OKC, OK May 2023

The Ladies Issue

HOME + DESIGN

AIRBNBS WITH PERSONALITIES

LIFE + CULTURE

OKC’S FAITH-BASED COFFEE HOUSE

BEAUTY

EXCITING SKIN REJUVENATION BREAKTHROUGH!

For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond, Oklahoma City and throughout the state, setting high standards of excellence in home design.

Aspen Ranch Wedding Venue filming location for “Tulsa King” Sylvester Stallone

Modern Home

SoSA District

When you design a house, it's so much more than arranging rooms on paper. It's molding a unique place for you to experience life the way you live it.

Browse our plans, look at our photos, find ideas you like or inspirations of your own. Then, come visit us. We'll talk about your ideas and add some of our own.

Together, we'll design a home that's uniquely you.

For the Ladies

This issue focuses on the outstanding women of our community, though I'm hopeful our male readers will also take the time to read about them and their many contributions to this place we call home. (Never fear: our June issue will be directed at the outstanding men of our community!)

In our Women With Influence story, we shine the spotlight on just a handful of the incredibly hard-working and creative women who live and work in the OKC metro area. Their careers fall in the fields of law, higher education, health care, business, insurance, fine arts and digital media. All are also heavily involved in the community.

In another story, you'll learn about an attorney/federal prosecutor by day who in her spare time has forayed into real estate, including Airbnbs, but with a twist. These Airbnbs are not only comfortable and well-appointed; they carry a theme: the '70s, modern jungle, Rodeo in the Paseo... Cool, huh?

You'll also learn about a local medical spa that recently introduced a new addition to their treatment line-up, a little-to-no-downtime skin-resurfacing laser safe for all skin types and ethnicities they call a "real gamechanger." The procedure is not only great for facial skin rejuvenation, but can be used anywhere on the body, including the scalp.

Have you ever heard of, or visited, Joe's Addiction coffee house? Born in 2006 out of what the founder calls a “faith crisis,” she and her husband decided to run a social experiment. They sought to follow Jesus's teachings by creating a type of safe harbor in the larger world where members would take care of and love each other. Though the course hasn't always been easy, she now considers the experiment a success. (See related photo, above.)

These are just a sampling of what we have in store for you in this issue. Before closing, I have one request to make of our readers: Go out and thank a woman in the community who has helped make this a better place in which to live and work.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com

405.541.5650

MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kaylin Hill | kaylin.hill@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Lindsey Davies, Kaylin Hill

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindsey Davies, Mandy Davis, Cody Giles, Amber Fike, Montgomery Jackson, Kelsi Laine, Sarah Strunk

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

JERRI CULPEPPER, EDITOR @CITYLIFESTYLE_OKC

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag

1: OU Softball Coach Patty Gasso speaks at the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation’s “Stepping Up to the Plate.”

2: Michael Byrnes, president/ general manager, Oklahoma City Dodgers, presents Gasso with a numbered T-Shirt. 4: Carol Herrick (2nd from left), executive director, OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation 5: The Foundation presented awards to recognize individuals who have been key to the Rookie League’s success. 6: Byrnes (left) and David James (right), vice president of baseball & softball development, Major League 7: “Stepping Up to the Plate” took place March 7 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

your Instagram photos with @CityLifestyle_OKC

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

3 Iconic Ballets to Be Performed

A collection of three short ballets by three of the most iconic choreographers of the 20th century will be performed by the Oklahoma City Ballet at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker Ave. Performances are planned of Gerald Arpino’s  Birthday Variations,  George Balanchine’s  Western Symphony and Twyla Tharp’s  The Golden Section. OKCBballet.org/performance/shorts

Dodgers Baseball Foundation

Paseo Arts Festival Coming May 27-29

The Paseo Arts Festival, which each year draws more than 60,000 people who come to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this event, will take place May 27-29 in OKC's Paseo District. As the Paseo Arts Association’s largest annual fundraiser, the festival helps support art programs and events in the Paseo year-round. Visitors will enjoy almost 100 nationally acclaimed visual artists, showcasing everything from painting, ceramics and photography to woodworking, glass, sculpture and jewelry. Scan

University of Oklahoma Softball Coach Patty Gasso was the keynote speaker at the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation’s “Stepping Up to the Plate” series March 7 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Established in 2015, the  OKC Dodgers Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the Oklahoma community through creative partnerships, charitable contributions and programming initiatives. See City Scene, page 12.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/OKC

Life.Church’s Sisters Ministry

ARTICLE BY LIFE.CHURCH

A SPACE FOR WOMEN TO ‘GATHER, GROW AND GO—TOGETHER’

Every year, women across the Oklahoma City metro gather at Life.Church locations to find encouragement, hope and relationships. This ministry for women—led by Life.Church’s co-founding pastor, Amy Groeschel—is called Sisters, and it’s a space for women to “gather, grow and go—together.”

