This is a GAME-CHANGER! No needles. No fillers. No surgery. No downtime.
How it works:
EMFACE uses synchronized radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity facial muscle stimulation (HIFES) to lift, tone, and smooth—naturally boosting collagen and elastin, while strengthening the underlying facial muscles. This means tighter skin, reduced wrinkles, and restored structure… without surgery, needles, or downtime.
∙ It treats both the skin and the underlying muscle, something filler can’t do.
∙ It strengthens the levator and orbicularis oculi muscles, lifting the brow and tightening skin for a brighter, more open look.
∙ It improves natural volume loss without risking puffiness, migration, or overcorrection like filler sometimes can.
∙ It’s a non-invasive alternative to blepharoplasty or laser resurfacing, making it ideal for clients not ready—or not a candidate—for surgery.
Data-backed results:
Up to 26% increase in collagen | Up to 30% reduction in crow’s feet 23% more lifted facial structure | 64% reduction in dark circles
Explore!
This month's theme is Explore, and boy do we have some stories of exploration for you!
Look for Michelle Pipes' excellent feature on The Compound, located on the 1900 block of Linwood Boulevard in Oklahoma City, which offers four amazingly eclectic businesses that have carved out their place in Oklahoma homes and design.
"History is the air that fills the breath of Dead People’s Stuff. When you enter the front door, it’s like tumbling down Alice’s rabbit hole, only here you are surrounded by breathtaking stained-glass doors, windows, ancient door pulls, antiques you’ve only seen in books, and crystal chandeliers that have graced ballrooms that surely have a million beautiful tales to tell," she begins. Read more about this unique antique store and the cat cafe, barbecue restaurant and business that offers tattooing, piercing, naturopath and massage that are all located in this space on page 12.
In another feature piece, you'll read about an amazing trip two longtime best friends made to Egypt, the Land of the Pharaohs. Prime Time Travel in Edmond handled the travel arrangements so the women could focus on the actual trip. The Secrets of Egypt & the Nile package, took them to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, followed by a seven-night roundtrip Luxor Nile River Cruise via AmaWaterways. Both called the trip life-changing, filled with memories that will last a lifetime, as well as the beginning of several new friendships. See story, page 18.
Did you know that next year marks the centennial of historic Route 66? There's lots going on here in Oklahoma, as well as nationwide, in preparation for a year of celebrations. And if you are thinking it might be nice to explore the Mother Road, 2026 is the perfect time. And if you still like to read "real" maps (as opposed to using a maps app on your smart phone), a brand-new Route 66 map has been issued and is available for free. Learn more starting on page 26.
There's lots more inside that you'll want to check out, so carve up a little time in your schedule to read this issue from cover to back - I promise, it won't disappoint!
Happy exploring!
JERRI CULPEPPER, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650
This recently completed new home features custom cabinetry, custom lighting, material specifications and furniture and décor by Nicole Rickey Interior Design. Nicole has 20 years of experience specializing in custom high end residential interiors. Architectural planning and home design by Brent Gibson Home Design Luxe Lighting Gallery Inside Nicole’s personal design showroom where her clients select beautiful lighting for their
Nicole Rickey Interior Design Luxe Lighting
20 Years experience specializing in elegant modern interiors. nicolerickeyinteriordesign.com 405.757.5698 130 N. Broadway, Edmond OK nicolerickeyinteriors
inside the issue
Women
city scene
1-3: deadCenter Film kicked off its 25th anniversary of celebrating and supporting independent films and filmmakers with its Silver Screen Kickoff event on May 15. Highlights of the evening included announcement of the 2025 deadCenter Film Festival program lineup and a flashback screening of Okie Noodling by Oklahoma film icon Bradley Beesley. 1: Victor Caballero, Ashley Caballero, Leah Heitzke-Mallard, Marcus Mallard 2: Anthony McDermid, Amy Janes, Cacky Poarch, Aubrey McDermid 3: Adam Hampton, Jacob Snovel, Kyle Kauwika Harris
Lyric Theatre to Present "Oklahoma!: The Official State Production"
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma will present Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma! The Official State Production" July 29 to Aug. 3 at the Civic Center Music Hall. Purchase tickets at OKCCivicCenter.com/events/ detail/oklahoma
Scan to read more
Time Travelers Vintage Expo Coming to OKC Aug. 30
Time Travelers Vintage Expo, the largest traveling retro vintage market in the United States (currently visiting 16 cities from coast to coast), is coming to the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Aug. 30. Attendees can expect to find a retro wonderland with the absolute best in vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade, and more! See Facebook for ticket and other info.
