September 2026 Oklahoma Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

The State of Sports

Inside Oklahoma’s Athletic Evolution Senior Strategies

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

A Guide to Aging Well

Oklahoma’s Autumn Adventures Can’t-Miss Fall Festivals

Investing with Purpose Strategies for Lasting Wealth

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Contents

Oklahoma Magazine

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58

28

September 2026 State

Features

21 Senior Strategies By 2034, Oklahoma is expected to have more residents over 65 than children under 18 – a demographic shift that will reshape communities. In response, Oklahoma Human Services has launched Aging Our Way, a multi-sector initiative focused on preparing Oklahoma for an aging population, with efforts ranging from affordable housing to community health resources.

6 Starting Off Across Oklahoma, maker spaces and studios are helping adults rediscover the joy of building with their own two hands.

7 Happenings 8 People 9 Industry 10 Makers 11 Hobbies 12 Culture 13 Business 14 Insider

24 The Long Game Financial markets rise and fall, but successful investing is built on patience, diversification and a plan. Oklahoma wealth advisors explain how to tune out the noise and focus on lasting growth.

Life & Style

28 The State of Sports From the Thunder’s next championship pursuit to the demanding reality of life as a college athlete and the burgeoning women's sporting industry, Oklahoma’s athletic landscape is evolving.

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54 Oklahoma’s Autumn Adventure Fall is calling, and Okies are ready to celebrate. From music and food to art, culture and family friendly fun, communities are coming alive and shaking off the summer heat with festivals for every kind of autumn adventurer.

32 Special Section:

16 Destinations A secluded Indian Ocean paradise of untouched landscapes and world-class resorts, Seychelles offers a getaway measured as much by its isolation as its beauty.

18 Health 19 FYI 20 Outside the Metro

Taste

58 First Bite After national recognition brought a flood of attention, the family behind Dr. Kustom chose growth on their own terms.

59 Local Flavors

Where & When

60 Entertainment The September calendar is jam-packed with family fun.

63 Film and Cinema 64 Closing Thoughts

FACES ofFACES

of

FACES ofFACES SEPTEMBER 2026

of

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Inside Oklahoma’s Athletic Evolution

Senior Strategies

Oklahoma’s Autumn Adventures Can’t-Miss Fall Festivals

OKC

FACES

Strategies for Lasting Wealth

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

Tulsa

FACES ofFACES of A Guide to Aging Well

Investing with Purpose

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ON THE COVER: OKLAHOMA'S ATHLETIC INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW AND THRIVE. WE TALK PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL, COLLEGIATE ATHLETE EFFORTS AND THE RISE OF WOMEN'S SPORTS.

Tulsa

The State of Sports

of

OKC

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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OKLAHOMA Letter from the Editor

I know I say this a lot, but this issue really does have a little bit of everything: sports, finance, psychology, healthy aging advice and even a behind-the-scenes look at grocery store displays.

(That last one's actually interesting, I promise.) Let’s dive in.

First, explore Oklahoma’s athletic evolution in The State of Sports (page 28). We dive into the OKC Thunder’s next steps, including the acquisition of new team members and breaking ground on a state-of-the-art stadium; take a peek inside the life of a collegiate athlete; and learn more about why women’s sporting events are (finally, blissfully) gaining more traction.

Next, we raise a glass to the kickoff of fall festival season in our annual preview, Oklahoma’s Autumn Adventures (page 54).

There’s something to celebrate around every corner, whether it’s food, culture, art, sports, film or music.

Other highlights this month include our spotlight on financial wellness, The Long Game, where experts discuss how to invest like a pro (page 24), as well as Senior Strategies, where we examine the best ways to stay healthy in retirement and what “aging well” really means in 2026 (page 21).

You’ll also find a story on the bevy of adult learning opportunities to enjoy around the state (page 6), the aforementioned examination of the psychology behind grocery store displays (page 19), a conversation with some of Oklahoma’s most accomplished restorers (page 8), and a chat with Alex and Gislaine Figueira, the duo behind one of Tulsa’s (or, really, Oklahoma's) favorite Brazilian restaurants (page 58).

Get out and enjoy an Oklahoma fall – if we actually see any days below 90 degrees this month.

Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

PUBLISHER AND FOUNDER VIDA K . SCHUMAN

MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JOHN WOOLEY

GRAPHIC DESIGN DWAYNE BUTLER AMMY ROTH

DIGITAL CONSULTANT JAMES AVERY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, BRENT FUCHS

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The State | Starting Off

The State ALL THINGS OKL AHOMA

The Maker Mindset

Oklahoma Contemporary’s Studio School offers adults opportunities to explore artistic skills through classes and workshops in ceramics, sewing, metalsmithing, writing and more.

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Contemporary

Across Oklahoma, maker spaces and creative studios are helping adults rediscover the joy of learning, building and creating with their own two hands.

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fter required schooling ends, adults have a myriad of opportunities to extend their studies in community classrooms. When it’s time to create, at least two Oklahoma venues offer a hands-on “make it and take it” learning experience for grown-ups.

Nonprofit maker space Fab Lab has 2,500 locations around the world.

“The idea is that you take tools and resources that are normally reserved for people in higher education or in business, and you make them available to everyone as a community resource,” says Nathan Pritchett, Fab Lab Tulsa’s founding executive director. “Essentially, anyone can make anything.”

Pritchett sees scale-model artists working on miniature creations and artisans making parts for guitars. One student built a large loom to be used by a group of weavers simultaneously.

“I’m happy that people are rediscovering and having so much interest in that creative building aspect,” he says.

Instructor-led classes include gardening in spring, with a fall focus on producing Halloween costumes, holiday gifts and ornaments.

Adult participants span demographics.

“But they do share what we call the

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

‘maker mindset,’” says Pritchett. “They want to do things for themselves.”

He sees a trend in younger adults who missed out on build-and-repair shop classes in school.

“As a group, they’re very attentive and they’re very eager to learn. It feels like tools are new to them. It’s a little bit of a pushback against the digital world, a chance to use their hands and their spatial intelligence to build something.

It goes back to the sense of pride and self-satisfaction from creating something physical and part of the world.”

In Oklahoma City, adults seeking artistic expression, or just plain old stress relief, flock to Studio School at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

Anna Cox, Studio School director, says the venue offers four- and eight-week classes as well as one-night workshops.

“Our workshops are beginner-friendly and offer fun activities like Date Night on the Wheel, reenacting the movie Ghost without the annoyance of your partner being murdered,” she jokes.

Classes include drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, jewelry making, basic metalsmithing and creative writing (including a class called Britney Spears Wrote a Memoir and So Can You!).

“Our two most popular classes are Introduction to Ceramics and Sewing Fundamentals,” says Cox. “Sewing Fundamentals has a waitlist every term and ceramics is our flagship program.”

A hidden gem at the Studio School is a beats audio class called Vizionary Production Lab, taught by Grammynominated producer C.L. McCoy. “Our current student base is made up of people of all walks of life and all ages,” says Cox. “Nobody has to come through the door with any kind of skill.

We say, ‘Clay doesn’t care who you are.’ We remind people that failing…(‘Fail better!

Fail often!’)…is an inherent part of the creative process. We strive to get people more comfortable with failure, because you can’t create anything without making mistakes. It’s called a creative process, not a creative perfect. It’s art school without the art school baggage.”

Both professionals agree that many adult students enjoy a sense of community as they learn and create.

“People want to feel like they’re part of something,” says Pritchett. “They like sharing their skills. They like sharing with others. It’s that sense of camaraderie that we don’t often find in our everyday lives.”

LISA PERRY

Happenings | The State

A Recreation Rewind

As nostalgia shapes today’s leisure trends, retro pastimes are making a comeback across Oklahoma.

T

Brickopolis in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown offers timeless attractions from miniature golf to arcade games that bring generations together through shared fun.

Photo courtesy Brickopolis

raditionally, nostalgia is thought of as a sentimental desire to return to an earlier, often happier time that has been experienced firsthand. However, there’s a growing trend of younger generations wanting to return to a past in which they’ve never lived. There’s a term for this: anemoia.

According to BBC Science Focus, Duke University philosopher Felipe De Brigard has proposed that nostalgia goes much deeper than longing for past lived experiences to a fascination with a time or place one has never experienced. The mind can actually create imagined past experiences and a sense of longing for another time or place that was never actually lived – through stories, old photos or music. Since imagination plays a role in memory, jumping from nostalgia to anemoia isn’t such a huge leap.

Welcome to the growing trend of retro recreation: nostalgia-driven entertain-

ment and affordable fun, where fastpaced hustle culture and over-reaching technology are put on hold. Roller skating, bowling leagues, miniature golf and other old-school activities, including drive-in theaters and vintage arcades, are seeing renewed popularity.

Retro attractions seem to appeal to every generation, just in different ways.

Whether it’s families with children sharing what they loved to do growing up, younger generations looking for real connection and a screen detox, or older generations wishing to return to life before all the tech and revisit memories of birthdays and family outings, everyone longs for less stress and more fun.

“The nostalgia may draw people in, but the shared experience is what keeps them engaged,” says Lateria Allen, the general manager at Brickopolis OKC, a family entertainment center in Bricktown offering mini golf, gemstone mining, arcade games, rock climbing and more.

“These attractions have a unique ability to bring grandparents, parents and children together in a way that very few forms of entertainment can.”

People are increasingly seeking ways to detox from digital offerings, and for this, retro recreation is booming – even corporate groups are booking time at places like Brickopolis, seeking a step outside of hustle culture.

“I think people are craving genuine connection,” says Allen. “We spend so much of our lives looking at screens that experiences like mini golf, bowling, skating and arcade games give us something technology can’t: real conversations, laughter, a little friendly competition and memories made together."

Modern tech-driven entertainment also runs up a higher price tag, so a return to the “good old days” is warranted.

Skate Galaxy in Oklahoma City provides affordable prices that bring families together.

“At our place, on a Thursday or Sunday evening, a family of five can get admission with skates, a pizza and a pitcher of a beverage for $40,” says Brian Zortman, owner of Skate Galaxy in OKC. There’s around 50 bowling centers in Oklahoma, a long list of roller skating rinks and dozens of mini-golf courses spread throughout the state. So why not slow down and enjoy the things of daysgone-by?

JENNIFER LEE

Skate Galaxy in Oklahoma City keeps the classic roller-skating experience alive with affordable family fun and a nostalgic atmosphere.

Photo courtesy Skate Galaxy

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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The State | People

Revived & Renewed

Skilled restorers across Oklahoma are bringing treasured possessions back to life through craftsmanship, creativity and decades of expertise.

R

José Fernandez’s restoration work brings new life to antiques, fine art and handcrafted pieces through detailed repair and preservation techniques.

Photo courtesy Antique Restoration

estoration involves bringing something back to its original or former state, or to an improved condition – perhaps after a disaster or maybe to revive a family heirloom.

Contractors, adjusters, businesses and homeowners are among those who search for restoration services, and Oklahoma offers plenty of options. From treasured antiques and family keepsakes to damaged artwork, electronics and classic vehicles, restoration requires a unique combination of craftsmanship, patience and problem-solving. Behind each project is often a story – one that deserves to be preserved rather than forgotten.

The owner of Antique Restoration in Tulsa, José Fernandez apprenticed as a carpenter and woodworker and now has 20+ years experience in restoring everything from gilding and stairs to furniture, porcelain, pottery and fine art.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

He notes that Oklahomans are plugged into their heritage and want their antiques restored.

Of his career, Fernandez says, “This is art. I grew up around carpentry and art restoration. I’ve restored paintings of the old masters.”

Karen Scott owns HP Basketry & Caning LLC in Duncan. She learned to weave on her own by reading books and listening to experts. Scott began weaving baskets, fell in love with the process, and went into caning 35+ years ago. Now she does caning and wicker repair, seat weaving, hand caning and pressed cane webbing.

Scott says if you need a caner, get references to make sure they know what they’re doing.

“Caning wears out in 20-30 years,” Scott adds. “I repair vintage pieces, and I tell people how to feed their product, or replace the moisture in the cane, to maintain it. Cane is the outside of the

rattan plant, so there would be sap inside it when it was growing.”

Dustin Henry is the business development manager for Prism Specialties in Edmond.

“We usually restore the most valuable items in your home or business not attached to the structure,” he says. “We have in-house artists and electronic techs.”

After their pros assess the situation, they bring the item to their brick-andmortar where they primarily restore art, appliances, textiles and documents.

In western Oklahoma, Steve Adamson owns a home remodeling business, but harbors a special passion for car restoration.

“When I was five, I was taking things apart when I shouldn’t have," he says. "I was always there with Dad when he rebuilt an engine or repaired the family car.”

Adamson says restorers need artistic/ creative ability, and they need to be logical, analytical and determined.

As for restoring cars specifically, “you have to at least have a general working knowledge of mechanical things, and you have to be able to make parts when they no longer exist, or find parts elsewhere that will work.”

Through the years, Adamson has restored a lot of cars, but his holy grail emerged from two dozen boxes of parts and a frame that he restored into a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1.

“For me, it’s very fulfilling, purposeful and relaxing,” he says. “A great sense of pride goes into doing the best you can do.”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Through intricate weaving and traditional techniques, Karen Scott restores vintage baskets, wicker pieces and cane furniture, preserving the craftsmanship of each unique item.

Photo courtesy Karen Scott

Industry | The State

The Treasure Hunt

Oklahoma’s vintage/thrifting scene is thriving as consumers search for one-of-a-kind styles and eschew fast fashion.

Love Me Two Times in Tulsa curates vintage clothing that reflects the individuality, craftsmanship and history that continue to draw shoppers toward secondhand fashion.

Photo courtesy Love Me Two Times

V

intage fashion is having a moment, and Oklahoma has long been home to the treasure hunters who know that the best finds are often the ones with a history.Secondhand shopping has evolved from a budget-friendly necessity into a style statement embraced by younger generations. And while fashion trends come and go, the appeal of authentic vintage has remained constant, proving that the most desirable styles are often the ones that have already stood the test of time.

“Thrifting and buying vintage as trends have been long watched by commercial production groups,” says Michael Easter of Love Me Two Times, a Tulsa vintage clothing boutique. “I remember in the early 2000’s when jeans began to hit the market that were frayed and made to look stained. But at that time, it was way cooler to buy the new item rather than wear an actual frayed and stained pair. That has flip-flopped now, and consumers actually want the vintage item – so

manufacturers are scrambling to make really cheap and low-quality items that look vintage.”

The allure of buying clothing second-hand is somewhat dopaminedriven by the impulse to find treasure.

However, there are plenty of benefits for the environment that come from thrifting, such as reducing consumption, according to Brittany and Dakota Lewallen of Dog Daze Vintage Boutique in Oklahoma City.

“We don’t necessarily need to follow trends – usually pushed on us to sell more new clothing – and constantly add to our wardrobes,” they say.

“Finding your sense of style and unique vintage items that you feel good in can help to reduce the amount of items you bring home.”

That desire for authenticity is part of what has fueled the larger shift toward secondhand shopping, where many consumers are seeking not only unique styles but also

more thoughtful ways to approach fashion.

“The number of garments purchased per capita between 2000 and 2014 increased by about 60 percent. However, consumers keep items for half as long as they did fifteen years ago. There are still only seven days in a week, and personally, we find ourselves gravitating to the same seven or eight outfits with some slight mixing and matching,” the Lewallens add.

The pair follows several organizations that share a common goal: increasing awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and general clothing production.

From the creation of fabrics in factories to the transportation, use and eventual disposal of garments, every step of the fashion cycle carries an impact. Choosing vintage and secondhand pieces allows consumers to extend the life of existing clothing while reducing the demand for new production.

For many shoppers, that combination of sustainability and individuality is what makes vintage so appealing. A one-of-a-kind jacket, a perfectly worn-in pair of denim or a decades-old accessory can tell a story that a mass-produced item simply cannot. As more consumers rethink how and why they buy clothing, vintage continues to offer a way to embrace personal style while making more intentional choices.

BRANDI GENTRY

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The State | Makers

The Art of Aroma

Oklahoma makers are transforming everyday fragrances into handcrafted soaps, candles and body care products.

Wick + Flame Candle Bar invites customers to create custom candles by blending from 90 fragrances and pouring their own personalized scents with luxury soy wax.

Photo courtesy Wick + Flame

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familiar scent has the remarkable ability to transport us. The smoky aroma of a fall bonfire.

Fresh lavender drifting through an open window. Warm cinnamon and pumpkin filling a kitchen.

Long before a candle is lit or a bar of soap is unwrapped, fragrance has the power to evoke memories, create comfort and set a mood.

Across Oklahoma, a growing number of small-batch makers are turning that simple truth into thriving businesses, blending artistry, chemistry and entrepreneurship into products that rival national brands.

“People just seem to want to get back to small businesses and having a more natural product without so many chemicals,” says Holly Mullins, co-owner of Hummingbird Soap Co. in Sand Springs.

Consumers are increasingly seeking handcrafted candles, soaps and body care products made with thoughtfully selected ingredients and distinctive fragrances. For Oklahoma makers, success comes from more than creating products that smell wonderful. It requires mastering formulation, understanding ingredients, developing a recognizable brand and building lasting relationships with customers.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

For Mullins, the business began unexpectedly on the family’s goat farm.

“We were like, ‘What are we going to do with all this goat milk?’” Mullins says. “Let’s just make some soap.”

Friends and family quickly became customers, followed by farmers’ market shoppers and online buyers. Today, the company operates a storefront featuring handmade soaps, lotions and body care products, many made with fresh goat milk sourced from local Oklahoma farmers.

“We use fresh milk instead of water,” Mullins explains. “It creates a creamier bar with a really good lather.”

Their bestselling Oatmeal, Milk and Honey soap incorporates real oats and honey, while seasonal fragrances such as cinnamon, pumpkin and clove keep customers coming back throughout the year.

Beyond ingredients, Mullins believes shoppers are rediscovering the value of buying from people they know.

“It’s getting back to the old times where you walk into the store, you know exactly who’s going to be there, and they’re going to know your favorites,” she says.

Customer suggestions often inspire new fragrances, giving shoppers a direct hand in the creative process.

In Tulsa, Basia Lopez has built Wick + Flame Candle Bar around another growing trend: making scent creation an experience.

Visitors choose from 90 fragrances before blending a custom scent, pouring luxury soy wax into their chosen vessel and leaving with a candle uniquely their own.

“I think people like having something different,” Lopez says. “They like having an experience versus just shopping online.”

Lopez says she uses luxury soy wax and clean scents, free from phthalates and other ingredients many consumers prefer to avoid.

“That’s really important to me,” she says, “making wiser choices in our ingredients. A candle creates a mood, so you don’t want to add toxins to that experience.”

Like Mullins, Lopez believes today’s shoppers appreciate transparency as much as craftsmanship. Customers regularly ask about ingredients, fragrance composition and seasonal scent trends, making education an important part of the business.

Whether poured into a candle vessel or cut into a handcrafted bar of soap, Oklahoma’s artisanal scents reflect far more than pleasant aromas – they represent creativity, craftsmanship and a personal touch.

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

Hummingbird Soap Co. crafts small-batch soaps and body care products using fresh goat milk and natural ingredients.

Photo courtesy Hummingbird Soap Co.

Hobbies | The State

Mind Over Mystery

Oklahoma’s immersive escape rooms swap screen time for storytelling, teamwork and the thrill of solving 'the impossible.'

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ather than getting your dopamine dose through endless scrolling, flex your brain muscles by heading to an Oklahoma escape room – good to the last plot.

There are plenty of mind-bending options at Tulsa’s popular The Xcapery.

In their flagship game, Philtower Mystery, somebody has kidnapped wealthy oilman Waite Phillips. Your mission: Grab a fedora and step into the minds of 1920s detectives to outsmart those dastardly Chicago gangsters.

But what if you’re craving something outrageously weird? Book a bed at Morningside Hospital. This bizarre vintage hospital experience involves gamers ad-libbing with “Nurse Dolly,” played by Heidi Vergara, who channels her inner Nurse Ratched.

“It blows people’s minds,” she says.

You must find your patient release papers before staffers administer your diabolical medical treatment. You may not leave with your mind scrambled, but nervous giggles are guaranteed.

“You’re just jumping into the creativity of somebody’s mind,” says Vergara, who co-founded The Xcapery with her husband, Herman.

Back in the day, dopamine drove Oklahoma oil booms. Today, the brain’s reward chemical

Visitors put their problem-solving skills to the test inside The Xcapery's immersive escape rooms, where teamwork and storytelling are key to beating the clock.