Groeschel says, as a church, “Our desire for Sisters is to build up the women of Life.Church with spiritual truth and love. I pray that they’ll be encouraged, inspired and strengthened through this community of women of all ages and stages.”

For many women, this ministry creates an opportunity for friendships to grow and flourish. That’s exactly what happened for Abigail Workman and Caitlin Remington when they met through the annual Sisters Event in 2018.

“I was new to the area, heard about the event, and was incredibly nervous walking in,” Abigail recalls, “and I was surprised when I walked through the doors to find women of all ages smiling and welcoming me.”

Caitlin remembers a similar experience: “I was really looking forward to the event. I had invited some of the ladies who I served with to join me, and I was so excited when I saw them in the lobby before the event. After the message from Pastor Amy, we were encouraged to spend time connecting with other women in the lobby. This is how Abigail and I met.”

“I remember talking to a few different women before meeting Caitlin,”

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LIFE.CHURCH

Abigail says. “We had the stereotypical ‘small talk’ for a few minutes, but it quickly turned into a conversation when we realized we had things in common—like being new to the area and attending the same university.”

Without this event, it was unlikely that these two women would have met. While they attended the same Life.Church location, they served in different ministries at different times on the weekend. But because they chose to take advantage of the connection time at Sisters, they were able to start a lasting friendship.

“This friendship that started inside the church continued when we walked out the doors. And it’s because of this event. Sisters creates a place for women to come together and worship, grow and connect with one another,” Caitlin says.

Sisters started in order to create a place for women to find their people, just like Abigail and Caitlin did. When the women who attend find and build strong relationships, they experience the love and community that God desires for them.

While this event happens every fall, the heart of the ministry is lived out through small groups that meet every week. In these groups, women gather for a Bible study, to talk about their lives, or because they share a common interest. The purpose of these groups is for women to find a place to belong and deep, meaningful relationships throughout the year.

Interested in learning more? You can find a women’s small group near you at life.church/lifegroups

You can also stay connected to the ministry by signing up for a monthly email from Pastor Amy. Each month, she shares a short devotional and encouragement, as well as resources she’s loving to grow her faith. You can sign up for this email and learn more about Sisters at life.church/sisters

“Our desire for Sisters is to build up the women of Life.Church with spiritual truth and love.”

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Sisters is a space for women of all ages and stages to gather and grow together.

LEFT: Caitlin and Abigail met at a Sisters event and became fast friends.

RIGHT: Pastor Amy Groeschel teaches a powerful message for women at Life.Church locations across the metro.

Allison’sAirbnbs

Not Your Usual Rentals, These Sport Fun Themes

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

If you ever book an Airbnb in the Oklahoma City metro area through superhost Allison Christian, you or your guests will get more than just a comfortable, well-appointed place to stay. You can select from several themes, including The Modern Jungle Room, That 70’s House, and Rodeo in the Paseo—with more in the works.

By day an attorney and federal prosecutor, Allison Christian, 27, enjoys spending her “spare” time investing in real estate and growing her real estate business. Eager to take on new clients, she’s preparing to take the real estate broker licensing exam so she can expand her property management and brokerage services.

Currently, her real estate endeavors include long-term rentals, mid- and short-term rentals, remodels, themed rental design, and general interior design.

“The design aspect is definitely my favorite,” Allison says. “Long-term rentals are typically rental properties with a lease term of 12 months.

Mid-term rentals are usually furnished rentals renting from one to six months. Short-term rentals are nightly rentals that are often listed on the Airbnb or Vrbo platforms.”

Noticing that the short-term rental market was becoming increasingly saturated, she began thinking of ways to set her properties apart. After researching themed rentals across the United States, she decided to “take the plunge.”

