TulsaPeople April 2024

Nurtured roots

Meet the Hmong growers cultivating life, land, community and culture in Tulsa.

h eYOUR

MATTERS AT MABREY

YOU MATTER AT MABREY

Home is where our heart is. Whether you are buying or refinancing, Mabrey Bank goes big on care and service, so you go home with confidence and satisfaction. Because if it matters to you, it matters to us.

Leaders with Heart

ADVENTUROUS. ADAPTABLE. ARTICULATE.

Jim Carrington is proof positive that retirement is not the end of the show, but a chance to embark on life’s second act.

For 36 years Jim was an attorney practicing business law, serving 16 years as Associate General Counsel for Cherokee Nation Businesses. Upon retirement in 2021, he started searching for fun, new adventures.

A Tulsa World article about Sylvester Stallone filming Tulsa King prompted him to apply for a background role in the TV series. He applied 26 times before finally landing a background role and then more. He then set a goal of getting a single speaking line.

Having never acted in his life, Jim began attending a local actor support group and taking acting classes. He eventually landed speaking roles in student films and independent films in Oklahoma and Texas.

His background roles have run the gamut: ATF agent, rodeo patron, bar patron, church patron, veteran, and a Brooklyn pedestrian. He just finished a background role as a drill sergeant, standing alongside actor Dennis Quaid.

In an OsyoTV episode for Cherokee Film, Jim portrays Cherokee

cinematographer Lucien Ballard. He also has played billionaire Norman Osborn (whose alter ego is the Green Goblin) in Web of Spider-Man 2, a “web fan” series produced for the internet. In commercials, he has demonstrated a wet-dry vacuum, played a husband whose wife undergoes a body scan, and a donor to a veteran’s support group.

“As for speaking roles, you learn early on that casting directors send audition requests based mainly on headshots. It became clear quickly that I have the look of the clean-cut lawyer, politician, CEO, preacher, and generic dad. I’ve completed six films with speaking parts, and in four of them I played the father of a high school or college kid!”

Jim now enjoys helping other new actors land roles by directing them to casting calls, providing them with a list of Facebook groups dedicated to film and TV productions, sharing audition requests, recommending photographers for headshots, and helping new actors create auditioning tapes with their cell phones, and more.

“My greatest pleasure has been helping people in the creative community reach their goals. I have traveled and acted for free multiple times so film students can launch their first films,” Jim says. “Nothing has thrilled me more than recommending and helping a friend land that first speaking role in a film. I love helping writers and filmmakers bring to life stories that will eventually connect deeply with someone.”

“Jim is an amazingly talented person. Even as a young lawyer, he had a commanding presence and intellect to match any situation,” says Tom Bennett Jr., Executive Chairman of the Board for First Oklahoma Bank.

“The folks at First Oklahoma Bank proudly allow their personal beliefs about integrity, love for others, and a higher purpose guide their business decisions and impact the community,” Jim says.

THIS IS GREEN ORANGE COUNTRY

Some call it Green Country, but we know northeastern Oklahoma is really Orange Country.

Oklahoma State University impacts the lives of residents here in countless ways. With more than 52,000 proud and loyal alumni, partnerships with hundreds of companies and nonprofits, and more than 2,500 employees, OSU is a changemaker for Tulsa, Okmulgee, Tahlequah and beyond. We’re training future health care leaders for Oklahoma, helping working professionals advance their careers, educating tomorrow’s advanced technology workforce and building a world-class medical district downtown — all in our own backyard.

Discover why Orange is the Answer and partner with us to make a difference at orangecountry.okstate.edu.

PHOTO

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

BY TIM LANDES

7

Storefront theater.

Abstract impressions.

Thinking green this Earth Day.

Bookseller Lewis Meyer’s legacy.

79

LIFESTYLE

It’s easy to be eco-friendly.

This month’s solar eclipse.

A Jenks Main Street storefront.

Confounding pronouns with Connie.

89

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

BY JULIANNE TRAN

TABLE TALK

A new neighborhood bar.

Dining out with dietary restrictions. Sweet spots for cinnamon rolls. Big Bite returns for a second year.

Lenny Xiong grows crops on 7 acres in Vinita and sells his produce at Tulsa Farmers’ Market.

FEATURES EDITOR’S LETTER

It was a crisp sunny morning in early March when photographer Michelle Pollard and I arrived at the Sperry home and farm of Xai Lee and Sho Vue for a photoshoot that would include the stunning cover image of Vue.

I shut the door and turned to see Vue waving at us near their greenhouses. I was also greeted by all the smells of a working farm that always takes me back to my childhood spent on my great grandparents’ home operation. It’s amazing how good manure can smell when it’s mixed with the nostalgia of favorite days from when I was coming-of-age.

After introductions, Vue started pulling radishes and various greens from the soil as she told us about her process that includes using the Oklahoma soil as it is.

I, like many photographers, have returned to lm photography. Growing up I used all sorts of point-and-shoot cameras and lots of disposable ones. Now I’m playing with a 50-year-old 35mm lm camera with manual focus and such. All that to say, I often have it with me when I’m on work assignments.

As Pollard snapped o cial photos, I captured candid moments. Occasionally I’d wander away and snap a photo of a head of lettuce because of the way the sunlight was hitting it.

As we progressed through the greenhouses and Pollard snapped photos of Vue, her husband arrived and joined us. As you’ll read in Julianne Tran’s outstanding feature on our local Hmong growers that starts on p. 36, Lee and Vue started farming as sort of a hobby as they near retirement. ey say they wanted something to do every day. e 15-acre operation keeps them very busy, I learned rsthand.

Next Lee showed us his barn that has withstood Oklahoma’s various storms

and winds for going on seven decades. He opened the door and ducks and chickens poured out in a procession of u y and colorful displays as they stretched their wings. Of course I snapped and wound the lm repeatedly.

As we neared the end of our visit, Lee had just told me about his assortment of neighbors and how much he enjoys them all, and he told me a story that ended in a massive laugh. I lifted my camera and SNAP! I knew I just got a shot I’d want to frame. He looked so happy!

He stopped laughing and asked me if I believed when we die, we leave everything behind? He told me many believe they can accumulate things in this life with a belief they can take it with them when they die, but he believes that is not the case.

He explained how we must take care of things while we’re here and leave it for the next person, whether possessions or the planet.

I thanked them both for sharing their morning with us and a part of their story with you.

As soon as I got back to Tulsa, I rushed to Apertures Photo to get the roll developed. As I rewound the roll something felt o about it, and I grew concerned.

e employee took the camera to the dark room to investigate. He soon returned and informed me I had not properly loaded the lm, so I didn’t make a single image.

I imagined Lee laughing heartily at this with an image that will only remain in my memories. tp

City Desk

COLOR BLOCKS

Artist Angela Finch is no stranger to color and texture. The professional painter’s work is popular among home interior and design experts for the bold or subtle statements her art can make in a space. Finch is busy with commissions, but will occasionally have pieces for sale on her social media accounts or at south Tulsa’s Luxe Furniture and Design. tp READ MORE ON P. 22.

10 YEARS OF CITY YEAR

This spring has been a time of celebration for City Year Tulsa, a division of AmeriCorps that focuses on educational equity by supporting students in 16 under-resourced partner schools with attendance, behavior and classwork.

“Over the past decade, our journey has been one of growth, resilience and unwavering commitment to the youth of our community,” said City Year Tulsa Executive Director Paul Davis at a Feb. 9 event at Expo Square. “Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed firsthand the power of relationships, the power of a caring adult who believes in a student’s potential, who sees beyond their circumstances, and who is willing to walk alongside those students on their journey.”

Since City Year entered Tulsa Public Schools in 2014, it has helped 22,791 students in 19 schools. City Year reports students served by City Year two or more years graduate at rates up to 37% higher than their peers.

— ANNE BROCKMAN

Challenge accepted

Craving a way to practice more sustainable efforts in your daily life? In 2023, The Sustainability Alliance introduced TerraScore, an exclusive app that inspires sustainable actions through incentives and challenges, featuring over 150 actionable steps paired with helpful and resourceful links, according to Morgan Fehrle, programs and development manager for The Sustainability Alliance.

“Our vision at The Sustainability Alliance is a world that embraces and chooses sustainable practices every day,” Fehrle says. “This app mobilizes everyday folks to take action through incorporating sustainability in a manner that fits their personal goals and lifestyle. We wanted to make learning better practices not only easier and more accessible, but also more fun. Developing TerraScore allows us to make that goal a reality.”

Visit thesustainabilityalliance.org/terrascore to learn more and download the app. —

ANNE BROCKMAN

Locavore Lifestyles was a June 2023 challenge by The Sustainability Alliance’s TerraScore app and Tulsa Farmers’ Market to encourage attending the market, eating locally produced food and goods, and building relationships with market vendors. There were more than 100 active participants. The organizations will host this challenge again this summer.

BY USERS LOGGING THEIR ACTIONS SINCE 2023, THE TERRASCORE APP HAS CALCULATED THE REDUCTION OR AVOIDANCE OF:

• 4.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to emissions produced from 4,945 pounds of coal burned, or the carbon sequestered by 73 seedlings grown for 10 years

• 288 pounds of solid waste diverted from landfill, which is the equivalent of 29 standard trash bins filled

• 34,871 gallons of water saved, which equates to 2,147 10-minute showers, or almost a year and a half of an average American’s total indoor water use

New Chamber event focuses on Tulsa’s tribes

On April 18, Tulsa Regional Chamber will host its first State of the Tribal Nations at Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, 6808 S. 107th E. Ave.

The lunchtime event will include a panel discussion with representatives from Cherokee Nation, Muscogee Nation and Osage Nation as they discuss each tribe’s elected chiefs, economic development and tourism, as well as cultural education.

“These tribal nations have long been vital partners to the work of the

Chamber and have made significant contributions to economic prosperity across our region. The positive economic impact of regional tribal partners cannot be overstated,” said Chamber Chair Jennifer Jezek at the organization’s annual meeting and inauguration in January. “And while each of these nations support critical work in northeast Oklahoma, the Cherokee, Muscogee and Osage Nations have been especially integral to the Chamber’s economic development efforts, pandemic relief and our state’s tourism industry.” —

ANNE BROCKMAN

Current City Year corps members and staff gather at the feet of the Golden Driller at Expo Square to celebrate 10 years of impact in Tulsa schools.

It’s the soft sound of a Native flute. The focus of a potter shaping clay. Traditions shared by living masters.

A NATION OF CULTURE

It’s an electric arc of talent that keeps us on our toes. Our legends on silver screens, in galleries, at stickball fields and podiums. It’s here.

ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

April 9-14

TULSA DRILLERS VS. ARKANSAS TRAVELERS

Come cheer on Tulsa’s minor league team as they take on the Arkansas Travelers in the season opening homestand.

