Tulsa, OK July 2023

A Stroke of Excellence

We know that hiring a painting contractor can be frustrating and time consuming. On paper, painting your home or business should be a fun and refreshing experience! At Impressions Painting, we strive to be a customer service FIRST business. Nearly 200 five-star Google reviews can’t lie when it comes to painting, Impressions has you (and your walls) covered!

Summer Fun

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Tulsa. We have the Tulsa Drillers and FC Tulsa soccer that play at ONEOK Field but did you know about all the work that goes into changing the field between baseball and soccer games? Read our story ‘A League of Its Own’ to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

Is a road trip on the bucket list? The handsome Jeep Gladiator is able to carry and tow just about anything you need. Find out the details inside. Or maybe you’re dreaming of an exotic vacation? We have a great feature on French Polynesia. One of our writers just returned and she put together a story that makes it easy for you to plan the trip of a lifetime. And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!) and curling up with a new favorite beach read.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Kathy Slemp | kslemp@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kacie Brown, Andrea Gardner, Nancy C. Hermann, Joe Harwell, Renae Mayer MD, Laura Rose

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Acrylic Asylum Art, Shane Bevel, Nancy C. Hermann, Kathyann Photo, Laura Rose

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 Kelsey Ragain

S u m m e r

I n c e n t i v e s

U p t o $ 7 , 0 0 0 L e n d e r C r e d i t * o n N e w C o n s t r u c t i o n P u r c h a s e s

F i n d i n g a h o m e l o a n i s e a s y . F i n d i n g a t r u s t e d a d v i s o r i s n o t . W e a r e n e w c o n s t r u c t i o n e x p e r t s . F r o m y o u r f i r s t c a l l t o y o u r f i n a l w a l k t h r o u g h , w e w i l l b e t h e r e t o g u i d e y o u t h r o u g h t h e m a n y f i n a n c i a l d e c i s i o n s y o u w i l l b e m a k i n g .

C o n v e n t i o n a l , V A , F H A , R D , N a t i v e A m e r i c a n

L o n g t e r m r a t e l o c k s

P e r m a n e n t a n d t e m p o r a r y r a t e b u y d o w n s

C o n s t r u c t i o n f i n a n c i n g

B r i d g e f i n a n c i n g

Branch Manager NMLS #453975

O: (918) 601-9030

M: (918) 230-7458

E: ConwellGroup@OneTrustHomeLoans com DonConwell com

p l y . O f f e r s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e o r c

Sales Manager NMLS #1069480

O: (918) 601-9030

M: (918) 284-8469

E: Aconwell@OneTrustHomeLoans com AustinConwell com

o t a l l b o r r o w e r s w i l l q u a l i f y . D o e s n o t a p p l y t o J u m b o , N o n - Q M , B o n d , o r D P A l o a n s . A d d i t i o n a l c o n d i t i o n s / e x c l u s i o n s

Photography: Laura Rose

Poised on Motu Tevairoa, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts boasts authentic Polynesian style and architecture with

Mount Otemanu on the horizon. Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Chamber Music Tulsa 2023-2024

Subscriptions Available

Chamber Music Tulsa celebrates its 70th season this year. Join in on the excitement with a subscription! The 2023-2024 season includes performances by the Junction Trio, WindSync, the Castalian String Quartet, the Danish String Quartet, the Horszowski Trio, and the Dalí Quartet. Several subscription options are available, whether you'd like an immersive experience with dinner and wine or just want to enjoy great music.

Philbrook Receives Transformative $10 Million Gift

Philbrook Museum of Art has received a $10 million gift from the A. R. & Marylouise Tandy Foundation to build a major new feature within the Philbrook Gardens. The approximately 6,000-square-foot Tandy Pavilion and 2,000-square-foot covered patio takes advantage of an underutilized area of the Museum’s grounds, creating a hub for art education, nature programs, special events, and general recreation. Construction is expected to end in spring 2025.

Life-saving Vending Machines Unveiled for State Harm Reduction Campaign

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services launched a new harm reduction campaign this week to bring life-saving resources to all Oklahomans, including the nearly 300,000 that report a substance use disorder in our state.

The campaign is the largest-scale initiative in the U.S., and Oklahomans will soon notice eye-catching vending machines containing Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strip Kits in high-traffic areas in their communities.

