Cleveland County, OK June 2024

Welcome to Our Men’s Issue!

How's your summer going so far? I hope you've found some time for a little R&R, whether that just means some quality pool time or a vacay to a place you really enjoy.

Welcome to our Men's issue. Here's what's in store for you:

• Were you a fan of country music singer/songwriter Toby Keith, who, tragically, passed away earlier this year after a valiant fight with cancer?

Beginning on page 32, we shine the spotlight on this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entertainer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Oklahoman and patriot. Keith—who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and anchored in Norman—left his indelible mark locally in more ways than his music and songwriting talent or business acumen. Read how generations of children battling cancer will continue to benefit from his philanthropic work here in Cleveland County.

• Each June, Cleveland County City Lifestyle features several outstanding gentlemen whose influence extends beyond their profession into our community. Read about our 2024 cadre of outstanding men starting on p. 16.

• Maybe it’s the year-round sunny climate and the exclusive tennis and golf clubs. Perhaps it’s the variety of hiking options. Whatever the draw, Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. Read about a recent trip there and to the Joshua Tree National Park on p. 38.

• If you have recently had a capital gains event or if you anticipate having one in the near future, an exciting new opportunity exists via the federal Opportunity Zone Program for investors in the Cleveland County area. See p. 24 for details.

• Meet local professor/architect/artist David Boeck (p. 26). He retired from teaching at OU at the end of the spring 2024 semester, but at age 70, "retirement" doesn't mean he'll spend all his time on the golf course (just some of it). He plans to focus on his art, his private practice and his philanthropic work, which includes serving as a board member for the Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity, where he serves as the organization’s specialist for designing accessible houses; he also is working with local developers to encourage them to design homes that allow older and disabled people to age in place. As you can see, this issue is jam-packed with interesting stories on some of our male friends and neighbors. Happy reading!

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tiarra “Tea” Harper | tharper0122@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Melissa "Mel" Drake

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Staci Elder Hensley, Susan Grossman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Travis Caperton, Mel Drake Photography, Susan Grossman, Nathan Poppe Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Proverbs 3:5-6

Men

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The

Murphy Barnett Receives Top Girl Scouts Award

Murphy Barnett, a contributor to Cleveland County City Lifestyle and the daughter of Jason and Brooke Barnett (Brooke also is a contributor) was one of 13 Girl Scouts to receive a Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma 2024 Gold Award—the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive.

Murphy— a member of Troop 246— was recognized for her outstanding leadership and community impact achieved through a project, Building Community and Connection for Teens Through Board Games (an in-house board game collection at Norman Public Library Central).

Inaugural Legacy Park Fest Set for June 8

Come out to Legacy Park in Norman June 8 for the first-ever Legacy Park Fest! The free event, which will include live music and a “Battle of the Bands” showdown, food trucks, local brews and more, begins at 4 p.m. Every band selected to play at the festival will receive at least $250 for their performance. Bands judged by the crowd and judges will receive additional cash prizes. FMI: AllEvents.in/norman/legacy-parkfest/200026405466101

Life in One Cubic Foot Exhibit Opening at Sam Noble

From Central Park to South African shrubland to a coral reef in the South Pacific, the exhibit Life in One Cubic Foot, set May 11-Aug. 4 at the  Sam Noble Museum, reveals the diversity of nature that can be found using "biocubes"—1-cubic-foot frames used to survey the animals and plants living in an ecosystem. Visitors are also invited to participate in citizen science and uncover the biodiversity in their backyard by creating/monitoring their own biocube.

Soonercon Convention Set June 21-23

Soonercon—Oklahoma’s longest-running and premier pop culture convention—will be held June 21-23 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center. Soonercon assembles the best and brightest to engage members in fun activities around pop culture, anime, comics, art, literature, games, STEM, and more to transform their minds in amazing ways. This year's theme is Adventure Awaits, with nods toward fantasy, roleplaying games and choosing your own adventure.  Visit Soonercon.com for details and tickets.

Tickets to Le Tour de Vin Available

Tickets are still available for the 20th annual wine tasting that also offers whiskey tasting, a sampling of treats from area restaurants, and a live auction of cool gift packages. Le Tour de Vin will be 6:30-10 p.m. June 8 at the Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre. Can’t attend but want to support the fundraiser for The Share Center free grocery store for area families? Sign up for the online auction at LeTourdeVin.org

The Ultimate Care for Your Ultimate Smile

Dr. Roberta Wright

Dr. Lars Bouma

OU R 2024 MENOFINFLUENCE

Each June, Cleveland County City Lifestyle/OKC City Lifestyle features several outstanding gentlemen whose influence extends beyond their profession into our community.

