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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Bryan Hallman | bryan.hallman@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com

May Days and Honoring Women HELLO OKLAHOMA CITY METRO! May flowers are a'bloomin', and spring is in

AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph

full swing. This month, we also honor mothers everywhere during Mother's Day and honor our soldiers with Memorial Day. May is also traditionally the month we at OKC Lifestyle Magazine honor women who make a difference in our communities. We are proud to do so again this issue.

We also have a few fun features! Read about how the animals at the OKC Zoo can help your garden grow with a bottoms-up approach to fertilizer.

Another article introduces us to Sample Oklahoma, a sample box of Oklahomamade, locally-produced items that are sure to make great gifts or monthly surprises.

We also sat down with local DJ David Kelso who shares his story of surviving brain cancer and discovering a love of hiking in the process. Today, he shares the healing power of hikes with others too.

This issue also has a local-centric Mother's Day Gift Guide and an article about a

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

new line of beers that celebrate Oklahoma City.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

We hope you enjoy this special issue, and as always, thank you for supporting

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OKC Lifestyle Magazine.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Bryan Hallman, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

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CityLifestyle.com/OKC ON THE COVER Lisa O’Connor Kraft PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 4

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’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 OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 12 Hike To Heal Cancer Survivor Inspires Others to Hike For Happiness

18 How Doo-Doo You Help Your Garden Grow?

OKC Zoo’s Zoo Poo Is Thoughtfully Crafted By Animals To Help Your Garden, Soil Quality

22 The Power of Women Meet The Women Making a Difference in 2021

22 12

28 Mother’s Day Gift Guide These Local Gifts Will Make Your Mom Smile

18

28

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Artist’s Palette

22 Local Limelight 28 Local’s Choice 30 Hops & Vine 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Travel Destination

Plan for

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7

AROUND TOWN

OKC ZOO HELPS WITH CONSERVATION OF ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES

professional student who has exhibited passion

There’s something to snap about at the OKC

and dedication to community service during his or

Zoo! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

her academic career. Faculty, charitable clinics and

recently welcomed 11 young alligator snapping turtles

students nominate an outstanding student by sub-

to their temporary home in the Zoo’s Underground

mitting a one-page letter describing the student’s

habitat, located inside the Children’s Zoo. Hatched

dedication, achievements, and activities.

This award is given annually to a senior health

at the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery (TNFH),

The 2021 R. Murali Krisha Award and scholarship

Tishomingo, Oklahoma, the turtles are a part of their

winner is Jennifer Nguyen, a fourth year medical

head start program to raise, rear and introduce alli-

student at OU College of Medicine planning to pur-

gator snapping turtles back into their native habitat.

sue a career in Family Medicine. Nguyen served her

The Zoo just received the first group of young

community's health by volunteering 300+ clinical

alligator snapping turtles in partnership with TNFH

hours at Lighthouse Medical Clinic over the past

and will continue to receive additional turtles as

three years. She is passionate about caring for the

they continue to age out of the head start pro-

underserved, both clinically and in the community.

gram. The turtles will live at the Zoo’s Underground

The Health Alliance for the Uninsured is an

habitat until they have reached four years of age. At

Oklahoma community organization that facilitates

that time, they will be returned to TNFH, and then

quality preventive and health care services to the

the turtles will be released into the wild.

medically underserved of Central Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets.

JENNIFER NGUYEN EARNS HEALTH ALLIANCE FOR UNINSURED COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

OKCINE LATINO FILM FESTIVAL HONORS LANCE MCDANIEL The OKCine Latino Film Festival honored Oklahoma filmmaker Lance McDaniel with its firstever Festival Padrino Award.

The Festival Padrino Award celebrates an endeared godfather and caring mentor who has made a deep

The Health Alliance for the Uninsured (HAU),

impact on the OKCine Latino Film Festival, Latino

an Oklahoma City organization that serves as a

student filmmakers, and the Oklahoma Latino Film

catalyst for improved health care services for

Community. McDaniel played a significant role in

those who otherwise would be unable to obtain

organizing the inaugural festival, which lead to an

them, has announced the 2021 R. Murali Krishna

education program for students that has grown into

Community Service Award.

the OKCine Latino Film Institute.