Photography Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Photography Chamber Music Tulsa

Photography Philbrook Museum of Art

Save the Date: Wild Brew Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Oklahoma’s longest-running craft beer festival is flocking together again on Saturday, August 26th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cox Business Center! Wild Brew is a one-of-a-kind indoor event that combines first-rate beers created by artisan brewers from the U.S. and around the world with cuisine from Tulsa’s best restaurants. The annual fundraiser supports The Sutton Center - an internationally-recognized, nonprofit wildlife conservation organization. Purchase tickets at wildbrew.org

NEW Operating Hours

Friday 6am – Monday 12am (Midnight)

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6am - 12am (Midnight)

Want to be featured?

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

Photography Wild Brew

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

H2O INFLATABLE AQUA PARK: There's a new water park in town, and it's made of inflatables! Visit H2O Inflatable Aqua Park in Broken Arrow for a new summer experience. 2800 E New Orleans St, Broken Arrow, OK 74014

TULSA DRILLERS: Go to a Tulsa Drillers game! They've got all kinds of funthemed nights and Friday night fireworks planned! 201 N Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120

DISCOVERY LAB: Take your children or grandchildren to Discovery Lab for an immersive science experience. They have events just for adults, too! 560 North Maybelle Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74105

PARADISE BEACH WATERPARK: Beat the heat at the newly transformed Paradise Beach Waterpark , which now features faster slides! 4707 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114

GUTHRIE GREEN: Spend time at Guthrie Green ! The outdoor space has all kinds of events this month, including a showing of The Goonies on July 20 at 7 p.m. 111 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa, OK 74103

Scan

Want

to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

Paradise Beach Waterpark

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 por-

The Importance of Tracing Assets in a Divorce Case

tion 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.

THIS WAY TO PARADISE

EXPLORING FRENCH POLYNESIA AND HER ISLANDS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA ROSE

Bora Bora

Located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, 4,000 miles west of Los Angeles, you can find French Polynesia and her islands. An autonomous overseas territory belonging to France, French Polynesia is believed to have formed from a series of underwater volcanic eruptions. Untouched by time these islands offer a true escape to paradise where you’ll be immersed into a rich and vibrant culture.

Just over an 8-hour flight from any major west coast airport, it’s easy to get to Tahiti. We chose an overnight flight from Los Angeles to Papeete onboard Air Tahiti Nui. Arriving in the very early morning we cleared customs and got a taxi outside of Faa’a International Airport to begin our journey to Moorea. Twenty dollars and ten minutes later we boarded the ferry to Moorea, a rural island paradise.

A thirty minute ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea is a heart shaped island known for its jagged volcanic mountains, sandy beaches and agriculture. The island is quite large, requiring a car to get around but

you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the laid back vibe surrounded by adventures and lush landscape.

Most hotels will not accommodate early check-in regardless of hotel membership status or credit card perks so I recommend booking the Moorea Tama’s Street Food Tour with Heimata Hall, founder of Tahiti Food Tour. There is no better way to experience the food cultures of the Tahitian, Chinese and French. You’ll want to venture away from your hotel where food is less expensive and delicious and this tour will help you decide where to plan your meals while on the island.

While visiting Moorea take advantage of the spectacular views and scenery. One of the best ways to experience the thrill of the island is by ATV where you’ll drive through the flora and fauna of Paopao Valley. You’ll be stopping in a pineapple field to cut down coconut to hydrate before continuing onto Le Belvedere lookout, Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and Magic Mountain.

Toatea Lookout: (One of the food tour stops) Gorgeous views of the Sofitel la Ora Moorea Beach Resort, the lagoon, barrier reef and Tahiti in the background.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed early morning swims off the back of our bungalow in the crystal clear lagoon as the sun rose over the mountains and we were fascinated by the aquamarine life swimming around the coral reefs below our feet. Among the hundreds of species of fish, there is no shortage of spotting butterflyfish, clownfish, the poisonous pufferfish or even black reef tip sharks.

ACTIVITIES

Tahiti Food Tour:  A four to five hour culinary food experience with a pick-up & drop-off at your hotel. tahitifoodtour.com

ATV Tour: Discover the island’s stunning views, lookout points and pineapple farms while having the rush of the wind through your hair. Book with Stephenson (weekends only).

albert-transport.net/tours/atv-tour

Hike:  Trois Pinus via Tiki Park, a 3.9 mile moderately challenging loop where you will pass by maraes and take in the vegetation of Opunohu Valley.  alltrails.com/french-polynesia/moorea

A refreshing drink from fresh cut coconut during a stop on the ATV tour.