“It’s been fun picking out furniture and decorations to bring my ideas to life,” she says.

One of her former short-term rentals was library themed, and The Rodeo in the Paseo is her latest venture. Located in the Paseo District, one block from popular bars and restaurants, it will boast a Western glam theme.

Her other rentals are in the Crestwood and Mayfair neighborhoods, with another located near Little Sahara State Park in Waynoka, Oklahoma. Look for all her listings on her Instagram page (@notyouraveragestay).

TOP: One of Allison Christian’s themed Airbnb rentals carries the theme, That 70’s House

RIGHT: That 70’s House bedroom

LEFT: That 70’s House retro record player and stand

PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Strunk Photography

In addition to her work as a federal prosecutor and real estate investor, Allison enjoys running and training at OrangeTheory Fitness. She also has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Chloe and a cat named Murphy.

Fun Facts

Did you know that Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home? It has since grown to over 4 million hosts who have welcomed 1.4 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Airbnb hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities more authentically.

The VRBO website was created by a retired teacher in 1995 in Aurora, Colorado, with the goal of renting his Breckenridge Ski Resort condo. The website soon became popular with homeowners that wanted to list their properties for short-term rental.

TOP: Library-themed bedroom BOTTOM: One of Allison’s first themed Airbnbs sported a library theme.

TOP:

RIGHT: Allison (Photography Kelsi Laine Photo + Marketing)

LEFT: The Rodeo in the Paseo, Allison’s latest venture, sports a western glam theme

FLORAL by DESIGN

LUMIERE FLORAL DESIGNS OWNER TAKES JOY IN SHARING BEAUTY

ARTICLE BY KAYLIN HILL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ever since she was young, Rylee Meek remembers enjoying picking wildflowers and designing her own bouquets for her mom. But it wasn’t until 2015, when she was gifted a botany book by an aunt, that she began her trek into studying flowers, plants and gardening.

Over the years, her studies grew into a hobby, which grew into the creation of her business, Lumiere Floral Designs.

“It has brought so much joy to make something beautiful and place it into a space for others to share. My favorite places to be, have always been the botanical gardens and at weddings and events full of beautiful bouquets,” says Rylee.

Like many businesses, Lumiere Floral Designs shifted its service options. They strive to alleviate the strain of providing quality flowers to brighten up their customers’ homes—especially at a time when a little bit of brightness is really needed in our world.

Lumiere offers bi-weekly or monthly deliveries that include flowers to keep lobbies, desks, entryways, dining room tables and coffee tables looking fresh and beautiful.

“My first-ever subscription client was a small coffee shop in Moore that took a chance on me; I made four arrangements bi-weekly for them, and it grew my business in a huge way! Our subscription program is still going strong to this day.”

She added, “We love how quickly OKC is growing and changing, and we feel really lucky to be part of the journey.”

To learn more, visit LumiereFlorals.com

NEED SOME FLORAL INSPIRATION?

Looking to create your own spring floral arrangements? Rylee shared her No. 1 recommendation.

“Our favorite springtime flowers have got to be the trendy ranunculus. It's like a rose but delicate and blooms out so beautifully," she says. “We use ranunculus in a lot of our bridal bouquets and specialty arrangements!“

Circle: Rylee Meek, owner of Lumiere Florals

“We love how quickly OKC is growing and changing, and we feel really lucky to be part of the journey.”

Building Real Community

Jamie West Zumwalt and Joe’s Addiction Coffee House

ARTICLE BY BROOKE BARNETT

Seventeen years ago, Jamie West Zumwalt and her husband, John, decided to open a coffee shop that would serve the kind of people that Jesus would have hung out with. This was no small task, and Jamie admits that they were initially met with some resistance by both their faith community and the community where they hoped to open shop.

“It really required us to take a hard look at and reevaluate who we love, what we tolerate, what is considered sin,” she reflects. “It was a real learning process; I was very sheltered and became part of a world that was very different. I had no experience with addiction, prison, mental illness and poverty. But those were the situations that the people we wanted to serve were in.”

A pastor’s daughter, Jamie grew up in a very conservative world of Christianity.  As a young adult, she became very involved with overseas missionary work and married John, who was also a missionary.

“John and I found ourselves in a situation where our faith was falling apart,” she explains. “It wasn’t doing the very thing that our faith was supposed to do. More and more, it seemed like the type of Christianity we were experiencing wasn’t actually loving and kind.”