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

Genaro Arríaga

Owner, Renaissance Cast Stone & Co-founder, Dando Frutos (“Giving Fruit”)

Bio & Career Highlights

Genaro Arríaga is the owner of Renaissance Cast Stone, Arriagas Properties and Arriagas Auto Center in Oklahoma City. Renaissance Cast Stone specializes in custom indoor/outdoor architectural cast stone.  Co-founder, Dando Frutos (“Giving Fruit”) foundation ( DandoFrutosOKC.org)

Community Service

Dando Frutos came about as a result of a comment made in December 2020 by a friend regarding a person in need of assistance (referred to him by a priest). The brothers visited the man, who had been paralyzed following a car accident and was unable to work to support his family. That visit led to many more by Genaro and his wife.

Inspired by this intervention, the brothers launched Dando Frutos to identify and help others. Disappointed by an initial lack of support, Genaro sought the help of their Bible study group, and several members agreed to help with caretaking responsibilities and fundraising efforts. Three years into the effort, the organization has succeeded in helping others, but continues to seek help to raise more funds.

“It is a good thing to give back to the community, not only because it gives you a purpose and a challenge to wrestle with, but also because it helps me realize every day how blessed I am,” Genaro says. Genaro, a catechist at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, added, “Every day the world is presenting us with many choices to make, but the correct choice is to always choose God and you will never lose, but always win.”

Favorite Quote: “With God all things are possible!” - Matthew 19:26

CONTINUED >

Joseph R. Castiglione

University of Oklahoma Vice President and Director of Athletics

Bio & Career Highlights

Joseph “Joe” R. Castiglione began his tenure as University of Oklahoma vice president and director of athletics in 1998.

As head of the OU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Joe oversees 21 varsity sports programs (nearly 600 student-athletes) that compete at the NCAA Division I level and helps drive the department’s mission of creating Sooner MAGIC. OU’s athletics programs have combined for 43 all-time NCAA team championships, with 24 of those coming under Joe and with 17 earned since the start of the 2012-13 academic year.

Men’s gymnastics paces the university’s sports programs with 12 national team titles, followed by football (7), softball (7), wrestling (7), women’s gymnastics (6), baseball (2) and men’s golf (2). Living up to its “Inspiring Champions Today, Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow” mantra, OU Athletics also boasts a track record of excellence outside of athletics competition. Student-athletes have registered a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each of the past 24 semesters.

OU will officially join the Southeastern Conference on July 1.

Community Involvement

Joe is involved in a variety of community initiatives, most notably the United Way, OU Food Pantry, and Food and Shelter

Top 3 Honors & Awards

• Longest-tenured athletics director among all Football Bowl Subdivision schools, the highest level of college football in the country

• Six-time national athletics director of the year

• Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2018)

Favorite Quote:  “Many people beat the odds, but few try to change them.” – Unknown

(OU Photo by Travis Caperton)

John Otto, D.M.V.

Medical Director, University Animal Hospital

Brief Bio & Career Highlights:

After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University, John Otto founded University Animal Hospital in 1995. The practice focuses on small-animal medicine, with client service as a priority.

Community/Professional Development

John Otto has volunteered his time and services with various animal rescue groups since 1991, including the Norman and OKC animal shelters, Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association spay/ neuter program, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Central Humane Society, and Spay First.

He founded Friends for Folks and established the nonprofit at Lexington Assessment and Reception Correctional Facility in 1990; it was expanded to Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in 2014. The prison dog program helps offenders, dogs and the community by providing training to shelter pets for adoption. He produced the Emmy-nominated documentary “The Dogs of Lexington” in 2013 and the follow-up documentary “Bassett Tales,” which premiered on OETA on July 30, 2015.

With his son Payton, John co-wrote a children’s book—a true story that shows the positive influence of prison dog programs—called Marvin’s Shining Star (viewable on YouTube), in 2013. They also co-authored two other books: Sarge, the Veteran’s Best Friend (2018) and Marvin’s Gift (2020).