STAY

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa: The ultimate experience is splurging on the over-water bungalows with direct access to the lagoon where aquamarine life is vibrant.

hilton.com/en/hotels/pptmlhhhilton-moorea-lagoon-resort-and-spa

Sofitel la Ora Moorea Beach Resort: A secluded location on the white sand beach of Temae with incredible panoramic views.

sofitel-moorea-kiaora.com

SHOP

Made in Moorea:  Located in downtown Moorea, a boutique store carrying handmade and local clothing and items.  instagram.com/madeinmoorea

P. Originals:  Known for Tahitian black pearls that are among the world’s rarest varieties.

p-originals-pearls.com/en/home

Hilton overwater bungalows.

Hop on over to Bora Bora, French Polynesia’s leading lady. It’s a short flight from Moorea on A ir Tahiti. Your hotel water taxi will be waiting to transport you across the translucent lagoon to your overwater bungalow. Bora Bora feels worlds away with its famous vibrant turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches – a place that most of us save as our computer background and dream of going to one day.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts:  Poised on Motu Tevairoa, the resort boasts authentic Polynesian style and architecture with views of Mount Otemanu on the horizon. Save money and experience an overwater bungalow by booking the ‘overwater bungalow’.  leborabora.com

BORA BORA STAY ACTIVITIES

Shark and Stingray Snorkel: Unique private day cruise experiences.  toaboatborabora.com

Jet Ski: Half-day  tour to discover the island on jet skis.  atvjetskiadventures.com/en/jet-ski-en

Sunset Cruise:  An unforgettable cruise into the golden hour with drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music onboard Le Bora Bora’s Okeanos Pearl Catamaran.  leborabora.com/en-gb/activities/sunset-cruise-okeanos-pearl

You’ll enjoy some fun in the sun while visiting Bora Bora. Water is a way of life and with its calm lagoons most resorts offer a variety of non-motorized water toys such as paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment that you can enjoy while hanging beach side. To experience Bora Bora and its crystal clear water firsthand some excursions are not to be missed.

Bora Bora is one of the few places in the world where you have a guaranteed chance of swimming with sharks. A private boat will take you snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. When you pull up in the boat these social creatures swim around in groups circling from a safe distance. There are too many to count! As they swim in the shallow water you grow accustomed to the exhilarating, but somehow peaceful experience. The next stop is Coral Gardens, a paradise for snorkelers. There’s a rich variety of marine life swimming around the massive corals giving you a show for your money. The giant clams

Checking out the blacktip reef sharks during the snorkeling trip in Bora Bora.

Enjoying the over-the-water hammock off the back of the overwater bungalow at Le Bora Bora.

Paddle boarding in Moorea

were surprising in iridescent colors of purple, royal blue and teal. It’s hard to believe that these beauties exist.

The captain continued to venture around the island and would occasionally stop and tell us “jump in, hurry, hurry!” He had an eye for spotting marine life including manta rays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and the white tip shark. We weren’t quite sure what we were jumping into until we opened our eyes underwater and were face to face with an exotic sea creature. The surprise and exhilaration of swimming close to the marine life make this a must-do adventure.

In the evening find a place to put up your feet and take in the enduring beauty of Bora Bora’s sunsets. Admire the beautiful Mount Otemanu on the horizon as the sun fades into the tranquil waters of the lagoon creating swirls of cotton candy in the sky.

EAT & DRINK

La Villa Mahana:  Owned and operated by Chef Damien Rinaldi Dovio, this romantic restaurant boasts French cuisine with Polynesia flavor. Book well in advance. villamahana.com

Bora Bora Beach Club:  Located on Matira Beach this spot guarantees good vibes.  borabora-beachclub.com

Manuia Bar:  Le Bora Bora’s pool bar where our favorite bartenders, Mona and Manoa, will keep your drinks filled. Stay for the happy hour sunsets and order the chicken egg rolls and Coupe de Bora Bora dessert (another must have).  leborabora.com

TO DO

How to Book: We found booking with Costco Travel was the best bang for your money. The packages include airfare, hotels, transportation and dining options. They’re also helpful if any plans go awry. costcotravel.com

Must Pack: GoPro for your underwater adventures, inflatable pool floats to lounge around the lagoon and water shoes. Stonefish is a poisonous fish that dwells in the shallow water of the lagoons and coral.

