Cleveland County November 2017

Cleveland County NOVEMBER 2017

ClevelandCountyLifestyle.com

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Food, Fun and

PHILANTHROPY

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Lifestyle Letter

A Time to Cook, to Eat and to Give Back

NOVEMBER 2017 PUBLISHER

D

o you love to cook? It seems that most people can be divided into two camps: those with a real passion for cooking, and those who prefer to just reap the rewards of their labor! I admire those with the desire and talent to lift cooking into an art. In these pages, you’ll read about Norman resident/entrepreneur Agi Lurtz who, despite a demanding work schedule, finds cooking enjoyable, and indeed, relaxing.

Fortunately for her family and friends, she loves to share the bounty.

Also in this issue, you’ll read about a metro attorney and law firm that takes “thanks-giving” literally. Working with Lawyers Fighting Hunger and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Noble McIntyre and McIntyre Law will host the Eighth Annual Day of Kindness Nov. 16 at the law office. McIntyre anticipates distributing 2,500 frozen turkeys to area residents who might not otherwise be able to afford to put one on the table, as well as feeding over 6,000 people hamburgers and hot dogs during this noteworthy event.

Are you one of those rare individuals who’s already got their holiday shopping wrapped up? Well, if you’re like me and still have shopping to do, you may want to consider a road trip to Tulsa and environs this month or next. You’ll find many unique shops and boutiques in and around T-Town—and while you’re there, you might as well build in time for some entertainment and good eats. You’ll find some ideas in this month’s Road Trip column.

Other highlights: • Ready to get down and party this holiday season? Unfortunately, this is the time of year when many of us also pack on some unwanted pounds. In our Inspired By column this month, you’ll read about a self-described member of the “older sandwich generation” who has discovered the “secret” to greater energy and an improved overall fitness level through membership in a unique fitness center.

• Do you struggle with depression or tend to hibernate during the winter? In this month’s Healthy Lifestyle column, you’ll learn ways to “winterize your life” for a happier, healthier you. A healthy diet, keeping hydrated, exercising, maintaining a social life, and spending time outdoors in the sunshine are some of the ingredients listed for taking charge of your well-being during the colder months.

Other stories focus on a nonprofit that provides life-sustaining food, formula and diapers for babies and toddlers in times of crisis … because no baby should go hungry, and a Vietnam-era vet and former mechanical engineer who has found tremendous happiness in his retirement years composing and performing his own unique blend of country, pop, folk and rock that he refers to simply as “Americana.”

Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving!

Jimmy Darden | Jimmy.Darden@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | Jerri.Culpepper@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Shawn Irie | Shawn.Irie@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mina Acquaye, Jerri Culpepper, Lindsey Davies, John Harris, Staci Elder Hensley, Tara Malone, Christian Potts CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Teresa Byrd, Ryan Lassiter, Amber Videa

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

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EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL

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| Nicolette Martin

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Jerri Culpepper, Editor

ClevelandCountyLifestyle.com

514 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Proverbs 3:5-6

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Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Cleveland County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Cleveland County’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cleveland County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Cleveland County

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BEST OF

CLEVELAND COUNTY

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2 0 1 7 B E S T O F A WA R D S CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES! • BEST HOME DESIGNERS • BEST FINE DINING • BEST CASUAL DINING • BEST SALON • BEST HOME REMODELERS • BEST FAMILY PHYSICIAN • BEST DENTIST • BEST COSMETIC SURGEON • BEST REALTOR • BEST BUILDER • AND MANY MORE!

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November 2017

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Departments 10

Good Times

14

Around Town

18

Hometown Hero

20

Locally Owned

22

Page Turners

28

Culinary Creations

32

Road Trip

38

Healthy Lifestyle

40

City Scene

42

Financial Buzz

44

Inspired By

20 Nancy A. Brown, D.O.

47

Realty Report

48

Giving Back

50

Lifestyle Calendar

54

Parting Thoughts

18 The Guitar Man

Air Force Veteran Farrel Droke Revels in Making Music

Rheumatology Specialist Takes Holistic Approach

28 Agi Lurtz Shares

Galuska and Pรถrkรถlt, Torte Recipes

32 Tulsa Time

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Good Times

Global Citizen Awards Gala

Two individuals with ties to Cleveland County were among those honored during the recent Global Citizen 2017 Awards Gala, hosted by the World Experiences Foundation, headquartered in Norman. The event, featuring multicultural entertainment, was held Nov. 9 at the Embassy Suites Downtown in Oklahoma City.

Mary Blankenship Pointer, a business leader with extensive experience in the banking industry, received the Global Humanitarian Award. With her is Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Global Citizenship.

Evelyn Mary Asward, the Herman G. Kaiser Chair in International Law at OU Law, was named as the 2017 Global Citizen in Law/Politics. With her are Secretary of State David Lopez (left) and Akash Patel, Norman, World Experiences Foundation founder.

Workin' Out to Boogie Beats

During Orangetheory Fitness Moore’s recent ’70s Day, members worked out to some boogie beats. Members also recently participated in the Moore War Run benefiting Moore High and Westmoore High students!

Studio members and staff feeling groovy Team OTF Moore at the Moore War Run during '70s Day

Sunday 6:30 a.m. crew gathering at Starbucks for post-workout fellowship

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Good Times

Voice of the Heartland Competition

Promising young vocalists recently took part in the vocal competition "Voice of the Heartland" at the Southwind Hills Event Barn in Goldsby. The competition, created in 2015, doubles as a fundraiser to benefit the educational programs of the Sooner Theatre and The Studio of The Sooner Theatre of Norman.

Voice of the Heartland winner Bailey Churchill

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Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Serving authentic Bavarian specialties since 1994

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www.royal-bavaria.com • Monday-Saturday 5:00 to 9:30 Sunday 5:00 to 8:30

You are cordially invited to

Sam Noble Museum Saturday, December 9 at 6 p.m.

featuring

Leslie Morgan Steiner author of Crazy Love

lesliemorgansteiner.com In support of the

Tickets available wrcnormanok.org/wrc-gala/ Sponsorships available kyla@wrcweb.net or (405) 364-9424 November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

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Around Town

AROUND TOWN

SIXTH ANNUAL WINTER GALA TO BENEFIT PARKINSON’S RESEARCH FOUNDATION Make plans now to attend the Nicole Jarvis M.D. Parkinson’s Research Foundation’s Sixth Annual Winter Gala, set for Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, 2501 Conference Drive, in Norman.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit JarvisMDParkinsons Foundation.org. Individual tickets are $125, tables (seat eight) are $1,000.

Corporate sponsors are sought for the 2017 gala. Sponsorship opportunities range from a Bronze package with a $500 donation

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER GALA SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 9 Leslie Morgan Steiner

to a Double Platinum package, based on a $10,000 donation, with reserved gala table space, corporate recognition and other benefits.

The Women’s Resource

Another way for corporations to donate is by providing an item,

Center Gala, the Norman-

good or service for the auction. The organization will recognize the

based

gift’s origins and the company’s generosity.

annual

organization’s event

to

raise

Sponsorship and auction forms, as well as more information on the

about

the

gala, is available at JarvisMDParkinsonsFoundation.org/sponsor-

effects of domestic and

ship-opportunities/. Prospective sponsors also may call 701.2424 and

sexual violence on indi-

ask for Jarvis or Emily Holland, or email njarvis@nicolejarvismd.com.

awareness

viduals, families and the

Monies raised from the gala will benefit the Nicole Jarvis MD

community, is scheduled

Parkinson’s Research Foundation Inc., which Dr. Jarvis (who was

for Saturday, Dec. 9, at

diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011) formed in 2013. Its three-prong

the Sam Noble Oklahoma

mission is to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease in the Oklahoma,

Museum of Natural History,

help fund services offered throughout Oklahoma for patients with

2401 Chautauqua Ave.

Parkinson’s Disease, and to donate funds to the Michael J. Fox

Keynote

speaker

is

Foundation for Parkinson’s Research on projects leading to improved

author/blogger/business-

treatment options and ultimately a cure for this chronic, debilitating,

woman

degenerative neurologic disease.

