HORIZONS
R E S O R T
The Shangri-La Eagle which greets all arrivals from atop a 30foot pedestal in front of the main Club House is perhaps the most treasured part of Shangri-La’s storied history. Originally designed and built by Wichita industrial designer Richard Ten Eyck in 1976, the eagle was purchased by original Shangri-La owner Charles Davis for $75,000.
Amphibiansretreat atShangri-La
by Shelly Schultz Marketing Manager
Being surrounded by water, the folks at Shangri-La Resort are no strangers to amphibians – but October brought an amphibious group to the island that is nearly extinct in their class.
About 30 amphibious planes from across the country landed at Monkey Island airport Sept 30, for the Lake Amphibians Club’s national convention
Often referred to as flying boats or lake planes because of their ability to operate on either land or water, these particular amphibians were designed after WWII and built during the 1960s and 70s.
Local pilot and flight instructor
Steve Robinson, who helped organize the convention, said manufacturers stopped building the planes in the 1980s.
“So, we’re what we call an orphan fleet,” said Robinson. “There’s no manufacturer to support us so we have to come up with our own parts and our own way of fixin’ ‘em But they’re fun to fly ”
Among the rare birds to alight on Monkey Island was a 1978 Lake Buccaneer, piloted by Gibson Howell of Sacramento, Ca “Babylakes” is a four-seat cantilever, shoulder-wing monoplane with a single-step all metal hull and retractable tricycle landing gear. It is powered by a 180 hp piston engine mounted above the hull.
“Gibson bought Babylakes in 1996 before he even had a single-engine rating,” said Essence Walker, Howell’s co-pilot in the cockpit and at home.
Howell, who has spent the past few decades as a commercial pilot for one of the major airlines, acquired a multiengine jet rating as an Air Force Captain.
His interest in aviation was prompted early on by flying with his father
In high school Howell was selected by the Air Force for a pilot slot with a full ROTC scholarship while working as a computer engineer for Microsoft and IBM
“Gibson had already bought our river house but was looking for a place with a runway so he could buy a plane,” Walker said. “A friend pointed out the Sacramento River running through our backyard is a fantastic runway if he bought a seaplane. So he did.”
In 2021, the couple built a U dock to fit the plane alongside their boats and jet ski’s.
Walker, a communications and conflict management major, is a FSR Registered Mediator, certified in Zumba Instruction and a workshop facilitator She is also licensed in 42 states as an insurance agent and broker
Shangri-La Marketing Manager Shelly Schultz (left) co-piloted one of the lake planes on an experimental flight over Grand Lake in October when about 30 amphibious aircraft landed on Monkey Island for LakeFest 2024. Pictured on right, Sacramento Pilot Essence Walker.
Several lake planes landed at the Wolf Creek boat ramp to let visitors get an up-close look at the unique aircraft.
“My interest for flying came from both my parents in the Air Force,” Walker said. “Growing up on (military) bases, going to airshows to watch my grandpa’s cousin who was one of the Tuskegee Airmen ” Her desire became more personal after her first Discovery Flight in 1999
“Unfortunately, the events of 9/11 took the taste for flying away from me for awhile,” Walker said “But I got back to it in 2008 and I’ve been
enjoying flying seaplanes for four years now. – since 2020.”
Travel is a large part of the couple’s life. Piloting around the world together formed a bond and trust that keeps their relationship fresh.
The couple has been featured in multiple destination commercials.
“We have so much fun,” Walker said.”
Despite traveling to some of the most incredible destination spots in the world, the couple agrees visiting Shangri-La was among the best.
“We’ve flown a lot in our seaplane, and every flight has its own routes, weather, reroutes for restricted areas, refueling, lodging issues, dining options, etc,” Walker said.
“Our trip to LakeFest was truly the most optimal of everything for us. We caught great tailwinds both ways, it wasn’t turbulent.”
One of the downfalls to these planes is the absence of climatecontrolled air.
“It wasn’t too hot when the sun beamed into the cockpit, just a bright, clear and beautiful week,” Walker said.