TULSADRILLERS.COM

April 13

GILCREASE FAMILY FESTIVAL

Join Gilcrease Museum at Hicks Park for the Gilcrease Family Festival, celebrating the induction of the newest Gilcrease in Your Neighborhood installation of “Tehauna Woman” by Miguel Covarrubias

GILCREASE.ORG/GILCREASE-IN-YOUR-NEIGHBORHOOD

April 27

CARNEY FEST

Featuring artists like Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs, Ann Bell (pictured) and The Tulsa Sound, King Cabbage Brass Band and many more, Carney Fest is back for its second year at The Church Studio.

CARNEYFEST.COM

MORE DATES TO SAVE

April 2-3

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS PRESENTS: “CHICAGO” tulsapac.com

April 5

FC TULSA VS. PHOENIX RISING fctulsa.com

April 7

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS WORLD TOUR bokcenter.com

April 12-13 SPRINGFEST tulsagardencenter.org

April 19-21

SPRING HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO springhomeexpo.com

April 20

BEE KIND: A FAMILY EARTH DAY ADVENTURE philbrook.org

April 20

MAPLE RIDGE ART HAPPENING facebook.com

April 23

ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY VS. OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY BASEBALL oruathletics.com/sports/ baseball

April 24 BAD BUNNY bokcenter.com

April 27 ’80S PROM cainsballroom.com

April 27-28

UCI BMX RACING WORLD CUP tulsaworldcup.com

April 29

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT utulsa.edu

Wendell Franklin

Tulsa Police Chief on the challenges he and his o cers are facing

STORY AND

PHOTO BY TIM LANDES

It has been four years since Wendell Franklin became Chief of Police for Tulsa Police Department. e department continues to struggle with sta ng, which isn’t just a local issue. A Feb. 13 Tulsa World report stated a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93 survey conducted in February 2023 found that “85% of respondents said morale has gotten worse under his leadership.”

Franklin shared his thoughts on the survey and more in a conversation at TPD headquarters in early March.

FRANKLIN’S FIRST YEAR INCLUDED THE PANDEMIC, PROTESTS ABOUT POLICING, THE MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER, THE MCGIRT RULING AND STAFFING ISSUES THAT CONTINUE TODAY ... I kind of view 2023 as like the rst stable year we’ve had. We still have lots of challenges. One is our sta ng. It still remains a problem for us. We’re sitting at right around 814 o cers. In February 2020 we had 860. We’re just doing enough to stay above water right now. We run three academies a year. It has nothing

to do with our budget. We’re budgeted for 30 persons in every academy. We just can’t get 30 quali ed people to apply and make it through the screening process to be in our academy. In theory we would be growing our department by 90 o cers each year, but as it sits now, we normally have between 15 to 20 in each class.

THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING TPD AND TULSA ARE STREET DRUGS ... e fentanyl crisis is huge for us. We can do interdictions and remove kilos of this stu , but it doesn’t stop. It just continues to plague the community. It ultimately winds up a ecting all of those people you see on the streets who have addiction issues and mental health issues. Many self-medicate themselves with various illicit drugs. Our public sees that as a huge contributing factor to quality of life. Our businesses see these issues because they have to deal with them. If you come home and your patio furniture is missing, or someone’s gone through your mailbox, or someone’s stolen packages o your porch, a lot of these

are issues that manifest from that very drug addiction, drug abuse situation. Drugs drive a lot of crime.

CITY OF TULSA OPENED THE REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER IN AUGUST 2023. FRANKLIN SAYS IT HAS BEEN A MAJOR BOOST TO POLICING ... It’s been great. It has provided more situational awareness for our o cers. ey can assist o cers on calls that are happening in real time. We have found missing persons for ofcers even before they’ve gotten to the scene of the call. We have helped solve homicides using some of the technology we have with license plate readers and camera systems we have in the city. It has been a huge bene t for our detectives on the back-end of some of the cases they’ve been working, to be able to use our analysts to pull data from the center to help narrow down speci c case information. e Real Time Information Center is a centralized location that information is fed to and they are able to push that information to o cers responding to calls.

THE FOP SURVEY SURPRISED FRANKLIN BECAUSE HE WAS UNAWARE OF IT AT THE TIME. HE’S GIVEN IT A LOT OF THOUGHT ... I have an open-door policy. I have communicated with o cers quite a bit. I get out and stop o when I can at scenes — just impromptu visits. I have not had anyone negatively approach me about anything. I do understand and realize, again, we are a young department that is growing. ere is a lot of change that’s taking place, and some people don’t like change. Some people want to hold someone responsible for that. I will be happy to be that person that’s held responsible for the change. Some changes we’ve made on our own, and there are changes that happen because of case law and new ways of doing business that force us to make those changes as well.

... I know people that are members of the Fraternal Order of Police that didn’t get a survey. So who got the survey? How was it vetted? I asked those questions. Why was it done? If you want to work collaboratively on solving a problem, then we should work collaboratively to do that. What is it that people don’t like? What is it that o cers don’t like that I’m doing? Is it because I hold people to higher standards? Is it that I’m a guy who likes accountability, and I like to push people? tp

Charging an EV Averages Approx.

$800 Less Per Year Than the Cost of Gas. (That’s a Lot of Lattes.)

Being environmentally friendly is a big selling point for EVs. But with charging costing an average of $720 annually versus $1,548 for the average annual cost of gas, being wallet-friendly is something EV owners are enjoying, too. Want to learn more? Let us provide answers to your EV questions, so you can make informed decisions.

Game on

Tulsa family’s game business has proved itself a winner.

STORIES BY SARA PLUMMER

It started as a home-school lesson for her kids — take a family gift-giving tradition like Dirty Santa and turn it into a physical game you can sell. So Jen Armstrong, her husband, Chris, and their two children got to work.

“We bought supplies, created a prototype and sent it to a manufacturer with photos and descriptions of what we wanted,” Jen says. “ ey sent us back this beautiful package and we posted it to our social media, just to show what we had done. And we got a call from Hallmark’s corporate o ce and they placed an order.”

at’s how SolidRoots, a Tulsa-based party game company was born in 2018.

eir most successful game to date is called Mind the Gap, and its popularity possibly stems from SolidRoots’ own family- and people-centered company culture. Players are presented with trivia questions ranging from baby boomer to Gen Z generational knowledge. So the bigger the age range of the team, the better.

Mind the Gap prototypes were released

in fall 2019. Jen says the timing was perfect because not long after that, everyone was at home with their families due to the pandemic when sales started in June 2020.

“It was also around that time ‘OK boomer’ started becoming a thing. And boomers were calling millennials snow akes. ere was just so much tension between the generations, and Mind the Gap is not about that tension. It’s about collaboration. It’s about appreciating the best that every generation has to o er,” she says.

Mind e Gap was Barnes and Noble’s rst Game of the Season in 2021, and Chris and Jen were named to Mojo Nation’s 100 Most In uential Figures in Toy and Game Design that same year. SolidRoots was acquired by national game company Spin Master in 2022, but is still based in Tulsa.

“We still put ‘created with love in Tulsa’ on the back of every one of our products,” Chris says. “To be part of that entrepreneurial spirit infecting the city in the last ve to 10 years, we are super proud to be a part of that. We are proud of Tulsa.” tp

MEET AND GREET

NAME: Laura Lee Williard

KNOWN AS: Executive director of Route 66 Main Street, a nonprofit that works to preserve, enhance and revitalize the corridor of Route 66 along Southwest Boulevard from the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza at the Arkansas River to 33rd West Avenue. She joined the organization in November 2023.

HOW THE ORGANIZATION IS HELPING:

Route 66 Main Street has access to architects, interior designers and many other professionals to help our businesses plan restoration projects or remodels of their businesses at no cost to the building owner for businesses partnering with the Main Street program. Each year, monies are set aside to award facade grants to those applicants that have projects needing a little extra help financially, who are trying to make repairs, clean up existing or deteriorated facades, or those trying to preserve the historic exterior of their building.

FUTURE PLANS: We are currently raising funds to preserve and revitalize Howard Park, one of the oldest parks in Tulsa ... with enhancements and amenities to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, including a festival stage and an iconic dinosaur roadside attraction to bolster economic development. It also will include a walking trail with fitness stations, solar lighting, a bike repair station and EV charging stations. ... And we’re installing a Route 66 playground unlike any other in the city. tp

Laura Lee Williard

Tulsa-based Solid Roots is the company behind the multigenerational game Mind the Gap. Seated from left are Jack, Trinity, Jen, Chris and Janet Armstrong. Standing are Chip Weir, Megan McDougal, Patrick Boyd, Edward Hommel, Jessica Apolinario, Kaylee Terry, Filipe Azevedo, Sofia Bolivar and Kevin Schneider.

OKLAHOMA'S FUTURE PHYSICIANS START HERE

The Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine has been impacting our state’s health for 50 years and counting.

What began in 1972 with an inaugural class of 36 here in Tulsa is now one of the top osteopathic colleges in the nation and boasts more than 3700 graduates, most of whom went on to practice across the state of Oklahoma. In the Tulsa area alone, 385 of our alumni are practicing today in family medicine as well as pediatrics, OB/Gyn, cardiology, anesthesiology and other subspecialities. And, in 2024 we will graduate the inaugural class of physicians from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation.

Our mission to educate Oklahoma’s future physicians is stronger than ever. Here’s to the next 50 years.

To learn more about our mission and impact, visit medicine.okstate.edu

From pages to panels

Children’s author and teacher Brenda Maier introduces first graphic novels.

BY HADLEY DEJARNETTE

For Brenda Maier, pictures are worth a thousand words. e accomplished children’s author, Union Public Schools enrichment specialist for fth grade gifted students and mother of ve has recently ventured into the world of graphic novels with her new series, “ e Adventures of Penguin and Panda.” Maier believes graphic novels are a great tool to get kids interested in reading.

Fellow author and friend Traci Sorell encouraged Maier to broaden her writing beyond traditional picture books. Emphasizing the importance of diverse reading experiences for children, Maier believes exposing them to various genres can help children learn more about themselves.

“ ere are a lot of people who still don’t trust graphic novels as real literature but I can attest they have all the same elements as a book,” Maier says. “It’s just another way for kids to access literature and it’s so much fun.”

Maier’s inspiration for writing stems from her memories as a parent reading stories with valuable lessons and happy endings to her kids. Re ecting on her own childhood, where teachers and librarians were her storytellers, Maier felt a strong desire to be that source of joy for others.

e characters Penguin and Panda were brought to life through a collaborative e ort with Hungarian illustrator Fanni Mezés Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences as a teacher and mom, Maier created

COVERS REVISITED

Ashley and Michael Philippsen’s love story was included in TulsaPeople’s February 2018 issue, where they graced the cover smiling ear to ear as they watched their son, Andrew, eat a cookie. When we chatted with the Philippsens, Michael was the assistant principal at Carver Middle School and Ashley was the executive director at Met Cares Foundation. Now, Michael serves as the principal of Mayo Demonstration School and Ashley is the executive director of ImpactTulsa.