Leslie

Morgan

Steiner, a frequent pre-

This year’s gala will feature a social hour with silent and live auc-

senter on family violence.

tion, dinner with inspirational speakers, and a live auction. This year’s

Her talk at the gala will

featured speaker is YOPD patient and Team Fox member Jimmy Choi,

take attendees on the roller

who is a competitor on this season’s “American Ninja Warrior” series.

coaster experience of falling in love with, marrying, and ultimately leaving, an abusive man in her 20s. She will include personal tips on how to prevent abusive relationships and help loved ones who are being physically or emotionally abused.

CLEVELAND COUNTY REPRESENTED AMONG NEXTGEN HONOREES Several people who live and/or work in Cleveland County were among more than 180 Oklahomans 30 years old or younger to be

Steiner is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir

recognized recently for their professional leadership and extensive

Crazy Love. Her TED Talk about surviving domestic violence, “From

service to their communities. The 2017 NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma

the Ivy League to a Gun at My Head,” has been viewed by over 3

Awards selected these individuals through a highly competitive

million people. She is a regular national television and radio guest,

application process. Chosen recipients represent more than 150

appearing on National Public Radio, NBC’s Today Show, The Diane

companies across Oklahoma.

Rehm Show, MSNBC, Fox News and other programs.

A graduate of Harvard College, Steiner’s first job was as an editor at Seventeen Magazine. She financed her MBA in marketing from Wharton by writing for Seventeen, Mademoiselle, New England Monthly and Money Magazine.

Gala tickets are $75 for individuals; $1,000 for sponsored tables, and may be purchased online at wrcnormanok.org/wrc-gala/. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, call Kyla McMoran at 364.9424. Cleveland County Lifestyle is a proud sponsor of the event.

14

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Honorees from Cleveland County (and the category for which they were honored) include: • Matthew Cancio, OU Center for Student Life, Education/ College and Adult • Akash Patel, World Experiences Foundation, Nonprofit Organization • Marina Rodriguez, Oklahoma City Community College, Education/College and Adult • Emily Smart, Firehouse Art Center, Arts CONTINUED >

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Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

Winners were honored at an awards ceremony Oct. 20 at The Embassy Suites in Norman.

about stuffed animals and get an inside video look at what the library’s stuffed animals do while the humans are away.

The 2017 NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma Awards is a statewide

NOBLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

program honoring talented, high-achieving Millennial leaders. To

Friends of the Noble Library Bag Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday,

recognize the growing influence of young professionals in Oklahoma,

Nov. 4–Support the Friends of the Library and find a holiday gift or

program founder ionOklahoma Magazine updated the nomination

two from the group’s sale of gently used materials.

categories this year to better recognize the impact these young lead-

SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Teens Reading Terrific Literature Book Club, 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov.

ers are making in many career sectors.

“Today, Millennial professionals are a huge part of Oklahoma’s businesses, arts, media, technology, policy and nonprofit com-

18–The library’s new book group for teens looks at the Douglas Adams classic “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

munities,” said Don Swift, publisher of ionOklahoma Online and driving force behind the NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma Awards.

“By the year 2020, they are projected to make up nearly half of the workplace, so we decided our awards should better reflect their prominence in these sectors.”

WOMEN OF THE SOUTH PRESENT SCHOLARSHIP CHECK Women of the South recently added $100,000 to their charitable organization endowment fund through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

The check presentation was made by Erica Stone, 2017-18 president, during the organization’s annual membership kickoff Aug. 25 at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel / Wheeler District in South Oklahoma City.

The mission of Women of the South is to provide cultural, civic, educational and social activities for the South Oklahoma City metro area. Since its beginning April 1, 1995, the group of ladies has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school seniors and to women who are sole or primary providers of their household.

Monthly business meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the South Oklahoma City area.

For more information about the 501(c)3 organization, visit WomenoftheSouth.org orFacebook.com/WomenoftheSouthOKC/.

PIONEER LIBRARY BRANCHES PLAN EVENTS FOR ALL AGES There's a lot going on this month at the Pioneer Library System libraries located in Cleveland County. Just a sampling follow.

NORMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL

HIDDEN TRAIL COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERS TO COMPETE IN PUTTING CHAMPIONSHIP Hidden Trails Country Club members Ted Ertel and Larry Meek headed to Las Vegas this month to compete in the first-ever World Series of Putting Championship. The Regional Qualifier took place at Hidden Trails earlier this spring, when the two members successfully defended their own turf, winning an opportunity to represent Oklahoma against other state qualifiers.

Ertel and Meek said while it would be exciting to win the $15,000 prize, it is perhaps even maybe more thrilling is to be one of the first ever to see and play on the jaw-dropping Jack Nicklausdesigned putting course inside a stadium setting. "Think 'Top Golf on steroids'," they say.

The putting championship event takes place just before six fel-

Fight the Internet Bad Guys and Win, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8–

low members and two club golf professionals, Wade Walker, PGA,

Computer safety expert Dave Moore brings his knowledge of computer

and Mike Stewart, PGA, join them to compete in the annual South

safety in a presentation made possible by Republic Bank of Norman.

Central Section PGA Pro-Am tournament, slated for Nov. 5-8 at the

NORMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY WEST

Las Vegas Country Club, Boulder Creek Country Club and the ultra-

Children’s Chamber Music Concert, 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4–Cellist

lux Shadow Creek Country Club. Stewart, a former club professional

Erin Yeaman presents an afternoon of kid-centered chamber music.

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in the Las Vegas area, and his wife are driving down a few days early

MOORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

to escort Ertel and Meek around to a few other choice golf courses

Stuffed Animal Story Time, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7–Hear stories

he thinks they will love playing.

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Hometown Hero

THE GUITAR MAN AIR FORCE VETERAN FARREL DROKE REVELS IN MAKING MUSIC ARTICLE STACI ELDER HENSLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY TINYMITE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

B

eautiful as it is, the lure of the Oregon coast wasn’t enough to

and Thread,” earned him an honorable mention for lyrics from

keep veteran Farrel Droke from his Oklahoma roots. After two

American Songwriter magazine.

years away, this past August he and his wife, Julie, returned to their

Originally from Sulphur, Droke came to Norman in 1969, where

longtime hometown of Norman, settling happily into a post-retire-

he spent two years studying mechanical engineering at the

ment routine that includes lots of music.

University of Oklahoma. Lacking the funds to continue, and after

A former mechanical engineer, Droke celebrates his creativity in a new way these days, composing and performing music

18

receiving a very low draft number, he opted to join the Air Force rather than wait to be drafted.

around the Norman community. His songs, played on an acoustic

He trained as an electronics technician and then served for five

guitar, are a unique blend of country, pop, folk and rock that he

years, most of that in Germany. When asked about his time in the

refers to simply as “Americana.”

service, he’s quick to label himself a “Vietnam-era” veteran, rather

After years working for several private employers and as a contrac-

than a Vietnam vet, saving the latter term for his fellow soldiers

tor for Tinker Air Force Base, Droke finally embraced his musical side

who served in in combat areas and were constantly in harm’s way.

at age 49 and has been honing his skills ever since. He draws upon

“No one comes out of the military the same,” Droke observed. “I

his entire life’s experiences, including those that are service-related.

don’t care who you are or what job you have, it affects you for the

Droke’s most recent album, “Magnet in My Heart,” includes

rest of your life. It just does. I was lucky that I never had to carry a

the plaintive track “Thank You for Your Time,” which pays trib-

gun, and I never got shot at. But so many of my generation have

ute to America’s homeless veterans. Another song, “Needle

been so profoundly impacted.”

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Post-service, Droke returned to OU, finished his engineering degree and began a long, successful career. He made a career shift toward the end, purchasing and operating Norman’s Café Plaid for seven years.

After retirement, however, he finally felt emotionally ready to pursue his love of making music. A 2007 trip to Ireland, where he spent an amazing musical evening at a local pub with its inhabitants, left him “profoundly changed,” and inspired him to take the next step. His first two original songs were written in 2008, and he hasn’t stopped since.