He has been a member of the Norman Kiwanis Club and Norman Kiwanis Foundation since 1990 and is active in several other organizations, including Special Olympics.

Top 3 Honors/Awards:

• American Red Cross Hero Award – Presented for his work with treating and finding homes for pets displaced and injured during the Oklahoma City May 3, 1999, tornadoes.

• Oklahoma Humane Society’s Human Hero Award (2014)

• Veterinarian of the Year (2022)

Favorite Quote:  “Leave it better than you found it.” – attributed (paraphrased) to Sir Robert BadenPowell, the founder of the Boy Scouts.

(Nathan Poppe Photography)

David A. Surratt

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Distinguished Lecturer, Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education

The University of Oklahoma

Brief Bio & Career Highlights

As the son of a retired Air Force master sergeant from Wetumka and a mother from South Korea, David’s early years were spent in California, South Korea and Colorado before the family moved to Oklahoma, where he spent most of his formative years growing up in his hometown of Tulsa as a fourth-generation Oklahoman.

David holds a doctorate in higher education administration from George Washington University and is also an OU alumnus (bachelor’s degree in English literature and master’s degree in human relations).

As vice president and dean of students, David leads the OU Division of Student Affairs, which is responsible for learning that takes place outside of the classroom. David and his team in Student Affairs serve as mentors, providing invaluable support to navigate life’s multifaceted pressures and challenges.

Community/Professional Development

David is active in several national professional associations within higher education and was recently named a Diamond Honoree from the American College Personnel Association for his contributions to higher education.

He is a board member for the Norman Regional Health Foundation, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He and his wife are passionate about giving back, with a focus on enhancing educational access, supporting the arts and promoting public health.

Favorite Quotes:

“Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.”

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” - Muhammad Ali

(Photo courtesy the University of Oklahoma)

Richard Zielinski (“Dr. Z”)

Artistic and Music Director, Norman Philharmonic

Brief Bio & Career Highlights

Raised in Wisconsin, Richard Zielinski attended college on a football and track scholarship before receiving degrees in music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Eastman School of Music and the University of Illinois.

He has enjoyed a rewarding 40-year career as a music educator, including 15 years as director of choral activities at OU, music and artistic director of the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, and working with Norman community leaders to create a professional chamber orchestra for the city of Norman.

The inaugural performance of the Norman Philharmonic was held in January 2012, with “Dr. Z” at the helm, with a commissioned work— a symphony titled “Forward” and the “Norman Anthem”— by Grammy-Award winning composer Libby Larsen. Since then, the Norman PHIL has broadened its scope to include a professional vocal ensemble, the Zielinski Singers, while producing 13 seasons of performances, including two free educational concerts each season for 2,000 elementary school students attending the Norman Public Schools and other area schools.

Community/Professional Development

“My faith, family, friends, teachers, coaches and mentors have all played an important role in my life, which inspires me to help lift others,” he says. “Giving back to the place you call home will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life.”

Richard has served for 15 years as director of music ministry at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church and also serves on the Oklahoma Arts Institute Choral Advisory Board. He has performed in United Way Celebrity Sing fundraising events and enjoys working with his wife to deliver Meals on Wheels.

Favorite Quote:  “Perfection is not attainable, but if you chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

- Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers head coach

Richard Zielinski with wife Cathy

Investing Where You Live

ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT

If you have recently had a capital gains event or if you anticipate having one in the near future, an exciting new opportunity exists for investors in the Cleveland County area.

The Opportunity Zone Program is a federal bi-partisan program in the 2017 Tax Cuts Jobs Act, and is a potential major source of untapped capital that seeks to revitalize under-served communities. The program incentives investment of capital gains by deferring or reducing tax obligations and allowing the investment to grow tax-deferred or potentially tax-free, after a 10-year hold period.

“Before this, there were limited ways to defer your capital gains, mainly through real estate investments, such as a 1031 Exchange or a Delaware Statutory Trust," explains Jordan Cramer, chief executive officer of the Revive Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund.

"The Opportunity Zone program allows you to still defer those capital gains, but now the investor is not limited only to real estate investments, they are allowed to take those capital gains and move them over to a business that is located inside an Opportunity Zone through the Opportunity Zone Fund."

“You can hold your fund position for 10 years while your investment is creating economic development in the community in a positive way. Then, when you sell your position, you don’t have to pay taxes on the gains.”