OKC’s Eclectic Artful Hangout
THE COMPOUND: HOME TO ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES AND DESIGN SHOP, CAT CAFE, BBQ RESTAURANT & MORE
PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTICLE AND
BY MICHELLE PIPES
Located on the 1900 block of Linwood Boulevard in Oklahoma City, The Compound offers four amazingly eclectic businesses that have carved out their place in Oklahoma homes and design.
DEAD PEOPLE’S STUFFARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES + DESIGN
History is the air that fills the breath of Dead People’s Stuff ( DeadPeoplesStuffOK.com). When you enter the front door, it’s like tumbling down Alice’s rabbit hole, only here you are surrounded by breathtaking stained-glass doors, windows, ancient door pulls, antiques you’ve only seen in books, and crystal chandeliers that have graced ballrooms that surely have a million beautiful tales to tell.
Whether you are shopping, designing, dreaming, or just someone who has stumbled in to see what dead people’s stuff is about, you will be surrounded by awesome music you’ve never heard before, and every single nook and cranny is a delicious melding
of grandma’s house, a hundred museums and the best estate sale you’ve ever been to.
You need vision when you go to Dead People’s Stuff. There is a bit of dust, and you are almost certain to bump into something or someone as you ogle at all the hundreds of thousands of baubles, pretties, showstoppers and I-can’t-live-without-its—so go slow, take it all in and bring your imagination.
DON’T STRESS MEOWT—CAT CAFÉ
If you love kitties or know someone who does, Don’t Stress Meowt Cat Café ( DontStressMeowt-catcafe.com) is the place you need to be. You can pop by anytime for a decadent hot or cold drink, a delightful kitten-shaped pastry, or a wide variety of feline-inspired gifts and apparel.
If you make an appointment, you can spend an hour with a fluffy, sweet and silly array of adoptable cats who are sure to steal a few nose bops, head bumps and your heart. There are several
Left page, left: Dead People’s Stuff has a wide selection of antique phones and other one-of-a-kind décor. | Top right: Edgecraft BBQ offers daily specials and mouth-watering sides sure to please any palate. | Bottom right: Don’t Stress Meowt works with local feline rescues to help kitties find their furever families through their Cat Café. | This page: Dead People’s Stuff consistently gets antique doors and windows, many of which include unique stained glass panels.
comfortable sitting areas where the kitties can roam free, or they can retreat to a privacy room via an overhead plexiglass bridge.
If a cat needs boarding, private suites are available. These suites include plenty of petting, playing and friendly interaction with other kitties and humans. Don’t Stress Meowt takes sanitizing and care of the cats (and visitors) very seriously, so no shoes are allowed in the Cat Lounge area, and everyone must sanitize their hands before touching the kitties.
Between the OKC and the new Tulsa location, more than 360 kitties have found their forever homes thanks to Don’t Stress Meowt. They have also raised more than $21,000 for local charities.
EDGE CRAFT BBQ
When Daniel “BBQ Snob” Vaughn, an expert on Texas barbecue, lists your grilled fare in the Top Ten Places Outside of Texas to Eat Texas BBQ, you know it’s got to be good … meet the Okie who is doing Central Texas-Style BBQ right, Zach Edge.
What is “Central Texas-Style BBQ”? It’s a pit-style, wood-fired smoker that cooks low-and-slow with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper.
Zach and his wife do the heavy lifting at Edge Craft BBQ ( EdgeCraftBBQ.com), a hands-on, from-scratch restaurant, which is only open three days a week due to the intense preparation required when the entire menu is made in-house.
“We make all of our sides, sauces, sausages and even our pickles,” said Zach, who says that due to their growing popularity, they sell out almost every week. “We are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday because it takes days to smoke our products, and we take quality control seriously.”