On the return flight, the couple got a great flight path across Mt. Zion National Park, Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon. They also
“Our flight to Shangri-La for the LakeFest event has truly been the most interesting and memorable flight in Babylakes”
landed for a couple days in Albuquerque, NM for the world’s largest Hot Air Balloon Festival “Flying over the Sandia Mountains at sunset and taking off at sunrise over the Hot Air Balloon Festival was magical - both looked like perfect Bob Ross paintings.”
The consensus of LakeFest members was to return to ShangriLa for their next event, Howell and Williams agree.
“Monkey Island itself was so spacious with so few boaters, it’s wide and not riddled with complex power lines to navigate The resort, of course, was comfy, clean, classy the food was yummywhen they were open - and the staff was incredible We can’t thank you enough.”
Essence Walker and Gibson Howell shooting a commercial for a Punta Cana luxury vacation.
Essence Walker enjoys the Shangri-La Resort pool after a day of safety training
Essence Walker and Gibson Howell prepare for their trip back to California
Monkey Island’s Song and Dance Man
Ron
Young’s Broadway career spanned four decades
byMikeWilliams DirectorofCommunications
ManypeoplewhofollowedRon Young’scareerasaBroadway performerarepuzzledaboutwhy hemovedtoGrandLakeafterhis retirement However,thosewho tracehisbiographybackfar enoughwilllearnhedidnotjust movetoGrandLake–hemoved backtoGrandLake,andhis MonkeyIslandrootsrundeep His father,DonYoung,wastheGolf ProatShangri-Laintheearly 1970s.Bythattime,Ronhad alreadycompletedhisstudiesat GroveHighSchoolandthe UniversityofTulsa,andhadtaken alittlesabbaticalfromGrandLake –a50-yearsabbatical.His activitiesduringthosefour decadesbuildastorythatcould onlycomeoutofthemovies;or, inRon’scase,rightoutof BroadwayTheater
Asayoungmangrowingupin Grove,Oklahoma,hedaredto dreambig Armedwiththree musicdegrees,hestruckoutfor NewYorkatage22 Hearrivedin ManhattanonaFridayandwent tohisfirstsingers’chorusaudition foraBroadwayshowonMonday Thenextdayhewenttothe dancers’audition Itwasonlylater helearnedthatnooneeverdid that Aftertwocallbackshewas castinhisfirstdancingrolein whatsoonbecamethesmashhit oftheseason,Hello,Dollystarring CarolChanning.Intheensuing33 yearsonstageheappearedina varietyofhitshowsincluding MAME,GeorgeM!,TheBoyFriend,
My One and Only, A Chorus Line and the motion pictures Hair and Annie, working with such theater legends as Ethel Merman, Shirley Booth, Angela Lansbury, Tommy Tune, Bernadette Peters, Joel Gray, Chita Rivera, Sandy Duncan and Georgia Engel.
“About a year after I arrived in New York, I found a rentcontrolled 5 flight walk up apartment in Greenwich Village,” Ron recalls “I was worried It was $92 56 a month, and I didn’t see any way I could afford it, but I took it, and stayed there for about 48 years ”
Following his retirement from theater after 33 years, Ron transitioned to the corporate world, working as an archivist for Merrill Lynch before associating with world renowned organizer Julie Morgenstern (Organizing from the Inside Out) helping
clients around the country and around the world organize their clutter. His inspirational autobiography, The Only Boy Who Danced, has received rave reviews from the famous far and wide -Angela Lansbury to David Hartman - Chita Rivera to Tommy Tune. An autographed copy is proudly displayed in the ShangriLa trophy case
Ron has long since returned to his Grand Lake roots permanently His home is in Monkey Island’s St Andrews Harbor development, just a stone’s throw from the Shangri-La course
“My friends from New York can’t understand why I love it here so much – until they come visit I remember a good friend of mine standing on my balcony, looking around. She finally turned to me and said, ‘Okay, I get it.’ Everyone who comes here loves it.”
Shangri-La member and former Broadway performer Ron Young performs the National Anthem at Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell’s annual golf tournament at Shangri-La as the Lieutenant Governor salutes.