Learn the Lingo:  Be sure to learn some useful Tahitian words before your trip.

Hello - la Orana (yo-rah-nah)

Welcome - Maeva (mah-yeh-vah)

Thank you - Maururu (mah-roo-roo)

The sunset views from the Hilton in Moorea

THE MIGHTY GLADIATOR

THE MOST VERSATILE JEEP IN HISTORY

ARTICLE BY JOE HARWELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHYANN PHOTO

General Manager, Jay Moore, at South Pointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tulsa points out there are option packages and trim levels for a wide variety of uses. “Gladiator can be configured as a competitively priced, mid-size truck that makes sense for towing a boat, to a full-on 4x4 experience.”

THE FUN STUFF

Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with engine stop-start (ESS) and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine with ESS. Equipped with a versatile box, a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, solid axles and electronic lockers, Gladiator is one of the few midsize trucks to offer a six-speed manual

The 2023 Jeep® Gladiator, engineered from the ground up to be the most off-road capable Jeep truck ever, builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable trucks with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility.

transmission in addition to its available eight-speed automatic. Gladiator is built to handle the demands of an active lifestyle while delivering an open-air driving experience in a design that is unmistakably Jeep.

THE COOL STUFF

A multitude of technology features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety features, such as Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, adaptive cruise control and Forward Collision Warning-Plus, enhance Gladiator’s appeal. Combining traditional Jeep attributes with strong truck credentials, the Jeep Gladiator is a unique vehicle with unsurpassed capability.

THE TECHNICAL STUFF

Jeep Gladiator’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with ESS delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and is engineered to provide a broad torque band. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on Sport, Mojave and Rubicon, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on Overland and optional on Sport, Mojave and Rubicon. Gladiator models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine feature up to 1,710 pounds of payload and up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity with the available Max Towing Package. To handle greater torque loads, the EcoDiesel V-6 connects to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, calibrated for low-RPM shifts.

South Pointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram BobHowardAuto.com

9240 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133  918.584.1481

Photo provided

Photo provided

JONESPLAN’S SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

BY NANCY C. HERMANN

A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

You might be surprised to learn what it takes, behind the scenes, to make various sports possible in Oklahoma. If you follow local baseball, soccer, or golf, you’ve likely caught some action on grounds that are renovated and maintained by Jonesplan. The 20-year-old company, founded by Matt and Justin Jones, is recognized for work at ONEOK Field, Southern Hills, The Gathering Place and Tulsa Botanic Garden. It services clients as far away as Ohio, and continues to expand while bringing out the best on its home turf.

Oklahoma weather is not kind. Flooding conditions followed by heat, drought and freezing temps can be a challenge to a company with the ad slogan “Think Outside.” One weather-sensitive job that Jonesplan digs into on a regular basis is transitioning ONEOK Field from a baseball field to a soccer pitch and vice-versa. That highly involved changeover often must happen overnight.

“The Drillers organization bought the USL [United Soccer League] expansion franchise

back in 2015,” said Tulsa Drillers’ President and General Manager Mike Melega. “When we began play, one of our big challenges was to covert the field from baseball to soccer, then back again. We knew that ONEOK Field was going to become very, very busy once we brought the soccer team in, and we were thrilled to be able to find a more than competent partner locally in Jonesplan to oversee those conversions with us and work with our head groundskeeper Gary Shepherd on those conversions.”

Shepherd shared that the process begins about 7 a.m. Changing from baseball to soccer is tricky because, first, the infield dirt and pitcher’s mound have to disappear. It’s a project that requires elbow grease, rakes and shovels, and a hydraulic lift that drops the pitcher’s mound below ground.

Explained Shepherd, “Jonesplan removes the dirt. They assist in lowering our pitcher’s mound into the ground 15 inches and getting it leveled. At its lowest point, it’s five inches below the grade.” The mound is then covered with foam inserts and sandy loam. With the dirt from the infield cleared and the pitcher’s mound gone, a layer of six-ounce fabric is laid down. The fabric protects the infill and keeps contamination from happening between the infill and the sod, which comes last, said Shepherd.

The pitcher’s mound is probably the hardest thing to put back together when going from soccer back to baseball, noted Russell Huff, Jonesplan’s Director of Golf and Sports Field Construction. That conversion also calls for regrading the field. All surfaces are evened out so that no player trips. “The last thing you want to do is cause injury to a professional athlete,” emphasized Huff.

