Hutchison. “She was like, ‘See if the two of you can write together. You guys have to do this.’

“So we started putting a few ideas together, and we hit it off well, writing in all sorts of styles. Start to finish, it just worked.”

“I’ve always really loved guitar, and I think Scott and I worked out well, because he’s got a nice, natural ability for Spanish sounds,” adds Maksood, who’s of both Mexican and Iraqi descent. “He plays really melodically, too. In the beginning, when he’d show me a guitar idea, it would just speak to me, and it would be very easy to write a melody to.

“I think that’s the reason we’ve been able to work together.

Even though our backgrounds are different as far as what kind of music we’ve been around, somehow we still like the same feel and sound. So he would bring guitar ideas, and I would write melodies to them, and some words, and then we would revisit those lyrics and make adjustments.”

Although Maksood doesn’t play guitar, both she and Hutchison characterize the writing partnership as a 50-50 deal, with Maksood sometimes adding her own musical ideas on piano.

“I’ve learned a whole other side of lyric-writing with Tanya,” Hutchison says. “I’ve found out about different points of view,

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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different ways to write, how we approach our material, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Because she’s classically trained and knows music theory, she’s taught me a lot.”

For Maksood, one of the things the two have in common as songwriters is an emphasis on positive messages.

“The difference, I would say, is that he enjoys more abstract lyrics – or maybe ‘poetic’ is a better word,” she says with a chuckle.

“It’s more poetic, with metaphors, whereas I like to be a little bit more literal, more like storytelling, more like country [music].

But we are always hopeful, I think. Hope is a big theme of ours.”

The two have now recorded a number of tracks, working in studios owned by area music figures Hank Charles, Mark Kuykendall and Ricardo Gonzales. Charles and Gonzales appear as musicians on several of the tracks, while Kuykendall’s wife, Lindsey Neal Kuykendall, contributed violin to a couple. Other notable musicians on the project include drummer Bill Padgett, pianist Ed Gustafson, bassist Gary Neal and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Dillingham, among others.

The most ambitious of the Maksood-Hutchison projects is Songs with Scott, three volumes of discs covering all sorts of genres, from show-tune sounding compositions to straightahead blues. At first, Scott figured that they were cutting what he termed “quality demos,” samples of their songwriting to sell to publishers. But as he talked with the industry people he knew, and let them hear the recorded songs, they encouraged him and Maksood to release the collaborations on CD. “They said it all sounded great, and it would expose her as an artist,” he recalls. “So we got a marketing idea, which Tanya is really good at, and we did the releases.”

“We’re looking into selling the songs to other artists,” says Maksood, who seems refreshingly devoid of the ego associated with pop vocalists. “We have plenty of people in mind [to sing the songs] when we’re writing. Sometimes I’m not the best one to sing the stuff. But we are looking for publishing, or an artist deal, and film and television is a big interest. Soundtracks would be great.

“It sounds corny,” she adds, “but I want the songs themselves to shine, to be heard by a lot of people. It doesn’t matter if I’m singing them, or someone else is singing them. I’d feel successful and I’d be fulfilled if one of these songs became internationally known.”

For songwriter Hutchison, however, it would be especially fulfilling to see both their material and the person who sings it break out into a wider audience.

“She’s one of the best vocalists I’ve ever heard, and I want success for her as an artist with these songs as hits,” he says. “How I’ve done deals before with a body of work like this is to approach publishers who can see the artist along with the material. If there’s some of it that leans toward a current artist to cover, we’re open to that. But if publishers have an artist in their catalogues, they will talk to labels about those artists getting recording deals.

So publishers are a good place for artist development, for their sense of which labels to court.

“I’m just really glad about the catalogue we’ve created,” he concludes, “and what’s on the horizon now.”

For more information on Songs with Scott and the other Hutchison-Maksood collaborations, visit tanyamaksood.com.

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LIFE & STYLE

A M A P TO L I V I N G W E L L

SWEET AND SASSY SEVILLE

In southern Spain, Seville welcomes travelers with its architecture, eats, shops and outdoor excursions.

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Situated on the Guadalquivir River, Seville is a seaport teeming with life.

Photos courtesy Sevilla City Office

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emnants of the Roman and Muslim civilizations that occupied Seville can still be seen. But it was the Andalusian gypsies in that part of southern Spain centuries ago who made their mark on the world by giving us the hot-blooded flamenco.

The fiery dance, dress, guitar and rhythms of this distinctive dance have traditionally played major roles in Sevillian culture, whether protesting Franco’s regime, telling stories of a nomadic people or expressing sizzling passion.

Seville is situated on the Guadalquivir River, Spain’s only really navigable waterway and the city’s lifeline to the Atlantic Ocean, 80 miles away. Because it was and is a seaport, Seville has always lived big.

Centrally located, Santa Cruz is a great place to hang out. The

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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L I F E & S T Y L E | D E S T I N AT I O N S barrio is a microcosm of the essence of Seville: tapas bars, flamenco halls and whitewashed houses on streets made of cobblestones and lined with orange trees.

Among the attractions of Santa Cruz is the remarkable Royal Alcazar of Seville, a still-functioning royal palace that dates back to the 10th century, when it served as a Moorish fortification. Since then, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has accommodated cultures and dynasties from the Almohads to Christian kings.

But because the occupying forces changed so frequently, the palace is a hodgepodge of architectural styles – ornate Mudéjar, Renaissance, striking Gothic. In the 19th century, for instance, Bourbon monarchs rearranged the entire top floor.

Just down the street, it took 125 years to build the Seville Cathedral, where a 12th century mosque once stood.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic cathedral is the third largest church in the world. Hike a series of ramps and ascend La Giralda, the cathedral’s iconic minaret bell tower, for a panoramic view of the city.

In-between the Alcazar and the cathedral is Hospital de los Venerables, which is not a hospital at all, but rather a very fine art museum featuring Spanish baroque masters such as Diego Velazquez and Valdes Leal. Bartolome Esteban Murillo has some outstanding pieces in the museum, as does sculptor Pedro Roldan.

The nearby Murillo Gardens, named for Bartolome, is filled with fig, palm and orange trees, night jasmine and brightlycolored tile fountains and benches.

Across the street is Plaza de Espana, built for the 1920s Expo and often a movie set. The landmark square tells the story of Spain through painted tiles and artistic elements in 48 small alcoves, one for each of the 48 provinces of Spain.

To do: Get out on the Guadalquivir River in a kayak and see this beautiful city from a whole new perspective. Or check out what used to be considered the riskiest trail in the world, El Caminito del Rey. The once-rickety walkway has since been reinforced and stabilized, but it’s still just three feet wide and it looks like it clings to the vertical rock wall 330 feet above the river below by sheer will alone.

Food: Tapas used to be free in Seville’s restaurants if you bought a drink. Those days are largely gone, but the small dishes are as tasty as ever with ingredients including local cheeses and Iberian ham in presentations ranging from fusion gourmet to traditional Spanish.

Shopping: Don’t leave town without picking up some glazed azulejos tile or Cartuja ceramics, or perhaps a bottle of orange blossom perfume and a bit of intricate, hand-made lace.

Lodging: Stay at the Casa del Poeta, a cozy boutique hotel inside a restored 17th century mansion in the heart of Santa Cruz. Lush vegetation fills the central patio and fountain and Moorish arches grace the walkways. After dinner, relax on the rooftop terrace, watch the sun go down and take in views of the lively city.

CHUCK MAI

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L I F E & S T Y L E | H E A LT H

ALL ABOUT MS

An attack on the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis manifests in three types.

A

ccording to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nearly one million U.S. adults are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) – double the amount originally estimated by the MS Society.

“Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated disease of the nervous system,” says Nidhiben Anadani, M.D., a neurologist with OU Health Physicians in Oklahoma City. “It commonly affects young females.”

With MS, the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Inflammation, caused by the immune system’s abnormal response, damages the myelin – protective coating around nerve fibers – and interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord, as well as other parts of the body.

Most individuals are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50, and women are three times more likely to develop MS than men.

“Multiple sclerosis can cause various symptoms, including vision changes, numbness and tingling, weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty walking, lack of coordination, muscle spasms, pain, fatigue, memory loss, constipation and changes in urinary habits,” says Anadani.

There are three types of MS: relapsing remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS).

“Relapsing remitting MS is the most common type, commonly affects younger individuals and is most responsive

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to treatment,” says Anadani, adding that the majority of relapsing remitting MS patients develop secondary progressive MS at a later age.

“Primary progressive MS is the rare form of MS and commonly affects patients in their 40s-50s,” she says. “With relapsing remitting MS, there is rapid decline in functional status, usually over days to weeks, but symptoms improve after treatment with steroids.

With primary progressive MS, there is slow decline, over months to years, usually with no improvement in symptoms.”

Anadani says factors that make MS symptoms worse include stress, infection and exposure to heat. However, there are also various lifestyle modifications that can help improve MS symptoms, like exercise, utilizing a healthy and well-balanced diet, good quality sleep, meditation and yoga.

At this time, there is no known cause for MS. Instead, scientists believe a combination of factors

lead to the development of the disease. Research for a cause continues in the areas of immunology, epidemiology, genetics and infectious agents.

“The following risk factors are believed to increase the risk of MS: a family history of MS or other immune-mediated disease, a vitamin D deficiency, smoking tobacco, a high salt diet and infections like mononucleosis,” says Anadani.

While MS is a life-long disease that can cause disabilities, Anadani says there are several medications that can help prevent them.

“Currently, there are more than 20 different FDA-approved medications to prevent relapse or disability from happening,” says Anadani. “Most of the medications are for treatment of relapsing remitting MS and secondary progressive MS. Primary progressive MS is hard to treat and there is only one FDA-approved medication for treatment of that type.”

Anadani also says that over the past decade, there has been an increase in literature about stem cell transplants for the treatment of MS, but it is not yet FDA-approved.

REBECCA FAST

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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L I F E & S T Y L E | O U T SI D E T HE M E T R O

WHERE HISTORY AND CULTURE MERGE

Elk City is a southwestern Oklahoma gem.

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Elk City is perhaps best known for its five-museum complex dedicated to life in Oklahoma.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ELK CITY:

Elk City Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau visitelkcity.com

580-225-0207 Elk City National Route 66 Museum Complex 580-225-6266

elkcity.com/departments/museums Directions:

Eastbound, take Interstate 40 Exit 32 and travel 5 miles along Old Highway 66. Westbound, take Exit 41 and travel 4.8 miles on Old Highway 66.

ravelers have always played a big role in the life of Elk City.

First came the Texas cattlemen in the late 1800s, who drove their herds through the future town up into Kansas.

Then the Choctaw Railroad extended its line out to the budding settlement six years before Oklahoma statehood.

A few years later came the glory days of U.S. Highway 66, America’s “Mother Road,” which brought hordes of travelers through the city on their journeys between the West Coast and America’s midsection.

Elk City also attracted at least one quite famous “traveler” in the late 1970s – the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, who conducted a town hall meeting with the city’s residents.

Today, Elk City, located along the Interstate 40 thoroughfare, remains an attraction for tourists,

lured into the city not only by museums dedicated to Route 66 nostalgia, but by a vibrant community that offers top-notch accommodations, festivals, dining, shopping and recreation.

But Elk City is not a one-day stopover by any means. On Oklahoma’s western edge, 16 miles from the Texas state line, the Beckham County city not only caters to the motoring public but offers a good life for its approximately 11,500 residents.

“We have over 40 annual events each year, along with a few new ones added every year,” says Susie Cupp, the executive director of the Elk City Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. “There is always something to do and enjoy.”

Cupp says that with more than 30,000 vehicles a day traveling through the city along the I-40 corridor, plus its advantageous location

equidistant from the West Coast and Chicago, Elk City boasts an appeal not only to those just passing through, but also as an intriguing opportunity for businesses looking to relocate or expand.

A major attraction is the City of Elk City’s five-museum complex, highlighted by the Route 66 Museum dedicated to Mother Road nostalgia, and the Transportation Museum that provides a glimpse into how the motoring public traveled.

There, Cupp says, visitors can take a stroll through the eight states that Route 66 traversed, highlighted by realistic murals and vignettes depicting the eras of the Mother Road.

Maxine Jackson, the museum’s office manager, says visitors can also enjoy other museums in the complex, including the Farm and Ranch Museum, along with the Old Town and Blacksmith museums, all depicting various aspects of western Oklahoma plains life.

Jackson says two largerthan-life kachina dolls, once landmark attractions at the former Queenan Trading Post on the old Route 66, have been given new roles in greeting museum visitors.

Elsewhere in the city, Cupp says, the city’s Ackley Park West offers five-field baseball and softball complexes, and a 50,000-square-foot activity center is under construction.

Now, about that presidential visit: According to later newspaper accounts, a personal invitation to visit Elk City was given by Mayor Larry Wade, who also was chairman of Carter’s Oklahoma campaign. Carter accepted Wade’s invitation, coming in March 1979 and holding a Saturday night town hall meeting that drew about 3,000 people. Carter spent that night at Wade’s home and attended the Sunday worship service at First Baptist Church before boarding Air Force One at the nearby Burns Flat airstrip.

HENRY DOLIVE

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L I F E & S T Y L E | F YI

STAYING PREPARED

THE IDEAL FIRSTAID KIT:

Medical emergencies are common, and Oklahomans can arm themselves with the knowledge to help.

“

made for a more high-risk work The best way to be prepared environment. They include everyfor a medical emergency is thing that the Class A kits have to have the basic training,” to offer but in a higher volume. explains Kali DeYager, an instructor at Heartland CPR in Oklahoma They also come with some extras including roller bandages, splints City. “We highly recommend that and tourniquets.” everyone know CPR. Injuries and heart probIn fact, we are so paslems are two common sionate about this that types of emergencies. But we offer a free first aid what if you’re eating at and CPR course every home or in a restaurant quarter.” and someone starts to Heartland CPR ofchoke? fers classes for lay res“Knowing how to deal cuers called “HeartsavF FACE DROOPwith a choking emergency er.” This course teaches ING – Is one could be the differfirst aid basics, along side of the ence between life and with hands-on training face numb or death,” says DeYager. “We for CPR and the use of drooping? absolutely recommend an automated external A ARM WEAKthat everyone know how defibrillator (AED).

NESS – Does to perform abdominal According to one arm seem thrusts, formerly referred DeYager, first aid kits weak or feel to as the Heimlich maare divided into two numb? neuver. This technique categories: Class A and S SPEECH – Is is also taught in our free Class B. speech course, as well as the “The Class A first aid slurred?