Ron’s return to Grand Lake also resulted in his return to performing. An invitation from Shangri-La to sing the National Anthem at a planned Grand Opening ceremony of the Club House in 2011 resulted in renewed exercise of his vocal skills A few local appearances and a popular You Tube video later, Ron’s stirring performance of the Star Spangled Banner is a high demand item In fact, on January 21, 2018 Ron’s friends, fans, and supporters rallied at Big Shots on Monkey Island to celebrate Ron’s 100th performance of the Star Spangled Banner – including one at the University of Tulsa football homecoming game at the 50th year anniversary for Ron’s graduating class. And he’s still at it! He has now sung the banner at more than 200 events.
Amidst his busy schedule, he still finds time for golf, the majority of social events at Shangri-La, long walks along the Monkey Island Trail, and regular workouts in the fitness center Add in a few book signing sessions and participation in local civic activities, and you have an idea of the weekly schedule for one of Grand Lake’s most active 83year-olds
“Everything’s good but my golf,” Ron jokes “I have tried to play since I was little My dad cut down some clubs for me when I was just two years old. When I was seven years old, I entered a closest-to-the-pin competition in Rochester, Minnesota. My best was a 120-yard shot that landed about twelve feet from the pin. I even got a write-up in the newspaper, but it’s been
downhill ever since.”
For many years, Ron has been a member of a New York-based organization called Dancers Over 40 In December, 2017 he was selected by the organization’s Board of Directors to receive their coveted Legacy Award
“I couldn’t believe friends from Monkey Island showed up at the award ceremony Peggy HowardBurgess, Gretchen Zumwalt, Debbie Hess, and Shaleen Wheeler all surprised me with their presence That was the first year the winners had been allowed to perform, so that was a very special moment for me, made even more special by the fact that there were Monkey Islanders and fellow Shangri-La members present for the ceremony in New York to support me.”
Through all the years on Broadway, all the glitz and glitter, all the pride of authoring an acclaimed autobiography and his burgeoning career in the professional organizing business, there are many sources of joy for Ron Young; but time at his beloved Grand Lake is a source of joy, as well
“People ask me all the time, ‘Don’t you miss New York and all the excitement?’ The answer is ‘no, I grew up here This is where I want to be.’ If I never go to another opening for a Broadway show, I’m good with that. Been there, done that,” he says. “I look around my house, the club, the golf course, my surroundings and my friends and think, ‘Oh, my God, I am so lucky.’ I have my health, this place at Grand Lake, and unbelievable friends. I am an incredibly blessed person ” With a storybook career that includes success as a singer, dancer, choreographer, director, actor, author, organizer, archivist
Ron Young (right) with Angela Lansbury in the original production of Mame
Ron Young Continued and inspirational speaker, Ron is certainly entitled to give the advice he loves to write as the trademark signature at book signings:
“Always follow your dreams I did ”
At the Legacy Award ceremony in New York in 2017, he looked back on fulfillment of his own dream in his closing remarks as he reflected back on his time spent performing with the legendary Judy Garland, prior to his stirring a cappella.
Now, almost seventy-five years later,” he told the hushed New York crowd, “I have the award to provide the affirmation that I have achieved the one goal I had in life.
“All I ever wanted to be was a song & dance man.”
IMPORTANT CONTACT
INFORMATION
Tee Time Reservations
Championship Course
918-257-7703
Tee Time Reservations
Battlefield Par 3 Course
918-257-7780
Pickleball or Tennis Reservations
918-257-5205
Doc’s Bar & Grill Reservations
918-257-7777
Summit Restaurant Reservations
918-257-4203
Boat Rental and Yacht Charter
918-257-6000
Spa Reservations
918-257-7734
Ron Young in the Limelight
90 Years of the Broadway Music Man
Saturday, January 18 at 6:30 pm Roosevelt Ballroom Markyourcalendarsand joinusforafabulous
STAFF STAFF DIRECTORY DIRECTORY
Lance Funderburk, General Manager 918-257-7760
Brett Wisdom, Hotel Director 918-257- 7732
Cassandra Graham, Reservations Supervisor 918-257-7738
Dana Able, Director of Sales, Marketing & Membership 918-257-7714
McKayla Rutherford, Executive Meeting Manager 918-257-7779
Lori Sparrow, Group Sales 918-257-7758
Laura Barnes, Sales & Marketing Executive Assistant 918-257-7790
Yvonne Burns, Catering Sales Manager 918-257-7716
Ryan Snyder, PGA Director of Golf 918-257-7703
Bradley Jumper, Head Golf Professional at The Battlefield 918-257-7780
Justin May, Golf Course Superintendent 918-257-7725
John Havens II, Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Operations 918-257-7717
Mike Williams, Director of Communications & Government Relations 918-257-7730
Shelly Schultz, Marketing Manager 918-257-7724
Mitch Whitehead, Marina Manager 918-257-4898
Shaun Tune, Director of Recreation 918-257-7786
Sarah Roper, Director of People & Culture 918-257-7719
Tami MacDonald-Smith, Controller 918-257-7721
On Site Dining
Doc’s Bar & Grill
(Located inside the hotel)
Daily: 11 am to 9 pm
Bar Open til 10 pm Fri. & Sat.