“MUSIC IS KIND OF A WHOLE-BODY EXPERIENCE FOR ME,” DROKE SAID. “I LOVE TO TELL STORIES AND I LOVE TO MAKE THEM UP. A LOT OF THINGS PATCH TOGETHER TO MAKE THE SONGS COME OUT. I DON’T THINK THAT I COULD HAVE WRITTEN MUSIC AT AGE 20; I DIDN’T HAVE THAT DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE. PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY MEN, HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING INTO THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF SONGWRITING, BECAUSE THERE’S A RISK,” HE ADDED. “I’VE HAD TROUBLE WITH THAT MYSELF, SO YOU TEND TO WRITE FUNNY (SONGS). THAT’S WHERE I WAS FOR A LONG TIME.”

Today, Droke not only calls upon his own experiences; he keeps a massive list on his cell phone, where he jots down quotes and seemingly everyday observations that can spark song ideas. In 2011, he even returned to the Irish pub that originally inspired him, where he performed his Celtic-influenced song “Kileigh by the Sea,” to great applause.

Droke performs at several area music festivals, and more information is available

through

farreldroke.com

and

normansongwriters.org. His work also is readily accessible on YouTube and available for sale through Amazon and other outlets.

“You’re never going to get rich doing it,” he said. “But it is a whole lot of fun!”

November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

19

Locally Owned

Nancy A. Brown, D.O.

I

f you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or one of the other musculoskeletal diseases/systemic

autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases, you know how important it is to have a doctor you not only respect, but one

RHEUMATOLOGY SPECIALIST TAKES HOLISTIC APPROACH

with whom you feel comfortable.

Nancy A. Brown, D.O., who has operated a private practice in Norman focusing on rheumatology since 2000, takes several approaches to establish a solid relationship with each patient that goes

ARTICLE JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN LASSITER AT DEFINING IMAGE

beyond the treatment of the disease.

“I think it’s important to look at the whole person, to acknowledge the mind-body-spirit connection,” she says, explaining that stress, such as that brought on by such profound life changes as the death of a spouse or child, divorce or caring for an elderly parent, can adversely affect the health of a patient with a rheumatic disease (or even bring on the onset of a rheumatic disease).

“There is still a lot of ‘art’ as well as ‘science’ in medicine,” she states. “Not everything is evidence-based. So much of treatment involves looking at the whole person.”

And that, she points out, means establishing an ongoing doctor-patient dialogue.

“I am very strict about monitoring medicines and lab work; you have to have respect for these medicines because while they can be very effective, they can also sometimes be dangerous,” she says. “The patient is responsible ultimately for his or her own health: they must decide what they want to do, how their disease will be treated. It’s a partnership. I don’t treat patients; we work together to improve their lives.”

For all her patients, Brown’s whole-person treatment plan includes a focus on establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including moderate exercise and a diet that limits the intake of processed foods, refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, and the addition of more fruits, vegetables and lean meat.

Of course, administering the proper medications to control pain, swelling and joint damage is a vital component of Brown’s work.

Over the years, she’s witnessed numerous significant advances in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. “Today, we use medications that gently suppress the immune system that is attacking the person,” she says, noting that biologics, which target specific parts of the immune system, in particular, are offering significant promise.

Dr. Brown with Linda Kuhn, who works the front office, and medical assistant Vadim Agadzhanov 20

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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“I always say that it’s interesting that I chose to go into a specialty, rheumatology, in which the cause of the disease is unknown, diagnosis is difficult and there is no cure,” says Brown. “My emphasis,” she adds, “is working to increase the quality of my patients’ lives by controlling the activity of the disease.”

Brown, who accepts self-referrals as well as referrals from other

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health care providers, sees patients suffering from diseases that involve the connective tissue. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, this includes lupus, vasculitis, arthritis connected with psoriasis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and fibromyalgia, to name only a few.

--Perhaps part of Brown’s success in treating patients—some have been with her for 20 years—is that she understands the importance of perspective and has herself experienced health issues that have helped make her more sympathetic.

Unlike many of her peers, Brown did not pursue the study of medicine directly out of college. After earning a bachelor’s degree in religion studies from the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico in 1976, she pursued archaeological studies, taught religious studies, and even spent a time at a kibbutz in Israel.

While in Israel, she dislocated her kneecap. Upon returning to the States, she underwent knee surgery, where, she says, “everything that could go wrong, did.” She was fortunate to find in her primary care doctor someone who would talk to her and acknowledge her pain.

“So, I thought, well, I can do that,” Brown recalled, explaining that it was this experience that led her to apply for medical school. She was accepted into the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (now OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa), earning her doctorate in osteopathic medicine in 1989. After serving a rotating internship at Hillcrest Medical Center in Oklahoma City and an internal medicine residency at Tulsa Regional Medical Center, she continued with the subspecialty of rheumatology and a fellowship at the University of Missouri-Columbia Health Sciences Center.

Brown’s outside interests have included raising, with her late husband, a breed of naturally gaited horses known for their smooth ride, the Peruvian Paso.

Dr. Brown’s office is located at 709 26th Ave. NW in Norman. Phone: 364.8501.

November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

21

Page Turners

from

nine people. Six of them would go down in history as the victims of Oklahoma City’s Sirloin Stockade murders—at ARTICLE TARA MALONE

MACHINE GUN KELLY to the OKC BOMBING BOOK EXAMINES CASES THAT CONTINUE TO HAUNT THE STATE

M

the time, the largest mass murder in Oklahoma history.

• The Oklahoma City bombing: On April 19, 1995, 168 people lost their lives in the worst act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. A monument to their memories shines on in the downtown streets of Oklahoma’s state capitol.

Some of these tales are well-known and have been nationally or even internationally covered; the world over knows the story of McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing, while Karen Silkwood’s campaign against Kerr-McGee and her mysterious death were immortalized in an Oscarnominated film starring Meryl Streep. For those who are familiar with these cases, there is little new information to be gleaned from Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases. Others like the Sirloin Stockade murders, while deeply shocking, are in danger of fading from local memory.

Frates, a longtime Oklahoma City attorney and author of several other works of non-fiction and poetry, breathes new life into these cases with a meticulous eye to detail that pays purchase to his legal background and expertise in Oklahoma legal history.

achine Gun Kelly. Timothy McVeigh. Names like these are indelibly

Indeed, Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases is perhaps

printed on the American psyche. Others, like Roger Dale Stafford or Gene

better suited to the history section of the Dewey dec-

Leroy Hart, are less familiar. All played crucial roles in some of Oklahoma’s

imal system than with other works of the true crime.

worst examples of criminal infamy, recently documented by Kent Frates in his

The volume avoids the common pitfalls of the genre by

book, Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases.

steering clear of the exploitative or gratuitously gruesome.

In his introduction, Frates acknowledges that while there were plenty of other

More informative than sordid, Frates instead serves up a

contenders for his “most notorious” list (for example, the mysterious murder of

no-frills exploration of these historical cases, both solved

Osage County rancher E.C. Mullendore), he excluded them from his final list for

and unsolved, that continue to haunt the state.

lack of reliable documentation. The selected six cases covered by the book include a variety of crimes spanning nearly three-quarters of a century in Oklahoma: • Machine Gun Kelly’s kidnapping of Charles Urschel: On a summer night in 1933, Kelly and an accomplice burst into the oil tycoon’s Oklahoma City mansion in the neighborhood known today as Heritage Hills. The first case prosecuted under the Lindberg Kidnapping Law, this stranger-than-fiction caper marked the end of the infamous gangster’s criminal career.

• The bribery trial of Oklahoma Gov. David Hall: Shortly after losing a re-election bid to David L. Boren and leaving office in 1975, Oklahoma’s 20th governor was convicted and served time for bribery and extortion while in office.

• The Girl Scout Murders: In 1977, the bodies of three young Girl Scouts were discovered near their tents at Camp Scott in Mayes County. The suspected murderer was captured and tried, but acquitted of the crime, leaving the homicides unsolved and the camp abandoned until this day.