From sweet cornbread casserole drizzled in honey butter to what can only be described as candied ribs because they are such a treat, to smoked sausages you dream of eating a million ways while you are savoring every delicious bite, to Brussels sprouts so good they turn haters of these vegetables into new lovers, to what
This page: Don’t forget to look up at Dead People’s Stuff because their walls, floors, and ceilings are full of architectural finds. | Next page, top left: Kitties are king at Don’t Stress Meowt, where adoptable cats are always ready to move to their furever homes. | Top right: Miranda Chisholm, tattoo artist, works on a lighted table to design a custom tattoo for a client. | Middle left: If you need to zen out, celebrate with friends or just love on a furry ball of love, schedule a time to play with the adoptable kitties at Don’t Stress Meowt. | Middle: Stained glass windows can be used to enhance décor in many ways. | Middle right: If you are looking for that “special something” for your home, wander around Dead People’s Stuff and you’re sure to find the perfect bauble.
has got to be “one notch lower than grandma’s potato salad good,” Zach Edge and his team are quickly earning a serious reputation for some exceptional BBQ.
Edge Craft BBQ offers private parties and catering, too.
SACRED SOUL COLLECTIVE
By appointment only, Sacred Soul Collective (find them on Facebook) offers a myriad of talented artists and therapists who offer tattooing, piercing, naturopath and massage. The restful and beautiful décor is very relaxing, with each station offering a bit of personality and color to the overall atmosphere.
The space is huge, with 20 stations providing services. The benefit of so many creative options is that there is bound to be an artistic “fit” for what a person is looking for. This is an inclusive, co-op working space, mostly made up of females.
about the author:
Michelle Pipes can be contacted via email at drmichellepipes@gmail.com.
Michelle is a consummate storyteller, using a camera and a keyboard to weave words and images into soulful narratives. With a doctorate in business and over 30 years in higher education and corporate spaces, she’s a pro at turning complex concepts into compelling stories. A creative wanderer at heart, Michelle brings humor and a dash of soul to every story she tells.
DESTINATION: Egypt
WOMEN CALL VISIT TO THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS AND PYRAMIDS OF GIZA LIFE CHANGING
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
Egypt. The land of the pharaohs. Home to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World.
For many, this distant and mysterious country beckons us to explore its pyramids, mummies and ever-shifting sands of the Sahara. I’ll even bet an Egyptian pound that many of you reading this have Egypt on your bucket list. I know I do. Especially after visiting with two women who visited this country, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, with its Sinai Peninsula extending into Asia, in March.
In the wake of some personal losses by both Susan Karther and Gwen Henry—of Edmond and Chandler, respectively—the longtime friends reconnected and began discussing their respective plans for the future. It came to light that both had long longed to visit Egypt—a dream they determined they would now pursue.
Susan, a Certified Public Accountant who had traveled many parts of the world with her parents and her husband, looked to Prime Time Travel, with whom she had enjoyed previous experiences, for advice and help.
They selected the Secrets of Egypt & the Nile package, which began with a three-night stay in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, followed by a seven-night roundtrip Luxor Nile River Cruise via AmaWaterways, concluding with a final night in Cairo.
Calling the all-expenses-included experience “worth every penny,” both women raved over the trip of a lifetime. Among the highlights: exquisite cuisine (at the 5-star Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cairo and on the boat), extraordinary service from AmaWaterways staff both on and off the boat, and guided tours by knowledgeable Egyptologists, who helped make the ancient world come alive for them.
Among the sites visited by Susan and Gwen and their fellow travelers (both women loved the fact that this was small group of only 36, which allowed everyone to get acquainted and develop new friendships): the Temple of Luxor, the Temple of Horus, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Great Sphinx, and the three Pyramids of Giza.
They also enjoyed a private tour and lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace and visited the Grand Egyptian Museum (including King Tut’s treasures), among other sites and activities, including a memorable visit to a Nubian Village. Thanks to Prime Time Travel, Susan and Gwen also enjoyed a complimentary high tea at the Cataract Hotel in Aswan, inspiration for Agatha Christie's novel Death on the Nile.