Happy Hour 3 - 7 pm 918-257-7742
Galley (Located inside The Anchor)
Thursday & Friday: 4 - 10 pm Saturday & Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm 918-257-7786
Grind (Located inside the hotel)
Monday - Thursday: 7 am to Noon
Friday - Sunday: 7 am to 2 pm 918-257-7788
Canteen at The Battlefield
Friday - Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm
The Turnhouse at The Clubhouse Wednesday - Sunday: 9 am to 3 pm
Summit (Located inside the Clubhouse)
Members Only
Thursday: 4 - 9 pm Friday & Saturday: 4 - 10 pm
Open to the Public Sunday: 4 - 9 pm 918-257-7713
From the Director of Golf
It is another beautiful day on Monkey Island as I pen this email in late November while the Fall temperatures continue changing the colorful landscape Our Golf course continues to show its beauty; and the grass is falling into winter slumber I want to take this moment to thank all of our wonderful members for your hospitality and support in the past season The membership was amazing, engaged, active and caring during our busiest times and we look forward to bringing some new programming to the Spring season. This place, this Island, this community and resort, are very unique and we cannot take that for granted. We have something here that people dream of, and we need to continue to grow and foster that development and aura surrounding this area, and its people THIS PLACE IS SPECIAL!
With the continued support of the members, the visionary leadership team, and our dedicated employees we will continue to get better each day This doesn't mean we will not stumble from time to time, but
we will finish every race! Our Winter Golf League competition this year runs December 5-January 30 in the Trackman Golf Simulator Bay at The Anchor Contact the Golf Shop if you would like more information
We will be busy over the next few months spreading the Shangri-La news across the region Our Sales Team will be at the Oklahoma Boat Expo in Tulsa January 10-12. I will be representing at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando January 21-24, and we will have displays at both the St. Louis Golf Show January 31-February 2 and the Kansas City Golf Show February 21-23.
In the meantime, college football is heavy in the air with Basketball season already in full swing THE DODGERS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!! Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, College Football Playoffs, and the Superbowl will dominate our calendars as we celebrate with family and friends Take this winter season to realize what you hold most dear to your heart, your family and your time -
two of the things we cannot buy or replace I encourage each of you to spend your valuable time with family and friends, make it count, take nothing for granted, it goes to quickly for that. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and we only get one turn on the ride. Take advantage of those beautiful days during the winter months. Seasonal golf rates return March 1 just ahead of the return to Daylight Saving Time March 9!
Sincerely, Ryan Snyder, PGA Director of Golf ryan snyder@shangrilaok com
Battlefield Shootout
by Shelly Schultz Marketing Manager
Bedlam, with a twist... That’s what travel and golf magazines across the country dubbed the highly publicized match that pit Good Good against BustaJack on our very own Battlefield, Oct 26
The event began Friday evening, Oct. 25, on Doc’s Patio, where members and guests had the opportunity to visit with former OU and OSU collegians over a perfectly prepared dinner
At high noon Saturday, the cannon blast signaled tee time for Good Good team members, Brad Dalke and Quade Cummins, and the BustaJack duo Cole Lantz and Mason Nutt.
Dozens of spectators followed the two teams across the rugged terrain of the Battlefield, paying witness to a tightly matched game that was ultimately taken by the Good Good sensation
Dalke praised The Battlefield in an interview with Golf Wire, stating that it was probably the most amazing par-three course he’s ever played.