• The mystery of Karen Silkwood: A labor union crusader who took on the powerful Kerr-McGee company regarding the health and safety of workers at the company’s nuclear facility in Crescent, Silkwood died in a car crash in 1974.

Her family then took up her cause and engaged in a highly publicized legal battle against the influential corporation. Today, many questions remain about death, and the case is far from closed for some people.

• The Sirloin Stockade murders: On one hot Oklahoma day in 1978, Roger Dale Stafford, along with his wife and brother, were responsible for the deaths of 22

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Oklahoma's Most Notorious Cases (2014) is available for purchase from The Road Runner Press, Amazon or bookstores in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

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pioneerlibrarysystem.org November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

23

TO THE COMMUNITY N

oble McIntyre of McIntyre Law, with the assistance of the incredible support offered by over 100 member lawyers of the Oklahoma

Association for Justice, a group composed of plaintiff attorneys across the state who have dedicated their careers to helping people injured as the result of another’s negligent conduct, has raised more than $500,000 over the past seven years to purchase and supply Oklahoma families with turkeys and meals the week before Thanksgiving.

Working directly with Lawyers Fighting Hunger and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, McIntyre and McIntyre Law will host the Eighth Annual Day of Kindness beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, at the McIntyre Law office, located at 8601 South Western Ave., in Oklahoma City.

Organizers anticipate distributing 2,500 turkeys and feeding over 6,000 people hamburgers and hot dogs at the McIntyre Law loca-

tion. Statewide, the group plans to distribute over 7,500 turkeys at five distribution sites and feed over 20,000 people.

A second turkey give-away is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the law office of David Bernstein, 104 West Gray St., in Norman.

“Our mission is clear: to bring turkey dinners to the families that need them most,” McIntyre said. “That they’re desperately needed

“IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED. “WE ARE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY, AND IT’S PART OF US. ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE OUR NEIGHBORS’ LIVES EASIER, BETTER OR HAPPIER IS WORTH IT.”

is clear: Last year, at the first distribution event at the McIntyre Law

well as face-painting and other events for the little

offices in Oklahoma City, we started giving out turkeys an hour and

ones, in addition to music and a party atmosphere.

a half before the scheduled start time because thousands of people

People felt the spirit of the holiday, and the mood

were already there and waiting. One woman had come the night

was upbeat and joyous.”

before and waited outside all night to be sure that she got one, and

“This means the world to my family,” said one turkey

50 people were in line by 6 a.m. All of the 2,000 turkeys available for

recipient. “I work hard all year to provide for my family,

distribution at that location were given out in just one hour, though

and it’s never easy. Knowing that McIntyre Law is look-

we fed 6,000 hungry people with hamburgers, hot dogs and other

ing out for us, and that they care enough to provide us

treats throughout the day.”

with a Thanksgiving dinner that we wouldn’t be able to

And, while people were thankful and eager to get their free tur-

24

ONE TURKEY AT A TIME

GIVING BACK

afford otherwise is just…. it’s everything.”

keys, some came for the fun, said McIntyre. “We had the Oklahoma

“To us, ‘Day of Kindness’ says it all,” McIntyre

Sooners ponies Boomer and Sooner available to see and touch, as

said. “During the event, people share their stories.

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Sometimes, they leave us notes of thanks. Mostly, though, we get smiles, or hugs, or tears of joy.

“It’s all about community,” he added. “We are part of this community, and it’s part of us. Anything that we can do to make our neighbors’ lives easier, better or happier is worth it. Of course, we

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work year-round to help our clients—that’s our job. But, handing someone in need a turkey that will feed his family on Thanksgiving is what truly makes it all matter. We’re so fortunate to be in a position to be able to make this holiday special for thousands of people. We intend to be here, doing this, for years to come.”

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November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

25

Culinary Creations

bell peppers

Garlic

Hungarian paprika

PHOTOGRAPHY AMBER VIDEA OF VIDEA STUDIOS

Agi Lurtz Shares AUTHENTIC HUNGARIAN GALUSKA AND PÖRKÖLT RECIPES 28

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

T

his recipe for Hungarian Galuska and Pörkölt came from Agi Lurtz's mother, who grew up in Hungary,

escaped the war, found a sponsor and became a naturalized American citizen. Agi says her mother typically made the beef version; however she often substitutes chicken as a healthier option and and because it requires far less prep and cooking time. Over the years, she's added her own touches to the recipe.

Agi has been a Norman resident since the mid 1960s. Her father taught philosophy at the University of Oklahoma and her mother taught religion at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She is a passionate entrepreneur who works an average of 18 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and another good 10 hours over the weekend. To decompress and relax, she loves to bake and cook. Her husband, Jon, often joins her in the kitchen.

Chicken breasts are cooked along with bell peppers, red wine, garlic and spices to create a dish that packs some heat and is guaranteed to warm you up on a cold winter's day.

Hungarian Galuska and Pörkölt Galuska is the handmade noodle, also known as nokedli and spätzle. You can use a spätzle maker to save time (Agi bought hers from International Pantry) or you can drop it by teaspoon into boiling water. Begin with a very large pot of water, with a little oil and salt, bring to a rapid boil.

IN A LARGE BOWL, BEGIN WITH:

3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt, pepper to taste 2 eggs 3/4 cup milk and ½ cup sour cream (sour cream is optional) Garlic powder (garlic powder is optional) Add more milk and/or flour until you get a sticky dough like consistency.

Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder together. Then add eggs, milk and sour cream. Once the right consistency is reached and the water is boiling, prepare the spätzle maker by drizzling olive oil along the sides and over the cutting plane. Slide the basket over the area to evenly spread the oil. Fill the basket with dough and rapidly push the basket back and forth until all the dough has dropped into the boiling water. Stir, and let it come back to a boil. Once boiling again, allow the dough to remain the boiling water for about 2 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the cooked noodles or Galuska and shake until the water is gone, then add it to a very large bowl. Add 2 pats of real butter to the top and stir, then cover the bowl. Repeat until you run out of the dough.

Take a very large skillet heat over medium high heat, add bacon

Pörkölt

drippings or olive oil and continue to heat oil slowly, then add the chicken. Drizzle additional oil over the chicken in the pan.

Pörkölt can be prepared with chicken, beef or pork. I generally use

On medium heat, stir and turn the chicken so every piece has a

chicken because it is a bit healthier and only takes about 45 minutes

chance to cook in the oil. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes.

versus 10 to 12 hours for the beef version.

Once the chicken has started to lightly brown, turn once more, then add both types of the paprika, bell peppers, salt and pepper, and fill

4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut away all fat, bones, connective tissue, etc., then cut into 1-2” pieces)

pan with water, cover and cook about 5 minutes.

Remove cover, turn and stir well, and continue to cook the mix-

2 large, firm bell peppers (any color will work);

ture for about 20 minutes, adding water as needed and stirring

cut into strips or smaller pieces

often with the cover removed.

8 tablespoons Hungarian paprika

Once the chicken is well-cooked and the bell peppers are soft, allow the

(if not available, Spanish paprika will work)

water to cook away so that only about one-quarter of the mixture is water;

2-4 tbsp. Hot Hungarian paprika, to taste

turn heat low to medium, and add sour cream and wine. Stir very well and

1 ½ tsp. salt

allow to continue to cook for another 15 minutes or more–the longer, the

½ - 1 tsp. pepper

better; however, do not allow the mixture to return to a boil once the sour

4-6 cloves of garlic, minced

cream is added. Stir every few minutes to be sure it does not burn and

2 tbsp. bacon drippings OR olive oil

allowing the sour cream and wine to mix into a perfect sauce of sorts.

32 oz. sour cream 2-3 cups of red wine (your choice) A lot of water

Once the chicken is done, it is typically served over the Galuska, taking care to add enough sauce to cover the noodles, if possible.

CONTINUED >

November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

29

Culinary Creations

(CON TI N U ED)

To round out this meal, or just to try on your own this holiday season, Agi Lurtz offers readers her special

Agi Lurtz suggests serving a red wine with Hungarian Galuska and Pörkölt.

gluten-free torte recipe.