Heartsaver courses and kits are the most basic T TIME – Phone more advanced classes for and are appropriate 911 and note medical personnel.” for use at home or in the time of a small office environHere’s a tip from the onset of ment,” she says. “Class DeYager if you suspect symptoms.

B first aid kits are someone is having a heart

SIGNS OF A STROKE:

FAST

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• • • • •

Gloves Scissors Band-Aids Sterile pads Antibiotic ointment • Cold packs • Treatments for burns • Barrier for rescue breaths

attack: Always call 911 first, then give the victim a dose of aspirin to chew up (so long as there is no known allergy to aspirin). Aspirin can thin the blood and possibly reduce the risk of a heart attack turning into a sudden cardiac arrest.

DeYager also mentions that seizures can vary widely in their severity.

“A key first aid measure for someone experiencing a seizure is to protect the victim from further injury,” she says. “It’s best to move furniture or other objects out of their way. Put something soft underneath the victim’s head, if at all possible, and never hold the victim down or put anything inside of their mouth. If fluids are coming out of their mouth, ensure they are on their side.”

DeYager says most seizures only last a few minutes. Once it’s over, be sure the victim is breathing and responsive.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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L I F E & S T Y L E | SCENE

Mike Turpen, Judy Love; United Way Gala, United Way of Central Oklahoma, OKC

Kris & Jessi Murray; 2021 Ballet Ball, OKC Ballet Michael & Michelle Holdgrafer; BK Auction, Bishop Kelley, Tulsa

Dick Derek Gill, S Beshear; OZ g, tin board mee ZoologiOklahoma OKC cal Society,

Randi Ellefson, Pam Mowry; Of Perpetual Solace afterparty, Canterbury Voices, OKC Krystle Kaye, Alexa Goetzinger, Aunj Braggs, Emily Kaissling, Lauren Fourcade, Audrey Kominski; Art 365, Living Arts, Tulsa

& Ken Susie & Ron Looney, Judi SignaKlein; Overture Outdoors, a Tuls , TCC at ny pho Sym ture

Carisa Ramming, Ranan Gangel, Kathy Hinkle; Popping Bottles, Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa

Judy Love, Frank & Cathy Keating; Campaign celebration, Allied Arts, OKC

Melissa Scaramucci, Cacky Poarch; 2021 Ballet Ball, OKC Ballet

Burns & Ann & John Hargis; Lucia ately O’Connor; A St lsa/ Affair, OSU-Tu OSU-CHS

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Gregg Conway, June Bacon, Karen Clark, Kathy Nanny; TBH event, Tulsa Boys’ Home

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(

MAKING HISTORY, BUILDING THE FUTURE With intentional focus on honoring Oklahoma State University’s modern land-grant mission, President Kayse Shrum is poised to elevate the OSU system through growth, collaboration and inclusivity.

President Shrum will enhance OSU’s excellence in education and leadership in research to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

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At ARC we recognize the importance of our educational system in Oklahoma. We sincerely thank all of the teachers, administrators and support staff for their devotion to educating our children.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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Back ) (New

to

NORMAL

By Tracy LeGrand

M

After months of online instruction, students at OU have returned to Norman.

Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma

BACK

TO SCHOOL: this com-

mon phrase holds more meaning than ever for the upcoming school year. As students return to college towns around Oklahoma and resume in-person classes, we explore the ways the educational landscape has shifted in the wake of COVID-19. Along with general updates, we talk with professors and university officials about new trends in learning, the importance of collaboration, resume tips, interview etiquette and ways these institutions and their advisors are ensuring students graduate – and do so on-time.

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Getting Back into the Swing of Things For many institutions, like the University of Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma, this fall marks a full return to in-person learning and campus activities.

“In May 2020, after two months of online instruction and remote work, the university began its phased return to normal operations,” says David A. Surratt, Ed.D., OU’s vice president of student affairs and the dean of students. “Over the last 14 months, we have slowly welcomed back faculty, staff and students to campus.

As always, all decisions have been guided

by OU’s chief COVID-19 officer Dr. Dale Bratzler and our other public health and infectious diseases experts.”

Easing the transition, as well as assisting students who may be behind the curve, is a focus for educators. At TU, chemistry professor Gabriel LeBlanc developed ‘Re-Active Review’ to help familiarize students with the school’s learning management system in a “lunch and learn” session recorded for later access, says Mona Chamberlin, senior executive director of marketing and communications. English professor Sara Beam created catch up summer programming called ‘On-Ramp to Writing,’ and other initiatives include a STEM bootcamp, review and prep materials, and programs for various subjects.

“At the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, 66% of classes remained in-person for the 2020-21 academic year,” says Amy Goddard, the school’s director of communications and marketing. “Due to our intentionally small class sizes, most of our students and teachers could safely meet in person if they chose to. Throughout the pandemic, our Student Success Center has been more integral than ever in providing both in-person and online tutoring options to help our students stay on top of their studies. We have also added tele-mental health options for students.”

Northeastern State University’s Jerrid Freeman, Ph.D, who acts as provost and vice president for student affairs, believes “there’s a small amount of people who are behind the curve because of [the pandemic], but I think that’s because they truly didn’t like any of this environment where there was limited physical interaction and limited communication. They like the in-person, where you can have more connection and engagement, and in fact, I think the bulk of our students want and need that experience.”

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The new physicians assistant program at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is a 28-month immersive experience.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

What’s New OSU Center for Health Sciences:

Recent additions to the OSU Center for Health Sciences include a new physician assistant program, says Melani Hamilton, managing director of marketing and communications. She says the PA program is 28 months total, consisting of 13 months of didactic training, followed by 15 months of clinical rotations. At the end of the program, students earn a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies.

OU:

“As with most other universities, the COVID-19 pandemic required us to adapt our instructional model, and to offer additional modes of instruction,” says Mark Morvant, Ph.D, vice provost of instruction and student success.

“The university instituted a balance of in-person, hybrid and online courses for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, and [we] had great success with all formats. For that reason, remote learning has been added to the delivery formats the university will offer going forward.”

NSU:

Dan Mabery, vice president for university relations, says capital projects include ongoing restoration of Seminary Hall and Wilson Hall, and the Veterans Memorial and Plaza construction will be completed with a planned dedication on Nov. 11.

Two new degree programs were added in the last year: a master’s degree in physician assistant studies, and a Master of Public Health with specializations in global health and public health leadership. Fall of 2021 will be the first offering of NSU’s Department of Natural Sciences freshwater sciences program.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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Trends in Learning

At OU, professors are implementing nano-learning, in which students absorb smaller amounts of information over shorter periods of time; these short bursts can increase the ability to retain.

“Although a new and trendy term, nano-learning is related to pedagogical learning techniques such as scaffolded learning,” says Morvant.

Gamification – learning via game-playing – is multifaceted. At NSU, faculty member Barbara Fuller is the director of the Innovation and Discovery Education Academy, where robotics are among the methods used in teaching and learning.

Maker learning is based on the idea of encouraging interest-driven problem solving and hands-on activities; it has growing in popularity at TU, says Chamberlin.

“Nowhere is there more traction than in our department of mechanical engineering,” she says.

“In the words of professor Steven Tipton: ‘Mechanical engineers are the ultimate makers. They imagine machines that will solve some specific problem. They visualize what it will look like, and then make those machines into real things!’”

Science and Arts:

New developments at Science and Arts include hosting an international conference through its Center for Social Justice and Racial Healing. Other news includes a partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Institute to host a two-week residential academy for gifted high school students, along with a partnership with Harding Fine Arts Academy in OKC. The school has received donations and grants including a $200,000 commitment from an alum for renovations to Davis Hall Amphitheater and a $90,000 athletic facilities improvement gift from the Patton family.

TCC:

OU employs a variety of teaching methods to help students succeed.

Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma

The college recently received multiple national awards, says Eunice Tarver, vice president of student success and equity. These include: the American Association of Community College naming TCC the top community college for student success and leadership safety and planning in the country; and the Association of College and Research Libraries award for excellence in academic libraries. Other updates include the launch of the interactive Degree Pathways Search Tool to help students see the path from a TCC associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.

TU:

The University of Tulsa used the pandemic as a means to restructure learning platforms to better benefit their students. “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during 2020 we invested in significant expansions and enhancements to the audio and video capabilities in TU’s classrooms,” says Chamberlin. “Even though the majority of learning will be done in person in 2021-22, instructors can use this technology to assist any students who must be absent from class.”

At TU, the pandemic caused leadership to heavily invest in new technology, making remote learning easier.

Photo by John Lew courtesy TU

AUGUST 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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At the University of Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma, the Student Success Center can help people stay on track for graduation.

Photo courtesy University of Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma

OU emphasizes collaborative and cooperative learning, preparing students for life after college.

Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma

The Importance

of Collaboration

Collaboration in education often plays a role in securing employment in the real world.

At Northeastern State University, students “have the chance to engage with subject matter, each other, faculty and other members of the learning community in ways that go far beyond typical, lecture-question-response patterns,” says Debbie Landry, Ph.D, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “We call it immersive learning.”

Immersive learning experiences facilitate real-world approaches, require learners to synthesize knowledge and skill, and connect students to career and employment opportunities, she says. Each major is grounded in immersive learning experiences, ranging from embedded course activities, community service through major clubs, or culminating internship and capstone experiences. Whether it is the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, argue a case in moot court, teach math to middle school students, help a senior prepare a tax form, or test water samples in area streams, NSU students learn to make a difference far beyond the classroom.

At OU, Surratt says that “collaboration is an essential part of the learning and professional environment. Students must learn to work in tandem with individuals at all levels – from professors, classmates, colleagues and supervisors. Because of this, OU emphasizes cooperative and collaborative learning activities, such as group assignments. Through these activities, students learn how to communicate effectively with others, particularly in diverse working environments.”

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Improving Rates of College Completion

College completion rates vary around the U.S. Factors such as course difficulty and financial burdens are addressed in various ways at universities, with resources available to help students graduate.

At Science and Arts, resources include flexible options for tutoring services, enhanced academic advisement and career services offerings through the Student Success Center, says Goddard. Students also receive messages about their progress in their courses at mid-term to keep them on track.

NSU encourages students to “Think 30” by taking 15 hours per semester to stay on track to graduate in four years, says Landry. “We offer both an academic advisor and a faculty mentor for each student to help with advisement, coaching and career opportunities following graduation.”

When it comes to late graduation, NSU’s Freeman says: “Seniors may not graduate on-time for a number of reasons such as financial aid running out, difficult final classes and/or aligning their schedule with when the class they need is offered. The better your advising is, the less likely you have students running into roadblocks ahead of completing his/her degree.”

NSU focuses on quality advisors, ensuring students get the help they need to get their degrees.

Photo courtesy Northeastern State University

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/23/21 5:09 PM

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800.365.0899 2545 E. 11TH ST., TULSA, OK 74104 Accredited School, ACCSC. Licensed by OBPVS and ASBPCE. Approved by TWC. The AOSWT program is an Associate of Occupational Studies degree program and is not an academic degree. The AOSWT program is not approved for the following states: CO, GA, LA, MN, and TX. For more information about our programs, please visit our website at: http://www.tws.edu/student-resources/regulatory-information/. *For students who started and completed their training during the 12-month period for which 150% of normal time for completion has elapsed and who attained employment in their field of study as outlined on our annual accreditation report dated July 1, 2020. Refer to the most current Student Right-to-know Information for more details on calculation details https://www.tws.edu/wp-content/uploads/tws-tulsa-right-to-know.pdf STEG-01-925

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AUGUST 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Community College: A Bridge to Equity

Community colleges help to provide an affordable path to a college degree by allowing individuals to complete the first two years of their education for less money than a 4-year institution. Tulsa Community College offers a quality education, small class sizes and a schedule convenient for all students.

For those who come directly to TCC from high school and qualify for Tulsa Achieves, they pay no tuition and fees, says Tarver.

“Like a scholarship, Tulsa Achieves pays for 63 college credit hours or three years of college – whichever comes first for eligible students.”

She continues: “As a community college, TCC is the critical agent in higher education to bring about equity. TCC serves as a bridge to a livable wage for people who have historically not had high quality education opportunities due to affordability and access. The college is being intentional about connecting students to majors that lead to a livable and competitive salary.

“We serve high school students, recent graduates and adult learners with the focus of meeting students where they are and fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Tulsa Community College provides affordable access to a quality education.

Photo by Amatucci Photography courtesy TCC

Securing the Job

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Getting the degree is great, but gainful employment is the end goal. Universities offer ample resources to get you there.

“Science and Arts offers students extracurricular programs ranging from resume writing and interview prep to personal budgeting and managing money,” says Goddard. “Any student can access our Dress for Success Closet for free to get clothing for an interview or to start a new job. The university also has a graduate school assistance scholarship, which covers the cost of any graduate school entrance exam or the cost of a portfolio submission.”

Surratt says that at OU, “one of our top priorities is preparing students for a life of success, meaning, service and positive impact. Through OU Career Services, students have the opportunity to attend career fairs, receive personalized advising, attend resume building workshops and join interview etiquette trainings. Additionally, to help enhance skill set and marketability, students are encouraged to join student organizations and to pursue leadership roles within those organizations.”

Surratt offers these helpful tips: Resume Do’s:

• Remember who is reading your resume.

Be selective of what content to use, only including experiences and achievements that are valuable to the employer.

• Include any study abroad experience.

• Save your resume in PDF format before you send it to an employer to avoid incompatibility issues.

Resume Don’ts:

• Do not use graphics unless you are in a creative field. Even then, use them sparingly.

• Do not include overly personal information, such as your birthday or a photo of yourself.

• Do not exaggerate or embellish your achievements.

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Interview Etiquette:

• Wear professional attire, exhibit good posture and maintain eye contact.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This helps leave room for traffic and parking problems and allows time to check your appearance, get organized and catch your breath.

• Take a portfolio with multiple copies of your resume, transcript, typed list of questions and typed list of references. If appropriate, include examples of your work.

• Know your qualifications and strengths.

• Be knowledgeable regarding the organization and position.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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7/26/21 3:28 PM

ADVANCING CAREERS, ENHANCING TULSA. Tulsa Police Officer Jesse Guardiola wanted to improve the relationship between Tulsa’s Hispanic community and law enforcement. Through his master’s degree program at OSU-Tulsa, Jesse refined his vision and conducted research to create a community policing plan that became a national model.