“We can’t wait to get back to this awesome lake resort,” Dalke told reporters
If you missed the match, it can be seen on YouTube com or the YouTube app Part One of the match went live on the @BustaJackGolf channel, Oct 30 Part two premiered on Brad Dalke’s @braddalkegolf channel, Oct. 31.
The event was certainly a successful one for Shangri-La and promises to bring even more attention next year as we bring our own experience to the greens
A big shoutout to the sponsors of the event who made the first annual Battlefield Shootout possible: Apex Title & Closing Services, CBi Print, The Cole Organization Independent Insurance Agency, Grand River Abstract & Title Company, Mid-Land Enterprises, Shangri-La Resort, and Spirit Bank
CheckouttheNewServiceatTheSpa
It’s a center for total rejuvenation – The Spa at ShangriLa! From hair care to skin care –invigorating workouts to relaxing massages, The Spa is the place to revive your outlook – and your look!
Swedish Massage therapy includes couples’ massages as
well as body wrap scrubs Manicures, pedicures, hair care, waxing, laser hair removal and total skin care offerings are all available
We are also now offering lymphatic drainage massages Lymphatic massage involves gently manipulating specific areas
of your body to move excess fluid buildup away from your tissues and toward working lymph vessels and lymph nodes so they can get rid of toxins in your body. It helps to relieve swelling that occurs when illness or medical treatment clogs your lymphatic system
Our Winter special at The Spa at Shangri-La is a 50 percent discount on laser treatments This fantastic discount offer continues through February 2025.
Skin care options include microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, medical chemical peels, and microneedling treatment, including the Morpheus 8 radiofrequency microneedling
Much More Than Just a Spa
While the Spa at Shangri-La is open to the public, there are additional benefits available for members and registered hotel guests. Our state-of-the-art fitness center includes all new exercise equipment to fit every training program. We also have recently remodeled our steam room and sauna at the fitness center, and our indoor pool provides an escape for a relaxing swim our participation in our Tuesday & Thursday Water Aerobics classes with instructor Mary Ellen Risinger Relax, revive, and rejuvenate with a wide variety of health and beauty options at The Spa at Shangri-La!
December 3 – “Tuesday Trivia” ( p )
December 5 – Winter Golf League play begins in the Trackman simulator bay at The Anchor, continuing through January 30
December 5 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
December 6 – Ryan Graham performs live at Doc’s Bar & Grill (7:00 p m )
December 8 – Brunch with Santa at The Summit Restaurant (10:00 a m -4:00 p m )
December 10 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.)
December 12 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
December 13 – Mark Gibson performs live at Doc’s Bar & Grill (7:00 p m )
December 15 – Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Sing-a-Long in hotel lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.)
December 17 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p m )
December 19 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
December 19 – Grove Chamber Legislative Breakfast (9:00 a.m.)
December 20 – Kevin Price performs live at Doc’s Bar & Grill (7:00 p m )
December 22 – Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Sing-a-Long in hotel lobby (2:00-5:00 p m )
December 26 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
December 27 – R Jay Smith performs live at Doc’s Bar & Grill (7:00 p m )
December 31 – Members’ New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner at the Summit (4:00-9:00 p.m.)
December 31 – “Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party” in the Roosevelt Ballroom – Live music by Avenue (9:00 p.m.)
January 2 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
January 7 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.)
January 9 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
January 10-12 – Oklahoma Boat Expo – Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa
January 14 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.)
January 16 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
January 18 – “Ron Young in the Limelight – 90- Years of the Broadway Music Man” in the Roosevelt Ballroom (6:30 p.m.)
January 20 – College Football National Championship Game Watch Party at The Anchor
January 21 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p m )
January 21-24 – PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida
January 23 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
January 28 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p m )
January 30 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
January 31-February 2 – St Louis Golf Expo – St Charles Convention Center in St Louis
February 4 – “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.)
February 6 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
February 9 – Super Bowl Party at The Anchor (5:00 p m )
February 11 – Final “Tuesday Trivia” with Lee Lawson at The Anchor (7:00 p.m.)