“It was so amazing—so much history—and the cruise ship itself and the people who took care of us were amazing,” Susan said.
“We were near the Red Sea and Jordan, but I did not feel unsafe at all. We were with someone at all times. And yes, Cairo is large, with millions of millions of people, so there’s a language barrier, but we were taken care of from the time we got off the plane to our return.”
During their on-shore excursions, the travelers were separated into two buses, Susan noted. “Each group had their own tour leader and Egyptologist, who described the history, what it’s like to live there, the population, the agriculture, and so on.” [Ed’s Note: Potatoes are the main crop of Egypt, while cotton , known for its long, strong fibers and luxurious quality, is grown in the Nile River Valley region, watered by irrigation.]
Susan, a retired Registered Nurse, echoed many of the same sentiments as her friend and fellow traveler.
She said two things especially stand out in her memory: the visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum—“to be in the presence of artifacts that were around before Christ … it was an indescribable experience”—and the tombs.
Visiting the latter, Susan said, “So many questions go through your mind, like how did they do what they did without today’s technology, and you reflect on their lifestyles and beliefs that they would survive into the next world … it’s all so fascinating. Now when I watch documentaries on Egypt, they have so much more meaning for me. It’s such a unique and beautiful culture. It’s very different to just read or hear about Egypt; you have to actually see and experience it to make it real.”
Both women noted that while the tours do involve a lot of walking, those with physical limitations or disabilities are well-accommodated.
“I feel like almost anyone could take this trip,” Susan said, noting that the travelers were also provided with unlimited complimentary bottles of water. This was especially appreciated since the area was experiencing a heat wave during their visit.
Left: The Great Sphinx (foreground) arises from the desert sands. The Great Pyramid of Giza is shown in the background. (Photo by Susan Karther) Middle: A travel guide took this photo of Susan Karther and Gwen Henry while visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. | Right: The Eye of Horus, on the ceiling in Luxor at the Dendera Temple of Hathor (Photo by Susan Karther) | Next page: Sunset photo taken from the terrace of the Cataract Hotel, where Susan and Gwen enjoyed high tea, compliments of Prime Time Travel.
Both also suggested considering the weather when planning their trip to this country, as the heat can be an issue. They recommend linen clothing and hats or other sun coverings.
Susan and Gwen’s favorite recollections:
• On Day 4, Susan said, the Nile Cruise moves from desert to “green and lush.” As they had paid extra for a room with a balcony, they were able to see, close-up, the vegetation and native animals. “It looked,” Susan says, “like it must have a long, long time ago.”
• On Day 8, the travelers departed the boat for a visit to a Nubian village, where Susan danced with the native peoples, and both enjoyed local food and music, as well as a visit to one of the simple homes. “It was very colorful, lots of blues and yellows,” she recalled, noting that the people were all very friendly and that the accommodations were “nice, but very modest compared to in the United States.”
• Susan also loved visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Tombs and The Citadel, a massive medieval Islamic-era fortification.
• Gwen shared many of Susan’s “likes,” but added to that list their private tour and lunch at Abdeen Presidential Palace, a 19th-century Cairo palace built by Khedive Ismail and served as the Egyptian royal household's primary official residence from 1874 until the July Revolution in 1952.
• Gwen also called the AmaWaterways cruise itself, where “they made me feel like a queen,” a highlight of the trip. She was charmed by the “fun pirates”– entrepreneurs in small fishing boats who pull up close to the cruise boat to hawk their wares with interested passengers. “They were fun to haggle with,” she said.
“It was so amazing—so much history—and the cruise ship itself and the people who took care of us were amazing.”
With a friendship deepened by shared travel to one of the world’s most exotic destinations, the two are making plans to share further travel adventures in the future.
If Egypt is on your bucket list, they say, go ahead and make plans to mark it off your list. It ticks off all the important checkmarks on any travel list: it’s fun, entertaining, safe, educational—an experience like no other.
ABOUT PRIME TIME TRAVEL
Prime Time Travel has been located in downtown Edmond for 45 years. The agency has spanned the evolution of the travel industry—from the days before the internet to today’s digital age. It is a full-service service travel agency; they handle all aspects of travel, including air, cruises, beach resorts, theme parks European packages and more.