✓Invested in Your Success ✓Faculty Know You By Name ✓Resources to Help You Succeed ✓Academic Programs You Want

When we provide opportunities for advanced education and research, we empower our citizens to make an impact in our community.

And that creates a better Tulsa.

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7/21/21 9:15 AM

FROM ASPIRING THEATER STARS TO FUTURE DOCTORS, PERFORMERS AND MATHEMATICIANS, THESE SOONTO-BE COLLEGIATE FRESHMEN ARE LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR MARKS ON THE WORLD.

By Mary Willa Allen

Emma Sloan

Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast Attending: Oklahoma City University

Intended major: Pre-engineering because of my love

for math and science. I have always looked up to engineers because of how brilliant they seem.

Biggest influences: My parents. They always push me to do my best and work as hard as I can. I would not have been able to achieve what I have without them.

Greatest achievement: Graduating from high school as a summa cum laude valedictorian.

Career plans: I am participating in a 3/2 program for engineering. I will attend Oklahoma City University for three years, pursuing a Bachelor of Science. Then I will attend Washington University in St. Louis for two years, pursuing a mechanical engineering degree. I plan on working towards a master’s in business or civil engineering at Washington St. Louis as well.

I would trade places for one day with: Iron Man. He is a genius, and who wouldn’t want to save the world on multiple occasions? Plus, it would be fun to be able to fly.

The next 10-20 years: In 10 years I hope to have completed all my education. I hope to be a successful engineer that is making a difference in the world. In 20 years, I hope to be more on the business management side of engineering. My overall goal is to make progress in resolving issues that deal with gentrification.

Bonus fact: I love film photography. I am not a very creative or artistic person, but film is a huge passion of mine.

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Union High School Attending: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Intended major: Engineering – Electrical Engineering

or Civil Engineering. I love solving life’s problems; it keeps me busy and thinking.

Biggest influence: My father. He came to America when he was 18, working for less than $5 an hour in restaurants. Now we have two family-run businesses.

Greatest achievement: Getting through high school!

Career plans: Electrical engineering or civil engineering. I’m thinking about starting my own business in the future.

I would trade places for one day with: My nephew. I want to be the kid whose mom gives me everything I want: toys, hugs/kisses, food, TV. The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I’ll have gained experience in the engineering field, and in 20 years, I’ll have started my engineering firm business.

Unique characteristics: I literally hate it when I lose, so screw rejection. I’m getting back up and trying again until I win.

Most surprising detail: I tend to find absorbing ‘no’s’ from people quite exhilarating.

Bonus fact: My high school superlative was ‘Most Likely to Get Fired on the First Day of Work.’ So you can tell my friends think highly of me.

L’aria Rose Krautter Augustine Christian Academy Attending: University of Tulsa

Intended major: Biology, Pre-Med. The majority of my

family works in healthcare, and I have gotten to see first hand how rewarding and interesting the life of a healthcare worker is. My high school chemistry and anatomy classes also sparked a love for all things science in me.

Biggest influences: One name or person just doesn’t cut it for me; I have the most amazing people in my life that give me so much advice. My best friends Annika and Abby, my sisters Lilian, Linnea, Lark, Liesl and Lacey, and my brother Matt are a few people that stand out to me.

Greatest achievement: Acting and singing on stage as Dolly Levi in my high school musical Hello, Dolly!

I can confidently say I would not be the person I am today if not for the lessons I learned performing this role. I learned about teamwork, leadership, responsibility, kindness, confidence and my own passions in life.

Career plans: I plan to dive into some healthcare field. My goal is to attend medical school and become a physician.

I would trade places for one day with: Meryl Streep. I would love to experience being the best actress of all time!

Unique characteristics: Ever since I was younger, I have considered myself to be extremely independent. I don’t like asking for help very much, and although that has ended up making some things harder for me, I have since developed a strong work ethic and independence that I know I will be able to utilize in my coming years.

Bonus fact: As a child, I ran a fan account for the sci-fi television series Doctor Who. It had over 10,000 followers!

All photos courtesy students unless otherwise marked

To a Bright Future

Joseph Ye

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 10:00 AM

Jonathan Wilson Metro Christian Academy Attending: Vanderbilt University

Intended major: Mechanical Engineering. I have al-

ways loved designing new things and learning how different systems and technologies function.

Biggest influence: My grandfather; he always looked at life from a different perspective and challenged me to think outside the box.

Great achievement: Probably playing in my school’s jazz band all four years of high school, ultimately taking home the state title my senior year.

Career plans: I intend to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I’d love to one day work in some sort of research and development context.

I would trade places for one day with: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson for one day. I play drums, and I think it would be very fun to play on the Tonight Show or just with the Roots in general.

The next 10-20 years: I hope to be making a living doing something I love and helping other people.

Unique characteristics: I like to think that everyone stands out from each other. The nuances of people’s personalities make everyone truly individualistic. I have always been a very curious person and possessed a desire to learn and understand life to the fullest extent.

Bonus fact: My favorite sport is boxing.

Gabreilla Nettey Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Attending: Emory University

Intended major: I am leaning towards Anthropology

and Human Biology.

Biggest influences: My whole family including my

mom, dad and younger sister. Throughout my whole life they have encouraged me to work hard to succeed and never settle.

Greatest achievement: Becoming a Quest Bridge College prep scholar and National College Match recipient, where I received a four-year, full-ride scholarship to Emory University.

Career plans: I am currently planning to pursue a pre-med track, in hopes of working in pediatrics.

The next 10-20 years: In 10 years I see myself graduated from college, and hopefully medical school, and beginning my career. I also hope that I will have traveled a bit and experienced more of the world.

In 20 years, I hope to possibly have my own private practice and started to settle in a location I like with my own family.

Unique characteristics: I am a very optimistic person and I always look for the good in the situation, even if others may have given up or lost hope. I am also very family oriented, so even though I do enjoy my independence, I really do like spending time with my family.

Bonus fact: My parents are both from Ghana, and as a result I know another language.

Catie Leonard

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Attending: University of Michigan

Intended major: Musical Theatre Biggest influence: My mom, Carrie Leonard. As a

person, she uses her talent for the well-being of others. As a mother, she has instilled these traits in me, as well as encouraged me to follow my dreams every day. Both of my parents are my biggest support systems.

Greatest achievement: When I was a national finalist at the 2020 National Speech and Debate Association Tournament in duo interpretation.

Career plans: I want to be a working actor. I intend to try many branches that sprout from the root of “acting,” but I ultimately want to be a creative performing artist.

The next 10-20 years: In ten years, I see myself living in a New York City apartment, drinking coffee and living as an actor. In twenty years, I ultimately see a similar vision but hopefully by then I may have a family of my own.

Unique characteristics: Everyone has notable traits that are individualistic and make each of us who we are. I am definitely ambitious and have been in pursuit of a dream for many years. I’ve worked really hard, both artistically and academically, and will continue to do so as long as that dream continues to bring me joy.

Bonus fact: I am not the biggest fan of social media as a way of communication, although I do use it. I believe that the more social media evolves, the more human beings become disconnected from others. In my opinion, this can hurt the authenticity in friendships. I try to write letters to my friends and family as a physical sign of my love for them.

AUGUST 2021| WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Harrison Baker

Kurt Lemai-Nguyen

Intended major: General Business – Marketing Biggest influence: My grandfather, David DeLana

Intended major: Comparative Literature Biggest influence: Mrs. English, my middle school

Oklahoma Christian School Attending: Oklahoma State University

Broken Arrow High School Attending: Princeton University

(owner of Heritage in El Reno). He has run his own business for over 40 years, and I admire the strong work ethic he has shown in his business and personal life. He’s also a great guitar player.

Greatest achievement: I was voted senior class president this past year, and I was part of a student council that had to navigate and adapt to leading our student body during the pandemic.

I would trade places for one day with: Taj Alavi, head of marketing at Spotify. This opportunity would blend my love of music with a marketing job at one of the premier technology companies in the world.

The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I hope to be married and been able to work myself into a steady job. I’d love to live and work in a big city, since I never have and would enjoy the opportunity. In 20 years, I hope to have started my own company and be well on my way to retirement. Oh, I’d really like a nice car – maybe a Jaguar.

Most surprising detail: I like to produce music, and I taught myself how to play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, drums and a little piano.

Bonus fact: I was blessed to be adopted from Guatemala as a baby and have had the opportunity to go back with my family a couple of times.

Maddy Palmer

Cascia Hall Preparatory School Attending: University of California, Los Angeles

librarian, essentially gave me my life’s path. Her constant zeal towards providing the appropriate research resources and teaching efficient research methods sparked my own interest in the field. Her encouragement to go out and try volunteering in libraries helped teach me initiative, which has carried me through my incessant contacting of different libraries. She was also an icon to me both for her dry wit and her impeccable sense of fashion.

Greatest achievement: It means a lot to me when someone says I have good manners. I read Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior in middle school, and have tried to follow its credence religiously. When the head custodian wrote to my teacher that I was the “most respectable and mannerly student I have yet to meet,” I may or may not have gushed about it to my friends a few times too many.

I would trade places for one day with: Leonardo Da Vinci. As the one who inspired the term “Renaissance man,” Da Vinci truly represents the idea of a genius who went far and beyond anyone else during his time period, with his works even predicting future inventions.

Unique characteristics: I have a borderline irrational amount of open mindedness. I will listen to any perspective, no matter how removed it is from my own in order to try and better understand the world around me.

Bonus fact: I crowd surfed during prom.

Photo by Brittany Stover

Intended major: Theater – Acting. I discovered my

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love for theater in middle school by participating in drama club and school productions. My love for acting continued throughout high school, and now I am excited to see where it will take me in college.

Biggest influence: My mother, Wilma Palmer, because she is one of the most hardworking and kind people I know. She has taught me how to do my best while also supporting me through all of my endeavors. She is who I look up to the most, and she inspires me every day.

Career plans: I would love to act in the theater and film industries.

I would trade places for one day with: Emma Watson.

She’s a great film actress, and I would love to be on a professional film set for a day. Not only is she a talented actress, but she is a women’s rights activist. I admire her women’s rights work, and I think it would be interesting to see what she does for a day.

Unique characteristics: I am focused, reliable and consistent. These are all characteristics that make me stand out from others my age. I choose my friends wisely, and I am not easily influenced when faced with peer pressure.

Most surprising detail: I taught myself, with the help of the internet, knitting and embroidery.

Bonus fact: I’ve been learning to play guitar since I was 15. I can play at an intermediate level.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 3:26 PM

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EXPLORE the possibilities Private tours offered by appointment Monday-Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

For virtual campus tours and more information about admission or tuition assistance, call 918-879-4755.

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6/24/21 7/26/21 10:55 1:24 PM AM

Robert Hale

Riverfield Country Day School Attending: University of Chicago

Intended major: Math, as it is something that has

Maria de Asis

Bishop Kelley High School Attending: University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Public Relations and Economics. I

love reading, writing and being able to strategically deliver news and stories to others. I also have a curiosity for how money flows through our everyday lives, and how it plays an enormous role in the decisions that individuals, companies and governments make.

Biggest influence: My brother, Enriq. The way he treats every individual like they are the most important person alive has led me to do the same.

Greatest achievement: How I changed the way I thought of myself between middle school and high school. I used to be extremely shy, self-conscious and submissive. As I grew up, I began to be more open and vocal towards what I believed in. I know 12-year-old me is extremely proud of the woman I am today. Loving who you are and being confident in yourself is key.

Career plans: I plan on going to business or law school after my undergrad and pursuing a career in corporate/tax law, and later immigration. I am also interested in marketing and management.

Unique characteristics: How comfortable I am in being myself. I will always choose to live authentically over living in fear of what others think of me.

Bonus fact: “Passion is not a job, sport or hobby; it is the full force of your attention and energy that you give to whatever is right in front of you.” This is a quote from a TED Talk that changed my life forever.

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always interested me. I would also love to double major or minor in an area of foreign languages.

Biggest influence: Apart from my family and friends, my biggest influence would be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. I’ve always loved the inspiring albeit clichéd message that you can do anything with enough determination.

Greatest achievement: I’m really honored to have gotten into Chicago for the class of 2025. Also, I was excited to be named a National Merit Finalist.

Career plans: I really hope to be a teacher or professor in mathematics. I also think it would be fun to teach English as a foreign language.

I would trade places for one day with: Someone in a foreign country like Mexico or Italy to practice my Spanish or Italian.

The next 10-20 years: 10 years from now, I hope to be seeing the world. 20 years from now, I mostly just want a stable job.

Unique characteristics: I can be really stubborn, but I think that has worked to my advantage in times when persistence has been necessary.

Most surprising detail: My music taste. ABBA is my all-time favorite band, and my favorite album is Hounds of Love.

Bonus fact: I love studying foreign languages, so I’m constantly looking for books, TV shows and songs in other languages like Spanish.

Nayna Nambiar Holland Hall Attending: Rice University

Intended major: Biosciences with a minor in Global

Health

Biggest influence: My mom. She has always been my

No. 1 supporter. She gives me the best advice and helps me through any situation. Most importantly, my mom is the hardest worker I have ever seen. My mom is Superwoman, and I aspire to be as dedicated and hardworking as she is.

Greatest achievement: Becoming student body president my senior year. It has been a goal of mine to achieve since I joined student council in sixth grade.

When I got to high school, every single student body president before me was a girl, and I couldn’t have been more proud to be a part of a long list of powerful and confident women who have impacted the Holland Hall community for the better.

Career plans: I would love to become a surgeon one day.

Unique characteristics: I have an ability to be very personable with people. I have been told that I act as a thermostat and can adjust to people’s energies and feelings. I am very approachable, and I love when people come to talk to me about issues they may have been dealing with.

Most surprising detail: I was born in India and moved to the U.S. when I was 3 months old. Since then, I have lived in 5 different states: New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Texas and Oklahoma.

Bonus fact: I can speak and understand five languages – Malayalam, English, Spanish, Hindi and Tamil.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 3:26 PM

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AUGUST 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Matthew McQuistion

Ian Gerardo Torres Acuña

Casady School Attending: Brown University

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School Attending: Washington University in St. Louis

Intended major: Economics/Applied Math. I am fasci-

Intended major: Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry

Photo by Poetique Photography

nated by the ways in which mathematics relates to the real world.

Biggest influence: My father. We share many interests and I really look up to him. He has always been a good role model for me, and he does what he thinks is right regardless of what other people think.