February 13 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
February 13-16 – Valentine “Sweetheart Dinner Specials” at the Summit Restaurant
February 14 – Valentine’s Day Gala in the Roosevelt Ballroom (7:00 p.m.)
February 20 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p m )
February 21-23 – Kansas City Golf Show – Overland Park, KS Convention Center
February 27 – Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.)
New Year Promises New Activities and Some Old Favorites
Winter has been good to us at Shangri-La Resort, and as we wrap up another year and set our sights on the exciting adventures of 2025, we can’t help but feel the thrill in the air! With so many activities lined up, it’s time to dust off those snow boots and get ready for an action-packed season of fun!
Winter Pool League: A Cue-tastic Challenge!
Mark your calendars (well, sort of) because our Winter Pool League is on the horizon! The exact start date is still to be determined but stay tuned to our social pages for all the details If you’re itching for more info, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dynamic duo, Jason Morgan at Jason.Morgan@shangrilaok.com or Harrison Marshall at Harrison.Marshall@shangrilaok.com. Get ready to chalk up your cues and compete for glory!
Sporting Events Galore!
Football fans, rejoice! Whether you’re cheering for your favorite college team or rooting for the pros, The Anchor at Shangri-La is your ultimate sports haven With over 20 TVs, you won’t miss a single play!
College Football Playoff Schedule:
1st Round: 12/20/2024 (one game) 12/21/2024 (three games)
Quarterfinals: 12/31/2024 and 1/1/2025
Semifinals: 1/9/2025 and 1/10/2025
National Championship: 1/20/2025
NFL Playoff Schedule:
Wild Card Playoffs: 1/11/20251/13/2025
Divisional Playoffs: 1/18/2025 and 1/19/2025
Conference Championships: 1/26/2025
Super Bowl: 2/09/2025
Add the excitement of NBA action, college basketball leading into
March Madness, PGA Golf, NASCAR, and NHL action, and there’s never a dull moment at The Anchor Sports Bar Grab your friends, a cold beverage, and settle in for some nail-biting action!
Tuesday Trivia: Brain Power Unleashed!
Are you ready to flex those brain muscles? Join Lee Lawson for Tuesday Trivia, where knowledge is power (and fun!). We’ve already had a roaring start to trivia season in November, and we’re not slowing down! Here are the remaining rounds:
December: 3, 10, 17
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 11
Bring your A-game, and let’s see who reigns supreme as the trivia champion!
Racquet Sports: Serve It Up!
Want to get your heart racing? Our indoor pickleball and tennis dome is ready for action! Join us for our weekly mixers, drills, and lessons available every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Our courts open bright and early at 8 AM daily!
For more info about our racquet
club, reach out to our Head Pickleball Pro, Levi Kerr, at Levi.kerr@shangrilaok.com.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or picking up a paddle for the first time, we have something for everyone!
Corporate Team Bonding: Building Stronger Teams!
Want to take your corporate team to the next level? Get in touch with Mckayla Rutherford to book one of our epic corporate Team Bonding packages! Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Anchor Adventure Hunt: A scavenger hunt that will have you racing around The Anchor!
Shangri-La Adventure Hunt: Explore the hotel and Marina in this adventurous scavenger hunt! Anchor Olympics: Custom brackets for teams to compete in multiple sporting events think wiffleball, pickleball, cornhole, simulated golf, basketball, and so much more!
Ultimate Arcade Challenge: Team up in pairs to earn points in our arcade, playing everything from today’s hits to retro classics Looking Forward to 2025!
As we bid farewell to 2024, we’re gearing up for an exciting year ahead! From new activities to returning favorites, we can’t wait to share all the fun that 2025 has in store So, stay connected with us via our social channels, keep your spirits high, and let’s make this winter at Shangri-La Resort one to remember!