Tulsa-based Jonesplan, founded 20 years ago by Matt and Justin Jones services local, regional and national clients. Photo Shane Bevel.

When Jonesplan started working with the Tulsa Roughnecks at ONEOK in 2015, the soccer field orientation was different, said Huff. “The Craft Brothers, who bought the team (now FC Tulsa), conducted studies that suggested a different field orientation might offer better fan interaction, so the field was reoriented to where one goal is now on the third base foul line and the other goal is in right field.” The change meant an increase from 9,000 to 13,000 square feet of needed sod. Coming this fall, Huff added, the entire ONEOK field will be renovated — tearing everything out, including the warning tracks and bullpen — starting from scratch.

Fortunately, for sports fields and golf courses around Oklahoma and elsewhere, Riverview Sod Ranch is located in nearby Leonard. Charles Binney, who has helmed Riverview for more than four decades, recounted that his company has grown the Drillers’ turf for years. It currently provides ONEOK Field with a Bermuda grass called Tahoma 31, developed by Oklahoma State University. He detailed that sod is cut fresh the morning of installation. Rolls are 400 square feet and 115 feet long with a grass depth of at least an inch, but less than two. He’s been a supplier to Jonesplan since its inception. “They’re just good, honest people, and they do a great job,” he offered.

ONEOK Field hosted Tulsa Roughnecks soccer beginning in 2015. The team, under new ownership, is FC Tulsa.

A big challenge for Jonesplan is to convert Tulsa Drillers' field into FC Tulsa's soccer pitch. The changeover often takes place overnight. Photo Shane Bevel.

Jonesplan enjoys the creative work involved in designing and building outdoor classrooms. Photo Shane Bevel.

Jonesplan’s Marketing Manager Mary Jones said her company also is very “golf-centric,” having done work at nearly every golf course in the area. A current project is a course in Blanchard, Oklahoma. In her role as an architect, she and Jonesplan’s Brad Kmita are heading up outdoor classroom projects, three in Youngstown, Ohio. Other ventures include expanded projects at Tulsa Botanic Garden. “We built their first two major gardens, and now we are wrapping up on their next two,” she said.

Additionally, the company is tackling an exciting new attraction near The Gathering Place. The completed project will make it possible for kayaks and canoes to navigate the Arkansas River. Said Jones, “Everyone has talked about it forever, and it’s finally happening.”

Whether it’s baseball, soccer, golf or water sports, there’s a continuing emphasis on outdoor recreation in Oklahoma. Widely recognized for its proven project expertise, Jonesplan works in a league of its own.

Jonesplan built Tulsa Botanic Garden's first two major gardens and is now working on its next two.

Photo Shane Bevel.

Turf for the ONEOK Field is cut fresh the morning it is installed and harvested from Riverview Sod Ranch in Leonard, Oklahoma. Jonesplan has worked extensively at The Gathering Place. A new project involves recreation on the Arkansas River. Photo Shane Bevel.

A Sweet Treat

ARTICLE BY ANDREA GARDNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ACRYLIC ASYLUM ART

The candy shop of yesteryear was the spot where little boys and girls would gather for a sweet treat. Colorfully displayed in jars behind the counter were chocolate bars, candy sticks, and lollipops as far as the eye could see. It was a scene that conjured pure delight.

Honeysuckle Chocolate & Candy harkens back to the magic of that old-time candy shop. Jars filled with assorted caramels sit on the counter. Underneath, pecan clusters, cashew grizzlies and peanut butter cups covered in mouth-watering chocolate are showcased in brightly lit displays. The shelves are filled with handmade treats of every variety: jars of Eleni’s miniature cookies, gourmet crispy cakes by The Crispery, boxes of Abdallah chocolates, and Albanese gummies.

Honeysuckle Chocolate & Candy is filled with delicious gifts for children of all ages. Choose from 22 flavors of Hammond’s Chocolate Bars or 13 flavors of Jelly Bellies. They have toffee from

Tulsa’s own Goodytwos Toffee Company as well as nostalgic candies like candy sticks, divinity, and ribbon candy at Christmastime. The shining glory is a bar of edible cookie dough, a delectable goodie that can be kept in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Owner Ryan McAdams explains that he aims to have something for everyone and for it to be of the highest quality: “We are very selective about the products we carry. If it isn’t the best version of that item, we don’t bring it in.”