Agi’s Gluten-Free Chocolate-Almond Torte 1 cup whole almonds 2 sticks + 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 2-3 tbsp. vanilla (I make my own using vodka poured into a glass jar, with 2-3 vanilla beans, sliced long ways, then opened with my knife blade and placed into the vodka jar for at least a few weeks.)

6 eggs, separated 10 oz. good-quality bittersweet chocolate ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk Unsweetened cocoa powder 1/8th tsp. salt Heavy cream Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 10” spring form cake pan and set aside.

Take whole almonds and grind into a very fine flour-like consistency. I use my coffee grinder, as the small amounts of coffee adds to the flavor of the torte.

Take a small pot of gently boiling water; place in a Pyrex glass bowl, just big enough to fit the top of the pot without touching the water. Melt the butter and chocolate together; stir until combined.

Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and fluffy.

Gradually pour melted chocolate into egg mixture, stirring constantly.

Fold in almonds and add in 2 tablespoons vanilla. Set aside.

Rebecca Sparks lends Agi Lurtz a hand at the stove.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites into chocolate mixture until just combined.

Pour prepared batter into the spring form pan and bake for about 35 minutes. (Torte will be very moist in the middle.) Transfer torte to a wire rack and cool completely for about one hour.

For the chocolate ganache frosting, take the same small pot of gently boiling water; place a Pyrex glass bowl, just big enough to fit into the top of the pot without touching the water. Melt the butter, add in about ½ cup of cocoa powder, mix well, then add heavy cream slowly until all is well-blended and reaches the consistency you desire. Add more cocoa, butter and/or heavy cream, as needed. Once the torte has cooled, transfer to a flat plate or surface, and gently pour the ganache over the top, starting at the outer edge and working your

Legend’s Restaurant proprietors Joe and Rebecca Sparks enjoy having food served to them, for a change.

way toward the center. If you do this slowly, it will fill in where it needs to, and you'll end up with a very nice, perfectly smooth finish.

Add cherries or strawberries as desired for garnish.

Cleveland County Lifestyle wishes to thank Legend's Restaurant proprietors Joe and Rebecca Sparks for allowing us to use their commercial kitchen for this photo shoot.

30

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Road Trip ARTICLE JERRI CULPEPPER

ULS

Tulsa Time IDEAL DESTINATION FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, FUN AND FOOD

Photography Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

I

f you haven’t visited T-Town in several years, now’s a great time. In addition to a plethora of entertainment and

dining options, Tulsa lays claim to many unique shopping centers and boutiques, so you can have fun while getting your holiday shopping done!

My last visit was this August, when I traveled to north-

east Oklahoma with my sister Lori Hanna and niece and nephew-in-law Lindsey and Evan Davies (along with their baby Liam) to attend one aunt’s 50-year wedding anniversary in nearby Bixby and to visit another aunt in

Following are a few things to consider when planning your visit:

Tulsa–taking the opportunity to also tour several sites in Tulsa and nearby Claremore, the birthplace of Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers.

I always enjoy my visits to this cosmopolitan city,

which proudly showcases its rich history, while also offering a wide range of entertainment options to please just about any age or interest.

populous city in the country features buildings in a myriad of design styles, including art deco/art deco revival, Deco Moderne, Greek Revival and Zigzag.

• Tulsa is the Birthplace of Route 66 (aka Will Rogers Highway), thanks to Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery (the

During our last visit, we experienced an event you won’t

Father of Route 66), who in 1925 began his campaign to

find in any of the city’s tourism literature. Early in the wee

create a road linking Chicago to Los Angeles by establishing

hours of Aug. 6, we were awakened by tornado warnings.

the U.S. Highway 66 Association in that city. Tulsa Route 66

Fortunately, we escaped the worst of the storm, but the funnel

landmarks include the 76-foot-tall “Golden Driller,” which

touched down only blocks away from us, near 36th Street and

stands watch over the Tulsa Expo Square, and the restored

Harvard Avenue, causing significant damage, then traveled

Meadow Gold Neon Sign.

in an easterly direction for about six minutes. Hopefully, your visit will offer excitement of a less stressful kind!

32

• Oklahoma’s second-largest city and the 47th-most

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

• Tulsa is considered by many the cultural and arts center of Oklahoma. It houses two world-renowned art

Visitors to Tulsa in late spring or early summer of 2018 will have a brand-new, exciting place to visit. The new park, "A Gathering Place for Tulsa," will feature a lodge, boathouse (pictured), land bridges and sports areas. Rendering Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau

museums–the Gilcrease (Gilcrease.org), housing the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West, and the Philbrook (Philbrook.org), showcasing nine collections of art from around the world spanning various artistic media and styles, along with beautiful and expansive formal gardens. It also claims full-time professional opera and ballet companies.

• Situated on the Arkansas River at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in northeast Oklahoma (a region of the state known as Green Country), Tulsa and its environs offer many places to seek out adventure, including the nation’s third-largest municipal park, Mohawk Park. The 2,800-acre park is home to the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum, the Oxley Nature

Lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Photography Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau "East Meets West," located at the Cyrus Avery Plaza, depicts the "Father of Route 66," Cyrus Avery, and family in a Model T as they encounter a horse-drawn carriage on its way from the west Tulsa oil fields. Photography Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Center, Mohawk Golf Course and Mohawk Sports Complex. Another great choice is the Tulsa/Jenks Riverwalk. Why not start by renting electric bicycles for the day or only hour at Pedego Electric Bikes at Jenks Riverwalk Crossing? Since you’re sure to work up an appetite, you’ll be glad to know the Riverwalk is home of a variety of eateries serving up great food and drink. For more information, including a schedule of events, visit RiverWalkTulsa.com.

CONTINUED >

November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

33

Road Trip

(CON TI N U ED)

The Philbrook Museum of Art and gift shop in Tulsa's Brady District

• May we also recommend?

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks (Okaquarium.org) The sting ray touch tank at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks Photography Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau

J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum (TheGunMuseum.com) in Claremore Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch (WillRogers.com) in Claremore Before your Tulsa visit, check out the Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau website (VisitTulsa. com), where you can find a wealth of information to help you plan your visit, including a calendar of events and a downloadable visitors guide.

Make sure to take along your camera and comfortable walking shoes. You’ll need them!

34

The Belvidere Mansion in Claremore in full Victorian Christmas mode.

Photography by Patrick Clancy

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

My niece, Lindsey, and her then-5-month-old baby, Liam, at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore. The museum features more than 12,000 firearms, aas well as items ranging from toy guns from the 1950s to beer steins to W.W. I posters.

Photography by Jerri Culpepper

If you're traveling to Tulsa via the Turner Turnpike and you have time, why not take a short jaunt to Claremore to see the internationally famous "Blue Whale," a Route 66 landmark? Photography by Lindsey Davies.

Friend-recommended places to visit: The Boxyard, a new Downtown Tulsa hot spot featuring shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces for entertainment largely constructed out of shipping containers (TulsaBoxyard.com) The Tulsa Botanic Garden, the mission of which is to promote the beauty and importance of plants and nature to create a more sustainable and harmonious world (TulsaBotanic.org) The Woody Guthrie Center (opened in 2013) is dedicated to spreading the folksinger’s message of diversity, equality, and social justice; through Jan. 17, 2018, the center is featuring an exhibit on singer/songwriter John Denver. (WoodyGuthrieCenter.org/center) Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, a pristine setting for trail running/walking/hiking and other activities (TurkeyMtn.com) Stonehorse Café and Market in Utica Square (StonehorseCafe.com) Hugo’s Family Restaurant (in Jenks) (Facebook.com/hugosfamily) November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

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Healthy Lifestyle

Eating antioxidant-rich foods, spices and drinks can help you keep your body warmer this winter.

Winterize Your Life ARTICLE MINA ACQUAYE

... FOR A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER YOU

W

inter is upon us once again. The days are shorter, the air is colder and the need to increase our self-care is here. The gray weather, freezing tem-

peratures and shockingly cold wind can wreak havoc on our health if we’re not careful. Even though humans have learned to adapt to harsh weather, there are still steps we can take to reduce the impact winter weather has on us. Good self care can have a positive effect on our health, our immune system and even our emotional balance.