Born out of what Jamie calls their “faith crisis,” they decided to run a social experiment. They sought to create a type of safe harbor in the larger world where members would take care of and love each other. This vision was brought to fruition when Joe’s Addiction coffee house opened in 2006.

“We had a deep desire to create a community that really loves each other,” she adds. “We wanted to see if it was actually possible to live what Jesus taught and see if it would make a real difference.”

Joe’s Addiction is more than your average coffee shop. While they offer a full menu of coffees, smoothies, teas and specialty drinks, all beverages are offered at whatever price the customer can afford.

Joe’s also creates and sustains a community made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including many who are marginalized, experiencing homelessness, struggling with mental illness or addiction, or living in extreme poverty.

“Some people come in and can’t pay for their drink, and then the next customer will pay $40 for a latte,” she says. “All profits go toward sustaining the community that the coffee shop serves.”

Joe’s Addiction serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch, and offers shower and laundry facilities to anyone in need. They also host a community garden, and offer special events throughout the year, ranging from free clinics to Thanksgiving dinner.  On Wednesdays and Saturdays, their Free Store offers clothing, household goods and other items at no cost.

“We want this place to feel like home. We serve food on a real plate, with real silverware,” she explains. “We also have a lot of rituals and traditions that we have created to bind us together as a community. The people who hang out at Joe’s

“We had a deep desire to create a community that really loves each other. We wanted to see if it was actually possible to live what Jesus taught and see if it would make a real difference.”

have lots of uncertainty and instability, so it helps to have things that we do together every day.”

Growing this community has not been without challenges, but Jamie says they have learned to adjust as they go. This persistence paid off, as the coffee house has become a safe place where up to 90 people come for breakfast and 120 come for lunch each day they serve.

Reflecting, Jamie feels confident that their experiment has been a success.

“The answer is yes, it is possible to live how Jesus said, though not perfectly. It’s all about practicing, but it does make a difference. We want to form relationships and learn how to love each other. I started as an outsider, but now I am friends with people who are a lot different than me. It took lots of time to build that trust, but it’s there.”

And this trust and love, Jamie reflects, is what true community is all about.

Visit outrageous.love to see how you can support their community, provide grocery items, or volunteer in support of their mission. Clothing or household goods donations can also be made to the Free Store during normal operating hours.

Joe’s Addiction,1725 SE 59th St. in Oklahoma City, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Saturday-Sunday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.).  FMI, call 405.768-5161 or email joesaddiction@gmail.com.

“Some people come in and can’t pay for their drink, and then the next customer will pay $40 for a latte. All profits go toward sustaining the community that the coffee shop serves.”

Women With Influence

WE SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF OUR OUTSTANDING WOMEN LEADERS

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

I have been able to help so many people by showing them their worth and giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams. Whether it is through my work at Hite Digital Norman, my podcast or my public speaking, I am always looking for ways to inspire and motivate others to embrace their true selves and make a positive impact in the world.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3): Serves on the board of the Virtue Center; Moore and South OKC Chambers of Commerce

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

My philosophy on giving back to the community is simple: leave it better than you found it. This community was built by good citizens who wanted to create a better future. I believe it is my duty, as a member of this community, to carry on that legacy and do my part to improve this community and the lives of those around me.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“If you can dance and be free and NOT be embarrassed, you can rule the world.” - Amy Poehler ;

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” - Dolly Parton

Amy Singleton Owner, Hite Digital Norman

(Tia Dawn Photography)

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

I believe my proudest achievement would be being able to make it on my own. I have been through a lot of adversities throughout my life and I never allowed that to stop me from exploring the world and following my oh-so-many dreams. I built myself into this amazing young woman that gets to create every day of her life and share a little of her mind with the world.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3):

Currently discussing options with multiple nonprofits to facilitate paint classes for underserved communities. It’s important for me to advocate for minority groups, too, which I do in part through social media.