CONTINUED >

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AROUND TOWN Lance McDaniel is an Emmy-nominated film-

GET INSPIRED

maker who has worked on 21 feature films, including Oscar winner, Million Dollar Baby. He has directed and produced five narrative features, two documentaries, four shorts, and a Virtual Reality film.

He has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership

EAT + DRINK

Oklahoma,

Creative

Oklahoma,

Downtown Rotary Club 29, Rodeo Cinema, and SixTwelve in the Paseo. And, from 2010-2020, McDaniel managed Oklahoma’s largest film festival as Executive Director of deadCenter Film, which was selected as Oklahoma’s Outstanding Arts & Cultural Nonprofit under his leadership.

Visit www.historiccapitolhill.com/okcine-latino

SHOP LOCAL

for more information.

#HASHTAGTHECOWBOY EXHIBIT FEATURES INTERNET CELEB TIM TILLER Internet sensation Tim Tiller, director of Security & Operations Services at the National Cowboy

City Lifestyle

& Western Heritage Museum, will have his own exhibition displaying examples of human warmth in

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

times of crisis through August 8, 2021.

The unique exhibition, titled #HashtagtheCowboy, is an opportunity for museum visitors and social media followers to physically interact with the online communities formed during the global pandemic and reflect on the challenges and unexpected joys of living through 2020.

The exhibition will include displays of viral social media posts, fan gifts, art and letters, and Tim’s famed security guard uniform, bolo tie and coffee mug.

During the unprecedented shutdown of March 2020, and as one of the few employees allowed in the building, Tim took on the additional role of

Inspired by Community

assisting with social media. His mix of dad jokes and positivity quickly resonated with hundreds of thousands of new followers. Even after the Museum reopened in May 2020, Tim has remained involved in creating social media content and sharing his passion for the history on display at the Museum.

It’s time to think

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OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

I

H

K

David Kelso is now cancer-free.

12

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

E

CANCER SURVIVOR INSPIRES OTHERS TO HIKE FOR HAPPINESS

HIKE TO HEAL ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

DAVID KELSO’S VOICE IS ONE THAT

“It is a group of like-minded people who

THOUSANDS OF OKLAHOMANS HAVE

just enjoy each other’s company and being

COME TO KNOW AND LOVE. For 30

outside. We all believe firmly that the outside

years, Kelso talked to Oklahoma with a voice

is better than the inside. We believe in the

full of ease and friendliness on KOMA, a

church and the tall trees, that when you are

classic hits station in Oklahoma City, but in

walking in the woods, the repetitive nature of

December 2019, Kelso was faced with a diag-

the steps kind of clears your mind,” Kelso said.

nosis that would have shattered most people.

“When we first started doing this, I needed

“I was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer,”

to clear my mind. And it’s just kind of caught

he said. “My friend called me and he goes, ‘Hey,

on. We go outside, and we have great conver-

man, why don’t we go hike up Mount Scott and

sations with great people. We spend as much

figure out how you’re going to beat this.’”

time looking for the positive and the light and

Kelso and a group of guys headed down to

the love as we can. And it seems to be working.”

the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to hike.

Thanks to the cancer specialists at

And they kept hiking. And they kept gaining

Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma

more and more people who wanted to hike with

City, experimental drugs and a good dose of

them and seek out the positivity and the light.

hiking, Kelso is cancer-free. Other members

After that hike, Kelso found peace and

of the Hike to Heal group have their own

healing in “the church of the big trees”

traumas and healing to work through. Some

of nature. He also found a group of like-

are also facing serious illnesses; others are

minded Oklahomans who also turn to the

survivors of domestic violence; others are

wild places for healing and clarity.

battling addiction.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

13

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

“I think everybody’s trying to heal from something and some of us are just trying to get through the day,” Kelso said. “ A couple of months ago, this guy was hiking with us for the first time. I asked him how the hike was, and he said it was the cleanest air he’s smelled in 15 years. He just got out of prison three months before.”