“We offer expert guidance, tailored itineraries and support before, during, and after your trip. We don’t just book travel—we create seamless, worry-free experiences that reflect our clients’ unique needs and preferences,” said Mendy Kooi, Prime Time Travel president and travel adviser.
To learn about this cruise and other travel opportunities, visit Prime Time Travel at primetimetrvl.com or call 405.340.1120.
The
city of Aswan, situated on the east bank of the Nile, has been southern Egypt’s strategic and commercial gateway since antiquity. (Photo by Susan Karther)
OKC VIBES
Mel & Lestari’s Insider Scoop to the City! Explore Flavor at Mesero
Here’s the thing about summer in OKC—we’re all about good vibes, jaw-dropping sunsets and discovering epic new spots to explore with your favorite people. This month, we’re serving up a slice of fresh fabulousness with the brand-new Mesero, nestled in the swanky Oak shopping district.
Before we even stepped foot into Mesero, I had already told Lestari, “We seriously need to start brunching, and this place is absolutely perfect!” And because she knows me too well, she didn’t wait five minutes before agreeing. If you don’t know already, we’re both completely
obsessed with rib-eye steaks. We hadn’t tasted Mesero’s ribeye before, but we couldn’t wait to try their Mexican fusion version. Spoiler alert? It didn’t disappoint.
But wait! Before we spill the tea (or tequila), you need the details. Mesero combines bold Mexican flavors with a luxe American twist in elevated interiors that radiate effortless class.
SIP & SAVOR - MESERO
Here’s what we ordered (and what you absolutely need to explore for yourself):
ARTICLE BY MEL DRAKE AND LESTARI KUSUMAWARDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARLEA ROBINSON
COCKTAILS
MANGONADA—Think rimmed chamoy spice, smooth Altos Blanco tequila, mango puree magic and a tamarind candied straw. It’s like adult candy in every sip, with a dash of vacation vibes you never want to end.
DRAGONCITA—This St. Germain and dragon fruit creation is as striking as it is refreshing.
JALAPIÑA—Fresh pineapple, tangy citrus and a spicy kick of jalapeño all meet their match with Herradura Silver. Perfect for spice lovers, like Mel!
LA PERFECCIÓN—Double-barrel Herradura tequila, a dash of gold flakes (yes, GOLD), and that beautiful lava salt rim. It’s timeless, decadent and as fancy as it sounds.
Not in the cocktail mood? No worries. Mesero’s zero-proof options are so good you’ll still feel like you’re celebrating.
STARTERS
SHRIMP CEVICHE—Citrus-marinated shrimp with jalapeños, heirloom tomatoes and piles of creamy avocado goodness. It’s light, zesty and oh-so-craveable.
LOADED JALAPEÑOS—Imagine perfectly spiced, bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with chipotle chicken and gooey queso chihuahua. Smoky heaven, anyone?
MAINS
CAMARÓN ENCHILADAS These garlic-sautéed shrimp enchiladas loaded with cremaqueso and red pepper drizzle are pure indulgence.
RIBEYE A juicy 12-oz cut, aged to perfection, ribeye topped with garlic cilantro butter and served alongside cheddar chipotle grits. Because steak AND grits? Yes, please.
FAJITAS (Asada)—The tender grilled steak, bright guac and soft tortillas make this one a classic you’ll dream about later.
ATÚN AHI TACOS Delicate seared ahi tuna, sesame seed magic, and a roasted red pepper drizzle. It’s light yet completely satisfying.
ASADA TACOS Grilled steak, cilantro, slaw, and arroz rojo all wrapped in a hug of warm tortillas. Who says tacos can’t be a main course?
SWEETS & THINGS
CHURROS Soft, cinnamon-kissed perfection served warm. A classic for a reason.
CINCO LECHES Think tres leches, but extra. Creamy, dreamy and worth every calorie.
UNTIL NEXT MONTH!
OKC fam, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to mix good vibes with even better food, Mesero has entered the chat. Whether you’re vibing on their mezzanine-level patio or soaking in that stylish interior with friends, this restaurant is decidedly a mustvisit. Pro tip? Don’t skip the cocktails. They’re pure art in a glass.