Revive, which has been in operation since 2020, believes that social impact investing is the key to its success, as investing in QOFs directly helps support those who live and work in the community.

Revive’s QOF focuses on rapid growth, high-yield sustainable investment opportunities. By placing existing assets with accumulated capital gains into this fund, these gains are not taxed until 2027, or when the asset is sold. For investments held for at least 10 years, investors pay no taxes on any capital gains subsequently produced by their investments in the QOF.

“There are three different Opportunity Zones in Cleveland County, and 40% of the University of Oklahoma campus also qualifies,” adds Tyson Heltzen, co-founder and chief financial officer of Revive Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund.

“Investment opportunities through the fund can now be invested in businesses located inside a Qualified Opportunity Zone. These are things that are typically investing in community improvement inside the Zone.”

For individuals who experience a capital gains event, they can invest funds into a QOF on a tax-deferred basis within 180 days of the sale or exchange to qualify for the tax benefits. Revive can also convert existing 1031 Exchange and DSTs into an Opportunity Zone investment.

“For example, an investor can take an acre of land in an Opportunity Zone and increase the value of the land by developing it,” Tyson continues.

“That's the economic impact of the Opportunity Zones, as they help that dollar stay in the community. A dollar earned and invested in our community will turn over

JORDAN CRAMER

4-7 times before it leaves the community. The city benefits from the economic development, and the reinvestment of the capital gains.  The investor can potentially completely eliminate their capital gains taxes, while giving back to the community where they live.”

In addition to the Opportunity Zones in Cleveland County, there are also more than 10 Opportunity Zones in Oklahoma City. Revive continues to seek impactful and innovative projects in and around Oklahoma focusing on real estate, agriculture, technology, energy and more.

“Investing in an Opportunity Zone Fund is very tax-efficient for those looking to retire or make a difference in the community. We can help convert assets into an Opportunity Zone project, and take advantage of the tax opportunities to protect yourself and your family from capital gains taxes now and down the road,” Jordan concludes. “This really is a revolutionary opportunity.”

Interested investors who have recently experienced a capital gains event, or expect to experience one in the near future, can schedule an appointment online at  ReviveOpportunityFund. com , call 405.474.1144, or email tyson@reviveQOF.com. For additional information, to view a current investment project opportunity and to access frequently asked questions about QOFs, visit reviveQOF.com

ARCHITECTURE & ART

When you attend a university, there are always a handful of special professors who stand out for their professional skills, talents and ability to encourage students to achieve.

ARTICLE BY STACI ELDER HENSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEL DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY & SUPPLIED

At the University of Oklahoma, for the past 21 years, one of these exceptional individuals has been Associate Professor of Architecture David Boeck.

For Norman’s David Boeck, Creativity Is the Spice of Life

Dave Boeck strikes a pensive pose outside his Norman home, which he designed himself.

“Art and architecture work together, and research has shown that the brain/hand connection is much better than the brain/keyboard connection.”

Already a practicing architect, David was hired by the university in 2003 specifically to teach students the practical skills needed to function in the field of architecture outside the classroom. In all, he’s taught thousands of students who’ve gone on to highly successful careers.

David retired at the end of the spring 2024 semester to focus on his art, his private practice and his philanthropic work.

“Retiring will be only a transitory period for me,” he said. “In fact, I am using the word ‘transitioning’ to describe this period. I have stayed a practicing architect throughout. I think it’s impossible for an architect to quit entirely. It’s a creative process, and you don’t want to stop being creative. I am 71. Frank Lloyd Wright did 70% of his projects after the age of 70!”

Among the more notable buildings David has designed in recent years is the distinctive Holy

Ascension Orthodox Church, complete with gold dome, located at 3350 12th Ave. NE in Norman. Meanwhile, would-be clients continue to reach out.

In recent times, he has been focusing on projects that assist his clients to age in place.

“There are a lot of people who are now older and want modifications to improve accessibility,” he said. “Along with sustainability, accessibility is an area I began to focus on, especially after I had knee surgery and wasn’t able to climb the stairs to the bedrooms in my own house. It made me aware of how big an issue it is for people as they get older.”

Originally from Wisconsin and Michigan, David was raised as a Lutheran and often watched Christianthemed animation shows. It was during an episode of “Davy & Goliath,” where the children were trying to figure out what they wanted to do when they grew up, that he began to question his own future.

