Oklahoma Gazette the Crappy Art Show

FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY METRO OKC’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY VOL. XXXVI NO. 41 OCTOBER 8, 2014

The Grease Trap gallery is flush with first-year success.

BEST PLACES TO WORK OFFICIAL 2014 CONTENT INSIDE

BY MOLLY EVANS P.30

BREAKING: GAY MARRIAGE LEGAL P.4 | READ MORE AT OKGAZETTE.COM

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CONTENTS 26

39

43

NEWS

LIFE

LIFE

4

Legal: gay marriage ruling

16

OKG picks

33

6

City: Strong Neighborhoods Initiative

21

34

8

Religion: Muslim in Oklahoma

Food & Drink: Istanbul, 6 Degrees of Bacon, food briefs, OKG eat: Autumn cravings

Performing Arts: Nightmare on 39th Street Sports: Pawsitive Steps 5K, Dog Walk & Costume Contest, tennis

10

Metro briefs

26

Culture: South of the river

36

Sudoku / Crossword

12

Chicken-Fried News

28

Nonprofit: Water4 Freedom Gala

39

14

Commentary

29

Youth: fall camps

Music: Literature, Deerpeople, event listings, Bowlsey Film: Gone Girl

Letters

Cover: The Crappy Art Show

43

14

30 32

Visual Arts: Border Land Other

45

Best Places to Work

73

Astrology

73

Classifieds

30

ON THE COVER

It’s getting deep in Oklahoma City.

The Grease Trap art gallery celebrates a successful year as its founder, Leslie Hensley, launches The Crappy Art Show. She has recruited local artists to paint toilet seats with everything from pop-culture movie references to the “Mona Lisa.” Read the story by Molly Evans on P. 30.

— Jennifer Chancellor, editor-in-chief

MISSION STATEMENT Oklahoma Gazette’s mission is to stimulate, examine and inform the public on local quality of life issues and social needs, to recognize community accomplishments, and to provide a forum for inspiration, participation and interaction across all media.

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NEWS LEGAL

Goin’ to the chapel Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding Oklahoma’s 2004 ban on gay marriage and local courthouses began issuing same-sex marriage licenses.

Kenny Wright’s hands were shaking, a common sight for a man about to get married.

The marriage day had long been planned, dreamed of and talked about but never seemed like a possibility until this year and wasn’t a reality until Monday.

“It’s been a long, hard wait and a long, hard fight,” said Wright, who was minutes away from legally marrying his partner of 18 years, Barry Bass.

This has become a year of victories for Oklahoma same-sex marriage advocates as state and federal courtrooms ruled against a state-imposed ban. Monday, the United States Supreme Court announced it would not hear an appeal to the latest ruling in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, making same-sex marriage legal, which brought marriage equality to 11 states, including Oklahoma.

“We have been in tears all morning,” Bass said.

The couple sat on a bench in the hallway of the court clerk’s office, smiles on their faces and their hands clasped together. As they waited, Lauren Tidwell and Sara Yarbrough walked out of the office as Oklahoma County’s first legally married same-sex couple.

“It was unbelievable because I never thought I would get to marry the person I love in my home state,” Tidwell said.

The two texted each other when they heard the news earlier in the morning and both agreed that they needed to make it official after first becoming engaged Oct. 10, 2013.

“At the time, I just proposed a ceremony,” Tidwell said. “Then, a few months later, when it started to become official, I asked her if she really wanted to become married, and I said, ‘Wait a minute, I just proposed to you twice.’”

Oklahoma voters approved a statewide ban on same-sex marriage in 2004, a move that was immediately followed by a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.

A state judge ruled against the ban in January, followed by the 10th Circuit’s decision to uphold the ban this summer.

A stay was put in place by the court until it was determined what action, if any, the Supreme Court would take.

With a decision by the nation’s highest court not to review any same-sex marriage cases this year, the 10th Circuit lifted its stay.

Across the state in Tulsa, Mary

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PH OTOS BY MARK HANCOC K

BY BEN FELDER

top Sara Yarbrough and Lauren Tidwell were the first Oklahoma County residents to wed after a ban on gay marriage was lifted on Monday. bottom Kenny Wright and Barry Bass wait in the hallway of the Oklahoma Count Courthouse to get their marriage license.

Bishop and Sharon Baldwin, one couple at the center of the lawsuit challenging the state ban, received their marriage license on Monday in the Tulsa County

Courthouse.

“We’re no longer second-class citizens in our own state,” Baldwin said after the license was made official.

The second couple in the landmark suit, Sue Barton and Gay Phillips, also celebrated Monday’s decision with a unique wedding-related announcement: “My license is registered and I can legally perform any wedding in the state,” Barton posted to her Facebook page.

Oklahoma was not the only state impacted by the Supreme Court’s inaction, as 10 other states are expected to begin allowing gay marriages in coming days. The court’s decision tilts the nation toward a country where the majority of same-sex couples are offered equal marriage rights: 65 percent of all couples will soon live in a right-to-marry state.

Marriage advocates and same-sex couples celebrated Monday’s decision, but some of the state’s leading critics of gay marriage were quick to denounce the situation.

Gov. Mary Fallin said the court decision “has been cast by the media as a victory for gay rights” but “what has been ignored, however, is the right of Oklahomans — and Americans in every state — to write their own laws and govern themselves as they see fit.”

Rep. James Lankford, Oklahoma City’s congressman, was also critical of the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the marriage case, despite the fact that many legal observers predicted the court would have ruled in favor of marriage equality.

“Every person should be respected and honored,” Lankford said. “But marriage is a unique cultural relationship that has a long-standing tradition and societal meaning, which should not be redefined by the courts.”

However, the criticism of political and religious leaders wasn’t going to dampen the celebration of many who had fought for this day.

“To say that we are excited is an understatement,” said Scott Hamilton of the Cimarron Alliance in OKC. “For so many people, this has been a long, arduous fight. I remember those who are no longer with us who planted the seed for such a day.

“Marriage is the cornerstone of our society, and we all became a little bit stronger today.”

FOR MORE: Follow developments on the Supreme Court’s decision and gay marriage in Oklahoma as they happen at okgazette.com.

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NEWS CITY

On the verge S HA N N ON CORN M A N

City planners are taking a strategic approach to revitalizing older neighborhoods on their way to being great.

BY BEN FELDER

When Shannon Entz sees a homeowner or private developer invest money to build a new home or rehabilitate one that had previously been vacant, that’s when she knows the city’s Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) program is working.

Three urban neighborhoods have been selected by the city to receive special attention and funding in an effort to establish a systematic neighborhood renewal program that has not been done before in Oklahoma City.

“A lot of times in planning departments, we have large, beautiful plans but there is not an implementation component to it just yet,” said Entz, the lead planner overseeing SNI. “This program is different because it actually has the implementation part with it.”

Seeing change

The selected neighborhoods are Classen Ten-Penn, located northwest of downtown, North Highland Park and Culbertson East Highland, two historic neighborhoods on each side of University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

The targeted revitalization includes park enhancements, new sidewalks, business facade assistance, home construction and buying assistance and neighborhood grants. The program has also seen the city assist with afterschool programs in an effort to help the schools that serve each neighborhood, Entz said.

These neighborhoods have the right mix of need and opportunity.

— Shannon Entz

program decades ago and properties that have been neglected for years.

However, there are also images of new homes under construction — some connected to neighborhood grants, others private development projects — city investments of new sidewalks and sewer lines and residents making needed improvements to historic homes.

“These neighborhoods have the right mix of need and opportunity,” Entz said. “It’s not meant to just go in and clean up the worst neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. These are neighborhoods that have a lot of assets.”

Brighter futures

OKC has successfully leveraged tax breaks and large capital projects to revitalize commercial neighborhoods like downtown, and high-traffic communities like the 23rd Street corridor are seeing an influx of private development.

But residential neighborhoods with high concentrations of old homes and poverty can be harder to revitalize.

Beyond the glamor of new buildings downtown and in Midtown, OKC’s

next era of renaissance might come from the systematic revival of inner-city neighborhoods like the three selected

by SNI. There is a push by many to move to the urban core of OKC, but buying or building a home on a street with numerous vacant properties and a feeling of neglect is a hard sell.

“It does make it easier to make this type of [investment] when you see that the city has already done new sidewalks and they are getting ready to do street light improvements,” said LaDonna Gilliam, a sales representative with Ron Walters Construction Services, which is building several new homes in the Culbertson East Highland neighborhood.

Gilliam said home buyers in the urban core don’t necessarily need to find a perfect neighborhood, but many want to see that a community is making progress and there is a hope for a brighter future. It can be risky building homes in a neighborhood like Culbertson East Highland and Gilliam admits a profit might be hard to make in the near future, but investments by the city make it far less risky.

“To see things start to change is important,” Gilliam said.

Entz said the homes are receiving funding assistance from the city and will be priced below $120,000.

“These developers take a huge risk in doing this because of all these other challenges,” Entz said. “Strong development partners can be hard to

Shannon Entz, left, and Naomi Leipold at 1616 N. McKinley Ave. in the Plaza District. find, but a few have taken our offers to help with funding.”

Entz realizes some of the newly built homes might not sell quickly, but she is OK with that.

“It’s a start, and we have to start somewhere,” she said.

Tracking progress

Many of the programs offered in the three SNI neighborhoods are available in other communities, and the city is undertaking revitalization efforts in other neighborhoods across town.

However, by creating boundaries for three specific neighborhoods, the city can better track its progress.

Naomi Leipold, an urban planner with the city, regularly reviews data on building permits in the three SNI communities to determine if the program is working, which could take years before an ultimate label of success is given.

However, even just a few months into the program, there are success stories visible on each street as new investments are made in old neighborhoods.

“Every city should be focusing on their old neighborhoods, but it’s hard,” Entz said. “For us, it’s about realizing that if we want things to improve, we have to do something about it.”

‘Becoming great’

OKC’s planning department spent several years studying hundreds of neighborhood datasets, economic statistics and social indicators before selecting the three neighborhoods.

“This was not about seeing what neighborhoods are the worst; that’s not the threshold for this program,” Entz said. “It’s for neighborhoods that are at the tipping point to becoming great.”

A drive through each neighborhood offers a tour of hundreds of boarded-up homes, empty lots left over from the federal government’s urban renewal

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North Highland Park is directly south of the state capitol and is northwest of the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Classen Ten-Penn includes McKinley Park, the Plaza District and city-owned property along 10th St. that could be developed in the near future. The neighborhood has nearly 110 vacant lots and 176 vacant buildings. There are also 938 residential units.

The Culbertson East Highland neighborhood is directly east of the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and includes F.D. Moon Elementary. There are 721 residential units and 94 public housing units.

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NEWS RELIGION

exhibit will run oct. 11 - oct. 31 with an artist’s reception on saturday, oct. 11 at 7pm

Faith and fear American — and Oklahoman — Muslims and Christians, among others, work to educate our community and dispel fear about Islam.

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As Imam Imad Enchassi looks out over the hundreds of Muslims gathered for Friday afternoon prayer, he can see the stress in many faces.

There is nothing comfortable about being Muslim in modern America as politicians, cable news talking heads and popular television series project Islam as a radical and violent religion.

Enchassi, who oversees a congregation at the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City in northwest OKC, said last month’s horrendous decapitation of a Moore woman by a man who claimed to be Muslim was a tragedy for the victims and their families.

Though the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it found no ties to terrorism in that case, Enchassi said it is a catalyst that puts Muslims on edge as they encounter fear, misunderstanding, accusations and hate-imbued scowls.

Weeks before, Oklahoma lawmaker Sen. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw) called the Muslim faith a “cancer” and told local TV station News9, “Muslim Americans who subscribe to Islam are just as bad as ISIS [the Islamic State group].”

‘We must love all humanity’

It’s not just high-profile politicians and individual acts of violence in the name of Islam that put the state’s nearly 40,000 Muslims on edge. In between the headlines, there are passing remarks in grocery stores, bumper stickers on trucks telling Muslims to go home and extra stops and searches at airports, all incidents that local Muslims said are a common occurrence.

In Oklahoma, a state that likes to promote religious values, individual freedom and common courtesy, Muslims often feel like their faith is under attack, that they lack the same

type of freedom afforded to others and that the state’s customary friendly wave to a stranger is replaced by accusatory stares.

The irony of associating violence with the Islamic faith is apparent minutes into Enchassi’s message to those gathered for Friday prayer.

“We must love all humanity,” Enchassi said. “A person that kills one soul, it’s as if he has killed humanity.”

The message continues with a theme of peace and love toward others as over 1,000 practicing Muslims are kneeled in front of Enchassi.

Throughout the mosque, there are posters that advocate nonviolence and peace and specifically rebuke acts of terror committed by others in the name of Islam.

“The Quran teaches us that only love can combat hate, only good can combat evil,” Enchassi said. “Hating back is not going to solve the problem; it’s going to amplify the problem.

‘Love always overcomes evil’

America’s Muslim community has been the target of fearmongering and scrutiny for decades, which increased following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

However, 14 years later, amidst continued reports of Islamic extremism across the world, Muslim community leaders say they continue to be targeted for abuse.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), which tracks ethnically motivated crimes, reports that hate crimes against Muslims jumped 50 percent in 2010 and has remained high over recent years.

“The actual number of reported anti-Muslim hate crimes is small for a country the size of the United States, but the FBI statistics are known to be notoriously understated, in part

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OUT WITH THE OLD. IN WITH THE REBATE. top Adam Soltani, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, discusses a pamphlet with a member of the Islamic Society of Oklahoma City. above Members and guests of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City attend an afternoon prayer service. because more than half of hate crimes are never reported to police,” reported the Southern Poverty Law Center in its spring Intelligence Report. “Two major Department of Justice (DOJ) studies have indicated that the real level of hate crimes in America is some 20 to 30 times higher than the numbers reported over the years by the FBI, which are simply compilations of state statistics.”

Earlier this year in Tulsa, a man was charged under the state hate crime statute after allegedly hitting a woman who was wearing a headdress and vandalizing her car while calling her a “fucking Muslim bitch,” reports claim.

Last year, an OKC mosque was vandalized for the second time, and local Islamic rights leaders say they often receive hateful or threating emails.

‘America is my home’

In addition to practicing their faith, communities like the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City seek to help others learn more about Islam.

During a recent event at Penn Square Mall, Muslims publicly protested the actions of the radical Islamic State group (ISIS), the Middle East terrorist group responsible for the decapitation of Westerners.

Local Muslims also have been heavily involved in relief efforts following recent storms. Several groups, including the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), regularly meet with lawmakers to promote equality and understanding.

However, Adam Soltani, CAIR executive director, gives a long pause

when asked if he believes bigotry is waning toward Oklahoman Muslims.

“The difference we see now, over the past several years, is just having that support from the interfaith community, social justice and minority groups, is just unbelievable,” Soltani said.

Days after the workplace violence in Moore, the Oklahoma Conference of Churches released a statement in support of this state’s Muslim community.

“Along with our Muslim brothers and sisters, we affirm that true Islam is, in essence, a religion of peace and that those inflicting violence in the name of Islam are perverting Islam for their own ends,” the statement said.

Soltani said that interfaith and community support also has grown in recent years. However, there is still room to grow.

“By the sheer influx of hate mail and calls we receive, we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “But we are still working.”

A recent conversation with several practicing Muslims in OKC revealed gratitude for those who are accepting of them, but at the same time, they are hurt by the way their home country and state sometimes rebukes their faith.

“People may say, ‘Go back to where you came from,’” one Muslim man said. “But America is my home. I am just as American as they are.”

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OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 9

Robbie Kienzle

Painting the town The city is working with artists and developers to create more public art projects.

BY BEN FELDER

City launches new app

A new mobile application from the city launches Wednesday, Oct. 8. It will allow residents to quickly report problems to the city’s action center.

The app will let residents select

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from issues including graffiti, tall grass, traffic flow problems and others.

Also, users will be able to leave a note and mark their location via GPS. The app also will provide a link to city information, including event calendars, ward maps and contact info.

The app can be found in various app stores by searching “OKC Gov.” MARK HANCOCK

Oklahoma City is looking for artists who can be used during future public art projects.

The city’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs is establishing a new pool of pre-qualified artists and artist teams that can be considered for work on future projects with a budget of up to $25,000.

“Having the pool of artists will allow us to move more quickly [and] allow us to share info quicker with neighborhoods and developers on artists they can use for public projects,” said Robbie Kienzle, the city’s art liaison. “We get a lot of questions from developers on how to select an artist or who they should be selected. This will provide them with names of artists they can be confident in.”

Artists who work in both two- and three-dimensional work, as well as those who work with more functional forms, such as lighting, bike racks and benches, are encouraged to apply.

“We can’t guarantee projects [for artists], but I meet with people all the time who are asking about artists,” Kienzle said.

Opportunities could also come through the city’s “one percent for arts” ordinance that dedicates one percent of a construction budget on a new city building or facility to public art.

A public meeting on the prequalified artists program is 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th St. More info can be found at okc.gov/arts.

Pat Ryan

Council workshop held

Members of the Oklahoma City Council took time last week to review accomplishments and set new priorities for the city government during a strategic planning workshop that is held every two years. “[I think we have seen] a validation of the story that we have been telling for the last couple of years,” Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer said. “I think we have really translated the concept of MAPS into a reality.”

Salyer, along with the rest of the council, began the meeting by creating a list of things the city has gotten right in recent years. That list included implementation of MAPS projects,

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an increased focus on transit and a deeper relationship with the city’s school system.

The council also took time to address areas in need of improvement, a list that included improved park maintenance, increased transit ridership and continued progress in local education.

“I don’t think we have done what we intended to do, which is move the needle on city schools,” said Ward 8 Councilman Pat Ryan.

“In my area, there are a lot of new subdivisions being built with signs that read ‘Piedmont Schools,’ ‘Deer Creek Schools.’ I haven’t seen one sign that says ‘Oklahoma City Schools.’”

The council agreed that it would like to continue working with the OKC school district in various ways, which have already included funding for afterschool programs and development by the city’s transit department on a bus pass program for students.

Mayor Mick Cornett also listed several areas on which he would like to see the city focus its attention in the coming months and years.

“A comprehensive plan that encourages density, increase the use of public transit, more dollars for street resurfacing, increase our per capita income and help ensure the Main Street Fairness Act gets out of congress,” Cornett said.

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Say what?

“The new execution protocols are a slap in Oklahoma’s face. The government took a process already corrupted by secrecy and made it even more difficult for the public to know anything about it.”

Those are the words of Ryan Kiesel, executive director of ACLU of Oklahoma, following the announcement of new execution protocols by state prison officials.

Some of the new protocols include higher dosage of the same drug that was used on an inmate earlier this year that resulted in complications before he ultimately died. There will also be new training programs and contingency plans.

However, Kiesel specifically referred to the reduction in the number of media members that will be allowed to view a future execution from 12 to five.

The state will also not provide additional details on the drugs it uses, which has been requested by the ACLU, prisoners and the media outlets.

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CHiCKEN CKEN Everybody panic!

FR FRiED NEWS

The best non-story story last week came out of Moore, where surveillance cameras filmed an unauthorized man walking into Moore High School’s Fine Arts Building. Police described him as an #1 Arab male in his 40s DAD with a thick Arabic accent.

Repeat: Arab.

You would have thought the guy was wearing an “I’m with ISIS” T-shirt or something because local authorities and media outlets were basically ready to call in the National Guard. It turns out the poor guy — who was rocking shorts and a baseball cap — just wanted to enroll his kids at the school.

Granted, the man’s approach was unorthodox. He reportedly asked students and teachers about certain security concerns like the location of the nearest police department and the number of on-campus officers, among other things. Maybe because, you know, it’s 2014 and parents might need to

know these things.

But this, of course, set off the “Arab? Security? Oh my God we’re gonna die!” alarm in the fearful hearts of Islamophobes. Let’s be honest: If it was a white man in shorts and a baseball cap who walked through that door, we’d be talking about his questionable wardrobe, not his skin color.