Photos courtesy The Xcapery

drives players searching for hidden clues inside these rooms.

The mere anticipation of uncovering secrets builds tension, sparking curiosity and creative problem-solving. Players become shrewd archaeological detectives skulking through Tulsa’s underground tunnels.

“Probably our top two best players are engineers and farmers,” says Vergara.

“They’re very good at coming up with a solution very quickly, on the spot.

Because they do that every day.”

Studies show that fear and time-pressure squash logic. Indeed, players’ biggest psychological mistake is worrying about time, says Dan Arnett, designer and founder of Baker Street Escapes in Oklahoma City.

Arnett recalls one moment when a clock ticked ominously. A brilliant group had just a few puzzles left. Someone gasped: Just 12 minutes left!

“We’ve lost!” someone moaned.

Morale dropped. Momentum tanked.

Cleverness faltered.

“Mentally, they’d been defeated,” says Arnett.

Many immersive designers dialed down countdown clocks around 2017. Modern

lighting changes and audio cues kept up the pace without panic. And players got better.

Fear thwarts aspiring puzzle masters, too.

“People puzzle terribly when they’re afraid,” Arnett says. “If you introduce fear, logic goes out the window.

For years, designers weaponized fear – something new-age escape room creators tend to stay further away from.

“Back in the day, they designed games to defeat you,” Arnett adds.

Old-school rooms encouraged winners to trumpet T-shirts emblazoned with “I Escaped!” These shirts made designers try harder to defeat players.

Eventually, the trend shifted from cheap jump scares to story-driven, immersive games and blockbuster sets, like Baker Street’s high-stakes Blast from the Past, blending Hollywood magic, artist-recreated wall murals and storytelling.

That said, you don’t need gallons of coffee or a glowing smartphone screen to keep you entertained. You can get that dopamine fix by stepping inside a beautiful trap and rolling out before the door slams shut.

“Now,” says Arnett, “you’re Indiana Jones!”

SONYA COLBERG

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The State | Culture

Making Space

Bookstores, libraries, coffee shops and other gathering places around the state are creating opportunities for neighbors to connect in an increasingly digital world.

Tulsa City-County Library offers more than books, providing community members with access to programs, educational resources, STEM activities and maker spaces.

Photo courtesy the Tulsa City-County Library

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At Book and Bloom in Broken Arrow, bookclubs, workshops and author events create opportunities for readers to connect, share ideas and build community.

Photo courtesy Book and Bloom

fter years of video calls, remote work and digital interactions replacing everyday encounters, many people are searching for something technology can’t provide: opportunities to connect in person. Bookstores, coffee shops, libraries and other gathering spaces are serving a purpose beyond commerce: they’re becoming modern-day hubs where people gather, learn and build relationships.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to describe public spaces that exist outside of the home and workplace. Those who run many of these third places have noted the importance of their business in the community, and have been intentional in shaping new chances for people to gather.

Julie Walsh is the co-owner of Book and Bloom in Broken Arrow, along with her business partner Cassie Imel.

She says the bookstore/floral shop has hosted bookclubs, workshops, author events and trivia nights.

“One of my favorite things about our bookclubs,” says Walsh, “is that they often bring together multiple 12

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

generations and diverse voices.

Having readers of different ages and life experiences creates richer, more thoughtful conversations and allows people to see a story from perspectives they may not have considered before Encouraging customers to stay, gather and connect has helped us build relationships that go far beyond the typical retail transaction. Over time, many of our customers develop genuine connections with the people who work in the store, and the experience begins to feel less like ‘going shopping’ and more like ‘stopping by a friend’s house.’”

One of the most accessible third place concepts is the local library. The Tulsa City-Country Library, for example, offers everything from summer reading programs to weekly storytimes, STEM challenges, educational presentations, maker spaces and career building resources.

Another longtime third place and community hub is Elemental Coffee in Oklahoma City. According to co-owner Lindsey Watz, the coffee house has hosted pour downs, dog adoptions, weddings and concerts. Since the pandemic, Watz notes that visitors have

become “more intentional with their meetings, but often still have meet cutes, which is fun to watch how communities of different people meet and crossover.”

Watz believes spaces like Elemental Coffee continue to grow in importance because people are seeking places to “connect and bond with others. Being able to provide a safe space benefits the whole community.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Watz is definitely onto something, as loneliness has been identified as a growing public health concern. While technology has helped many maintain relationships, it is much less effective at building new ones. That’s the difference between connections and community.

Digital platforms help people stay in touch with existing relationships, while third places create opportunities to form new relationships with neighbors, coworkers and strangers who share the same space.

Community is far better served by these third spaces. As an example, Book and Bloom recently hosted a club gathering with zero entry fee. According to Walsh, strangers “started by just randomly coming to a free bookclub, and now they hang out outside of the store.”

As communities continue balancing digital convenience with the need for human connection, Oklahoma’s bookstores, coffee shops and libraries are proving that sometimes the most meaningful interactions begin by simply sharing the same room.

AMANDA NICHOLS

Business | The State

Pampered Paws

Treating pets like people is no longer a trend – it’s a way of life.

Temple of the Dog Grooming Salon in Oklahoma City has expanded its space and services to meet the growing demand for compassionate, personalized pet care. Photos courtesy Temple of the Dog

P

ets have been a vital part of people’s lives for centuries.

Often seen as honorary family members and sometimes dubbed “fur babies,” pets have, in recent years, grown in importance to younger generations who either cannot afford to raise or do not want to have children. Their financial investment into these furry friends is significantly less steep while still offering the love, connection and camaraderie humans crave.

That shift has transformed the pet industry at large. Today, many owners celebrate their pets’ birthdays with parties, dress them in seasonal outfits, bring them on vacations, commission professional portraits and prioritize premium food, enrichment toys and spalike grooming services. What was once considered an occasional splurge has, for many households, become a regular part of pet care. The experts agree: love for pets is only growing, and the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in that shift.

“People are absolutely treating their pets as their ‘kids’ more today than ever before,” says Abby Parker, a groomer at Temple of the Dog Grooming Salon in Oklahoma City. “The dog world changed drastically during the pandemic, and

Temple of the Dog opened right on the heels of that in 2021. Nearly half of the population in America adopted a new pet during the pandemic and they had more time than ever to spend with them.

We bonded with our pets in ways during that time that hadn’t been seen before.

Working in the industry, we see every day how much people love and care for their pets.”

With the indulgence into the “fur baby” mentality and the pampering that comes with it, salons like Temple of the Dog have expanded their services to accommodate. Owners aren’t simply looking for a bath and haircut anymore; many seek an experience that prioritizes comfort, reduces stress and creates a positive outing for their pets.

“Our sole focus at Temple of the Dog is compassionate and proficient grooming, so any expansion of services has been to improve upon the same business model we’ve had since opening,” says Parker.

In addition to online report cards implemented a few years in, the salon also underwent a major expansion.

“When we first opened, we had a 1,330-square-foot space. We have since expanded to 2,660-square-feet with one side for our stall-style kennels and bathing area, and the other side solely

for grooming,” says Parker. “Expanding the salon allowed for the dogs to have a quiet, calm environment while being groomed to ensure every dog is having the most positive experience possible at the salon.”

If you take your pet to Temple of the Dog in the future, one thing you'll leave with is a photo souvenir.

“One thing that we have always offered is free photos at the end of every service with our featured background,” says Parker. “Shayna, one of the owners, spends a lot of time curating each background and sourcing props to implement in them. Our backgrounds are always coordinated with either what’s happening seasonally or what’s relevant in the world. We do everything from Christmas to the World Cup.” For many, pets have become something far more than just an animal to feed and train.

“It’s not easy to leave your pet in the care of somebody else, especially when they are an integral part of your family, so we try out best to make sure every client who walks in the door knows their dog will always be treated with compassion, love and respect,” says Parker.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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The State | Insider

The Next Verse

After a nearly two-year renovation, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is ready to showcase the state’s musical legacy in a whole new way.

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Tony Corbell, executive director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, is excited to showcase exhibits celebrating the Oklahoma artists whose music has shaped the state’s legacy.

Photos courtesy Tony Corbell

ometimes, the effectiveness of a project like the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame’s renovation isn’t determined solely by the technological improvements, the upgraded spiffiness of the surroundings, the new attractions assembled for visitors. It can also be measured by something not as tangible, but every bit as important.

Just ask Tony Corbell, executive director of the Muskogee-based OMHF. “I think the buzz around town is, really, the most satisfying part for me,” he says. “It’s the smile on everybody’s face when I go into a restaurant or stop to get gas. They’ll come up and say, ‘Oh, I’ll bet you’re excited. I know you can’t wait.’

Everybody’s on board with it. Nobody’s saying, ‘What a waste of money.’ They’re all saying, ‘This is a great thing.’”

Established in 1997, the OMHF moved to Muskogee’s former Frisco Freight Depot in the early 2000s. Utilizing space 14

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

in both the old building and a vintage caboose, the hall was able to showcase its dozens of inductees and their memorabilia, making the site a bona fide tourist attraction. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should say here that, in 2003, I was honored to become the first writer inducted into the hall.) It’s also been used for a number of musical and other events.

But as popular as it’s been, there’s still plenty of room for it to grow – especially in the public consciousness. That’s according to Corbell, who remembers why the refurbishing effort got started in the first place.

“Our former mayor, Marlon Coleman, was talking one day with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, and they got around to the topic of Muskogee, and how it’s such a music town, with the hall of fame and its building, and the lieutenant governor came out of that conversation saying, ‘You guys have

one of the best-kept secrets in the state.

You’re dedicated to honoring all these incredible musicians, and the building you’ve got is old. It’s never had an update. It’s never had a facelift. It’s a 1903 building – that still looks like a 1903 building.’” Corbell laughs.

“He said, ‘I want to help make Muskogee one of the top tourist destinations in the state, right next to Tulsa and Oklahoma City. And you guys can do it. You’ve got the right group of people that you’re honoring every day.’

“So they set about putting together this deal. Initially, I think it was something like $2.6 million that the state was going to invest in the building. And then there was a little bit more to help with marketing and things. One day he made the comment, “Every highway on the way to Muskogee needs to have a billboard with you guys on it. We’re going to make sure that we don’t forget you once we get this building finished. We’re going to continue to help.’”

While Corbell gives grateful credit to Pinnell and the state of Oklahoma for the project, he also notes that the city of Muskogee and its leaders helped out as well.

“They put on a brand-new roof and redid all of the HVAC for the building, so we’ve got five or six very large units on the roof for our heat and air. And, of course, the city owns the building.

We’re in there kind of rent-free, I think.”

He laughs again. “I understand that the

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee will reopen Sept. 26 following a nearly two-year renovation project.

rent’s supposed to be a dollar a year – but they’ve never collected.

“The city has been very, very supportive of us. They give us a partnership grant every year to help fund some of our operations. So they have an investment in the building as well, and I know they’re awfully proud of it.”

The city government also set Corbell up with an office in the Muskogee Civic Center, where, he says, “we took a lot of

you walk in, you’ll still see all of that. And you’ll see our 150-yearold, or more, loading-dock doors still hanging.

“After that,” he adds, “everything is new.”

Corbell says that the big Sept. 26 open house will feature bands throughout the day, playing on the venue’s outdoor stage, along with free tours of the hall of fame. Fittingly enough, a ribbon-cutting with Lieutenant Governor Pinnell “and whatever stars can get us on their calendars” is set for the afternoon, followed by an evening concert by the Swon Brothers, two Muskogeans From signed guitars to iconic stage memorabilia, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame’s exhibits preserve the stories and artifacts of the musicians who who’ve gone on to make a name put the state on the map. for themselves on the national country-music scene. our collections of things that inducted “You know, those boys, when they members have donated to the hall. We’ve were kids, worked with [the hall’s late got 20 or 30 signed guitars. We’ve got some former director] Jim Paul Blair, helping of Wanda Jackson’s stage clothing and to clean up and mop the hall,” says Ronnie Dunn’s boots.”

Corbell. “They had an afternoon off last That memorabilia has been on display week and came by to see the changes, at the civic center since early 2025, when and when they left, they said, ‘Man, we the remodeling began at the depot. can’t wait to get on that new stage.’”

By Sept. 26, the scheduled time for the The Swon Brothers are just a hall to reopen – Corbell calls it “the day of our open house” – the renovations couple of the latest Oklahomans to will have taken the better part of two make a name for themselves in the years. Among the new features will be an entertainment business, which leads to improved and enlarged stage, a new studio a question I always like to ask people for podcasting and recording, a catering like Tony Corbell – that is, those who kitchen, and digital kiosks spotlighting are in a position to know. Is there really Oklahoma artists – including eight in the something so special about this state caboose that feature artists talking about and the musical figures who’ve come out their favorite songs, with printed lyrics of it over the years, or are we just kidding and the recordings themselves readily ourselves and inflating the importance accessible. There’s even an AI component of Oklahoma artists? that can interact with people, asking them “When I was 13, 14, years old, living about their moods and what musical in South Texas, I was a rock ‘n’ roll genre they like best, and then creating a drummer,” he replies. virtual album cover that can be emailed to the visitor’s computer or phone.

“I did that for a while, and then my “I’ve been playing with it a little bit,” he photographic career kicked in and I admits with a chuckle. “It’s pretty amazing spent 30 years in San Diego. I’ve been what it can do. And that’ll be a free gift around a lot of music in my life. But I’ve from the hall of fame, included in your never been around such a concentration visit.” of great singers, songwriters, and While all these cutting-edge sidemen. I’ve never seen anything like components were being added to the it in Los Angeles, Texas – anywhere. It’s hall, Corbell wanted to make sure that the pretty overwhelming.” classic parts of the buildings weren’t lost.

He feels that the renovations will leave “The floor was put down in 1907, patrons with that same feeling. same year as Oklahoma statehood, and “It’s really spectacular what they’ve we wanted to leave it just as it was,” he done,” he says. “The energy around explains. “So I said, ‘Don’t sand it. Don’t this – I can’t even begin to tell you how even mop it. Just leave the floor alone. It’ll exciting it is.” be fine.’ And, ‘Don’t touch our bricks, those JOHN WOOLEY exposed bricks along the walls.’ So when

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Financial Advisor

What should I review mid-year so my finances are stronger by December?

A mid-year money reset offers an opportunity to assess progress, confirm priorities and ensure the second half of the year supports both near-term needs and long-term objectives. It’s about making sure your financial plan remains aligned with your goals, your lifestyle David Karimian and how the year has actually unfolded.

CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Consider taking the steps below. 1.

Revisit your priorities. Mid-year is an ideal time to step back and review how your financial resources are structured across competing goals. Short-term priorities may involve liquidity for planned spending, charitable giving, travel or home improvement projects. Longer-term objectives often center on retirement, legacy planning, or sustaining wealth across generations. 2. Evaluate cash flow and spending patterns.

Even for higher-income households, cash flow deserves regular attention. Seasonal spending, travel, entertainment and increased activity during the summer months can quietly influence liquidity.

3. Review debt and leverage decisions. Debt can play a strategic role in a broader financial plan, but it is still important to revisit balances, interest rates and repayment structures. 4. Plan ahead for upcoming milestones and obligations. The second half of the year often brings predictable financial events, from tax planning considerations and charitable activity to education expenses or year-end planning opportunities.

David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 2431 E 61st St, Suite 400, Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009 David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com

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Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

The Seychelles’ remote islands offer travelers a rare blend of pristine beaches, remarkable wildlife and landscapes untouched by time.

Say Oui to Seychelles

A secluded Indian Ocean paradise of rare wildlife, untouched landscapes and world-class resorts offers a getaway measured as much by its isolation as its beauty.

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he Seychelles is the ultimate remote getaway. Emphasis on remote. The archipelago is, pardon the expression, in the middle of nowhere.

It really is. The Seychelles (say-SHELLS) are a menagerie of 115 small islands 800 miles from Africa, the nearest continental landmass. And that’s exactly why people go there.

Because of the Seychelles’ remote location, the islands have ecologies found nowhere else on earth.

Superlatives rule: largest and heaviest seeds, oldest land animals, largest living land arthropods, rarest birds.

The 115 islands come in two flavors: the inner 45 are smooth granite sculpted by the ocean and accented by low mountains. And the 70 outer islands are made entirely of stunning coral.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

Aldabra Atoll, one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls, consists of four coral islands encircling a tidal lagoon where thousands of half-ton, 100-year-old Aldabra tortoises frolic in the everchanging tides.

Twenty-six of the islands are inhabited, but most of the country’s 100,000 population live on the principal island of Mahe (mah-HAY). Victoria, the capital, is hemmed by 3,000-foot ancient granite mountains, verdant rainforests and the Indian Ocean. Stop by local markets and fill your Seychellois braided bag with native-grown vanilla, cinnamon, curry, honey and Mahe mountain tea. Be sure to check out the black pearls, gold jewelry, batik fabric and Creole art.

The beaches in the Seychelles are among the most beautiful in the world.

Retro ’50s turquoise water fronted by white, fine sand and, on the granite islands, ancient buffed pink and gray boulders stand guard above crystal-clear lagoons.

On Mahe, the best beaches are across the island from Victoria ( four miles away) at Beau Vallon, a long, lively, touristy ribbon of perfect sand and magical water – and vendors on hand to get you in or on it. The beach boasts magnificent sunsets to accompany your cocktail and slice of tuna and onion pizza.

It’s not all rock on the granitic islands.

In fact, 60% of the Seychelles is dedicated to flora and fauna preservation. Wellmaintained hiking trails on Mahe snake through virgin jungle pergolas of hardwoods and palms. All 72 acres of Cousins Island is an official Nature

Destinations | Life & Style Reserve with an outcropping of mangroves, lush canopy and hundreds of species of birds, such as the scarce magpie robin and Seychelles Warbler.

Two UNESCO World Heritage sites grace the Seychelles. You’ve met one of them, Aldabra Atoll, and the other is Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve, a primeval forest on Praslin Island, where not much has changed since the island was formed. Keep your eyes open for an animal you’ll find nowhere else on earth, the Seychelles black parrot. This Garden of Eden is also the home of the largest and heaviest seeds on the planet. The “double coconut” seeds of the endangered Coco de Mer palm tree can weigh as much as 66 pounds and measure 20 inches in diameter.

Named after France’s one-time finance minister Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the Seychelles became an independent republic in 1976. French and Creole are still widely spoken.

The islands’ marketing folks eschew mass tourism and instead focus on attracting a more discerning, higher-end clientele. Dozens of luxury resorts dot the isles. There are two Four Seasons resorts and the fabulous new Waldorf Astoria on Platte Island offers six restaurants surrounding distinctive low-slung waterside villas, each with its own pool.

By the way, the two superlatives not mentioned so far are oldest land animal: Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise born in 1832 (yes, he’s 194 years old); and largest living land arthropod: that would be the coconut crab, weighing in at nine pounds with a leg span of three feet and capable of cracking open coconuts with its eight-inch claws.

CHUCK MAI

The Seychelles’ isolation has allowed life to evolve in extraordinary ways. Across these remote islands, nature has produced some astonishing extremes, from seeds of unparalleled size and weight to remarkably ancient land animals, enormous terrestrial arthropods and birds so rare they are found in only a handful of places on Earth.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Life & Style | Health

Finding Focus

ADHD can impact every stage of life, but accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right path forward.

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ccording to the American Psychiatric Association, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder, impacting many aspects of life including professional and academic achievements, interpersonal relationships and daily functioning. As one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children, ADHD symptoms are most often recognized and diagnosed before age 12.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately six percent of U.S. adults have a current ADHD diagnosis, and nearly half of those adults received their diagnosis during adulthood.

Psychologist Shannon Beach, Ph.D., with SSM Health St. Anthony Family Medicine Clinic in Oklahoma City, shares the importance of seeking out proper ADHD testing to discover the root cause of symptoms.

In children, ADHD most commonly presents as difficulty in following instructions, completing tasks or 18

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

sitting still for extended periods; kids may exhibit excessive activity, impulsivity and inattention that affects academic and social functioning. In adults, symptoms can look different: inattention and impulsiveness that affect relationships and employment, along with forgetfulness, distractedness and difficulty finishing tasks. Because many adults have spent years developing coping mechanisms to mask these symptoms, ADHD can go unrecognized well into adulthood.

That’s part of why proper testing matters, Beach says, because symptoms that look like ADHD often aren’t.

“Many of the adults I see who receive the appropriate testing do not have ADHD,” he says. “Instead, the vast majority have symptoms related to anxiety or trauma.”

Providing context, Beach notes that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the clinical standard for defining and diagnosing mental health conditions, devotes eight pages to ADHD and more than 700 pages to other disorders that can negatively impact attention.