Mesero is going to be your new go-to for celebrations, low-key dinner dates or basically any excuse to treat yourself (or your squad). Head over and snag a seat—we’ll probably be there, too! Follow us on Instagram at @ThisIsMelDrake and @le.star for more insider vibes.
Cheers and love always, Mel & Lestari
MESERO
2121 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Mesero.net
ADVENTURES ON ROUTE 66
Oklahoma and Nation Gearing Up for Mother Road’s Centennial in 2026
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
As historic Route 66 approaches its centennial next year, interest in America’s Mother Road continues to peak.
The victim of a nationwide system of interstates, this iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, slowly lost cohesion. By the time Route 66 was officially decommissioned by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials on June 27, 1985, countless small communities, dependent on Route 66’s traffic for much of their commerce, diminished in size, or faded away entirely.
Where fragments of the highway remained, there, also, remained poignant remnants of another age: gas stations in a wide range of architectural styles, neon-lit motels, corner grocers, statuary… And slowly, over the years, a sort of revival began in many of the communities alongside old Route 66 as the nation began to look back on the early days of automotive travel with nostalgia.
CENTENNIAL SPARKS
RENEWED INTEREST IN OKLAHOMA
On Nov. 26, 2024, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, OKC Mayor David Holt and other city and state officials took part in the unveiling ceremony for the first Route 66 Centennial Monument—and the first to be installed in Oklahoma City—located at 23rd and Hudson in the Uptown District.
The Route 66 Centennial Monument Project, an official project of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, is a large public art installation effort providing vibrant placemaking for cities, towns and destinations to celebrate the route’s 100th anniversary in 2026.
And this February, the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission unveiled a commemorative state map to celebrate the Mother Road. Designed by University of Oklahoma students, it highlights Route 66’s cultural significance and 20 popular stops along the road. (Maps are free of charge and are available statewide at any Tourism Welcome Center, by calling 1-800-652-6552 or by visiting TravelOK.com/brochures.)
Left page, top: The famous Blue Whale in Catoosa is a beloved landmark along the Oklahoma section of Route 66. (Photo by Jerri Culpepper) | Bottom left: Entrance to the Rock Cafe in Stroud (Photo by Linda Milburn) | Right: The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa honors Avery, the “father of Route 66.” (Photo courtesy Route 66 Alliance) | This page: Avery Plaza Southwest neon motel signs (Photo courtesy Route 66 Alliance)
BECAUSE
“ROUTE 66 IS ALIVE AND WELL TODAY
FOLKS WANT TO EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC AMERICA, AND THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO FIND THAT THAN ON THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA.”
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, along with several lawmakers and state agency officials, gathered at the Capitol to mark the official release of the 2025-2026 state map, which officials say is the largest investment along Route 66 in state history. At the time, Pinnell told members of the media that it’s “a big deal from a sales tax and economic impact perspective for the state.”
Oklahoma has the most miles and attractions of any state along Route 66, with 400
drivable miles. According to Pinnell, 52% of sales tax collected in Oklahoma is from communities that have a portion of the iconic route.
Officials launched the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant Program in December 2023 with the goal of investing in the communities along the route, making $6.6 million in funding available each year for municipalities looking to restore and revitalize attractions.
Sterling Zearly, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, called the map an important marketing tool not only statewide, but overseas, where America’s Mother Road continues to attract tremendous interest.
Another Oklahoman who is playing a key role in the upcoming Route 66 centennial activities is Ken Busby, a member of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, chaired by Pinnell, and the Event Working Group for the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. Busby also is executive director of the Route 66 Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Michael Wallis, author, historian and voice of the Sheriff in Disney/Pixar's Cars movie franchise.
The Alliance, Busby explains, is dedicated to preserving, promoting and enhancing historic Route 66—past, present and future. The organization partners with the eight state associations and other organizations to highlight all 2,448 miles of Route 66.
“Route 66 represents freedom to so many international visitors that come to the United States to visit each year,” Busby said. “They drive the Mother Road to experience wide-open spaces, meet interesting and engaging people, see some amazing roadside attractions, and enjoy an ability to travel anywhere without having to show a visa or justify why they are there.”