A helluva collection

A man’s gotta have a hobby, and it’s best if it’s a wholesome one. That’s just what president of Hobby Lobby Steve Green talked about at a luncheon address recently, according to The Christian Post. He said when he’s not heading a multimillion-dollar company, he’s collecting Bible artifacts, and really expensive ones at that.

This is the company that gained great nationwide notoriety in June with a landmark Supreme Court case exempting the owners from covering the cost of some methods of birth

control for employees due to the owners’ religious convictions.

Addressing the city of Owasso, Green told about times when Hobby Lobby was not at the top of its game (read: losing money). Thanks to the recent good fortune, he plans to “operate the company according to the principles He has given us in his word.”

We take that to mean that he’s possibly blowing all that cash it’s saving in paying for birth control on rare Bible-era finds. Green is also using his wealth to open a Bible museum in Washington, DC in 2017.

We just hope it has a display of Jesus riding a dinosaur.

Witchy woman

Stories like this pop up each year about this time: Someone dressed in a scary costume scares someone and the police are dispatched to deal with the mania.

But this story is truly bizarre.

OKC grandmother Geneva Robinson

was arrested recently after local police discovered she donned a witch costume while disciplining her 7-year-old kin.

According to KFOR.com, the youth told DHS workers that Robinson became “Nelda” when she wore a green mask and witch hat while taking her to the garage and punishing her by making her sleep there. Nelda also told the child that “the creatures in the attic were going to come get her,” KFOR.com reported.

“If it wasn’t serious, it would be laughable,” Tracie Spillman, a neighbor, told the news station. “I can’t believe it. I just think that’s not true.”

A housemate of Robinson, however, verified the report, adding that Robinson also regularly kicked him in the genitals.

Abuse is bad.

Violence is bad.

Police quickly arrested Robinson, and four children were placed in protective custody, KFOR. com reported.

No word on the status of Robinson’s broomstick.

Take a photo of yourself holding this sign and post to social media using #supportkgou Share what you like about KGOU and encourage your friends to do the same!

12 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Pacified?

Giddy up

Philip Anschutz, owner of The Oklahoman and a Denver-based businessman, was recently named 2015 Citizen of the West at the National Western Stock Show.

Yep, a rodeo crowned him king, and not of bareback riding. (Maybe of slinging some bull, but we jest.) He’s Citizen of the West, y’all!

In 1965, he founded The Anschutz Corp., and his endeavors include sports, lodging, D ENTA communications and more. His philanthropy work through the Anschutz Foundation (the guy likes the sound of his own name, apparently) helped earn him the award.

What sort of award could OKC give him to encourage him to let The Oklahoman be a bit more generous with its news coverage? Its daily circulation declined more than 42 percent between 2007 and 2012, according to figures from the Alliance for Audited Media.

Bummer.

L

Think pacifiers are just for babies? Think again. A man robbing people in Oklahoma City certainly doesn’t feel confined by convention.

He’s wanted for armed carjacking but is becoming infamous for committing his crimes while sucking on a pacifier.

He held a victim at gunpoint, stealing his wallet and car keys for a red 1997 Grand Prix Sept. 19, all while sporting his infantile fashion accessory.

REE F Scott Schaeffer, director of Oklahoma Poison Control, told News9.com that people tripping on hallucinogenic drugs often suck on pacifiers so they don’t grind their teeth.

So, you know, the suspect is probably doing some serious drugs and is wanted for a felony, but at least he’s not racking up an expensive bill for dental work.

The news even made it into a WTFark video.

Also, KOCO is calling him the Binky Bandit, so there’s that.

Gov. gets fit

Gov. Mary Fallin recently challenged Oklahoma’s youth to get fit with her aptly titled Get Fit initiative. She brought in pro-baller I TRIED. Kevin Durant.

Mr. MVP showed up to the Capitol and talked for a few minutes about how his mother always encouraged him to be active and play sports as a child.

(Yeah, that’s sweet.)

Fallin then took the time to show off her b-ball skills, which resulted in a lot of weird faces and awkward photos of the governor.

If Durant isn’t enough to inspire our youth to get moving, then maybe the desire to handle the ball better than Fallin will.

A better way to kill

There’s more than one way to kill a convicted murderer, and state lawmakers said they were determined to come up

with alternatives for those who feel the current process of lethal injection isn’t good enough.

“A formal interim study [on nitrogen gas for executions] requested by Oklahoma City Republican Mike Christian will be held ... before the House Judiciary Committee,” reported NewsOK.com.

“Christian is a staunch supporter of the death penalty who says he plans to draft a bill for next year’s Legislature, which begins in February.”

The debate over execution methods was sparked by this year’s execution of Clayton Lockett who remained alive for nearly 45 minutes after an initial lethal injection, far longer than the process is supposed to take.

While there have been some across the country who have used the incident as a reason to call for the end of capital punishment, Oklahoma’s lawmakers haven’t seriously considered that option.

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www.midfirst.jobs OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 13

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10/2/14 11:26 AM

COMMENTARY

Community spirit and the new OKC

BY DAVID WANZER

When you get a minute, stop. Look around you, and you can sense the evergrowing spirit of community within Oklahoma City, the pride of place, the collaborative efforts to strengthen and improve our city. I can feel it — it’s palpable. This is in stark contrast to those days not so long ago when we were often reluctant to answer the question “So, where are you from?”

Notice the cool (and free) neighborhood events happening every weekend and almost every night of the week? Monthly Friday night events like H&8th Night Market, LIVE on the Plaza, Premier on Film Row and the venerable First Friday Gallery Walk in the Historic Paseo Arts District attract a diverse crowd and make every Friday night a potential date night out on the town.

What about other monthly and annual events like Auto Alley Shop Hop,

6 Degrees of Bacon, The Girlie Show (we will miss you) or Better Block OKC? Family-friendly things to do include the annual Wiggle Out Loud family music festival, Summer Movie Nights and Sunday Twilight Concert Series at Myriad Botanical Gardens — again, all free.

For those interested in outdoor healthy living events, I can’t count the number of 5ks, bicycle rides, river sports events and yoga studios in town, not to mention OKC’s flagship athletic event, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Then there are the 41 Oklahoma City Thunder home games a year (plus playoffs!) that even non-sports fans have embraced and welcomed, chanting “O-KC” and buying Thunder tees designed by local artists and sold citywide.

Our friends, family, neighbors and entire community are clamoring for and embracing every opportunity to get involved and be a part of this new

OKC. Witness the fact that 20,000 people showed up for the Open Streets OKC inaugural event, which shut down Uptown 23rd Street from Western to Robinson avenues one Sunday afternoon in March. I even brought my parents from Guthrie to enjoy the event, and they did.

Real and authentic community spirit and community-building is taking hold in OKC. This city proves that people crave to be connected to one another.

Community spirit sometimes only triumphs after tragedy. Something special is occurring here right now; community spirit is rallying in the most positive way.

Everyone seems to be working together for the greater good of our metro area. We want to see others succeed and build our sense of togetherness instead of being envious of each other’s success and becoming bogged down in petty competitiveness and differences.

Community leaders such as local

Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

business owner and H&8th Night Market co-founder Laura Massenat, artist and Plaza District Association executive director Kristen Vails and arts advocate Jonathan Fowler epitomize this spirit with their efforts and energies. This spirit is contagious, spreading statewide, as nearby towns like Guthrie and Edmond create their own community events inspired by the success of H&8th.

If you want to make a difference, all you have to do is make the effort, become a voice. The pioneer spirit that we were founded on is truly alive and well. You can make an impact, make your mark and make a difference.

This spirit and energy is building a city like we have never experienced before.

I encourage you to participate — to get involved, show up and build community.

David Wanzer is an Oklahoma City-based developer and designer with a passion for modern architecture, adaptive re-use and community-building.

LETTERS Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette.com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

Silent majority

Recent headlines have brought news about radicals to Oklahoma City, and standard rebuttals are about peaceful religion. The problem is the silence of the majority is drowned out by the actions of the few.

On scales from international to local, radicals take action and justify their actions in the name of religion.

Those who remain silent and take no action to eliminate radicals from their religions are accepting and supporting those same radicals as representatives.

By staying a silent majority, it no longer has control of its religion.

Radicals hijack beliefs for their efforts, changing the doctrines and public opinion.

14 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Silence is not peaceful; it is agreement. The faithful majority needs to take responsibility for its religions.

In short, because action defends peace, not silence.

— Vern Kaiser Oklahoma City Where did the love go?

I just wanted to express my dislike for the changes in Oklahoma Gazette’s Best of OKC campaign. As a local business owner who is helping bring jobs to OKC and improve the health of our city, it is very sad to see you remove the category for Best Shoe Store or Best Sports Store.

I mean, come on. You have a category for Best Place to Spot a Hipster. Where is the love? Hopefully some things can change for next year and we can all work to promote the positive in OKC! — Jon Beck Oklahoma City Citizens United case

On Sept. 11, Sen. Jim Inhofe voted to continue Citizens United, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that said

it’s OK for corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on ads calling for the election or defeat of individual candidates.

In other words, to open the floodgates for money in politics. That means that billionaires like casino magnate Sheldon Adelson or the big-oil Koch brothers can “buy” candidates and elections, thus destroying our democracy.

Specifically, Inhofe voted with other Republicans to filibuster an amendment to overturn Citizens United. A filibuster, in this case, means that 60 votes would be needed to overturn Citizens United. The

vote was 54 (52 Democrats plus two Independents) in favor and 42 (Republicans) against, falling short of the 60 votes needed to defeat the filibuster and proceed to a final vote in the Senate to overturn Citizens United.

Sen. Tom Coburn did not vote.

Without the filibuster, the amendment would have passed with 54 votes.

It will be our turn on Nov. 4 to vote for or against Sen. Jim Inhofe, who will be on our ballot.

— Wanda Jo Stapleton Former State Representative Oklahoma City

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 15

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recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

BOOKS Nikki Loftin Book Signing, author of The Sinister Sweetness and Nightingale’s Nest. 5-6:30 p.m., Oct. 9.

Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Rd., Edmond, 340-9202, bestofbooksedmond.com. THU Kelsey Humphreys Book Signing, author of Go Solo: How to Quit the Job You Hate and Start a Small Business You Love, 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 9. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 842-2900, fullcirclebooks. com. THU Natasha Whitman Book Signing, author of Worlds and Men, 3-4:30 p.m., Oct. 11. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 842-2900, fullcirclebooks. com. SAT Hardy Jones Poetry Reading, author of Every Bitter Thing and People of the Good God will be reading his works, 2 p.m., Oct. 12. The Depot, 200 S. Jones, Norman.

SUN Lee Wilson Book Signing, author of Rebel on Pointe, her memoir, 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 14. Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 Northwest Expressway, 842-2900, fullcirclebooks. com. TUE P.C. & Kristen Cast Book Signing, authors of Redeemed, the final novel of the House of Night series, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 15. Hastings, 2300 W. Main St., Norman, 329-5527.

WED

FILM Addicted: Live With Zane, (U.S., 2014, dir. Bille Woodruff) based of the best-selling novel, an artist risks losing her family and career when she has an affair with a talented painter, 7 p.m., Oct. 9. Cinemark Tinseltown, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave., 424-0461. THU The Strange Little Cat, (Denmark, 2013, dir. Ramon Zurcher) a day in the life of a German family, their interactions, humor, drama and whatever else comes along, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 9. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. THU

The Hunt The Oklahoma City University Film Institute kinda knows what it’s doing. The school — headed by acclaimed director Fritz Kiersch — shows some of the best foreign and art house films around with its film series, and it all starts with Thomas Vinterberg’s The Hunt. The Danish drama about a teacher’s custodial battle was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at last year’s Academy Awards, and you can see it 2 p.m. Sunday in Kerr-McGee Auditorium in OCU’s Meinders School of Business, NW 27th Street and McKinley Avenue. Admission is free. Call 208-5472 or visit okcu.edu/film-lit.

Sunday Bird People, (France, 2014, dir. Pascale Ferran) an engineer from Silicon Valley visits Paris and abruptly quits his job and leaves his wife; a turn of events brings him and a young hotel housekeeper together, 5:30, 8 p.m., Oct. 10-11; 2 p.m., Oct. 12. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRISUN

HAPPENINGS

Unfair: Exposing the IRS, (US, 2014, dir. Judd Sual) investigative documentary over IRS’s abuse of power, 7 p.m., Oct. 14. Cinemark Tinseltown, 6001 N. Martin Luther King Ave., 424-0461. TUE

Plant Walk: Trees with the Best Fall Interest, join Mark Bays as he goes through the most colorful trees for fall, noon-1 p.m., Oct. 10. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, myriadgardens.org. FRI

Fall Plant Sale, held by OSU-OKC Agriculture division, including pansies, ornamental kale, cabbage, dianthus and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8-11. Horticulture Greenhouse, 400 N. Portland Ave. WED-SAT

Haunt the River, Halloween-themed river cruise featuring decorated boat, scary tunes, light snacks and drinks, 8 p.m., Oct. 10. Oklahoma River Cruises, 1503 Exchange Ave., 702-7755, okrivercruises.com. FRI

SNACKS & SANDWICHES

Terror on 10th Street Haunted House, learn the ghostly history behind the house of horrors on this guided tour, 7-11 p.m., Oct. 10-12. Terror on 10th Street, 2005 NW 10th St., 232-1816, facebook.com/terroron10thstreet.

FRI-SUN Edmond Historic Cemetery Tours, history, ghost stories and folk lore of Edmond, 4-7 p.m., Oct. 11. Gracelawn Cemetery, 24 E. First St., Edmond, 359-4555. SAT Essential Oils Class, learn natural ways to clean your home and rid it of chemicals, 7 p.m., Oct 14. Uptown Grocery Co., 1230 W. Covell Rd., Edmond, 509-2700, uptowngroceryco.com. TUE

PROVIDED

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

P ROVI DE D

OKG picks are events

Pumpkinville It’s officially fall, you guys. And you know what that means: pumpkins. That’s right; everyone’s favorite form of squash is already adorning patios, filling pies and spicing lattes, but nobody does pumpkin like Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Pumpkinville, which features about 3,000 of the things. See the autumn wonderland in all its glory beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave. Admission is free for members and $3-$5 for nonmembers. Call 445-7080 or visit myriadgardens.org.

M-F 7am-6:30pm • Sat 9:30am-4pm 2310 N Western 524-0887 1 6 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Friday–Wednesday, ongoing

FOOD Evening Cooking Class, learn to make biscotti, crackers and scones, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Oct. 8. Francis Tuttle Technology Center-Rockwell Campus, 12777 N. Rockwell Ave., 717-4900, francistuttle.edu. WED Chai Spiced Hot Tea, learn to make a favorite fall drink, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Oct. 9. Francis Tuttle Technology CenterRockwell Campus, 12777 N. Rockwell Ave., 717-4900, francistuttle.edu. THU Mexican Chicken Casserole, learn to make a delicious meal, 1 p.m., Oct. 11. Buy For Less, 3501 Northwest Expressway, 946-6342, buyforlessok.com. SAT Why Wait? Choose Your Weight, steps to living a healthier lifestyle, 2 p.m., Oct. 13. Buy For Less, 3502 Northwest Expressway, 946-6343, buyforlessok.com.

MON

YOUTH Story and Craft Time, each week read a new story and make a related craft while exploring colors and other elements, 11-11:30 a.m., Oct. 8. Unpluggits Playstudio, 575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond, 340-7584, unpluggits.com. WED Mummy Madness Event, make your own mummy and get in the Halloween spirit, 10 a.m.-noon, Oct. 11. Michaels, 5012 N. May Ave., 942-8920, michaels.com. SAT Junior Gazette.pdf

Harvest Stories at Which Hazel’s, spooky stories in the children’s garden along with a craft, 11 a.m., Oct. 11. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, myriadgardens.org. SAT

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4:18 PM

Drop-in Art: Lego Prints, join guest artists as they interact with families to create extraordinary works of art inspired by the Museum’s collection, exhibitions and special occasions, 1-4 p.m., Oct. 11. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. SAT Home School Day, a program specifically designed for mixed age groups, explore the museum, partake in a scavenger hunt, demonstrations and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 13.

Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter. MON

PERFORMING ARTS An Inspector Calls, Downton Abbey meets Sherlock thriller, an inspector investigates the mysterious death of a young girl, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8-10; 2 & 8 p.m., Oct. 11. Lyric Theatre, 1727 NW 16th St., 524-9312, lyrictheatreokc.com. WED-SAT

PROVIDED

Laugh on Thursdays, stand-up comedy featuring Amanda Kerri, Brett James, Joel Decker and Jeramy Westbrook, 8:30 p.m., Oct. 9. 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St., 463-0470, 51stspeakeasy.com. THU

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Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival

CMY

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The title says it all. The Watonga Cheese &Wine Festival is a cheese and wine festival in Watonga, which, in itself, is a thing to behold.

But if you need further convincing, in addition to cheese competitions and local vineyard tastings, there is also a competitive bike race, a parade, an art show and live music. The 38th installment of the Oklahoma staple takes place 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday–Saturday in downtown Watonga. Admission is free, and wristbands are $5-$8.

Visit watongacheesefestival.com.

Friday–Saturday

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 17

continued

OKC Improv Fall Run, improv comedy, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 10-11. Reduxion Theatre Company, 1613 N. Broadway Ave., 456-9858, okcimprov.com. FRI-SAT ‘Art’, Tony Award-winning comedy by Yasmina Reza about three friends and their interpretation of modern art, 8 p.m., Oct. 10-11. Actors Casting & Talent Services, 30 NE 52nd St., 702-0400, actorscasting. com. FRI-SAT

ACTIVE Meditation Class, join the Buddha Mind meditation class and lecture on Buddhist principles to help you relieve your discontented mind and find the peace within, 7-8 p.m., Oct. 8. Buddha Mind Monastery, 5916 S. Anderson Rd., 869-0501, ctbuddhamind.org. WED NAGA Southwest Grappling Championship, nationally ranked grappling tournament featuring both individual and team competition, 8 a.m., Oct. 11.

Cox Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens, 602-8500, coxconventioncenter.com. SAT HITS Running Festival, a run for the whole family featuring a one-mile walk, 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon, 7 a.m., Oct. 12. Remington Park, 1 Remington Place, 424-9000, remingtonpark.com. SUN Yoga at IAO, get some peace of mind, body and spirit during your lunch hour, 12:30 p.m., Oct. 14. IAO Art Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan Ave., 232-6060, iaogallery. org. TUE

A Fragile Existence, photography exhibit by Mark Zimmerman explores the battle his wife fought against breast cancer. University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, 974-2000, uco.edu.

Border Land Other, photography exhibit featuring works of British photographer, K. Yoland. Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., 951-000, oklahomacontemporary.org.

Burlesque Diva dia Muertos, a feminist tribute exhibit

by Marilyn Artus. AKA Gallery, 3001 Paseo St., 6062522, akagallery.net.

Can You Hear Me Now?, sculptor Holly Wilson creates figures that act as storytellers of life. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 360-1162, mainsite-art.com.

Dialogos E Interpretaciones II: The Americas, a North and South American print exchange featuring over 50 artists. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 360-1162, mainsite-art.com.

Dr. Who Tardis Painting Class, group paining class with supplies included, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 9. On the Edge, 1218 N. Pennsylvania Ave., facebook.com/ OnTheEdgeOKC. THU Drama, Death, Dirge: Fredric Remington’s American West, dramatic portrayals of the American West inspired by the media and entertainment industries.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma.

Gallery Talk: Kristen Dorsey, a Chickasaw Metalsmith and jewelry maker gives a presentation on the history of Southwestern jewelry, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 8-9.

PROVIDED

OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies, preseason NBA basketball, 7 p.m., Oct. 14. Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, nba.com/thunder. TUE

VISUAL ARTS

Bridal R i ng s

&

We d di ng B a n ds

B y B ev e rl ey K

G r a c e f u l Fe m i n i n i t y w i t h l a c y , v i n ta g e f i l i g r e e s e t i n p l at i n u m w i t h d i a m o n d s

Gloria Cubed

Financing available WAC

It’s not often that you get three Glorias in the same room together, much less in the form of a musical performance. The opening concert of Canterbury Choral Society’s 46th season, Gloria [Cubed], features three pieces with “Gloria” in the title: Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, “Gloria in excelsis” from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor and Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. The performance is 8 p.m. Friday at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. Tickets are $15-$55.