Psychological studies are now showing that, contrary to what we might think, colder weather and the winter months do NOT necessarily lead to depression or a lowering of mood. Even though the weather may be gray and chilly, the latest

study published in the late 1990s in Applied Cognitive Psychology suggests that our mental function might actually be ENHANCED during the winter months.

38

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

i na

credit for, both in terms of our mood and our basic brain functioning! In fact, a

M

science suggests that we are better able to deal with this than we give ourselves

Ac

qu

ay

e

One way to improve our physical and mental health during the winter months is through healthier eating. Even small changes can make a big difference! For example, simply enjoying the benefits of yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis, reduce your risk of high blood pressure and even aid in gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and constipation.

Another simple yet healthy eating habit is to go slow and consume smaller portions. Enjoy your favorite foods, but in moderation. This will help your overall digestion as well as help you avoid heartburn.

During the winter months, we tend to feel hungrier. We can respond

POOLS

|

PAT I O S

DESIGN

|

CABANAS

| BUILD

to this by eating lighter and eating in smaller quantities. We can even help keep our bodies warmer by increasing the amount of antioxidants we eat, such as potatoes, blueberries and even pumpkin!

Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer.

The dryer air inside as well as outside during the colder months can make us more prone to airborne illnesses. Due to the lower humidity, the mucus membranes of our nose, throat and lungs tend to dry out just as our skin does. Increasing our fluid intake as well as using a humidifier can help keep our mucus membranes moisturized, thus reducing the chance of getting sick. Using moisturizer daily on our entire body also will help keep the drying effects of winter at bay.

Staying active is another important way to improve and maintain our health and well-being during the colder months of winter.

The cold can make us not want to get out of our warm, cozy beds, but regular activity, no matter how light or mild, can help boost our metabolism, improve our digestion, and even brighten our moods! It’s easy to get outside and get moving during the spring and summer months, but when winter rolls around, it’s a different story. The world seems to close shop and go to sleep for a few months. Fight the urge to hole up for the winter by finding similar activities to your summer

START PLANNING YOUR POOL

ones that you can enjoy. Try to make the activity something that will

AND OUTDOOR LIVING AREA TODAY

get you outside, preferably during a time when you can get some sun on face. Just remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin!

Sunshine plays a very powerful role in providing us with vitamin D, as well as helping to regulate our body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. According to Daylight Hours Explorer, the shift in available sunlight in the United States is dramatic from summer to winter. In June, there are 15 hours of sunlight, whereas in December, there are only nine, which helps explain why some people may feel more sluggish and “blue” in the winter. With that in mind, its important to be aware of your mood and mental health during the colder, darker months. Stay social to avoid “cabin fever” and stay connected with friends. Plan pot-

WITH A

free ONSITE VISIT.

Creating outdoor

elegance!

luck dinners and other activities to make sure you and your friends and family get together beyond the traditional holiday gatherings.

Everyone is familiar with the benefits of winterizing our cars and homes in preparation for the colder months. This year, let’s not overlook ourselves. Consider winterizing your body and mind for a healthier, happier you!

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39

Dr. Lonnie Smith demonstrates his skills on his Hammond B-3 organ in an event that coincided with this year’s Jazz in June activities. Dr. Smith was one of this year’s featured performers at Jazz in June.

ARTICLE CHRISTIAN POTTS

LOOK TO THE LIBRARY

City Scene

40

... FOR THE SOUND OF MUSIC

A

centerpiece for literature in the community, Norman Public Library West adds the sound of music for visitors on many

occasions during the month.

A favorite recurring event are the library’s monthly Lunch and Listen concerts. The free concerts, offered during the noon hour on the fourth Wednesday of the month, have been a big part of the library’s program offerings since the middle of 2015.

The events have entertained hundreds upon hundreds of local residents, who have listened to a variety of acclaimed performers sharing their talents. Attendees can bring their own lunch or experience the menu of Paisley Café, located inside the library and adjacent to the space used for the weekly performances.

A big element for these musical events has come thanks to the donation of a Yamaha baby grand piano inside the library. Chuck Thompson, president and CEO of Republic Bank & Trust and current president of the Pioneer Library System Board of Trustees, donated the piano for use at library events.

The group Pierce Hart performs at a Norman West “Lunch and Listen” concert earlier this year.

The musical offerings at the library go beyond these monthly events. Performers from noted guitarist Edgar Cruz to local favorite Camille Harp to up-and-coming musicians from the University of Oklahoma School of Music or local studios like Norman Music Institute have entertained audiences.

In 2015, the library began to partner with Jazz in June for a variety of workshops and live performances from some of the artists brought in to Norman for that annual festival. This summer featured one of the most well-known internationally of that group, as Dr. Lonnie Smith brought his smooth style on the Hammond B-3 organ to the library prior to an evening performance as one of the year’s Jazz in June headliners.

Concerts are open to all to attend. And those who live, work, attend school or own property in the Pioneer Library System’s three-county area (Cleveland, McClain, Pottawatomie) are welcome to apply for a card to use library services.

The duo Miss Brown to You (Mary Reynolds on bass, Louise Goldberg on guitar and piano) performs at Norman Public Library West’s Lunch and Listen concert in August. The library presents noontime concerts on the fourth Thursday of most months.

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Find out more about any of the library’s activities by going online to pioneerlibrarysystem.org or by downloading the Pioneer Library System Connect App, available through a free download via the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.

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41

Financial Buzz

Ready to

Retire?

W

John Harris

CALCULATING YOUR RMD

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THOSE ENTERING THE DISTRIBUTION PHASE OF THEIR INVESTING LIVES. YOU CAN PICK THE ACCOUNT(S) YOU WITHDRAW FROM...

If you have more than one of the same type of retirement account— such as multiple traditional IRAs—you can either take individual RMDs from each account or aggregate your total account values and

hen it comes time to start withdrawing the money you’ve

withdraw this amount from one account. As long as your total RMD

spent a lifetime accumulating in your retirement portfolio, you

value is withdrawn, you will have satisfied the IRS requirement.

want to ensure that you make the right decisions.

… UNLESS THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCOUNTS.

One that the government makes for you is requiring that you

If you own more than one type of account, such as an IRA and an

withdraw at least some of your funds annually, depending on your

employer-sponsored plan account, you'll need to calculate your RMD for

age and the account type. This is known as a required minimum

both types of accounts separately and take the proper amount from each.

distribution, or RMD, and it must be taken from your retirement

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DEFER IF YOU'RE STILL WORKING

accounts (other than Roth IRAs) by Dec. 31 each year, starting the

If you are still employed at age 70½, you may be able to defer tak-

year after you turn age 70½.

Generally, an RMD is determined using uniform life expectancy tables that take into consideration the account owner's and/or account beneficiary's age and marital status, as well as their account balance(s) as of Dec. 31 of the year prior to the distribution year.

The exact distribution amount changes from year to year. It is calculated by dividing an account's year-end value by the distri-

ing RMDs from your employer-sponsored plan until after you retire.

You'll need to check with your employer to see if this applies to you.

THE IMPLICATIONS CAN BE SEVERE FOR FAILING TO COMPLY.

If you fail to take your full RMD, the IRS may assess an excise tax of up to 50% on the amount you should have withdrawn and you'll have to take the distribution.

TAXES ARE STILL DUE UPON WITHDRAWAL.

bution period determined by the Internal Revenue Service (see

You will probably face a full or partial tax bite for your distributions,

table below). For instance, an account holder with a $100,000

depending on whether your traditional IRA was funded with nonde-

traditional IRA at age 75 would need to withdraw $4,367

ductible contributions. Note also that the amount you are required to

($100,000/22.9), or 4.37% of the total balance.

withdraw may bump you up into a higher tax bracket.

42

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

Sources/Disclaimer irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590b.pdf

YOU CAN DONATE YOUR RMDS TO CHARITY.