Another hiker had been unable to walk more than about 100 yards since she got back from Kuwait a couple of years ago. When she joined the hike, another woman who was a kinesiologist and a physical therapist was on her first hike that day as well. She worked with the veteran and performed some manipulations on her body, and the two walked two and a half miles together.

“She called me crying. She said it was the longest she’d been able to walk since her deployment,” Kelso said. “When I started gamma radiation and chemotherapy treatments, they told me that people who keep moving during treatment do better. And so we just started walking, and we’ve been walking ever since. We’ve walked up and down both coasts, we’ve walked on long trails and on short trails, and we walked with a lot of people and we walked with a couple of people. We just keep right on trucking.”

For more information on Hike to Heal, visit the HiketoHeal group on Facebook.

Hike to Heal hosts biweekly hiking trips at various locations in Oklahoma.

14

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

Kelso found a group of like-minded Oklahomans to join in on hikes.

H

Hike to Heal is designed to find peace and healing in nature.

E

OKC DJ David Kelso

A

The trails lead through what Kelso calls "the church of the big trees."

L

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

15

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|P

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IC

BR ANDE S

TO DE

SAMPLE OKLAHOMA

A P H Y P R OV I

AR T

DE

O

E

I HE

D

NEW OKLAHOMA-CENTRIC SUBSCRIPTION BOXES HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS

16

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

From locally-roasted coffee to homemade dog treats, the subscription boxes give a taste of Oklahoma's offerings.

“It’s always easy for people to say no at first, but once they realize that they’re able to do something good, as well as share their business, it’s really a triple win,” Ross said. “They get to help a nonprofit, they get to advertise their business, and then they get to have their products out in front of people that may have never heard about them before. So once they really are able to sell the concept and understand that, they’re on board.”

Each monthly Sample OK box contains handpicked products LIBBY ROSS OF OKLAHOMA CITY SAW HOW NONPROFITS

from a variety of Oklahoma-based businesses. These products are

AND CHARITIES WERE SUFFERING ALONGSIDE SMALL BUSI-

chosen specifically for you based on your answers to the short quiz

NESSES IN OKLAHOMA, AND SHE CAME UP WITH A UNIQUE

you are to complete after signing up. Products range from apparel,

WAY TO HELP BOTH.

beauty products, food and beverage, candles, and more.

Many charities in Oklahoma were not able to hold their major

After you subscribe, your box will be shipped within 8 business

fundraising events and donations were down even as the need for

days. Boxes are usually shipped during the second week of each

their services skyrocketed during the COVID pandemic. She, along

month, but if your initial subscription takes place after the 20th of

with a group of other like-minded Oklahomans, found a way to help

the month, you will automatically receive your box during the first

both small businesses and nonprofits at the same time.

week of the following month.

In October 2020, Sample Oklahoma was launched to highlight hyper-local products and help charities statewide.

“The idea behind Sample Oklahoma is to create a platform of tech-

Once your box has shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. Subscriptions renew automatically each month, but you can cancel at any time.

nology that brings many people across Oklahoma together. We link small businesses, as well as local nonprofits, to create a community that is thriving and supporting each other,” said Ross. “We are able to sell wonderful Oklahoma-made products by Oklahoma businesses.

In return, our net proceeds go to local charities and nonprofits.”

The Sample Oklahoma subscription boxes allow subscribers to

Each subscription box comes with locally-sourced items from Oklahoma small businesses.

receive samples of locally-roasted coffee, handmade cutting boards, crafted bows and more each month.

And every month, a specific nonprofit receives the proceeds.

Although shoppers can visit the Sample Oklahoma page at sampleok.com, the organization introduced the subscription boxes in a new launch as of February, “We have a monthly subscription box that we sell for $29, and all the products are always valued at $50 and above,” said Ross. “So you automatically get a good deal. When that subscription box shows up, you have a variety of Oklahoma products in it to sample.”