Call 297-2264 or visit okcciviccenter.com.

Sunday

1 8 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

P R OVI DE D

Evil Dead: The Musical Yep. That’s right. Singing zombies.

Sam Raimi’s cult film gets the stage treatment in Evil Dead: The Musical, a raucous, demented and flat-out entertaining take on the zombie-horror genre. If you dare, creep your way to this performance, which begins 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday at The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., in Guthrie. The show runs through Nov. 1, and tickets are $16.25-$27.25. Call 282-2800 or visit thepollard.org.

Friday–Saturday, ongoing

Exhibit C, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., Ste. 100, 767-8900, chickasawcountry.com. WED-THU Glass Act, powdered glass exhibit. Jann Jeffrey Gallery, 3018 Paseo St., 607-0406, jannjeffrey.com.

Live on the Plaza, monthly art-walk event which promotes emerging artistic talent in Oklahoma City.

Plaza District, 1618 N. Gatewood Ave., 367-9403, plazadistrict.org. FRI Macrocosm/Microcosm, abstract expressionism in the American Southwest. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma.

The Hub of Creativity, local artists and car lovers created their own works of art using old hubcaps. The Hub of Creativity, 800 N. Broadway Ave..

Westward Ho!, exhibit featuring pastelist Dale Martin’s Western works. The Summer Wine Art Gallery, 2928 B Paseo St., 831-3279, summerwinegallery.com.

Women in Focus, photography exhibit celebrating women around the world from Shevaun Williams and Vanessa Rudloff. Shevaun Williams & Associates Commercial Photography, 221 E. Main Street, Norman, 329-6455, shevaunwilliams.com.

ISIS FISHER

New and Recent Works, oil paintings from artist Verna Fuller and Carol Shanahan’s colorful acrylic paintings.

Contemporary Art Gallery, 2928 Paseo St., 601-7474, contemporaryartgalleryokc.com.

Renewed, features upcycled artwork by artists Brett McDanel and Eric Carbrey. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th St., 604-6602, kasumcontemporary.com.

Acid Off Artists like Isis Fisher are the reason The Womb — that dazzlingly trippy art space in Automobile Alley — exists. The Portlander’s challenging, provocative and disorienting pieces utilize intricate patterns and nuanced psychedelia, making for a uniquely stylized artistic statement. Her new exhibit, Acid Off, opens 7 p.m. Saturday at Womb Gallery, 25 NW Ninth St. Admission is free. Call 600-6366 or visit wombgallery.com.

Saturday, ongoing

For OKG music picks see page 41

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 19

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East Style EastCoast Coast Style

Fresh Seafood, Killer Pasta & So Much More.

Fresh Seafood, Killer Pasta & So Much More.

Authentic Fish & Chips @ Northpark Monday Night Football

Wednesday Night F&C

$5.00 Happy Hour menu at the bar $5.00 F&C “Snack Pack”

English Style Beer Battered F&C Platter for only $14.00

12252 N. May Avenue • Rococo-Restaurant.com 20 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

COMING THIS FALL TO MIDTOWN OKC

HOUSEMADE SAUSAGE GERMAN BEERS BAVARIAN PRETZELS BEER GARDEN HAND CUT FRIES LIVE MUSIC

421 NW 10TH STREET

P HOTOS BY M A RK HA N COC K

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

They might be giant (dishes)

clockwise from upper left, Adana kebab, mille-feuille dessert, Istanbul Sampler and a cup of lentil soup at Istanbul Turkish Cuisine.

Sing a song and do a dance for a great taste of Istanbul.

BY GREG ELWELL

Istanbul Turkish Cuisine 3604 N. MAY AVE. 943-4000 WHAT WORKS: ISTANBUL DONER AND ADENA KEBOB ARE FLAVOR-PACKED. WHAT NEEDS WORK: THE FALAFEL IS TOUGHER THAN I LIKE. TIP: GET THE FREE HOT TEA WHEN YOU SIT DOWN. IT’S TRULY DELIGHTFUL.

As one of my favorite songs goes, “Istanbul was Constantinople. Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople. If you’ve a date in Constantinople, she’ll be waiting in Istanbul.”

We have a local version, too. But it’s slightly less catchy. In OKC, Istanbul was a place called Taste of Egypt. And if you’ve got a date at Taste of Egypt, she might be trying to get rid of you.

But even if you head to Istanbul Turkish Cuisine, 3604 N. May Ave., alone, you’ll still have a good time.

I mean, companionship is nice, but is it better than food? A lifetime of overeating tells me no.

To start off, I think the Istanbul Sampler ($9.99 for a small, $13.99 for a large) is a great introduction to the differences between Turkish food and other, similar cuisine. Don’t go in expecting it to be completely exotic. If you like gyros and hummus, they’ve got

you covered.

The falafel ($5.95)? It was kind of dry. Istanbul’s version is more like a chickpea patty, whereas I’m fond of the spherical falafel, which is both tender and crispy. A bit better was the falafel durum ($5.95), which is a sandwich.

The crushed falafel mixed with creamy sauce and crunchy vegetables is an enjoyable combination.

I liked the flavor of the lentil soup ($3.99), but it was too thin. I had hoped for more lentils and less broth, but you might feel differently.

When I ordered the Istanbul doner ($11.95), I somehow glossed over the description in the menu and was ever so slightly surprised to find out that this is a gyro plate. “Seasoned ground beef and lamb combination, marinated overnight” — of course it’s gyro meat. And if you think I’m disappointed by that, you are wrong. As a platter, it comes with lots of meat, some pita bread pieces, grilled vegetables and a really flavorful Turkish rice pilaf. It’s a lot of food. And that’s coming from me.

The Adana kebab ($11.95) is a ground lamb and spice meatball threaded onto a skewer and grilled.

With rice, tomatoes and peppers, it’s plenty filling and quite tasty.

One dish that had me puzzled

As a platter, it comes with lots of meat, some pita bread pieces, grilled vegetables and a really flavorful Turkish rice pilaf.

and intrigued was the Kiymali Pide, a ground beef crust pizza for $10.95. It’s a pizza in a very “well, that’s technically one way to define a pizza” sort of way. Which isn’t a complaint. It’s got a tender crust folded up around the edges and cut into strips. The seasoned ground beef is both sauce and topping, but there’s no cheese. Instead, you taste the full force of the tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic.

If you get the baklava ($1.50 per piece), it’s good. It’s flaky and covered in honey and crunchy and soft all at once; it’s baklava. Have you had baklava? It’s mandatory.

Istanbul is an exotic little treat.

Not all your old favorites are just the way you remember them, but it’s the differences that make trying new places

exciting. Go. Sound like an idiot trying to pronounce a new word. Smile and look a goon when you take a bite of your new favorite Turkish dish.

Flat dough for Turkish bread puffs up while baking in the oven.

An Adana kebab cooks over charcoals.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 21

ALL YOU CAN EAT

CATFISH 8 FREE

WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY 2 ENTREES

$ 00

VALUE

EXP. 10/13/2014

BACON CHEESE FRIES

LIFE FOOD & DRINK

Let there be bacon Downtown OKC, Inc. is back with its wildly successful bacon-themed fundraiser.

THURS 11AM-8PM | FRI-SAT 11AM-9PM | SUN 7AM-7PM

HIGHWAY 77 & MAIN ST., MULHALL, OK

649-2229 WWW.LUCILLESOK.COM www.bleugarten.com

@bleugarten.com

Get ready for the

6 Degrees of Bacon 7-9 P.M. OCT. 16 1114 N. HARVEY AVE. DOWNTOWNOKC.COM/6-DEGREES-BACON 235-3500

b1g

game Tailgating without the clean-up

BEER

301 NW 10th - m1dtown okc

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

2701 N. Classen • 524-733 www.GrandHouseOKC.com

BY DEVON GREEN

2541 W Main • Norman • 310-6110 www.180MeridianGrill.com

$6 Lunch Special PICK 4 ITEMS

COMBO $7 LUNCH INCLUDES SOUP, CRAB RANGOON

Participating restaurants

LUNCH $7 SUSHI CHOICE OF 2 LUNCH ROLLS

Picasso Cafe Kamp’s 1910 Café Local Elemental Coffee Roasters Fassler Hall Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge James E. McNellie’s Public House Bricktown Brewery In the Raw Knucks Wheelhouse Coco Flow

& EGG ROLL

& MISO SOUP

$8 DIM SUM LUNCH

BOTH LOCATIONS

HAPPY HOUR

1/2 OFF ALL SUSHI ROLLS M-F • 4P-6P DINE-IN ONLY

2 2 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

It’s time for 6 Degrees of Bacon.

This has nothing to do with actor Kevin Bacon, although the name is a hat-tip to the game dealing with him and the possibility that he’s the lynchpin of, well, everything.

For Okies, bacon is the center of everything, too. Mr. Bacon, as far as we know, won’t be there. But bacon — lots of it — will be.

The wonderful things people do with the fatty cured pork will be on display and for consumption and include everything from cocktails to snacks and desserts.

Nineteen local restaurants will contribute up to three creations that creatively showcase bacon in all its glory.

This year’s event promises even more than previous years.

“We have more restaurants, so there are more options, of course,” said Cacky Poarch, media liaison for Downtown OKC, Inc. “There’s also an open bar provided by [Norman restaurant] Local with a special, bacon-inspired cocktail.”

This year’s event includes a bacon-tasting competition with bacon provided by Oklahoma Pork Council.

“Volunteers from the Midtown Rotary will be literally frying local

bacon right in front of you to taste,” Poarch said.

With each entry paid, Poarch said guests get tasting tickets so “every person is guaranteed a bite of every booth.” Also, guests are admitted to an after-party at The Blue Garten across the street for a “freshly minted can of free beer.”

The event will feature baconthemed games and a photo booth.

If you attended last year and saw the larger-than-life plush dancing pigs, you know they won’t miss this party.

Each year, there are delicious surprises. Last year’s surprise was the bacon maple milkshake. The Basement Modern Diner, located in RedPin Restaurant & Bowling Lounge, 200 S. Oklahoma Ave., proved a star of the show last year with its booze-y, bacon-y concoction.

And each guest gets a pink 6 Degrees of Bacon fanny pack.

Now in its third year, 6 Degrees of Bacon is presented by Downtown OKC, Inc. and benefits the Midtown Association, a sponsor of H&8th Night Market. The association promotes the district from within by helping with events and infrastructure.

Tickets sell fast and have sold out in past years. Visit downtownokc.com for more information, and click the 6 Degrees of Bacon link to purchase tickets.

1492 New World Latin Cuisine Packard’s New American Kitchen Kitchen No. 324 Irma’s Burger Shack The Basement Modern Diner The Garage Viceroy Grille at The Ambassador Hotel Pelotón Wine Bar & Cafe The Wedge Pizzeria Deep Deuce

Artsy Fartsy

FOOD BRIEFS

More cheese with that wine?

read

Watonga Cheese Festival is reborn with an added emphasis on wine and cheese pairings.

Art | Film | music | theAter in this issue

BY DEVON GREEN

ERI C WA RI N S KEY / P ROVI DED

plans. The monthlong celebration also encourages learning about our state’s rich farming history and where food comes from. To learn more and get involved, visit okfarmtoschool.com.

THURSDAY, NOV. 6 5-7PM

Fans gather at last year’s Watonga Cheese Festival, which has been renamed Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival this year. You can guess why.

Farm-to-school fork

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry announced its October Local Foods Challenge for Oklahoma schools to promote the use of local produce in school lunch plans.

The department also encourages schools to share recipe ideas and meal

First 300 registered receive

Locally grown food and creative recipes drive October’s Local Food Challenge in schools.

FREE BREWFEST T-SHIRT

Live music by Hosty Duo

Reds, Whites and Boots 2014

The Reds, Whites and Boots and An Iconic American Steakhouse Dinner benefits at Cattlemen’s Event Center, 1325 S. Agnew Ave., are good times for great causes.

Reds, Whites and Boots showcases many of the finest wines from California and Oregon and offers opportunities to bid on items from Nashville royalty while sipping wine.

Red, White and Boots is Friday and costs $65, and the Saturday dinner is $100, but you can purchase discount tickets for both for $150.

Saturday, dust off those boots for An Iconic American Steakhouse Dinner. The ticket treats you to a dinner that melds 184 years of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and Nashville’s Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse restaurant experience with a five-course meal with whiskey pairings.

Proceeds benefit Sanctuary Women’s Development Center, run

by Catholic Charities of Oklahoma, which helps homeless and low-income women and children, regardless of their affiliation. Also benefitting is Tailored for Education, which provides school uniforms for impoverished children all over the globe.

To purchase tickets and learn more, visit redswhitesandboots.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION $25

Includes 14 oz. Brewfest mug, free parking and samples of local craft beer, wine and spirits

DESIGNATED DRIVER $15 PROVIDE D

Watonga makes a lot of cheese.

So much so that for 38 years, it has had a festival to celebrate it. Two years ago, some enterprising soul said, “Hey, you know what goes great with wine?

We make a lot of in Oklahoma.” The answer is wine.

So while the festival has been going on for decades, Watonga Cheese Festival has been reinvented as Watonga Wine & Cheese Festival.

This weekend, downtown Watonga becomes home to live entertainment, crafts and all manner of food and drink.

There will be cook-offs, tastings and the Race the Rail bike-versus-train race from Watonga to Geary. For more information about the race, visit racetherail.com.

There will also be wines and cheeses picked to celebrate our state as players in both industries, and sensory and lab judging awards — including Best of Show and People’s Choice — will be given during the festival.

The festival is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday along Main Street in Watonga. For more information, visit watongacheesefestival.com.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Includes 2 non-alcoholic drinks and free parking

Tickets: okbio.org or 405.813.2428 MUST BE 21 TO ENTER

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 2 3

Sugar, spice, everything nice The sunlight doesn’t last as long and there’s a chill in the air that makes you want to reach for a fuzzy sweater, especially in the mornings.

Believe it or not, fall is here again already. The moment the seasons hint at change, our cravings change, too. Here are local places that offer the best of what this season has to offer.

— by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman

Pie Junkie

Kitchen No. 324

Wholly Grounds Coffee

1711 NW 16th St. piejunkie.com 605-8767

324 N. Robinson Ave. kitchen324.com 763-5911

8613 S. Western Ave. Suite A facebook.com/whollygroundscoffee 632-0444

Local pie mavens Pie Junkie set the bar for team pie in OKC, and with good reason: the sweet treats that come out of the kitchen on NW 16th Street are just so darn good.

You can find it around town at its bakery or at places like S&B’s Burger Joint, 5929 N. May Ave., and Bricktown Brewery, 1 N. Oklahoma Ave. While nothing matches the vibrant sunshine of summer in Oklahoma like strawberry-rhubarb, we can think of worse ways of saying good-bye to summer than with a big slice of apple or pecan pie.

Something about a hearty breakfast makes the chill in the air much easier to take. Be sure you don’t skimp when it comes to getting the most important meal of the day. This downtown eatery is a breakfast-lover’s dream, with fresh pastries, a coffee bar and plenty of choices so you can grab and go. For a great start that will warm you up and keep you going, start with a chai latte and a bowl of the steel-cut oats.

There is no shortage of autumn-themed sights and smells in the air at this coffee shop. The little eatery on S. Western Ave. got a new home last month, and it has been doling out fresh pastries and warm coffee drinks since. Nothing quite says fall like a pumpkin spice latte. Lucky for you, it has one of the nicest in town. Pair it with a freshly baked muffin and say hello to fall.

VALID ON DINNERS UP TO $1099 ONLY. DISCOUNT TAKEN OFF EQUAL OR LESSER PURCHASE. LIMIT 2 COUPONS PER PERSON. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES 10/15/14.

Belly Dancing Saturdays • 8:30

11AM-9PM | MON-SAT • 11AM-4PM | SUN

NW 50TH & MERIDIAN OKLAHOMASTATIONBBQ.COM 947.7277

24 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

6014 N. May • 947-7788 www.zorbasokc.com

The Red Cup

Paseo Grill

The Loaded Bowl

The Lobby Cafe & Bar

3122 N. Classen Blvd. facebook.com/redcupok 525-3430

2909 Paseo Drive paseogrill.com 601-1079

theloadedbowltruck.com 326-5532

4322 N. Western Ave. willrogerslobbybar.com 604-4650

This cozy cafe located in the space between the Asian District and the Historic Paseo Arts District is home to one of the finest vegetarian and vegan menus in town. The menu also features a whirlwind of choices of warm beverages for a cool autumn day. Daily specials include Cincinnati-style spaghetti made with chili, cheese, spaghetti and sour cream. Don’t forget to grab a few baked goods and a warm cup of tea for dessert.

This casual, delicious eatery is hidden just off the beaten path in the Historic Paseo Arts District and is well worth exploring.

The lunch and dinner menus both feature a wealth of classic, comfortable dishes done just right. For lunch, try the steak sandwich with prime rib and Gruyère cheese. Start every meal with the cream of mushroom soup. It’s wonderful. For dinner, go for a classic with the southwest meatloaf with tenderloin and chipotle red wine demiglace for an unforgettable meal.

Vegetarians and vegans might be wary, but The Loaded Bowl food truck offers some of the finest comfort food in the metro.

We’ve long stopped wondering how the truck manages to make going meatless such an incredibly delicious option. Just give us more of that cashew mac and cheese and meatless barbecue in the Down Home Bowl, and make it quick.

For a lunch or dinner treat that takes you back to the pleasures of eating at home, this Western Concepts eatery is a great choice. The grilled cheese is your childhood favorite all grown up with white cheddar and manchego cheeses, and the butternut squash soup is a hearty reminder of the pleasures that come with autumn produce.

254-5200 13509 HIGHLAND PARK DR. • COURTYARD MARRIOTT - NORTH

OPEN MON-SAT AT 4:30 LIKE US!

10712 N MAY-OKC • 405.755.2255 PAPADIOSOKC.COM OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 2 5

10 reasons to cross the river LIKE US ON

There’s much to explore south of the river in Capitol Hill. Here are 10 things to see and do near this district.

BY ANGELA BOTZER

GOT ISSUES?

Join us at BodyTrends on October 9th at 4--7 PM for our GET OUT THE VOTE Open House Event Invited Guests:

Joe Dorman, Gubernatorial Candidate Gov. Mary Fallin, Gubernatorial Candidate

9327 N. Penn, Casady Square, OKC

Your Vote determines

Oklahoma’s Future Bodytrendspa.com RSVP at 405.608.4477 Refreshments Provided

#BTGOTV

Free Trip Giveaway to one lucky Attendee

26 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Capitol Hill is home to a lively, vibrant Hispanic community.

Established in 1905 as a separate city, it merged with Oklahoma City in 1911. It has experienced many changes over the decades and is now a place alive with energy and growth. From the annual Historical Capitol Hill Fiestas de las Americas to tantalizing restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more, this district is where you need to be.

Restaurants

First stop is Taqueria Los Desvelados, 1516 SW 29th St. The carnitas burrito is a pork burrito, but perhaps it should be re-named a burro, as it is huge.

With an overgenerous amount of carnitas (little meats), it is filled with cheese, tomato and cilantro and served with pickled carrots, hot peppers, a lime wedge and an intensely spicy salsa. Order the lime Jarritos soda, sit back and look at the colorful wall murals — you will feel like you’re on vacation.

If you’re craving Salvadoran pupusas —who isn’t?— Pupuseria El Buen Gusto, 2336 SW 29th St., is where you need to be. Pupusa comes from an Uto-Aztecan word, pupusaw, a thick corn tortilla. The revuelta pupusa is filled with ground pork, cotija cheese and refried beans. Topped with curtido (a fermented cabbage slaw with chilies) and drizzled with a vinegary salsa, it is the real deal.

Two mariachi musicians happened to be playing when I arrived for lunch at El Jalisience, 816 SW 29th St.