In October, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and wanted to share what’s contributed to their successful marriage. “I credit Ashley and I being aligned with what we believe matters most for our marriage and family: loving each other and our family unconditionally,” he says. “Marriage is not 50/50, but rather 100/100.”

characters loosely based on herself and her best friend. Maier explains the juxtaposition of personalities between a drowsy panda and an excitable penguin allows for a story to thrive in a variety of situations.

In all three of her roles as teacher, parent and author, Maier has the same goal: She hopes to empower children to think for themselves, make judgments and develop resilience like the characters in books.

“Right now you are living the story of your life,” Maier says. “You are the main character in your story and you have to decide what kind of character you want to be.” e books will be available for purchase starting April 23. A book signing and release party for the rst two books in “ e Adventures of Penguin and Panda” series will take place at Magic City Books, 221 E. Archer St., on April 28. tp

Ashley chalks it up to healthy communication and “choosing each other each day, having fun together and our faith contributes to our marriage,” she says.

As for what the couple loves most about one another, Michael finds it difficult to answer this question, saying there’s too much to possibly mention. “I love her laugh, smile, and ever since I first heard it, her voice.”

Ashley shares his sentiments, adding “(He) makes me want to be a better person. Michael is selfless, giving and thoughtful. This carries over into how he shows up for our family.” Andrew, now 8 years old, has a little sister named Waverly. “There’s a lot to love,” Ashley says. — MADISON WALTERS

The first two installments of “The Adventures of Penguin and Panda”

MUSIC NOTES

Music man

STORIES

JULIE WENGER WATSON

David Webb got his rst taste of the music business in 1963 as a teenager in Independence, Kansas. Music impresario Jim Halsey hired the then-16-year-old Webb to drive around southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma, hanging posters promoting concerts and dances with Halsey clients like Roy Clark, Wanda Jackson and Hank ompson Webb knew he’d found his passion, and 60 years later, he’s still at it. In February, the manager and record company executive was honored as an inductee into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and a recipient of the organization’s Governor’s Award at a ceremony in Muskogee.

From booking and managing bands to producing and promoting large-scale music events like the “Super Bowl of Rock” at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Webb has worked in almost every aspect of the industry. His career has even included tour management for the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown and dinner with Stevie Wonder. From his early days with Halsey, relationships have always been at the heart of everything Webb does.

“Everything fell in place because of the people I met — being able to work with them and nding that we were friends and that we were good business associates,” says the Broken Arrow resident. “Each one of those segments of my life has been a result of a previous or an ongoing relationship.”

It’s been a great ride for Webb, and it’s not over yet. A self-described “failure at retirement,” Webb has been part of the

“Nanyehi” project since 2014, serving as producer, and later, executive producer, for the Cherokee musical created by his lifelong friend, Becky Hobbs. In 2016, the musical was turned into a short lm, which Webb co-produced. e lm had a successful run on the American Film Festival Circuit in 2018, winning over a dozen major awards, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Movie Hall of Fame in 2019.

“It just kept working and kept going,” Webb says of his long career. “And I enjoyed every second of it.”

More at omhof.com. tp

BEHIND THE MUSIC

Music is a family affair for Christian Sanchez who manages Vanguard, 222 N. Main Ave., the venue his father, Simon Aleman, opened in 2012. His work includes managing production and serving as the front-of-house engineer.

As a teenager, Sanchez assisted behind the scenes. Now, equipped with a background in music production, Sanchez works full time at Vanguard, squeezing his own musical pursuits (indie-pop project Future Tapes and psychedelic-rock group Nuns) into his limited free time.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?

My workday consists of coordinating all day-of-show details for our events and ensuring we’re prepared to accommodate the bands, the production and our patrons. On days we don’t have shows, my tasks range from soundchecks and setting up tables and chairs to picking up CO2 tanks for cryo-jets for a nationally touring rock show.

FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB? Seeing everyone have a good time at shows, hands down. Whether you’re working in a venue or playing on the stage, we can’t do it without the support of fans and concert-goers. It’s a good feeling to see everyone enjoying themselves.

THOUGHTS ON TULSA’S MUSIC SCENE?

I’m eager to see the next generation of musicians continue to work on their craft. I encourage everyone to pick up an instrument, start a band, play shows, the whole thing. I’ve watched our scene grow into a very diverse community over the years, and it’s what makes our music scene amazing. tp

Christian Sanchez

SANCHEZ, WEBB: GREG BOLLINGER; HISTORIC IMAGES: COURTESY DAVID WEBB

David Webb inducted into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

BY

Above, David and Linda Webb with their daughter, Heather, backstage at the 1977 “Super Bowl of Rock” at Chicago’s Soldier Field, seen below.

Staging stories

Arts group creates intimate, personal experiences with stage performances.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

Among the longtime shops and storefronts near 11th Street and Harvard Avenue sits World Stage eatre Co., a Tulsa-based arts company dedicated to telling multicultural, inspirational and transformational stories to audiences locally and abroad.

Since its founding in 2017, World Stage eatre Co. actors have performed in Tulsa, as well as Netherlands and Italy, while bringing in talent from Chile and the United Kingdom.

“We believe theater is one of the best resources for fostering empathy and compassion,” says Kelli McLoud-Schingen, who founded World Stage eatre Co. with eight others. “It can bring people from completely di erent backgrounds together to work toward one project.”

e storefront theater concept is common in big cities like Chicago, where McLoudSchingen grew up in the performing arts.

ese smaller theaters seat anywhere from 30-100 guests. “It’s a slow process to educate Tulsa in that kind of theater because they’ve never seen it before,” she says. “You can’t run from the stories told in this space — whether it’s hard, whether it’s funny or provocative.” e group also wants to engage neighbors and nearby community groups and organizations to really drive home the storefront concept.

World Stage performances have been held at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, but McLoud-Schingen says she and her board desire to move away from the larger-scale venue and base nearly all of their future productions at the theater at 1130 S. Harvard Ave.

Each World Stage season focuses on a di erent facet of the community — stories of religious and cultural diversity, relationships, global destinations, LGBTQ+ and others. World Stage’s 2023-2024 season has

focused on stories of identity. “Choir Boy,” which pro les a young African American student who attends an all-boys high school in search of feeling comfortable in his own skin, is the company’s next production. Next season the company will focus on age diversity with many roles for actors over 50.

Over its seven years McLoud-Schingen says World Stage has found its niche as a global social justice company.

“Our mission is to give audiences and actors access to the world by telling multicultural, inspirational and transformational stories, to connect our hearts and minds with people, places and ideas,” she says. “Every show we select to the directors we choose, need to re ect and truly be connected to the oneness of humanity. We want World Stage to be more than just a theater company, we want it to be an intercultural experience that has the potential to open hearts and minds.” tp

Christian Stubblefield, left, and Christian Jeremiah rehearse at World Stage Theatre Co.’s storefront theater for “Choir Boy,” a production happening April 4-7 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Inset, Kelli McLoud-Schingen, World Stage Theatre Co.’s founding artistic director.

Save the Date!

Greenwood Cultural Center

Legacy Award Dinner

Honoring

THE OSAGE NATION

Geoffrey M. Standing Bear, Principal Chief of the Osage Nation accepting on behalf of the Osage Nation

We salute the history and heritage of the Osage Nation, central to the award-winning film, Killers of the Flower Moon, and the importance of crafting and sharing an inclusive history - a people’s history - of the United States.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Reception - 6:30 p.m. Dinner - 7:00 p.m.

Geoffrey M. Standing Bear Principal Chief of the Osage Nation

Alfre Woodard Honorary Chair

Greenwood Cultural Center is a 501(C)3 organization whose mission is to educate, preserve, and promote the proud history, and future of the African American community, and the historic Greenwood District.

‘Always say yes’

Angela Finch paints other peoples’ visions in her commissioned artwork.

BY RYANN GORDON

From the paint stains on her pants and confetti sparkles on her face, everything about Angela Finch resonates as an artist through-andthrough. A Tulsa native, Finch’s diverse portfolio has included commissioned paintings for well-known clients across the U.S., with some of her works even appearing in the Paramount+ series “Tulsa King.”

“ ey asked me to do 10 pieces — framed, abstract, there’s a couple pieces in the Mayo where (Sylvester Stallone’s character is) living,” Finch says, “but they needed them in 12 days. My theory is when someone asks, always say yes, and gure it out later. So it was a really long 12 days.”

A successful working artist at 39 years old, Finch began painting as an adolescent for her mother’s high-end faux nishing business, painting textures on walls for upscale businesses and homes across the nation. After transitioning to the canvas on her own, Finch went on to work with the Tulsa Parade of Homes to create custom pieces for design teams, which ignited her career quicker than she expected.

“Everything I paint is what the client wants, so every single thing I do is completely di erent than the last,” she says. “ at’s also what helped really expand my skill set. It really has just made me grow so rapidly.”

A lot of Finch’s designs are textural, including paintings with crystals embedded into the canvas and three-dimensional textures made from unique materials.

“Many of my clients lean toward softer, neutral color palettes, so I often use a lot of three-dimensional textures to create drama. Texture gives me another outlet to create bold, unique pieces while still keeping the colors soothing and subdued,” she says.

“You have to be able to sort of reach in and gure out what speaks to somebody else, because they’re the ones who have it in their house, not me,” Finch continues. “I try to really put my style to the side, which I think is di erent than a lot of artists. I like to be other peoples’ hands and paint their expression. It’s ful lling in a di erent way.” tp

THIS MONTH AT Circle Cinema

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

5:30 p.m., April 4

Enjoy live music in the lobby, a new beer from Heirloom Rustic Ales, a food truck and raffle prizes. Then at 7 p.m., enjoy the best new fly fishing-themed short films from around the world.

WILL ROGERS AFTERNOON FROLIC

11 a.m., April 6

Presented with the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, enjoy an afternoon of live roping demonstrations in the lobby, a display of original Will Rogers movie posters and behind-the-scenes photos, and lunch from Ike’s Chili — Will’s favorite! At 1 p.m. watch two films, the talkie “Steamboat Round the Bend” and silent film “The Ropin’ Fool” with live accompaniment by Bill Rowland on Circle’s theater organ.

OKLAHOMA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

April 7-11

Seven of the finest contemporary Jewish films from around the world will screen, from the insightful new documentary “Remembering Gene Wilder” to the Hebrew electro-popthemed musical comedy “Less than Kosher.”