Adjoined to Honeysuckle is the much-loved Tulsa Toy Depot carrying children’s books, puzzles, games, and toys. Children can join storytime or try out the classic and modern toys on display. Combine the two stores and you have the perfect destination for a family outing this summer!

Honeysuckle Chocolate & Candy has a special treat for every sweet tooth.

We are trying to cover every sweet category, so that everyone who comes in will find something they love."

- Owner Ryan McAdams

Gifts are already packaged and ready to pick up.

Hammond's Chocolate Bars come in 22 flavors.

Chocolates are kept in brightly lit display cases.

Pre-packaged gift bags make shopping easy.

Goodytwo's Toffee Company is a Tulsa business.

There's a chocolate treat for everyone!

Parks and Public Spaces | Golf Courses

Athletic Fields | Outdoor Classrooms

Young learners love to explore hands-on by getting a little wet. This outdoor classroom designed by Good Fieldwork and built by Jonesplan includes lots of interactive water play. It features a bamboo aqueduct that is fed by a child-operated pump, a waterfall that spills into a boulder creek, ground sprayers on a flagstone patio, a drive-thru water element, and a nature-based water table made from and fed by harvested cedar tree trunks.

The Silent Saboteur: Confronting Fatty Liver Disease

ARTICLE BY RENAE MAYER MD

Hepatic steatosis is a common, complex metabolic disease characterized by the buildup of excess fat within liver cells. It is the early state of a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is the most common liver disorder in industrialized countries with increasing prevalence noted alongside the global epidemic of obesity. An estimated 25-33% of adults in the United States have fatty liver disease.  In the adolescent and young adult population, the prevalence of fatty liver is increasing and estimated at 18.5%. NAFLD is often without symptoms and detected only after incidental laboratory or radiology findings. This article will highlight potential consequences and treatment options for NAFLD.

CONSEQUENCES OF NAFLD

1. Inflammation and Steatohepatitis: NAFDL can progress to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is characterized by liver inflammation and damage. NASH can lead to fibrosis (scarring of the liver), cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure.

2. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: NAFLD is closely linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. These factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

3. Type 2 Diabetes: NAFLD and insulin resistance are closely intertwined. Excess fat in the liver can disrupt insulin signaling, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Increased Risk of Dementia:  In August 2022, the medical journal Neurology reported a modest association with NAFLD and an increased risk of developing dementia.  That risk is even higher with heart disease or stroke being part of the medical history.

5. Increased Risk of Liver Cancer: In severe cases of fatty liver disease, cirrhosis may develop leading to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. It is important to note that not all individuals with NASH will develop HCC. However, the presence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis significantly increases the risk.

TREATMENT OF NAFLD

1. Lifestyle Modifications: The cornerstone of NAFLD treatment involves lifestyle changes. Weight loss through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet is essential. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce liver fat and improve liver health.

2. Alcohol Moderation or Abstinence: For individuals with alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is crucial to significantly limit or eliminate alcohol intake under medical supervision.

3. Medications: In certain cases, medications may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic disorders. However, no specific medication has been approved for the direct treatment of fatty liver disease.

4. Clinical Trials: Studies are ongoing looking at specific medications to treat NAFLD. Promising studies at several major universities are investigating the roles that the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation potentially play in liver fat build-up.

5. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular medical check-ups, including liver function tests and imaging, may help monitor the progression of fatty liver disease and detect complications at an early stage. Close collaboration with healthcare professionals is important for personalized guidance and support.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder in industrialized countries with increasing prevalence noted alongside the global epidemic of obesity.

CONCLUSION

NAFLD poses a significant health risk if left untreated. Long standing and untreated fatty liver may impart a risk of developing liver cancer, even in the absence of cirrhosis. Increasing awareness and understanding of fatty liver disease along with implementing healthy lifestyle changes are key to combating this silent intruder. If you have liver related concerns, please contact your primary care physician.