The posole roja at El Asadero brings customers in on the weekend.

The 12-string guitar and accordion were perfect accompaniments for the pechuga de pollo.

The chicken is pounded flat and cooked with a spicy tomato and garlic coating. It came with a salad, rice, avocados, refried beans with cheese, flour tortillas and a salsa verde.

Saturdays and Sundays are pork pozole days at El Asadero, 2703 S. Western Ave. Pozole comes from the Nahuatl word potzolli and is said to be a ritual ceremonial dish in preHispanic Mexico. No ritual is needed to enjoy this warm, spicy soup. It is made with whole hominy and slowbraised pork. It’s topped with chopped radishes and shredded cabbage and pairs well with a strawberry Jarritos soda. It’s easy to get hooked on these fruit sodas.

Shopping

Bravo Ranch Supermercado, 420 SW 25th St., has everything for the Latin American cuisine gourmet cook: specialty food items and ingredients along with usual grocery store fare.

Its wide selection of fresh hot peppers alone is amazing. You can also find unique cookware such as cast-iron tortilla presses. Stop in the small in-store restaurant beforehand to avoid shopping hungry.

Get your Western on at El Rancho Western Wear, 833 SW 29th St. It carries Western boots of every color, size and style. Match them with a pair

P HOTOS BY S HA N N ON CORN M A N

LIFE CULTURE

The pozole roja at El Asadero brings customers in on the weekend.

of jeans and a Western shirt and you’re ready to go dancing. Western hats also abound, from the affordable to amazing break-the-bank styles.

For shopping on the spiritual side, visit Botanica San Cipriano, 1229B SW 29th St. Botanica resembles a pharmacy that sells plant essences, fragrances and soaps for different life problems such as unrequited love, money or job problems. But there’s much more: rosary beads, crosses, religious statues, amulets, folk medicines, cedar smudge sticks, devotional candles for every situation and items for casting away demons, as well as Santería (a religious tradition of West African origin) items.

“People come in the store with all sorts of problems, concerns and worries, looking for help,” said owner Jamie Escobar.

From chocolate-covered strawberries to sugar cookies and elaborate quinceañera cakes (cakes celebrating a 15-year-old girl’s birthday), Leo’s Cakery, 604 SW 29th St., is a visual delight. You don’t need to be at a wedding to sip a cup of coffee with biscochos, Mexican wedding cookies.

most beautiful church architecture in Oklahoma, including a tall, rectangular bell tower. The ornate altar inside is dazzling and photoworthy.

Events

See some of the most colorful Mexican folk dance at its finest by the Yumare Mexican Folkloric Dancers.

Founded in 1989, this popular traditional dance troupe has been going strong, frequently performing at Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads, 7000 Crossroads Blvd.; festivals; and other events in the metro area.

Visit yumare.weebly.com for performance schedule details.

Isabel Perez, a Yumare Mexican Folkloric dancer, dancing during the Fiesta de las Americas.

Sights

While not technically across the river, The Little Flower Church, 1125 S. Walker Ave., has close ties to the Hispanic community. As the oldest Hispanic Catholic parish in Oklahoma City, it was dedicated in March 1927 and features some of the

Largest Local Selection!

9 Convenient Locations!

www.partygalaxy.com OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 27

Water woes Water is the new gold according to one local nonprofit group.

BY JOEY STIPEK

Water4 Freedom Gala 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St. water4.org $200

The threat of water scarcity abroad and at home is leading one Oklahoma nonprofit organization to raise awareness and capital for preservation efforts.

The lack of water has led Ray Stevens, chief executive officer of Oklahoma-based global water conservation nonprofit Water4, to refer to water as the new gold. Stevens said the lack of water is not just a problem in developing nations like Africa and Latin America but in Oklahoma as well.

“What it means to us, it’s opened the conversation to the role water plays in our world,” Stevens said.

Oklahoma has suffered from shortterm water issues for years. The state is in a four- to five-year prolonged drought, Ken Ward, assistant director of external affairs at Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, said.

The western and southwestern areas of Oklahoma are currently suffering from “extreme” drought and “exceptional” drought conditions, according to climatologists at the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

Oklahoma water supplies are running at historic lows, Ward said.

He indicated that cities are running out of water from their main supplier and having to look elsewhere for other suppliers.

“We have had areas in the western part of the state that rely on some of the reservoirs out there. They are now looking at groundwater, and it’s hard to find,” he said.

Other concerns in Oklahoma include the quality of accessible water due to an aging and decaying infrastructure system in many rural communities, Stevens said.

2 8 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

A man in Zambia washes in water.

Ward said changes in water conservation don’t happen overnight.

“It’s something the entire state is needing to look at, what environmental factors are starting to create stress upon the environment,” he said.

One of the ways the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is looking to reduce water needs is by substituting potable water with retreated wastewater.

“Instead of sending it into a river or possibly a lake, you reuse it on the golf course or an industry where, prior to that, they may have been using drinking water,” Ward said.

Another way to conserve water usage is through rationing. This summer, Oklahomans were forced to ration due to water restriction.

“If you don’t conserve, you’re generally going to see it in your utility bill, because your utility is going to have to figure out a way to find more water,” Ward said.

While the idea of water rationing seems simple in theory, just having people water their lawns every other day conserves peak water usage.

According to Ward, Oklahomans need an overall knowledge of where they get their water and how important it is to pay attention to their water bill when it comes to conserving water.

For more information on Water4, visit water4.org.

Fast facts » Total water use in Oklahoma in 2007 was 1,814,762 acre-feet. » Approximately 56 percent came from surface water sources and 44 percent from groundwater sources. » Approximately 73 percent of this water was used for crop irrigation and municipal/ industrial combined, Oklahoma’s two largest water use sectors.

P ROVI DE D

LIFE NONPROFIT

LIFE YOUTH

Contemporary camp P HOTO BY ? ? ? ? ?

Get your kids’ creativity flowing during fall break.

BY ALISSA LINDSEY

Fall break art camps 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, Oct. 13-17 and Oct. 20-14 Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Blvd. oklahomacontemporary.org 951-0000 $165

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center will bring fall break art activities and education to kids ages 5 to 13.

At the first camp, Oct. 13-17, youth can learn about storybook illustrations, put their super sleuth skills to the test or create landscapes inspired by K. Yoland’s photography, said Erin Oldfield, director of education and public programming at the nonprofit.

The following week, Oct. 20-24,

youth will have the opportunity to play with palettes of festive fall colors, build their confidence through performance art or experiment with 3D materials like clay, rope and repurposed objects.

“Art is for everyone, and we try to make it accessible to everyone,” Oldfield said of Oklahoma Contemporary’s (OC) mission.

OC was formed in 1989 as a nonprofit with the goal to provide “the community with quality, accessible and affordable arts programming and education,” according to its website.

Its offerings include classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits, art camps and film nights.

During this year’s fall camps, young artists will not only spend time in the studio and the gallery but also get their

wiggles out with friends through fun activities like yoga, freeze dance or theater, Oldfield said.

Classroom instructors and teaching artists will work together during the fall break camps to bring their talents to classes capped at 12 students.

Oklahoma City mixed-media printmaker and installation artist Erin Latham will teach photography, printmaking and bookmaking centered on mysteries and mischief to 8- to 10-year-olds during the first week of camp. During week two, local actor Morgan Brown (The Gunslingers) will guide young performers ages 8 to 10 in creating characters, memorizing lines and auditioning for parts.

For artists ages 5 to 7, Del City Schools teacher Debbie Elledge will lead

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center offers fall break camps designed to foster and expand creativity. students in creating art based on popular children’s storybooks, and amateur artist Elisha Gallegos will showcase color palettes and art history. The more seasoned artists — ages 11 to 13 — can study the mixed media art of Yoland with instructor Kelly Koenig to produce landscape sculptures, paintings, drawings and carvings. Students also will learn about contemporary form, function and design from Andrea Wijkowski, co-owner of Atlas Pine Creative and OC youth camp coordinator.

It all culminates at the end of each week, when youth present Camp Contemporary Showcases for friends and family.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 2 9

P ROVI DED

LIFE ART

Crap for a cause To celebrate the modest gallery’s first birthday, Leslie Hensley and The Grease Trap offer a charitable evening of Crappy art.

BY MOLLY EVANS

The Crappy Art Show 7-11 p.m. Saturday The Grease Trap Gallery 5100 N. Classen Blvd. drunkenfry.com/greasetrapgallery 625-9100 Free

She started with a paragraph. Leslie Hensley wrote the conceptual plan for a gallery tucked between HiLo Club and The Drunken Fry off Classen Circle.

She wanted to renovate the small, bastardized space into a come-and-go gallery for emerging and undiscovered Oklahoma City artists.

She wanted the gallery to thrive on 25 percent of the commission, most of which would go to Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County on Western Avenue. Ideally, she wanted a new hub for artists who were eager to support each other, the neighborhood of local businesses and the OKC community.

Hensley didn’t anticipate an immediate response in her meeting with the leaders of Deep Fork Restaurant Group, which owns HiLo and The Fry. But on that last Tuesday of July 2013, Hensley got the green light for The Grease Trap Gallery.

“I was expecting, ‘Oh, we’ll think about it.’ And they just said, ‘What do you need us to do? What do you want to change?’” Hensley recalled.

She then picked out paint colors and flooring and worked on the first show — a mash-up between Day of the Dead and zombie art — until the opening weekend in October.

“No one had been up here yet, and I wanted it to be a big reveal of something between two bars,” Hensley said. “I didn’t know if anyone was going to show up.”

Things are still quirky and undefined, and that’s exactly how she prefers it.

A year later, the gallery is now celebrating its success. Because of its idiosyncratic fans and artists, Hensley said The Grease Trap lends itself to more experimental, unconventional art — an example being its one-year anniversary exhibition, titled The Crappy Art Show, that opens Saturday at 5100 N. Classen Blvd.

Participating artists will purchase a toilet seat for $10 and paint it however they want and hang it in the gallery.

Hensley’s friend, Matty Zoob, plans to recreate the “Mona Lisa” on his, and The Drunken Fry’s manager, Harmony Judd, wants to recreate Mr. Toilet Man from the 1990 film Look Who’s Talking Too.

If you build it, they will come

From the gallery’s debut, however, Hensley said she hasn’t had any problems populating the small space on Fridays and Saturdays with visitors, buyers or artists, who usually contact her to show their work.

A native Arkansan, Hensley has been invested in the Oklahoma City arts scene since her move in 2001.

Currently, she works as the artist-inresidence at the Boys & Girls Club and has since 2011. She did not have

30 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

gallery management experience before founding The Grease Trap, but as a performance artist for 10 years under the pseudonym Balthazar, she has been deeply ingrained in the artistic community, seeing many of its members struggle to have their work publicized.

“Not that other galleries don’t offer these opportunities; I just see this as one more open door,” Hensley said. “I have a close group of artist friends, and I’m all about helping them.”

Teaching art

Hensley’s friend Zoob has been a working artist since 2004, when he moved to Oklahoma City. Zoob has participated in the themed group shows and has shown his solo work since The Grease Trap opened.

“It’s not a conventional gallery; it’s not hoity-toity,” Zoob said. “The rich people have their galleries, and the 9-to-5 people have theirs, I guess.”

Inspired and encouraged by Hensley, Zoob became a volunteer and then a full-time staff member of the art program at the Boys & Girls Club, helping with the monthly installations.

Zoob said his job is different every day, given that the quantity and quality of art supplies fluctuates. “‘Oh, well what do we got today?’

Paper plates and markers. You just got to be creative,” he said.

However, those days are few because at least 5 percent of The Grease Trap’s revenue goes toward supplying the art program and completing community

Submissions from The Crappy Art Show. art projects. LaRissa Conn, volunteer coordinator and arts director for Boys & Girls Club, said the most recent contribution made by the gallery is the 218-foot mural on the south side of the building.

Conn said Hensley has been instrumental in the arts program, working as “set designer, stage manager, art curator, acrobatics teacher, cooking class instructor, playwright, aerial silks expert and overall mastermind of all things visual.”

You don’t even have to consider yourself an artist. Throw some glitter on this, and we’re gonna try to sell it, and we’ll just donate it to the Boys & Girls Club.

— Harmony Judd

Oklahoma Arts Council assigned Hensley to the Memorial Park location, which serves, on average, 415 kids per day, Conn said. Boys & Girls Club operates on diverse sources of

M A RK HA N COC K

funding: grants, private donations and partnerships with community organizations like The Grease Trap and Deep Fork Restaurant Group.

“We have students that have really been able to find a home for their art,” Conn said. “They are learning what it means to respect themselves as artists and to respect the art that others are so bold to put out on display as well.”

‘Throw some glitter on this’

Along with the mural project, extra income from the gallery has funded the daily need for supplies.

“I’m able to give children the chance just to experience art. It’s so much fun. Color outside the lines, please,” Conn said. “That’s why I do art: You can’t mess up. That’s what I tell the kids: ‘Let’s do some art. You’re not being judged; you’re creating.’”

Hensley imparts the same advice to the artists that show at The Grease Trap. For example, Judd had only shown her work a few times before meeting Hensley, but now calls The Grease Trap her home gallery. She and her sister, Promise, have their prints and jewelry residing in the space permanently.

“You don’t even have to consider yourself an artist,” Judd said. “Throw some glitter on this, and we’re gonna try to sell it, and we’ll just donate it to the Boys & Girls Club. A lot of people will just hear one of the ideas and then just join and interact.”

Leslie Hensley shows off a blank canvas.

A gallery for the community

Although Judd appreciates the inclusivity of the gallery, she thinks the modest size and location of the gallery fits the distinct crowd that circulates the surrounding bars.

“This is like the Adult District,” Hensley said. “You know, everyone has an art district: the Paseo District, the Plaza District. This is where the 21-and-up come to play. This is where you go after the Plaza Festival.”

After a year of completing a dozen shows and “surviving” on 25 percent of the total commission, Hensley said she has learned not too stress as much with the gallery because things have a way of working themselves out. Hensley and her staff of two — Megan Mitchell and Zeke Varnell — hope to continue the mission of The Grease Trap for as long as possible.

Hensley would even pass it along to new hands as long as the mission remained the same.

“I fell in love with the city because it accepted me, and there [were] so many outlets for me to do whatever I want,” she said. “You’ve got your two favorite bars you might go to, and now you can come up here and buy a piece of art and go home.

“We’re one more stop you can make.”

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 3 1

Artsy Fartsy

LIFE VISUAL ARTS Ian Clarke Starr Hardgrove Nicholas Toscani Directed by Tom Powers Assistant Director Ally Greer

read

Art | Film | music | theAter in this issue

“The Mexican Side”

We Accept Cash and Credit Cards

Beyond Borders A new photography exhibition explores the U.S.-Mexico border with an expressionist lens.

BY ERIC WEBB

This exhibition has been organized by the Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg and curated by Barbara Pollack.

Border Land Other Through Dec. 19 Oklahoma Contemporary 3000 General Pershing Blvd. oklahomacontemporary.org 951-0000 Free

Birdhead (Chinese, founded 2004). The Light of Eternity No. 3 (detail), 2012. Black and white inkjet print. © Birdhead, courtesy of the artists and ShanghART Gallery Shanghai.

32 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Oklahoma Contemporary is featuring a new art exhibition by British-born artist K. Yoland. Border Land Other includes photography, video and performance art inspired by Yoland’s four-month artist residency at Marfa Contemporary in west Texas.

Being 45 minutes from the U.S.Mexico border inspired Yoland to focus on themes such as nature of territory, land and control. While there, she took several field excursions along the border with border patrol guards, oil industry workers, cattle ranchers and by herself.

“Everyone I’ve met has been incredibly generous with their time, supporting my research and work,” Yoland said. “People do not necessarily have the same relationship to the border or to the land, but they have dealt with me on a very similar, human and equal level, which I found inspiring.”

She was surprised by how similar the two sides of the border often appeared.

“Of course, everyone is legally aware of the border,” she said. “But most of the time, you cannot physically see it, and it almost seems too abstract to make sense of if you live here.”

That initial residency yielded a prior exhibition called Then There Was Land, which focused on how land might be divided or possessed.

Having lived most of her life in big

cities, her understanding of land rights was more conceptual until moving to Texas. In the United Kingdom, there is often a right to “ramble” on private land as long as you cause no damage.

“I was struck by the divisions of land ownership which, at over 90 percent, separates people and cultures and potentially isolates or controls them,” Yoland said.

After Then There Was Land, Yoland continued to work in and around Marfa for another 18 months, creating more art that would become Border Land Other.

“This new exhibition takes on the figure and the body as the main focus,” Yoland said. “The landscape is still important in terms of the individuals’ context within the space. Notions of invasion, migration and the alien have started to feature more in the new work, but I still incorporate elements from the earlier show.”

Photography will be featured heavily in Border Land Other. Over the last six years, Yoland has played with the idea of frozen moments, like a still from a film or play in which the person depicted is both a character and a living sculpture.

“For me, there is always a hint at a story or a character in the work,” she said. “My images are often staged, and sometimes the clothes and objects are chosen based on the surrounding landscape or to provide a certain tension.”

Yoland doesn’t want to push any one point of view, but she hopes that viewers will reflect on how we approach others and consider the divides, both real and imagined, between each other.

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Commercial Kitchen for Rent

Nightmare on 39th Street 8 p.m. Sunday The Boom 2218 NW 39th St. bangbangvariety.com $12-$15

When it comes to stage shows in Oklahoma, few can match the Bang Bang Queer Punk Variety Show’s pageantry and breadth.

“We are queer because of the gender-bending aspect of some of the show,” said Bang Bang cofounder Cassidy Carver, aka Cassidy Queerface.

“We call ourselves punk because we’re definitely not a mainstream type of entertainment. We’re a bit gritty and like to be outrageous and weird, but always tongue-in-cheek.”

Carver urges straight audiences not to fear, adding that the shows are accessible and have something to offer people of all persuasions.

While every act at Nightmare on 39th Street will be horror-centric, Bang Bang always features a few performances with darker sensibilities at any given show.

“We have a lot of horror acts peppered throughout the year,” Carver said, “because we are spooky people that adore scary things and horror movie tropes. Movie monsters are often the most fascinating characters to us.”

She admitted that she’s not sure exactly where the fascination with horror comes from.

“Maybe we’re just hilariously morbid people,” she said.

The cast of Nightmare on 39th Street.

As for Halloween, Carver said that it’s the most fun holiday of the year for the group because they all live for being in costume.

“Most of us are the misfits from the regular scenes,” she said, “so Halloween offers the opportunity to be even more creative than usual.”

Equal parts creepy and comedic, Nightmare on 39th Street features dancing, burlesque, drag, singing, aerial arts, magic and comedy. The lineup includes Misty Snatch, Pyxis Deodara, Chase Vegas, Foxxi Chanell, Kennedie, Cat Carter, Michael King, Holli Would, Moe Dix, The Amazing Rando, Lady Giselle, Smokey Taboo and Presley Tweed.

“Each of us has a different take on horror characters and themes, so it’s going to be a delightful mishmash of all sorts of things,” Carver said. “Expect some monsters, some nods to classic movies and, of course, fake blood.”

This will be Bang Bang’s fourth performance at The Boom, a unique dinner theater that, thanks to the tall stage and sturdy rigging, allows for a full spectrum of performances, including pole dancing and aerial acrobatics.

While Bang Bang is grateful to have very supportive fans, Carver said that they are always looking to make new friends.

“If you like silly and fun and want to see a show that strays from the norm, you’re our people and we’d love to entertain you,” she said.

PRESENTED BY SCHOOL OF METAPHYSICS

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 33

LIFE SPORTS

Pooch parade An Oklahoma veterinarian organization is fighting pet overpopulation by taking well-dressed dogs on a walk.

BY ADAM HOLDT

Pawsitive Steps 5K, Dog Walk & Costume Contest 9 a.m. Saturday Wiley Post Park 2021 S. Robinson Ave. okvma.org $35

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Join at www.kgou.org Haven Tobias continuous learner and KGOU listener 3 4 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

The Pawsitive Steps 5K, Dog Walk & Costume Contest will feature fashionable canines strutting their stuff at Wiley Post Park, 2021 S. Robinson Ave., at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event is also home to a USA Track & Field-sanctioned fivekilometer race and pet microchipping is available for $25 while supplies last.

Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) created the event to spread awareness of the country’s worsening stray animal situation and raise money for its Pet Overpopulation Program. The fund helps low-income pet owners spay or neuter their animals.

Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, and the statistics attributed to the dilemma are staggering.

“Across the country, three to four million dogs are euthanized each year,” said Dr. Rosemarie Strong, veterinarian, owner of Memorial Road Pet Hospital in Edmond and a planner of the event.

“One hundred thousand animals are put down in Oklahoma alone.”

Concerns about the issue not only involve birth as well as death.

“Two dogs and their offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in a matter of six years,” said Dr. Fawn Reely, chair of the event and senior territory manager at Merial, a global animal pharmaceutical company.

Though that number can be

considered a worst possible situation, in cases involving even 16,000, the number of births is alarming and very real.

Euthanasia is only one of many issues resulting from pet overpopulation. Areas with a high number of strays experience a rise in animals biting humans, strays injured by automobiles and property damage caused by strays.

Though the plight of strays is tragic, the Pawsitive Steps event is all about love and friendship of animals in an outdoor atmosphere. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and is a down-and-back course running parallel to the Oklahoma River. The male and female winners of the run each receive a medal and a $50 gift card to Backwoods, a store specializing in highquality technical outdoor gear.

Saturday will mark the second Pawsitive Steps. Last year’s event was held in Stillwater, but the race’s success led to a change in venue and expansion.

Dr. Jean Sander, dean of the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSUHVS), took part in the inaugural event and explained why the event and ending pet overpopulation is important not only to animals but to people.

“I look at it as one health across the board. Events like this help with a person’s health as well as their pet’s,” Sander said.

To register for the Pawsitive Steps 5K, Dog Walk & Dog Costume Contest, visit okvma.org or sign up at 8 a.m. at Wiley Post Park. The entry fee is $35 per event per person. The costume contest is free if you participate in the 5K run or dog walk but costs $35 by itself.

All attendees may bring two properly vaccinated animals on a non-retractable leash less than six feet long.

Upswing S HA N N ON CORN M A N

Local tennis pro Craig Starke passes on his love for the game through his Discover Tennis program and a new venture.

BY BRENDAN HOOVER

You never know what might change your life. For Craig Starke, it was watching a tennis match on television.

Starke was 15, watching from his home in Oklahoma City as American Jimmy Connors defeated Sweden’s Björn Borg during the 1976 U.S. Open men’s singles final.

“I’d never touched a racquet or been on a court before,” Starke said recently.

“There was just an instant connection.”

From that day, Starke knew he wanted to spend his life playing tennis.

That dream has manifested itself through Starke’s Discover Tennis program, which introduces the game to children and adults, and the Tennis Barn, a new indoor tennis facility.

During the late 1970s, the tennis boom swept the nation and the game

transcended socioeconomic boundaries.

The white shirts at the country club and the T-shirts at the local park were all playing. Starke couldn’t afford a club membership, so he rode his bicycle to the old Courts Racquet Club (now the Santa Fe Family Life Center) looking to work in exchange for free court time and lessons.

“I would mow pros’ lawns, wash their cars, anything I could to get 30 minutes of time with them,” he said.

Starke played competitively through high school and continued to work at tennis clubs through college. By the early 1990s, the sport’s popularity had fallen dramatically. In 1991, Starke founded Discover Tennis on the courts at Casady School, teaching private school children and neighborhood children from The Village. Inspired by famous tennis pro

Vic Braden, Starke started a scholarship program for those who couldn’t afford to play.

The tennis bust reached its bottom in 1994, when Sports Illustrated ran a cover story titled “Is Tennis Dying?” Starke took that moment to grow his program and introduce tennis to as many people as possible. By 2011, Discover Tennis had more than 500 participants each summer.

Nationally, tennis participation numbers grew from 21.3 million in 1995 to 30.1 million in 2009, according to the USTA and the Tennis Industry Association.

“It’s definitely on the upswing,” Starke said.

Now, the Discover Tennis program has moved to Putnam City High School.

The fall season has begun, and programs are available for children ages 6-18. Adult

The Tennis Barn hopes to create a positive and creative learning experience for tennis players of any age. programs are also available.

In March, Starke opened the Tennis Barn, located at 6901 NW 63rd St. The indoor facility features two courts, brand-new state-of-the-art lighting, all new SportMaster surfacing and full-service racket maintenance. The Tennis Barn is the only pay-as-youplay, no-membership indoor facility in Oklahoma City, Starke said.

As fall turns into winter, the Discover Tennis program will move into the Tennis Barn.

For more information, visit tennisbarnokc.com or discovertennisokc. com or call 642-9838.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 35

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OU/TEXAS FOOTBALL Watch Party & Brunch

Saturday, October 11, 9:30pm

The Fortune Tellers

Thanks to Brent Buchheit, Zach Moore and Grant Tatum

Rose’s Pawn Shop for Honky Tonk Tuesday

3 6 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

• NO COVER •

Mike Watt with Il Sogno del Marinaio

Friday, October 17, 10pm

Hannah Wolff Band, The Venditos and Infinity Knives

O N A G E R

G L A C E

Z O L A I S P Y H O U S E I N T M O I A R E N D T A S T Y P H I L S P E L L T E S T S A R S S T E C A B T D O N E R O U G H A C T O R D I M E L O C A I T L L T T O P Y O Y O

ACROSS 1 Bygone potentate 9 Ottoman inns 16 Web starter 20 Kind of steroid 21 Small thing to burn 22 “Fancy meeting you here!”

23 1975 Tony-nominated play about an extended affair 25 Spanish province 26 Rehnquist’s successor on the high bench 27 New home loan deal, in short 28 Exclaimed 30 Guardians of the Galaxy title characters, informally 31 Org. implementing the Protect America Act 33 Audacity 35 Chief justice during the Civil War 36 Relationships 37 Skateboard jump 39 Private parts 43 Clear-minded 46 The Crossroads of the West 51 Fields 53 Early-millennium year 54 Undermine 55 Prop on The Bachelor 56 What a bachelor might do 57 ___ Watts, English hymnist who wrote “Joy to the World” 60 Uncontested basketball attempts 62 Swarms 64 Rockefeller Center statue 66 Go after 67 Irons, say 69 Encourage 71 Like a good-size estate, maybe 75 “Wait, you can’t possibly think. .?.?. ” 77 Writer painted by Velázquez 79 Pre-Bill Hillary 80 Historic figure with a reputation at stake?

84 Shelfmate of Bartlett’s, maybe 86 Onion relative 87 Go cheek-to-cheek with 88 Lingo 90 Good source of iron?

91 Exxon Valdez, e.g.

92 Warm way to welcome someone 97 Millennials, informally 98 Unflinching 99 Be profligate, say 100 Radio host John 102 Throat problem 106 Team of oxen 107 “Say what?”

108 Brother 111 Not now 114 Stats for Aaron and Gehrig 116 Deeds 118 Goddess of marriage 119 Common slogan for a music radio station 123 Kind of cavity 124 Vatican City vis-à-vis Rome 125 CSI: Miami actress 126 Take in some views?

127 Some farms 128 Unpredictable one DOWN 1 Pool stroke 2 Put on ___ 3 Gaza group 4 Biblical brother 5 Corkscrew-shaped pasta 6 George Orwell and George Eliot 7 Parsons of The Big Bang Theory 8 Taiwanese computer giant 9 Flowing glacial feature 10 Mandible’s counterpart 11 Not the main rte.

12 The natural in The Natural 13 Build 14 Sparkly topper 15 Relative of a canary 16 “Don’t be ashamed” 17 Vincent van Gogh’s brother 18 G 19 Pub order 24 Haggle 29 Hard to grasp 32 “Ditto” 34 Valley girl’s filler 36 Reagan’s challenge to Gorbachev 38 Architect Saarinen 40 Langston Hughes poem with the lines “They send me to eat in the kitchen / When company comes”

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41 Earliest-born member of the Cartoon Hall of Fame 42 “___ Mine, All Mine” (1920s tune) 43 Goldman’s banking partner 44 “___ of One’s Own” (Woolf essay) 45 Intro to science?

47 ___ Leslie, three-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P. 48 Get by 49 Driver’s lic., e.g.

50 Like overtime periods vis-àvis regulation play 52 Prefix with -scope 58 Bit of seaweed 59 Cav or Mav 61 Brand with a red arrow through its logo 63 Synagogue instrument 65 Middlin’

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68 Some smug comments 70 Bum 72 It has almost 4,000 miles of coastline 73 Lustrous black 74 It might be at your fingertips 76 Work units 78 One picked out of a lineup, informally 80 Classic movie shot on Martha’s Vineyard 81 Dead reckoning?

82 Prefix with correct 83 Sights at 127-Across 85 Baby ___ 89 Bar jarful 93 Pituitary gland output, briefly 94 Corrupt 95 Activates, in computer lingo 96 No one can drive in this

1005

NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE FOUR BY FOUR By Todd Gross / Edited by Will Shortz

101 Protect 103 All worked up 104 Justice Kagan 105 Oscar-winning actor whose name is Italian for “fishes” 108 Trees and shrubs 109 Come back 110 Posed 111 2007 purchaser of Applebee’s 112 Nephew of Caligula 113 Asia’s ___ Sea 115 Duck that nests in tree hollows 117 Gillette brand name 120 Olympus OM-2, e.g.

121 ___ chi 122 Egg: Prefix

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OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 37

THE LEGEND LIVES ON

Starting Sep tembe r

29th!

38 • OCTOBER 8 , 2014 • OKL AHOMA GAZET TE

P ROVI DED

LIFE MUSIC

Novel concepts Guitar pop revivalism is alive and well, and Literature is well read in the classics.

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

Literature with Power Pyramid and Dream Bend 9 p.m. Thursday Blue Note Lounge 2408 N. Robinson Ave. thebluenotelounge.com 600-1166 $5

The sound of Chorus — the sophomore album from the Philly-based, Texas-bred Literature — isn’t new. But it feels like a novel approach in 2014. You simply don’t hear too many guitarists trying to match the zip of Johnny Marr’s work on “This Charming Man” or the simple, poignant beauty of Big Star’s seminal #1 Record, be it that those are both too tall of orders or just because guitar pop isn’t as sexy as it once was.

“There’s definitely a shortage of it,” said singer/guitarist Nathaniel Cardaci, lusting for the days of Teenage Fanclub in the early ’90s. “It cycles in and out, but truly, at the core of it, that’s what we want to do. We are really focused on writing these catchy choruses. That’s what’s most important.”

If the many years Literature’s members have collectively dedicated

to the DIY community — in the form of house venues, small record imprints and singer-guitarist Kevin Attics’ music journalism credits, including Pitchfork and more — have shaped anything beyond the band’s playfully lo-fi aesthetic, it’s a desire and work to create out of a pure place. Trends, money, influence — they evaporate quickly. If nothing else, a great melody can buzz about forever.

“Whether it’s packing up tapes or being on stage and performing, we love doing all those things,” Cardaci said. “There’s a persistence involved, no matter how high or low things go. It’s a labor of love, and that’s what music is for us.”

All this is still fun for the band, even as it steps up to another plane, inking a deal with Slumberland Records (a perfect home that finds them on a roster with like-minded acts The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Frankie Rose) after their well-received 2012 debut Arab Spring, released through their own label Square of Opposition.

“When we started the band, it was more of a freeform party vibe,” Cardaci said of the reflection and minor

reinvention heading into Chorus.

“With this one, we sat down a little more and really focused on the songwriting, in a sense.”

That meant tightening things up, taking the catchiest pockets of Arab Spring — like those found on “Lily” and “Push Up Bra” — and digging deeper into what truly made their guitar pop heroes great, specifically studying their studio processes and expanding Literature’s own.

“We’re proud that we really got in there and worked on it in a different way than the first one,” Cardaci said of the new album’s fleshed-out sound.

“We went to a different studio and stepped out of our comfort zone, really embracing the production techniques we heard in other people’s music that we loved, from the ’60s to the ’80s.”

Maybe Literature is going to be the group to make guitar pop cool again, something that hasn’t been the case since Maximo Park and The Futureheads’ brief flare-ups in the mid-2000s. The new record’s positive reviews made it possible, and the group looks to quickly add to that momentum by recording its third LP this winter.

But the band will have a Chorus’ worth of memorable ones no matter what, and that seems like it’s about all Literature is asking for.

We are really focused on writing these catchy choruses. That’s what’s most important.

— Nathaniel Cardaci

OKL AHOMA GAZET TE • OCTOBER 8 , 2014 • 39

DOUG S C HWA R Z

LIFE MUSIC

Deerly beloved Deerpeople have overcome a barrage of obstacles on the way to their highly anticipated debut album.

BY NATHAN WINFREY

Deerpeople with Moonbather and Bored Wax 9 p.m. Friday Opolis 113 N. Crawford Ave., Norman opolis.org Free

120 W. Harrison Ave, Guthrie

40 • OCTOBER 8 , 2014 • OKL AHOMA GAZET TE

Existing long enough to have “old songs” is something drummer Jordan Bayhylle realizes is an achievement in itself. Bayhylle and frontman Brennan Barnes started playing together in 2008 and slowly brought everyone else in to form the band.

“I think we have a pretty unique sound,” Bayhylle said. “I think it’s just attributed to general weirdness, and none of us really listen to the same kind of music, so we all play off of each other.”

Deerpeople’s music is a psychedelic fusillade of sound, with Barnes’ impassioned shouts and keys over Bayhylle’s crashing drums, Alex Larrea’s melodic Stratocaster and Derek Moore’s thumping 4-string bass. Julian Shen fills out the madcap soundscape with a keyboard, a violin and an accordion, and Kendall Looney’s trill flute and show-stealing French vocals on certain songs further freshen the lively proceedings.

Fans can look for Deerpeople’s first full album, There’s Still Time for Us to Die, around the beginning of next year. According to Barnes, it will be both vastly different and a natural progression down the Deerpeople path.

“It’s really, really exciting. We’ve been sitting on it for a year and a half,” Bayhylle said. “We just keep having little bouts of bad luck with money, equipment being destroyed, vans being left in Utah.”

Barnes said the van incident was a stressful, surreal blur. It happened last year while driving back and forth through the Rockies to play shows in

None of us really listen to the same kind of music, so we all play off of each other.

— Jordan Bayhylle

Utah and Colorado. The gauges had never worked, so when it started acting up on a stretch of desolate road, they assumed it was overheating. It turned out they were out of oil.

“As soon as we turned the engine off, all the pistons fused together,” Bayhylle said. “We had to take a taxi from the middle of nowhere to make it to a show in Salt Lake City.”

Despite the catastrophe, Bayhylle said they had a good time and met some cool people, some of whom they still keep in touch with and stay with when they’re on tour. One fan they met at the Salt Lake City show designed the art for their new album.

Sofar Sounds, an online music club based in London, shot a Deerpeople set at The Other Room in September.

The club organizes semisecret house shows globally. They aren’t exactly secret, but you have to be in the club to know where they are.

Deerpeople have also played with Vampire Weekend, Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees.

Despite these successes, touring without a van has been a trial. But that resolve has lent Deerpeople their staying power. They played their fiveyear anniversary show last year.

“I feel like a lot of bands in our age group don’t last a whole long time,” Bayhylle said. “We’re still truckin’.

We’re still tryin’.”

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8 Aaron Newman Band, Baker St. Pub & Grill. ACOUSTIC

Buffalo Fitz, Full Circle Bookstore. BLUEGRASS Caleb McGee/Pilgrim, Grandad’s Bar. BLUES Deerpeople/Moonbather/Bored Wax, Opolis, Norman.

POP DJ Evan C, Colcord Hotel. DANCE DJ Fresh, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. DANCE

Being As an Ocean/Fit for a King/Gideon, The Conservatory. ROCK

Gary Johnson, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Broken Bells, Brady Theater, Tulsa. POP

Kodey Prewitt, The Paramount OKC. ACOUSTIC

Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

Kylie Morgan, Remington Park. COUNTRY

Sarah McQuaid, The Blue Door. FOLK

Lower 40, Thunderbird Casino, Norman. COUNTRY

The Friends No BS Jam, Friends Restaurant & Club.

VARIOUS

Michael Fracasso/Joel Melton, The Blue Door. FOLK

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Rick Jawnsun, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

ACOUSTIC

1032K feat. Frank Lacy, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. JAZZ Avenue, Baker St. Pub & Grill. COVER Brent Saulsbury/Will Galbraith/Wayne Duncan, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK David Morris, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO John Calvin Abney/The Tequila Songbirds, DC on Film Row. FOLK Kari Jobe, Crossings Community Church. CHRISTIAN Patrick Winsett, Grandad’s Bar. ROCK Literature/Power Pyramid/Dream Bend, Blue Note Lounge. ROCK

Motley Crue, Chesapeake Energy Arena. ROCK

Scott Keeton, Riverwind Casino, Norman. ROCK Sleepless Continuum, Fancy That. ROCK The Clique, Friends Restaurant & Club. VARIOUS The Weathermen, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe.

The Wonder Years/The Story So Far/Modern Baseball, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. ROCK Roy Lee Scott, Sliders. COUNTRY

Tequila Songbirds

SATURDAY, OCT. 11 100 Bones Band, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. ROCK

OKG

38 Special, Sugar Creek Casino, Hinton. ROCK Allie Lauren/Willow Way/Mackenzie Korryn, Blue Note Lounge. FOLK Attica State, Nonna’s Purple Bar. ROCK Bruce Benson, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. JAZZ

Tequila Songbirds with John Calvin Abney

music

Big G, Remington Park. BLUES

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

DOUG S C HWA R Z

LIVE MUSIC

Blake O the DJ, Colcord Hotel. DANCE Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ Grant Stevens, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Haven Alexandra/Maddox Ross/Cody Knight, Rodeo Opry. COUNTRY Jay Falkner, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. COUNTRY Joe Wilson, The Paramount OKC. ACOUSTIC

pick

Thursday

Sing it with us: “It’s another tequiiiila sunrise.” Oh, uh, that was actually the Eagles, but Kierston White’s Tequila Songbirds are much better than the Eagles, and so is John Calvin Abney. Both are playing at DC on Film Row’s The Mix Concert Series, which will also feature a variety of onsite food trucks to satiate your portable food needs. The show begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Dunlap Codding, 609 W. Sheridan Ave. Admission is free. Call 607-8600 or visit dcfilmrow.com.

COLM HENRY

Lucky, Russell’s, Tower Hotel. COVER

Sarah McQuaid, The Blue Door, Wednesday, Oct. 8

Mitch Casen, Friends Restaurant & Club. COUNTRY

TUESDAY, OCT. 14

One Eye’d Doxie/Tom Skinner, Grandad’s Bar. COUNTRY

Curtis McMurtry, The Blue Door. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Maurice Johnson, Avanti Bar & Grill. JAZZ

Owen Temple, The Blue Door. COUNTRY

John Riley, District House. COUNTRY

Pierce Hart, Full Circle Bookstore. VARIOUS

Keys N Krates/gLAdiator, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

HIP-HOP

Red City Radio/Direct Hit/Pears, The Conservatory.

ROCK

Lucky, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. COVER

Scott Keeton, Riverwind Casino, Norman. ROCK

Miniature Tigers/Skizzy Mars/Matty Rico, Opolis, Norman. ROCK

Taylor Thompson, Nonna’s Purple Bar. SINGER/SONGWRITER Tear Stained Eye, Jazmo’z Bourbon St. Cafe. ACOUSTIC Willie Nelson and Family, First Council Casino, Newkirk.

COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15 Derek Harris Band, Baker St. Pub & Grill. R&B

Kurupt/Tha Dogg Pound, Rap Battle Festival Grounds.

HIP-HOP

Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO

SUNDAY, OCT. 12

Seth Walker, The Blue Door. BLUES The Friends No BS Jam, Friends Restaurant & Club.