DAWN OF THE DEAD 45TH ANNIVERSARY

April 12-14

George A. Romero’s zombie classic is rarely available on the big screen, and Circle Cinema joins theaters across the country for a nationwide celebration. Set during an escalating zombie epidemic, two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter and his TV executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

5 p.m., April 13

Back on the big screen, the classic drama was filmed in Oklahoma and has become a family favorite over the years. This adventurous tale for all ages is about a young boy and the relationship he shares with his two redbone coonhounds.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: VANYA

6 p.m., April 25

Andrew Scott brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ radical new version of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya.” Hopes, dreams and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions. Compiled

Angela Finch is a professional artist whose commissioned work has been seen everywhere from Tulsa homes to TV screens. Finch is known for her abstract paintings featuring three-dimensional textures.

APR 6 – MAY 11

THE GALLERY AT CHEROKEE SPRINGS PLAZA | TAHLEQUAH

Experience one of the country’s most prestigious Native art shows, and support Native artists in the heart of Cherokee Nation.

Best of Show, 52nd Annual Trail of Tears Art Show

(Her Name is Wild Rose)”

Roy Boney Jr., Cherokee Nation

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to the MLCS Group for being ranked #1 in Oklahoma on the “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2024 list, published on January 9, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023.

MLCS Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

6100 South Yale Avenue

Suite 1500

Tulsa, OK 74136

918.586.8077

fa.ml.com/mlcsgroup

2024 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

© 2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

MAP5911614 | AD-01-24-2132.A | 472538PM-0124 | 01/2024

CHANGEMAKERS

Just grow with it

YouthWorks expands its after-school and summer o erings with new greenhouse operation.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

This summer the new greenhouse at the YouthWorks Ranch will be doing more than cultivating nutritious vegetables. Beyond growing food to nourish young bodies, the vegetables themselves will also be used to help young minds ourish.

YouthWorks, a nonpro t that empowers more than 200 north Tulsa elementary and middle school students who are struggling in reading and math, built the greenhouse to complement its already successful existing initiatives, which include a 30-week afterschool program, 10-week summer dream camp, reading and math enrichment, and physical tness. ere’s also the YouthWorks Pizza Factory, which teaches students how to run a business. In 2020 YouthWorks had the opportunity to expand its o erings with trade skills, farming and animal care when it launched the 20-acre YouthWorks Ranch.

e property in Osage County is also home to Better Day Farms, a hydroponic greenhouse producing 6,000 heads of lettuce a week and recipient of the Safe Quality Food certi cation by the National Safety Foundation — the only of its kind in Oklahoma. To complement this operation while also promoting healthy eating to YouthWorks students, co-founder and Director of Partnerships and Development Chris

Beach says it was a no-brainer to create the YouthWorks multiponic greenhouse facility where students could play a role.

“We want them in an environment where it’s OK to mess up, and let them know that we’ll still love them,” Beach says of the YouthWorks greenhouse.

With funding from the Kiwanis Club of Tulsa and United Healthcare, the multiponic growing systems — meaning aeroponic, hydroponic and aquaponic systems will all be used — will grow greens, lettuces and vine crops. Food grown by YouthWorks students in the YouthWorks greenhouse will feed not only themselves, but other north Tulsa residents.

Garden Director Laura Koval, an experienced vegetable garden consultant, was hired to lead this educational program. Since June, Koval has worked to organize and plan the greenhouse operations, as well as traditional gardening in the Ranch’s half-acre tilled garden. Last summer, students planted and harvested summer crops like okra, enjoying the fruits of their labor fresh o the vine.

“ ey help me plant and we put plant tags with their initials on them so they know whose is whose during harvesting,” she says. “It’s less about beauty and more about creating a fun space for them.”

Visit tulsayouthworks.org to learn more. tp

NEWSWORTHY NUGGETS

» During the four-day Snip Tip Hooray event Feb. 29-March 3, 1,025 trapped cats were sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear tipped and given topical parasite control. More than 200 volunteers from area animal shelters and animal welfare groups practicing trap-neuter-return of un-owned cats made the event a success. Learn more at facebook.com/ttowntnr.

» On March 11, Tulsa Transit announced the launch of its rebranding initiative with the debut of its new name, MetroLink Tulsa. Along with a new name, riders and Tulsans will notice new colors and graphics making their way onto the fleet and signage. The transportation service also reopened its Memorial Midtown Station, which had been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at metrolinkok.org.

» Oral Roberts University announced it was awarded a U.S. patent for the use of mushrooms or mushroom mycelia in the treatment of cancer. In a March 11 press release, it was noted this treatment was spearheaded by William Ranahan, Ph.D., ORU assistant professor of biology and chair of the biology and chemistry department. Learn more at oru.edu.

» Renovation plans for Dream Keepers Park, 1875 S. Boulder Park Drive, were announced in March by the Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission and the Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department. The $10 million project includes new pedestrian plans, art and signage, a multipurpose plaza, expanded playground and parking, as well as incorporation of Osage, Muscogee and Cherokee elements. Learn more at tulsaparks.org.

YouthWorks Ranch will begin using its new greenhouse this season. From left, back row, Caleb Feeley, Lonnie, Sophia, Kaliyah, Laniyah, Laura Koval, Phillip, and Chris Beach. Front row, Jha’Khiyka, Legend, Ronnie, DJ, Lonnie, Kingston, Marshon and Raedon.

EARTH DAY

Back to nature

Oklahoman to headline upcoming Earth Day festivities in Tulsa Arts District.

STORIES BY ANNE BROCKMAN

Activist, environmentalist, actor and grandmother Casey CampHorinek (Ponca) has spoken across the globe on issues pertaining to Mother Earth. On April 20, she will come to Tulsa’s Earth Day event to speak about the rights of nature.

“We are nearing a tipping point but also nearing a healing point,” Camp-Horinek says. “It’s time for us to make a decision — what will our legacy be?”

Camp-Horinek, 75, lives south of Ponca City and has spent her life championing Indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental causes. As the Ponca Nation’s environmental ambassador, Camp-Horinek was instrumental in the tribe adopting in 2016 the Ponca Rights of Nature, meant to help the tribe reclaim a place with clean air, water and earth. She also was behind the Nation’s 2022 adoption of the immutable Rights of Rivers, an international movement to protect rivers and freshwater ecosystems — in this case the Arkansas and Salt Fork rivers that ow through Ponca land.

“If we talk about being water protectors — land defenders — we also have to recognize we’re not protecting nature, but we are nature protecting itself,” she says. “ at

approach is one of the fastest-growing environmental movements I’ve ever seen.”

Camp-Horinek is one of many speakers, performers, artists and musicians who will be participating in Tulsa’s Earth Day festivities (see sidebar). Many might recognize her from her recent roles in the motion picture “Fancy Dance,” FX’s “Reservation Dogs,” ABC’s “Found” and Net ix’s “Avatar: e Last Airbender.”

She hopes those who attend come with an open mind, dozens of friends, and leave inspired to organize in their communities. “I would hope that everyone would also want to cast their ballots — local, state and national — for those who are aligned with the values that puts life on Earth above the greed of the .010% who now are destroying the environment,” she says. As a species on the brink, Camp-Horinek believes that if humans are to survive, something must be done.

“We feel as if this is an honor and responsibility to care for our Mother Earth — just as we would care for any mother, just as my children care for me. e interconnectedness of all living things makes us absolutely aware that this is something that has to be done or else,” she says. “And it can be done.” tp

FUN FOR ALL

As a three-day event, Tulsa’s Earth Day celebration has a little something for everyone — from food and wine tastings to live musical performances, expert panel discussions and kids’ activities.

“This is an excellent opportunity for folks to learn about serious issues and constructive solutions in our community, and to get involved,” says event co-organizer Michael Koster. “You’ll learn a lot, you’ll eat well and you’ll have a lot of fun.”

On April 19, festivities begin with ticketed events including a sustainable/organic wine tasting and traditional Native cuisine samples from Chef Nico Albert Williams at LowDown, 108 N. Detroit Ave. Later, Cherokee artists Ken Pomeroy, Kalyn Fay and Monica Taylor swap songs in their Native language.

On April 20, a full day of free activities takes place at Guthrie Green, 111 E. Reconciliation Way. There will be electric vehicle displays, live environmental art, kids’ arts and crafts activities, chalk art, circus fun and more. Speakers and live music will begin at 4 p.m. and continue through to 7 p.m., when Camp-Horinek delivers her keynote address.

Beginning at 2 p.m. on April 21, Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave., will screen “Meet Me at the Creek,” a short film focused on a Cherokee elder fighting to restore Tar Creek, and “Dark Waters” starring Mark Ruffalo as a corporate defense attorney uncovering a chemical company’s long history of pollution. Films will be followed by a panel on Oklahoma water issues.

The event is put on by OK Earth Coalition. Learn more at okrootsmusic.org.

CAMP-HORINEK: RYAN REDCORN/COURTESY CASEY CAMP-HORINEK; CRAIN: COURTESY OK ROOTS MUSIC

Casey Camp-Horinek

Samantha Crain performs at the 2023 Earth Day Celebration.

Charged up

Tulsans share their experiences in owning electric vehicles.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

It’s hard to miss the increasing number of electric vehicles making their way across Tulsa intersections and down neighborhood streets.

If you’re out running errands around Tulsa Hills shopping center on a Saturday, you might see Priscilla and Pete Sanstead, Tesla owners since late 2019. e couple rst spotted a Tesla in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, earlier that summer. Priscilla started following Tesla groups on Facebook and watching YouTube videos — “like anything else you do in life,” she says with a laugh — before making the call and deciding to sell her 14-year-old Honda Odyssey van for a Model 3. Shortly after, the couple drove their new EV to Austin, Texas, stopping in Ardmore

and Fort Worth along the way to charge, and booking an AirBnB with a destination charger. Even though the couple primarily charges at home, the supercharger network is one of the things that sold the Sansteads on making the EV jump. Pete also loves the modern Danish interior.

It didn’t take long for Pete to swap his 15-year-old Toyota Prius for the Model Y. e SUV came in handy after the June windstorm and subsequent power outage.

ey put their Y in “camp mode” and slept in the car in comfort with air conditioning while only losing 5%-6% power overnight.

e Sansteads are active in multiple EV and Tesla-focused organizations, including the Oklahoma Electric Vehicles Enthusiasts, Tesla Divas, Tesla Owners of Oklahoma and Tesla Owners of Tulsa. Along with meetups in di erent parts of the state, Priscilla says Tesla owners tend to wave to one another or ash their lights to say hello while driving.

“It’s really fun to drive, speedy, quiet, comfy and the cost of ownership is low,” Pete says. For their Model 3 he says the only maintenance and upkeep has been to rotate the tires, add windshield wiper uid and replace the cabin air lter. Like a smartphone,

ACCORDING TO the U.S. Department of Energy’s alternative fuels data center, Oklahoma has 1,284 public electric charging stations. In 2022, there were 16,300 EVs registered in the state, as well as 11,500 plug-in hybrid EVs and 47,000 hybrid EVs. According to Statista.com, there were 1,056,367 cars registered in the state in 2021.