Beach explains that a full evaluation for ADHD typically takes a half day to full day, sometimes longer, and includes attention measures, executive function testing, a fullscale IQ test, adaptive functioning measures and an emotional and psychological screening.

A correct diagnosis is essential to creating the best treatment plan.

“Children and young adults under the age of 25 tend to rely more heavily on medication to manage symptoms,” says Beach.

“Your frontal lobe continues to develop until you’re about 25, and as your brain develops, symptoms often lighten.”

As a result, Beach says adults most often benefit from behavioral strategies, such as structured calendars and taskprioritization systems, to help them stay focused.

“Adults who truly have ADHD tend to be the ones who report feeling less muted and more free without medication, versus people without it (ADHD), who simply report feeling better because stimulants help everyone focus,” says Beach.

Ultimately, Beach recommends against relying on quick screenings or self-diagnosis. Even a brief conversation with a psychologist, before testing, can help someone understand whether a complete evaluation is worth pursuing – and what else might be going on.

While ADHD can be a challenge, there are many ways to manage symptoms successfully.

REBECCA FAST

FYI | Life & Style

The Art of the Aisle From product placement to lighting and stand-out displays, every grocery store detail is orchestrated to influence the customer’s shopping experience.

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hen a customer walks into a modern supermarket in the United States, a combination of factors are at play, all with one goal: to win that shopper’s attention – and ultimately, encourage them to spend.

Getting a patron’s attention is the job not only of the store, but of the product manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, says Yuechen Wu, an associate professor in Oklahoma State University’s School of Marketing, and an expert on consumer behavior. The store is the primary and final player, but other facets are involved, including the psychology of buying – figuring out how consumers decide what to buy.

Researchers who study human behavior have long known that the placement of products inside grocery stores is influenced to some degree by psychology. The trick for casual observers is to figure out the extent to which a supermarket’s layout is based on customer behavior, and how much is based on what the supplier requests ... and is willing to pay for.

Wu says that much of a store’s layout is driven by the goal of grabbing the

shopper’s attention. In a place where thousands of products compete for a person’s notice, even a few extra seconds of attention can influence a purchase. To that end, “shelf facing” – the number of times a shopper sees an individual brand – matters a lot.

“The more they see of that brand, the more they are apt to buy it,” Wu says.

Placement of brand choices horizontally, for instance, rather than vertically, can matter, too. To help in the efforts, many stores employ category managers, who balance supplier payments, expected sales and inventory history when deciding where products appear.

End caps – display shelves located at the end of a store aisle – and promotional islands are treated differently, Wu adds.

“End caps are more expensive. They pay the retailer for their placement,” she says.

Likewise, suppliers pay more to have items placed near the store’s checkout, where “impulse buying” comes into play.

“They put them there because the consumer is more likely to buy it [while waiting],” she says.

Some items are even grouped together –

placed in a way that they will be purchased as a pair – like tortilla chips and salsa.

The placement of refrigerated items around the edges of most stores is sometimes governed by location of the store’s plumbing and proximity to the storage area. But Wu says psychology might be involved there as well.

For products such as milk and eggs, convenience is a factor. The store, Wu says, “wants to create a very convenient experience. They want to make it easier [ for the customer.] People are used to finding it there.”

One thing stores tend to guard against is “choice overload,” Wu mentions.

Having choices can increase traffic throughout the store, but “at the same time, there’s a risk of lowering satisfaction. So stores have to be organized in a way that makes it easy for the consumer.”

Aromas, music and lighting can influence a shopper’s decision-making, too. Wu cites some studies, for instance, that determined that slow, relaxing music might entice a consumer to spend more time in the store, increasing the chance that they’ll buy. The same goes for pleasing aromas from a store’s bakery or delicattessen.

Overall, she says, stores balance cost

against the larger question of “how to compete for the consumer’s attention.”

That’s a tall order, indeed.

HENRY DOLIVE

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Life & Style | Outside The Metro

Housed in an historic cobblestone cabin, Discovery Outpost sparks curiosity with hands-on activities, science finds, books and nature-inspired treasures.

Photos courtesy Discovery Outpost

Beyond the Cobblestones

Discover the hidden gems, family attractions and outdoor experiences that make Medicine Park a perennial favorite.

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ucked amid the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma, Medicine Park stands as a timeless scenic resort community that has drawn visitors for over a century. Founded in 1908 as the state’s original planned tourism destination, this charming town blends historic granite cobblestone architecture with crystal-clear creeks, rolling foothills and abundant natural wonders.

Its unique red granite buildings, constructed from stones gathered locally, create a distinctive, storybook atmosphere that invites exploration, relaxation and unforgettable family adventures. Whether seeking cool swims, wildlife encounters, educational fun or live music under ancient trees, Medicine Park offers an enticing escape.

At the heart of the town lies Bath Lake, a picturesque granite-based swimming hole fed by the continuous flow of Medicine Creek. This beloved spot delivers clear, refreshingly cool waters ideal for families, featuring a shallow kiddie pool area, a small waterfall, jumping rocks and an island. Built in

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the early 1900s during the town’s rise as a premier resort near the Wichita Mountains, it draws thousands each summer. Boulders, walking trails and nearby shops enhance the scenic setting.

From November to March, the lake transforms into a stocked trout fishing destination.

Just a short distance away, the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center provides a familyfriendly eco-tourism highlight dedicated to conservation through education.

Opened in June 2017, it showcases over 100 exhibits with more than 90 species of native and non-native fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals spotlighting Oklahoma wildlife.

Highlights include the walkthrough Quail Encounter aviary, playful river otters Sam and Dean, Turtle Town feeding sessions, touch tanks, a tide pool, and Moby, the largest blue catfish in captivity. Daily programs feature electric eel demonstrations, Critter Chats and enrichment

feedings. A seven-acre botanical garden with native plants offers scenic views of Mount Scott and lies less than a mile from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge entrance.

For hands-on learning and wonder, stop by the Discovery Outpost. Housed in an early 1900s cobblestone cabin, this family adventure shop brims with educational books, classic literature, science gadgets, toys, fossils, insects and butterflies. Weekly events such as story time, archaeology digs, science experiments, crafts and creative sessions spark curiosity about the natural world in a cozy historic setting.

Music lovers can mark their calendars for The Blues Ball, scheduled for September 4-6 – the 21st rendition of this beloved event.

Event coordinator Dwight Cope describes it vividly: “It’s a three-day festival of traditional blues music with regional and local acts. It’s free to the public, kid-friendly, pet friendly and with food trucks, beer and souvenir vendors.

It’s a beautiful environment in the park with 100-year trees around and on the banks of the creek. It will be a holiday weekend good time,” he shares.

This year’s lineup includes Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, and an All-Star Review on Sunday night. Sponsored by the Medicine Park Economic Authority (which also hosts Rock in the Park in July), the festival fills the town with soulful sounds in a stunning natural backdrop.

Medicine Park’s enduring appeal as a scenic resort community shines through its mix of history, nature, family fun and vibrant events. From splashing in historic waters to exploring wildlife exhibits and enjoying live blues by the creek, this cobblestone gem delivers relaxation, adventure, and memories that linger.

TRACY LEGRAND

SENIOR

STRATEGIES

BY LISA PERRY

B

y 2034, it’s projected that there will be more Oklahomans over the age of 65 than children under 18. To help address this unprecedented population shift, Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) has rolled out Aging Our Way: a multi-sector, state-led iniative that focuses on everything from affordable housing to caregiver support and community health resources.

OHS professionals Nadine Walter, director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, and Brenda Strahan, director of Tulsa’s Area Agency on Aging, explore what it means to “age well,” discuss pressing issues and available resources for seniors, highlight the role of technology and the power of volunteering, and share tips for making healthy lifestyle choices.

REDEFINING AGING WELL

As Oklahoma’s population of older adults continues to grow, communities are rethinking what it means to age well. Beyond healthcare, successful aging depends on access to resources, meaningful connections and support systems that help seniors remain independent and engaged.

“Our aging population is really booming, and we need to shift our resources to look at our community partners and our seniors themselves to help us meet those evolving needs,” says Walter. “Aging well is defined, in my opinion, on how each person defines it themselves. Definitely keeping those individuals as healthy as they want to be, as connected, and as safe and engaged in the community as possible.”

The ten year plan for Aging Our Way outlines challenges such as financial security, housing services, healthcare and transportation.

“We have waiver programs that help individuals stay at home if they’re financially and medically eligible,” says Walter. “We have Adult Protective Services, the Older Americans Act and other smaller programs. Those really support a lot of individuals around the state. We need not only to support aging people, but not lose sight of how important it is to care for caregivers that are aging.”

Strahan says there are nine state Area Agencies on Aging, each offering specific services relevant to their region.

In the three-county Tulsa area, “we have congregate meal sites where senior adults can gather and socialize with other seniors,” she says. “They can have a nutritious meal five days a week. We provide health programs, whether it’s ‘Tai Chi for Arthritis’ or fall prevention – we know that falls and hip fractures are deadly to senior adults. We do respite for caregivers.

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“We provide an actual in-person presentation from our registered dietitian. People can talk about any nutrition matters, whether it’s related to losing weight, gaining weight or being diabetic. Participants say they learn more in the diabetes education empowerment program than their doctor ever told them. We provide some transportation services so people can take our ride to the nutrition site and have lunch. They can go to the grocery store. They go to the pharmacy. We provide some legal aid services to help people basically stand up for themselves and their rights, because they can’t afford an attorney.”

Additionally, Stahan adds, there are no income stipulations.

“We do a holistic assessment of their needs, and when we do that assessment, we educate them about the options available and then give them the choice as to which ones they would like to participate in,” she says.

BRIDGING THE TECHNOLOGY GAP

Strahan says the use of technology by older adults remains a challenge, but there is improvement. When businesses and venues shut down during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, it forced some seniors to learn how to use smartphones and tablets to order groceries and stay in touch with family. But since then, she says, emailing documents is now a requirement to participate in some senior-focused programs, and agencies use only email to send out informational newsletters.

Video appointments with medical providers are a convenience for older adults – but seniors need to know how to make it happen. Classes are often available at local libraries or through AARP, and some seniors use their grandkids as tutors. An added benefit?

She says learning about technology typically results in added confidence for seniors.

“In Oklahoma, there are a lot of individuals that still have a landline or can’t get Wi-Fi in their area,” Walter says.

She is a fan of hands-free, digital voice assistants, advantageous for seniors as well as caregivers.

“They’re simplified so that if the caregiver wants to step away to get groceries, the machine can detect if there’s been movement [in the house].

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

member, they just say, ‘Call my daughter Susie.’ It’s kind of a companion to them. This type of technology can help individuals stay engaged in their day – reading a book to them or playing their favorite music and reminding them to take their meds or take a walk or even to eat,” she says.

Walter says that seniors who meet requirements for a medical waiver can receive a wearable alert device to help with an emergency incident, as well as fall detection. On a lighter note, technology enables seniors to stay sharp mentally playing games online.

THE VOLUNTEER GENERATION

While volunteering is a great activity for folks of all ages, it can prove especially fruitful for those at retirement age.

“Volunteering is good for you,” Strahan says. “It gives you a reason to get up in the morning. It gives you a feel-good moment from helping someone, from knowing you made a difference in someone’s life and that you contributed to society. I love our volunteer opportunities to deliver meals in some of our nutrition programs. It’s people delivering meals to other people

they know, an opportunity to check in with homebound friends and socialize while delivering a nutritious meal.”

Strahan mentions that seniors also volunteer at the hospital to rock babies in the NICU while weary parents take a short break. Her colleague also mentions Tulsa’s Reading Partners program.

“Seniors can go into a school and they’re paired with a student who needs help with reading and work with that child,” she says. “It builds a relationship between the volunteer and the student and boosts that child’s confidence.”

She says the agency’s ombudsman program – volunteers serving as advocates for those in long-term care – is in desperate need of participants.

Walter says that all the knowledge, skills and experience seniors have is ideal for volunteer work with advisory and civic boards. Other opportunities are equally impactful.

“What a great feeling to go to a school or library, to a food bank or faith-based organization and volunteer,” she says.

“As they grow older, they stay active, they stay connected and they’re engaged. I think it’s a huge win for everybody.”

LONGEVITY HACKS

Services and activities at Area Agencies for Aging address movement, nutrition and social connection, important components for a healthy, active lifestyle for older adults.

“It’s important that we focus on all of those,” says Strahan. “Fixing a little bit every day is going to be more effective than one big thing. Nutrition is our No. 1 program, and we try to pair it with social connection. Connecting with other people can start making a difference quickly, and over time help maintain health and independence.”

Make good choices, she advises. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, utilize an exercise program and get enough sleep.

“Talk to your doctor,” Strahan says. “If you’re not healthy, you’re not going to be able to move, you’re not going to be able to sleep well, you’re not going to feel like getting out and seeing other people. Get out of the house and do something fun with friends.

Feed your spirit. Recognize your ability to change things and make the most of what you have.”

Walter adds: “No matter what you do, make it a routine. Eat breakfast at a certain time, eat lunch at a certain time and you’re more likely to be successful. Volunteering will definitely keep you in a routine. Staying in that routine helps physically, mentally and emotionally, a well-rounded way to stay healthy.”

Overall, Walter says, “keep that body moving, your nutrition healthy, put on sunscreen—all the things your mama told you. Be sure you keep a good sleeping routine. Stay connected. Try to engage in things that keep your mind active: learn new things, do puzzles and hobbies. See your healthcare provider for prevention. All of that keeps you engaged in the quality of life that you choose and enjoy.”

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THE

LONG

GAME

By Kimberly Burk

Financial markets rise and fall, but successful investing is built on patience, diversification and a plan. Oklahoma wealth advisors explain how to tune out the noise and focus on lasting growth.

ANALYZE

At the end of the day, says Matt Bacon, “the market is not the economy.”

“A lot of people try to focus on what’s going on in the economy to predict what’s going on in the [stock] market,” says Bacon, president and CEO of Tulsa-based HoganTaylor Wealth, a fiduciary wealth management/financial planning firm and subsidiary of HoganTaylor.

“But the market is irrational because of the investor,” Bacon continues. “That, in turn, makes it difficult to predict what is going to happen.”

Rather than trying to predict every market swing, financial advisors say investors are better served by focusing on strategies they can actually control.

The stock market is part art and part science, says Rich Howard, who along with Todd Welsh is a founding partner of Scissortail Wealth Management in Tulsa. That philosophy shapes the way advisors encourage clients to think about investing – not in weeks or months, but in years.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

“It’s not timing the market, it’s time in the market that generates success,” Welsh says. “Even in today’s world, we cannot know all the factors out there that are going to affect the market. We won’t be aware of a COVID situation, for example, or that an Iran conflict is going to start, or all the things that vastly move the market in big ways.”

Welsh, who is a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Management Analyst, says that “it’s important to try not to get too focused on short-term volatility. Ideally, if investing in stocks, a time horizon is five to ten years or more. We don’t want to get overly concerned with gyrations in the market.”

Very few, if any, investors have proven they can make money on short-term bets, Welsh says.

“The odds of making money go up dramatically with a longer holding period,” he adds.

Factors investors should be aware of include inflation, interest rates and economic data.

“Inflation can be a hindrance on where we are today in the market,” Howard says.

“Inflation means there are fewer goods, and a bunch of people trying to chase that limited number of goods.

We try to fight that with interest rates.

That makes the cost of capital more expensive to businesses,” Howard says.

“The market follows earnings most of the time. There’s a relationship there.”

Higher interest rates, Welsh says, are not market-friendly, nor is higher inflation.

“We would like to see the economy kind of churning along, not too hot and not too cold: a Goldilocks economy,” he says.

But even when people are invested in situations where the market is bad, “as long as you hold those investments, you come out with really good returns,” he continues.

As far as chasing hot stocks – a share of a company that experiences a sudden surge in trading volume, public interest and rapid price increases – is concerned, “what goes up must come down,” Howard notes.

For their clients who like to take a few risks, Welsh says, “we like to advise them to keep the largest percentage in their core portfolios. If they want to take a risk, they can use three to five percent to take some risks.”

RESEARCH

Choosing investments requires more than following headlines. Understanding a company’s financial health is essential, but that’s often easier said than done.

In fact, such research is difficult for the average individual.

“Most people do not want to spend the amount of time it takes to research those investments,” Welsh says. “We do the research for our clients.”

Potential investors can read reports available from large brokerage firms that offer opinions as to whether to buy, hold or sell certain stocks.

“But if you want to dive into it personally, you will have to understand balance sheets and cash flow and really complicated accounting,” he says.

And financial statements, Howard adds, look backward.

“They show what happened in the past,” he says.

That’s why professional investors combine historical performance with

forward-looking expectations when evaluating a company’s potential.

“If we are going to research a company, we break it down on a valuation metric, to look at the company’s fair value versus where it is in the marketplace,” says Welsh. “We look at return on equity, return on assets, the balance sheet, the amount of growth it has, and what has been its growth rate. If it’s undervalued, it

“Most people do not want to spend the amount of time it takes to to research those investments. We do the research for our clients.” might make sense to own that particular investment. Investing is about future expected return.”

Scissortail Wealth Management helps clients create portfolios that correspond to their overall risk tolerance.

“A lot of us have similar research methodology,” Welsh says. “Ours is centered around diversification to decrease risk while maintaining a diversified portfolio. Things can happen at a frenetic pace to make a company grow or decline rapidly.”

Many of those principles are echoed by investor education organizations.

The nonprofit Better Investing suggests

investors choose companies that can survive downturns in the economy and the occasional business misstep.

“We look at the debt ratio to ensure the company isn’t overleveraged and then we examine profit growth for reassurance that the company has cash flow to continue to grow and build shareholder wealth,” according to BetterInvesting.org.

DIVERSIFY

Portfolio diversification helps manage risk by spreading that inherent risk of the market across multiple companies, multiple industries and multiple countries.

“If you own [stock in] an individual company, you are taking on the geopolitical climate and management of that company,” Bacon says. “If I own a thousand companies, I am not necessarily worried about what happens to any one company. I am spreading across multiple markets to decrease overall risk.”

Individual stocks have a much higher volatility than the overall market does, says Welsh.

“A high-tech stock might be up or down 50% in a year,” he says. “The more stocks you own, you get a blended volatility of all those stocks instead of one.”

The stock portion of a portfolio, he adds, “is there to grow your wealth over time.

The cash and bonds portion is there to provide income and stability while taking much less risk.”

Howard says investors who focus on rewards often take more risks than they should.

“We are their risk manager,” Howard says. “We try to make sure they understand the risk they are taking.”

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Welsh says his company typically likes “to use stocks for five-to-ten year investments and cash and bonds to lower portfolio volatility and provide income.”

He adds that diversification is a good thing in most cases.

“There are a lot of ways to achieve it.

It’s important to pay attention to the expense of the investment you are going to utilize.”

Bacon says portfolios managed by his company typically offer a combination of stocks, bonds and alternative investments.

“Stocks are the most risky,” Bacon says. “Bonds are a safety net.”

And even within the bonds an investor holds, diversification is important.

Government bonds, company bonds, high-yield bonds, convertible bonds and municipal bonds all contribute to a diversified portfolio.

“When I talk about multiple markets, I mean you want to own multiple countries,” Bacon says.

The U.S. harbors four percent of the population, but it’s the world’s largest consumer market, Bacon says.

“We must go out of the country to do business to satiate that demand,” he concludes. “We want to own the largest and the smallest companies. The majority of businesses in the world are small companies.”

REVIEW

Building a portfolio is only part of the process. Keeping it aligned with changing markets and changing life circumstances is equally important.

Investment portfolios should be reviewed regularly, financial experts say. But when and how much to rebalance “depends on each investor’s financial situation, personality and ability to accept risk,” says Howard.

Welsh continues: “In general, the older clients get, the more conservative they tend to get. But that is affected by a client’s personal situation.”

Investors at any stage in life should take risks only “if they have their conservative bucket full,” Howard says.

“If you have a portfolio that is 70% stock, and 30% fixed income and cash, then the stock is growing faster,” Welsh adds. “By not doing anything, your portfolio has become more risky than you intended it to be. When your stock percentage goes up, you can rebalance back to 70/30, putting some investments in the stock market back into cash. By reviewing regularly, you are able to see some of the investments that aren’t performing as well. You might need to sell them.”

Rebalancing helps his clients have a more successful investment experience, says Bacon.

“When you are thinking about deploying your capital, investing and saving, it’s always important to focus on what are your short, intermediate and long-term goals,” he says. “That is, ultimately, going to drive your strategy for how you deploy your capital and everything else you do in life.