In addition to his teaching and architecture careers, David Boeck has always been a practicing artist, using markers and colored pencils as his primary medium.

“I always sketched and drew,” he said. “Then my dad suggested architecture. I also had an uncle who studied under Bruce Goff, who was one of the top architects in the nation and who did a lot of work in Oklahoma. Third, OU was one of the most important architecture schools in the country, so that was how I ended up in Norman, and then one job led to another.

“Fifty-three years later, I’m still here, and I love it!” he added. “I grew up in college towns and I love the culture, which makes Norman a perfect fit.”

David earned three degrees from OU: a bachelor’s degree in architecture, a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture, with an emphasis on sustainability.

After several years in the private sector, he accepted the OU teaching position. It wasn’t a surprising choice, given that his father was an economics professor, his mother taught home economics, and three of his four siblings are or have also been teachers.

One of its appeals, he noted, was the opportunity to teach students how to do architectural renderings by hand.

“Art and architecture work together, and research has shown that the brain/hand connection is much better than the brain/keyboard connection,” he observed.

“I taught rendering classes and freehand classes, and I was determined that the students be able to develop and sketch their ideas at a moment’s notice when brainstorming with a client. That can make all the difference in whether or not you get the job.”

In addition to his teaching career, David has always been a practicing artist, using markers and colored pencils as his primary medium. His sketchbooks and published works are full of vibrantly colored sketches of every type of building and scenery imaginable, from locations around the world. One of his most inspirational sites is Santa Fe, New Mexico, which he visits several times a year to sketch and play golf.

Top: Entry door to the OU Arezzo (Italy) classroom building on the Piazza San Francesco Bottom: the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Right: Bizzell Memorial Library on the OU Norman campus

“I think it’s impossible for an architect to quit entirely. It’s a creative process, and you don’t want to stop being creative.”

Among David’s favorite works is a recent series of sketches of buildings and mosques around Istanbul. Others include many drawings from Arezzo, Italy, home of OU’s International Studies Center. He also accepts commissions and has exhibited his work at numerous venues.

David’s pace was slowed a bit recently after experiencing a heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery early in 2024, but he’s recovered enough to resume his busy schedule.

In addition to artwork and private clients, he uses his skills to help the community, most recently becoming a board member for the Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity (formerly known as Cleveland County Habitat), which has expanded its services into Shawnee and Pottawatomie counties. He serves as the organization’s specialist for designing

accessible houses, and is also working with local developers to encourage them to design homes that allow older and disabled people to age in place.

In addition, David has served on Norman’s Historic District Commission, the Planning Commission, the Mayor’s Environmental Concerns Committee, the Norman Senior Association and Union, as well as the Housing Authority and various long-range planning committees. In 2016, he was presented with the American Institute of Architects International Community Service Award.

“I turned 70 last year, and having the heart attack and bypass surgery made my life change,” he said. “I have less stamina than I used to, but I’m determined that if I wake up every morning, I need to be doing something important.”

remembered TOBY KEITH

His Music & Good Deeds Won’t Be Forgotten

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAUNA J. KING/AHH SHOOT! PHOTOGRAPHY

When Toby Keith passed away at the age of 62 on Feb. 5, 2024, the country music industry lost one of its living legends. As a recording artist and performer, Toby Keith built a career without parallel. The 10 billion streams, 100 million radio plays and 44 million albums sold are indications of just how far his music reached, as was writing a No. 1 single and achieving a top-drawing tour every year for more than two decades.

Among his most treasured accomplishments were the New York-based all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015), the National Medal of Arts (2021), the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021), and BMI Icon (2022). Most recently, Keith was named to the Class of 2024, Country Music Hall of Fame—country music’s highest honor. He will be inducted posthumously during a Medallion Ceremony on Oct. 20.

In addition, his many business interests, from his owned and operated record label, golf course and Luck E Strike tackle company to restaurants, movies, horses and a long-running association with Ford Trucks, explain how in 2013 Keith was named “Country’s $500 Million Man” by Forbes.

But locally, Keith—who was born in Clinton, raised in Moore and anchored in Norman—left his indelible mark in more ways than his music and songwriting talent or business acumen.