Priscilla says her Tesla gets over-the-air updates that install new software features. A self-proclaimed “techie light,” Priscilla says, “I want to stay on top of tech advancements.” She’s seriously considering purchasing her third Tesla — the Cybertruck — when the time is right.

Another company making its mark on the EV truck market is Rivian, whose R1T has impressed owner Harold Briggs since he bought his in September 2022. When it comes to kids, family and personal needs, “I’ve always been a practical car buyer,” he says. “But now I bought a car for me.”

After buying his son a truck in high school he began to love the versatility a pickup provided. Now retired, Briggs drives his Rivian around town — whether that’s to the gym, appointments or to pick up groceries. He says driving it is more fun than he ever thought and has been impressed with its signi cant power and its capabilities in ice and snow. Briggs also used his EV in the June outage to plug in fans to help cool his home’s interior. It was also the only time he’s had to charge away from home. For Briggs, that meant utilizing the Francis Energy supercharger at a nearby Target. Francis Energy is a Tulsa-based company focused on building and expanding the country’s EV charging network.

While Briggs values his cut in emissions (“I like taking care of what God’s given us,” he says), he ultimately bought his Rivian for himself. His wife drives a traditional internal combustion engine automobile. “We’ve always had and will have a gas car,” he adds. tp

Pete and Priscilla Sanstead, left, have been Tesla owners since 2019 and will often use the recently installed Tesla Superchargers located in the Tulsa Hills shopping area. Harold Briggs, right, owns a Rivian R1T and frequently gets people asking questions about it and driving an EV while he’s about town.

A page in history

How Lewis Meyer’s love of reading enriched the literary landscape of Tulsa and beyond.

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

One Saturday in the early 1970s, Lewis Meyer made a brief guest appearance on a local TV station’s late-night comedy show. He was not introduced and his name didn’t appear in the credits, but everyone in Tulsa still instantly recognized his balding head, thick glasses and distinctive voice, which Meyer himself described as the sound of a “constipated chicken.”

“Remember,” Meyer told the TV audience, “the more books you eat, the fatter you grow.”

If you don’t get the joke, you’re either not from Tulsa or not old enough to remember Meyer.

An attorney who found practicing law dreadfully boring, he opened a bookstore in 1955 next door to the Brook theater, now the location of e Brook restaurant at 34th Street and Peoria Avenue.

Even when it was brand-new in the ’50s, some customers assumed the Lewis Meyer Book Store had been there for decades. Tulsa, after all, had been taking Meyer’s advice on books for more than 20 years already. He started writing book reviews for local newspapers in the 1930s, then began discussing books on local radio stations and even making public appearances to give speeches about books.

By the early ’40s, Meyer had his own daily radio program, “ e Values We Live By,” and was speaking to crowds twice a week at downtown Tulsa’s popular Brown-Dunkin department store. His Sunday morning TV show, “ e Lewis Meyer Bookshelf,” began airing on KOTV in 1953, two years before his bookstore opened.

e cluttered shelves, guarded by a plump and friendly cat named Shah, included a wide variety of new and vintage editions. And Meyer seemed to have read all of them. Customers couldn’t pay for anything before rst hearing about the various merits and weaknesses of the text.

Meyer admitted he spent more time talking about books than actually trying to sell them. He would even discourage customers from buying a book if he thought they wouldn’t enjoy reading it.

Books were his hobby, Meyer told people. He didn’t want them to become a job. And he referred to the opening of the bookstore as his “retirement,” although he was only 42 years old when the business started.

In 1959, Meyer wrote a bestseller of his own, titled “Preposterous Papa,” a biography of his father. Max Meyer owned a department store in Sapulpa and a ranch near Kellyville, where he built landmark tourist cabins along old Route 66. Max was said to

be such a delightfully likable fellow that he even received an invitation to join the local Ku Klux Klan, who didn’t make a habit of welcoming Jewish businessmen.

Max turned them down.

“It’s a happy book,” Lewis told a local newspaper reporter when it was rst published. “One that deals lovingly with Oklahoma for a change.”

“Preposterous Papa” sold more than a million copies. And Meyer went on to write several more books, including two other bestsellers, “Mostly Mama” and “O the Sauce,” an account of his own personal battle with alcoholism.

e books made him a nationally acclaimed author. But his TV show made him a local celebrity.

Combining an intellectual tone with a relaxed style, as if he was talking to you from behind the counter at his bookstore, Meyer created a show that looked a lot like a YouTube channel long before there was any such thing as YouTube.

Generations of Tulsans came to know his trademark sign o : “Remember, the more books you read, the taller you grow.”

e last episode aired shortly after Meyer’s death in January 1995. It was the longest-running TV show in the United States at the time, according to Meyer’s obituary.

Meyer’s bookstore moved from Brookside to the London Square shopping center, near 61st Street and Lewis Avenue, in 1994. His widow, Paris-born Natasha Meyer, sold the store in October 1995.

It had never been hugely pro table. And Meyer hadn’t cared.

“All my life,” he said, “the important thing has been not to make money, but to be happy.” tp

Lewis Meyer, circa 1990

Lewis Meyer’s bookstore, seen here in September 1983

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TULSA

THROUGH APRIL 26

St. Jude Dream Home

Tickets on Sale

Benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital. stjude.org

4

Back Roads Bash

Benefits The Bridges Foundation. bridgestulsa.org

Global Vision Gala

Benefits Tulsa Global Alliance. tulsaglobalalliance.org

Mentorship Matters

Benefits Junior League of Tulsa. jltulsa.org

The Spring Gala

Benefits The Spring Shelter Inc. thespringok.org

TBH Women’s Association Spring Luncheon

Benefits Tulsa Boys’ Home. tulsaboyshome.org

5

Celebrate Cascia

Benefits Cascia Hall Preparatory School. casciahall.com

5-7

Art in Bloom

Benefits Philbrook Museum of Art. philbrook.org

6

30th Anniversary Celebration

Benefits Owasso Community Resources. owassohelps.org

APRIL CHARITABLE EVENTS

COMPILED BY MADISON WALTERS

Aquarium Run

Benefits Oklahoma Aquarium. okaquarium.org

Carnivale: Neon Symphony

Benefits Mental Health Association Oklahoma. bestpartyintown.org

GLOW Gala

Benefits Global Gardens. global-gardens.org

Hall of Fame Gala

Benefits Will Rogers High School Community Foundation. willrogersfoundation.net

Mini-Laps

Benefits Little Light House. littlelighthouse.org

Showing for Tulsa!

Benefits Tulsa Garden Club. tulsagardenclub.org

11

Founders’ Dinner

Benefits Iron Gate. irongatetulsa.org

Glamp Fire

Benefits Camp Fire Green Country. tulsacampfire.org

12

The Monarch Ball

Benefits Domestic Violence Intervention Services. themonarchball.com

12-13

SpringFest

Benefits Tulsa Garden Center. tulsagardencenter.org

13

Get Your Rear in Gear

Benefits Colon Cancer Coalition. coloncancercoalition.org/tulsa

Icons and Idols: Legends of Pop

Benefits Tulsa Ballet. iconsandidols.org

Pranks and Paws: Trivia Night

Benefits Tulsa SPCA. tulsaspca.org

Spring Sip and Stroll

Benefits Tulsa Botanic Garden. tulsabotanic.org

Wa les for Wishes — A Celebration Lunch and Silent Auction

Benefits Make a Wish Foundation. wish.org/oklahoma

18

Legacy Award Dinner

Benefits Greenwood Cultural Center. greenwoodculturalcenter.org

19

The Bubbly Bash

Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa. rmhctulsa.org

Grandslam Gala

Benefits Youth At Heart. youthatheart.org/gala

VOLUTE

Benefits Volunteers of America. voaok.org/volute

Women of the Year Luncheon

Benefits Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic. tulsapanhellenic.org/2024women-of-the-year

20

Big Bite

Benefits Flywheel Tulsa. flywheeltulsa.com/big-bite

Bishop Kelley Auction

Benefits Bishop Kelley High School. bishopkelley.org

Go Girl Gala

Benefits Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. gogirlgala.org

Heart Walk Tulsa

Benefits American Heart Association. heart.org

Oklahoma Nonpro t Excellence (ONE) Awards

Benefits Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. okcnp.org

Party for the Planet

Benefits Tulsa Zoo. tulsazoo.org

ZooRun

Benefits Tulsa Zoo. tulsazoo.org

25

Data on Draft

Benefits The Opportunity Project. theopp.org

Raise the Roof

Benefits Revitalize T-Town. tinyurl.com/raisetheroof24

25-MAY 19

Designer Showcase

Benefits Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. tulsahba.com

25-27

Philbrook Wine Experience

Benefits Philbrook Museum of Art. wine.philbrook.org

26

Taste of Tulsa

Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. bbbsok.org

Tulsa Play for JA Outer Space Bowl

Benefits Junior Achievement of Oklahoma. oklahoma.ja.org

27

Hunger in your Backyard Gala

Benefits Broken Arrow Neighbors. hungerinyourbackyard.com

Llamapalooza

Benefits Riverfield Country Day School. riverfield.org

Mad Scientist Ball

Benefits Discovery Lab. discoverylab.org

Overture Gala

Benefits Signature Symphony at TCC. signaturesymphony.org/ overture

Shoot for The Center

Benefits The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. tulsacenter.org

Walk MS Tulsa

Benefits National Multiple Sclerosis Society. events.nationalmssociety.org

29

Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament

Benefits Make a Wish Foundation. wish.org/oklahoma

CANDYBALL HAVANA NIGHTS

Approximately 300 guests gathered at River Spirit Casino Resort on March 9 in support of the Child Advocacy Network. The tropical paradise-themed event helped raise over $295,000 in support of CAN’s goal of bringing hope and healing to children affected by abuse. KJRH Lead Anchor Karen Larsen emceed the enchanting evening which featured Cuban-inspired cuisine, traditional salsa dancing and much more. 1: Adorned in leis, Karen Larsen plays host at the event. 2: Guests enjoy a delicious

The

Cuban-inspired menu created by chef Nick Perez. 3: Guests Jim and Robin Weaver, Patty and Bob Stuart, Jackie Cleary and Ken Goodlow pose for a photo with one of the evening’s performers. 4: CAN’s therapy dog Albus made an appearance at the ball. 5: A bird’s-eye view shows the 300 guests in attendance. 6: Guests Jessica and Martin Miles, Steve and Kim Baker, Greg and Kelly Boudreau and Honorary Chairs Angela and Sean Kouplen, who have played a significant part in raising funds for Tulsa-area nonprofi ts.