VARIOUS

Edgar Cruz, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. ACOUSTIC Hardin Burns, The Blue Door. COUNTRY Insane Clown Posse/Mushroomhead/Da Mafia 6ix, Farmers Public Market. HIP-HOP Jamie Bramble, Uptown Grocery Co, Edmond. ACOUSTIC Karen Khoury, Legend’s Restaurant, Norman. PIANO The Protomen/Urizen/Bit Brigade, The Conservatory.

ROCK White Mystery/Psychotic Reaction, Opolis, Norman.

ROCK

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings.

Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

OKL AHOMA GA ZET TE • OC TOB E R 8 , 2014 • 41

LIFE MUSIC REVIEWS OCTOBER 11 CHERUB OCTOBER 16 OLD 97S OCTOBER 18

The Strange Little Cat One Night Only!

Thursday | 7:30 p.m.

CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD

Tossed ballads

OCTOBER 19

DAN+SHAY OCTOBER 21

OF MONTREAL OCTOBER 23

BY JOSHUA BOYDSTON

KIP MOORE OCTOBER 24

NEW POLITICS

Bird People

Friday & Saturday | 5:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Sunday | 2:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 26

ANI DIFRANCO OCTOBER 27

JIMMY EAT WORLD TULSA, OK ★ 423 NORTH MAIN ST. TICKETS: cainsballroom.com or 877.4.FLY.TIX

For movie descriptions and ticket sales visit okcmoa.com

THE NEW THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIC ROCK & ROLL 9PM SWING DANCE 7PM

DANCE LESSONS 7PM

FREE PIZZA

401 S. MERIDIAN

Decorous — the full-length debut of Oklahoma City four-piece Bowlsey — is a lot of things, and that’s part of the problem.

Admirably boundless, the album (and Bowlsey as a band) operates under a generously sized umbrella of any and all things chill or soulful. To be able to come across as anything resembling a true original in a modern state that is built more on revivals than innovation is more than a little commendable; Bowlsey’s closest point of reference is the genrebending Gorillaz, and even that’s a sizable stretch.

And there are dazzling moments, gorgeous tones and stimulating juxtapositions littered throughout Decorous, but the signature style Bowlsey has fashioned for itself could use a little tailoring, too.

Because really, there are two bands operating within one here.

Bowlsey No. 1 brews soft, refreshing moments that come and go like sunshowers. Bowlsey No. 2 pushes that folk-infused hip-hop (or soul-skewed acoustic pop, however you want to have it) into daring places with just enough fire on its lips. The marriage of those is where the real magic happens (“Extracurricular,” opener “Queen of the Ghetto”), but it’s a union rarely heard or felt. Instead, Decorous is a house divided.

That’s never more evident than it is in “Post-Slumberless” and the songs that follow. The former is a late-night Adult Swim hip-hop vignette (and a damn good one) that spotlights Taylor Mercier’s gruff but sharp flow over

a sparse, glitchy construct of icy jabs and synthetic whale-song echoes.

Then the band skips a gear, sputtering into the — yes, very pretty, but out-of-the-blue — folk ballad “11:11” and its saucier, spiritual cousins “Struggle” and “Junk.” This is precisely where Bowlsey’s unique approach reads more confusing than neoteric. “Post-Slumberless” becomes a weird head fake, whetting your appetite for something that’s not to come again — the aural equivalent of a whiff of sizzling fajitas zapping the flavor from the dish sitting on the plate in front of you.

Where the smoothness of that breezy trio serves as an attribute, it borders on mild by the same token.

Bowlsey does pleasant too well at times, eager to please the crowd (“Draggin’,” “Resin”), but what works in the lounge doesn’t always work on the record.

No doubt lots of things still do. There’s a formidable chemistry to Clarissa Castillo’s sweet, sultry vocals paired with Mercier’s raspy rhymes, and that’s especially potent when they are layered on top of each other, as they are in “Temperance.”

The organ sprinkled through the record brings things to a fun place, as well, especially in the lightly twisted “Beelzebub” and seductive “Selfish.”

But as a whole, it feels a little fleeting.

In a lot of ways, Decorous is a broad (and inebriated) philosophical discussion over the glow of a bonfire; it feels good and warm but hell if it’s not all a little fuzzy the morning after.

Bowlsey Album: Decorous | Available now | bowlsey.bandcamp.com

42 • OCTOBER 8 , 2014 • OKL AHOMA GAZET TE

Gone Girl

Chasing Amy

P ROVI DED

LIFE FILM

David Fincher’s Gone Girl adaptation is a chilling big-screen spectacle that only he could pull off.

BY ZACH HALE

Given its conceptual brilliance, Gone Girl would have been difficult for any director to spoil. Yet no one was better suited to helm the film adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s 2012 bestselling novel than David Fincher (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network), whose singularly murky aesthetic is the ideal companion to this intelligent, breathtaking and darkly comical adaptation. As the marriage of these two visions, Gone Girl proves to be one of the year’s most captivating artistic statements.

But as confident as the film is, it’s also a delicate work. There won’t be any revelations to those already familiar with the novel, yet those who are unaccustomed to its dynamic plot developments will have much to pore over. The film’s tone and premise are unveiled in its brooding opening, with a cryptic voiceover from central character Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck, Argo) as he strokes the hair of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike, The World’s End), and ponders the complexities of their marriage and the sinister, malicious thoughts that consume it.

Amy’s disappearance is thus revealed succinctly, directly and without any idea of circumstance, while the rest of the movie follows a trail of clues regarding

Gone Girl utilizes the art of suspense in a way that has you less interested in solving its mystery than watching it be solved.

her whereabouts. Most are divulged in Amy’s personal journal, narrated by Amy herself, which details the nature of the couple’s fractured relationship.

Their backstory is portrayed through a series of flashbacks (largely through Amy’s lens), intertwined with presentday developments in a way that unwraps both the past and its context within the present. But Fincher is too astute a director and Flynn too cunning a writer to ever allow for a firm diagnosis from their audience, and Gone Girl utilizes the art of suspense in a way that has you less interested in solving its mystery than watching it be solved.

At two and a half hours, there’s plenty

of room for events to unfurl, several of which are so shocking in nature that they will leave you aghast. There are so many layers, so much intricacy and complexity to the story, that every stitch needed to be sewn with a delicate and precise hand.

Yet Flynn’s script is remarkably lean; every scene is purposeful in advancing its fastdeveloping plot forward, and it never feels overstuffed or a minute overlong.

While Fincher and Flynn are the film’s visionary architects, its often exceptional performances prove just as pivotal. Affleck plays under-the-gun as well as anybody, and his character teeters on sympathetic and detestable from scene to scene. Likewise, Neil Patrick Harris (A Million Ways to Die in the West), Tyler Perry (The Single Moms Club) and Carrie Coon (TV’s The Leftovers) display a surprising range and depth as vital supporting characters. But Pike’s performance is simply astounding, cementing her as the early awards season’s first shoe-in Oscar nominee. The complexity of her character demanded a mix of subtlety and mystique, and she reciprocated with one of the most jarring portrayals in recent memory.

Thanks to some frequent Fincher collaborators, Gone Girl’s moody, unsettling atmosphere comes to life

through a beguiling, tone-setting mix of music and imagery. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and composer Atticus Ross’ soundtrack is at the forefront of much of the film, offering a menacing ambiance atop Fincher and Flynn’s suspense, and their score is coupled seamlessly with cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s dim, foreboding photography. While these are less glamorous and often unheralded components to a moviegoing experience, they are nonetheless two of the driving forces behind Fincher’s reputation as one of the great auteurs in modern cinema — a reputation that will only be enhanced with Gone Girl.

Adapting a novel — especially one as beloved as Flynn’s — for the big screen is rarely an enviable task for a director. But as he had already proven with Fight Club and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, few are as equipped to do so as Fincher. Gone Girl is expertly written and exquisitely conceptualized — both as a novel and film — and in less capable hands, it still would have been a remarkable achievement. But it’s Fincher who immerses us in this dynamic mystery with a cerebral and visual clarity that few — if any — possess, resulting in arguably the most enthralling cinematic statement of his still-burgeoning career.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 4 3

Thank You Staff For Making SOTC

a Great Place to Work

Cindy Adams, Robby Adams, Tom Anthony, Angela Baker, Brooke Baxter, Anthony Bilyeu, Kerry Blankenship, Michelle Bohn, Michael Bralley, Shannon Bryan, Darla Buck, Deatra Burnam, Johnie Carter, Sandy Chambers, Amy Christensen, Brenda Clark, Paul Coffman, Terri Downs, Arlene Dupree, Whitney Elmore, Dianna Fisher, Mike Graham, Tina Graham, Stephen Hadwin, Carrie Harvey, Jan Hayes, Lindsey Hays, Jerry Henderson, Mike Hereford, Janie Herriott, Roger Hoke, Ricky Horton, Jayne Huffman, David Hunter, Kristi Inselman, Jimmy Jackson, Johnny Johnson, Brenda Johnston, Kristal Jones, Russell Keeton, Tracie Kelch, Jonny Kirkland, Shelly Lewis, Becky Lyle, Joline Martin, Alisha Mason, Fiona McAlister, Jeff McCathern, Juli McClennahan, Christy McCullers, Gary McCullough, Shannon McElroy, Hue Meadows, Katie Miller, Rita Mitchell, Susie Morales, Jennifer Oblander, Kay Ocheltree, Daniel Oyler, Donnie Page, Connie Pelton, Bob Perry, Amber Pershica, Jason Phipps, Keila Pierson, Mikeal Popkess, David Powell, Wes Reddish, Danny Rhodes, Brent Riner, Royce Sanders, Kenneth Shade, Debra Smart, Juanette Smith, Mary Staggs, Diana Stein, Dayna Stephens, Deana Stephens, Linda Sullivan, Brandon Thompson, Ken Thompson, Lesley Tutor, Frankie Vaughn, Augie Velasco, Melisa Verdin, Ricky Wakeman, Lyndsey Wallace, Robin Waters, Scott Webb, Tom Weddle, Allyson Wilkins, Becky Williamson, Melissa Willis and Robby Young

2610 Sam Noble Parkway • Ardmore • 580-223-2070 4 4 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

Partners

Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Leading the way to building better communities through effective nonprofit management is at the heart of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. For over 30 years, the organization has been providing training, consulting, advocacy, membership, networking, recognition and more for Oklahoma nonprofits.

OKHR State Council As the official state affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Management, OKHR represents over 14,000 human resource professionals in Oklahoma. As an advocate of the human resource professionals, OKHR provides training, education, certification, networking and many other leadership opportunities. The organization also raises funds to contribute to the national foundation’s programs funding academic research, scholarships and more.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Making Oklahoma City a better place to live, work, play and visit is the primary job of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. As a unified group of businesses, the organization works to enhance existing businesses while inspiring the growth of new companies. They are able to achieve these goals by having strong programs focused on economic development, community redevelopment, government relations, education and workforce development and tourism.

State Chamber of Oklahoma Speaking out and advocating for business is the business of the State Chamber of Oklahoma.

The organization is a voice for business in the halls of the Oklahoma State Capitol and represents more than 1,000 businesses with over 350,000 employees. Simply put, with strength in numbers, the State Chamber has been speaking on behalf of thousands of Oklahoma businesses since 1926.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 45

46 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

I NTRO DU C TI O N

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

The Best Places to Work in Oklahoma T

his year was unprecedented in the number of organizations identified and awarded as Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. Best Companies Group (BCG) identified Publisher a total of 35 Bill Bleakley companies.

Companies are required to have 25 employees working in Oklahoma to be considered for eligibility. Small to medium businesses must have less than 250 employees, and large businesses must have over 250.

Numerous businesses apply each year to BCG, which independently surveys, compiles and analyzes a comprehensive list of information.

From there, a list of finalists is created and BCG selects winners. BCG then notifies the

winners and partners with Tierra Media Group to promote the recipients for this special publication, Best Places to Work in Oklahoma; okc.BIZ (the program sponsor); and Oklahoma Gazette.

“We had many returning and some new businesses. We congratulate all of you! Some commonalities of the companies this year and throughout many years we’ve been presenting Best Places to Work in Oklahoma are promotion of health and wellness programs, green practices, community service and fun,” said okc.BIZ Publisher Bill Bleakley.

BCG categorizes the results of Best Places to Work in Oklahoma into eight sections including Leadership and Planning; Corporate Culture and Communications; Role Satisfaction; Work Environment; Relationship with Supervisor; Training, Development and Resources; Pay and Benefits; and Overall Engagement.

If you would like to find out how your business can participate in 2015 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma, please go to

bestplacestoworkok.com.

To view comprehensive recipient profile listings, please go to okc.BIZ and to view this section online, please go to okgazette.com.

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 47

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L A RG E BUS I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Edward Jones U.S. Corporate Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri | edwardjones.com | Year Founded 1922 Company leader Managing Partner Jim Weddle | Status Private | Employees in State 482

T

he culture of Edward Jones can be summed up in one word family.

Family comes first, and branches will come together to support each other in times of crisis.

As the nation’s largest financial services firm with branch offices in 11,000 U.S. locations, Edward Jones invests in the communities it caters to with over 7 million individual investors.

Advisors understand clients’ personal goals and work to create long-term solutions benefitting their clients’ needs from college to retirement. It’s that personal, face-to-face, neighborly interaction that makes associates and clients alike feel like family.

“Edward Jones rewards independence and hard work and provides all the tools and resources I need to succeed,” said Regional Leader Mary Maddux. “I can establish my own work schedule and hours and am not only encouraged but expected to always put my family first and maintain a balance between work and family life.”

2

L A RG E BUS I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

The Nature Conservancy U.S. Corporate Headquarters Arlington, Virginia | nature.org | Year Founded 1951 Company leader CEO Mark Tercek | Status Private | Employees in State 25

C

onserving the lands and waters on which all life depends is the mission of The Nature Conservancy. It was founded in 1951, and there has been a rise and increase for food, water and energy resulting from high population growth, which deeply impacts the Earth’s natural systems. The work at the Conservancy is to restore natural habitats, improve freshwater conservation and teach others how to properly care and manage the land. The mission of this organization alone is enough to make it a Best Place to Work in Oklahoma, but it only gets better.

“The Nature Conservancy is a great place to work for so many reasons — it provides great benefits, including a significant dollar-for-dollar 401k contribution match, competitive salaries and flexibility in work schedules. Most importantly, the staff are amazing, talented people who are attracted to and fueled by our mission to conserve lands and waters on which all life depends. Our team is incredibly passionate about working together to develop collaborative solutions to the conservation challenges we face here in Oklahoma and beyond. That’s the difference that helps us make a difference,” said State Director Mike Fuhr.

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L A RG E BUS I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Itasca, IL | ajg.com | Year Founded 1927 Company leader CEO Pat Gallagher | Status Public | Employees in State 78

A

rthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s MeyerReynolds team in Oklahoma City focuses on designing, implementing and managing a cost-effective benefits program structured to reduce costs, improve workforce productivity, educate employees, mitigate risk and help clients attract, retain and develop top talent.

What makes the company wonderful to work for is using the same principles mentioned above to attract its own talent.

“As a leader in providing insurance and risk management products and services, Gallagher is focused on protecting businesses and families against loss and helping them to recover after a loss occurs. We also believe in being good corporate citizens, and many of our offices, teams and individual employees are very active within their communities. Gallagher encourages and promotes these efforts to support charitable organizations, protect the environment and assist others who are in need. That’s another example of The Gallagher way,” said CEO Pat Gallagher.

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okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Eide Bailly LLP U.S. Corporate Headquarters Fargo, North Dakota | eidebailly.com | Year Founded 1917 Company leader Managing Partner/CEO David Stende, CPA | Status Public | Employees in State 115

F

ocusing on industries including agriculture producers, construction, dealerships, financial institutions, government, health care, insurance, manufacturing, nonprofit, oil and gas, real estate and renewable energy and utilities, Eide Bailly LLP provides certified public accounting and business advisement.

So what makes the folks at Eide Bailly fun? They enjoy a healthy work/life balance, parties at the office and chair massages, just to name a few. They also have a wellness benefit, enjoy casual Fridays, earn gift cards and can receive the Top Banana Award, a quarterly program that recognizes those who go the extra mile.

“Eide Bailly recognizes that our strengths are our people and our clients. Our culture is at the heart of how we recognize and provide opportunities for advancement to our team members. We spend energy and resources in training and engagement opportunities in order to allow our staff to obtain exposure to different industries and different partners. Our culture statement specifically states ‘having fun,’ which we strive to achieve daily,” said Oklahoma Partner in Charge Steve Corely.

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okc.biz | best places to work 2014

L A RG E BUS I N E S S

5

Mars Pet Care U.S. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Franklin, Tennessee | mars.com | Year Founded 1911 Company leader CEO Paul Michaels | Status Public | Employees in State 156

K

nown for its confections, the Mars company history is a quaint story that began in the kitchen of Frank C. Mars and his wife Ethel. The couple began making candies out of their home and soon after opened their first factory.

By 1968, they were branching out into the business of pet care and since then have developed highly recognized brands such as Pedigree® and Royal Canin®, which are distributed to over 90 countries today.

Mars Petcare has two facilities located in Clinton and Miami, Oklahoma.

“Making our first appearance on the best places to work in Oklahoma list is a huge achievement for our team. The foundation of a great place to work is the people,” said, Daniel Klapuch, site manager at Mars Petcare in Clinton.

“It not only takes great associates; it also takes a strong relationship with the community,” said Ronnie Taylor, site manager at Mars Petcare in Miami. “We’ve focused our efforts on growing together with the city of Miami. In 2013, our Oklahoma Associates completed nearly 200 volunteer hours in our communities.

By working together to build Oklahoma, we all win.”

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

L A RG E BUS I N E S S

6

Capital One Auto Finance U.S. Corporate Headquarters McLean, Virginia | capitalone.com | Year Founded 1988 Company leader Director John Cook | Status Public | Employees in State 447

C

apital One Auto Finance keeps it simple when it comes to instilling the right culture in its employees with its two key values Excellence and Do the Right Thing. It empowers its employees to think for themselves and collaborate and encourages them to share their ideas with senior management. The main company/ holding company, Capital One Financial Corporation, subsidiaries include Capital One, N.A. and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A. Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to its customers with Capital One Auto Finance providing loans for the personal automotive.

“At Capital One, one of our core imperatives is the development of talent and ensuring that our associates love what they do. We are always looking for amazing people who have a passion for helping customers,” says Sanjiv Yajnik, president of financial services. “Our team in Oklahoma is some of the most passionate, high-performing associates we have at Capital One, and it is no surprise that our Tulsa site has once again been named one of the best places to work in Oklahoma.”

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okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Laser Spine Institute U.S. Corporate Headquarters Tampa, Florida | laserspineinstitute.com | Year Founded 2005 Company leader CEO Bill Horne | Status Private | Employees in State 42

T

hree physicians had the desire to help patients by revolutionizing neck and back surgery, and out of that need, the Laser Spine Institute was born.

Now, as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, the Laser Spine Institute treats debilitating neck and back pain caused by spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, bone spurs, bulging/herniated discs, scoliosis and sciatica. The Oklahoma City staff uses state-of-the-art equipment at its outpatient surgery center and caters to all patient needs.

“Laser Spine Institute can be summed up in what we call our CHOICE values: Care, Have fun, One team, Integrity, Commitment and Excellence. Those values extend to how we treat each other and the patients who visit our award-winning, accredited facility for minimally invasive spine surgery. Our organization has always fostered an environment that’s both fun and rewarding, two traits that have been incredibly influential in attracting and retaining the best and brightest in our industry,” said Bert Lindvall, executive director of the Oklahoma City office.

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okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Chaparral Energy U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | chaparralenergy.com | Year Founded 1988 Company leader CEO Mark Fischer | Status Public | Employees in State 618

A

s pioneering and independent as the state it calls home, Chaparral Energy is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company. It is also the third largest oil producer in Oklahoma and, based on active projects, the third largest producer of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery in the nation. The company’s activity at its North Burbank Unit in Osage County, Oklahoma, emphasizes that fact because it is the largest oil recovery unit in the state.