Keith’s annual golf classics fund the Toby Keith Foundation ( TobyKeithFoundation.org) and OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of children dealing with a cancer diagnosis. The 19th installment of the charity event raised a record $1.8 million, bringing its all-total to nearly $18 million.

“I remember when I first started with the foundation 17 years ago. Someone said to me that nonprofits with a celebrity figurehead don’t last long because the person loses interest or other priorities take precedence,” said Juliet Nees-Bright, executive director of the Toby Keith Foundation.

“Nothing could be further from the truth with Toby. He and (wife) Tricia brought me on board and when we needed them, they were always there. Toby was full of ideas and resources, and yet, he was the perfect boss because he trusted us all to do our jobs.”

Nees-Bright added, “Toby decided to create a cost-free home for children battling cancer because one of his original band members had a daughter who benefited from similar services while she was receiving treatment at St. Jude’s.

“He had the dream of the Korral, created the board, named the facility and hosted his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic for 19 years. Those proceeds have successfully funded the operations of our 25,000-square-foot facility. Everything inside the Korral is free of charge, from lodging to laundry. That was Toby’s vision, and his efforts made it possible.”

Nees-Bright recalled Toby recently remarking, “It’s my best gift I’ve ever given to the world” when talking about OK Kids Korral.

“What an amazing statement!” she exclaimed. “His music has touched millions, but the Korral has changed lives. The home-away-from-home he created brings joy and comfort and hope. There is nothing more beautiful.”

Keith’s local philanthropic efforts also included Ally’s House, a nonprofit group that helps Oklahoma children with cancer and their families, which was founded in 2004 and is named for Allison Webb, the 2-year-old daughter of Scott Webb, one of the country star’s original bandmates. Allison died Aug. 6, 2003, a month before her third birthday.

Shortly after Keith’s passing, Ally’s House Executive Director Linda Webb issued the following statement:

“Today we mourn the loss of Toby Keith, without whom Ally’s House would not have begun 20 years ago. His incredible talent, compassion and patriotism will be his legacy.

Ally loved Toby, as did the entire Webb family, and we salute the man and friend he was. We pray for his family and will be forever grateful for his huge heart. Godspeed, Toby.”

And in 2013, when a tornado ravaged his hometown, Keith was the face of the community and helped shoulder the cleanup with the OK Twister Relief Concert.

The impact made by this extraordinary singer, songwriter, musician, producer, entertainer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, Oklahoman and patriot will be profoundly felt for decades to come.

To learn more and/or to make a gift to the Toby Keith Foundation, visit TobyKeithFoundation.org or call 405.271.6552. Volunteers are also needed for cooking groups or groups that would like to sponsor a meal. In addition, because their clientele has weakened immune systems, the nonprofit is always in need of cleaning. Visit their website for details.

PHOTOGRAPHY ON PAGES 32 - 34: Children from OK Kids Korral loved visits from Toby Keith. Of OK Kids Korral, which was made possible through Keith's vision and support, Toby recently remarked, “It’s my best gift I've ever given to the world."

BELOW: Armando Rosell from Rosell & Love, PLLC, and The Toby Keith Foundation present 10 charities with $1,000 checks to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

FUN IN THE DESERT

ARTICLE BY SUSAN GROSSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN GROSSMAN & SUPPLIED

FROM GOLF TO TENNIS, HIKING TO BIKING, PALM SPRINGS AND JOSHUA TREE OFFER OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS A HOST OF ACTIVITIES

“What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in the remote.” - Edward Abbey

Maybe it’s the year-round sunny climate and the exclusive tennis and golf clubs. Perhaps it’s the variety of hiking options. Whatever the draw, Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike.

With less than 46,000 residents, Palm Springs is situated in the Coachella Valley, bordered on the west by the San Jacinto Mountains. Although the area was populated more than 2,000 years ago with the arrival of the Cahuilla people, it was when actors of the 1940s and 1950s were required to stay within a twohour drive of Hollywood that put Palm Springs on the map.

As a top spot for retirees, forever boyfriend Jim Miller, author of the nationally syndicated newspaper column, The Savvy Senior, was curious about its appeal. In mid-March, we went to find out why.

Due to storms in Dallas and geese on the runway in Palm Springs, we arrive late. If we skip lunch, there is just enough time to make it to a pre-paid bike tour. Little did we know it was the first day of the Indian Wells Open, the best-attended tennis tournament outside of the Grand Slams. That explained the swarms of people and long lines at the car rental counters. Luckily, within an hour we were in our car and headed to Big Wheel Tours for the celebrity ride.