HEALING HEARTS GALA

Tristesse Grief Center hosted its annual Healing Hearts Gala on March 7 at the modern event venue Vinterra for an evening in support of connection and inspiration. The 200 guests in attendance, dressed in cocktail attire, could bid on various prizes during a live auction. The highlight of the evening saw Susan Miller, a clinical social worker, receive the inaugural “Susan Miller Award.” This award recognized Miller for her 15 years of dedicated service to The Tristesse Grief Center. 1: The Tristesse Grief Center founder Laura Gonsalves, second from the left, poses for a photo with

Susan Stone, Tishey Miller, Molly Parker and Debbie Miller. 2: Gonsalves, Bob Stewart and Kim Michie 3: Auctioneer Karen Sorbo takes bids during the live auction. 4: Gonsalves; Christy Sanders, founding board member of Tristesse Grief Center; and guest Mary Seng 5: The clothing theme for the event was “dazzling cocktail attire.” 6: Kyle Terry shakes hands with Jim Wolfi nbarger as Gina Iron looks on. 7: Susan Miller, awarded the Susan Miller Award for 15 years of service at The Tristesse Grief Center, and Audrey McCraw, executive director The Tristesse Grief Center

HAVANA NIGHTS: ANDREI TONE OF TONE FILMS PRODUCTION; HEALING HEARTS GALA: MIKE TEDFORD PHOTOGRAPHY/ INSPYRED IMAGES (DEANA SPYRES)

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

102-year-old former teacher and funeral director

Mary Helen Stanley

Ahandsome young man, an Air Force veteran back from World War II to nish his degree, approached Mary Helen Stanley ’s desk one afternoon at the University of Tulsa, where she had an administrative job in the mid-1940s.

He wanted to know if she would have co ee with him.

“We don’t go out for co ee,” said the then Mary Helen Holloway, in her 20s and single at the time.

e young man o ered to get permission from her boss, the dean of women.

“If she says it’s OK, will you go?”

A few moments later, he came back with the dean’s blessing. e dean herself peeked out of her o ce and, hidden behind the young man’s back, gave Stanley the A-OK symbol.

Several of his friends watched them walk into the student union and sit down at a table for two. She didn’t know it, but the young man had made a bold prediction to them beforehand.

“If I walk in the door with that woman,” he had told his fraternity brothers, “that’s the woman I’m going to marry.”

Having co ee that day proved to be a de ning moment in her life, not only giving her a husband but also a career.

After college, Robert Stanley became a partner at his father’s business, Stanleys Funeral Service. But Robert died of lung cancer when he was only 37 years old, leaving his wife to raise their three children alone.

She obtained a funeral director’s license in 1959 and continued in the family business until 1995, when Stanleys Funeral Service was sold. Quickly growing bored with retirement, Stanley went to work for Moore Funeral Homes, retiring again in December 2020. She’s now 102 years old.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL? “I went to high school in Henryetta, where I grew up. And I went to East Central State Teachers College,” known today as East Central University in Ada, about 85 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

“I wanted to be a teacher, so I went there,” says Stanley, who graduated from ECU in 1942. “It was a small school, much smaller than it is today. But they did have good teachers. Very good teachers.”

WHAT AGE DO YOU FEEL RIGHT NOW? “I don’t remember how I felt at 75 but I think this is it. You keep changing. You go from high to low but stay in the medium. Every day is di erent. Or it should be. If not, you’re not doing anything.”

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? “Bossy.”

She was born that way, she says. And it suited her well as a high school and junior high school teacher in Bixby before she moved into Tulsa in the mid-1940s.

“ e kids were often o on a tangent somewhere,” she says. And the teacher had to get them back on track.

IF YOU COULD WITNESS ANY EVENT OF THE PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“Establishing a residence on the moon,” Stanley says.

Humans will certainly live on the moon someday. She is sure of that. And she says she would be one of them, if she could.

“If I were 10 years old right now talking about it, I’d put that on my list of ‘Yes, things I’d like to do.’ But I’m not 10. I can’t do it.”

WHAT WAS A “WORST TIME” AND HOW DID YOU PULL THROUGH IT? “Not having a job and going to a pawn shop and leaving my watch,” Stanley says.

e watch, a Bulova that had cost $100, was a graduation gift. She left the pawn shop with $10 and spent all of it on groceries on the way home.

“It was during the Depression,” Stanley explains. “ ere were no jobs for anybody. I was living in Henryetta at that time, and the house was about two blocks from the railroad tracks. You could see people riding in the boxcars with the doors open and they were traveling from one part of the country to the other trying to nd work. at’s how it was.”

WHAT CONCERNS YOU TODAY? “Tomorrow. In the rst place, at 102, you do not know if you’re going to be here or not. But what will I do tomorrow? I like to do things that are di erent. I’d like to try some di erent places to eat dinners. Have real fancy meals with wines and all that sort of thing.

I haven’t been doing very many di erent things lately.”

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? “If you think you’re successful, you may be. You may not be. You have a di erent standard. But what is success? Like making a lot of money? No, that’s not success. Not in my estimation.”

WHAT IS A FAVORITE TULSA MEMORY? “When I rst came here,” Stanley says, “you had buses that went all over town.”

Of course, Tulsa still has a public transit system, but the bus routes don’t seem as extensive or as convenient as they were in the 1940s. She lived on Denver Avenue and could easily take a bus to work at TU. After work, she could ride a bus to virtually anywhere in Tulsa for 10 cents.

“ e buses had to be on time and they always were,” she says. “Very seldom would a bus be two or three minutes late.”

DESCRIBE A PERFECT WEEKEND IN TULSA OR ELSEWHERE. “Years ago, when I’d be able, I’d say ‘I want to go to New York and see two or three new plays.’ “But I’m not that young anymore. I can’t do that anymore.”

WHAT PLACE IN TULSA DO YOU MISS MOST?

“When they built the Williams Center, there was an ice rink there,” Stanley says. e rink was part of e Forum shopping center that opened at the Williams Center in 1978 near First and Main streets. e ice rink closed at the end of 1994, when the Williams Center began converting e Forum into o ce space.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED IN TULSA?

“Probably the crime,” Stanley says. “We don’t honor crime, but we certainly don’t pick up a criminal and handle them like I would have handled them.” tp

Stanley surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her 100th birthday celebration.

FRUITS of their LABOR

Meet the Hmong growers cultivating life, land, community and culture in Tulsa.

WORDS BY JULIANNE TRAN • PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD

On a Saturday morning, local farmers unload juicy tomatoes, plump cucumbers and fragrant bundles of herbs from their cars just as the sun begins to greet the world. It’s 5:30 in the morning in the Kendall Whittier neighborhood. As heavy baskets of potatoes pass between worn hands, a quiet murmur spreads along Admiral Boulevard. Listen closely, and you’ll realize most growers aren’t speaking English.

That’s because many of the Tulsa Farmers’ Market vendors are Hmong.

“Our Hmong growers are truly the backbone of market farming in Green Country,” says Kristin Hutto, TFM’s executive director. And the fruits of their labor bring fresh produce to Tulsa tables year-round.

A FAMILY ENDEAVOR

For the growers at Oklahmong, their farming e orts are centered on family.

“It’s an experience that me, my mom, and my sister could do together that involved the kids and grandkids,” says Sandy Siers, daughter of Bao Yang who is at the heart of Oklahmong.

Siers previously sold produce at the farmers’ market with her mother Bao about 10 years ago. Last year, they rejoined as growers at the market.

“My mom, she was saying, ‘I miss gardening and I miss doing it with you all,’” Siers recounts. “Every Friday, we used to harvest and wash produce and then go to the market together on Saturdays. Now that we’re older, my mom was missing that.”

Yang grew up in ailand and immigrated to the United States in the mid-’80s. “My parents ended up in Minneapolis from ailand, but they missed farming,” Siers says. “My mom has exceptional gardening skills. She’s been gardening since she was 10 years old in ailand.”

In 2005, the family moved to Oklahoma. “ ere was more land here and they started with 2 acres. My mom wanted (to start gardening again), even if it was just a little plot in the backyard.”

Siers grew up eating her mom’s homegrown herbs every day and remembers all the time she spent in the garden. Now, her mother loves sharing that garden with her family.

“She enjoys doing it now with the grandkids. She gets to be out in the garden with them and teaches them,” Siers says.

e family cultivates the land together on Yang’s property in Jay. Oklahmong sells produce ranging from squash, zucchini and Asian cantaloupe to herbs often used in Hmong cooking like lemongrass.

“We’re learning every day,” Siers says. “It’s been a great experience. It’s de nitely fun and thrilling (to farm together).”

From left, Bao Yang, Sandy Siers and Dylan Siers

COURTESY OKLAHMONG

A grower’s COMMUNITY

Tria Yang Farm’s booth is hard to miss with its plentiful spread of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, ai chiles, green onions and buckets of colorful dahlias.

“Our booth is probably the biggest at the market, but it’s just me, my mom, my dad and younger sister who are working the farm,” says Pakou Yang, daughter of Tria Yang and Dai Lor.

“My parents were born in Laos and because of the war going on at that time, they made their way over to America,” Yang says.

e Yangs rst lived in Minnesota after moving to the United States. ey relocated to Oklahoma in 2006 for a warmer climate and larger land property. After being laid o from their factory jobs, they turned to their work history for a new opportunity.

“My parents had experience farming (in Laos) and wanted to take it on as a new venture,” Yang says. “ ey started farming again because that’s something they knew they were good at doing. ey did it out of necessity and, eventually, it became their career.”

Tria Yang Farm rst joined Tulsa Farmers’ Market in 2008, the same year when Yang’s younger sister Lailai was born. Now, 16 years later, Lailai packs vegetables into their car every Saturday morning and cuts owers alongside her mother at the market.

e Tria Yang Farm is located in Vinita on 10 acres of land.

e family cultivates produce in open gardens and greenhouses. Recently, they rotated a new lot for gardening.

Because the Yang family has had years of experience at the farmers’ market, many Hmong growers rely on their insights.

“ e other Hmong farmers are around the same English-speaking level as my parents. ey come and chat with my parents and they exchange advice,” Yang says. “Because many of the newer vendors have just moved from out of the state, they’re not used to growing in Oklahoma weather. So, they’ll ask for advice and my parents will give them their knowledge.”

“ e farmers’ market is a wonderful community,” Yang says.

Tria Yang and Dai Lor

BALANCING the WORK

Xai Lee and wife, Sho Vue, who grew up farming, started cultivating their farm because they were nearing retirement.

Like many Hmong people from Laos, Lee ed to the United States during the Vietnam War and civil war in Laos. Once settled, Lee lived in Syracuse, New York, for 20 years with his wife, who he met in a refugee camp when they both immigrated.