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

PANDANATION is something that came about when I was on ANTM 21 because I had to figure out a way to show the world my art while on a modeling competition show. I created the PANDAS and my fan base became known as PANDANATION. Growing up half Asian and half white, I wanted all my fans to feel like they had a place where they belonged because I know how it feels to feel like you don’t. So PANDANATION is for my community to have a place where there is no judgment and all characters are welcome. I believe I was given this platform for those who don’t have a voice, to let them know they are not alone, and that they have someone on their side to support them just like they support me.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.” - Ruther Bader Ginsburg;

“My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

- Maya Angelou

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

- Dolly Parton

AndreaShei Phan Artist/Muralist

(Photo by Montgomery Jackson)

Amy Stowe Vice President of Operations, GEICO OKC South;  Vice President of Operations and Entertainer, WEJ Productions

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

I feel that being a member of the South OKC Chamber Ambassadors is a huge honor. I consider them the ‘welcoming committee’ for new small businesses that come to South Oklahoma City. I served as co-chair of the ambassadors last year and was named Ambassador of the Month in January 2023. Both of these honors meant a great deal to me because of the amazing people who also serve as ambassadors; these are some of the busiest and most giving people I have ever met.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3):

Member/Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of South Oklahoma City

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY: I

I believe giving back to the community is the most important contribution we can make. I want to help make our community better than it was when we arrived here and better for my children and grandchildren. I think every contribution we make can make a positive difference in someone’s life in some way. I think time is of as much or more importance than monetary contributions and many times a lot harder to get people to give.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life.” – Louise Hay

“My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

- Maya Angelou

(Terrell Fry at Fry Photography)

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

My proudest professional achievement was actually being blessed with careers of teacher, counselor, mentor and physical therapist, which provided me many opportunities to meet and work with people from all different walks of life.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3):

Currently teaches at The Well and volunteers at The Boys and Girls Club, The Center for Children and Families Inc. and Abbot House Child Advocacy Center.

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

I believe that we live in a reciprocal universe and there is power in positive thinking. My life’s motto has been, ‘The More We Give, The more We Get.’  For my birthday one year, my sons had bumper stickers made for me with this thought.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill; and, “You wish you could throw like a girl.”

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:  Becoming an Independent Advisor

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY I NVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3):

Achieved industry accreditations of CFP®, ChFC® and CLU.

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

A community is made up of people willing to take part in each other’s lives—not only when you have time or when it is convenient. When everyone pitches in—whether you pick up trash on the street or help a homeless person or serve on an HOA board—every activity is important!

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“You do not know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” - Anonymous

Tracy Ann Miller

Founding partner, Credent Wealth Management

Cindy Merrick Founder, Therapy in Motion (retired)

(Photo by Dennise Toews)

(Photo by Mandy Davis)

Shari Jackson Executive Director, The Depot; executive director, Norman Music Alliance

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT:

I am proud of the career I have built in the town I grew up in, and the work I have done at the organizations I serve.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3):  Business Director, Sooner Theatre; Executive Director, Cimarron Opera (both previously held positions)

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

For over 20 years in Norman, I have intentionally served nonprofit arts organizations. I have dedicated my career to working for arts organizations that have missions I can support fully and without hesitation because they don’t just give back to community, they help build it. I think we are all responsible for helping build the community we would like to be a part of and ensuring that it is welcoming and inclusive and of service of ALL the humans in it.

“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”

- Betty White

(Photography Cody Giles)

Amy Cerato OU Professor of Civil Engineering & Environmental Science

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Winning the 2009 Presidential Award for Scientists and Engineers for her research on predicting expansive soil behavior; the PECASE Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.

OTHER CURRENT OR PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (LIMITED TO TOP 1-3): Founding board member & president, Pike Off OTA, Inc. (current)

PHILOSOPHY ON GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY:

We are stronger together than we are individually. Everyone has the capacity to give back in some fashion, and it is incumbent upon us to use our talents to help our community achieve a shared goal.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.  Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie, Nobel Prize Winner

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Oklahoma Orchid Society's Kicks on Route 66 Show & Sale

WILL ROGERS GARDENS EXHIBITION CENTER

Oklahoma Orchid Society members and vendors will be available to answer any questions about growing and re-blooming these beautiful flowers. Guests will have a chance to purchase their favorite orchids and all necessary growing supplies. Before you leave, grab a raffle ticket and learn how to become an Orchid Society member.  OkOrchidSociety.org/Event