Chaparral offers 100% employer-paid health coverage, direct access to senior management and compressed workweeks with the office closing at noon on Fridays.

To encourage wellness, the company has on-site health screenings, reimbursement for gym memberships and weight loss and smoking cessation programs. In addition to these offerings, Chaparral promotes community engagement with up to eight hours paid time off to volunteer throughout the year. Employees can use these hours mentoring schoolchildren or helping Habitat for Humanity.

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okc.biz | best places to work 2014

L A RG E BUS I N E S S

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

9

U.S. Corporate Headquarters Schaumburg, Illinois | cancercenter.com | Year Founded 1988 Company leader President and CEO Gerard van Grinsven | Status Private | Employees in State 870

O

ne of the hallmarks that makes Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) unique is something it calls The Mother Standard® of care.

How would you want your mother to be treated if she had cancer?

When a business takes that kind of approach to caring for your loved ones, you know they’ve hired a highly qualified and compassionate team of individuals to support that kind of care.

“Cancer Treatment Centers of America is delighted to once again be named one of the best places to work in Oklahoma,” said Richard Haldeman, president and CEO of the Tulsa hospital. “We are committed to providing the Mother Standard of care to our patients, meaning we treat them the way we would treat our own loved ones. To be able to do this, we must first start with caring for our employees, who we call stakeholders. We know that if we give our stakeholders the freedom to go above and beyond, then they will be able to achieve greatness.”

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

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First United Bank U.S. Corporate Headquarters Durant, Oklahoma | firstunitedbank.com | Year Founded 1900 Company leader CEO Greg Massey | Employees in State 579

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romising to respect and honor their customers by helping them with their financial goals is part of the philosophy behind the success of First United. The stakeholder model is the backbone of its business practice. The stakeholders are its customers, employees, partners, communities and shareholders. The banking company is a full-service financial institution serving customers needing checking and savings accounts, mortgage and commercial loans, wealth management and insurance.

Taking care of its employees so they can better care for their customers is a top priority at First United.

“Our benefits package has many perks and our focus on wellness and giving back to our communities is very exciting.

However, I truly believe it’s our employees, the values we strive to live each day and our desire to help one another and others spend life wisely that makes our organization such a great place to work,” said CEO Greg Massey.

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First Fidelity Bank N.A. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | ffb.com | Year Founded 1920 Company leader President/CEO Lee Symcox | Status Private | Employees in State 314

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s the third largest bank in Oklahoma, First Fidelity is locally owned and operated and has served clients in Oklahoma and Arizona for over 90 years. The company has more than $1 billion in assets and operates 23 offices in Oklahoma City, Norman, Midwest City, Moore, Mustang, Edmond, Noble and Tulsa in Oklahoma and Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale and Nogales in Arizona.

“It is an honor to be named as a best place to work in Oklahoma for the fifth time, and we would not be here without our wonderful employees. As a family-owned and operated community bank based here in Oklahoma City, we know how important these hardworking members of our organization are to our clients. We are grateful for the opportunity to make an impact on the daily lives of our employees and, in turn, the clients they serve,” said President and CEO Lee Symcox.

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Encompass Home Health U.S. Corporate Headquarters Dallas, Texas | ehhi.com | Year Founded 1998 Company leader CEO April Anthony | Status Private | Employees in State 538

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roviding “a better way to care” is the mission. Encompass is one of the largest Medicare-certified home health, hospice and pediatric service providers in the nation, with over 136 branch offices from Texas to Virginia. The company provides skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and additional services to over 60,000 individuals.

Employees exemplify the best in providing exceptional care and are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic records systems, extensive training and development, career advancement opportunities, comprehensive benefits packages and generous paid time off.

Encompass Cares is a reward program in which employees are awarded points for exemplary conduct and those points can be redeemed for merchandise or services.

The company also has its own foundation that provides financial resources for employees to go on medical mission trips and to assist in employee hardships. And it has an educational center at its home office that offers online continuing education courses to clinical employees for licensing requirements.

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Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | questdiagnostics.com | Year Founded 1999 Company leader Managing Director Bill Mosteller | Status Public | Employees in State 705

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klahomans serving Oklahomans.

Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma (DLO), a business unit of Quest Diagnostics, employs 705 Oklahomans and provides medical laboratory management and services to over 2,000 physicians, hospitals and clinics throughout Oklahoma.

Not only does DLO provide employees excellent health care benefits such as free lab work, it also offers comprehensive health evaluations. In addition, DLO offers a program called the Goalsharing Bonus Plan. The program is based on establishing financial and performance objectives. With the Employee Referral Bonus program, all employees who refer a qualified candidate to work in the laboratory are eligible for a cash bonus.

“I am extremely honored to have DLO named a Best Place to work in Oklahoma for the ninth consecutive year.

This is a clear testament to how our entire organization pulls together as a family in good times and challenging times, how we respect each other and work as a team and how we put clients and their patients first.

It’s a rewarding business, and that’s where the satisfaction begins,” said CEO and Managing Director Bill Mosteller.

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Cintas Corporation U.S. Corporate Headquarters Mason, Ohio | cintas.com | Year Founded 1929 Company leader CEO Scott Farmer | Status Public | Employees in State 360

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intas Corporation designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs; entrance mats; restroom supplies; promotional products; first aid, safety and fire protection products and services; carpet and tile cleaning products; and document management services to more than one million businesses.

Headquartered in Mason, Ohio, Cintas is a publicly held company that operates more than 430 facilities in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. It has six manufacturing plants, nine distribution centers and over 30,000 employees.

What makes Cintas one of the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma and around the world is that it considers it employees its partners. And it takes every opportunity to celebrate its partners’ anniversaries, birthdays and special days like Mother’s and Father’s Day, among others. And for those celebrating 50-year anniversaries, Cintas literally rolls out the red carpet and treats its partners to a limo ride and a party with coworkers, friends and family.

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PROUD TO BE ONE OF OKL AHOMA’S

“Best Places to Work” ...AGAIN! Cintas has been named a top finalist for the sixth consecutive year for the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. This annual initiative identifies and honors Oklahoma’s best employers, and has recognized Cintas as a company who has achieved workplace excellence.

Uniforms · Facilities Services · First Aid & Safety · Fire Protection · Promotional Products

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180 Medical U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City | 180medical.com | Year Founded 1996 Company leader President and CEO Todd Brown | Status Private | Employees in State 230

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s one of America’s most knowledgeable, customer-focused and fastest growing providers of urinary catheters, ostomy and urologic medical supplies, 180 Medical is often used as a referral source for some of the top urologists, pediatric hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in the world.

“Making the best places to work in Oklahoma list is such an honor because it’s based on what our employees say about us, not what we say,” said Sharon Hodnett, director of human resources. “Seventyfive percent of the overall score is based on an anonymous employee survey, so coming out of the survey with an employee engagement/satisfaction score that puts us with the best of the best in Oklahoma is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

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Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Norman, Oklahoma | chickasawnation.com | Year Founded 1996 Company leader CEO David Nimmo | Status Private | Employees in the State 637

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s the leading provider of information technology and professional services for the federal government, Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. (CNI) is known for its customer care. Maybe that’s because CNI takes care of its employees and, in turn, they take care of their customers by providing proven solutions for optimizing program and project performance. In fact, CNI has been ranked among Washington Technology’s top 100 lists for the past three years.

“It is a great honor to be selected as a finalist for Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. strives to create an environment that encourages decision-making at all levels and rewards innovation and hard work. Our employees are committed to the success of our company. They are empowered to provide ‘service without reservation’ to all of our customers; both federal and commercial. Most importantly, they support each other and, in so doing, create a work environment second to none,” said CEO David Nimmo.

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IT’S HARD TO

17

BUILD TRUST

L A RG E B US I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

First American Title Insurance Company

To create a bank that thrives you have to be personal. You have to care. Only then can you relate to people, help them manage money, buy dream homes and start businesses.

You have to be trustworthy, from founder to teller.

Then, you can build anything.

U.S. Headquarters Santa Ana, California | firstam.com Year Founded 1889 | Company leader Senior Vice President, Oklahoma State Manager Monica Wittrock | Status Public Employees in State 250

Thanks to our trusted employees for making us a 2014 Best Place to Work.

F

ffb.com 5 8 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

ounded in Santa Ana, California, in 1889, First American Title Insurance Company has a long history and notable expertise. What began as a small, independent abstract company now employs thousands worldwide and offers a broad range of products and services in real estate and mortgage. Through its subsidiaries, the company offers title insurance, settlement services, property data and analytics, title data and technology, property and casualty insurance products, home warranty services and other services.

Employees at First American enjoy educational opportunities, training and professional licensing provided by the company. They also get recognized at birthday and employment anniversary dates and are provided state-of-the art equipment to produce their work.

With educational opportunities, employees engage in strategic teambuilding workshops in which they can exchange ideas and get to know peers. First American incentivizes workers by a number of plans, including an Annual Incentive Plan that rewards members of management based on performance objectives over a one-year period for an award

opportunity expressed as a percent of their base salary or target plan.

The Commission Incentive Plan rewards employees who contribute to creating profitable business, and incentives are paid monthly. The Production Bonus Plan focuses on the operational aspect of the business and rewards employees for completing production goals. Bonuses for this program are paid monthly and quarterly.

In terms of community involvement, these folks participate in Toys for Tots, the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank’s food drive and United Way. “At First American, our business is based on people, and we believe people want to make a difference. We look for people that believe every transaction, every service, and every agreement is important. Then, we try to create an environment that allows our people to do the best work of their careers. More often than not, this translates into high performance, customer experiences that exceed expectations, and a great place to work,” said Monica Wittrock, senior vice president and Oklahoma state manager.

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Foundation Medical Staffing U.S. Corporate Headquarters Salt Lake City, Utah foundationmedicalstaffing.com | Year Founded 1999 Company leader Director Matt Rice | Status Private Employees in State 25

Energizing America’s Heartland

c h a p a r r a l e n e rg y. c o m

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eamwork, dedication, respect, personal accountability and integrity sum up characteristics of the Foundation Medical Staffing (FMS) group. Since its founding in 1999, FMS has been specializing in dialysis services. Leading the industry, its nurses, technicians and renal dieticians give clients confidence and care because services are delivered with utmost expertise and a personal touch.

Moreover, in terms of employment, FMS recruiters seek out, find and match their skilled medical professionals with the client in mind. Every step of the way, FMS guides its staff and

clientele on the latest opportunities available and market conditions, ensuring a successful relationship.

It takes into account the special requests and needs of its experts and clientele, taking a first-class approach to service and knowledge of all professional assignments.

With this top-notch attitude, FMS employees radiate an expert and positive approach in all they do.

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TBS Factoring Service U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | tbsfactoring.com | Year Founded 1968 Company leader CEO/Managing Member Wood Kaufman | Status Private | Employees in State 96

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ooted in the transportation industry, TBS Factoring Service began working with independent truckers through Truckers Bookkeeping Service, a compliance company providing permitting and fuel tax reporting services. Later in 1998, after the success of the booking service, TBS Insurance Agency was created to focus on providing the best insurance protection tailored to the trucking industry’s unique needs with no costly extras. Then, in 2004, TBS Factoring Service was formed. This family-owned group of companies became the onestop shop for independent trucking companies by providing simple and flexible cash flow solutions with freight bill factoring.

“As a family business serving family businesses, we try to be the kind of company where people enjoy coming to work every day, where everyone feels they are part of something exciting, and feel valued for their individual and team contributions. We work very hard, but we have a lot of fun along the way.

I think that’s important,” said Wood Kaufman, managing member.

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Paragon Films U.S. Corporate Headquarters Broken Arrow, Oklahoma | paragonfilms.com Year Founded 1988 | Company leader CEO Mike Baab | Status Private | Employees in State 124

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tretching minds and film, Paragon’s success is worldwide. Founded in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, in 1988, the company is an industry leader servicing locations in Canada, Mexico and South America as well as all 50 states. Since 1988, in addition to the plant in Broken Arrow, the company has opened two new ones in Taylorsville, North Carolina, and Union Gap, Washington State. It is also one of the top five producers of volume stretch film in the U.S. What makes Paragon one of the top five producers is its recipe of innovative ability, cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled workforce led by visionary Mike Baab. And what makes it a great place to work are several bonus programs in place to reward employees, group fitness classes, healthy vending options and unique communication practices such as Coaches Corner, a quarterly meeting with a Q&A session with Baab.

The company also has flexible hours, an employee assistance program providing family counseling, workshops and seminars.

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Citywide Mortgage U.S. Headquarters Moore, Oklahoma | citywide-loans.com | Company leader President Vernon McKown Year Founded 2000 | Status Private | Employees in State 25

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eeping customers happy throughout the home-buying process is Citywide Mortgage’s aim. Keeping employees happy throughout the workday is how Citywide keeps its customers happy. The organization is a full-service mortgage company handling purchasing and refinancing transactions from conventional home loans to rural development loans.

It originates, processes, underwrites and closes loans in-house and was created to ensure a smooth, simple, enjoyable process for employees and customers alike.

“Citywide Mortgage is a locally owned, hometown lender. We care about our employees and their families. We promote a happy and healthy atmosphere.

It is very important to our team to make the borrower’s dream of home ownership come true,” said Johnnell Jones, vice president of sales.

Some of the perks that keep Citywide employees happy are generous vacation time, leadership by coaching and profit sharing. friends. The company also has performance-based bonus programs for employees who meet file-processing and loan-closing objectives.

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Nextep Inc. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Norman, Oklahoma | nextep.com | Year Founded 1997 Company leader Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Brian Fayak | Status Private | Employees in State 49

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extep Inc. is dedicated to taking small business to a playing field of Fortune 500 companies. Founded by Chief Visionary Officer Brian Fayak, the company has grown to be one of the top professional employer industry organizations with clients in 37 states.

As a professional employer organization, it acts as an offsite human resource department for small to medium businesses and manages their key employee-related functions such as payroll, employee benefits, tax and HR compliance and worker’s comp.

“I left a publicly-traded PEO in 1996 with a dream of doing it differently. My goal was to give my clients the best of both worlds the benefits and state-ofthe-art technology that large companies have to offer and the personal service and flexibility that smaller companies deliver.

We’ve grown over the years, and we’ll continue to grow, but I’ve never lost sight of that dream. It’s still what I’m passionate about today,” said Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Brian Fayak.

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ENCOMPASS IS PROUD TO BE HONORED AS AN OKCBIZ MAGAZINE

BEST PLACE TO WORK

IN OKLAHOMA

FOR THE 5TH YEAR IN A ROW! A Better Way to Care A Better Choice for Homecare A Better Place to Work E N C O M PA S S I S P R O U D T O B E Y O U R L O C A L P R O V I D E R Ada

•

Boswell

Lawton

•

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Miami

Checotah •

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Muskogee

Tuttle •

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Idabel

Norman

•

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Kingfisher

Oklahoma City

Purcell • Sallisaw • Sapulpa • Stillwater • Tulsa • Weatherford

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InterWorks Inc. U.S. Corporate Headquarters Stillwater, Oklahoma | interworks.com | Year Founded 1996 Company leader CEO/President Behfar Jahanshahi | Status Private | Employees in State 87

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roud to say they hire nerds, clarifying that they don’t mean the ones you see in the classic ’80s movies, Interworks hire people who don’t just enjoy but love technology, building websites and coding software. Some of the perks employees enjoy include free drinks, dual-screen monitors, ping-pong competitions and video games projected on a big wall. How cool is that for a bunch of nerds? Other perks include great insurance, free ice cream, flexible work schedules, free gym membership, pool and foosball tables, in-office massages, an espresso bar and amazing social gatherings. Not only do employees benefit from working at such a fun place, their families do too! Families of employees enjoy free gym, museum and zoo memberships as well.

“InterWorks has always been make up of talented, hardworking people who love what they do and have fun doing it,” said CEO Behfar Jahanshahi. “This statement best defines our company culture and if that ever changed, we’d close the doors and find something else to do.”

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Ideal Homes of Norman LP U.S. Corporate Headquarters Norman, Oklahoma | ideal-homes.com | Year Founded 1990 Company leader President of Sales and Co-Owner Vernon McKown | Status Private | Employees in State 102

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reaming of your ideal workplace?

Well you no longer have to dream because the team of experts at Ideal Homes will make your dreams a reality.

The company began in 1990 with two college buddies, Vernon McKown and Todd Booze, and Vernon’s father Gene, who is a longtime expert in the real estate industry. What began as a few homes has exploded into an empire making Ideal the No. 1 builder for Oklahoma families. To date, that’s about 8,000 homes.

“The foundation of our company is the people who work here. Each day, I’m amazed by the teamwork that I see from our staff and the desire to build the American dream for our homeowners,” said Co-owner and President of Sales Vernon McKown.

Just some of the aspects of why employees love to work for Ideal Homes include Bring Your Kids to Work Day; chili cook-offs; and good, old-fashioned family hoedowns that include pony rides, hay rides and music. In addition, the company also holds softball tournaments, which make for afternoons of friendly competition and snow cones.

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BIS U.S. Corporate Headquarters Edmond, Oklahoma | bisok.com | Year Founded 1986 Company leader President and CEO Dan Rotelli | Status Private | Employees in State 57

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aking connections of all kinds — people, processes and data — BIS was founded to make information more accessible, usable and secure. As an IT consulting and services company, it performs a multitude of processes, taking the worry and headache out of operations and providing business continuity and security in the management of information.

However, the best tool in its box is its people. BIS recruits and retains the brightest and best by providing monthly bonuses and, during the holidays, Segways to get around and give tours of the office. It also offers company-paid gym and boot camp memberships and a referral program for new hires.

The company provides a real playground-type atmosphere. In addition to the Segways, BIS provides skateboards for riding and footballs for tossing around the warehouse, video games and a community pavilion complete with a grill. When the employees are not hard at work or blowing off some steam on a Segway, they donate their time to key charities.

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MassMutual Oklahoma U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | oklahoma.massmutual.com | Year Founded 1851 Company leader General Agent Mark Burson | Status Cooperative | Employees in State 90

S

erving more than 35,000 clients in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, MassMutual Oklahoma is a wealth management organization focusing on the long-term needs of its clientele. Along with MassMutual, the agency is committed to helping its clients meet their financial needs, protecting family and business and building predictable retirement income and the security of mind that its clients will be prepared for the future.

MassMutual’s employees help their clients achieve these goals by celebrating success, being open to growth and new ideas and being flexible. And there are many reasons for its employees to celebrate.

“What we can offer you goes beyond financial services. We listen to what you have and put your interest first. We work as a team in pursuit of your financial goals. Back when business was done on a handshake, collaborations like this were common. Much has changed since those days, but we believe what was true then is true now we’re more likely to succeed if we do so together,” said General Agent Mark Burson.

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Southern Oklahoma Technology Center U.S. Corporate Headquarters Ardmore, Oklahoma | sotc.edu Year Founded 1966 | Company leader Superintendent David Powell Status Educational Institution | Employees in State 92

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estled between the Red River and the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains is the school district that is home to Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (SOTC). For 48 years, SOTC has provided quality service to its customers with exceptional adult education and training. SOTC offers state-of-the-art equipment, modern classrooms and highly qualified instructors.

SOTC serves 13 school districts and three dependent school districts in southern Oklahoma.

The educational institution offers 68 majors in 9 career clusters. Its Business and Industry Services classes provide quality organizational development and technical training to businesses, and its Adult Career Development Services provide courses designed for adults desiring to update or develop new career skills.

In addition to great employee benefits, SOTC offers its employees physical fitness classes in its Physical Therapy Lab, and a designated Wellness Committee has collaborated with Carter County Turning Point Coalition, at ShapeYourFutureOK.com, to add signs marking paths and mileage for the inside/outside walking trails on campus. SOTC also offers healthy menu choices in its cafeteria with caloric counts as well. “I have never been more proud of our staff at SOTC. Their passion for our mission and their professional character has consistently put us as one of the most desirable places to work in Southern Oklahoma. It is with great honor that okc.BIZ has once again recognized us as one of the best places to work in the state of Oklahoma,� said David Powell, superintendent of SOTC.