After decades bearing the cold winters of upstate New York, the couple wanted to live somewhere with warmer weather. So, in 2005, they moved to Oklahoma. ey opened a tailoring business, Mee’s Tailor Shop, 6524 E. 91st St., which they still operate while farming in Sperry.

“We’ve been (in Oklahoma) for 18 years, but we didn’t start farming until two years ago,” Lee says. “My wife’s family used to do the farm (in Laos) and my wife was really good at it.

“We’re closer to retirement time and we wanted to create something that we could spend every day doing.”

e couple alternates work at Green Farm and the tailoring shop. By Friday evening, it’s time to prepare for the market. Lee and Vue often work until midnight on Fridays washing and packing produce. en, on Saturdays, they drive into Tulsa to work sideby-side at the farmers’ market.

Green Farm is located on 15 acres of land. Lee and Vue cultivate onions, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, zucchini and more.

“We started from scratch, so we are making great progress,” Lee says. “ e people (at the market) are very friendly.”

Lee is especially proud to be part of the Hmong community in Tulsa. “We are Hmong. We are here,” Lee says. He’s an advocate for the Hmong community and in May, he juggles harvest season at Green Farm while making preparations for Hmong Day in Oklahoma.

Xai Lee and Sho Vue

Adjusting TO OKLAHOMA

In peak growing season, Lenny Xiong and wife, Song, produce an abundance of fresh vegetables on their 7 acres of land in Vinita. Rows and rows of vibrant green lettuce heads and root vegetable tops surround Lenny’s Farm.

And come Saturday morning, all that produce spreads across their booth’s table at the farmers’ market.

Xiong’s growing success comes from his experiences farming in Laos as a child and later in Minnesota. Xiong immigrated to the United States in 1980 when he was 13 years old. He then lived in Minnesota for more than 20 years.

“I was living in Minnesota, but you know the weather over there is too cold, so I decided to move to Oklahoma,” Xiong says. Once in state, Xiong had to adjust to hot Oklahoma summers.

“ e water is so hot and the weather is really hot for the vegetables,” Xiong says. After some time, he learned how to better work with the land.

Xiong heard about the farmers’ market from his Hmong neighbors and farming friends. In 2022, Xiong applied and began selling at Tulsa’s market.

Xiong and his wife spend late winter and early spring cultivating vegetables and preparing for their busiest season at the market. Come May, Lenny’s Farm is in full swing at the farmers’ market until they prepare for the next season at the end of November.

Lenny’s Farm produces potatoes, rainbow carrots, cherry tomatoes and much more. tp

Whether you’re looking for fresh cut owers, sun-ripened tomatoes or an Asian herb to nish your dish, the growers at Tulsa Farmers’ Market have what you need. Each vegetable carries with it the love and labor of a farmer who has nurtured their garden for months and who has traveled far to build a life from the seeds they have planted.

You can meet these farmers and enjoy the fruits of their labor at Tulsa Farmers’ Market at Admiral and Lewis on the rst Saturday of April, when the main season begins. More information at TULSAFARMERSMARKET.ORG .

SEE MORE SCENES AND MEET MORE VENDORS FROM THE TULSA FARMERS’ MARKET ON TULSAPEOPLE.COM.

Lenny Xiong

Honey, home goods, self-care products, art and more can be found at the market.

TAKE A STROLL around the market

Strengthening communities, IMPROVING LIVES

Tulsa Area United Way’s history of community collaboration and partnership run deep.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

On April 1, Tulsa Area United Way celebrates 100 years of service to the Tulsa community. e nonpro t organization, which began in 1924 as the Tulsa Community Fund, works with individual donors and companies to raise funds to support over 160 programs in six counties in northeast Oklahoma through partnerships with other nonpro ts as well as collaboration and social innovation grants.

“‘One Hundred Starts with One’ is our centennial theme,” says Alison Anthony, president and chief executive o cer of Tulsa Area

United Way. “Our 100 years started with one year, 1924, and with the need. It also starts with one volunteer making a connection with one person in need, one donor making a di erence in this community with a donation that helps lift one person out of poverty.”

Today, TAUW raises over $25 million annually to support its mission of improving lives and strengthening communities with a focus on the areas of education, nancial stability, and health and safety. Although the name has changed over the years, the mission has remained the same.

TAUW’s precursor, the Tulsa Community Fund, was established by a group of Tulsa businessmen in response to growing need in the community. e oil boom had created an era of rapid growth, attracting a growing population at a time when there were great socio-economic inequities and few social or governmental services to provide a much-needed safety net. In its rst year, the organization successfully raised $238,895 to help fund 11 Tulsa-area health and human services organizations, six of which (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, American Red Cross, Tulsa Boys’ Home, YMCA of Greater Tulsa and YWCA Tulsa) are still partnership organizations today. Later, in response to the start of World War II, the Community Fund joined with another local group called e War Chest to raise close to $500,000. e organizations started working together in 1942 and became the Tulsa Community Chest in 1947, and ultimately, the Tulsa Area United Way in 1974.

Over the years, TAUW has responded to countless changes and challenges, including the Great Depression and a polio epidemic within a decade of its establishment, a world war and a global pandemic.

Established in 1915, the Children’s Day Nursery was formed by a group of women from the Nursery Association to care for and feed children of low-income parents so they could work during the day. The Children’s Day Nursery, seen here in 1999, was a TAUW partner agency that continued through 2005. Below, Tulsa Community Fund campaign workers in 1927. 1927 CAMPAIGN:

“I think it’s so important to really pause and celebrate our history,” Anthony says. “I don’t think anybody would say we’re not in polarized and di cult times today, but then you look back at United Way and what the Community Fund started in 1924. We’ve navigated a lot as an organization.”

TULSA AND TAUW: HISTORY AND CHANGE

In many ways, the history of TAUW parallels the history of the city itself. Societal roles, perspectives and expectations have changed dramatically in the last century, and TAUW has evolved to better re ect, respect and respond to the community it serves.

“Tulsa, historically from its origins, was a rigidly segregated city. e people who were the power brokers in the United Way’s early years, of course, were white men,

which was the case throughout the city and throughout the nation,” says Hannibal B. Johnson, co-chair of TAUW’s centennial History and Education Committee. “But frankly, looking at the evolution of the United Way, and how it’s come to better re ect the diverse population and better serve that diverse population is something that’s important to celebrate. It hasn’t been stagnant or static. It’s really evolved.”

Johnson’s own involvement with TAUW extends over 20 years and during that time he’s focused much of his e orts on diversity, equity and inclusion.

COURTESY TULSA AREA UNITED WAY; NURSERY: COURTESY TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

“We developed a program called New Voices (August 2009) that still exists. It was designed to create a reservoir of people of color who were interested in and educated on nonpro t board governance,” he says. “ ere are 250 or 300 folks who’ve been through the program now. at’s an example of the evolution of the United Way to better understand the diverse population it serves, and to not only look at those people as recipients of service, but also as decision makers in the context of how these nonpro t dollars are allocated throughout the community.”

Other TAUW developmental programs include Women United, which helps educate and connect women while strengthening and developing their leadership and philanthropic skills. Similarly, NextGen United, whose members are in their 20s and 30s, encourages and develops younger community leaders, and Always United provides a path for retirees, and those close to retirement, to continue their own involvement in the organization.

COMMUNITY

As TAUW turns 100, the organization celebrates its past with an eye toward a future of continued evolution and service.

“United Way is here for the most vulnerable. We’re here for the people who are homeless. We’re here for the people who are in mental health distress. We’re also here for the person who is working two jobs and still making tough choices about how to keep the lights on, or to buy food, or to just pay the rent,” Anthony says.

“ e level of philanthropy here in Tulsa is extraordinary,” Johnson says. “A lot of time and energy has been invested in looking, in a strategic way, at what the problem is, and how to x whatever systems are there that contribute to the problem. How to empower people so they’re better able to identify and take control of their own destiny — empowering people to be able to control the problem and their respective futures.” tp

Participants in a past Day of Caring

Circa 1955, two young boys from Tulsa Boys’ Home care for a calf.

Three Red Cross workers give coffee and Girl Scout cookies to four soldiers in military uniform circa the 1940s.

WOMEN LEADING THE WAY

According to Alison Anthony, Tulsa Area United Way president and chief executive officer, TAUW has made efforts to include more women in leadership roles. In 1992, Clydella Hentschel was the first woman to co-chair the annual fundraising campaign. Two decades later, Becky Frank became the first solo female chair of the fund drive.

“I’ve always said that with the United Way, you always see the best side of everybody,” says Frank, Tulsa Area United Way Centennial chair.

Frank — chairwoman and partner of Schnake Turnbo Frank, a Tulsa-based public relations and management consulting firm — is a longtime community leader and advocate whose relationship with TAUW dates back to 1986, when she first joined the organization as vice president of communications. According to Frank, it was a fascinating experience from day one.

With then-TAUW president and CEO Kathleen Coan unexpectedly ill, Frank’s first assignment at her new job was to write the organization’s annual report.

“It was baptism by fire, the first week that I was at United Way,” Frank recalls. “I was totally new to the organization, and it was going to be printed in the Tulsa World the following Sunday, so I just had to jump in and figure out what United Way was all about. It actually turned out to be a great way for me to learn very quickly about the organization.”

The list of people with whom Frank worked with during her tenure at TAUW reads like a “Who’s Who” of Tulsa business and community leaders, names like Jack Zink (John Zink Co., Zeeco), Chester Cadieux (QuikTrip), Steve Jatras (Memorex Telex) and Hentschel. There was also Phyllis Radcliffe, a Tulsa communications professional, bank executive and community volunteer who helped hire Frank and became a mentor and friend to her.

Hentschel, who died in 2012, worked with the TAUW annual campaign for many years before co-chairing the 1992 campaign with her husband, David. That same year, she also helped Frank start the United Way Day of Caring in Tulsa. TAUW established the Clydella Hentschel Award for Women in Leadership in her honor in 2012, with Hentschel as the first honoree.

“I have so much gratitude to Dave and Clydella,” Frank says. “That really was the beginning of changing the path in terms of diversifying leadership for the United Way.”

Although Frank eventually moved on to other employment after seven years with TAUW, she’s remained involved in a variety of ways throughout

the years, including helping to raise over $26 million as TAUW’s first female solo campaign chair in 2013. As part of her efforts to ensure a successful fundraising campaign, Frank visited each of TAUW’s 62 partner agencies, meeting with their employees, as well as the individuals those agencies served.

“That was something that was really important to me,” she says. “It was such a great experience for me to connect with the directors, their staff and their volunteers. In some instances, clients who wanted to share their stories of how they’d been helped by those agencies would be a part of those meetings. That was really helpful to me as I was out speaking on behalf of United Way because I always had stories to share about people that I had met and the support these agencies provided.”