The samples are given to Sample Oklahoma for free to include in the subscription boxes, and the full-size products are for sale on the website. Ross said the arrangement allows samples of products to be experienced by people who may never have known such a product existed.

“Our newest vendor is Barking Dog Bakery, which makes handmade naturally healthy dog treats. We also have handmade cutting boards from Nanna Janna’s Handmade Cutting Boards, which are made locally in Norman,” Ross said.

Rhonda Thoma, the founder of the Single Parent Support Network, was among the group of people supporting Sample Oklahoma. In addition, the group now includes ambassadors, influencers and like-minded business owners.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

17

HOW D O O -D O O YOU H E L P YOU R G A R DE N GROW ?

OKC ZOO'S ZOO POO IS THOUGHTFULLY CRAFTED BY ANIMALS TO HELP YOUR GARDEN, SOIL QUALITY

18

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MAY IS A PERFECT TIME TO GARDEN, BUT IF YOUR

“We started selling Brown Gold in 2019, which is

FLOWERS AND VEGGIES ARE STINKERS, LOOK NO

composed of decomposed organic matter, primarily

FURTHER THAN THE OKC ZOO AND BOTANICAL

poo,” said Christopher Hoffman, director of the OKC

GARDENS FOR HELP.

Zoo Botanical Gardens. “It is all part of the nutrient

To help your garden doo-doo the best it can doo-doo,

cycle. The herbivores eat plant material, which goes

The OKC Zoo offers a load of brown gold through its

through their systems, and is deposited to become

Zoo Poo animal fertilizer product, thoughtfully crafted

reasonable vegetative matter. When mixed with the

by the zoo’s own animals.

existing soil, it adds nutrients back into the soil.”

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Zoo Poo Brown Gold pre-

The compost supercharges the soil, improves drain-

mium compost comes straight from the elephants and

age and provides extra nutrients to help plants grow

hoofed animals featured at the zoo. Your favorite OKC

and take root.

Zoo animals, including the Asian elephants, Indian

OKC ZOO Poo is available for purchase at the Zoo’s

rhinos, giraffe and various hoofstock, get off the pot to

Guest Services office, located in the Entry Plaza. Two

create magic for your yard.

sizes are currently available: a small bag for $3.99 and a

Even the zoo’s newest addition Yabi, a female rhino calf born on Oct. 23 at the OKC Zoo, is contributing to the efforts.

large bag with a reusable tote bag and a packet of pollinator seeds for $14.99.

Zoo Poo is also available for purchase at Minick.

Faced and overwhelmed by the Zoo’s ever-growing

And with Mother’s Day approaching, what says ‘thank

mountain of organic plant and animal waste, zoo staff

you, Mom’ more than a big bag of poo? The Zoo Poo

took a bottoms-up approach with the idea of selling

will also impress your friends and clients as a thoughtful,

poo in 2019. The 15-year-old massive, hard-to-man-

hand-crafted (tush-crafted?) gift or thank-you present.

age compost heap at the zoo could become treasure instead of trash, and the zoo teamed up with Oklahoma City-based landscaping company Minick Materials to create a new product: OKC Zoo Poo.

To learn more, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The Power of Women MEET THE WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2021

MAY MEANS MOTHER'S DAY, BUT IT'S ALSO A TIME TO HONOR THE POWER OF WOMEN. Many women in Oklahoma City metro area go above and beyond in business, nonprofit and arts every day, and we've chosen four to honor this month.

JENNA MOREY A proven nonprofit professional in leading

develop creative solutions, and driven to give my

programs that promote positive social and

best self to our participants, team, and community."

economic development, Jenna was named the

Recently, Jenna was selected by Gov. Kevin Stitt

Executive Director for ReMerge of Oklahoma

to serve on the Governor’s Council for Workforce

County in June 2020. Prior to joining ReMerge,

and Economic Development, the state workforce

she served as the Vice President of Workforce

development board under the federal Workforce

Development for Goodwill Industries of Central

Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Its pur-

Oklahoma. Morey has also led statewide efforts

pose is to guide the development of a compre-

to expand apprenticeship and work-based learn-

hensive and coordinated workforce development

ing opportunities under the Office of Workforce

system for the state and monitor its operation.