If you are an IRA owner you can contribute up to $100,000 of your IRA directly to qualified charities and have it count toward your

1Your first RMD may be postponed until April 1 in the year after you turn age 70½.

If you’d like to learn more, Please contact John Harris.

The author(s) and/or publication are neither employees of nor affiliated with

RMD. If you've inherited an IRA, these donations are allowable as

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). By providing this third

long as you are over age 70½.

party publication, we are not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, approval, investigation, verification or monitoring by Morgan Stanley of any in-

ROTH IRAS ARE EXEMPT.

If you own a Roth IRA, you don't need to take an RMD. However, note

formation contained in the publication.

The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not nec-

that any distributions taken from a Roth IRA do not count toward your

essarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or

RMD amount, and restrictions apply to the beneficiaries of inherited

publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Mor-

Roth IRAs. Also note that the RMD rules do apply to Roth 401(k)s.

gan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or com-

Like many tax rules, those governing minimum distributions can be complex. Don’t wait until end of year to begin calculating your RMD and withdrawing funds.

pleteness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned.

Article by Wealth Management Systems Inc. and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

John Harris may only transact business, follow-up with individualized re-

UNIFORM LIFETIME TABLE FOR REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS AGE

sponses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

27.4

22.9

18.7

14.8

11.4

8.6

6.3

4.5

This table shows required minimum distribution periods for tax-deferred accounts for unmarried owners, married owners whose spouses are not more than 10 years younger than the account owner and married owners whose spouses are not the sole beneficiaries of their accounts. Source: IRS Publication 590-B.

where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration.

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in writing

by Morgan Stanley. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors regarding any potential tax and related consequences of any investments made under an IRA.

John Harris’ office is located at 3700 W. Robinson St., Suite 220, Norman, OK

© 2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

73072. He can be reached at 366.3426.

CRC 1562952 04/17

November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

43

Inspired By

WHEN GETTING TIRED AND SWEATY

IS A GOOD THING Cherie Pope (front, left) has found her exercise niche at Orangetheory Fitness Moore.

"First, the coaches are like having my own personal trainer who assist me to perform the exercises correctly and safely and encourage

CLIENT FINDS HER NICHE AT ORANGETHEORY FITNESS MOORE

C

me to challenge myself. Second, the cardiac monitors have allowed me to see that my baseline cardiac strength is improving. To me, that means that my recovery from red zone to orange zone is quicker and

herie Pope has found her exercise niche at Orangetheory

that my baseline running or rowing speed to achieve the orange zone

Fitness Moore. She writes:

has steadily increased. Third, it is the only workout that I have experi-

"My only regret since joining Orangetheory Fitness Moore is

enced that I sweat for about an hour after I leave the gym.

that I didn't join it when I first received the promotional ads. I

"I have experienced increased stamina. This is important to me in

belonged to another gym at that time and had hit a plateau. I was work-

my work and personal life because I work 16-hour shifts one day a

ing out three to four days a week for several hours each day and I was

week, and I was finding myself extremely tired at the end of the day.

gaining weight and not experiencing increased strength and stamina.

Now I am able to work and not lose a day to sleep 'resting'. I am

"I decided to try Orangetheory. I was greeted by the staff, and

attending more theater and movies, going out to eat with friends and

my introductory lesson was with Kyle. I spent a few minutes being

family and planning family dinners. I have increased energy to help

oriented to the gym, then had my first class. I decided there was

my mother with her errands and home. I am definitely an older sand-

a difference from my normal gym experience. I signed up for the

wich generation. I need lots of energy.

unlimited classes. For the first time in years, I was sore and expe-

"After an OTF workout, I am tired and sweaty. During the workout,

riencing exercises my body could not do. My response was to

I practice focusing on my breathing and shut my brain down and

decrease my OTF option to the eight classes a month to allow more

listen to the coach. I watch the monitor to determine when my body is

recovery between classes, which I don't think was the best choice. I

challenged and when I need to slow down the exercise. I feel assured

am back to the unlimited plan.

that there is a group of experts who are designing the workouts."

44

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

MEET HEAD COACH

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During high school, Brown stayed fit playing softball and as a cross-country runner, picking up several medals in the latter.

After graduating, getting married and entering into motherhood, however, she found herself overweight and out-of-shape.

Determined to change, she began running and lifting weights in her garage and began eating better. She graduated to running marathons beginning in 2007, and recently completed the Boston

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Since joining Orangetheory Fitness Moore at its opening in January 2017, Brown has enjoyed sharing that enthusiasm with clients. She maintains that virtually anybody at any stage of fitness, from the couch potato to marathon runners like her, can benefit

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from OTF’s unique system of interval training, which provides members with a full strength and cardio workout in just an hour.

MEET COACH

EMMANUEL SOSANYA OTF Coach Emmanuel Sosanya wants everyone—young, middle aged or older, fit or not-so-fit—to know that attaining a greater degree of physical fitness

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Schools, where he taught English and PE and coached basketball, football, soccer and volleyball.

Sosanya has developed a reputation as a demanding but supportive coach who brings “high energy” to the heart rate-based interval training workouts. One of his favorite sayings is "consistency and faith is everything."

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101 E Main St. • Downtown Norman • (405) 321-9600 November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

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Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

AF TE R

Realty Report

Cleveland County Realty Report

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Brootkhaven 35

$999,000

$994,000

99%

293

5

5.1

Rio de Bella

$650,000

$625,000

96%

39

4

3.1

Lost Colinas

$529,900

$529,900

100%

69

4

3.1

Brookhaven 14

$469,900

$459,500

98%

51

4

3.1

Willowbrooke

$462,880

$425,000

92%

167

4

4

Vineyard !

$419,500

$419,500

100%

8

3

2.1

Hidden Lake 2

$429,900

$410,000

95%

4

4

3.1

Glenridge 1

$389,500

$389,500

100%

156

3

3.1

Highland Hills 5

$382,000

$387,500

101%

4

3

3

Turtle Lake

$389,900

$375,000

96%

34

4

3.1

Cascata Lakes

$379,000

$370,000

97%

47

4

3.1

Hansmeyer Heights

$384,900

$359,900

93%

40

3

2.1

Park Glenn Acres

$350,000

$350,000

100%

6

4

3.1

Willowbend 3

$349,000

$343,000

98%

33

4

3

The Willows

$335,000

$335,000

100%

50

4

3

Vintage Farms 2

$327,900

$325,000

99%

21

3

2.2

Rio del Sol

$316,219

$319,507

101%

120

3

2.1

Legace III

$327,500

$317,900

97%

91

3

2.2

Talleywoods

$309,900

$309,900

100%

144

3

2

Lost Creek

$309,000

$298,000

96%

25

3

2.1

*Realty Report is compiled from public information. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Kathy & Steve Griffith (405) 759-3570 Kathy@PrimeRealtyLuxuryHomes.com

Without integrity, nothing else matters.

1530 SW 89th St. Oklahoma City 73159 PrimeRealtyLuxuryHomes.com November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

47

Giving Back WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?

Infant Crisis Services provides life-sustaining food, formula and diapers for babies and toddlers in times of crisis … because no baby should go hungry.

WHEN WERE YOU FOUNDED AND WHAT ARE SOME DETAILS OF YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Infant Crisis Services was founded in 1984. We are a completely privately funded nonprofit, meaning that we receive no state, federal or United Way funding.

HOW HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION GROWN OVER THE YEARS, INCLUDING GROWTH IN NUMBER OF CLIENTS?

Infant Crisis Services started as a Sunday school class at Westminster Presbyterian Church. We are now the only food, formula and diaper pantry in central Oklahoma. Last year alone, we served more than 18,800 babies.

CAN YOU PROVIDE A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE

Infant Crisis Services

BECAUSE NO BABY SHOULD GO HUNGRY

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES YOU OFFER?

Infant Crisis Services only has one program: feeding and diapering the neediest and most helpless in our community.

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

From our main office, we serve anyone who walks into our door with a child of less than 48 months. We also have our BabyMobile, a mobile food, formula and diaper pantry. The BabyMobile is designed to eliminate the barrier of transportation that prevents many families from receiving our services. The BabyMobile travels to partner agencies in the Oklahoma City metro area, including Cleveland County.