I tend to recommend a purposeful planning approach to finances. Too many people focus on the outcome first rather than why they are investing. As a result they take too much or too little risk.”

When people consider their financial futures, Bacon says, they tend to think in a linear fashion based on such typical stages of life as getting married, having children, starting to invest and retiring.

“But life doesn’t operate that way,” Bacon says. “We hit speed bumps along the way.”

Bacon uses himself as an example.

Twelve years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and given less than two years to live. He obtained a second opinion and his prognosis improved, but that “speed bump” caused he and his wife to adjust their financial goals “to do things we wanted to do later in life, today.”

When you are thinking about deploying your capital, “investing and saving, it’s always important to focus on ... your short, intermediate and long-term goals. ” Disclaimer: Scissortail Wealth Management is an independent financial services firm and uses a variety of different investment strategies. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

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The State of

SPORTS

By Rocco Geppi

From the Thunder’s focus on building a formidible, long-term NBA contender to the demanding reality of life as a college athlete and the burgeoning women’s sporting industry, Oklahoma’s athletic landscape is evolving. And across the state, the next era of sports is already taking shape.

Built to Last: What’s Next for the OKC Thunder

But those moves fit a larger philosophy that has guided the organization under For the Oklahoma City Thunder, the question posed after a General Manager Sam Presti: Think beyond championship is not necessarily how to win another one. It is how the next season. to build an organization capable of competing for the title year after “Every year our goal is to repeat a process, year. not chase an outcome,” Presti said at his The team answered part of that question in 2025, winning its first June 8th end of season press conference.

NBA championship since relocating to the city from Seattle in 2008.

“This process is to position our team and our This season, the Thunder again established themselves as one of the organization so that if we’re fortunate enough to have things break league’s elite teams, finishing 64-18 – and with back-to-back Most our way, we can achieve ultimate success.”

Valueable Player awards for point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – That approach extends to how Oklahoma City develops its before falling in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. players. Rather than simply asking whether a young player can The offseason has brought change. OKC added promising young immediately contribute, Presti says the organization focuses on talent, selecting Michigan center Aday Mara at No. 12 and acquiring helping each player discover how far his potential can take him. the draft rights to Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz at No. 16. At the same “How can we help the guys? That’s a big part of how we’ve always time, the Thunder traded several contributors, including Isaiah Joe, looked at it is, ‘How can we help the players improve? Not just can Aaron Wiggins and starter Luguentz Dort, creating questions about they play, [but] what are they going to do for us?” what the roster will look like when the next season begins in October.

The philosophy requires patience. Development is not always linear, and individual growth has to fit within the larger needs of the team. Presti described it as a “mutual commitment” between the organization and its players, built around understanding where each player is and determining how the team can help him progress.

Head coach Mark Daigneault offered a similar perspective after the Western Conference finals loss at his end of season presser on May 31st. The disappointment of falling short, he said, should not erase everything that came before it.

“Like I said last night, I think you can be simultaneously disappointed and also proud of the path that took us to the point where we could be disappointed,” he said.

For Oklahoma City, forging a steady path forward remains the priority. The Thunder are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s back-to-back MVP awards underscore his emergence as one of the NBA’s premier players and the centerpiece of the Thunder’s not simply trying to assemble pursuit of sustained excellence.

Photo courtesy NBAE/Getty Images one championship roster; they 28

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

“Being a student-athlete at Oklahoma is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also incredibly demanding,” says OU Deputy Athletics Director and Chief of Staff Mackenzie Dilbeck. “Our responsibility is to create an environment where they don’t have to choose between being a great student, a great athlete and a well-rounded person.”

That support begins with collaboration among coaches, staff and student-athletes. Dilbeck says student-athletes have teams designed to help manage the competing demands of college life.

“We also place a premium on communication and planning,” Dilbeck adds. “Every student-athlete has a support network that works together to help them navigate the challenges that come with competing at the highest level while earning a world-class education.”

Academic support is a significant part of that network. Through the Prentice Gautt Academic Center, Oklahoma Athletics provides student-athletes with access to academic advising, individualized learning specialists, tutoring, writing and math support, foreign language assistance, advanced technology resources and the GRIT (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Initiative, Tenacity) mentoring program for incoming freshmen.

“Oklahoma Athletics is committed to developing the whole student-athlete by providing comprehensive academic resources and personalized support that foster success in the classroom and prepare graduates for life after competitive sport,” says Mike Meade, The Thunder’s future OKC Continental Coliseum will be a new downtown home designed to anchor the franchise’s longterm presence in Oklahoma City and further cement its place in the state’s sports landscape. OU Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academic Rendering courtesy MANICA Services.

The resources are designed not only to help students are attempting to create an organization in which young players can succeed in their current courses but also to develop skills they can develop, established players can grow and success can be sustained. carry into their careers. Meade mentions that student-athletes That long-term vision extends beyond the basketball court. receive guidance in time management, study strategies, critical Construction is now underway on Continental Coliseum, thinking, communication and problem-solving, along with degree the Thunder’s future downtown home, following a March planning, career exploration, résumé development, interview groundbreaking. The arena is targeted to open in time for the 2028preparation and graduate school readiness.

29 season and will anchor the Thunder’s long-term presence in By providing those resources, the department seeks to create an Oklahoma City. environment where student-athletes can develop both academically Thunder spokesperson Gayle Maxwell called the project “an and professionally. investment in the future of both the Thunder and Oklahoma City,” saying the new arena will provide players with modern facilities while giving fans an elevated game-day experience.

More broadly, Maxwell says, “the arena is another milestone in Oklahoma City’s evolution.”

That may ultimately be the best description of the Thunder themselves. The championship proved Oklahoma City’s process can produce the ultimate result. The challenge now is proving that process can produce something even more difficult: sustained excellence.

The Thunder have already shown they are willing to think years ahead. What comes next may be less about making a splash and more about continuing to build – patiently, deliberately and with the expectation that the next championship team is already taking shape.

Balancing Success as a Student-Athlete For collegiate athletes, success requires more than performing at a high level on game day. They must also navigate demanding academic schedules, personal responsibilities and the pressures that come with competing with thousands of eyes upon them. At the University of Oklahoma, athletic and academic staff say the goal is to help studentathletes excel in each area without prioritizing one over the others.

OU quarterback John Mateer represents the balancing act facing today’s student-athletes, who must navigate the demands of competition, academics and life beyond the field.

Photo by Peyton Martin/OU Athletics

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“We exist to create opportunities for our student-athletes through the vehicle of education,” Dilbeck says.

For Oklahoma, the balancing act is therefore not simply about helping student-athletes survive the demands of college. It is about providing the resources, relationships and experiences that allow them to pursue excellence while preparing for a meaningful life after sport.

Beyond the Physical: Training the Mind For elite athletes, physical preparation is only part of the equation. The ability to manage pressure – from fans, coaches and family members, as well as the expectations athletes place on themselves – can be just as important when competition is on the line. Sports psychology gives student-athletes tools to build confidence, sharpen focus, regulate emotions and perform when the stakes are highest.

Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes (PROS) works alongside student-athletes as they navigate the demands of competing in the SEC and pursuing championships. Dolores Christensen, PsyD, director of PROS, says mental preparation can make a critical difference when physical abilities are closely matched.

“Elevating their game beyond just physical talent alone, sport psychology supports student-athlete confidence, focus, emotional regulation and the ability to perform under pressure,” she says.

Those skills can help athletes respond to mistakes, block out distractions and maintain confidence rather than becoming overwhelmed by expectations. PROS staff are integrated into the daily student-athlete experience, including practices, locker rooms and travel, reinforcing mental training as a regular part of preparation, not simply something athletes turn to when they are struggling. For competitors chasing championships, training the mind can be as essential as training the body.

Despite seasons riddled with injuries, Jalen Williams has emerged as a key piece of the Thunder’s championship foundation, providing versatility and two-way production as Oklahoma City builds for sustained success.

Photo courtesy NBAE/Getty Images

“By creating a collaborative learning environment and equipping student-athletes with the academic tools, professional skills and confidence to achieve their goals, Oklahoma Athletics empowers them to excel during their collegiate careers and thrive long after graduation,” Meade says.

For Dilbeck, however, the definition of success ultimately extends beyond grades and athletic accomplishments.

“Our student-athletes come to Oklahoma to compete and win,” she says. “It matters here a great deal, and it’s part of the fabric of who we are and the type of talent we attract. Of course, the scoreboard isn’t the only measure of success.”

Education, leadership and personal growth are equally important parts of the experience. Student-athletes are exposed to new ideas, learn to think critically, participate as members of teams and have opportunities to develop leadership skills.

“Through sport, they also build resilience and character,” Dilbeck says. “They learn how to win with grace and lose with dignity.”

Those lessons are ultimately preparation for life beyond competition. The combination of athletic achievement, education and personal development can position studentathletes for a future that extends well beyond their playing careers.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams represent the core of an Oklahoma City Thunder roster built with long-term success in mind, pairing established stars with young talent.

Photo courtesy NBAE/Getty Images

competitions is increasing, television audiences are expanding and corporate partners are investing more heavily in women’s athletics.

“Our fans have embraced women’s sports for years, and now we’re seeing that enthusiasm grow across the country and globe,” she adds.

“Attendance at competitions is increasing, television audiences are expanding, corporate partners are investing and young girls have more role models than ever before.”

Oklahoma has been particularly well positioned to benefit from that growth.

OU’s women’s programs have produced multiple national championships, giving athletes a prominent stage while demonstrating the university’s commitment to women’s athletics.

“We’re fortunate that we have multi-national championship teams throughout our women’s programs,” Dilbeck says. “That kind of success boosts OU’s position in college athletics, There is a growing momentum surrounding women’s sports, as increased visibility, investment and fan interest create new opportunities for but more importantly, it spotlights our female athletes.

Photo by Peyton Martin/OU Athletics commitment to bolstering women’s sports now and in the future.”

Women’s Sports: A Turning Tide So why are more people paying attention now?

For Dilbeck, the answer begins with the product itself.

Women’s sports are experiencing a surge of interest in Oklahoma, “Women’s athletics feature extraordinary athletes, with growing attendance, increased media exposure and expanding compelling competition and remarkable stories,” she says. opportunities creating momentum from the collegiate level to the “Once fans experience that, they come back.” professional ranks.

The expansion of media coverage has also made those At OU, that momentum is visible across its women’s programs, stories easier to find, while social media gives athletes a direct where championship success has helped attract fans while raising connection to supporters. Corporate investment has added the profile of female athletes. another layer of visibility and opportunity.

“I think it’s one of the most exciting developments in sports today,” “All of those factors have created momentum, but ultimately, OU’s Dilbeck says. “At Oklahoma, we’ve witnessed firsthand what it starts with the incredible performances taking place during happens when fierce competition, passionate fan support and elite competition.” student-athletes converge.”

That momentum is changing the experience for athletes, too.

The numbers and visibility surrounding women’s sports Larger crowds and increased media attention provide current are moving in the same direction. Dilbeck says attendance at student-athletes with greater exposure, while name, image and likeness partnerships have created additional opportunities.

Perhaps the most significant impact, however, extends beyond today’s athletes.

“Young girls across our state and nation can now see athletes who look like them competing on national television, vying for and winning championships, and building successful careers,” Dilbeck says. “That visibility and exposure has the power to change the idea of what’s possible for young girls everywhere.”

For Oklahoma’s athletes and programs, the growing crowds and investment suggest the tides may indeed be turning. And for the next generation, the increased visibility could make the path from dreaming about sports to pursuing them at the collegiate and professional levels feel more attainable than ever.

Love’s Field has become a visible symbol of the growing interest in women’s sports in Oklahoma, where championship success and passionate fan support continue to draw larger crowds.

Photo by Peyton Martin/OU Athletics

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

O

klahoma is strengthened by the people who dedicate themselves to excellence. Across the state, professionals are applying their expertise, creativity and passion to enrich the communities they call home.

Oklahoma Magazine’s Faces of Oklahoma special section celebrates the individuals and organizations whose commitment sets them apart in their fields.

Whether they are caring for patients, advocating for clients, building and designing spaces, creating exceptional dining experiences or educating the next generation, these experts are making a lasting impact on those they serve.

Meet the innovators whose expertise and dedication have earned them recognition as the trusted Faces of Oklahoma.

FACES of

THE FACE OF CATARACT AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE GLAUCOMA SURGERY

STEVEN R. SARKISIAN, JR., MD Steven R. Sarkisian, Jr., MD is the Founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, PLLC and specializes in premium laser cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS. Dr. Sarkisian is passionate about helping people get rid of their glasses by performing premium cataract surgery. He was the first surgeon in the state to perform the PanOptix trifocal lens, the iStent, iStent Inject, iStent Infinite, the XEN Gel Stent, and canaloplasty. He was the first in the USA to use the OMNI device and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO 360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI. He was also among the first in the world to perform the iDose sustained-release implant after FDA approval. In 2024, Dr. Sarkisian acquired the first Direct Selective

Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device in Oklahoma, one of the first in the country.

Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma fellowship, and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

He obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis.

Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He coauthored the book “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide.”

Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery ( JCRS), and on the Editorial Board of Glaucoma Today, Glaucoma Physician, and Ophthalmology Management. Dr. Sarkisian is listed in Woodward/White’s Best Doctors in America and Castle and Connolly Top Doctors.

He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.

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FACES of

THE FACE OF EAR, NOSE & THROAT CARE

EASTERN OKLAHOMA ENT As a trusted leader in specialized care, Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose, and Throat (EOENT) is proud to provide exceptional healthcare services to Oklahoma residents. Since our founding in 1975, we have served the community with dedication and excellence, growing over the past 50 years to become the largest single-specialty otolaryngology practice in the region. Our team of experienced

providers is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of every individual we serve.

At EOENT, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat conditions, both medical and surgical. In addition to extensive experience in the treatment of head and neck cancer, hearing tests,

hearing aid fittings, and cochlear implants, we provide comprehensive care for ear, nose, and throat allergy and sinus issues.

We also offer advanced surgical services including rhinoplasty, facial paralysis surgery, skin cancer reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and skull base surgery.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of

Dr. Cristie Hawkins and staff

THE FACE OF MEDICAL SPAS

FOR INNER GOOD (FIG) MEDICAL SPA For Inner Good (FIG) Medical Spa, located in Tulsa, is known for its expertise in the science of anti-aging for face and body rejuvenation. Under the direction and supervision of Cristie Lehr-Hawkins M.D., Fig offers the latest treatments for the face, hair and body.

The staff at Fig brings multiple years of experience in patient care and is dedicated to providing the most innovative treatments for their patients.

Fig is honored to have won numerous awards for Best Medical Spa, Skin Care, and Wellness Center in Tulsa, the state of Oklahoma and nationally. Fig has also been awarded Oklahoma Magazine’s The Best of the Best Award in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Medical and wellness services offered at Fig include dermal fillers, injectables, microneedling, PDO threading, weight loss

programs and hormone therapy. They also provide a full range of laser treatments and aesthetic services.

Some of the newest treatment modalities at Fig include Opus Plasma and TED. Opus Plasma is a skin resurfacing treatment using plasma energy and radio frequency to repair photodamage and treat the signs of aging with minimal down time.

Fig is also the only medical facility in Tulsa to offer TED (Transepidermal Hair Restoration). This new treatment uses ultrasound technology to stimulate hair growth. The TED treatment is painless and needle-free with no downtime. TED is quick and beneficial for any individual suffering from hair loss or wanting to improve the appearance and health of their hair.

Fig carries numerous skin care lines such as SkinCeuticals, Caudalie, Revitalash, ZO Skin Health, iSClinical, Skin Medica, and Revision. Fig also has the SkinCeuticals SkinScope LED Lamp. With the help of the aestheticians and The SkinScope lamp, patients can learn about their visible and underlying skin imperfections and what products will work best for them. FIG recently launched its own skincare line, Fig MD. This medical-grade skincare line is both preventative and corrective. Fig MD products are built on a layered system of the highest quality ingredients resulting in healthy and beautiful skin.

To learn more about Fig’s services or purchase products, please visit their website figtulsa.com. To schedule an appointment for a service or free consultation, call 918-932-8810.

918-932-8810 | 8921 S. YALE AVE., SUITE B., TULSA | FIGTULSA.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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L-R: Kevin Criss, Brian Talkington, Todd Welsh, Richard L. Howard Jr., Scott Allen, Christopher Bogie

L-R: Todd Welsh, Richard L. Howard Jr.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of THE FACE OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

SCISSORTAIL WEALTH MANAGEMENT Financial planning is about much more than numbers on

service from a team that takes the time to understand their

a spreadsheet – it’s about creating opportunities for clients,

families, businesses and long-term aspirations.

protecting what matters most, and building confidence for

As an independent wealth management firm, Scissortail

every stage of life. At Scissortail Wealth Management, that

also offers the flexibility to put clients’ interests first. Without

philosophy has guided every client relationship since the

being tied to proprietary products or predetermined

firm was founded, making it a trusted partner for individuals,

investment models, the team can focus on developing

families, and businesses across the state.

thoughtful, objective strategies designed around each

Founded by Todd Welsh and Rich Howard, Scissortail was

person’s specific needs and goals. That independence allows

built on the belief that successful financial planning begins

the company to remain responsive, adaptable and committed

with understanding people. Rather than offering one-size-

to delivering advice rooted in trust.

fits-all solutions, the independent advisory firm takes a

Scissortail’s commitment to Tulsa extends well beyond

personalized approach, working closely with each client to

financial planning. Giving back has been one of the

develop strategies that reflect their goals, values, and vision

company’s founding principles since its inception, reflected

for the future.

in its pledge to donate 5% of profits to organizations and

Whether clients are preparing for retirement, growing a

initiatives that strengthen the community. From supporting

business, navigating major life changes, or planning for future

Special Olympics Oklahoma, Warriors for Freedom and the

generations, Scissortail serves as a single, trusted resource

Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma to serving on

to help simplify increasingly complex financial decisions.

nonprofit and school boards throughout the

The firm’s comprehensive suite of services includes financial

region, Scissortail’s leadership believes success is

and retirement planning, portfolio management, investment

measured not only by the clients they serve, but also by the

strategies, estate and trust planning, charitable giving,

communities they help build.

education funding, risk management, business planning,

In an increasingly complicated financial world, many people

banking and lending solutions, sustainable investing and

are looking for something refreshingly simple: a trusted team

more. Every recommendation is tailored to the client’s unique

that listens, communicates and provides confidence that

circumstances, often in collaboration with top-tier attorneys,

every financial decision is working toward a bigger picture.

accountants and other trusted advisors to ensure every piece

That’s exactly what Scissortail Wealth Management strives

of the financial picture works together.

to deliver.

That collaborative approach is one of the reasons Scissortail

For those looking to build a long-term wealth management

has earned lasting relationships that span decades and

relationship built on experience, integrity, and personalized

even generations. Clients are never treated like just another

guidance, Scissortail Wealth Management continues to prove

number – instead, they receive attentive, concierge-level

why it is the Face of Wealth Management in Oklahoma.

1203 E. 33RD ST., STE. 100, TULSA | 918-956-0500 | SCISSORTAILWEALTH.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

THE FACE OF DENTISTRY

Dr. Matthew Walker • Dr. Brian Gosnell • Hygiene Team

UTICA DENTAL At Utica Dental, Dr. Matthew Walker, Dr. Brian Gosnell, and their outstanding team provide a dental experience rooted in excellence, innovation, and compassion.

Their shared mission is simple yet powerful: to deliver high-level, modern dentistry while treating every patient like family.

Located in the heart of Midtown Tulsa, Utica Dental offers a serene, spa-like setting with floor-to-ceiling windows, calming amenities, and state-of-theart technology. Patients are greeted with warm smiles and leave with even brighter ones, thanks to personalized, comprehensive care that blends comfort and clinical precision.

From preventive hygiene care and

cosmetic makeovers to advanced restorative procedures, Invisalign®, implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation, Utica Dental is equipped to handle it all – beautifully. The practice also prioritizes patient comfort with options like nitrous oxide and streaming entertainment, making each visit stress-free and even enjoyable.

With a dedicated hygiene team known for their skill, empathy, and gentle approach, patients of all ages receive top-tier preventative care in a welcoming and supportive environment. Every team member brings their own strengths and passion for service, ensuring a tailored experience for each person who walks through the door.

Utica Dental proudly upholds the highest standards of infection control, using the latest sterilization technologies and CDC protocols. Dr. Walker and Dr. Gosnell are committed to creating a safe, clean, and caring environment, because your health and peace of mind matter.