Development and spent nearly a decade working abroad with international nonprofits.

pose in driving policies and programs that help oth-

ReMerge is a pre-trial diversion program that

ers seize opportunities and reach their full potential.

serves mothers of minor children who are facing

Jenna holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University

non-violent felony charges in Oklahoma County.

of Oklahoma and a Masters of International Affairs

ReMerge participants are high- risk, high-need,

from the Graduate Institute of International and

meaning that without substantial treatment and

Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

support, they are unlikely to break the cycles of incarceration, addiction, and poverty.

"When I set off to work abroad a year-long assignment in Indonesia in 2008, I had no idea I

A ReMerge mother is also eligible to have her

would be gone from the United States for many

charges dismissed following graduation, removing

years to follow. But life has a way of surprising us! I

a substantial barrier to the rest of her life.

not only lived in several places, but was also privi-

"Being entrusted to lead ReMerge as it embarks

22

Throughout her career, Jenna has found great pur-

leged to travel around the world," she said.

on its second decade has certainly been my most

"I had some awe-inspiring experiences, some

significant professional accomplishment to date.

frightening experiences, and lots of time on buses,

Leading our team to create the right conditions for

trains, airplanes, and the occasional camel.

justice-involved mothers to change the trajectory

Through it all, I learned to trust my ability to take

of their lives is an honor and gives so much pur-

care of myself, build relationships, and bloom wher-

pose to my life. It is the hardest and most mean-

ever I was planted. That confidence developed as

ingful work I have ever done," Morey said. "Each

a result of a kaleidoscope of experiences, but I love

day, I wake up feeling grateful to bear witness to

knowing that I could most likely land anywhere and

the transformation that happens here, inspired to

figure out a way forward."

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

23

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

24

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

LISA O'CONNOR KRAFT, PRESIDENT OF COPPER BEAR CONSULTING Lisa O’Connor Kraft, President of Copper Bear

Mentoring is also a big part of Lisa’s life. Her

Consulting LLC (copperbear.org), founded her company

grandmother, Treva, shaped her into the determined

in 2006 to do tribal development consulting and federal

and optimistic woman she is today, and other pro-

grant writing and construction project management.

fessional mentors taught her the skills to negotiate

Before creating Copper Bear Consulting, Lisa

and learn to close deals.

was a member of the Board of Directors for the First

“My most impactful mentor came into my life

National Bank and Trust of Shawnee and was Citizen

when I was 28. Chairman John Barrett of the Citizen

Potawatomi Nation District 11 Legislator (Oklahoma

Potawatomi Nation took a chance on a new college

at large). She is also a Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art

graduate and taught me to be fearless in negotiating

Board of Trustee and has awarded over $23 million for

for the greater good of the business, but in this case,

Oklahoma Indian Nations over last 10 years.

for the greater good of the 35,000 tribal members of

In her role at Copper Bear Consulting, Lisa writes

the Citizen Potawatomi Nation,” Lisa said.

large federal grants to build buildings, businesses, and

Lisa is the the mother of a soon to be 18-year-old

infrastructure in Oklahoma Indian Country. In the last

son who is itching to join the Army and become a com-

10 years, while being a full-time active mother, she has

bat medic. Her son is also determined and optimistic,

written for and had her clients awarded over $23 mil-

like his great-grandmother Treva, but LIsa was told by

lion in federal construction and program grants.

professionals that his dyslexia would cause him not to

“That is an impact in Indian lives that makes my heart

learn past fifth grade math and fourth grade reading.

soar. I can take a concept planned around a table dis-

“My son was the happiest kid until he began being

cussion, write it into a feasible plan and get it funded,”

bullied in the second grade and by fifth had become

she said. “Then by following federal guidelines, policy,

very depressed. With the right educators at St. Mary’s

and regulations, I can help build sustainable businesses

Catholic School in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and his sheer

where lives will be saved and homes where families will

will, he taught himself how to read and trick his mind

have a new life or safe drinking water.”

into remembering formulas,” Lisa said. “He now leads

Writing so many grants for her own Tribe, the Citizen

his cadets in ROTC and is making As in English and

Potawatomi Nation, and helping negotiate for her tribal

Cs in Algebra. Through his hardships, we learned that

Nation’s sovereignty as an equal government with the

faith, personal endurance, and the love of family and

federal government may be what many think would be

friends can move mountains and restore happiness.”

her crowning professional achievements. But the truth is, her most significant professional accomplishment is growing CPN’s tribal land base by 1000s of acres by converting title from fee simple to trust.