Until next time, Shaun Tune Director of Recreation
Shaun.tune@shangriaok.com
Christmas
Shangri-La Membership Comes With Big Advantages
merchandise at the Golf Shop, The Anchor Racquet Club Shop, The Battlefield Pro Shop, the Marina Ship Store, and Doc’s Bar & Grill, as well as complimentary Shangri-La Membership carries significant advantages Our membership options range from full Executive Golf Membership to a special golf membership that includes unlimited play only on The Battlefield Par 3 Course, as well as both corporate and seasonal membership options. Our Resort Membership provides access to a wide variety of amenities other than golf. Each membership option provides exclusive access to resort amenities and member discounts throughout the campus
In addition to discounts on merchandise, all Shangri-La Club members receive advance tee time and dining privileges, preferred reservations and access to a number of facilities exclusive to our members and registered hotel guests – The Summit Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, our state-of-the-art fitness center, both indoor and outdoor pools as well as significant discounts on
pickleball tennis, basketball, and Wiffle® Ball access
Added Benefits in 2024
Throughout the year, we host a variety of “Members Only” events which enable our members to learn about upcoming events andture plans at the resort while enjoying food & beverages and a chance to get better acquainted with fellow members.This year, membership privileges increased with the addition of a 15% discount on all food and nonalcoholic beverages at all ShangriLa food and beverage menus
It’s easy to see why our membership numbers continue to grow Shangri-La Membership has big advantages!
Welcome New Shangri-La Club Members!
Greg & Kelli Caldwell – Broken Arrow, OK
Brandon & Rebecca Danel – Grove, OK
Terry & Robyn Ross – Grove, OK
Robert and Tredway Medairos –Fredericksburg, VA
Adam Fuchs – Columbia, MO
Steve Parker & Madison Muschner – Joplin, MO
Rick Lawson – Fayetteville, AR
David Hansen – Afton, OK
Dusty & Arista Lopp – Coyle, OK
William & Margo Clark – Tulsa, OK
Jason & Chelsea Richards –Edmond, OK
James Dunn & Desiree Sedoris –Tulsa, OK
Ken & Henri Sabin – Tulsa, OK
Drew & Madelyn Sutherland –Overland Park, KS
Ed & Robin Alexander – Jenks, OK
Jason & Hillary Wilson – Amarillo, TX
Mike & Dana Gonce – Edmond, OK
Heather & Brandon Dean – Afton, OK
Josh Gilles & Teesha Richardson –Monkey Island, OK
Lynn & Sherry Nichols – Wichita, KS
Vicki Wash – Afton, OK
Keith Carnes – Afton, OK
Matthew & Linda Mantle – Loma Linda, MO
Jordan & Lindsey Chance –Springfield, MO
Brian & Michelle Stengel – Miami, OK
Jared & Kasidy Jeffers – Ketchum, OK
Gregory & Donna Hall – Port Charlotte, FL
Kenneth & Mary Hilbish – Pineville, MO
Brandon & Jennifer Lamb – Jenks, OK
Mike & Joni Stewart – Oklahoma City, OK
Stanley Krusich – Jay, OK
Kale Krusich – Jay, OK
Mike & Margo Hamsher – Afton, OK
Carrie Cizek – Afton, OK
Alan & Piper Bain – Tulsa, OK
Francie & Joe Koop – Nichols Hills, OK
Wes Baker & Kelly Stonestreet –Overland Park, KS
Brad & Kristin Lewis – Edmond, OK
George & Michelle Drummond –Oologah, OK
Vanessa & Bryan Rogers – Tulsa, OK
Logan & Jana Coffee – Vian, OK
Alissa Bishop Skinner & Joel Hatfield – Afton, OK
Eric & Connie Borland – Wichita, KS
Jason Montalvo & Danielle Henry –Broken Arrow, OK
Rick & Susan Baden – Olathe, KS
Rick & Wendy Jensen – Overland Park, KS
Terry & Lynn Morrison – Edmond, OK
Kevin and Julie Hamilton –Pittsburg, KS
Tim Yates and Leslie Barkley –Joplin, MO
Jeff Chaney – Miami, OK
Hank & Lucinda Jenks – Grove, OK
Miguel Barrios & Misty Smith –Monkey Island, OK
Richard Eby – Tulsa, OK
Todd Lee – Grove, OK
Brinda Russell – Grove, OK
Jeremy Colvard – Jay, OK
Logan Lowry – Carl Junction, MO
Patrece and Bryan Simpson –Joplin, MO
Mark and Laurie Robertson – Tulsa, OK
Gary & Connie Tolbert – Afton, OK
Shangri-La Marina
Shangri-La Marina, located adjacent to the resort hotel, is a year-round full service marina open during the winter months five days a week from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. TuesdaySaturday (Closed Sundays & Mondays in the off-season). We will also be closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to allow our crew to enjoy the holidays with their families. Whether the marina is technically open or not, docks and boats will be checked daily to ensure safety and security