Greatest achievement: I competed in international extemporaneous speaking for six years. Speech and debate taught me so many lessons about competing, and the resilience needed to get back up again after a defeat. I also learned so much about issues shaping our country and international affairs that broadened my perspective and worldview. I often prepared for tournaments and traveled with extempers from schools across the OKC metro. Over the years, we became a community, even though we did not attend the same schools and often were competing against each other. Over time, I realized that being “good at debate” meant more than just convincing others that I was unequivocally correct.

“Good” came to mean being part of a community.

Through my speech and debate community, I grew as both a person and as a debater.

Unique characteristics: I have a broad range of interests – both academic and extracurricular. I tend to pursue my interests in depth and with a lot of curiosity– from playing music to competing in speech and debate to photography to advanced mathematics. I like to see how things interrelate and to draw connections between seemingly unrelated topics.

Maya Chandwaney Jenks High School Attending: University of Chicago

Intended major: Mathematics. I have always been

good at math, and I love solving puzzles.

Biggest influences: Definitely my parents. They have

with a minor in Aerospace. I want to pursue this because space is my passion. I enjoy watching every rocket launch from SpaceX and every rocket engine test.

Biggest influence: My mom, because of all the passion she gave to me, my brothers and her students to the very end, even when she was struggling with cancer treatment.

Greatest achievement: Being top 10 of my class.

As an immigrant that had just arrived about half a month before my freshman year, I felt like a fish out of water, and I had trouble with a lot of things. So, to eventually succeed as well as I did just felt amazing.

Career plans: I have always been interested in space, so I want to study hard on aerospace and find work in a company that builds rockets, like SpaceX, Boeing, NASA or ULA. And if not, I would want to work on the making of satellite parts.

I would trade places for one day with: Someone in the ISS [International Space Station], because that would be even better than any dream I have.

Living in zero gravity, doing science all day with an amazing view of the Earth, it just so mind blowingly incredible.

Unique characteristics: The biggest one, I think, is that I’m an immigrant, so I tend to have a different perspective from others.

Bonus fact: While I wouldn’t say I’m really talented at it, I do have a passion for drawing and photography!

taught me directly and through example how to work hard and, more importantly, how to be a good and kind person.

Greatest achievement: Graduating high school as valedictorian and getting into the University of Chicago!

Career plans: I don’t know. I’m interested in so many areas – too many to even have an idea of what I’ll end up doing.

I would trade places for one day with: Joe Biden. I want to experience being President of the United States.

The next 10-20 years: In 10 years, I love my job, I have ‘Dr.’ in my name and I live in a cool city. In 20 years, I still love my job, I have traveled to all seven continents, and I live in a pretty house.

Unique characteristics: I’m not very competitive. A large portion of my past four years was spent at speech and debate tournaments, but I never was driven by competition with other people; I found the work really interesting and wanted to do the best that I personally could.

Most surprising personal detail: I am a dancer! I have been learning bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance style, since the age of six at Kripalaya Dance Academy.

Bonus fact: I love to bake! I’ll do anything sweet and chocolate, but I especially enjoy making and decorating cakes.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 10:01 AM

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NEW BEGINNINGS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL, BRINGS NEW BEGINNINGS TO UTICA DENTAL! As students head back to class this year, the Doctors and Team at UTICA DENTAL hope this new school year brings new beginnings to all the students in the city of Tulsa and the surrounding communities. Not only is it time again to achieve academic excellence, but an excellent time for a dental check-up to achieve a beautiful back to school smile! Give the UTICA DENTAL team a call to reserve your appointment today.

STUDY HARD, HAVE FUN AND LET’S GIVE A BIG CHEER FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR! UTICA DENTAL would like to extend its best wishes to DR. MIKE HINKLE who will be retiring on October 12, 2021.

Dr. Hinkle has provided countless hours of dental care to his patients for over 40 YEARS in the Tulsa area.

In addition to his nationally awarded dental treatment, Dr. Hinkle’s skilled dentistry, leadership, guidance, and wit will be greatly missed at Utica Dental. We applaud Dr. Hinkle’s LASTING COMMITMENT to his patients and everyone at Utica Dental has been truly blessed to have worked alongside Dr. Hinkle during his illustrious career — we thank him and wish him the very best in his years ahead!

NEW BEGINNINGS at Utica Dental welcomes DR. MATTHEW WALKER as new owner/operator of the practice and has quickly earned him the respect of Utica Dental’s team and patients with his TOP-NOTCH QUALITY CARE, strong integrity, and passion for service. Dr. Walker is DEEPLY ROOTED in the Tulsa dental community and looks forward to continuing to lead the office into a BRIGHT FUTURE.

UTICA DENTAL is an Oklahoma Magazine “The Best of the Best” dental office in Tulsa, where patients can expect the best care, gentle treatment, and beautiful results from their dentist. Utica Dental is located at 1720 S. Utica Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104 and can be reached at (918) 712-0000. Contact Us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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THRIVING Despite a global pandemic and unprecedented challenges, Riverfield students didn’t just survive, they thrived.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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So were her three sisters.

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And will likely never see each other again.

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9500 NORTH PENNSYLVANIA AVE. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73120 405.749.3200 | WWW.CASADY.ORG Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.

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The Choctaw Cultural Center, which opened July 23, tells the 14,000-year-history of the Chahta people.

Photo courtesy the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

EXPLORING

Native

America

By Kimberly Burk

In the last year, major changes have rocked Oklahoma’s tribes.

From expanding infrastructure to adjusting existing programming to adapt to COVID-19, the Nations have remained resilient, creative and flexible. We touch base to discuss general updates, cultural preservation, representation in past and present artistic endeavors, bolstering Nativeowned businesses and more.

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Infrastructure Updates Choctaw Nation

It’s been an exciting summer for the Choctaw Nation, which opened a cultural center on July 23 and will cut the ribbon on a new, 1,000-room hotel tower this month.

Stacey Halfmoon is senior director of the cultural center; she says the 100,000-square-foot center on 22 acres in Durant houses two exhibit halls, an art gallery, an auditorium, a children’s area, classrooms, a gift shop and a café.

“This is the first cultural center for the Choctaw Nation,” she says. “We do have a capital museum in Tuskahoma, and Wheelock Academy has a museum. But as far as a large cultural center, this is the first.”

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s chief, Gary Batton, continues: “The Cultural Center was designed as a living, breathing space that encapsulates centuries of the Chahta Nowvt Aya, or Choctaw Journey.”

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Wendy Carter, assistant general manager of Choctaw Casino and Resort, says the Sky Tower project includes an expanded swimming area, additional gaming machines and more restaurants at the flagship property in Durant. It’s a $600 million investment that created more than 1,000 jobs and brings the room count in Durant to more than 1,700.

“The finishes and everything in this hotel are just absolutely modern and gorgeous,” says Carter. “It’s as nice as any resort I’ve ever been to.”

Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation focused last year on Cherokee Springs Plaza in Tahlequah, a retail development anchored by Cherokee Casino Tahlequah. This year, the tribe completed an employee medical clinic at the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa that is open to all employees and their families, free of charge.

Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, says a focus on diversification really paid off during the pandemic “when our casinos shut down for 10 weeks and we were able to pay our employees. Our federal contracting work flourished and set records this year.”

While the go-to business sectors have been gaming and hospitality, many of the 7,500 employees of CNB do consulting work for federal agencies, says Garrett.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that we can provide some really compelling career opportunities for our youth, to provide them a path to pursue the interests they have,” including career fields like marketing, accounting, legal services and human resources.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

There’s equal enthusiasm regarding new infrastructure among leaders of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, who have plans for such projects as a columbarium, a child development center and eventually, a new tribal headquarters.

Citizen Potawatomi Chairman John Barrett, now serving a tenth term, says the childcare center in Choctaw will probably be the first new project to get underway.

The tribe is also building a grocery store and service station near Asher, and has plans for a new medical clinic in Choctaw.

“We’ve been paying burial benefits for

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many years, and right now there are more cremations than traditional burials,” says Barrett. “The cost of funerals has become unbelievably inexpensive. It is much less expensive to cremate and hold memorial services.”

Barrett says the Nation plans to build the columbarium near an historic church south of the tribal complex.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation “went places we never thought we would have to go to make this Nation work under the blanket of the global pandemic,” says Jason Salsman, the tribe’s press secretary. “We lost so much culture, we lost so much knowledge, and we lost people.

But we were able to function and thrive while taking on a landmark supreme court victory.”

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 9, 2020, that the Muscogee Nation’s reservation was never disestablished, and that convicted child rapist Jimcy McGirt should have been tried in federal (rather than state) court. Under federal law, crimes involving Native Americans in American Indian country must be prosecuted by tribes or the federal government.

“Our McGirt response has been incredible,” says Salsman. “We have doubled our crossdeputization agreements to more than 60, including with the highway patrol. We have doubled the number of officers on the ground in Lighthouse Police. We added a criminal investigator, plus five more prosecutors in the attorney general’s office. “ With CARES Act funding, the Nation built a safe space facility where tribal citizens can access essential services in socially-distanced situations, along with a personal protective equipment warehouse that doubles as a disaster response hub.

“Our last big project from CARES funding was the new USDA-approved meat processing facility,” says Salsman. “You can get your beef, pork and venison dressed out and processed there.”

Construction is also underway on a mental health clinic.

“We want to put a big emphasis, especially post-COVID, on mental wellness,” Salsman continues. “We want to put more emphasis on the root cause of problems.”

In November, the Nation will host the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants at its River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, which recently received the hospitality industry’s 4 Diamond award.

“Last but not least, we are very thrilled about the purchase of the former Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa,” he says. “We will be re-imagining it as a public, specialty-care community hospital.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

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Representation in Art

Above: FireLake Discount Foods in Shawnee is one of many business endeavors of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Left: Employees worked diligently to complete the Iron Horse Industrial Park substation in Shawnee.

Photos courtesy Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Ben Harjo Jr. is a member of the Absentee Shawnee and Seminole tribes, and his awardwinning art is all about his culture. But many of his artist friends are non-Native, and he’s willing to cut them some slack when they find themselves drawn to his world.

“Who am I to tell another artist that they don’t have the right to do this?” he asked.

But there are some taboos that non-tribal members should respect, says OKC-based Harjo, such as painting anything that depicts sacred ceremonies. Non-indigenous artists often “do a good job” of painting Native subjects, says Harjo. For example, he admires the work of his friend Paul Pletka, who extensively researches his works illustrating the Native and Hispanic cultures.

Pletka told a magazine writer: “When I was a youngster and first became enchanted with Indian costume, lore and artifacts, I would sometimes pretend I was an Indian. I soon realized that was not intellectually reasonable. I am not an Indian. I am simply an interpreter.”

Dana Tiger, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations, says she’s pleased to see a growing number of American Indians finding success with their art. When she launched her career some 35 years ago, much of the work depicting Natives was produced by white artists.

“I didn’t like that they were taking our story, our lives, our ways and making a living with that. It means more when it’s made by a tribal person,” says Tiger, whose gallery is in Muskogee.

Historical depictions of Native Americans weren’t always accurate.

“Some romanticized the Indian,” says Harjo. “They put them in idyllic settings.”

Harjo studied for two years at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, then completed a fine arts degree at Oklahoma State University. He uses the primary colors for his often-whimsical pieces, which he says are designed to lift the spirits of the viewer.

Tiger says her father, the late Jerome Tiger, launched his career in the 1960s and “came up with a style that hadn’t been seen before. He used pastel colors and movement. His work was very new and exciting, and even got people fighting over it. He left a show at Philbrook because the patrons were fighting over his work.”

Tiger says she will always paint scenes that depict her ancestors, but she loves the way Native art combines the historical and the modern.

“I think I see some of the people who are going to replace me really pushing the envelope, opening the doors to their creative interests,” she says.

Native artist Dana Tiger has a showroom in Muskogee and focuses her art on showcasing her ancestors.

Photos courtesy Dana Tiger

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Bolstering Business

“Educate, empower and engage” is the motto of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma, which invites Nativeowned businesses and tribal leaders to work together to promote the success of Native American people and the communities in which they live.

AICCO provides a format for American Indian entrepreneurs to promote their businesses, and for corporations to connect with these businesses. It also serves as a liaison on tribal economic development issues and offers resources, training and networking.

AICCO encourages mentoring relationships between established and new business owners, says Bailey Walker, AICCO state president.

A number of tribes offer services to their business-owning citizens. The Cherokee Nation Small Business Assistance Center, for example, supports Native-owned businesses by providing access to capital for business start-ups and expansion projects. SBAC also offers business coaching services designed to enhance the operation of small businesses.

A variety of tribes offer services to their entrepreneurial citizens to ensure the success of their businesses.

Photo courtesy Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Choctaw Cultural Center offers guests a variety of exhibitions, plus a living village, a theater and an activity center.

Photo courtesy the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Collegiate Incentives

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Many of the tribes emphasize career training and offer scholarships and other forms of assistance to those looking to further their education.

Any member of the Choctaw Nation pursuing a degree can apply for a scholarship, payable directly to an accredited college or university. Students can receive assistance while working toward associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Students studying for certifications and/or licenses can also contact the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program.

The Muscogee Nation Department of Higher Education administers grants and scholarships to enrolled citizens pursuing a college education. All contributions to the Muscogee Nation Scholarship Foundation Program are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The foundation’s purpose is to promote selfsufficiency, community participation, self-reliance, self-determination, tribal sovereignty and a sustainable future for Muscogee (Creek) citizens through support of academic scholarships, community initiatives and research that benefit the growth and prosperity of MCN communities.

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A N N U A L

PONCA C E L E B R A T I O N

August 26-29th

HEAD STAFF

MC's Oliver Littlecook Sr & Lester Eagle Head Man Dancer Robert Collins Head Singer Pete Littlecook

2020-2021 Ponca Princess Nadia Kent Arena Directors Johnson Taylor & OJ Littlecook

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7:00 Flag Raising. Henry Collins 2:00 Ponca Day Staff Specials 8:00 Main Arena War Dance/ Contests Men's Categories Men's Straight 1st Annual World Championship Men's World Championship Fancy Dance Traditional/Grass 18-54 yrs. old Ponca Tribe not responsible for any accidents

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT COMMITTEE 580-762-8104

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Preserving Tradition

The Chickasaw Nation offers a Cultural Enrichment Family Camp, held at the Tatanka Ranch in Stroud.