Lisa is now seeking the highest office in her tribal elected leadership, Tribal Chairman.

“I will be running against a male incumbent my parent’s age who has been in his position of power for

“That means I helped process the land back to

almost 40 years or since I was in middle school,” she said.

reservation or the same federal protections it did

“I am determined to bring a multi-generational approach

before the Land Runs. This gives our tribal gov-

to the planning and future delivery of services to our tribal

ernment planning options to develop our natural

citizens that provide for their general welfare, all 35,000

resources and plan to sustain our ways for many

members. I am humbled that others have faith that I can

generations to come,” Lisa said.

lead us to a brighter future.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

25

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

DEBBY HAMPTON, UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Debby Hampton joined the United Way of Central

Debby serves on the United Way Worldwide US

Oklahoma as president and chief executive officer in

Membership Accountability Committee and the United

2010. During Debby’s tenure at United Way, over $221

Way Worldwide National Presidents’ Roundtable.

million has been raised to support disaster relief and

“I believe in service to others before self – some-

programs of nonprofit partner agencies providing

thing I’ve seen as a benefit in myself and in others

health and human services in Central Oklahoma.

ever since my father encouraged me to donate to his

Prior to her appointment at United Way of Central

office’s United Way campaign as a young girl. It has

Oklahoma, Debby served as president and chief exec-

driven my determination to volunteer my time and pur-

utive officer of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits for

sue a career path where helping others is a constant

four years. Debby spent 16 years with the American

and consistent mission,” she said.

Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, serving the latter four years as chief executive officer.

“During my tenure at American Red Cross of Central

Alliance of Economic Development of Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma, I was involved in many disaster responses,

the Oklahoma Nonprofit Council, and the Oklahoma

including the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, the May

City University Advisory Committee for the Nonprofit

3 Tornadoes in 1999 and September 11 in 2001,” she

Leadership Program. She is a proud alum of Leadership

said. “With each disaster, I knew I was helping those

Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City and Leadership

who were struggling in its wake, but the connections

Tulsa’s Executive Series.

I made with many of the people who were directly

Debby is an active member of Rotary Club 29 and

impacted are what I carry with me. Their strength and

Committee of One Hundred. She was recognized as

resilience inspire me every day.”

a Byliner Honoree by the Oklahoma City Chapter of

Debby believes in United Way’s work. Without a

the Association of Women in Communications, and

doubt, Debby knows that without United Way, hundreds

she received the 2013 Community Service Award

of local programs would not receive critical funding, and

from the Conference of Churches. The Oklahoma

in turn not have the resources to serve clients.

Hall of Fame honored Debby as the 2015 recipient

“During my tenure at United Way of Central

of the Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award.

Oklahoma, more than $221 million has been raised

She received the 2016 Distinguished Leadership

to support disaster relief and programs of nonprofit

Award from Leadership Oklahoma City and the

Partner Agencies providing health and human ser-

2016 Compassionate Citizen of the Year Award

vices in Central Oklahoma, impacting more than

from Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, Inc.

800,000 Oklahomans annually,” Debby said. “Without

In December of 2019, Debby was named Oklahoma

this support, hundreds of local programs would go

Cityan of the Year by OKC Friday Newspaper.

without the critical funding needed to serve our community’s most vulnerable individuals.”

26

A leader in the community, Debby currently serves on the boards of: Leadership Oklahoma City, The

“Early on, my parents taught me the importance of giving back. It’s a lesson I passionately shared

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Debby

with my two sons, Christopher and Jonathan, as they

has completed course work at Harvard Business

were growing up, as well as my husband of 34 years,

School as well as a year-long curriculum of United

Michael. In return, my family has taught me to live

Way Worldwide’s Executive Leadership Program.

every day appreciating and loving others,” Debby said.