Named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s “The Best of the Best,” Utica Dental continues to raise the bar in general and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re new to the area or simply ready for a better dental experience, we invite you to discover the Utica Dental difference – where innovation meets heart, and every smile tells a story.

WE ARE NOW OFFERING IV SEDATION.

918-712-0000 | 1720 S. UTICA AVE., TULSA | UTICADENTAL.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 38

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of

Russ Peevy, Senior Vice President - Oklahoma

Kirk Mammen, VP/Area Manager - OKC

Jolene Curry, Business Development Director - OKC

Brett Venable, VP/Area Manager - Tulsa

Jody Vivion, Business Development Director - Tulsa

THE FACE OF OKLAHOMA CONSTRUCTION

FLINTCO

The faces of Flintco Oklahoma represent more than a leadership team—they represent generations of Oklahomans who have dedicated their careers to building the communities they call home. Together, they share a common purpose: strengthening Oklahoma through relationships, exceptional projects, and a commitment to developing the next generation of builders.

Founded in Tulsa in 1908, Flintco has grown alongside the state for 118 years.

Today, Flintco is ranked No. 34 among the nation’s largest contractors by Engineering News-Record, and Oklahoma remains the foundation of its success. Over the past decade, Flintco’s Oklahoma operations have grown by more than 60%, reflecting the state’s growth and the confidence clients place in Flintco’s people.

That growth is evident in projects across Oklahoma. Current work includes Continental Coliseum, future home of the Oklahoma City Thunder; OKC Public Schools’ Capitol Hill High School; the Gilcrease Museum; and the new Tulsa Air Traffic Control Tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Facility.

Together with projects across every sector, these investments are shaping Oklahoma’s future.

That same shared purpose continues to shape Flintco today. Oklahoma’s leadership team develops the next generation of construction professionals by recruiting graduates from the state’s leading construction, engineering, and architecture programs while creating opportunities for experienced professionals. Flintco invests

in mentorship, professional development, and internal promotion, strengthening its workforce and Oklahoma’s construction industry. That commitment is reflected in Flintco’s people, earning both the Associated General Contractors of Oklahoma Project Manager of the Year and Superintendent of the Year honors this year.

For Flintco, Oklahoma is more than a place to do business—it is home. These are the communities where our employees live, raise their families, volunteer, and build lasting relationships. For more than a century, Flintco has helped build Oklahoma, and the people leading the company today remain committed to building an even stronger future for the state they call home.

918-587-8451 | 323 E. RECONCILIATION WAY, TULSA, OK 74103 405-670-6307 | 1225 N. BROADWAY AVE, STE 105, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73103 FLINTCO.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

Rusty Smith, Michael Barkett | Photo by McKenzie Jo Photography

THE FACE OF PERSONAL INJURY LAW

SMITH BARKETT LAW GROUP Representing clients across Oklahoma, Texas, and nationwide, Smith Barkett Law Group’s founders, Michael Barkett and Rusty Smith, have secured millions of dollars – including seven- and eightfigure awards – in both jury verdicts and settlements. The Smith Barkett Law Group is a premier law firm, with

recognized expertise in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including car, trucking, and industrial accidents, oil and gas explosions and fires, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, medical malpractice, unlawful termination, and defamation.

Smith and Barkett have also won

numerous awards for their work – including selection into the prestigious Super Lawyers rankings. With offices in Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma, contact the Smith Barkett Law Group. Consulting their firm is free — justice for you is their top priority.

2021 S. LEWIS AVE., SUITE 630, TULSA | 555 W. OKMULGEE AVE., MUSKOGEE 918-582-6900 | SMITHBARKETT.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 40

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of

THE FACE OF MEDICAL AESTHETICS

RADIANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Radiance Medical Aesthetics is proud to bring Beauty by the Best!® to Oklahoma City as the premier destination for aesthetic treatments.

With over 70 years of combined experience, the professionals at Radiance are dedicated to helping their patients feel and look their very best with results-driven treatments. Radiance was founded by Kasey L. Swayden, PA-C, in 2020. With more than a decade of experience in Aesthetic Medicine, Kasey dreamed of opening a Medical Spa that was centered on skin health and built around a professional team that delivers advanced cosmetic treatments in a beautiful, spa-like atmosphere.

Today, Kasey’s dreams have become reality, and patients travel from all over for the advanced aesthetic treatments at Radiance Medical Aesthetics. Under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist, Radiance offers a variety of industry-leading treatments and technologies to achieve the best results for their patients.

From state-of-the-art Sciton lasers, to injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, HydraFacial, Diamond Glow and more, the team of professionals have curated a comprehensive selection of treatments designed to address various aesthetic and skin concerns. Since opening, Radiance Medical Aesthetics

has evolved into one of Oklahoma’s most recognized names in Aesthetic Medicine. As the official medical spa of Miss Oklahoma and Miss Oklahoma Teen, Radiance has earned many accolades. These include being named OKC’s “Best Medical Spa” and “Best Aesthetician” by Oklahoma Magazine and earning national recognition for its anti-aging results. Radiance is conveniently located just off the John Kilpatrick Turnpike at Portland and Memorial.

To learn more about Radiance Medical Aesthetics of Oklahoma, view their services or schedule a consultation, visit www.rmaok.com.

405-807-6265 | 3308 N.W. 135TH ST. SUITE 100, OKC | RMAOK.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

THE FACE OF FINE DINING

THE SUMMIT CLUB Since 1967, The Summit Club has been Tulsa’s premier destination for exceptional dining and social experiences, nestled in the heart of downtown. Perched on the 30th, 31st, and 32nd floors on the corner of Sixth Street and Boulder Avenue, our club offers breathtaking panoramic views that serve as a stunning backdrop for any occasion. Whether you’re savoring an intimate dinner, attending a grand event in our elegant ballroom, or enjoying a handcrafted cocktail in the Penthouse, each visit promises a memorable blend of

sophistication and warmth.

Our culinary team crafts fresh, chef-prepared menus using the finest ingredients and techniques, complemented by an impressive selection of premium wines, handcrafted cocktails, and mocktails.

Our staff at The Summit Club brings a wealth of industry experience and professional training, delivering topnotch service to every member and guest.

Whether you’re here for a casual outing or a special event, our team is committed

to making every moment memorable.

Membership at The Summit Club is more than exclusive dining access – it’s an invitation to join a vibrant community of professionals and socialites. Our club serves as a hub for networking, celebrating milestones, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members.

With its blend of refined ambiance, exceptional service, and unparalleled views, The Summit Club stands as Tulsa’s premier city club. Discover the benefits of membership today.

918-582-5243 | 15 W. SIXTH ST., TULSA | SUMMITTULSA.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 42

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of

Chris Johnson, Kristi Johnson, and Kylee Johnson

THE FACE OF FURNITURE STORES

NORTH CAROLINA FURNITURE MART North Carolina Furniture Mart is a family-owned business in Bixby, Oklahoma, that is currently operated by a third-generation owner, Kristi Johnson.

They are proud to have consistently provided quality merchandise and exceptional service to their customers since Kristi’s grandfather, Ike Eichhorn, opened the store in 1990. Kristi spent a lot of her youth in the store, watching her family and learning various aspects of the furniture business. In 1996, she officially joined the business, focusing on sales, service, purchasing and design.

She worked closely with her grandfather, father and aunt to learn the ropes,

and continues to provide consistent customer satisfaction to this day. In 2013, Kristi and her husband, Chris Johnson, took over the business. They continue to expand their customer base and offer custom furniture, lighting, art, outdoor living, as well as interior design consultation. The business name, North Carolina Furniture Mart, comes from Kristi’s grandfather, who named the store after the luxury furniture brands he sold that were based in North Carolina. Now, the store represents brands in North Carolina and beyond, still maintaining the goal of selling first-rate furniture.

North Carolina Furniture Mart offers

the finest in-home furnishings including living room, dining room, bedroom, home theater/entertainment, home office, and outdoor living furniture.

They also offer a full array of area rugs, lighting, artwork, mattresses and accessories. The business has a strong reputation for providing fairly priced, exceedingly well-made pieces that are designed with timeless durability. North Carolina Furniture Mart is proud of its non-commissioned, hardworking team who work closely with customers to create custom furniture pieces to fill their homes. Visit them to consult with their specialists and curate your perfect space!

918-369-3305 | 12109 S. MEMORIAL DR., BIXBY | NCFMTULSA.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of THE FACE OF CREDIT UNIONS

STEPHEN LARK WITH COMMUNICATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Leading with Purpose.

Serving Oklahoma. Putting Members First.

When Stephen Lark became President and CEO of Communication Federal Credit Union on January 1, 2026, he brought more than 27 years of credit union experience, a passion for innovation, and a lifelong commitment to helping Oklahomans succeed financially.

A lifelong Oklahoman, Lark has built his career at Communication Federal, rising through the organization before serving the past 14 years as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. In that role, he oversaw marketing, business intelligence, digital products, financial education, and community development.

His leadership helped launch the credit union’s business intelligence and digital strategy teams, enhancing the member experience while supporting significant organizational growth.

“I’ve seen firsthand the difference credit unions make in people’s lives,” Lark says.

“Helping our members reach their financial goals while making our communities stronger isn’t just our mission. It’s the core of who

we are. I’m honored to lead an organization that’s been making that difference for generations.”

A graduate of Southwest CUNA Management School, Lark has been recognized throughout the industry, including being named the Cornerstone Credit Union League’s 2018 Marketing and Business Development Professional of the Year and the 2022 OCUPAC Political Activist of the Year.

Outside the office, Lark enjoys spending time with his family, restoring far too many vintage vehicles, and perfecting his award-winning championship barbecue.

Since 1939, Communication Federal Credit Union has helped generations of Oklahomans achieve their financial goals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the credit union serves more than 130,000 members with more than $2 billion in assets. A BauerFinancial Five-Star Superior-rated institution for 30 consecutive years and a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union in both 2025 and 2026, Communication Federal continues to combine financial strength with exceptional service and a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves.

800.522.3535 | 4141 NW EXPRESSWAY, OKC | COMFEDCU.ORG SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 44

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of

THE FACE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

HEIDI McMURRAY In every market, opportunity belongs to those with the right strategy. Through changing market conditions, Heidi McMurray has built a reputation as one of Oklahoma’s trusted luxury real estate professionals by delivering exceptional results, innovative marketing, and concierge-level service.

A Luxury Listing Specialist, Heidi was recruited to host The American Dream, the Emmy® and Telly Award-winning television series reaching more than 110 million viewers nationwide. On the show, she showcases Oklahoma’s most distinctive luxury homes, thriving businesses, entrepreneurs and the communities shaping the state’s future.

Whether helping first-time buyers, luxury homeowners, investors, or clients purchasing land, acreage, or commercial

properties, Heidi creates a personalized strategy built around each client’s goals.

She takes time to understand financial objectives, lifestyle priorities, timelines, and long-term investment plans before guiding clients through every step of the process.

Known for her attention to detail, proactive communication, skilled negotiations, and market expertise, Heidi simplifies even the most complex transactions while providing the confidence clients need from consultation to closing.

“Oklahoma is becoming one of the country’s best-kept secrets,” Heidi says. “Families are discovering the incredible value, quality of life, business opportunities, and strong communities we enjoy here every day. It’s exciting to help

people become part of that story.”

Every client receives a customized approach supported by strategic pricing and market analysis, luxury marketing and media exposure, concierge-level service, clear communication, and long-term investment guidance.

Whether buying a starter home, selling a luxury estate, investing in property, or relocating across the country, Heidi is committed to delivering an exceptional experience.

“We may start as partners in real estate,” she says, “but my goal is to end as friends.”

If you own a remarkable luxury property, distinctive business, or have a story worth sharing, Heidi would love to help showcase it while helping you achieve your real estate goals.

918-313-1786 | 4745 E. 91ST ST., STE. 100 | HEIDISHOMES.KW.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

THE FACE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS

RIVERFIELD COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Where Adventure Meets Excellence In the heart of Tulsa is an independent school driven by a powerful mission: to ignite adventure, inspire inquiry, and empower students to change their world.

Since 1984, Riverfield Country Day School has brought that mission to life through an innovative approach to teaching and learning. Guided by a leadership team averaging more than two decades of service to the school, Riverfield has cultivated a culture where curiosity, creativity, and collaboration thrive.

Riverfield’s distinguished faculty and staff are committed to educating the whole child. With an average of 15

years of teaching experience, educators intentionally nurture every aspect of a student’s development: intellectual, socialemotional, physical, creative, and moral.

They don’t simply encourage lifelong learning; they model it every day.

Faculty members hold numerous advanced degrees and continually pursue new opportunities for professional growth.

They attend and present at regional, national, and international conferences, engage in collaborative research, and regularly share best practices. Their commitment to innovation even led to the publication of Curated Moments: Reggio Inspired Classrooms for Infants, Toddlers,

and Twos, a collaborative work available through Gryphon House Books and major booksellers.

This spirit of inquiry has also inspired Riverfield educators to develop their own Design Doing™ framework—a distinctive approach to learning that empowers students to solve authentic problems through creativity, collaboration, and purposeful action. After years of refinement in Riverfield classrooms, the framework will be shared with educators, school leaders, parents, and lifelong learners at the school’s professional learning conference, Where Adventure Meets Excellence, in mid-September.

918-446-3553 | 2433 W. 61ST ST., TULSA | RIVERFIELD.ORG SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 46

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

FACES of THE FACE OF WELLNESS AND STRETCHING

R³STRETCH

Mobility has a profound impact on overall health, influencing everything from athletic performance and recovery to sleep quality and everyday comfort. At R³Stretch, clients discover personalized solutions designed to restore movement, relieve pain and help them feel their best without relying solely on pain medication or temporary fixes.

R³Stretch is a full-service recovery, relaxation and restoration center dedicated to helping people regain lost flexibility, increase energy, recover more efficiently and address the underlying causes of pain. As the body changes over time, and the demands of daily life take their toll, the experienced team at R³Stretch works oneon-one with clients to improve mobility, reduce stress and support long-term wellness.

Owned by Roger Chasteen, R³Stretch brings together a highly qualified staff that includes a medical doctor, athletic trainers with advanced degrees, certified personal trainers, licensed massage therapists and movement specialists.

Their combined expertise allows the team to develop individualized treatment plans for each client.

Among the center’s signature services is assisted stretching, with customized sessions that improve flexibility, increase range of motion, relieve muscle soreness and ease back pain. Each appointment includes time in an automated massage chair or on an intersegmental traction table to prepare muscles for stretching, with massage gun therapy available to further enhance results. Therapeutic massage is also available to promote relaxation while relieving the physical stresses of everyday life.

R³Stretch complements its core services with a wide range of advanced wellness therapies, including dry needling, cupping, red light therapy, brain biohacking, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), hydration therapy, detox therapies, Power Plate training, peptide therapy and automated massage.

Every service reflects the company’s mission: helping clients reclaim their health, move with greater confidence and, as the R³Stretch motto says, “Remember what it’s like to feel Good.™ ”

Owner Roger Chasteen

918-340-5900 | 4785 E. 91ST STREET SUITE G, TULSA | R3STRETCH.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

47

FACES of

From left to right: Jordan and Kenneth Conrad (Owners)

THE FACE OF ROOFING

CONRAD’S ROOFING At Tulsa-based Conrad’s Roofing, every single roof is backed by the owner’s name: Conrad. With core values that include aggressive authenticity, passion and customer obsession, Conrad’s Roofing puts the same care, attention to detail and premium workmanship into every job, whether it’s locating and repairing a small

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

leak, or a total tear-off and replacement of your roof.

Conrad’s provides personalized service with its expert roof installations, touting the resources, financial strength, and stability that make them a leader in the industry. The business is fully licensed, bonded and insured, meaning that clients

can rest easy knowing only the best are working on their homes. Only Conrad’s Roofing can guarantee and deliver this kind of personalized service. In short, they’ll get the job done – affordably, safely and thoroughly.

“My team and I have had many years of trial and error,” says owner Ken Conrad.

Conrad’s Roofing team

“We pride ourselves on keeping the local business aspect, while having an operation that runs as efficiently as possible. I have only one option available for myself and every roof we touch: my word and my work.”

Dedicated to serving Tulsa and surrounding areas, Conrad’s has installed 21,792,000 shingles with over 12,000 satisfied customers. Services range from roof installations to leak detections and gutter design and installation.

With a promise to put the same effective, efficient practices into every job, Conrad’s is laser focused on client satisfaction, which is evident in their exceptional customer service, free estimates and free 22-point roof inspections. The team also understands that a new roof is a major investment – which is why they offer a variety of financing options to ensure you get the services you need at the right price.

Reputable, reliable and results-driven: Conrad’s Roofing.

918-955-6722 | 6247 E. 15TH ST., TULSA | CONRADSROOFING.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

THE FACE OF WEIGHT LOSS CENTERS

BA MED SPA AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Confidence starts with health. For many people, the journey to greater confidence doesn’t begin with a wrinkle or a cosmetic concern – it begins with wanting to feel healthier, have more energy and regain control of their weight. At BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center in Broken Arrow, helping patients achieve lasting confidence starts from the inside out.

Celebrating more than 16 years of serving Oklahoma, BA Med Spa has become one

of the state’s premier destinations for physician-supervised weight loss, medical aesthetics, and wellness. What began with the belief that every patient deserves a customized treatment plan has evolved into one of Oklahoma’s most trusted medical practices.

“Our goal has never been simply helping patients look better,” says Becky McCune, Chief Executive Officer. “We want them to feel healthier, stronger, more confident, and

excited about the person they see in the mirror.”

Today, physician-supervised weight loss has become one of BA Med Spa’s fastestgrowing services. The practice offers individualized programs featuring GLP-1 weight loss injections, nutritional guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing medical supervision designed to help patients achieve safe, sustainable results – not quick fixes. Patients often discover that as

918-872-9999 | 510 N ELM PL, BROKEN ARROW | BAWEIGHTSPA.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 50

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

As patient demand continues to grow, BA Med Spa is excited to welcome two Registered Nurse Injectors to its team.

Kamree Freisberg, RN, and Kelli Cozort, RN, are now accepting new patients. While they are new additions to BA Med Spa in this role, neither is new to aesthetics. Both bring valuable experience, advanced injector training, and a passion for helping patients achieve natural-looking results through personalized treatment plans. Their addition allows BA Med Spa to expand appointment availability while continuing to deliver the exceptional care patients have come to expect.

they lose weight, they gain far more than a smaller number on the scale. They gain energy, confidence, improved health, and the motivation to invest in themselves even further.

That often leads patients to explore BA Med Spa’s extensive aesthetic services.

From Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, Daxxify®, dermal fillers, Sculptra®, Bellafill®, and biostimulators to CoolSculpting®, Ultherapy®, Morpheus8®, microneedling, PRX, laser treatments, DiamondGlow®,

chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, and body contouring, BA Med Spa offers one of Oklahoma’s most comprehensive menus of aesthetic treatments. Every recommendation is customized to the patient’s goals, lifestyle, and stage of life.

One of the practice’s greatest strengths continues to be physician oversight with physician presence in the clinic— providing patients with confidence that their treatments are performed within a medically supervised environment

focused on safety, education, and long-term outcomes.

Whether someone is beginning a weightloss journey, looking to refresh their appearance, improve their skin, or simply feel more confident, BA Med Spa believes every patient deserves an individualized approach.

After 16 years, one philosophy continues to guide everything they do: If you have a weight loss or aesthetic concern, BA Med Spa has a solution.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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FACES of

Matt Baber (3rd generation), Mark Baber, Rhonda Hager, Mike Baber and Gary Baber

THE FACE OF HAMBURGERS

RON’S HAMBURGERS & CHILI Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili has been a beloved Oklahoma tradition since 1975, when Ron Baber left a career in manufacturing to pursue his passion for serving honest, home-cooked food. He opened the very first Ron’s in a small, 10seat restaurant at 15th Street and Harvard in Tulsa, with a simple mission: serve fresh, high-quality burgers, homemade chili, and treat every customer like family.

What began as one neighborhood burger stand quickly earned a loyal following.

Ron’s became known for its fresh, neverfrozen beef, onions fried directly into the burger patties, hand-cut fries, homemade award-winning chili, and frosted mugs of draft root beer. Signature menu items

like the Ron’s Special and the famous Sausage Cheeseburger helped establish the restaurant as a true Oklahoma original.

As demand grew, Ron’s expanded through family ownership and franchising.