Festival of the Child

YUKON CITY PARK, YUKON | 10:00 AM

Wind your way throughout the park and find new adventures every few feet, such as kayaking, painting, storytelling, pony rides and face painting. Other activities include an obstacle course, a petting zoo, inflatables, archery and kid-centric performances. With so many activities, your children will have plenty to keep them entertained.  YukonOk.gov/210/Parks-Recreation

Celebration of World Languages

919 NW 23RD ST., OKC | 6:00 PM

Celebration of World Languages will celebrate the efforts of dedicated educators and talented students who excel in learning another language by providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their language skills. Come enjoy folk dance performances, songs sung in various languages, language and cultural exhibition booths, and poster and video contest submissions. WorldLanguageFest.com

The Importance of Tracing Assets in a Divorce Case

Tracing separate property or assets in a divorce can be an important issue for lots of individuals. Take a situation where somebody has a 401k or IRA before marriage. They have put money into this account before marriage.

They then get married. After marriage, they continue to contribute to this 401k or IRA. At this point, pre-marital separate funds and marital funds are being mixed.

The parties then file for divorce. In these situations, the one spouse is often asking that the entire 401k or IRA be divided in the divorce. The spouse who had funds in these accounts before marriage argues that the pre-marital portion should be set aside to them entirely. And they argue that

only the funds put in during the marriage should be divided through the divorce.

The reality, however, is that the separate funds need to be traced out from the account. This often requires a forensic accountant reviewing statements and doing an analysis to determine the amount that was in these accounts during the marriage.

At a minimum, parties may need to subpoena the statements from the date of the marriage to try to determine the amount that was in there. However, it can often be hard to obtain statements at the exact date of the marriage.

In addition to 401ks or IRAs, tracing can be important for other assets like bank accounts, investment accounts, whole life insurance policies,

and other assets where a party might have built up cash value before marriage. In some instances, a party might consider having a prenuptial agreement drafted before getting married.

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

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-8050595.

CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen, and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite are not treatments for weight loss.

AVAILABLE AT H-MD MEDICAL SPA

damage post-treatment,” says H-MD Medical Spa’s Jennie Hunnewell, M.D. “This is a game changer for our hot, Oklahoma summers!”

The ULTRA™ is not only great for facial skin rejuvenation but can be used anywhere on the body, including the scalp. For example, the ULTRA™ treatment for the scalp uses a breakthrough technology for thinning hair that is less invasive than other treatment options. The standard treatment for hair rejuvenation is a threemonth protocol, and patients will continue to see their results improve for 12-18 months.

NEW LASER TREATMENT SAFE YEAR-ROUND FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND ETHNICITIES

Laser resurfacing has been one of the standard treatments to address skin imperfections and to rejuvenate skin for over a decade. However, most laser treatments leave the skin barrier compromised with significant downtime.

In addition, ideally, these treatments are performed during the fall and winter months to avoid excess sun exposure. Plus, not everyone is a candidate for many laser treatments depending on skin type, tone, and color.

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADDI LANCE

H-MD Medical Spa recently introduced the newest addition to their treatment line-up, the Lutronic ULTRA™  Laser, a little-to-no-downtime skin-resurfacing laser safe for all skin types and ethnicities.

“This device uses a “true Thulium” laser that uses cutting-edge technology to create tiny thermal zones in the skin, prompting the body to quickly generate new tissue that offers ideal permeability without ablation.

“In layman’s terms, that means it will not leave you more photo-sensitive or susceptible to sun

“The ULTRA™ Laser requires little to no downtime and can treat sun damage, melasma, pigmentation, texture, tone, and thinning hair,” Dr. Hunnewell says.

So, what can you expect for your first treatment?

“At H-MD, we always want you to be as comfortable as possible,” she says, explaining that patients are given a 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to keep them calm and relaxed.

“Patients have described the treatment as a warm, tingling sensation,” she added, noting that the appointments take 45 minutes, with the treatment itself ranging from only 20-30 minutes.

“Immediately following the treatment, you will notice some redness similar to a sunburn, and over the next five to seven days, your skin will have a sandpaper like texture. This is normal and will resolve as your skin exfoliates, revealing fresher, clearer skin,” Dr. Hunnewell elaborated, adding that patients can then expect to see visibly brighter, more even tone and improved skin texture.

City Lifestyle readers are invited to schedule a complimentary consultation to see how the Lutronic ULTRA™ fits into their ideal facial treatment plan.