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

27

LOCAL’S CHOICE

G Mother's Day Gift Guide

FT

I

G

THESE LOCAL GIFTS WILL MAKE YOUR MOM SMILE ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES

UI

28

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

LO CA L G I F TS

D

E

02

01

03

04

M O M

gifts for

05

06 01 KENDRA SCOTT'S DIAMOND HEART EARRINGS AND NECKLACE; Kendrascott.com, 1452 S Bryant Ave, Edmond | 02 ROYAL OAK SALON AND SPA MASSAGE AND COMPLIMENTARY HOT STONE THERAPY AND INFRARED SAUNA TREATMENTS; royaloakmassage.net, 1201 NW 178th St, Suite #111, Edmond. | 03 INIS LOTIONS & HAND CREAMS FROM TIN LIZZIE'S, 905 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City | 04 DINNER AND WINE AT BELLINI'S RISTORANTE & GRILL. 6305 Waterford Blvd Suite 100. Oklahoma City; bellinisristorantegrill.com | 05 PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINER FROM NEXGEN FITNESS, 16325 N. May Ave Suite A6 Edmond, edmond.nexgenfitness.com. | 06 WARM COOKIE DELIVERY FROM TIFF'S TREATS, cookiedelivery.com/okc.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

29

HOPS & VINE

The Modern F ro n t i e r B e e r

30

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

OKC POPS THE TOP ON A NEW OKLAHOMA CITY-THEMED BEER ARTICLE MEG CATHY | PHOTOGRAPHY LINDSAY VIDRINE

THE OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (OKC CVB) PARTNERED WITH HOMELAND TO DISTRIBUTE AN ORIGINAL, ROTATING MODERN FRONTIER BEER THAT WILL BE SOLD IN HOMELAND STORES ACROSS THE STATE. The Modern Frontier Beer is available to purchase in six-pack cans at 68 Homeland stores and their affiliated brands in Oklahoma.

The beverage style will rotate quarterly with a different Oklahoma City brewer producing each batch. Volume 1 features a spring lager

by Anthem Brewing Company.

“We’re excited to work with Homeland stores and local brewers on this innovative partnership and look forward to Oklahomans enjoying these limited-edition beers as they rotate throughout the year,” said Zac Craig, President of the OKC CVB. “This project provides a special opportunity to shine a light on our rapidly growing craft beer scene while also highlighting the vibrancy and uniqueness of Oklahoma City as The Modern Frontier.”

As Oklahoma’s largest locally owned grocery store, Homeland has partnered with the OKC CVB as a way to support local breweries and the Oklahoma City community.

“At Homeland, we’re always looking for ways to connect with the communities we serve,” said Marc Jones, CEO and president of Homeland.

“The Modern Frontier Beer program is an exciting way for us to provide a unique, great-tasting product that our customers will enjoy while also helping our local breweries build a following across our home state.”

Anthem Brewing Company created an exclusive spring lager for the first volume of The Modern Frontier Beer. At 5% ABV, the lager, pale golden in color, boasts vibrant notes of citrus fruits that are light and crisp on the palate. The perfect accompaniment to an Oklahoma Spring day.

This project evolved from the city’s campaign and tagline that the OKC CVB launched in February 2020. The Modern Frontier is a contemporary nod to Oklahoma City's distinct heritage and also represents the city's ability to define its own future.