LifeStyle Medicine Inc. is a Tulsa concierge medical practice committed to promoting prevention and wellness along with treating complex medical conditions. Dr. Mayer

is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. She is an experienced clinician and medical researcher involved in developing clinical trials and protocols for chronic medical conditions including NAFLD. Our practice partners with patients to develop personalized healthcare treatment plans. Patients have access to helpful tools including body composition analysis, radiologic scans, psychological and nutritional resources as well as pharmacologic and nutraceutical support.  Increasing awareness and understanding of fatty liver disease along with implementing healthy lifestyle changes are key to combating this silent intruder.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Renae Mayer’s passion to incorporate years of advanced training, research and experience prompted the formation of LifeStyle Medicine, Inc. in May of 2016, a practice offering traditional medicine along with selective alternative integrated medical procedures and prescriptions.

Increasing awareness and understanding of fatty liver disease along with implementing healthy lifestyle changes are key to combating this silent intruder.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Take

Visit

Go

Explore

Try

Hike

Explore

Read

Go

events

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

JULY 9TH-15TH

TU Jazz Camp

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA, 550 SOUTH GARY PLACE, TULSA OK 74104 | 9:00 AM

A week-long day camp open to all music students (instrumental and vocal), ninth grade through college, with all levels of skills and experience. The educational focus of the camp will be based on a curriculum encompassing jazz theory and ear training, jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz performance (big band, combo, guitar ensemble, vocal) and group lessons and master classes. Cost: $250. artsandsciences.utulsa.edu

JULY 9TH-11TH

TU's Camp Incredible – Session 5 and Additional Camps

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA 800 SOUTH TUCKER DRIVE TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74104 | 9:00 AM University School at TU Summer Day Camps. Each week-long session features multiple age-appropriate camp options to appeal to students in grades Pre-K through 8th. Cost: $275. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Also offering: Camp Incredible - Session 6 July 17-21 uschool.utulsa.edu/home/summer-camp

Vocal and Choral Camp July 24-28 artsandsciences.utulsa.edu

Various Volleyball Camps all month long tulsavolleyballcamps.com

JULY 13TH-16TH

2023 Circle Cinema Film Festival

10 S LEWIS AVE, TULSA 74104

The Circle Cinema Film Festival returns this July with a special celebration for Circle Cinema’s 95th birthday! Join them for four days of the best new independent art, music, and film from Oklahoma alongside memories from Circle Cinema’s history. circlecinema.org

JULY 15TH & 16TH

Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show

EXCHANGE CENTER AT EXPO SQUARE, 4145 E 21ST ST, TULSA, OK 74114 | 9:00 AM - 6:00PM

& 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Explore the art and science of rocks, minerals, fossils, and artifacts at Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society’s Annual Gem and Mineral and Jewelry Show at the Exchange Center at Expo Square. Find out more at exposquare.com

JULY 18TH

Tulsa Garden Center Pond Plant Sale

TEACHING GARDEN AT WOODWARD PARK, 2435 S PEORIA AVE, TULSA, OK 74114

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Freshen up your backyard water features at the Tulsa Garden Center ‘s Pond Plant Sale at the Teaching Garden at Woodward Park!

JULY 21ST

The Chicks at the BOK Center

BOK CENTER, 200 S DENVER AVE, TULSA, OK 74103 | 7:30 PM

Fresh off the heels of their massively successful U.S. tour last summer, the 13-time GRAMMY® award-winning, multi-platinum selling global superstars, The Chicks, will be coming to the BOK Center on Friday, July 21. Get tickets at bokcenter.com .

JULY 26TH & 27TH

The Book of Mormon at the TPAC

TPAC, 110 E 2ND ST, TULSA, OK 74103 | 7:30 PM

See the outrageous musical comedy that follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Purchase tickets at tulsapac.com

JULY 27TH-29TH

Blue Whale Comedy Festival

GUTHRIE GREEN, 111 E RECONCILIATION WAY, TULSA, OK 74103 | 5:00 PM

Blue Whale Comedy Festival is swimming back to Guthrie Green this summer! Mark your calendars for three days of non-stop laughs at Oklahoma’s largest comedy festival. Buy tickets at bluewhalecomedyfestival.org .

I’m a teacher at Holland Hall and an alumna.

What makes a Holland Hall teacher? Someone who is passionate, who is a master at their area of study and who cares deeply about forming relationships and learning about kids.”

— Tyne Shillingford ’03 Upper School Fine Arts Department Chair

Holland Hall, Holland Hall, Tulsa’s PreK-12th grade independent Episcopal school, offers a rigorous academic curriculum, but also more than 30 arts classes, state championship athletic teams and faculty members who have time to know your child. Ask about a private tour and tuition assistance.