WHAT UNIQUE NEEDS DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION FACE?

Our largest need is donated baby and toddler items. We tend to ask most commonly for the following items: diapers (especially sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6), wipes, baby wash and sippy cups (new or gently used).

DO YOU PARTNER WITH ANY ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY? WHAT IS THEIR INVOLVEMENT?

We partner with multiple agencies around the state. Their involvement varies.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY DO TO HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION?

ARTICLE LINDSEY DAVIES

T

People may donate items on our wish list, which can be found on our website listed below, or make a financial donation. We invite

he holiday season is full of giving and gratitude. However,

Cleveland County Lifestyle readers to visit us in-person and take a

while you've been dreaming of an expensive new watch

tour, then share information about our organization to friends and

or picking up the perfect gift for your sister, some families are

family. Also, if any of your readers know of anyone in need of our

simply hoping for the basic necessities with which to feed and

services, we ask that they send them our way so that we can help.

clothe their infants. This is where Infant Crisis Services comes in. With the community’s support, this nonprofit organization helps needy families year ‘round.

I talked to Garrett Hondronastas, communications coor-

4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.

dinator from Infant Crisis Services, about their organization

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

and what readers can do to help.

(405) 528-3663 www.infantcrisis.org Facebook: Infant Crisis Services (be sure to like us!)

Twitter & Instagram: @infantcrisis

48

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Lifestyle Calendar

November

NOVEMBER 3

NOVEMBER 8 TO 11 MISTLETOE MARKET COX CONVENTION CENTER, OKC Find fantastic gifts and everything for the holidays at Oklahoma City's Mistletoe Market. This three-day sale has become a tradi-

CELEBRITY SING

tion for shoppers and features vendors with unique gifts, including

RIVERWIND CASINO, NORMAN

home decor, women's clothing and accessories, Christmas decor,

This can't-miss event features a show produced by Sooner Theatre

food, jewelry, stationery and more. There will be live music and

and stars incredibly talented professional and amateur performers. In

cuisine from local restaurants.

addition to some fantastic entertainment, attendees enjoy a delicious

Jloc.org/Mistletoe-Market-Preview-Party

dinner and bid on unique auction items.

NOVEMBER 24 TO JANUARY 28

UnitedWayNorman.org/CelebritySing

8 P.M. NOVEMBER 3, 4, 9, 10 AND 3 P.M. NOVEMBER 5 AND 12

DOWNTOWN IN DECEMBER DOWNTOWN OKC Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating, exhilarating snow tub-

OKLAHOMA FESTIVAL BALLET: SWAN LAKE, ACT II

ing down the nation's largest man-made slope, free water taxi ex-

ELSIE C. BRACKETT THEATRE, NORMAN

cursions on the magically lit Bricktown Canal, free museum Sun-

Join the Oklahoma Festival Ballet for an exceptional evening of con-

days, other beautifully lit areas and plenty of holiday cheer for the

temporary and classical ballet with Swan Lake, Act II. Be swept away

entire family. Festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving and run

in a magical lakeside setting. Guest choreographer Trey McIntyre

through the New Year.

will delight audiences with the premier of his new contemporary

DowntownInDecember.com

ballet as he joins School of Dance faculty choreographers Michael Bearden, Jeremy Lindberg and Clara Cravey Stanley.

NOVEMBER 10-DECEMBER 23 HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY 2017

NOVEMBER 4

FIREHOUSE ART CENTER, NORMAN

ORR'S GOURD WILD: PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

The annual Holiday Gift Gallery is a festive extension of the regular

ORR FAMILY FARM, OKC

gift shop gallery, featuring the work of local and regional artists.

Bring your old pumpkins out to the farm to smash or use the Farm's unsold pumpkins for this pumpkin extravaganza. Guests can

NOVEMBER 11

take a stroll through pumpkin guts and goo during the bash, and de-

MOORE VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

stroy pumpkins in unique ways. The event also will feature lots of

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, MOORE

surprises, regular farm activities and much more.

The Moore Veterans Day Ceremony will be hosted by the American

OrrFamilyFarm.com

Legion, Moore VFW and the City of Moore.

CONTINUED >

DON'T BE

BLINDSIDED Start your tax planning today Call MMCPA at 405-703-2599

50

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY November 25

On Small Business Saturday, earn SIX ExtraRewards Points for Every Dollar spent at local retailers with your Republic Check Card.

Visit rbt.com the week of Small Business Saturday for a list of participating merchants.

(405) 360-5369 • rbt.com • Member FDIC When we support local businesses, we create jobs, improve public service, and keep our community’s character alive.

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N UED)

NOVEMBER 12 GYPSY GLAM ROADSHOW HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA DEVON BOATHOUSE DISTRICT, OKC Gypsy Glam brings the Roadshow to OKC's Devon Boathouse District for the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. This fun holiday pop-up features a variety of food trucks, local entertainment, wineries and breweries, and tons of shopping featuring local makers. Be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy or three and help Gypsy Glam "stuff the Airstream" to benefit Toys for Tots.

Fall family photo sessions now avaliable call today

OklahomaGypsyGlam.com

NOVEMBER 13-DECEMBER 5 RED EARTH TREEFEST RED EARTH ART CENTER, OKC Celebrate the Christmas season at Oklahoma City's Red Earth Art Center during Red Earth Treefest. This month-long holiday attraction will feature 18 Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments cre-

Videa

ated to show the diverse Native cultures that make Oklahoma unique.

Participating Oklahoma tribes include the Cheyenne and Arapaho, Chickasaw, Citizen Potawatomi, Comanche and Osage nations.

RedEarth.org

Videa

NOVEMBER 16 EXHIBITION: "THE ART OF OKLAHOMA" OKC MUSEUM OF ART Opening to the public on Thursday, Nov. 16, the 110th anniversary of Oklahoma statehood, “The Art of Oklahoma” celebrates the muse-

Videa

um’s outstanding and diverse collection of art created by or about Oklahomans–and the cities and landscapes they call home. okcmoa.com

NOVEMBER 24 & 25 CLEVELAND COUNTY CREATIVE CRAFT FESTIVAL CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, NORMAN The Cleveland County Fairgrounds has been home to the Creative Craft Festivals for over 20 years. These craft shows are filled with a wide variety of hand-crafted and market items from various vendors around the region. Parking and admission are always free at every

Videa 52

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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November 2017 | Cleveland County Lifestyle

53

Parting Thoughts

Hops in t he

K itchen

Stout Chocola te Brownies

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup stout beer • 1/4 cup espesso or strong cold brew • 10 ounces 60% bittersweet chocolate chips • 1 cup butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • 3 eggs • 1 cup flour INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven at 250 degrees F. Prepare a 9" X 9" baking pan with parchment paper allowing the paper to hang over the edges and spray with cooking spray.

• Bring stout to a boil and reduce to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until reduced to ¼ cup. Set aside to cool.

• In a double boiler or a small bowl atop a small saucepan filled with 1 inch of water, melt chocolate chips and butter over high heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.

• Pour melted chocolate into a medium bowl and cool slightly. Add sugar, vanilla, salt and stout and mix well with a whisk or wooden spoon. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined before adding the next egg.

• Fold flour into mixture and pour into baking pan. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 2 hours or overnight to firm up for best cutting. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

PHOTOGRAPHY COLLEEN KELLY 54

Cleveland County Lifestyle | November 2017

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Expansive front yard and tree lined circle drive. 3,864 sf home.

Brick pavers in large country kitchen, breakfast room. Huge Master bedroom, double tray ceiling, glamour bath, double sinks, linen closet, chin-deep jetted tub and is bright and sun filled.

Secondary bedrooms are large. Fitness room/5th bedroom upstairs. Firepit, smoker, built-in gas grill, buffet bar for al fresco dining/entertaining. Storm shelter in huge back yard.

$429,900

Without integrity, nothing else matters.

1530 SW 89th St. Oklahoma City 73159 PrimeRealtyLuxuryHomes.com