Today, there are locations across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, many still owned and operated by members of the Baber family. Despite its growth, Ron’s has stayed true to the recipes, values, and welcoming atmosphere that made the original restaurant a success.

Over the decades, Ron’s has earned widespread recognition. It has been featured by Southern Living as serving Oklahoma’s Best Hamburger, with praise for its classic fried-onion burgers, homemade

chili, and timeless diner atmosphere. The restaurant has become a destination for generations of families, workers, students, and travelers looking for authentic Oklahoma comfort food.

Although founder Ron Baber passed away in 2018, his legacy continues through the family and dedicated team members who carry on the traditions he began more than 50 years ago. Ron’s remains committed to serving great food, providing friendly service, and creating a place where every guest feels at home – just as Ron envisioned back in 1975.

A legacy built on family, quality, and community – serving great food since 1975.

918-250-7667 | 7119 S. MINGO, TULSA + MULTIPLE LOCATIONS STATEWIDE | RONSBURGERSANDCHILI.COM 52

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

TULSA CIRCLE OF RED MEMBERS

KHANH AGRAWAL

LINDA AREND

TERI AULPH

MOLLY BERGER

DR. STACEY BUTTERFIELD

DR. HEATHER CHA

DEEDRA DETERMAN

MICHAEL ELDER

TULSA CIRCLE OF RED

giving heart disease the boot

TIFFANY FREEMAN

MISSY MCCAWFRETTE

MELISSA GILLILAND

JESSICA HERNANDEZ

MEGAN KORN

CHRISTY LINDSAY

JOHN MEINDERS

DARREN MUNDELL

TARA MUNDELL

JEANNIE MURPHY

DR. SARAN OLIVER

KIM OWENS

TINA PARKHILL

AMY REA

CRISTIN SHELBY

DR. ANGELA SIVADON

JENNIFER SMITH

GAYLE WAGNER

SALLY WALES

SHERRI WISE

In Tulsa, men and women are coming together to change the future of heart health through the Circle of Red, a community of leaders and advocates committed to combating heart disease and stroke.

As part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative, Circle of Red members engage year‑round with health experts and community leaders, supporting education, awareness and meaningful action. Through their commitment and advocacy, they help ensure women have access to the information and resources needed to safeguard their health, empowering others to follow their example.

At the 2026 Tulsa Go Red for Women event on Sept. 29 at Southern Hills Country Club, we will proudly recognize our Circle of Red members for their exceptional leadership and meaningful community involvement. Their dedication strengthens our mission and creates lasting change for women’s heart health.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by

Media Sponsors

Not pictured: Vicky Benedict, Tenille Brown, Peggy Elder, Paula Marshall, Brandon Scott, Kala Sharp, Louise Short, Dan Simoni, Dr. Matt Wilkett and Jamie Wilson

LEARN MORE Visit heart.org/TulsaGoRed Contact Kimberly.Young@heart.org 53 SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

OKLAHOMA’S

Autumn Adventures

By Mary Willa Allen

Left: Tulsa State Fair, Expo Square; Oct. 1-11 Above/below: Oklahoma State Fair, OKC Fair Park; Sept. 17-27 All photos courtesy the respective event/hosting business

Fall is calling, and Okies are ready to celebrate. From music and food to art, culture and family friendly fun, communities are coming alive and shaking off the summer heat with festivals for every kind of autumn adventurer.

Oklahoma State Fair & Tulsa State Fair

The Oklahoma State Fair returns Sept.

17-27 to OKC Fair Park, celebrating the state’s thriving agriculture, manufacturing and commerce while offering nearly two weeks of all-ages entertainment. One of North America’s top state fairs, the event offers classic carnival rides, delicious fair food, Disney on Ice performances, UFB/Wildcatters bull riding events and performances at the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage, including hypnosis shows and circus acts. Visitors can also experience the fair’s live mural challenge, where 21 Oklahoma artists compete to create giant works that will be displayed throughout the event. Get tickets at

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okstatefair.com.

The Tulsa State Fair takes over Expo Square Oct. 1-11 for its annual celebration of family, education and entertainment.

Dating back to 1903 when it began as the Tulsa County Free Fair, the event has grown into one of the country’s premier entertainment options, welcoming an estimated 1 million visitors in 2025. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, Disney on Ice, the Pepsi Fall Concert Series at the Oklahoma Stage, the Awesome Eats competition, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and livestock and horse shows. With more than a century of history, the Tulsa State Fair continues its tradition of bringing the community together through fun, food and learning. Learn more at tulsastatefair.com.

Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa

Returning Oct. 22-25 to River West Festival Park, Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa brings an authentic Bavarian celebration to Oklahoma with food, music, traditions and family fun.

Inspired by Oktoberfest Munich, the festival features massive tents, more than 100 German and local beers, Bavarian favorites like bratwurst, wiener schnitzel, cheesecake and strudel, plus arts, crafts, games and competitions.

Enjoy performances from international and local German bands across 11 stages, test your skills with activities like bier barrel racing and stein hoisting, and experience the crowdfavorite Dachshund Dash. The weekend kicks off with special events including Corporate Night and the BierMeister’s Ball before welcoming everyone for Zeeco Family Free Day on Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With carnival rides, children’s activities and free admission for kids 12 and under with guardians, the festival offers fun for all ages. Learn more at tulsaoktoberfest.org.

Zeeco Oktoberfest, River West Festival Park, Tulsa; Oct. 22-25

Red Earth Fallfest

Red Earth FallFest is back and better than ever on Oct. 17 in downtown Oklahoma City at Scissortail Park, offering a free celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and community. After outgrowing its previous location, the festival moved to the larger park, providing more space for Native artists, families and the always entertaining Youth Powwow.

Visitors can shop within the Native art market, enjoy food trucks, explore the Scissortail Park Farmers Market, and experience traditional dance, music and community throughout the day. The Youth Powwow highlights the next generation of Native dancers, bringing together young performers, drum groups, families and guests for a celebration of heritage and pride. Find out more at redearth.org.

Red Earth Fallfest, Scissortail Park, OKC; Oct. 17

Poteau Balloon Festival

Poteau Balloon Festival, LeFlore County Fairgrounds; Oct. 16-17

The Poteau Balloon Festival flies into town Oct. 16-17 to the LeFlore County Fairgrounds, offering a weekend of fall scenery, family entertainment and colorful skies. Set against the backdrop of the region’s mountains and autumn foliage, the festival invites visitors to watch hot air balloons fill the sky while enjoying carnival rides and activities for all ages.

Gates open Oct. 16 at noon. Balloon flights are dependent on weather and wind conditions, with possible launches typically occurring in the morning and evening hours. Along with the breathtaking views, the festival provides a chance to experience the beauty of southeast Oklahoma during one of the state’s most scenic times of year. Learn more at poteauchamber.com.

Scotfest

Scotfest, Broken Arrow Events Park; Sept. 18-20

Scotfest returns to Broken Arrow Sept. 18-20 for one final festival weekend, celebrating 46 years of Scottish heritage, music and tradition.

Held at Broken Arrow Events Park, the farewell event will bring back longtime favorites while introducing new activities for one last gathering of pipes, pageantry and Highland spirit.

Offerings include whisky tastings, Highland Athletics competitions like the caber toss, stone put, hammer throw and more, Celtic rock concerts, armored combat and traditional Highland dance performances. Three stages of live music, along with fierce competitions, dazzling performances and energetic cultural displays make Scotfest Oklahoma a memorable celebration that has drawn thousands of attendees from all 50 states and international visitors from Scotland and beyond. Learn about the festival at okscotfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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SEP TEMBER

Route 66 Christmas Chute, downtown Sapulpa; Nov. 19-Dec. 27

Greenwood Film Festival, OSU-Tulsa; Sept. 6-10

Route 66 Christmas Chute

Greenwood Film Festival

The Route 66 Christmas Chute is back after a one-year hiatus in downtown Sapulpa, running Nov. 19-Dec. 27 and transforming Historic Route 66 into a dazzling holiday destination in celebration of the highway’s centennial. Located at 101 E. Dewey Ave., the festive attraction features 21,000 square feet of walkable Christmas décor, with 60,000 lights, 10,000 icicles and 11 unique holiday themes.

Created through the dedication of more than 1,500 community volunteers, the Chute has become a beloved tradition, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors in 2024 alone. Guests can stroll through the illuminated corridor, enjoy seasonal music and explore pop-up experiences throughout the holiday season. Lights shine nightly beginning at 4:30 p.m., offering families and visitors a chance to gather, celebrate and create memories beneath a canopy of holiday cheer. See more at route66christmaschute.com.

Celebrating its sixth year, the Greenwood Film Festival returns to OSU-Tulsa from Sept. 6 to 10, bringing filmmakers and movie lovers together in the heart of Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street.

Founded during the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the festival was created to provide a platform for Black filmmakers to share their stories, all while fostering healing through culture, truth and inspiration.

Attendees can enjoy film screenings, panel discussions, educational classes and networking opportunities. This year’s screening lineup includes Trust Issues, a drama exploring relationships and secrets; Poverty Trap, a documentary examining America’s struggle with systemic poverty; and A House Between Worlds, a psychological drama from festival founder Dennis Y. Delemar that delves into family trauma, memory and generational healing. Learn more at greenwoodfilmfestival.com.

Tulsa Greek Festival

Tulsa Greek Festival, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; Sept. 17-19

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

The Tulsa Greek Festival returns Sept. 17-19 for its 66th year at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1222 S. Guthrie, offering a weekend filled with authentic Greek food, music, culture and hospitality. Guests can savor festival favorites including souvlaki, gyros, lamb and potatoes, warm loukoumades, baklava and other pastries while tapping their toes along to live Greek music and colorful dance performances.

Visitors are also invited to tour the historic church, browse the Greek Market for imported goods and gifts, and experience the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith. Held near historic Route 66, the festival highlights the rich heritage of Tulsa’s Greek community and welcomes guests to enjoy a memorable celebration of cuisine and culture. See what’s on the schedule at tulsagreekfestival.com.

Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival Sept. 4-6 Tvshka Homma Tribal Grounds, Tuskahoma The Blues Ball Sept. 4-6 Town Center Mainstage, Medicine Park Cherokee Nation Holiday Sept. 4-6 Various locations, Tahlequah Water Lantern Festival Sept. 5 Legacy Park, Norman Henryetta Labor Day Celebration Sept. 5-7 415 Main St., Henryetta Greenwood Film Festival Sept. 6-10 OSU-Tulsa Brews, Bites and Bands Festival Through Sept. 7 Frontier City Bluegrass and Chili Festival Sept. 11-12 Downtown Tahlequah Chalk It Up! An Art Festival Sept. 11-13 Broken Arrow Main Street Broken Arrow Rose Festival Sept. 11-13 302 S. Main St., Broken Arrow World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival & Cook-Off Sept. 12 Will Rogers Rodeo Arena, Vinita Coweta Fall Festival Sept. 17-19 Downtown Coweta Broadway District Skiatook Pioneer Day Festival Sept. 17-19 Skiatook Central Park Tulsa Greek Festival Sept. 17-19 1222 S. Guthrie Oklahoma State Fair Sept. 17-27 Oklahoma State Fair Park, OKC Scotfest Sept. 18-20 Broken Arrow Events Park

Arts ‘N Action Festival Sept. 19 Tillman County Courthouse, Frederick India Food & Arts Festival Sept. 20 Scissortail Park, OKC Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd’s Cross Sept. 22-Nov. 7 Shepherd’s Cross, Claremore Fin and Feather Fall Festival Sept. 25-27 Fin and Feather Resort, Gore Haunted Castle Halloween Festival Sept. 25-Oct. 3 Castle of Muskogee Okeene Germanfest Sept. 26 101 N. Main St., Okeene Plaza District Festival Sept. 26 Plaza District, OKC Idabel Fall Festival Sept. 26 Downtown Idabel Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival Sept. 26-Oct. 4 Various locations, Tishomingo Fright Fest Sept. 26-Oct. 31 Frontier City Hugo Pumpkin Festival Sept. 26-Nov. 1 Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo Mesta Festa Sept. 27 Perle Mesta Park, OKC Oklahoma Heritage Farm Fall Festival September 27-Nov. 2 38512 U.S. Hwy 75, Ramona

OC TOBER

Tallgrass Music Festival Oct. 1-3 Tallgrass Festival Grounds, Skiatook Pelican Festival Oct. 1-4 963 N 16th St., Grove Tulsa State Fair Oct. 1-11 Expo Square, Tulsa Rock Island Arts Festival Oct. 2-3 Downtown Chickasha

Asian District Night Market Festival Oct. 2-3 Military Park, OKC Oklahoma Czech Festival Oct. 2-3 Main Street, Yukon Oklahoma Regatta Festival Oct. 2-4 Riversport OKC OK Mozart Festival Oktoberfest Oct. 3 415 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville Norman Brewtoberfest Oct. 3 Reaves Park, Norman Mid-America Street Fest Oct. 3 W.P. Bill Atkinson Park, Midwest City Fiestas de las Americas Oct. 3 Calle Dos Cinco, OKC Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival Oct. 8-10 Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie Red Brick Road Film Festival Oct. 8-11 Downtown, Paulls Valley Watonga Cheese and Wine Festival Oct. 9-10 Downtown Watonga Owasso Harvest & Pet Festival Oct. 10 Redbud Festival Park, Owasso Indigenous Peoples Day Oct. 12 First Americans Museum, OKC Poteau Balloon Festival Oct. 16-17 LeFlore County Fairgrounds, Poteau Arcadia Route 66 Neonfest Oct. 16-18 13100 E. Old Hwy. 66, Arcadia Robbers Cave Fall Festival Oct. 16-18 Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton

Hydro Harvest Festival Oct. 17 Main Street, Hydro Chisholm Trail Festival Oct. 17 Mollie Spencer Farm, Yukon Red Earth Fallfest Oct. 17 Myriad Botanical Gardens, OKC Guthrie Wine Festival Oct. 17 108 N. Wentz St., Guthrie Zeeco Oktoberfest Oct. 22-25 River West Festival Park, Tulsa Depew Fall Festival Oct. 24 405 Main St., Depew Route 66 Pecan & Music Festival Oct. 24-25 The Nut House and Route 66 RVs, Claremore Boo on the Bricks Oct. 31 Downtown Pauls Valley

N OVEMBER & DECEMBER

Dia de los Muertos Festival Nov. 6 Living Arts of Tulsa Oklahoma Pecan Festival Nov. 7 Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur Edmond International Festival Nov. 7 Edmond Festival Market Place Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show Nov. 13-15 Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Route 66 Christmas Chute Nov. 19-Dec. 27 101 E. Dewey Ave., Sapulpa Chickasha Festival of Light Nov. 20-Dec. 31 2400 S. Ninth St., Chickasha Lights On At Utica Square Nov. 26 Utica Square, Tulsa Garden of Lights Nov. 26-Jan. 1 Honor Heights Park, Muskogee

Oklahoma Regatta Festival, Riversport OKC; Oct. 2-4

Oklahoma Regatta Festival

The Oklahoma Regatta Festival returns Oct. 2-4 to RiverSport OKC for a weekend of high-energy racing, family fun and waterfront entertainment in the Boathouse District.

The three-day event features the Oklahoma City University Head of the Oklahoma Regatta, RiverSport Rowing and Dragon Boat League Championships, and OG&E NightSprints, where competitors race under the glow of lights, costumes and decorations.

Cheer on teams from the Finish Line Tower, enjoy food and activities, and take part in interactive experiences like the OG&E Watt Challenge. Admission to festival and race events is free. For those looking for an upgraded experience, Prime Viewing in the Devon Boathouse offers air conditioning, indoor restrooms, concessions and a cash bar while providing some of the best views of the action. Get more information at riversportokc.org.

Bluegrass and Chili Festival, downtown Tahlequah; Sept. 11-12

Bluegrass and Chili Festival

Head to downtown Tahlequah Sept. 11-12 for the annual Bluegrass and Chili Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration packed with live entertainment, food and fun.

National, regional and local performers will take the stage with bluegrass, country, gospel, contemporary Christian, R&B and rock music, including Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent, SpringStreet and the U.S. Navy Band Country Current.

Saturday’s festivities feature the sanctioned Mid-America Regional Chili Cook-Off, where competitors vie for cash prizes and a chance to advance to the International Chili Society’s World Championship Chili Cookoff. Visitors can also browse the Festival Street Market, explore downtown shops and restaurants, admire the Car & Motorcycle Show, let youngsters enjoy the Kiddie Korral and cheer on the festival’s newest attraction: the Chili Dog Races for dachshunds. Get more information at bluegrasschilifest.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Taste F O O D, D R I N K A N D OTHER PLE ASURES

From hand-cutting picanha to preparing every detail of the kitchen’s labor-intensive dishes, Alex (above) and Gislaine Figueira have built Dr. Kustom from the ground up.

Photos courtesy Dr. Kustom

Growing On Their Own Terms After national recognition brought a flood of attention, the family behind Dr. Kustom chose their own path forward.

J

anuary 19, 2024, was the day everything changed for Gislaine and Alex Figueira.

That morning, Gislaine was checking her email when her phone dinged. “Congrats on being named a James Beard semifinalist!” one text read.

She told her husband Alex who, along with Gislaine herself, are the owners of Dr. Kustom, a beloved food stall in Tulsa’s Mother Road Market.

They opened the restaurant in 2020, not long after coming here from their native Brazil.

“I didn’t know what it was,” Alex admits about the recognition, “and when I looked it up, I was shocked by 58

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

how important the James Beard Awards are. Just being on the semifinalist list changed our lives forever.”

Demand tripled – which wasn’t entirely a good thing. Pasteles, stuffed Brazilian pastries, are their biggest seller, and it takes a whole day to make the dough and laminate it ( folding and stretching again and again). They could have cut corners – not laminated the dough – but they didn’t.

Everything made at Dr. Kustom is made the same labor-intensive way today as it has been from the beginning.

“We have lots of regulars,” says Alex. “We don’t even ask what they want. We know their favorite flavor, so when we see them we pop it in the oven.”

Even more popular is the picanha

sandwich. The top sirloin steak is cut by hand, and when Alex’s arms are about to drop, he stops making them. They are sold only on Thursday mornings, and people line up ages before the store opens. They’re often sold out within the hour.

One thing that has changed is the address; it’s no longer a stall in the food market. You can find it in a sleek, woodpaneled building a few feet north. After the James Beard announcement, the Figueiras were besieged with offers. Three or four companies wanted to make it a franchise.

They turned them all down.

“We like what we have,” Alex told me, “something small, in our hands, under our control.” But the Market’s offer to let them have a building to themselves could not be

Taste | First Bite

Local Flavors | Taste Palace Rooms

For Dr. Kustom’s Chef’s Table, the Figueiras create a secret menu for each group, blending Brazilian, French and African influences.

turned down. The couple hired WoffBuilt designers to build a kitchen full of dream goodies. The grill and oven is a Josper, a famous high-temperature charcoal oven made in Spain.

“It’s a magic box,” says Alex. “Everything you put in gets great flavors.” There’s also a dry ager. Sometimes Alex dry ages prime steaks for 45 or 60 days. But that’s for Chef ’s Table.

For that special event, the building is empty except for you and your party, plus the Figueiras. The menu is a secret, designed just for your group. Chef ’s Table is fully booked through most of 2027, and the only way to get an earlier slot is to buy one of the dinners the Figueiras donate to charity auctions.

“It’s a celebration for diners, and a celebration for us,” says Alex. “We have the opportunity to have an elegant family dinner the way it’s done in Brazil. The courses are a fusion of Brazilian, French and some African elements since many Brazilian families came from Africa. We enjoy explaining each dish, how it’s served in Brazil. When it starts, people are nervous sometimes, but when it ends, it’s a party. Sometimes it takes a week to prepare.”

As Alex talks, I see Gislaine chopping a huge bundle of greens with a knife.

“That’s for fresh herb sauce. We make it fresh every day,” she says. Gislaine has always taken part in the cooking, but one recent change is that their daughter now does, too. She recently graduated from the Escoffier School, adding French technique to her repertoire.

“I love cooking, I love showcasing my dishes,” she says. “I love thinking of all the things we can do.”

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Dessert at Dr. Kustom’s Chef’s Table is another chance for the Figueiras to tell a story through food.

Photo courtesy Palace Rooms

If you’re looking for a reason to slow down, Palace Rooms has one waiting in downtown Tulsa.

The dinner concept offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere where lingering over a meal isn’t a bad thing – it’s expected. Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a special occasion or catching up with friends, Palace Rooms makes it easy to settle in for the evening.