CONTINUED >

Panoramic view of Coachella Valley from near the top of San Jacinto Peak thanks to a 12-minute ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Leisurely pedaling through some of the oldest and most prominent neighborhoods in Palm Springs, we enjoy listening to our guide share interesting facts as we stop in front of properties once belonging to Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Clark Gable, Liberace and Marilyn Monroe. The streets are wide with few cars, making this a fun way to get acquainted with the area.

The Korakia Pensione is our stop for the night. A rustic and unique resort in the heart of Palm Springs, its many amenities include fountains, gardens, heated pools, fire pits and candlelit pathways throughout the acre-plus property. One half is Moroccan-themed, and the other is Mediterranean. Rooms are spare but clean and cozy.

Dinner is at Birba, an outdoor Italian restaurant where we enjoyed wood-fired Brussels sprouts, spaghetti pomodoro and a nice glass of Chianti.

After sipping early morning coffee delivered to our door, we have breakfast al fresco in the Moroccan courtyard before loading up and heading to Joshua Tree National Park. It takes barely an hour to get there.

Although we have easy hikes planned for the day, we stop for water and snacks. Traffic was light at the south entrance to the park, and we meandered along Cottonwood Spring Road, giving us time to soak up the incredible but eerie desert landscape.

Joshua Tree National Park lies in the overlap between the Colorado Desert on the eastern side and the Mojave Desert— home to the wild and spiky Joshua tree—on the west, making for a fascinating ecosystem. Despite relentless sun and little water, the plants and animals have adapted to this harsh environment.

At the Cottonwood Visitor Center, we buy a seven-day pass for $30, then drive to the trailhead of Mastodon Peak Trail for lunch. The Lost Palm Oasis is here, a lush green spot where water is present.

All types of hiking experiences are available in Joshua Tree, from easy strolls to backcountry routes that require special permits. The further we go into the park, the busier it gets, with hikers, rock climbers and campers.

Cholla Cactus Garden is an easy, open pathway through a huge collection of cholla cacti. Resembling large, fluffy teddy bears, cholla cacti are prickly and can pack a painful punch if you touch them.

Continuing along Park Boulevard, we stop at Skull Rock, a rock formation that resembles the hollowed-out eye sockets in a skull. Several easy hikes are situated in this area, and we opt for the Discovery Loop, which takes us through impressive rock formations. Trails are not all well-marked and, instead of looping, we end up on the boulevard, a mile from our car. Luckily, we chatted with some women who were celebrating their 40th college reunion and they gave us a ride back.

Our hotel for the night is 29 Palms Inn, located near the north entrance of Joshua Tree. This funky complex is situated on 70 acres of a nature preserve and centered around the Oasis of Mara, a large pond surrounded by palm trees.

Dinner is at Kitchen in the Desert, where we bump into our friends who had given us a ride earlier. This outdoor restaurant and bar serves Caribbean and New American dishes family style. We share a plate of curry chickpeas, garam masala, tamarind, and

Top: One of many stops on the Palm Springs Celebrity Bike Tour featuring preserved mid-century modern architecture.

Middle: The entrance to Korakia Pensione, a Moroccan/Mediterranean resort in the heart of Palm Springs.

Bottom: Jim

Miller pauses while hiking the Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park.

cucumber chutney, another of Brussels sprouts roasted in garlic, pepper flakes, maple, mint, pecans, topped with goat cheese, and finish with a fried Twinkie for dessert. All are house specialties, according to our server.

More hiking is on the morning agenda, and we take a bumpy offroute to the Barker Dam Hike, an easy 1.5-mile loop through rocky terrain. We pass groups with giant mats on their backs who tell us they are rock climbers heading to higher formations.

Unfortunately, a spring Saturday is prime hiking and climbing season and many of the trailhead parking lots fill up and are closed by park rangers. Since it’s close to lunchtime, we scrap our last hike and drive to the Western-style Joshua Tree Saloon, a fun place to enjoy cold beer and hot fries while listening to a Jimmy Buffet cover band on the patio.