Left page: Ken Busby, executive director, Route 66 Alliance (Photo courtesy Route 66 Alliance)
This page, top: Though relative newcomers, The Chicken Shack and its neighbor, The Pizza Shack, in Arcadia have become popular eateries along the Mother Road. (Photo by Jerri Culpepper)
Bottom: Route 66 magnets are among Route 66-themed merch available for sale at The Chicken Shack. (Photo by Mel Drake)
The Route 66 Centennial, he said, offers a chance for Oklahoma and America to shine.
“It's an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of this iconic and historic highway, and launch the next 100 years! Route 66 is alive and well today because folks want to experience authentic America, and there is no better place to find that than on the Main Street of America.”
This summer, why not consider “getting your kicks on Route 66”? If you only have a day or two, you can find lots to look at along the Oklahoma portion of the Mother Road. If you’ve got the Route 66 fever and have the time, you can travel what’s left of Route 66 from coast-to-coast. The road’s a waitin’.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Not only does 2026 mark the centennial for Route 66, it’s also the semi-quincentennial birthday for the country.
• The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at OU is working with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission to develop a comprehensive campaign to celebrate Oklahoma's iconic Mother Road as it turns 100. As part of the campaign, two professors and a three-student production crew embarked July 1 on a seven-day Route 66 Summer Road Trip from Norman to Santa Monica, California. Read more: ou.edu/gaylord/news-events.
Top: Pops 66 Soda Ranch features a restaurant, gas station, convenience store, tons of bottled soda, and a 66-foot-tall pop bottle outside. (Photo by Linda Milburn)
RIght: Cy Avery (1953), the “father of Route 66” (Photo courtesy Route 66 Alliance)
Bottom: Folk artist Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park in Foyil (Photo courtesy Route 66 Alliance)
BEST FACE FORWARD
Obtain a More Youthful Look, Without Surgery or Downtime - Just in Time for Summer
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
What if you could obtain a more youthful appearance—without surgery or any downtime? What if all it took were a few sessions using a treatment protocol that’s been compared to a relaxing facial massage?
In addition to its wide array of health care treatments and products for men and women, Premier Healthcare (PremierHealthcareok.com) is now offering EMFACE® treatments
Amber N. Redding-Slootheer, DNP, APRN-CNP, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and co-owner of Premier Healthcare
A woman undergoes an EMFACE® treatment, the first therapy that works on the framework of the face from the inside out. (photo supplied)
“Patients can have that facelift they’ve been wanting, but without the scalpels and recovery downtime.”
that target the entire face: the delicate undereye area, cheeks and forehead. The treatments can help reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and reduce double chins. Two areas can be addressed simultaneously.
EMFACE® also can be used to treat certain medical conditions, temporarily reduce pain and muscle spasms, and increase local circulation.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dr. Amber N. Redding-Slootheer, DNP, APRN-CNP, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and co-owner of Premier Healthcare (with husband Roy M. Slootheer, APRN-CNP), notes that EMFACE® is the first therapy that works on the framework of the face from the inside out.
“During a treatment session, you will feel gentle muscle contractions combined with a warming sensation, similar to a relaxing facial massage,” she explains, noting that the standard treatment protocol consists of four 20-minute sessions, typically spaced one week apart, though a customized plan
based on your specific needs may be suggested in order to obtain optimal results.
“EMFACE® uses a patented combination of synchronized radiofrequency heating to stimulate collagen and elastin production and the HIFES™ facial muscle stimulation to contract and restore facial muscles,” she said. “The combination of muscle stimulation and gentle radiofrequency heating works together to enhance your skin, revealing a brighter, more youthful look.”
During the treatment, she says, patients report feeling comfortable heat, but no unpleasant burning or pain sensations.
“This is the future of facial rejuvenation,” says Redding-Slootheer. “Patients can have that facelift they’ve been wanting, but without the scalpels and recovery downtime.”
PREMIER HEALTHCARE
12208 S. Western Ave., Suite B Oklahoma City, OK 73170 | 405.735.3135