The menu leans into elevated comfort food with plenty of options for sharing. Start with crispy arancini, hearty meatballs, a charcuterie board or naan bread with hummus before diving into one of the restaurant’s wood-fired pizzas. Traditionalists can stick with classic toppings, while those looking for something different will find buffalo chicken, barbecue chicken and Caprese varieties.

Bigger appetites will appreciate entrées ranging from creamy fettuccine Alfredo and lemony chicken piccata to steak frites and the filet mignon. There’s also tomato bisque, Caesar salad and burgers for guests craving something a little more familiar. Save room for dessert, where bread pudding, carrot cake and cheesecake provide a sweet ending to the evening.

Of course, no leisurely dinner is complete without a drink in hand.

Palace Rooms’ full bar serves handcrafted cocktails alongside beer, wine and spirits, making it just as appealing for a pre-show drink as it is for an entire evening out.

Hop Scotch

Neighborhood bars are at their best when they feel like an extension of your living room, and that’s exactly the vibe Hop Scotch brings to north Oklahoma City. Equal parts restaurant, cocktail bar and game-night hot-spot, it’s the kind of place where one round can easily turn into an entire evening.

The menu is packed with approachable meals. Kick things off with creamy beer Photo courtesy Hop Scotch cheese dip, crispy Brussels sprouts or tostada nachos. On cooler days, French onion soup and tortilla soup hit the spot, while the wedge salad and rotisserie chicken salad offer lighter fare.

Sandwich enthusiasts have plenty to choose from, including the classic French dip and the Baby Sitter’s Club, stacked with turkey, ham, bacon and three kinds of cheese on sourdough. Those with bigger appetites should order the Mac Street Boys, a gloriously over-the-top combination of pulled pork, mac and cheese, spicy barbecue sauce and melted Muenster on jalapeño bread.

Beyond sandwiches, the kitchen serves favorites like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, chicken Alfredo, salmon and juicy burgers.

Weekend visitors can also take advantage of a dedicated brunch menu.

The bar is every bit as inviting as the kitchen. Try The Rising Sun, a refreshing blend of Angel’s Envy bourbon, peach schnapps, lemon juice and simple syrup.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Where & When

G R E AT T H I N G S T O D O I N O K L A H O M A EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA

Performances

Tulsa Spotlight Theater presents: The Drunkard and the Olio Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26

Tulsa Spotlight Theater It began on Nov. 14, 1953, and has never stopped! That's how The Drunkard became America's longestrunning play. More than 3,000 Tulsans have participated on or offstage. tulsaspotlighttheater.com

Bob Dylan Center presents: 13 Most Beautiful Sept. 5 Tulsa PAC “13 Most Beautiful…Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests” is a cinematic concert experience featuring Andy Warhol’s “Screen Test” films with live musical accompaniment by dream-pop duo Dean & Britta and their band. tulsapac.com

Tulsa Opera presents: Little Women Concert and Screening Sept. 10 Circle

Cinema Enjoy a short concert by Tulsa Opera’s Filstrup Resident Artists before a screening of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film. tulsaopera.com

ON THE STAGE

Curtain Call

1

MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT

From Broadway blockbusters to ballet, opera and symphonic performances, Oklahoma’s stages are packed.

At the Tulsa PAC, enjoy Theatre Tulsa’s rendition of Grease (Sept. 10–13), followed by Celebrity Attractions’ Monty Python’s Spamalot (Sept. 15–20). Classical music lovers will want to stay for the Akropolis Reed Quintet (Sept. 20), presented by Chamber Music Tulsa, and Tulsa Symphony’s season-opening performance, Beethoven’s Fourth (Sept. 26). Other stage productions this month include Tulsa Ballet’s Creations in Studio K (Sept.

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman courtesy Celebrity Attractions 10–20); Tulsa Opera’s Love on Hold – A Double Bill Featuring The Telephone and At the Statue of Venus (Sept. 19) at the Laven Sowell Opera Center; and Signature Symphony’s New World, New Voices (Sept. 19) at the TCC VanTrease PACE. Meanwhile, OKC welcomes an array of performances. At Civic Center Music Hall, OKC Broadway kicks off the month with Bluey’s Big Play (Sept. 8–9) before presenting The Sound of Music (Sept. 22–27). Opera fans should catch Painted Sky Opera’s The Pirate Project (Sept. 12). Fans of the classics can head to the Shakespeare Gardens Outdoor Theatre for Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park’s Julius Caesar (Sept. 10–27), or visit Scissortail Park on Sept. 11 for OKC Ballet’s season opener, Ballet Under the Stars. Other highlights include Lyric Theatre’s Come From Away (Sept. 16– Oct. 4) at Lyric at the Plaza, alongside a collaboration between Armstrong Auditorium and the OKC Phil, America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration, performed Sept. 17 at Armstrong Auditorium and Sept. 19 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

In Stillwater, the McKnight Center presents funk and jazz favorites Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Sept. 11), followed by acclaimed vocalist and actor Cynthia Erivo (Sept. 26).

powerful, provocative classic Paris. chambermusictulsa.org singer and songwriter, best known following the charismatic Randle as a pioneer of the 1970s Texas The Second City: Laughing for outlaw country and progressive P. McMurphy as he challenges the All the Wrong Reasons Sept. country movement. rigid authority of Nurse Ratched 25 Tulsa PAC Enjoy a hilarious inside a psychiatric institution. cainsballroom.com celebration of comedy drawing Through humor, heartbreak and Nelly Sept. 18 Hard Rock Hotel from The Second City’s legendary unforgettable characters, this and Casino Tulsa With more than gripping drama explores freedom, archive of iconic sketches and two decades of shaping the sound conformity, power and the resilience songs, alongside the razor‑sharp Theatre Tulsa presents: of the human spirit. tulsapac.com improvisation that has defined the of modern hip-hop while crossing Grease Sept. 10-13 Tulsa into country, pop and beyond, company for generations.

PAC You're the one that I want! With Tulsa Opera presents: Love on tulsapac.com three-time Grammy-winning artist a hip-shaking rock ’n’ roll score Hold – A Double Bill Featuring Nelly is taking a ride from “St. featuring hits like “Summer Nights,” The Telephone and At the Tulsa Symphony presents: Louie” all the way to Hard Rock “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go I – Opening Night Beethoven's Live. hardrockcasinotulsa.com Together," Grease celebrates Rydell Statue of Venus Sept. 19 Laven Fourth Sept. 26 Tulsa High’s class of 1959 in all their duck- Sowell Opera Center In Gian Carlo PAC Season XXI’s Classic Series Thomas Rhett Sept. 19 BOK tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping Menotti's delightfully clever The Center Thomas Rhett is bringing opens with Principal Conductor Telephone, Ben discovers that the glory. theatretulsa.org The Soundtrack To Life Tour with James Bagwell leading a program only way to propose to his phonespecial guests Zach John King filled with energy, rhythm, and obsessed girlfriend Lucy is to...

Tulsa Ballet presents: and Emily Ann Roberts to BOK classical brilliance. well... phone it in. In Jake Heggie’s Creations in Studio K Sept.

Center. bokcenter.com At the Statue of Venus, a successful tulsasymphony.org 10-20 Studio K The Creations in Studio K program commissions new modern woman endures a familiar Billy Idol Sept. 22 BOK Concerts cocktail of modern anxieties as works by both world-renowned Center Billy Idol is coming she awaits her blind date at the choreographers and emerging to BOK Center on September Terri Clark Sept.

4 Hard Rock feet of a statue of the Goddess of voices, and this season fully reflects Hotel and Casino Tulsa A pioneering 22! bokcenter.com Love. tulsaopera.com that mission. tulsaballet.org voice in country music, Terri Clark Judah and the Lion Sept. has built a remarkable career Signature Symphony Celebrity Attractions 25 Cain's Ballroom Judah & the spanning decades, from her early presents: New World, New presents: Monty Python's Lion is an American alternative days performing at Nashville’s Voices Sept.

19 TCC Van folk-rock band formed in Nashville, Spamalot Sept. 15-20 Tulsa famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge PAC Spamalot, which first galloped Trease PACE Celebrate bold Tennessee, in 2011. to becoming the only Canadian voices with Valerie Coleman’s onto Broadway in 2005, features cainsballroom.com female member of the Grand Ole Umoja Unbound, featuring lively a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and Opry. hardrockcasinotulsa.com rhythms and a spirit of unity music by John Du Prez and Eric Art that pulses with contemporary Idle. The original Broadway Gladys Knight Sept. 5 Hard energy. signaturesymphony.org Scut Work Sept. 4-Oct. 17 Living production was nominated for Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Arts Through installation, video, fourteen Tony Awards and won Regarded as one of the greatest Chamber Music Tulsa three, including Best Musical. The singers of all time and a seven-time kinetic sculpture and performance, musical comedy lovingly ripped off presents: The Akropolis Grammy Award winner, Knight has Scut Work by Jordan Vinyard from the film classic, Monty Python Reed Quintet Sept. 20 Tulsa captivated audiences for more than stages an absurd choreography PAC Known for their warm and the Holy Grail, has everything six decades. hardrockcasinotulsa. of labor, burden, humanity, and sound and infectious energy, worth. livingarts.org that makes a great knight at the com Akropolis performs works by theatre. celebrityattractions.com Aaron Jones: Big leading American voices and Ray Wylie Hubbard Sept.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's MOdels Through Sept. 19 108 concludes the program with 11 Cain's Ballroom Ray Wylie Gershwin’s beloved An American in Hubbard is an influential American Contemporary 108 Contemporary Nest Sept. 18-27 Tulsa PAC A

Ahead of Their Time Sept. 10-

13 Tulsa PAC Ahead of Their Time is a 90-minute play based on the true story of four generations of women, written and directed by Tulsa Native and Edison High School Alumni Jameson White. tulsapac.com

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presents the work of Tulsa based mixed media artist and architect Aaron Jones. This exhibition explores linkages between our ecological and architectural legacies through the thematic capacities of experimental printmaking techniques. 108contemporary.org

Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? Through

Oct. 10 Philbrook In her paintings, Jordan Ann Craig shares an important belief: there is a pattern waiting to be noticed in even the smallest of moments if we are willing to look. philbrook.org

Edouard Vuillard, Yvonne Printemps dans le canape Through Nov.

8 Philbrook With the lush, decorative setting of this painting, Vuillard creates a mood that invites you into an intimate moment. “I don’t paint portraits,” he was famed for saying, “I paint people in their homes.” philbrook.org

Tchotchke Through Dec.

31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Enjoy unique and memorable tchotchkes from our collection and from the homes and families of the Jewish Tulsa community. jewishmuseumtulsa.org

Roadside Abstractions: Route 66 and American Modernism Through Jan.

3 Philbrook The road trip is a quintessential American experience of discovery, spontaneity, and freedom. Roadside Abstractions: Route 66 & American Modernism asks you to experience American art the way you’d experience

the open road: with a sense of adventure. philbrook.org

Neon Moon: Always Room Through June

6 Philbrook "Neon Moon," a famous 1990s country ballad by Brooks & Dunn, has become a cross-cultural anthem for the lovelorn and the lonely. But the song describes more than that, as many country songs do – comfort in familiar places, romanticization of a past gone, working-class experiences, and finding community in the present. philbrook.org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is

proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

Sports Tulsa Drillers Baseball Sept.

1-6, 17-18 ONEOK Field See the Tulsa Drillers play America's favorite pastime in the final games of the season. milb.com

100X Reining Classic Through Sept. 6 Expo Square The 100X Reining Classic (formerly the Tulsa Reining Classic) is a premier equestrian event that brings top cowboys, cowgirls and reining horses from around the globe to Tulsa. 100xshows.com

AMHR National Show Sept.

10-19 Expo Square The AMHR National Show is the world's largest competition for miniature horses.

Hosted annually by the American

Entertainment | Where & When Miniature Horse Registry, the multiday event features over 1,500 small equines competing across hundreds of classes. shetlandminiature.com Tulsa FC Soccer Sept. 30 ONEOK Field See the Tulsa FC play a home match against New Mexico United. fctulsa.com

hour, valet parking, auctions and dinner. sswesterndays.org

disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. okcbroadway.com

The Red Line Gala Sept.

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents: Julius Caesar Sept. 10-27 Shakespeare

Auditorium, Civic Center Music Center Phil Wickham is coming Hall The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, to Oklahoma City on the fall run of the Song of the Saints Tour with led by music director Alexander special guest Jamie MacDonald and Mickelthwate, presents “America Chandler Moore. the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration”– a paycomcenter.com vibrant tribute to America’s spirit as the nation marks its 250th Art birthday. okcphil.org

from Museo de Arte de Ponce Through Sept.

20 OKCMOA Enjoy an exhibition featuring six centuries of painting

by European, Puerto Rican, and North American artists from the Gardens Outdoor Theatre A Museo de Arte de Ponce, including gripping story of ambition, loyalty, masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, and the cost of power, Julius Caesar Gustave Courbet, John Singer Clever, Quick, Magnetic: The OKC Tap Fest Masters & remains one of Shakespeare’s most electrifying political dramas. Friends Showcase Sept. 19 Civic Art of Witty Banter Sept. 3-Jan. Sargent, Francisco de Goya, and many more. okcmoa.com 11 Oklahoma Contemporary The Center Music Hall The OKC Tap Oklahoma Shakespeare’s fall exhibition considers how Dance Festival presents "Masters Chad Mount: Frequency and production brings the tension, artists balance deliberation and Friends Festival Performance urgency, and humanity of this Perspective Through Nov. Showcase" featuring world renowned with spontaneity, and how classic to life in a bold outdoor 2 Oklahoma Contemporary Chad that tension gives each work staging that pulses with tap dance artists and hoofers Mount’s work is grounded in its particular character. momentum. okshakes.org who are recipients of the National curiosity and guided by discovery. oklahomacontemporary.org Heritage Fellowship Award from He is drawn to light, rhythm, and OKC Ballet presents: Ballet the National Endowment for the Lives of the Dead Sept. 5-Jan. pattern—subtle forces that reveal Under the Stars Sept.

Arts. okcciviccenter.com themselves through patient 3 Sam Noble Museum Guests 11 Scissortail Park Join Oklahoma will explore the animated world of observation and repetition. Frequency City Ballet for the 7th Annual Ballet OKC Broadway presents: The and Perspective invites viewers into Under the Stars, a magical evening Sound of Music Sept. 22-27 Civic Dia de Muertos through a unique collection of 2 and 3-dimensional an immersive environment shaped of dance and music at Scissortail Center Music Hall With its timeless by geometry, light, and movement. artwork.

From the work of early Park. This free, family-friendly story and irresistibly charming score, oklahomacontemporary.org event serves as a vibrant kickoff this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic pre-Hispanic cultures to the 21st century, Lives of the Dead offers to the 2026/27 season, making Formless Matter and Its isn’t just meant to be enjoyed - it’s 1000 years of artistic visions of the world-class ballet accessible to the meant to be shared. okcbroadway.

Devastating Gestures Through dead. samnoblemuseum.ou.edu entire community in an open-air com April 26 Oklahoma setting. okcballet.org On the Edge: The Abstract Contemporary This monumental Concerts outdoor installation by Oklahoma World of Frederick Painted Sky Opera presents: City–based artists Denise Duong Hammersley Through Sept.

Shaboozey Sept.

The Pirate Project Sept. and Gabriel Friedman transforms 6 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 15 Criterion See Shaboozey 12 Civic Center Music Hall Sail Norman On the Edge: The Abstract Campbell Art Park into a site of story, on his Outlaws Never Die the high seas of fun and learn symbolism and discovery. Conceived World of Frederick Hammersley Tour. criterionokc.com about real life pirates through as a constellation of six sculptural traces the artist’s pursuit of Painted Sky Opera’s newest Kehlani Sept. 18 The Zoo forms, the work invites viewers to abstraction across spontaneous contribution to opera’s seven Amphitheatre Kehlani will open compositions, geometric designs, enter a world where order and chaos seas. paintedskyopera.org your eyes, open your mind and intertwine. and works that sought to break Dinner Detective Comedy open your heart. As candid as oklahomacontemporary.org from tradition. ou.edu/fjjma she is about life, lust and love, Mystery Dinner Show Sept.

OKLA HOMMA Ongoing First John Giorno: Dialher music exists in an elevated 12, 19 Skirvin Hilton OKC Don't Americans Museum This signature A-Poem Through miss one of the biggest interactive space—soaring beyond even the exhibition speaks to the diverse best high—while remaining deeply Sept. 13 Oklahoma comedy shows in America as the stories of the 39 tribes in Oklahoma Contemporary Inspired the human and accessible with every Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery today. Featuring works of art, listen. okczooamp.com innovations of visual artists Dinner Show comes to Oklahoma interactive media, and film, OKLA City. thedinnerdetective.com expanding the boundaries of Alison Krauss Sept.

HOMMA will engage visitors of all Lyric Theatre presents: Come 25 Riverwind Casino, Norman For their practices in the 1960s, John ages through sight, sound and From Away Sept. 16-Oct. 4 Lyric nearly four decades, Alison Krauss Giorno set up his first Dial-A-Poem touch. famok.org system in January 1969. The at the Plaza This musical is based on & Union Station have upheld system consisted of 10 phones WINIKO: Life of an their legacy as one of the most a true story set in the small town of and industrial-sized answering influential and widely celebrated Object Ongoing First Americans Gander, Newfoundland, in the days acts in bluegrass and roots machines. Anyone could call the following 9/11, when 7,000 stranded Museum WINIKO: Life of an Object, music. riverwind.com number and hear a randomlyairline passengers from around the Selections from the Smithsonian’s globe were diverted from the US and Parker McCollum Sept. selected poem by one of 35 National Museum of the American OKC Broadway presents: unexpectedly welcomed with open artists at any time, taking poetry Indian examines the things we 25 Paycom Center Chart-topping, Bluey's Big Play Sept. 8-9 Civic arms. lyrictheatreokc.com beyond traditional publication create—how they reflect our multi-platinum country star Parker Center Music Hall When Dad feels in books and magazines.

McCollum is coming back to values, possess significance Armstrong Auditorium and like a little bit of time out, Bluey Oklahoma City with his 2026 Parker oklahomacontempory.org and carry our ways into future OKC Phil present: America and Bingo have other plans! Join McCollum Tour. riverwind.com generations. famok.org the Beautiful – A 250 The Sense of Beauty: Six them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their Celebration Sept. 17, 19 Armstrong Phil Wickham Sept. 27 Paycom Centuries of Painting

12 Arvest Convention Center The gala benefits the Tulsa Firefighter’s Benevolent Fund, which is dedicated to helping out firefighters and their families in times of need. arvestconventioncenter.com Community Flight Night Sept. 17 Tulsa Tech Riverside Airport Experience Flight First Friday Art Crawl Sept.

Night, the signature fundraising event 4 Downtown On the first Friday of of the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, every month, guests will be able powering transformative STEM to see a new exhibit opening and learning opportunities for hundreds enjoy live music, a cash bar and of thousands of students across snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu Greenwood Film Festival Sept. Oklahoma! flightnight.tulsastem.org 6-10 OSU-Tulsa Held in the home of Waltz Into the Wilds Sept.

Black Wall Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 18 Tulsa Zoo Visit a world inspired the festival's mission is to create an by the wild beauty of the African atmosphere of family and community landscape, where Diana monkeys call through film and civic discourse while from the canopy and pygmy hippos equipping the next generation of move quietly through shimmering storytellers. waters. waltzonthewildside.org greenwoodfilmfestival.com Cooking for a Cause Sept.

Broken Arrow Rose Festival 24 The Vista at 21 You are invited to join Iron Gate and TulsaPeople and Chalk It Up Arts for our 20th Annual Cooking for Festival Sept. 11-13 302 S. Main St., Broken Arrow The Broken Arrow a Cause party. This is an evening of food, conversation, and Rose Festival is joining forces with community. irongatetulsa.org Chalk It Up! Art Festival to provide a spectacular free, family-friendly fun Kaleidoscope Ball Sept. weekend. keepbabeautiful.org 26 Arvest Convention Center Kaleidoscope Ball is Tulsa Greek Festival Sept.