With 229 covered slips available for annual rental to Shangri-La members in a variety of sizes from 24-feet to 70-feet along with personal watercraft ports, the marina offers gasoline and diesel fuel, boating supplies, pumpout facilities (March-October), shower facilities for slip renters, and complimentary WiFi All rental slips include electricity (including shorepower) and water
Courtesy slips are available for boaters wishing to access the many Shangri-La amenities by water
The Ship Store offers a variety of apparel, swimwear, footwear, hats, caps, souvenirs, boating supplies, snacks, beverages, and ice, as well as many must-have items like sunglasses, USB cables, smart phone charging cables,
and batteries
Pontoon, tritoon, sport boat, fishing boat, and personal watercraft rentals, yacht charters, and the region’s only parasailing adventures are available seasonally at Shangri-La Marina through the facilities of Sail Grand Waterfront. Catering aboard the yacht including availability of a cash bar may be arranged through the resort’s catering department. Rentals and charters are not available during the winter months, but rentals will resume in March, 2025. Parasailing is available only Memorial Day- Labor Day.
IF YOU NEED A NEW BOAT, WE HAVE YOU COVERED
With our partnership with Nichols Marina, boat sales are a year-round service. If you’re looking to upgrade, check out the in-stock inventory of new Chaparral, Robalo, Bennington, and MasterCraft Boats Boats have been removed from the sales dock at the marina, but a full inventory is available at the Nichols Marine Showroom at the causeway entering Monkey Island With new 2025 models arriving, there is always a great selection of both new and used boats If you are thinking of ordering a new boat with your exact preferred options, this is a good time to begin thinking about that Manufacturing demands have created an extensive wait time for custom orders If you want to order a new boat in time for the spring boating season, it’s probably wise to make your decision and get your order placed soon.
BOAT SHOWS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR
It’s already boat show season. The grandaddy of all boat shows – The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has already wrapped up the biggest show in the country.
If you missed that one, and would like a chance to check out all the new models for 2025, the two big shows in Oklahoma have been scheduled Mark your calendar to check out all that is new for the coming season This year, it doesn’t matter where you are in the state, there will be a big boat show near you – all on one weekend
The Oklahoma Boat Expo at the Cox Convention Center in Tulsa – and the Oklahoma City Boat & RV Show at the Bennett Event Center at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds are both scheduled for January 10-12, 2025 Wherever you spend your off-season months, there is also a Nichols Marine store near you, if you would like to see the new offerings in a private setting. In addition to the Shangri-La/Monkey Island facilities, Nichols has additional locations in Tulsa, Norman, McAlester, and Longview, Texas. Check out the complete inventory of
new and used boats available at www.nicholsmarine.com.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU – ALL YEAR!
For those who boat throughout the winter, Shangri-La Marina is your answer. Many Grand Lake marinas close for the winter months or are only open on weekends. Shangri-La Marina is one of the few marinas that provides full service year-round. We’re here TuesdaySaturday throughout the winter months Stop by and see us!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
We said goodby to Assistant Golf Pro Jerrod Neighbors in October
General Manager Lance Funderburk and Director of Communications Mike Williams, along with their wives, Amber and Cari, were part of the team that solved the October Murder Mystery “Death of a Gangster.”
Director of Sales, Marketing and Membership Dana Able joined Shangri-La members suited up Roaring 20s style for Surf n Turf dinner during the Murder Mystery event.
Director of People and Culture Sarah Roper recognized four department managers during the quarterly employee appreciation luncheon for their dedication, creativity and teamwork Pictured with Roper (left to right): Reservations Manager Cassandra Graham, Equipment Manager Dave Hastings, Purchasing Manager Sandy Wagoner and Executive Meeting Manager McKayla Rutherford.
Food and Beverage employee Zofi Smith showing her frisky spirit for Halloween.