Just outside of Joshua Tree is the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture. What at first appears to be a junkyard scattered across a large acreage is the studio space of Noah Purifoy, the late artist known for creating large pieces of assemblage sculpture. Also referred to as “Dadaist Junk Art,” his enormous pieces consist of discarded tires, bikes, school lunchroom trays and chairs. Many are commentaries on social change.

From there we stop at Pioneertown, an 1880s-style false-front Old West town. The backdrop for many films and television shows from the 1940s and 1950s, there are still mock gunfights in the wide main street, now lined with boutiques and shops.

An hour’s drive through the mountains down to the valley, we are back at Korakia Pensione, this time on the Moroccan side of the complex. Dinner is at a large outdoor restaurant, El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana, where we feast on fresh guacamole, enchiladas and sangria.

Palm Springs is just one of many towns in the Coachella Valley, and the next day we drive through several on our way to Indio, where we spend the day with a longtime friend who relocated here from Seattle. She takes us to Sunnylands Center and Gardens, the former Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage that has hosted national and international leaders for high-level retreats.

Before flying out the next morning, we have time for a quick stop at the Forever Marilyn statue, a 26-foot-tall stainless-steel likeness of the actress in her billowy dress standing over the subway grate.

Then we hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The rotating tramcar propels you 8,816 feet from the warm desert to the snowy peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains, where you can take in panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley.

Lunch is at The Farm in downtown Palm Springs, a farm-to-table restaurant with a Provençal flare, from its decor to the menu. Five days in swanky Palm Springs is enough time to get a taste of this oasis in the desert as well as the more kooky and odd areas surrounding it.

There’s plenty to do for the outdoor and active visitors, although the heat is extreme in the summer. And there’s also plenty to entice both men and women—alone or together— including golf and tennis enthusiasts, adventurers, film history buffs and foodies.

“THERE’S PLENTY TO DO FOR THE OUTDOOR AND ACTIVE VISITORS, ALTHOUGH THE HEAT IS EXTREME IN THE SUMMER.”

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

Moore's Old Town Day

400 N Broadway Ave., Moore

10:00 AM

Join Moore's Old Town Days to enjoy the community and have fun outdoors. Featuring live music, art and craft booths, Old Town Days is an interactive event for the whole family. See classic cars, shop at vendor booths and enjoy tasty barbecue from the cookoff. 405.799.1200

JUNE 8TH

Le Tour de Vin

Riverwind Showplace Theatre

6:30 PM

Head to Norman for a one-of-a-kind celebration of wine, food and generosity at Le Tour de Vin. Enjoy fine wine, snacks and painting guided by a professional artist. Stick around for stellar food and beverage pairings from local restaurants. Le Tour de Vin will also include a silent auction featuring unique items from local vendors. LeTourDeVin.com

JUNE 8TH

NCCO All Corvette Show

Landers Chevrolet of Norman

8:00 AM

The NCCO All Corvette Car Show, hosted by Landers Chevrolet of Norman, will feature a silent auction, vendors and more. Classes of competition include C1-C8 and custom 1953-present. Be sure to stick around to see who takes home the president's pick, best of show, club participation and Bryan Monroe Memorial Award. 405.882.6908

JUNE 13TH - 15TH

Jazz in June

Andrews Park, Norman

In addition to the main stage acts, several artists will teach music clinics during Friday’s festivities. Bring your instrument of choice Thursday and Saturday and participate in late-night jam sessions. Stages will be set up at Norman's Brookhaven Village on Robinson Street, as well as Andrews Park. Come ready to be inspired by a diverse pool of talent. JazzInJune.org

JUNE 14TH

Daddy & Daughter

Party at the Pool

The Station Aquatics Center, Moore 6:00 PM

A date night for daughters to be escorted by any adult figure. There is swimming, dancing and light snacks. Wear your swimwear and join us for a great evening at the pool. Tickets sold ahead of time and at the door. CityOfMoore.com/UpcomingEvents/Daddy-Daughter-Party-Pool

JUNE 21ST - 23RD

Soonercon

Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Norman

Soonercon is a celebration of pop culture, speculative fiction art, literature, geek and fandom in Oklahoma. In addition to more than 100 literary, arts, media, science, and comic book guests, Soonercon features a full schedule of musical and performance guests. The family-friendly event offers three days of workshops, performances, gaming and panels with both creative and STEAM industry professionals. SoonerCon.com

realty report

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

01.

Get fit for equipment.

If you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

02.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

03.

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.