Emergency Infant Services’ largest 17-19 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox annual fundraiser, bringing together Church The beloved Tulsa supporters for an inspiring evening of Greek Festival, the city’s oldest generosity and celebration. eiskball. ethnic festival, proudly returns org for its annual celebration this September. tulsagreekfestival.com Scotfest Sept. 18-20 Broken Arrow Events Park Scotfest is Oklahoma's authentic celebration of Scottish Performances culture. scotfest.com Oklahoma Opry Sept. 5, 12, Autumn in the Botanic 19, 26 ACM@UCO The Oklahoma Garden Sept. 18-Oct. 30 Tulsa Opry, Oklahoma's official country Botanic Garden Enjoy the music show, has been providing the beginning of fall with a hay maze, best in spectacular, family-friendly pumpkin patch, live music and entertainment since 1977. okopry. more. tulsabotanic.org org

IN OKC

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours Sept. 19,

24 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun and educational walking tour through downtown Tulsa and other historical local sites during Saturday Architecture Tours, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org

Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd's Cross Sept. 22-Nov. 7 Shepherd's Cross, Claremore Enjoy a peaceful day filled with family-friendly fun at an authentic working sheep farm in Claremore. shepherdscross.com

Tulsa Town Hall presents: James Stavridis Sept. 25 Tulsa

PAC Admiral James Stavridis is a retired, highly decorated four-star U.S. naval officer with a PhD in International Relations. As Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, he had responsibility for cybersecurity and piracy control in Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans and Syria. tulsatownhall.com

Charitable Events

Vision Dinner Sept. 10 Arvest

Convention Center Vision Dinner celebrates community champions of education and raises funds to benefit Tulsa Community College students through scholarships, internships, textbook vouchers, technology, and more. vision.tccfoundation.org

Saint Simeon's Foundation Western Days Sept. 10 Arvest

Convention Center Saint Simeon's Western Days is an annual signature fundraiser for Saint Simeon's Senior Community. Enjoy a cocktail

COMMUNITY

Festival Fever

2

ROCKLAHOMA

Enjoy everything from cultural celebrations and community traditions to outdoor adventures and thought-provoking speakers in September.

Fans of film, civic discourse and compelling storytelling should make plans to visit the Greenwood Film Festival, Sept. 6–10 at OSU-Tulsa. The Broken Arrow Rose Festival and the Chalk It Up Arts Festival join forces on Broken Arrow’s Main Street Sept. 11–13.

Cultural celebrations abound, including the Tulsa Greek Festival (Sept. 17–19) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and the final Photo courtesy Rocklahoma year of Scotfest, held Sept. 18–20 at Broken Arrow Events Park.

Other can’t-miss Tulsa events include Autumn in the Botanic Garden, beginning Sept. 18 at Tulsa Botanic Garden; the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours (Sept. 19 and 24), departing from Gunboat Park South and the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, respectively; and Tulsa Town Hall’s presentation featuring James Stavridis on Sept. 25.

In OKC, hit the water with group kayaking events at Riversport OKC on Sept. 2 and 26. Hear Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame coach Sherri Coale during an OKC Town Hall presentation on Sept. 17. One of the region’s most beloved traditions also returns: the Oklahoma State Fair, Sept. 17–27 at State Fair Park. Other highlights include the Plaza District Festival in the eponymous district on Sept. 26 and Mesta Festa on Sept. 27 at Perle Mesta Park.

Elsewhere, enjoy Rocklahoma (Sept. 3–6) in Pryor; the World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival and Cook-Off (Sept. 12) at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita; and Okeene Germanfest (Sept. 26) at 101 N. Main St. in Okeene.

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Where & When | Entertainment Chihuly Then and Now: The the season comes to a close.

Collection at Twenty Ongoing milb.com OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting, telling a story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn Ongoing Campbell

CommunityArt

Night Market Sept. 5 First

Americans Museum Support First American arts and culture at the FAM Night Market! Together with FAMstore and Native Farming Solutions, First Americans Museum presents a series of evening farmers and artisan markets. famok.org Group Kayaking Sept. 2, 26 Riversport OKC RIVERSPORT group kayaking experiences are offered May to November. All group excursions have limited capacity and reservations are required. riversportokc.org

Plaza District Festiva Sept.

26 1745 N.W. 16th St. The Plaza

District Festival has grown into one of Oklahoma City's most endearing annual art events, drawing a large audience of local art lovers. plazadistrict.org

Cruisin' the Mother Road: A Centennial Celebration on Western Ave. Spet. 26 4322

N. Western Ave. Celebrate 100 years of America’s most legendary highway at Cruisin’ the Mother Road: A Centennial Celebration, a Route 66 festival taking over Western Avenue in Oklahoma City this September.

THE STATE

Performances

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Sept. 11 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Trombone Shorty is an undeniable star with utterly magnetic charisma. The GRAMMY winning horn player creates an intoxicating blend of rock, funk, soul, jazz, and other influences, creating high-energy and ecstatic live performances that will have you dancing all night long. mcknightcenter.org

the most decorated acts of all time. winstar.com Wu-Tang Clan Sept. 26 Winstar World Casino and Resort Don’t miss your chance to catch the shatterproof shoguns of the hip-hop scene as Wu-Tang Clan takes the stage at WinStar on Sept.

26. winstar.com

Sports

PRCA Rodeo of Champions Sept. 4-6 Beutler

Powwow, held in Colony, will feature a powwow and American Indian activities and events such as hand games, cultural dancing, a group drum contest, food and craft vendors. cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov Water Lantern Festival Sept.

5 Legacy Park, Norman Enjoy a fun day by the water filled with food trucks and entertainment at the annual Water Lantern Festival at Legacy Park in Norman this September. waterlanternfestival.com Bluegrass and Chili Festival Sept.

11-12 Downtown Tahlequah Enjoy an open car show, a children's area and a festival marketplace filled to the brim with arts, crafts and handmade goods for sale. bluegrasschilifest.com

Brothers Rodeo Arena, Elk City For over 75 years, Elk City Art Park/Oklahoma has hosted one of the most Contemporary Oklahoma renowned rodeos in the state of Contemporary is honored to visitwesternavenue.com Oklahoma. elkcityrodeo.com present Neufs for Oklahoma Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Atoka Point Race Sept.

Mesta Festa Sept. 27 Perle Autumn, a basketball court Tour Sept. 25-26 Choctaw Casino 11-12 Atoka Motorsports World's Largest Calf Fry Festival Mesta Park Located in the installation commissioned as a and Resort, Durant Matt Rife has and Cook-Off Sept. 12 Craig Midtown District at Perle Mesta public art iteration of the Neuf Park, Atoka Experience the First Friday Gallery exploded as one of the fastest County Fairgrounds, Vinita A Vinita painting series by renowned Park, this free neighborhood heart-pounding action of live Walk Sept.

4 Paseo Arts growing comedians through his tradition since 1979, the World's Largest artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of festival draws people from all over racing during the Atoka Points District Make your way to the First viral content and remarkable Calf Fry Festival & Cook-Off features Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org the metro to listen to live music, Race at the Atoka Motorsports Friday Gallery Walk in Oklahoma engagement on TikTok, where live music, vendors and cowboy Cynthia Daignault: Park. atokasanddrags.com City's Paseo Arts District to enjoy play outdoor games and check he has amassed over 13 million games. vinitachamber.com Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA art gallery openings, wine tastings, out a myriad of different food Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour Sept. followers. choctawcasinos.com Cherokee Homecoming Art live music and more. thepaseo.org trucks. mestapark.org This exhibition features one 12 Pryor Creek Recreation Cynthia Erivo Sept.

Show Through Sept. 12 Cherokee painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Center, Pyror The DAM J.A.M. 2nd Friday Norman Art Charitable 26 McKnight Center for the Springs Plaza, Tahlequah View Daignault, as a tribute to the Bicycle Tour is a one-day, Walk Sept.

11 Norman Events Performing Arts Cynthia history of the Oklahoma City authentic Cherokee artwork Arts District The 2nd Friday fully-supported cycling event in Erivo, MBE is an Emmy, Tony, 2x bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com by artists from all across the CANstruction 2026 Sept.

Norman Art Walk, a monthly the heart of Oklahoma’s Green Grammy Award-winning and nation. homecomingartshow.com The Cowboy: An Immersive celebration of the arts in Norman, 12 Quail Springs Country. damjambicycletour.com 3x Academy Award nominated Journey Ongoing National connects the downtown arts Pioneer Days at Har-Ber Mall CANstruction OKC is an actress, singer, author and Boley Rodeo Sept. 12 Main Cowboy and Western Heritage district with outlying galleries, Village Sept. 24-26 Har-Ber Village annual event where local design producer. mcknightcenter.org Street Rodeo Grounds, Boley Head Museum, Grove Persevering in the Musuem Enjoy a bold new performance halls and Campus professionals compete building to the Boley Rodeo for exciting 360-degree experience that Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com pioneer era 200 years ago required hard Concerts structures made out of full cans of rodeo events, a car show and a surrounds you with the landscapes, work and ingenuity – visitors will have an food, creating beautiful can art for Lenny Kravitz Sept.

Second OHOF Saturdays stories and spirit of the American parade. thetownofboley.org eye-opening look as these days of yore display to the public and ultimately 18 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Sept. 12 Oklahoma Hall of West. Larger-than-life projections, goes feed the hungry. All donations Durant Regarded as one of Art come to life through demonstrations sweeping soundscapes and historic Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of Community of heritage crafts, hands-on activities, Fame Saturdays invite families go to The Salvation Army of Central the preeminent rock musicians imagery bring the story of the Rocklahoma Sept. 4-6 1421 W. living history demonstrations and live Oklahoma's food pantry. cowboy to life in a way you’ve never to learn about an Oklahoma Hall of our time, Lenny Kravitz has uss.salvationarmy.org 450 Rd., Pyror Enjoy an epic three- music. har-bervillage.com seen. nationalcowboymuseum.org of Fame member with crafts and transcended genre, style, race, activities. oklahomahof.com day rock music festival featuring Fin & Feather Fall Down Syndrome Festival and and class over the course of Sports dozens of entertainment acts on OKC Town Hall presents: Festival Sept. 25-27 Fin and a three decade-plus musical 5K Sept. 26 Myriad Botanical three stages. rocklahoma.com Feather Resort, Gore Bring family NAPHA National Show Sept. Sherri Coale Sept. 17 OKC Gardens Join the Down Syndrome career. choctawcasinos.com and friends out for shopping fun Cherokee National Association of Central Oklahoma 4-6 OKC Fair Grounds The NAPHA Town Hall Women’s Basketball Hank Williams Jr. Sept.

Hall of Fame Coach Sherri Coale at the three-day Fin & Feather Fall Holiday Sept. 4-6 Various National Show is the premier and help celebrate the extra 21st 18 Winstar World Casino and annual championship event hosted speaks at this OKC Town Hall chromosome by creating a team, Resort, Thackerville With a career locations, Tahlequah The Cherokee Festival. finandfeatherresort.com event. okctownhall.org by the North American Peruvian walking or running for acceptance spanning more than 60 years, Hank National Holiday in Tahlequah International Festival Sept.

Horse Association. It showcases OKC State Fair Sept. and inclusion. dsaco.org 25-27 Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton The Williams Jr. has sold over 70 million celebrates the signing of the the smooth-gaiting Peruvian Paso 17-27 Welcome to one of the top Cherokee Nation Constitution in annual Lawton International Festival albums worldwide. winstar.com Gumdrops and Lollipops horse, featuring performance, State Fairs in North America, 1839. cherokee.org celebrates awareness and appreciation breeding and gait classes judged showcasing our state's agriculture, Ball Sept. 26 OKC Convention Lady A Sept. 25 Winstar World of Lawton’s diverse heritage. The by experts. napha.net Center The Anna’s House Casino and Resort From Nashville, Cheyenne and Arapaho manufacturing, and commerce. festival provides local, culturally-based Labor Day Powwow Sept.

Gumdrops & Lollipops Ball is a Tennessee, Lady A has made an It's everything from family OKC Comets Baseball Sept. fundraising gala to support the indelible mark on modern country 4-7 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal organizations, groups and individuals an entertainment and educational 8-13 Chickasaw Bricktown opportunity to display aspects of their Powoww Grounds, Colony The Anna’s House Foundation. music. With a stunning seven Ballpark Enjoy America's favorite exhibits to exciting competitions culture, mainly through performances and just plain fun! okstatefair.com okcconventioncenter.com Cheyenne & Arapaho Labor Day Grammy wins, this trio is among pastime with the OKC Comets as and demonstrations. swookarts.com

SPORTS

The September Sports Line-Up

3

Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival Sept. 25-Oct.

TULSA DRILLERS

Baseball, rodeos, football, oh my!

In Tulsa, catch the final Tulsa Drillers games Sept.

1–6 and 17–18 at ONEOK Field, plus a Tulsa FC soccer match at the venue on Sept. 30. Expo Square hosts two equine events: the 100X Reining Classic (through Sept. 6) and the AMHR National Show (Sept. 10–19).

In Oklahoma City, watch the NAPHA National Horse Show Sept. 4–6 at the OKC Fairgrounds, or head to Photo by Rich Crimi courtesy the Tulsa Drillers Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Sept. 8–13 for the final season games of the OKC Comets baseball team.

Around the state, enjoy the PRCA Rodeo of Champions (Sept. 4–6) at Elk City’s Beutler Brothers Rodeo Arena; the Atoka Point Race (Sept. 11–12) at Atoka Motorsports Park; and the Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour (Sept. 12) at Pryor Creek Recreation Center. And finally, with September comes the return of college football. Cheer on the OU Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Sept. 4 and 19, the OSU Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium Sept. 12 and 19, and the TU Hurricane at H.A. Chapman Stadium Sept. 5 and 19.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

3 Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building, Tishomingo Chickasaw heritage, customs and unconquerable spirit will come to life as people from across the globe gather for the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting & Festival. annualmeeting.chickasaw.net Okeene Germanfest Sept. 26 101 N. Main St., Okeene Celebrate Okeene's history as a German settlement during the town's annual Germanfest this September. okeenehpg.org Festival in the Park Sept.

26 Memorial Park, Cushing Festival in the Park is truly a community festival. Hosted by the Cushing Chamber of Commerce, this fun event is held annually on the last Saturday in September. business.cushingchamberofcommerce.org

Will Rogers Highway: Route 66 Exhibit Through Jan. 31 Will Rogers

Memorial Museum, Claremore The Will Rogers Museum will open a dynamic new exhibit on Route 66 that immerses visitors in the legendary highway's unique history. willrogers.com

Film & Cinema | Where & When

September Screenings

A diverse slate of releases promises something for every moviegoer, from fantasy and horror to prestige dramas.

S

eptember is here and with it, a ton of excellent movies to see. Clear your weekends as best you can – it’s time to go to the theater!

Starting off with a bang, we have Hope. A science fiction and action film, the story concerns a rural town dealing with a discovery made on the outskirts. The trailer looks to have a plethora of action and suspense and, although written and directed by South Korean director Na Hongjin, the film also boasts Hollywood names like Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) and Michael Fassbender (The Killer). It releases on Sept. 9.

For a sequel no one thought would happen, don’t miss Practical Magic 2. Set The Uprising; photo courtesy Betina La Plante/Focus Features. © twenty-five years after the original 1998 film, the story sees the Owens sisters, 2026 All Rights Reserved. played by Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), are very positive, but we’ll see for ourselves when it dealing with a new curse they must stop. Based on The Book of Magic, the final releases on Sept. 18. entry in the series, the film also has Stockard Channing (Grease) and Dianne Lastly, a stylized action film called Your Mother Your West (Footloose) reprising their roles. It releases on Sept. 11.

Mother Your Mother. Following the death of his wife, a If you’d rather enjoy a period action drama, don’t skip The Uprising. Set during religiously devout hitman (Mahershala Ali, Moonlight) the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381, the story follows a farmer becoming a leader of a travels across Houston to protect his children and rebellion against the Crown. Written and directed by Paul Greengrass, known for grapples with his faith – as well as those who would the Bourne franchise, the film stars Andrew Garfield (We Live in Time), Thomasin see him dead. The trailer is hyper stylized, full of McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit), Katherine Waterson (Logan Lucky) and Stephen Dillane contemplative faces and some excellent looking (Game of Thrones). It releases on Sept. 11. action choreography. We’ll see how it all shakes out If you want spooky horror, look no further than Resident Evil. Based off the when it releases on Sept. 25. hit video game franchise of the same name, the story follows a medical courier DREW JOSEPH ALLEN who finds himself in the middle of a disease outbreak in Raccoon City, the main fictional town from the series. Although the trailer looks to EXPRESS RIDE ACCESS NOW AVAILABLE WITH MEGA RIDE PASS! have thrills and horror aplenty, it appears to be forging its own path in terms of story. Online chatter has been decidedly concerned that it won’t feel like a Resident Evil film, but writer/director Zach Cregger, an avid gamer with two hits under his belt (Barbarian and Weapons), makes a good case for why it still might work. The film drops on Sept. 18.

For a historical drama, check out The Weight. Set in the 1930s, the movie sees a recently incarcerated man offered a chance at early release if he smuggles gold through the deadly wilderness.

Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon) stars alongside Russell Crowe (The Nice Guys) in what looks to be a top notch drama. Early reviews

NEW!

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63

Closing Thoughts

Angie Atkins

apply in every sector and help build trust, strengthen communication and move organizations forward.

... a decision that reaped slower results but proved to be the right call.

Choosing to invest time in building relationships before pushing major initiatives.

It’s always Photo courtesy the Jenks Chamber of Commerce tempting to focus on quick wins or launch Photo courtesy Jenks Chamber of Commerce new programs right away, but I’ve found that lasting ngie Atkins is the success comes from earning trust first. I President & CEO of the Jenks Chamber of also believe it’s extremely important to Commerce, where she observe every major event or initiative leads strategic initiatives at least once before making changes. focused on business growth, membership You can learn a great deal by seeing how development and community engagement. things operate, understanding why certain With more than 25 years of experience decisions were made and listening to in chamber leadership, communications the people who have been involved. That and marketing, she previously served as perspective helps you make thoughtful President & CEO of the Goddard Chamber improvements instead of changes for the of Commerce and held leadership sake of change. roles with organizations including the That philosophy is especially true in Workforce Alliance of South Central economic development. The Chamber Kansas, Westar Energy and Hinkle Law does economic development every single Firm. Outside of her professional work, day, but it doesn’t always look like what Atkins enjoys powerlifting. We caught up people expect. It’s not just about ribbon with Atkins and got her thoughts on... cuttings or announcing a new company coming to town. It’s about connecting ... leadership lessons that remain relevant in every sector. business owners with resources, supThe greatest leadership lessons I’ve porting entrepreneurs, advocating for learned from former supervisors have workforce and infrastructure needs, and stayed with me throughout my career, building relationships that encourage regardless of the industry. They taught businesses to invest and grow in our me to always have a pen and paper ready, community. document everything, communicate often I’ve made it a priority to listen to and make sure there are no surprises. business owners, community members, One lesson that has especially stuck with elected officials and stakeholders before me is to never bring a problem without making significant changes. That apalso bringing a potential solution. That proach may seem slower, but it leads to mindset encourages accountability, stronger partnerships, better decisions preparation and collaboration. Whether and more sustainable results. Some of the you’re leading an organization or serving most important work a leader does isn’t as a member of the team, these principles

A

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2026

always the most visible—it’s the work that builds trust and creates the foundation for long-term success.

... what role a chamber should play when a community is divided.

First and foremost, the Chamber’s role is to support businesses. We are a membershipbased organization, and our responsibility is to advocate for our business community and help create an environment where businesses can succeed. When a community is divided on major issues, I believe the Chamber’s role is best described as a convener. We bring people together, create opportunities for productive conversations, and help identify common ground. That doesn’t mean we can or should solve every disagreement, but we can provide a trusted space where business leaders, elected officials, organizations and community members can have respectful, solution-focused discussions.

The Chamber doesn’t have to take a position on every issue, but it should always encourage collaboration. Healthy communities aren’t built because everyone agrees – they’re built because people are willing to listen, respect different perspectives, and work toward compromise. When we keep the focus on what’s best for our businesses and the long-term success of the community, the Chamber can play an important role in helping move difficult conversations forward.

... what it would take for her to feel she’s “moved the needle” in Jenks.

When I eventually look back on my time in Jenks, I hope my legacy isn’t tied to one event, project or accomplishment. I hope people can say that I helped make Jenks a stronger community by supporting local businesses, building partnerships and bringing people together to solve problems. I want businesses to feel that the Chamber was a true partner in their success and that we helped create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.

I also hope people see that we elevated Jenks’ story – showcasing what makes our community unique while attracting new visitors, investment and opportunities. Most importantly, I hope I leave the Chamber and the community stronger than I found them.

If I’ve built relationships, developed future leaders, strengthened collaboration and created a foundation that allows the next generation to be even more successful, then I’ll feel like I’ve truly moved the needle for the City of Jenks.

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