Photo courtesy Chickasaw Nation

The mission to keep the tribal language alive began long before the 2007 launch of the Chickasaw Language Revitalization Program. Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson, Ph.D), director of the program, says tribal members started talking about language loss in the early- to mid-1950s.

“We are building on the efforts of previous generations of Native speakers,” says Hinson.

“Every generation picks up this sort of mantle. This is a crew of fiercely determined Chickasaw people, self-determined to keep our language alive.”

The goal is for people to be able to use the language in their daily communications.

The Nation does not want to preserve the language just as an artifact, or just for ceremonies, says Hinson. But fluency is not the only objective.

“People’s lives are enriched when they engage with the language in serious ways,” he says.

“Relationships are strength-

ened across families. Language is a gift from the Creator.”

Language training is offered on platforms ranging from inperson classes to smart phone access.

“We are always searching for ways to meet people where they are,” says Hinson. “People want short, accessible microlessons, short videos delivered by social media.”

Only about 120 Native speakers remained when the program was launched, and today there are likely fewer than 40.

“When you are staring down fewer than 40 speakers,” says Hinson, “you have to get good, and have to do it quickly.”

Tribal Gov. Bill Anoatubby is a “fierce language advocate,” Hinson continues. “We want to create not only a new generation of speakers, but a more language-aware workforce.

They can use those newfound language skills for the betterment of everyone in the Nation.”

The Importance of Cultural Events The Cherokee National Holiday returns this year as a hybrid celebration, featuring virtual and smaller-scale live events.

The 69th annual event happens on Labor Day weekend, and this year will mark the 200th anniversary of Sequoyah’s invention of the Cherokee syllabary.

In-person activities will include the Tahlequah art market, drive-in movie nights, gospel singing, fiddlers contest, State of the Nation address, car and quilt shows and a fireworks show.

Livestreamed events include stickball, historic site tours and an outdoor powwow.

The Cherokee National Holiday commemorates the signing of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1839, which

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re-established the tribe’s government in Indian Territory after forced removal from the original homelands.

Phil Dupoint, president of the board of the American Indian Exposition in Anadarko, says the expo is scheduled for Aug. 18-21 at the Caddo County Fairgrounds.

Events will include softball and basketball tournaments, a carnival, tribal and competition dancing, arts and crafts booths and food vendors.

“It’s just a gathering of all the tribes,” says Dupoint. “They all come together and can share their cultures and their traditions with one another, as well as the public, so everybody has a better understanding of us.”

A variety of cultural events help to bring Native citizens together, as well as educate others on Native traditions.

Photo by Jacquelyn Sparks courtesy the Chickasaw Nation

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Small but Mighty The Chickasaw Nation created a documentary entitled First Encounter. In this scene, Chickasaw warriors rain arrows down upon the Hernando De Soto expedition.

Photo by Mike McKee courtesy Chickasaw Nation

Cities around Oklahoma have passed a bill to celebrate Oklahoma Native American Day on the second Monday in October.

Photo courtesy City of Tulsa Communications Department

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John Barrett says it’s a great gesture that cities and states across the nation have begun to observe Indigenous People’s Day, but he’s not so keen about celebrating it on Columbus Day. “For the next 25 years, people will say that it’s on the day that used to be Columbus Day,” he says. “So, it’s still memorializing him.”

As a tribe, Barrett says, “we don’t close for Columbus Day, never have. They should call it Lost Italians Day.”

Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Tahlequah and Anadarko are among the cities that hold ceremonies. In 2019, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 111, which changed Oklahoma Native American Day from the third Monday in November to the second Monday in October.

“All citizens of this state are requested to devote some portion of Oklahoma Native American Day to commemorate the accomplishments of Oklahoma’s Native Americans,” the bill reads. “Teachers and students

Numbers don’t always tell the story.

Many of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma have only a few hundred or few thousand members, yet they work to provide many of the services offered by tribes with hundreds of thousands of members.

Cultural preservation is a priority.

The Kaw Nation’s website features a lengthy historical narrative that commences with the creation story and continues through 2011, when the constitution was revised. The Miami Tribe’s history describes how the cycles of planting, harvesting, hunting, gathering and processing sustained the people for generations when they lived in the Wabash River Valley.

Throughout the pandemic, leaders of the Apache, Comanche, Caddo, Pawnee and other tribes and nations kept their websites updated about medical and economic assistance, even when the offices had to be closed.

Tribes such as the Ottawa and Absentee Shawnee offer activities including quilting, youth camps, field trips, powwows and stomp dances.

Education and career training is another prime concern for the smaller tribes, with the Kickapoo offering everything from resume assistance and GED preparation to higher education incentive programs.

of the schools of this state are requested to observe the day with appropriate activities.”

Summer Wesley, Choctaw Nation citizen, is an attorney and a board member of Live Indigenous OK. She views this date designation as an important statement.

“Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on a day in which others celebrate the genocide that began with Columbus is important, because it’s a message of hope and of humanity,” she says. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a small way that we

remind people that we are still here, and it helps us unify and celebrate our ongoing efforts to survive and thrive under this continued colonial occupation.”

Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal governor Reggie Wassana agrees.

“I think it’s a really good gesture that the cities and municipalities recognize that the Native people were the first people in the United States,” he says. “Any time people come out and say we were the first Native people on the land and acknowledge that – that’s good.”

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THE ARTS Concert halls and museums are filling up once again, packed with patrons ready to experience the magic of the arts live and in-person. From stunning exhibitions to rousing concerts, world premiere choreography showcases and Broadway performances, the arts are well and truly back in Oklahoma.

By Mary Willa Allen

Tulsa Symphony

Whether you’re a fan of the classic symphonic tunes or in search of some modern arias, Tulsa Symphony has a packed 2021-2022 schedule for music lovers of all tastes.

The season begins Oct. 9 with Triumph, featuring Lina Gonzalez-Granados as conductor and Garrick Ohlsson on piano. Stay tuned for the Polar Express In Concert on Dec. 4, which brings the music of the beloved holiday movie to the stage with conductor Ron Spigelman.

Another popular concert, Star Wars: A New Hope, hits the stage Jan. 29, and the season concludes May 7 with Mercurial, featuring Gerhardt Zimmermann as conductor. Visit tulsasymphony.org for season tickets and more details.

On the cover credits, row 1: Pretty Woman, Celebrity Attractions; photo

by Morris Mac Matzen.

Row 2 L-R: For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design, OKCMOA; Walter Ufer, Self-Portrait, n.d. oil on canvas, 30 1/4 × 25 in., National Academy of Design, New York, courtesy American Federation of Arts. Mean Girls, Celebrity Attractions; photo by Joan Marcus. Scott Seaton concert, Signature Symphony; photo by Jason Halley.

Row 3 L-R: Hadestown, Celebrity Attractions; photo by Matthew Murphy.

A Life in Looking: The Creighton Gilbert Collection, Fred Jones Jr. Museum

of Art; Madonna and Child, 1520s, oil on panel, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Creighton Gilbert Bequest, 2011.

Matilda the Musical, Theatre Tulsa; photo by Josh New. Find Your North, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum; Luis and Rose Ortega wedding photograph, unknown photographer, 1938, digital jpeg, Luis Ortega Photographs, Dickinson Research Center, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. 1994.021.052.

Row 4: Russian National Ballet, Armstrong Auditorium; photo courtesy Armstrong Auditorium.

Tulsa Symphony Photo by Tom Gilbert

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Celebrity Attractions, Tulsa Photo by Matthew Murphy

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Celebrity Attractions

It’s good to be back in the groove, and Celebrity Attractions returns with a bang that includes numerous award-winning Broadway shows in its exciting line-up.

A highlight is Come from Away, premiering Oct. 12-17. Showcasing the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, Come from Away explores the days after Sept. 11, 2001, for those whose flights were grounded around the world. Mean Girls, based upon the eponymous film, follows new kid in town Cady Heron as she navigates the ins-and-outs of the American high school system for the first time. The show comes to Tulsa Jan. 4-9. And Anastasia, rescheduled to July 19-24, tells the story of supposed orphan Anya as she looks to discover the secrets of her past. Other offerings include Tootsie March 8-13 and Oklahoma! June 14-19. Visit celebrityattractions.com for tickets and more information.

Concert with Grazzhopper Aug. 21 Concert with The Tulsa Playboys Sept. 10 TU Student Chamber Group Concert Sept. 16 A Luthier’s Tale: The Craft of Stringed Instruments Through Sept. 19 The Space Between Oct. 1-Nov. 21 Artist Talk with Molly Murphy Adams Oct. 7 Artist Talk with Anita Fields Nov. 11 The State of Craft Dec. 3-Jan. 23 John Chang Feb. 4–March 20 John Chang Artist Talk Feb. 10 Shenequa Brooks April 1–May 22 Fiberworks June 3–July 24

Ahha Tulsa Earthly Mirage Aug. 6-Oct. 24 Greenwood’s Legacy: Shaping a City and a Nation Through Sept. 19 Seed Reef Nov. 25-Dec. 26 TAC@ahha Jan. 7-Feb. 20 The Experience: Imagine Ongoing

Armstrong Auditorium Celtic Throne Aug. 16 Brazilian All Stars Oct. 27 Romeros Guitar Quartet Nov. 11 Bridget Kibbey with Dover String Quartet Dec. 2 Russian National Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty Jan. 26 An Evening with Branford Marsalis Feb. 10 The King’s Singers Feb. 20 Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic March 2 Tabea Debus March 31 Chanticleer April 26

BOK Center Lil Baby Aug. 6 Alan Jackson Aug. 27 Blake Shelton Sept. 24 MercyMe Oct. 1 Kiss Oct. 2 Toby Mac Oct. 4 Marc Anthony Oct. 15 Alabama Oct. 23 Chris Stapleton Nov. 5 Dan + Shay Nov. 13 Cody Johnson Nov. 26 Joe Rogan Dec. 4 The Weeknd Feb. 20 Justin Bieber March 18

Canterbury Voices Jubilate Deo: The Music of Dan Forrest Oct. 10 Handel’s Messiah Dec. 5 Duo Lumina March 27

Celebrity Attractions Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Aug. 31-Sept. 5 Come From Away Oct. 12-17 Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Nov. 2-7 Mean Girls Jan. 4-9 Tootsie March 8-13 Oklahoma!

June 14-19 Anastasia July 19-24

Chamber Music Tulsa

Poulenc Trio Sept. 24-26 Brentano Quartet Oct. 22-24 ATOS Trio Nov. 12-14 Catalyst Quartet Feb. 25-27 Imani Winds March 12-13 Verona Quartet April 8-10

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Chesapeake Energy Arena

Tulsa Ballet

The professionals at Tulsa Ballet are ready to dazzle audiences with their upcoming season. On Oct. 28-31, the ballet partners with the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission to bring Breakin’ Bricks (with Flight of Fancy) to the PAC. The show, a multi-media experience, combines dance and documentary film to explore the harrowing events of 1921. Other can’t-miss shows include the iconic Nutcracker Dec. 10-23, and Vendetta, A Mafia Story on Feb. 10-13, which blends dance, Broadway and film noir. The season concludes with Swan Lake March 24-27 and the Signature Series May 12-15. Visit tulsaballet.org for details.

Alabama Sept. 17 Banda MS Sept. 18 Michael Buble Sept. 19 Kane Brown Oct. 14 MercyMe Oct. 28 Elton John Jan. 30 Jojo Siwa Feb. 1

Civic Center Music Hall Tulsa Ballet Photo by Josh New

Hansel and Gretel Aug. 1 Intocable Aug. 6 Leanne Morgan Aug. 27 Franco Escamilla Sept. 5 Neil Degrasse Tyson Oct. 5 Jubilate Deo: The Music of Dan Forrest Oct. 10 Celtic Woman April 27

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Walter Iooss Jr. (b. 1943) Blue Dunk, Lisle, Ill., 1987, archival pigment print, 14¾ x 22 in. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Gift of Chetan Patel in honor of the Museum’s 75th anniversary, 2019.221.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Exhibitions on view now at OKCMOA include From Heroes to Immortals and the Painters of Pompeii. From Heroes explores the many ways artists have used classical mythology to showcase tales of love, vengeance, heroism and more, while Pompeii highlights a variety of Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy.

The museum offers For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design from Nov. 6-Jan. 30. Featuring 99 paintings created between 1809 and the present by artists like Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth, For America provides a unique history of American art. From March 5-Sept. 4, the museum brings Walter Iooss Jr. and the Art of Sports Photography. The show highlights the works of Iooss Jr., who spent over 50 years photographing athletes for Sports Illustrated, starting with his first assignment in 1959 at the age of 17. Learn more at okcmoa.com.

BOK Center

Fans of just about any genre of music can get their fill at the BOK Center in the coming months. For lovers of all things country, visit Tulsa’s largest music venue Aug. 27 for Alan Jackson, Sept. 24 for Blake Shelton or Nov. 5 for Chris Stapleton.

Rock fans won’t want to miss Kiss Oct. 2, and popular podcaster Joe Rogan visits Dec. 4.

Stick around for two of pop’s biggest names in 2022: The Weeknd Feb. 20 and Justin Bieber March 18. Visit bokcenter.com for tickets.

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A Life in Looking: The Creighton Gilbert Collection Through Dec. 31 Nuclear Enchantment: Patrick Nagatani Aug. 5-Jan. 30

Living Arts of Tulsa

OVAC Art 365 Through Aug. 6 Oh, Tulsa!

Sept. 3–Oct. 8 Día de los Muertos Arts Festival Nov. 5 Drawing Rally Dec. 3 Kissinger Pop-Up Dec. 3-4 Exhibition featuring Faith Green, Jennifer Vasher and Mirella Martinez Jan. 7–21 Champagne and Chocolate Member Showcase Feb. 4–March 11 Exhibition featuring Mery McNett and Cult Love April 1–22 Chiefs, Clans and Kin May 6–June 20 Exhibition featuring Liz Dueck and Jill O’Bryan July 1–22, 2022

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Master Class Sept. 15-Oct. 3 Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Nov. 17-Dec. 23

Mabee Center

Annual Gala Concert Oct. 22, 2021 For King and Country Nov. 7

MabeeGerrer Museum of Art

Interesting Times: The Art of Honoré Daumier Through Aug. 29 Art of the Aloha Shirt Sept. 11–Oct. 17 Depictions of the Holy Family Dec. 18–Jan. 30 Native American Cradle Boards April 23–June 19

McKnight Center for the Performing Arts

The Buddy Holly Story Sept. 17-18 Tim McGraw Oct. 8 Itzhak Perlman Oct. 9 Broadway Songbook: Brian Stokes Mitchell and Megan Hilty Oct. 10 Nosferatu: Silent Film with Organist Peter Krasinski Oct. 28 Chamber Music Festival On-Stage Soiree Nov. 4 Chamber Music Festival Nov. 5, 7 Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Dec. 9-10 Sarah Coburn in Concert Jan. 29 Bernadette Peters Feb. 14 STOMP Feb. 18-19 The Philadelphia Orchestra March 10 Pilobolus Dance Company March 24 Tower of Power April 9 South Pacific April 22-23 Family Series: Dan and Claudia Zanes May 14

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Prix de West Through Aug. 8 Find Your North Aug. 20-Oct. 17 Tattooing: Religion, Reality and Regret Aug. 27-May 8 New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West Sept. 10-Jan. 2 Western Heritage Awards Sept. 17-18 Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Oct. 1-Jan. 2 Viva Mexico!