Meet the happy employees who create happy patients.

Recognized as a Best Place to Work in Oklahoma 2014.

Call 1-855-636-3856 today for information, or visit LaserSpineInstitute.com/careers OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 65

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GableGotwals U.S. Corporate Headquarters Tulsa, Oklahoma | gablelaw.com | Year Founded 1919 Company leader President Sidney Swinson | Status Private | Employees in the State of Oklahoma 149

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il and gas, banking, bankruptcy, securities and finance, construction, real estate, mergers and acquisitions are just some of the many fields of special expertise this full-service law firm offers.

Whether you’re inquiring about the laws of intellectual property or Indian and gaming issues, environmental tax or employment law, GableGotwals is the go-to firm.

With offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, GableGotwals has the talent of almost 90 attorneys at its fingertips. The firm offers services dealing in the general practice of civil law on both the litigation and transactional front. And the company is known beyond its Oklahoma borders.

“What makes GableGotwals a best place to work is our people. We have a very positive and supportive culture because we have people who truly care about each other. We focus on making sure we celebrate not only our work successes but also personal milestones, such as birthdays, weddings, births, work anniversaries, etc. As a result, we have very low turnover amongst our attorneys and staff because we are co-workers and friends,” said Sidney Swinson, president.

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Wymer Brownlee U.S. Corporate Headquarters Enid, Oklahoma | wymerbrownlee.com | Year Founded 1969 Company leader CEO Kyle Brownlee | Status Private | Employees in State 68

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nspiring “true wealth” one client, one family and one business at a time is the mission of Wymer Brownlee. Providing tax and financial services, the team at Wymer Brownlee focuses on eight wealth management issues, including investment, management, cash flow and debt management, insurance, retirement planning, education planning, legacy planning, business planning and special situations. In terms of business consulting and planning, there are eight components that Wymer Brownlee uses fiscal and asset management, human resources, marketing, culture, client experience, operations, IT and administration.

“At Wymer Brownlee, we work with each other—not for the company—to take care of our clients and provide exceptional service each day. Our internal culture and philosophies rival none,” Aaron Brownlee, president and COO of Wymer Brownlee, said. “Our work environment is validating, encouraging and empowering with great energy and opportunity. We are grateful to be a part of this adventure and work diligently to maintain our unique culture as we continue to grow.”

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Industrial Controls of Oklahoma, LLC U.S. Corporate Headquarters Tulsa, Oklahoma | ico-inc.com Year Founded 1980 | Company leader Manager Mike Huckaby Status Private | Employees in Oklahoma 85

DLO gratefully thanks our more than 700 employees who have worked diligently to achieve the confidence and trust of Oklahoman physicians and patients.

Our unchartered growth in the clinical laboratory business is a testament to our employees’ hard work, dedication and passion for the difference they make in the lives of the Oklahomans they serve.

For nine consecutive years now,

P

owering business is the business of Industrial Controls of Oklahoma (ICO), LLC. Founded in 1980 to provide electrical construction services on small, skid-mounted oil field equipment, the company quickly gained a reputation for delivering quality work on difficult projects. As an industrial electrical contractor, it now furnishes electrical construction services to large corporate customers in northeast Oklahoma.

As the company began handling larger projects, it grew and its mission became “Powering business – Empowering people.”

ICO empowers its employees by helping them build their careers, teaching them skills that will allow them to grow and tackle ever more challenging projects.

“We want ICO to be a place where people want to build their career for the long-term. To reach this goal, we are intentionally creating the culture, programs and training that will help people reach and expand their full potential,” explained Manager Mike Huckaby.

Employees at ICO enjoy fourday work weeks with flexible time

off, an annual ICO day at a Tulsa Driller’s baseball game and an annual holiday party at the Hard Rock Hotel. They also get paid time off to volunteer with the company’s community service partners such as Rebuilding Together Tulsa, which assists low-income homeowners with repairs, allowing them to live in safe and secure homes. In addition, employees receive tool discounts and reimbursements.

ICO provides an apprenticeship training program called ICO University. Through the program, the company covers all aspects of training, including technical, management and safety, and has an accredited electrical apprenticeship program consisting of a fouryear education program to teach employees the skills they need to advance in the electrical trade. It also offers tuition reimbursement for college to assist employees in furthering their education.

our employees have made DLO one of “The Best Places to Work in Oklahoma.”

dlolab.com

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NFP Maschino, Hudelson & Associates U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | mha-ins.com Year Founded 2002 | Company leader Principal J. Kelly Hudelson Status Private | Employees in State 36

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nhancing the lives of your employees while developing benefit programs that maintain a competitive difference is what the team at NFP Maschino, Hudelson & Associates does daily. Having the right benefits can help companies recruit and retain better employees.

NFP Maschino, Hudelson & Associates can support businesses navigating the complex world of compliance and regulatory as well as designing comprehensive services tailor-made for any business.

It can do these expert tasks because it recruits and retains the best professionals. The company’s employees enjoy flexible work schedules, quarterly bonus programs, creative wellness offerings and rewards as well as employee appreciation days. And like its fellow Best Places to Work in Oklahoma recipients, many of the company’s team members participate in community service initiatives such as Junior Achievement, which empowers young people to win their economic success, and Oklahoma 6 8 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Several of the company’s employees serve as volunteers on these boards and many others.

How do these benefit specialists have fun? They toast glasses or mugs at coffee bar and wine tastings; they have impromptu celebrations with ice cream socials, smoothie bars, cookies and cupcakes; and they enjoy the coveted chair massage.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our workplace practices. NFP Maschino, Hudelson & Associates provides the kind of culture that fosters personal and professional growth. We believe and have seen when our employees are happy and enjoy their jobs, company success will be inevitable,” said J. Kelly Hudelson, principal.

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Vox Printing U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma www.voxprint.com | Year Founded 1971 Company leader CEO LaVerna Reid | Status Private Employees in State 72

The

Best People

create the

Best Places S

erving a niche market and providing competitive pricing are not the only reasons Vox Printing is successful. Its employees’ personal relationships with its customers have set Vox above its competitors.

Since 1971, this printing juggernaut has been leading the competition in printing materials — including trayliners, placemats, coupons, direct mail pieces and newspaper inserts along with promotional inserts and bag stuffers — for quick-service restaurants. It has also expanded its business to include the production of folding cartons and expect business to grow in this area over the next couple of years.

Family comes first at Vox Printing, and yearly bonuses help families. Employees get a yearly bonus of $1,000 if the company meets its goals, which it has for the last several years. It also holds celebrations, parties and events to commemorate important milestones.

One such event is Days Without An Accident Celebrations. If the company goes a year with a reportable accident, employees are treated to a special dinner. And to

help through the rough patches, the company employs a chaplain who makes weekly visits and assists employees who might be dealing with personal issues.

Since some of Vox Printings largest customers are quick-service restaurants, it seems natural that its president and CEO serve on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Many at the company help financially support the houses through fundraising activities. Several of Vox’s employees are leaders in the Boy Scouts of America and let the nonprofit use their 70-acre campus to have campouts and training.

“Our company is a best place to work in Oklahoma because we recognize the value of our employees.

Our employees are the reason we are one of the most productive printing companies in the national and why we have relationships with many of our customers that go back decades.

We appreciate our employees and do what we can to make sure the time they spend at work is enjoyable and rewarding. Our culture statement is we enjoy working and are enjoyable to work with,” said David Reid, president.

Public Strategies aspires to be a great place to work—a place that inspires excellence, respects diversity and invests in individual growth. We are proud to have been named as one of Oklahoma’s Best Places to Work for a fifth year. But above all, we are proud of our incredible staff who make Public Strategies such a remarkable place.

PublicStrategies.com

OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 69

16

S M A LL B US I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Integrated Business Technologies U.S. Corporate Headquarters Broken Arrow, Oklahoma | ibtsupport.com Year Founded 2007 | Company leader President Eric Kehmeier Status Private | Employees in State 30

Family. Team. Communities.

First United Bank

First United began as a family-owned community bank, and through the years we have remained a neighborly, community-oriented business where our customers and employees are treated like family. We cherish family: our own, our bank family, and the families of others.

We know family is our foundation. We combine our individual talents to achieve high performance. We live as a team, succeeding together. We make a difference in the lives of others. We share our time and our hearts with our communities.

We’re proud to have earned the distinction of being named a “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma” company for the sixth year in a row.

Banking • Mortg

age • Insurance

• Wealth Manag

ement

Locations throughout Oklahoma and North Texas

1-800-924-4427 | firstunitedbank.com

70 | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE

I

ntegrated Business Technologies (IBT) has a goal of helping other small businesses grow and move forward with the philosophy that “we’re all in this together.” And the company takes that approach as a team with its employees.

IBT offers services to businesses to outsource IT, project implementation, business telephone systems and product sales. For most clients, outsourcing IT enables them to focus on business and clients. With project implementation, jobs can be simple or complex, such as installing a new computer or merging networks into one. IBT’s telephone systems can decrease costs when properly designed to integrate with other communication systems.

So how does IBT keep its techy employees happy? It’s not as complicated as you might think. They

have fun with monthly birthday lunch celebrations; get chair massages twice a month; have options for standing and ergonomic workstations; enjoy access to pool foosball tables, treadmills and ellipticals; and get random surprises like afternoon ice cream, food truck lunches and gift certificates for going above and beyond. IBT has also been known to send its account managers out for pedicures and golf.

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

S M A LL BUS I N E S S

17

Blusource U.S. Corporate Headquarters Guthrie, Oklahoma | blusource.com Year Founded 1992 | Company leader CEO and Owner Steve Hatfield Status Private | Employees in State 26

COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN NEIGHBORHOODS AND BUSINESSES.

IT’S PEOPLE YOU CARE FOR.

Every year, MassMutual Oklahoma is proud to support communities across Oklahoma City – and the extraordinary people who work so hard to improve our lives through education, community vitality, and so much more.

MassMutual Oklahoma is proud to have been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma”.

MassMutual Oklahoma 4801 Gaillardia Parkway Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405-486-1400 www.oklahoma.massmutual.com

S

ince 1992, Blusource’s mission as a distribution organization has been to acquire excess inventories of companies and distribute those goods at a much lower cost to nonprofits.

The company strives to provide nonprofits with high-quality products at the lowest possible fees. And due to Blusource’s ability to work as a friendly conduit between companies and nonprofits, the needs of the people the nonprofits serve are met.

Blusource not only makes a business practice out of ultimately providing needed goods to an underserved population, it practices with a sense of duty to service those in need. It gives employees 30 hours of paid time off for service or mission trips. This sense of giving back carries over into its community initiatives

such as providing backpacks to the Maisha Orphanage in Kenya and contributing to the Lyric Understudies Program in Oklahoma City.

However, it’s not all about serving the needs of others; it’s also about serving the needs of its employees with a four-day work week in a fun and relaxed work environment, an onsite workout room and food trucks that cater lunches throughout the summer months. Blusource also provides back-to-school supplies for all of its employees’ children.

LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Insurance products issued by MassMutual (Springfield, MA 01111) and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Insurance Co. (Enfield, CT 06082). MassMutual Oklahoma’s “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma” selection announced 10/8/14 by the Oklahoma Gazette. CRN201502-168389 OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 7 1

18

S M A LL B US I N E S S

okc.biz | best places to work 2014

Public Strategies U.S. Corporate Headquarters Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | publicstrategies.com | Year Founded 1990 Company leader President/CEO Mary Myrick | Status Private | Employees in State 97

C

elebrating diversity, strengthening families and promoting child welfare initiatives are just some of the objectives Public Strategies has accomplished though its strategic planning and project management.

The company’s portfolio includes the National Marriage Resource Center, the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative and Family Expectations and Urban Services. These projects are carried out by a diverse group of individuals from various professional backgrounds with a common vision that includes people, passion, portfolio, partners and productivity.

“We are delighted to be named one of the best places to work in Oklahoma for the fifth time, but the greatest honor is to be surrounded by such a diverse and talented team of individuals committed to the work we do helping others reach their full potential. Way to go Public Strategies Team,” said Sammy Norvell Cravens, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: What’s the most amazing feat you ever pulled off? What will you do for your next amazing feat? Truthrooster@gmail.com.

ARIES March 21-April 19 Situation #1: If you meet resistance or doubt, say this: “Ha! This diversion can’t slow me down, because I am in possession of an invisible magical sword!” And then brandish a few charismatic swipes of your sword to prove that you mean business. Situation #2: If angst and worry are preventing your allies from synchronizing their assets with yours, say this: “Begone, dread! For with the power of my wicked crazy songs, I am the destroyer of fear.” And then sing your wicked crazy songs. Situation #3: If you’re finding it hard to discern the difference between useless, ugly monsters and useful, beautiful monsters, say this: “I am a useful, beautiful monster!” Your kind will flock to your side.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 In her poem “Advice to Myself,” Louise Erdrich speaks of the human heart as “that place you don’t even think of cleaning out. That closet stuffed with savage mementos.” I invite you to use her observations as a prod, Taurus. Now is an excellent time to purge the savage mementos from your heart, and clean the whole place up as best as you can. You don’t have to get all OCD about it. There’s no need to scour and scrub until everything’s spotless. Even a half-hearted effort will set in motion promising transformations in your love life.

path through an oak forest. I say it’s rough because it’s strewn with loose rocks. If I don’t survey the ground as I move, I’m constantly turning my ankles. Or at least that was the case until last week.

For two days, with the help of a rake, I cleared many of those bothersome obstacles off the trail.

It took several hours, but now the way is smoother.

My eyes are free to enjoy the sights that aren’t so close to the ground. I recommend that you do similar work. Stop tolerating inconveniences and irritations that hobble you. Get your foundations in shape to serve you better.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22 American author Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was ahead of his time. He created the genre of the detective story and mastered the art of Gothic horror tales. According to the Internet Movie Database, 240 films have referenced themes from his work. British writer Aldous Huxley wasn’t a fan of Poe, though.

He said Poe was “too poetical -- the equivalent of wearing a diamond ring on every finger.” Judging from the astrological omens, I suspect you may be at risk to lapse into a diamond-ring-on-every-finger phase yourself, Leo. While I am all in favor of you unveiling more of your radiant beauty, I’m hoping you won’t go too far. How about wearing diamond rings on just four of your fingers?

CANCER June 21-July 22 Three times a week, I take a hike along a rough

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22 “I am naughtiest of all,” wrote poet Emily

DOWN TOWN

GEMINI May 21-June 20 I hope you will learn more in the next eight months than you have ever before learned in a comparable period. I hope you will make a list of all the subjects you would love to study and all the skills you would love to master, and then devise a plan to gather the educational experiences with which you will reinvent yourself. I hope you will turn your curiosity on full-blast and go in quest of revelations and insights and epiphanies, smashing through the limits of your understanding as you explore the frontiers of sweet knowledge.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Republican Jody Hice is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. To bolster his authority, he repeats quotes by revered figures from American history. One of his favorites has been a gem from the sixth U.S. President, John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” The only problem is, those words were actually written by country singer Dolly Parton, not by Adams.

Don’t get fooled by a comparable case of mistaken identity, Virgo. Be on the alert for unwarranted substitutions and problematic switcheroos. Be a staunch fact-checker. Insist on verification.

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Dickinson in a playful letter to Maggie Maher, dated October 1882. In accordance with the astrological omens, I authorize you to let that same declaration fly frequently from your own lips in the coming week. Feel free to invoke other variations on the theme of naughtiness, as well: “I am exploring the frontiers of naughtiness,” for example, or “You need to be naughtier” (said to a person you’d like to get naughty with), or “Being naughty is my current spiritual practice.”

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21 “There’s a way not to be broken that takes brokenness to find it,” writes Naomi Shihab Nye in her poem “Cinco de Mayo.” I suspect this describes your situation right now. The bad news is that you are feeling a bit broken. The good news is that this is a special kind of brokenness -- a brokenness that contains a valuable secret you have never been ready to learn before now. Allow yourself to feel the full intensity of the brokenness, and you will discover a way to never be broken like this again.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21 In a competitive game show on Japanese TV, 13 people had slabs of meat tied to their foreheads.

They then poked their heads up from below, through holes in the floor of an elevated platform, where a hungry lizard was stalking around. But not one of the contestants stuck around when the lizard came to nibble the meat; they all ducked down out of their holes and fled to safety. That was probably wise, although it meant that the prize went unclaimed. Now I’m wondering, Sagittarius, about what might happen if a similar event were staged in your neighborhood. I suspect there’s a chance you would will yourself to stand calmly as the lizard feasted on the meat just inches from your eyes. As much as I admire that kind of poised courage, I want you to know that there are better ways to express it. Be on the lookout for noble challenges with goals that are truly worthy of you.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Director Michael Bay makes big, loud, fast, melodramatic action films, including Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and the four Transformers movies. The

critics hate him, but he’s unfazed. “I make movies for teenage boys,” he says. “Oh, dear, what a crime,” he adds sarcastically. I love that stance. He knows what he’s good at, and makes no apologies for doing it. I recommend that you cop some of that attitude right now.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18 While walking in San Francisco, I passed the Pacific Heights Health Club. The sign out front said, “Birthday suits tailored here.” It was a witty reference to the idea that working out at a gym helps people get their naked bodies in good shape.

I’d like to interpret the sign’s message in a different way, and apply it to you. The time is right for you to get back in touch with your raw, original self, and give it the care and the fuel and the treats it has been missing. Who did you start out to be? What does your soul’s blueprint say about who you must become? Home in on your source code and boost its signal.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20 Horror novelist Stephen King has sold more than 350 million books. But when he was young and destitute, still honing his craft, his self-confidence was low. His breakthrough work was Carrie, about a teenage girl who develops telekinetic powers. But when he was first writing that manuscript on his old manual typewriter, he got so discouraged that he threw his first draft in the trashcan. Luckily for him, his wife retrieved it and convinced him to keep plugging away. Eventually he finished, and later sold the paperback rights for $400,000. I hope you have an ally who will go digging in your garbage to fish out the good stuff you unwisely discard. Or maybe this horoscope will convince you not to scrap it in the first place.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes / daily text message horoscopes.

The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.

10TH ANNUAL

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, preference or discrimination.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings in our newspaper are available on an equal housing opportunity basis.

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OK L AHOMA GA Z ET TE | OC TO B E R 8 , 2014 | 73

P H O N E (4 0 5 ) 5 2 8 - 6 0 0 0 | E - M A I L : A D V E R T I S I N G @ T I E R R A M E D I A G R O U P. C O M

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SEEKING ENERGETIC DIRECTOR FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION Top salary and benefits for experienced fundraiser, lobbyist & grassroots organizer E-mail cover letter/resume/references/questions to: oklahomasierraclub@gmail.com Full job description available online: oklahoma.sierraclub.org Application deadline October 27, 2014.

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MidFirst Bank is seeking a highly experienced Facilities Maintenance Mechanic to oversee and perform both general and preventative maintenance on two corporate buildings. Responsibilities can include routine maintenance projects, performing building inspections as well as addressing plumbing, HVAC and electrical issues. Therefore, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a facilities management roll is required. An Oklahoma State Mechanical Journeyman license is preferred, but is not required.

Candidates who possess this level of experience as well as strong communication and service skills are encouraged to apply.

www.midfirst.jobs If you are interested in this opportunity, please visit our website to complete an online application.

AA/Equal Opportunity Employer-M/F/Disability/Vets 74 | O C T O B E R 8 , 2 0 1 4 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

Send resumes to OK Marketer email: proximitymarketing jobs@rbaoftx.com

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Bartenders and Wait Staff Come in from 12p-4p or call 405.413.3264 13509 Highland Park Blvd.

Research Volunteers Needed Researchers at OU Health Sciences Center need healthy volunteers ages 18 to 30 who have a parent with or without a history of an alcohol or drug problem. Qualified participants will be compensated for their time.

Call (405) 456-4303 to learn more about the study and to see if you qualify.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution

P H O N E (4 0 5 ) 5 2 8 - 6 0 0 0 | E - M A I L : A D V E R T I S I N G @ T I E R R A M E D I A G R O U P. C O M

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