Each local brewer will bring its own interpretation to the tagline, featuring exclusive flavors that embody Oklahoma City’s energy, excitement and welcoming spirit.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

31

MAY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

8

14

22

OKC PHIL COPELAND APPALACHIAN SPRING

OKLAHOMA CITY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

KITT WAKELEY & THE SYMPHONY OF SINNERS AND SAINTS

201 N. Walker Ave., Oklahoma City

3001 General Pershing Blvd.

201 North Walker Ave.

OKCPHIL's 2020-21 (re)IMAGINE(d)

The Oklahoma City Home + Garden

Kitt Wakeley and the Symphony of

season incorporates an energizing

Show, scheduled for January 22-24,

Sinners & Saints is a concert featur-

60-minute program presented with-

2021 was postponed and will now take

ing a hybrid of orchestra, rock and

out an intermission, a socially dis-

place May 14-16, 2021 at State Fair

electronica. This is an opportunity to

tanced setting both on and off stage,

Park. Tickets purchased for the 2020

appeal to all your senses with music,

and paperless tickets and program

OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show

lights, video and emotion. For ticket

books to help prevent the spread of

are valid for the Oklahoma City Home

information, visit okcciviccenter.com.

COVID-19. For more information on

+ Garden Show. For more information,

Copeland Appalachian Spring, visit

visit oklahomacityhomeshow.com.

Civic Center Music Hall,

Civic Center Music Hall,

OKC Fairgrounds,

okcciviccenter.com

8

15

29 ANNUAL CHUCKWAGON FESTIVAL National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St.

OKC FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL

OKLAHOMA CITY MARGARITA & TACO FESTIVAL Wiley Post Airport, Bethany

the National Cowboy & Western

The annual Oklahoma City Flower

Come out all Margarita & Taco lovers

Heritage Museum features chuck-

and Garden Festival returns to Myriad

in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Margarita

wagon food samples, butter-making,

Botanical Gardens Saturday, May 8,

& Taco Festival is an outdoor fes-

artisan demonstrations, bandanna

2021, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m! This event

tival that allows you to try over 15

decorating, live music, rope mak-

includes local vendors nestled in on

Margarita flavors frozen & on the

ing with Ward Family Trick Ropers,

the west side of the Gardens next

rocks. Over 20 different Taco vendors

Western re-enactors, face painting,

to Mo’s Carousel and the Children’s

to choose from. This year, the infa-

children’s craft stations, photos with

Garden. The annual festival features

mous yard cups are returning. The

a longhorn, giant puzzles, dress-up

an abundance of plants and more to

event will be held from 1 to 10 p.m.

areas and more!

Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City

The annual Chuck Wagon Festival at

brighten up the home.

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OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/OKC

33

TRAVEL DESTINATION

M OUNTAIN

SHADOWS A BOUTIQUE ESCAPE IN PARADISE (VALLEY) ARTICLE KRISTIN HEGGLI PHOTOGRAPHY MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESORT SCOTTSDALE + DAVE SANSOM PHOTOGRAPHY

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS SET THE BENCHMARK FOR DESERT LUXURY AND DISTINCTIVE DESIGN WHEN IT FIRST OPENED IN 1959. Reopened in 2017, this boutique retreat has been completely re-envisioned from the ground up.

Set in the shadow of Camelback Mountain in the town of Paradise Valley, the resort sits just ten minutes from Old Town Scottsdale’s renowned dining, shopping, nightlife, and art galleries.

Contemporary design is infused with a dash of 1950s modernism and abundant natural light.

Choose from chic resort guestrooms and twostory lofts in the luxurious wing of residences.

Photography Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale Dave Sansom Photography

When it comes to planning your Paradise Valley escape, keep an eye out for the resort’s annual summer sale, taking place May 14 to 20 and offering the best rates of summer.

Celebrating something special? Make it memorable by reserving the Sip, Saber & Savor Experience, an immersive culinary experience for two with private events including a Champagne sabering, Spirited Sipping Seminar, and Food for Thought class.

Treat yourself to a true boutique experience at Mountain Shadows that’s relaxing yet invigorating. The resort’s iconic views and Paradise Valley location create a true sense of retreat, while the best of the Valley is still easily accessible, from horseback riding to local dining. This sleek getaway is an ideal resting stop for the design-forward, modern traveler.

MountainShadows.com 34

OKC Lifestyle | May 2021

www.montecristoironworks.com

405.787.0111 5609 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Celebrating the Class of 2021

www.casady.org | (405) 749-3200 9500 North Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120