Through Oct. 17 Small Works, Great Wonders Nov. 5-28 Santa Fe Trail Nov. 20-May 8 Mother Roads Dec. 10-May 8 Framework: Exploring the Artistic Process Through Feb. 27

OKC Ballet

Ballet Under the Stars Sept. 10 Septime Webre’s Alice (In Wonderland) Oct. 22-24 The Nutcracker Dec. 11-12, 17-19 Made in the U.S.A. Feb. 18-20 Future Voices: A Choreographic Showcase March 17-20 The Sleeping Beauty May 6-8

OKC Broadway

My Fair Lady Sept. 28-Oct. 3 Friends! The Musical Parody Sept. 29-30 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Oct. 26-31 Alton Brown: Live Beyond the Eats Nov. 7 A Magical Cirque Christmas Dec. 22 Mean Girls Dec. 28-Jan. 2 Dear Evan Hansen Jan. 11-16 Oklahoma!

Jan. 25-30 Disney’s The Lion King May 11-29

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Forget the apples.

Philbrook offers a FREE Membership to all Oklahoma public school teachers.

Sign up online philbrook.org/teachers

Oklahoma Public School Teacher Membership Program is made possible through the generosity of the Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation.

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Chamber Music Tulsa

Chamber Music Tulsa Photo courtesy Chamber Music Tulsa

Chamber Music Tulsa offers a variety of talented duos, trios, quartets and more this season. The season opener, the Poulenc Trio, comes to town Sept. 24-26 with a variety of sonatas and suites to stun audiences of all ages. Other shows include the Catalyst Quartet Feb. 25-27, performing popular American folk songs including “We Shall Overcome” and “Lemon Tree.”

The season concludes April 8-10 with the Verona Quartet, performing string quartets from a variety of talented composers. Visit chambermusictulsa.org for tickets.

Armstrong Auditorium, Edmond Photo courtesy Armstrong Auditorium

OKC Philharmonic

Opening Night: Beethoven Symphony No. 1 Sept. 11 Harmony, Humor and Hubris: Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals Oct. 16 The Music of Billy Joel Nov. 5-6 Francaise and Ruski: Ravel Tzigane Nov. 20 A Christmas Celebration Dec. 3-4 Rachmaninoff Festival Piano Concerto No. 1 Jan. 8 Masters of the Music Jan. 21-22 American Gold: Ellington Harlem Feb. 5 The Music of Whitney Houston Feb. 25-26 Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 March 5 Ballroom with a Twist March 18-19 Scheherazade: RimskyKorsakov April 2 Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert April 8-9 Oklahoma Stories April 30

OKC Museum of Art

Armstrong Auditorium

At Armstrong Auditorium, guests can rediscover joy with a bountiful offering of talented musicians this season. The fun kicks off with a bang as Celtic Throne brings the journey of Irish dance to Oklahoma on Aug. 16. Other highlights include the Brazilian All Stars on Oct. 27, featuring bossa novas, ballads, sambas and more. Stick around for the Russian National Ballet’s rendition of The Sleeping Beauty Jan. 26 and the Polish Wieniakski Philharmonic on March 2. Visit armstrongauditorium.org for tickets.

OKC Ballet

OKC Ballet Photo by Shevaun Williams

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At OKC Ballet, the season begins with Ballet Under the Stars on Sept.

10. A free community performance at Scissortail Park, the show will feature students from the OU School of Dance, the OKC Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School, as well as professional OKC Ballet performers.

Other highlights include Alice (In Wonderland) Oct. 22-24; the Nutcracker Dec. 11-12, 17-19; and Made in the U.S.A. Feb. 18-20, which debuts four pieces created by American choreographers. The season concludes with Future Voices March 17-20 and The Sleeping Beauty May 6-8. Visit okcballet.org for tickets and more information.

Postwar Abstraction Through Sept. 26 The Painters of Pompeii Through Oct. 17 For America: Paintings from the National Academy of Design Nov. 6-Jan. 30 Fritz Scholder Through Nov. 7 From Heroes to Immortals Through Nov. 7 A Room with a View Through Nov. 7 Walter Iooss Jr. and the Art of Sports Photography March 5–Sept. 4 From the Golden Age to the Moving Image Through Dec. 31, 2022

OKC Town Hall Robert O’Neill Sept. 16 Dr. Marc Milstein Oct. 21 Samantha Brown Nov. 18 Trey Gowdy Feb. 17 Michael Donahue March 17 Paul Moore April 21

Philbrook From the Limitations of Now Through Sept. 5 Views of Greenwood Through Sept. 5 Dalí’s Alice in Wonderland Through Oct. 17 Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group Oct. 17-Feb. 20 The BIG Show: Works

by Young Artists March 11–May 8

Sam Noble Museum In the Dark Through Sept. 12 Beautiful Beasts Sept. 25-Jan. 30 Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend Feb. 12-June 19

Signature Symphony

Chamber Music Performances Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 6 Christmas in Tulsa December 11 Scott Seaton Concert Jan. 22 Alejandro Gómez Guillén Concert Feb. 26 Robert Franz Concert April 9

Theatre Tulsa

Matilda The Musical Aug. 13-29 The Guys Aug. 27-Sept. 5 Dreamgirls Oct. 8-17 Chicago: High School Edition Nov. 5-7 The Sound of Music Jan. 14-30 Heroes of the Fourth Turning Feb. 25-March 6 Singin’ In The Rain April 22-May 8 Moana Jr. May 20-22

Tulsa Ballet

Marcello’s Silver Celebration Aug. 22 Creations in Studio K Sept. 9-19 The Next Era: Dance Forever Sept. 25 Ballet on the Green Oct. 1 Breakin’ Bricks (with Flight of Fancy) Oct. 29-31 The Nutcracker Dec. 10-23 Vendetta, a Mafia Story Feb. 10-13

Swan Lake March 24-27 Signature Series May 12-15

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Autumn In the Garden Sept. 23-Oct. 31 Beaujolais Son et Lumiere Nov. 19 Garden of Lights Nov. 26–Jan. 2 Tulsa Botanic Blooms March 17-April 17.

Tulsa Opera Puccini and Verdi Play Ball Oct. 15 Emmeline Feb. 25-27 Salome April 29, May 1

Tulsa PAC

The Shawshank Redemption Sept. 10-19 C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce Oct. 10 The Legend of Georgia McBride Oct. 21-24 Doubt: A Parable Dec. 2-5 The Song of Jacob Zulu Jan. 27-Feb. 6 Alton Brown: Beyond the Eats March 29 Shen Yun April 12-13 The Revolutionists April 21-May 1

Tulsa Town Hall

Karl Kallaugher Oct. 8 David Brooks Nov. 12 Karl Rove Jan. 14 Nick Buettner March 4 Henry Louis Gates, Jr. April 1

Tulsa Symphony

Triump Oct. 9 Symphonic Poetry Nov. 13 The Polar Express in Concert Dec. 4 Folk Dances Jan. 15 Star Wars: A New Hope Jan. 29 Spitfire Feb. 5 Unfinished March 5 The Titan April 2 Mercurial May 7

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TASTE

FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES

A DELICIOUS SECOND CHANCE

A small Honduran restaurant nestled in OKC offers unique eats and a heartwarming story of perseverance.

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hen Samuel Bueso arrived in the U.S. seven years ago from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, he never imagined the path he’d take to the

With a variety of in-house specialties, Misasa brings Honduran cuisine to OKC. Photo courtesy Misasa Latin Grill

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present.

The chef and owner of Misasa Latin Grill in Oklahoma City, Bueso was a chef for 20 years back home. He had family in the U.S., including Oklahoma, so when he moved, Bueso worked as a banquet server at the Cox Business Convention Center. His real passion, however, was cooking. On the side, he catered for friends and family, until word of mouth referrals kept him so busy that he decided he needed to cook full time.

Four years ago, Bueso opened La Fonda K Tracha with a business partner. He wanted to show off some different cuts of meat, rather than just the traditional American staples; after two years, he opened Misasa Latin Grill in Warr Acres. With help from several family members, its popularity grew.

Last year, however, Bueso was detained due to prob-

lems with his immigration papers. It took eight months to resolve his case, and when he returned, he had lost everything. Unable to operate without him, his restaurant closed.

“I didn’t think I would be able to open again; I had nothing left,” says Bueso. But soon after, he says life began offering him opportunities. “I just grabbed them as they came, one after another.”

He learned that the old Fonda space had become available. It seemed impossible at the time, but Bueso managed to raise $3,000 towards reopening ... but he still didn’t have any equipment.

“I didn’t even have all of the pots and pans that I needed,” he says. Another opportunity came along when the owner of nearby City Restaurant Supply intervened.

“They told me that they believed in me, and my food, and how hard I work, and they wanted to help me reopen.”

With some upfront credit for the supplies he needed,

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TA S T E | L O C A L F L AV O R

his dream was once again within reach.

Misasa reopened at 3003 N. May Ave. in May of 2021. The space is small, but he plans to expand into the area next door, adding a bar and Friday night karaoke.

Upon my visit, there were no printed menus, which I think is a great way to explore Honduran cuisine.

“We opened this with almost nothing,” says Bueso, “so we just started cooking and telling customers what kinds of things we have each day.”

This system works well for regulars, who already have favorite dishes to request or are happy to try anything new.

I love a “chef ’s choice” dining experience, so I did the same.

The Parrillada, or barbecue platter, features four types of meat: chicken, From plates and platters to fresh juices, Misasa Latin Grill is the creation of Honduras native Samuel Bueso.

Photos courtesy Misasa Latin Grill

carne asada, pork and chorizo, along with tajadas (plantain chips), rice and beans, a fresh slaw, salsa and a delicious creamy sauce. On the side, we ordered a couple of baleadas (thick, handmade tortillas filled with beans and cheese), and it was more than enough food for two.

Their “naturales” ( fresh juices) are made in-house (as is everything else) and are delicious. The canteloupe is perfectly sweet and refreshing.

One of the most popular Honduran dishes offered is “pollo chuco.” It may seem funny that the translation is “dirty chicken,” but Bueso says it’s a popular street food originating in his hometown.

“I want to keep everything true to the food of my home, so I make it exactly as you get it in San Pedro Sula,” he says. “My tradition, my culture, my food – that is what I want to show people here.”

A typical Honduran breakfast plate is also offered, with beans, meat, corn tortillas, cream cheese, avocado and eggs. Ten dollar specials change Monday through Friday, and entrées run between $13-$19.

Bueso admits that he gets anxious every time someone new visits. He sheepishly grins and says of his desire to win over new fans: “It’s like my favorite Lady Gaga song ... applause, applause, applause. I live for the applause!”

Based on my visit, he’s on the right track.

AMANDA JANE SIMCOE

Photo courtesy Natv

TA S T E | F I R S T B I T E

NĀTV

Some of Jacque Siegfried’s happiest childhood moments were her weekly cooking sessions with her father.

“My dad is Shawnee,” says Siegfried, “and he taught me respect for nature, and how what we need is available for us to use, if we know where to look.”

Thus began a lifelong journey of discovery.

To learn more, Siegfried pored over history books and cookbooks, entranced by the vibrant culinary heritages of the Shawnee, Cherokee and other Native peoples – stories which go all the way back to sophisticated agricultural societies 4,000 years old.

Nātv, Siegfried’s new restaurant, pays homage to these traditions – but she knows it’s impossible to perfectly duplicate these ancient dishes.

“Our crops are different – soil, water sources, seasonings and livestock are different than they were before our colonization,” she says.

“And many recipes were not passed down. Still, we’re working with Indigenous farms and local Oklahoma farms to source ingredients. We’ll offer traditional dishes and newer creations, using traditional and modern cooking methods.

We hope that we can show the wonder that is Indigenous cuisine.”

Siegfried uses a Cherokee family recipe to make a succotash that, thanks to fresh local corn and summer squash, bursts with flavor. There’s pork belly on top that’s cured, then deep-fried, thus placing it firmly in the Cherokee hog fry tradition. Another dish has a strip of beef tenderloin, its flavor enhanced by a barely visible reduction made from fragrant berries – a sauce invented by the Lakota people of South Dakota.

Salads are tiny works of art, composed of strange yet flavorful leaves, flavored with honeysuckle vinaigrette and enlivened by bright, edible flowers. All of these dishes pay homage to Native American culture, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of its beauty.

Nātv’s brick and mortar restaurant will soon be open at 1611 S. Main St. in Broken Arrow; visit natvba.com for updates.

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

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TA S T E | CHEF CHAT

ALL ROADS LEAD TO TULSA

With an already storied career, Tennessee transplant Bobby Benjamin brings his love of both food and collaboration to Lowood.

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Bobby Benjamin recently moved to Tulsa to take over the kitchen at the esteemed Lowood.

Photo by Stephanie Phillips

ONLINE

TO SEE A BONUS PASTA RECIPE, VISIT OKMAG. COM/BENJAMIN

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obby Benjamin slipped into Tulsa quietly and unknown.

And yet, he’s the man about whom the Louisville Courier-Journal, a leading Kentucky newspaper, wrote: “He has taken his place among the local royal family of chefs, whose dining rooms are full of people for whom groveling to snare a seat isn’t beneath them.”

What those lucky enough to have dined at Tulsa’s Lowood back in mid-June saw was an energetic man who plated dishes with superhuman speed and precision. And when we tasted the sharp flavors of those perfectly cooked ingredients, we knew he was the real deal.

There’s no royal family of chefs in Bell Buckle, nestled in the green rolling hills of central Tennessee.

That’s where Bobby Benjamin grew up. The first job on his resume was dishwasher at the Bell Buckle Cafe at 13, but then he was promoted to grill cook and fell in love with the profession. In fact, the cafe’s owner still remembers him as “a really good cook and a great guy.”

Benjamin recalls: “We made the food from scratch, we made it from the soul. That’s where I got my base.”

The next decade found him cooking in Nashville. There, he worked beside a young Sean Brock, whose mission was to cast a spotlight on the refinement of southern Appalachian cuisine. Benjamin became enamored with country comfort food, and ten years later delighted diners at the Oakroom, Louisville’s most elegant fine dining destination. Benjamin’s love for southern staples ran deep.

But before the Oakroom were jobs with some of L.A.’s most respected chefs, including Wolfgang

Puck and Gino Angelini. Angelini taught him how to make pasta, and to love it along the way. Incidentally, pasta has always been one of the highlights of Lowood’s spread.

“Pasta will always be a big part of the menu,” says Benjamin.

Handmade pasta like that gnocchi is ready for your plate at Lowood.

There’s also bright green reginette, handmade with crispy smoked bacon, arugula pesto and a farm egg yolk. Another pasta (a marvelous cacio e pepe) is flavored with bourbon barrel smoked pepper, a nod to Louisville, where Benjamin’s career really took off.

At the Oakroom, Benjamin felt hemmed in by diners’ expectations.

Later at La Coop, a more casual Louisville bistro, he found his own voice. But Benjamin’s cooking made an exponential leap at Butchertown Grocery. That’s the place where, the food reviewer gushed, you might have to grovel ... and the food is worth it.

If you’d asked Benjamin about his talent right about then, he would

have given all the credit to his staff.

He regards them as family, and family is sacred. He would have praised the local farmers, and told you how lucky he is, how happy.

And if you were fortunate enough to know Benjamin, you’d know he meant every word.

“I went to the farmer’s market Saturday,” Benjamin says a few days later. “I got some incredible bok choy from Tria Yang’s farm in Vinita. I want to get people to taste it in a different way, so I’m pairing it with turkey on a sandwich, using lime juice and mint. It’s gorgeous, it’s divine, it’s an entrée plated on a sandwich.”

It’s a joy to see Benjamin excited about food.

“We’ll be having a lot of daily specials at Lowood,” he says.

“What’s exciting about our kitchen is it will be collaborative, a team effort. Chef Travis (the saute chef) will invent specials, chef Curtis (a veteran of the grill) will invent specials, and I’ll invent specials too.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

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TA S T E | TA S T Y T ID BIT S Photo courtesy Neon

DILLY DINER

Photo courtesy McNellie’s Group

Find breakfast all day and some tasty cocktails at downtown Tulsa’s Dilly Diner.

From bread to baked goodie goodness and homemade soft serve ice cream, just about everything is made from scratch as well as house-cured meats, house sauces and dressings, with an emphasis on local produce. Savory breakfast choices include

NEON COFFEE BAR

Whether it’s morning, noon or night, the Plaza District’s latest java joint, Neon Coffee Bar, offers memorable house coffee drinks, plus food, beer and wine. A signature drink, the Peanut Butter Bomb, is served cold, brimming in nitro Red Ridge whole milk, house-made peanut butter, chocolate syrup and espresso.

Choose from a slew of traditional coffee house drinks including a delectable chai latte. Neon also offers sandwiches like the ‘Artichokey,’ with spinach artichoke dip with roma tomato, or try a classic BLT. Don’t forget donuts in flavors like vanilla bean, chocolate, lavender poppyseed, strawberry-mink jelly and matcha yuzu. Alcoholic offerings include Stonecloud Neon Sunshine, Vanessa House 401k Cream Ale, Elk Valley Magic Juice, Guinness Stout, Prairie Vape Tricks and more. 1742 N.W. 16th St., Oklahoma City; neoncoffeeco.com

SOCIAL CAPITAL

Billed as a craft beer destination, Oklahoma City’s Social Capital is a community-driven experience in light-drenched, comfortable digs, where you can enjoy a vast selection of specialty cocktails, wine, 120 craft beers and two restaurant options. Food specialties include charcuterie and house-made ice cream, and happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. with $5 appetizers like quesadillas, nachos, three-cheese flautas, tostadas, burgers and chorizo fries. Stick around for $5 drinks like margaritas and the local craft beer of the week. Entrée items include crispy pork belly tacos and pulled chicken tacos, and you won’t want to miss quirky side dishes like elote, Nashville hot-fried cauliflower and a melon/cucumber dish. Add a crispy sopapilla to house-made ice cream for a memorable finish. 517 S. Hudson Ave., Oklahoma City; socialcapitalokc. com

Photo courtesy Seuol Bistro

Photo courtesy Social Capital

SEUOL BISTRO

Authentic Korean cuisine can be found right here in Oklahoma at Tulsa’s Seoul Bistro, a family-run restaurant serving northeast Oklahoma since May 2010.

Start with an appetizer like topokki, a savory concoction of sliced rice cake, fish cake and boiled egg simmered with onion, scallion, carrot and cabbage in spicy sauce, with a non-spicy soy sauce version available. Or, perhaps you could start with a Korean pancake. Fried entrée choices include dak gangjung, a dish of boneless deep-fried chicken smothered in tangy sauce with garlic twist, served with a choice of rice, fried potatoes or a side salad. Noodle-based entrées include yakiudon with thick wheat udon noodles, stir-fried with cabbage, carrot, scallion

the Meg, a croissant stuffed with fried eggs, tomato, lettuce, bacon, cheddar and avocado. Among the sweeter breakfast options is the Jed, a giant cinnamon roll covered in whipped cream frosting and candied pecans. Entrées include pulled pork nachos with tortilla chips pico de gallo, Monterey cheese, refried beans, queso, chipotle aioli and barbecue sauce.

402 E. Second St., Tulsa; dillydiner.com

and onion and your choice of beef, seafood or chicken. The many soup choices include galbitang with beef short ribs, onion and clear sweet potato noodles in a beef stock, and topped with sliced egg and scallions. 3161 S. 129th E. Ave., Tulsa; seoulbistro.yolastie.com

TRACY LEGRAND

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WHERE & WHEN G R E AT T H I N G S TO D O I N O K L A H O M A

READY FOR AN EXCITING AUGUST? READ ON FOR OUR TOP CHOICES THIS MONTH.

IN TULSA PERFORMANCES

THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS: MATILDA THE MUSICAL Aug. 13-29 Tulsa

PERFORMANCE

TELEKINESIS, OPRIES & FAIRY TALES

Performances abound this month. Visit the Tulsa PAC to see two Theatre Tulsa productions: Matilda the Musical Aug. 13-29 and The Guys Aug. 27-Sept. 5. The first production tells the story of a magical girl with the gift of telekinesis. Based on the beloved book and the popular movie,

PAC The beloved book that has inspired generations comes to life. theatretulsa.org

11 attacks, a fire captain who has lost most of his men must present the eulogies at their memorial services. theatretulsa.org

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS PRESENTS: ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE Aug. 31Sept. 5 Tulsa PAC Welcome

to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all – and stay to find something they never expected. tulsapac.com

CONCERTS LIL BABY Aug. 6 BOK

Center Grammy-nominated rap artist Lil Baby comes to Tulsa. bokcenter.com

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THEATRE TULSA PRESENTS: THE GUYS

August 27-Sept. 5 Tulsa PAC Just after the Sept.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

BLIPPI THE MUSICAL Aug. 18 BOK Center Blippi’s first tour

is bringing the fun and antics of his beloved adventures to the stage. bokcenter.com

ALAN JACKSON Aug. 27

BOK Center See country crooner Alan Jackson live. bokcenter.com

ART EARTHLY MIRAGE Aug.

6-Oct. 24 ahha Tulsa Earthly

Mirage is a survey spanning 10 years of artistic production by queer Latinx artist Hoesy Corona. ahhatulsa.org

FROM THE LIMITATIONS OF NOW Through Sept. 5

Philbrook Bringing together local artists and artists working across the country, From the Limitations of Now reflects on the important ways art and literature allow us to examine America’s past, present and future. philbrook.org

Matilda is perfect for audiences of all ages. The Guys, part of Theatre Tulsa’s play series, follows a fire captain after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, as he works to put together eulogies for the fallen. Celebrity Attractions is back in action this month with Escape to Margaritaville from Aug. 31Sept. 5, also at the Tulsa PAC. This show welcomes guests to Margaritaville, “where people come to get away from it all – and stay to find something they never expected.”

In OKC, Cityspace Theatre presents Hansel and Gretel through Aug. 1. Visit the Civic Center Music Hall as Opera Amici and Painted Sky Opera offer up an artful take on a lauded fairytale. The Oklahoma International Dance Festival continues through Aug. 7 at the University of Central Oklahoma, offering dancers the opportunity to receive top-of-the-line instruction.

In Cement, the Cement Opry runs Aug. 7 at 410 N. Main.

The performance, a monthly live variety show, showcases talented Oklahomans from around the state.

VIEWS OF GREENWOOD Through Sept. 5 Philbrook

Views of Greenwood presents nearly fifty photographs of the Greenwood District by three Oklahoma photographers. philbrook.org

GREENWOOD’S LEGACY: SHAPING A CITY AND A NATION Through

Sept. 19 ahha Tulsa This

exhibition is a celebration of Greenwood’s victory in overcoming the decimation

HONORING CREATORS

Earthly Mirage, presented by ahha Tulsa, runs Aug. 6-Oct. 24; the exhibition acts as a survey, spanning 10 years of artistic production by queer Latinx artist Hoesy Corona.

In OKC, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum offers two shows this month: Find Your North on Aug. 20-Oct. 17 and Tattooing: Religion, Reality and Regret Aug. 27-May 8. The former explores what the term ‘American West’ really means, offering differing perspectives through art. Tattooing explores this custom that dates back NUCLEAR thousands of years in North America.

ENCHANTMENT In Norman, Nuclear Enchantment: Patrick Nagatani runs Aug. 5-Jan. 30 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. The showcase spans the 40-year career of Nagatani, who curated a diverse body of work that pushed the contours of photography.

And if you find yourself in Shawnee, the Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art presents Interesting Times: The Art of Honoré Daumier through Aug. 28. The show explores some of Daumier’s satirical works that cover themes including corruption, ineptitude and class divides.

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A LUTHIER’S TALE: THE CRAFT OF STRINGED INSTRUMENTS Through

Sept. 19 108 Contemporary

Guest curator Benjamin Liggett brings together local and regional makers in an exhibition dedicated to the art, craft and design of stringed instruments.

108contemporary.org

DALÍ’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND Through Oct. 17 Philbrook Journey

ART

Patrick Nagatani (U.S., 1945-2017) B-36/Mark 17 H-Bomb Accident (May 22, 1957), Nuclear Enchantment Portfolio; 1991 Chromogenic print Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; Gift of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Association, 2021

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of the Massacre to rebuild and grow its vibrant neighborhood. ahhatulsa.org

down a rabbit hole of delight, imagination and paradox with Salvador Dalí and Lewis Carroll. philbrook.org

SPORTS PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS Aug. 1 BOK Center

For the 17th consecutive season, the PBR’s elite Unleash the Beast event bucks into Tulsa. bokcenter.com

TULSA DRILLERS BASEBALL Aug. 1, 10-15, 17-22, 31 ONEOK

Field The Drillers take on a variety of teams during regular season play. milb.com

TULSA FC SOCCER Aug. 4,

7, 25, 28 ONEOK Field Semipro soccer is back with the Tulsa FC. fctulsa.com

WWE SMACKDOWN Aug. 13

BOK Center For one night

Bit Association comes to Tulsa. nsba.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Aug. 22 BOK

Center Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag and rim-rattling dunks await. bokcenter.com

TULSA REINING CLASSIC Aug. 29-Sept.

5 Expo Square Enjoy an exciting equine showcase. tulsareining.com

COMMUNITY FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL

Aug. 6 Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. travelok.com

MAKER FAIRE TULSA Aug. 28 Expo Square Maker Faire

is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. tulsa.

makerfaire.com

IN OKC

PERFORMANCES

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK PRESENTS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Aug. 1

Shakespeare Gardens Pack

your picnic basket, grab a seat at the Shakespeare Gardens and get whisked away to a magical place.

only, see your favorite superstars. bokcenter.com

okshakes.org

NSBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Aug. 13-Aug. 22 Expo

CITYSPACE THEATRE PRESENTS: HANSEL AND GRETEL Through Aug. 1 Civic

Square The National Snaffle

Center Music Hall Opera

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SHAKEY GRAVES Aug. 12 Tower Theatre Enjoy the

OKLAHOMA INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL Through

CITIZEN COPE Aug. 13 The

Criterion Clarence Greenwood

offers an opportunity for dancers to receive exceptional instruction.

KESHA Aug. 17 The

okcciviccenter.com

Aug. 7 University of Central Oklahoma The 2021 OIDF

okdancefest.org

LEANNE MORGAN: THE BIG PANTY TOUR Aug.

27 Rose State College Leanne Morgan knew at the age of 5 that she wanted to be a comedian. okcciviccenter.com

CONCERTS INTOCABLE Aug. 6 Civic

Center Music Hall Intocable is one of the most influential groups in the Tejano/ Norteño music scene today. okcciviccenter.com

Shakey Graves Was Here tour live at historic Tower Theatre. towertheatreokc.com (Citizen Cope) is an American songwriter, producer and performer. criterionokc.com

Criterion Kesha Rose Sebert,

known mononymously as Kesha, is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. criterionokc.com

ART NUCLEAR ENCHANTMENT: PATRICK NAGATANI Aug. 5-Jan. 30 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Over a 40-year career,

Patrick Nagatani created a diverse body of work that pushed the contours of photography. ou.edu/fjjma

TOWER THEATRE PRESENTS: DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK Through Aug. 7

PRIX DE WEST Through

the return of live music in Oklahoma, Tower Theatre is proud to present a month of free concerts. towertheatreokc.com

artists bring a diversity of styles to this significant art exhibition and sale.

Tower Theatre To celebrate

Aug. 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The exhibiting

nationalcowboymuseum.org

SPORTS TULSA DRILLERS

3

COMMUNIT Y

SKY HIGH ADVENTURES

Take some time to venture outside the metros for numerous community events this month.

In Shawnee, the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival runs Aug. 13-14 at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. The skyline will transform into a beautiful mix of colorful hot air balloons, launching from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds.

Fans of Oklahoma history won’t want to miss the Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-in on Aug. 14 at Oologah’s Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch.

Rock out at the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 20-21 at Lions Park. Along with fun for the whole family, you’ll hear talented musicians jamming together in a casual, friendly environment.

Other goodies this month include the Fly Film Festival, running Aug. 6-7 at Enid’s Gaslight Theatre; the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival and Rodeo Aug. 12-14 at Jeff Davis Park in Rush Springs; and the Cat Video Festival on Aug. 7 at OKC’s Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Photo courtesy Tulsa Drillers

FIND YOUR NORTH Aug. 20-Oct. 17 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Its name might

FEEL THE HEAT

If you can stand the Oklahoma heat, baseball is very much alive and well in Oklahoma’s two major metros. The Tulsa Drillers play several regular season games this month, on Aug. 1, 10-15, 17-22 and 31 at ONEOK Field. For OKC residents, visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Aug. 12-17 and 26-31 to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

For those in the mood for soccer, the Tulsa FC takes ONEOK Field Aug. 4, 7, 25 and 28; and the Energy FC plays matches Aug. 7, 22 and 29 at Taft Stadium.

It wouldn’t be Oklahoma without an equine event; the Tulsa Reining Classic stampedes into Expo Square Aug. 29-Sept. 5, where riders of a variety of classes and skill levels compete to be named champion.

And wrestling is a hot ticket in August as the WWE Smackdown visits BOK Center Aug. 13, and WWE Raw comes to Chesapeake Energy Arena Aug. 30.

FIRELAKE FIREFLIGHT BALLOON FESTIVAL

¡VIVA MÉXICO! Through Oct. 17 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Mexico’s independence from Spain had continental repercussions for the Americas.

art is a creative process.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

21 Chesapeake Energy Arena The Harlem

WEITZENHOFFER COLLECTION Ongoing

chesapeakearena.com

indicate the eastern origins of those who labeled it, but the American West is far larger than a single perspective.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

TATTOOING: RELIGION, REALITY AND REGRET

FROM HEROES TO IMMORTALS: CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGICAL PRINTS

In 2000, the University of Oklahoma received the single most important collection of French Impressionism ever given to an American public university. ou.edu/fjjma

is a custom dating back thousands of years in North America.

For millennia, classical mythology has been a shared language through which artists can tells tales of heroism, love, vengeance and more. okcmoa.com

IN THE DARK Through

FRITZ SCHOLDER: BEYOND STEREOTYPES

USA SOFTBALL MEN’S MASTERS FAST PITCH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Aug. 6-8

nationalcowboymuseum.org Aug. 27-May 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Tattooing

nationalcowboymuseum.org

Sept. 15 Sam Noble Museum

Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to understand darkness and its mysteries, and implement what we learn from nocturnal creatures in how we sustain light. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

POSTWAR ABSTRACTION Through

Sept. 26 OKCMOA The half-

century or so following the end of World War II was one of the most fertile periods in the history of abstract painting. okcmoa.com

THE PAINTERS OF POMPEII Through Oct. 17 OKCMOA

The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples sees a number of collection highlights travel to North America for the first time. okcmoa.com

Through Nov. 7 OKCMOA

Through Nov. 7 OKCMOA

Fritz Scholder stated he saw one too many over-romanticized and generalized depictions of Indigenous people “looking at the sunset.” With his Indian series, Scholder sought to replace the tourist-approved narratives. okcmoa.com

A LIFE IN LOOKING

Through Dec. 31 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman

The renowned art historian Dr. Creighton Eddy Gilbert, a scholar of Italian Renaissance art, spent nearly seven decades dedicated to scholarship, collecting, and teaching. ou.edu/fjjma

FRAMEWORK: EXPLORING THE ARTISTIC PROCESS

Through Feb. 27 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum There is

more to art than meets the eye. Behind every piece of

4

Photo courtesy Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Amici and Painted Sky Opera present a delightful romp in this new adaptation of an operatic fairy tale.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Hosted by

COMMUNITY SUNDAY TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES Aug. 1,

8, 15, 22, 29 Myriad Botanical Gardens This free summer

com

ENERGY FC SOCCER Aug. 7, 22, 29 Taft Stadium Enjoy

some exciting semi-pro soccer with the Energy FC. energyfc.com

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Through

Aug. 8 Oklahoma State Fair Park Watch talented young

riders and their horses compete in different classes and events. aqha.com

OKC DODGERS BASEBALL Aug. 12-17, 26-31 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Enjoy

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Aug.

on the road. For one night only, see your favorite RAW Superstars.

series features some of Oklahoma’s favorite bands and musicians. artscouncilokc.

USA Softball, the best come to compete in the prestigious adult fast pitch event. teamusa.org

milb.com/oklahoma-city

WWE RAW Aug. 30 Chesapeake Energy Arena WWE is back chesapeakrarena.com

SPORTS

America’s favorite pastime.

Globetrotters are returning to live events.

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY

WALK Aug. 6 Paseo Arts District Visitors can enjoy

art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL Aug. 7 Myriad

Botanical Gardens Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for over an hour of happy, funny cats. myriadgardens.org

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 RiverSport Adventures

Spend your summer Saturdays surrounded by water, great music and a fantastic view of the OKC skyline. riversportokc.org

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WHERE & WHEN | ENTERTAINMENT EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER Aug. 12-14 State Fair Park Trainers will

showcase the trust they’ve built with a previously untouched wild mustangs in just 100 days of training. okcfairgrounds.com

OKLAHOMA CITY RENOVATION AND LANDSCAPING SHOW Aug.

13-15 State Fair Park This

show brings together OKC homeowners and the area’s most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling, building and landscaping experts. homeshowcenter.

com

PETS AND PEOPLE RESOURCE FAIR Aug.

21 State Fair Park Enjoy this exciting resource fair. okcfairgrounds.com

THE STATE

PERFORMANCES

THE CEMENT OPRY Aug. 7 410

N. Main, Cement The Cement Opry is a monthly live variety show held in the Jesse James Ballroom. travelok.com

MURDER AT THE DERBY: MYSTERY DINNER Aug. 14 Ardmore Convention Center Come

dressed in your formal derby attire and prepare for an evening of mystery at this whodunit dinner event. ardmorecity.org

CONCERTS DAN + SHAY Aug.

6 Choctaw Casino and Resort,

Durant See this popular duo live in the Choctaw Grand Theatre. choctawcasinos.com

MIRANDA LAMBERT Aug. 12-13 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See one of country

music’s most beloved artists in Durant. choctawcasinos.com

DARIUS RUCKER Aug.

21 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See this popular

artist with special guest Larry Fleet. choctawcasinos.com

ART INTERESTING TIMES: THE ART OF HONORÉ DAUMIER Through Aug.

28 Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee See multiple fascinat-

ing pieces from this French painter, sculptor and printmaker which offer commentary on the social and political life of France and its people in the 1800s.

mgmoa.org

WHAT I KNOW: GIFTS FROM GORDON W. BAILEY Through Oct. 11 Crystal

Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. What I Know is

an exhibition about knowledge featuring works from a variety of artists. crystalbridges.org

STATE OF THE ART Ongoing

Crystal Bridges Museum of

American Art, Bentonville, Ark.

Crystal Bridges opens the new decade with the opening of the Momentary, and the debut of State of the Art 2020. crystalbridges.org

SPORTS SALLISAW LION’S CLUB IPRA RODEO Aug. 5-7 Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds Bring the family and enjoy the annual Sallisaw Lion’s Club Rodeo, an event that consistently draws over 5,000 people each year. travelok.com

LAWTON RANGERS PRCA RODEO Aug. 11-14 Lo Ranch

Arena, Lawton The Lawton Rangers PRCA Rodeo is one of the top 25 rodeos in the U.S. travelok. com

GREAT SALT PLAINS STAMPEDE RODEO Aug.

27-28 Alfalfa County Fairgrounds,

Cherokee The Great Salt Plains Stampede Rodeo in Cherokee offers entertainment for all ages. travelok.com

COMMUNITY MOUNTAIN VIEW FREE FAIR Aug. 5-7 Tolbert Park,

Mountain View Established in 1915, the Mountain View Free Fair is an annual community fair. travelok.com

FLY FILM FESTIVAL Aug.

6-7 Gaslight Theatre, Enid The

Fly Film Festival is a two-day independent film festival in downtown Enid celebrating the art of filmmaking. travelok.com

CARNEGIE TRI-COUNTY FREE FAIR Aug. 12-14 Carnegie

Park Come join the fun at the Carnegie Tri-County Free Fair and enjoy nightly entertainment by local musicians, plus games and livestock shows. travelok.com

RUSH SPRINGS WATERMELON FESTIVAL AND RODEO Aug.

12-14 Jeff Davis Park, Rush Springs The Rush Springs

Watermelon Festival celebrates the local crop of watermelons. travelok.com

FIRELAKE FIREFLIGHT

BALLOON FESTIVAL Aug. 13-14 1702 S. Gordon Cooper Dr., Shawnee Watch the Shawnee

skyline transform into a mix of bright, brilliant colors as hot air balloons launch from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. firelakeballoonfest.com

WILL ROGERS AND WILEY POST FLY-IN Aug. 14 Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah Come watch more

than 100 small planes land at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. willrogers.com/ will-rogers-wiley-post-fly-in

BLANCHARD BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Aug. 20-21 Lions

Park, Blanchard There’s

fun for the whole family at the Blanchard Bluegrass festival. travelok.com

FOR MORE EVENTS IN TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM.

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FILM AND CINEMA

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER CINEMA

August ushers in a reboot, action thriller and mind-bending psychological film.

A

ugust brings us even more films as we enter the back half of a wild year. I’ve got some actions films, a science fiction movie and an online flick, so I hope you’ll find something that catches your eye.

Right out of the gate is The Suicide Squad, a soft reboot/stand-alone sequel to the financially successful but critically panned Suicide Squad. (Yes – it’s the same title, but without a ‘the’ at the front. Awful, I know.) The film brings back characters like Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), and adds newcomers like Bloodsport (Idris Elba) and Peacemaker (John Cena), among many others. The plot seems to be similar to the previous film and sends the aforementioned squad of prison inmates on a mission that most would call ... suicidal, with a successful mission equaling lesser prison sentences.

Directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) it looks a whole lot better than the first one (which doesn’t say much) and should be a fun ride. The film releases on Aug. 6.

Next, an action thriller called The Protégé, releasing Aug. 20. Starring Maggie Q as an assassin looking for revenge after her mentor (Samuel L. Jackson) is murdered, the films follows in the footsteps of John Wick with slick fight and gun choreography, coupled with a simple and enjoyable

premise: kill all things that stand in the way of what you want. Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), the film features Michael Keaton as the likely scenestealing, morally grey antagonist.

For the final theatrical release, a mind-bending film called Reminiscence.

The thriller stars Hugh Jackman as Nick Bannister, a man who offers citizens of a seemingly war-torn future world the opportunity to relive their own memories.

Everything becomes complicated when he meets Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) who has a mysterious past that Nick digs into through dreams and memories. Written and directed by Lisa Joy, known for her work co-creating the show Westworld with her husband Jonathan Nolan, the sci-fi film surely has the wild story and setting going for it. Along with being Joy’s directorial debut, this will be one to look out for if you’re aching for a mind bending narrative. It will be out on Aug. 20.

For the online choice, check out the film First Love. Released in 2019, it follows a boxer and a call girl who get inadvertently mixed up in a drug smuggling scheme. It has multiple plotlines that thread together, making for a fun blending of violence, comedy and romance. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t wait to watch it again. It is streaming on Amazon Prime.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 9:55 AM

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

JON PARKER

A

s the executive director for the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Security, Jon Parker says that “teaching is an integral part of my core being, and it is ultimately the guiding principle behind what I do.” Before taking the lead at the OSSS, Parker was an educator for 18 years. He’s also worked in administration, helping to open a rural charter school in eastern Oklahoma, along with working for over four years with the State Department of Education, first as the director of Troops to Teachers and now in his current position. Parker also served ten years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, working as a training and safety NCO (non-commissioned officer) at Camp Gruber, which he says “fostered that love for teaching and learning, and also helped shape who I am today.” We caught up with Parker and got his thoughts on ...

My intentions for the Office of School Safety and Security were personal and intentional. Our schools need timely training and resources to ensure the physical, emotional, social, natural and learned environment is secure and safe – for adults as well as students. Our office provides resources and technical assistance in the development and maintenance of high-quality emergency operation plans. Planning is key to preparedness; preparedness builds confidence; and that confidence translates to a psychological sense of safety. Without that, learning (and teaching) cannot take place.

... the horizon.

2021 goal: The development of a new training opportunity for Oklahoma school staff: “Communication strategies for preventing and responding to moments of crisis.” It is designed to offer tools of empowerment and strengthen relationship building techniques for teachers and staff.

The safest place for our kiddos is in school, to include those that need additional resources or struggle with discipline issues. We must serve and protect all children. Education on behavioral threat assessment, and alternatives to zero tolerance discipline policies, are musts for the future of school safety and security.

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Photo courtesy Jon Parker

... the mission of the OSSS.

... his passion for school safety.

There were several incidents that come to mind that became a catalyst for wanting to identify best practices. It was very important to our office that the professional learning opportunities and tools offered to our schools were developed through an educator’s lens. My team has over 109 years combined experience in education, and that is crucial as systems, guidance and best practices are implemented for our emerging school leaders, as well as those veterans. Team work makes the dream work, and I am extremely proud to work with such committed and knowledgeable professionals. I appreciate practical solutions for our educational community members, and we hope to present safety tools and concepts that build confidence and ultimately, create the safest community possible for our students.

... career highlights.

My proudest moments have been those times when previous students have

reminded me that I made an impactful and positive difference in their lives.

... his legacy.

We are currently credentialing those in the school system as ‘School Safety and Security Professionals’ – my office designed and supports this program through the state Department of Education. It is the lasting legacy for school safety as we create, train and support a network of professionals across the state. They will make the lasting and most powerful impact on their communities and students for years to come.

... parting words.

Humans make the biggest difference. In the end, no matter the amount of money spent or how cool the latest gadget may be, a positive adult relationship in a student’s life is where we always find the most significant impact in education and school safety.

Teaching is still the most noble profession, and students are worth the investment for securing our state’s future.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021

7/26/21 9:46 AM

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