During her time as campaign chair, Frank made an effort to reach out to the women of the community, encouraging members of TAUW’s Women’s Leadership Council (now Women United) to join her on agency tours and holding receptions specifically for women. Frank believes that support helped her

to not only meet — but actually to exceed — the 2013 campaign fundraising goal.

“Reaching the goal is not an ego thing for people,” Frank says. “It’s because you get to know these nonprofits, and you see the work they’re doing, and you want them to have every dime that they need to be able to fulfill their missions and do the work in their communities. That’s what’s driving you.”

When she joined the organization almost 40 years ago, Frank never imagined the impact it would have on her life, both professionally and personally.

“If I take a United Way brochure and just go down that list of those nonprofits and mark the ones that either I had a connection with, a family member of mine had a connection with, or a friend of mine or one of my employees, I could mark off half the agencies where somebody was being helped in some way,” she says. “That’s why it’s so important when we’re out talking about United Way that we’re educating those employee bases, so they can see. So they know about those resources.” tp

Becky Frank and Clydella Hentschel in 2012 at the Live United Awards. Frank was recognized that year as the recipient of the Clydella Hentschel Award for Women in Leadership.

Style on display at Tulsan Athletic Club

PICKLEBALL: WHERE TO PLAY AND WHAT TO SPORT

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIM LANDES

There is a neon-colored ball whizzing over the net as players rush back and forth. A skirt rippling along to the sudden movements of a competitor keeping the play alive as a paddle whacks the ball back.

Throughout Tulsa, and across the country, pickleball has players storming tennis courts and taking them over. Gone are the green felt balls and racquets. Instead, players use what looks like a Wi e ball, but it’s bigger and brighter and is hit with a paddle — think ping pong paddle, but bigger.

Pickleball, now in its 59th year, continues to be the fastest growing sport in America, according to Sports and Fitness Industry Association. According to SFIA, “participation nearly doubled in 2022, increasing by 85.7% year-over-year and by an astonishing 158.6% over three years.”

It’s easy to find a place to play locally, whether it is a public park, a private club or a family friendly entertainment spot like Tulsan Athletic Club, 2439 E. 11th St., which o ers three courts and provides paddles and balls. It’s where we played on a recent Sunday afternoon.

FAVORITE NEARBY PICKLEBALL COURTS

PARKS AND RECREATION CENTERS

Buddy LaFortune Community Center

5202 S. Hudson Ave. (2 indoor courts)

Case Community Center 1050 W. Wekiwa Road, Sand Springs (3 indoor courts)

Chandler Park

6500 W. 21st St. (3 indoor courts)

Florence Park

1936 S. Gary Ave. (2 outdoor courts)

Gathering Place

2650 John Williams Way (1 outdoor court)

Haikey Creek Park 11327 S. Garnett Road, Broken Arrow (6 outdoor courts)

Heller Park 5328 S. Wheeling Ave. (4 outdoor courts with lights)

Hicks Park Recreation Center

3443 S. Mingo Road (2 indoor courts)

Lions Playground

South First Street, Jenks (1 outdoor court)

O’Brien Park Recreation Center 6149 N. Lewis Ave. (3 indoor courts)

Whiteside Park Recreation Center 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. (2 indoor courts)

FITNESS CLUBS

Daily Family YMCA of Bixby 7910 E. 134th St. S., Bixby (3 indoor courts)

Indian Springs Tennis Club 16006 E. 131st St., Broken Arrow (4 outdoor courts)

Lifetime Fitness

10642 S. Memorial Drive (3 indoor courts)

Philcrest Hills Tennis and Pickleball Club 10900 Riverside Parkway (4 indoor courts and 1 outdoor court)

RH91 Racquet and Health

3030 E. 91st St. (2 outdoor courts)

Tandy Family YMCA 5005 S. Darlington Ave. (3 indoor courts)

Titan Sports 101 E. 81st St. (3 indoor courts)

TopSeed Pickleball

2795 E. 91st St. (9 indoor courts and 3 outdoor courts)

WHERE TO FIND: Pickleball sweater, $145; bubble skirt, $149; pickleballer hat, $35; paddle, $95; tote, $90; all from Ribbons, 3525 S. Peoria Ave. “Pickleball is Life” by Erin McHugh, $17.99, from Magic City Books, 221 E. Archer St. Inset: Diadora Trofeo pickleball shoes, $100, from Tulsa Runner, 9708 Riverside Parkway.

CONTINENT KENNELCLUBOFTU

TULSA, OKLAHOMA

2 ALL-BREED DOG SHOWS

2 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES

2 JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP

1 PEE WEE SPECIAL ATTRACTION

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

1 BEST PUPPY COMPETITION

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

1 ALL-BREED B MATCH — SATURDAY, APRIL

1 BEST BRED-BY COMPETITION

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

1 SHOW ‘N’ GO OBEDIENCE & RALLY FRIDAY, APRIL 26

4 ALL-BREED OBEDIENCE TRIALS

4 ALL-BREED RALLY TRIALS

6 FAST CAT EVENTS

2 BEGINNER PUPPY 4-6 MONTHS COMPETITIONS

2 TEMPERAMENT TESTS — FRIDAY, APRIL 26

1 CGC TEST — FRIDAY, APRIL 26

1 TRICK DOG TEST — FRIDAY, APRIL 26

2 FSS OPEN SHOWS (FRIDAY, APRIL 26 & SATURDAY, APRIL 27)

KIDS ACTIVITIES

KID ZONE

Fun activites promoting responsible dog ownership, located in Diamond Pet Food and Southern Ag booths.

PEE WEE SPECIAL ATTRACTION

For kids 5-9 years old, Sat. only, signup 8-11 am, entries limited. Must be accompanied by an adult. A dog will be provided if needed.

TULSA EST. 1921

BUSINESSES

YEARS OR MORE

TULSAPEOPLE CELEBRATES

Legacy Businesses that have made their mark in Tulsa for 25 or more years.

The locally owned institutions featured in the following pages provide a vital economic foundation for our city and are known for their overall excellence, creating loyal customers, business success and longevity.

Enjoy learning about these valued businesses who succeed by keeping Tulsans coming back year after year.

Tulsa Welding School

Tulsa Welding School (TWS) was founded in 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by two welders to meet the demand for skilled tradespeople in the welding industry. Since then, TWS has become a multi-campus institution that trains students in the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for entry-level positions in the skilled trades. TWS graduates are employed in all 50 states, according to TWS’ annual report. In Tulsa, TWS staff, its students and its employer partners remain dedicated to offering individuals in the community the chance to forge a brighter future through skills-based education while contributing to the city’s development and playing a vital role in preparing the next generation of Tulsa’s workforce. This staple of the community both figuratively and literally helped build the foundation and infrastructure of the city it calls home.

Today, TWS offers hands-on training through its Professional Welder program, Refrigeration Technologies program, Electrical Applications program, Electro-Mechanical Technologies program and an Associate of Occupational Studies in Welding Technology.

“Our experienced staff works closely with all students to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe it’s important for students to learn from professionals who have in-depth industry and hands-on knowledge to help develop their skills,” says Campus President Shalisa Powell, Ed.D. “From the moment a prospective student contacts TWS to learn more about our programs through the day they graduate and beyond, they will be accommodated, mentored and assisted by trained professionals dedicated to a students’ well-being and satisfaction.”

For the past 75 years, TWS has remained on the cutting edge of industry advancements, ensuring students are prepared to enter the field with the most current industry knowledge. “As the industry continues to evolve, we have also made significant efforts to make the trades a more diverse and inclusive place for people of all backgrounds,” Powell says. “From scholarships to on-campus support and resources, TWS aims to break down any barriers in access to education and empower individuals to reach their full potential. What was once a male-dominated industry has now seen significant growth from diverse and underserved communities, especially women who now make up 10.8% of the construction industry workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

The future is now with TWS and its virtual reality training program called OcuWeld. The program, designed by Tulsa Welding School faculty, allows students to practice their training

anywhere, on-demand using Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 technology. OcuWeld was designed to meet the changing needs of our students and their future employers while teaching students new skills and increasing access to education.

“Over the past 75 years, we have continued to expand upon that mission by bridging the skilled labor gap caused by retirements and aligning with future needs from employers to ensure our students are trained in the latest industry technology and standards,” Powell says. “By leaning into our strong roots while staying ahead of industry innovations, Tulsa Welding School has stood the test of time.”

In 2008 StrataTech acquired Tulsa Welding School and since then has expanded programming and opened new campuses — in Jacksonville, Florida; Houston and Irving, Texas — to meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople.

Family & Children’s Services

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing mental health care is more crucial than ever. Our mental well-being deeply influences every aspect of our lives, intricately connected with physical health and potentially influenced by the social drivers shaping our experiences.

When your health is compromised, seeking medical care is often the first step, but prioritizing your mental well-being is equally vital. That’s where Family & Children’s Services (FCS) come in. FCS plays a crucial role in not only providing mental health support but also offering comprehensive assistance. At FCS, individuals find a holistic approach that extends beyond symptom management to address mental and physical health concerns while also receiving guidance in navigating life’s complexities.

What does that look like? Mental health care serves as the foundation for other services that may include substance use disorder treatment, crisis intervention and physical health coordination. This can also include preventive care, workforce development, advocacy and more to foster lasting change. This helps ensure comprehensive support for thriving in all facets of life.

FCS has always been dedicated to helping families and

children and acknowledges the distinctive challenges this group faces, including trauma and disruptive life events. By offering comprehensive wrap-around services and more, services support not only the child but entire family unit. This may include addressing school-related concerns, providing additional classroom resources or meeting basic needs.

FCS knows that every journey is unique, with its own set of experiences, challenges and strengths. Their person-centered approach customizes interventions to individual needs. Whether it’s cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety triggers or mindfulness workshops for emotional resilience, FCS ensures that support is personalized and effective.

Moreover, providing more within mental health care benefits society at large. By addressing mental health proactively and comprehensively, FCS aims to alleviate burdens on emergency services, health care systems and judicial systems. Ultimately, this approach fosters healthier, more resilient communities.

With a network spanning over 85 accessible locations, including nine office sites, co-located facilities, and schools, support is never out of reach. FCS isn’t just for families and children. We are mental health and MORE for everyone.

Resource Rooms at many FCS locations provide clients with immediate access to clothing, food, bus tokens and MORE fostering security and stability during times of need.

Mabrey Bank

In 1906, G.W. Mabrey joined the Board of Directors at Citizens National Bank in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Five generations and 15 Mabrey Bank locations later, the Mabrey family’s legacy as stewards of a financial institution built on integrity, service and success is stronger than ever.

Led by brothers Scott Mabrey as the CEO and Carlisle Mabrey IV as the COO, Mabrey Bank is celebrating its 100th anniversary since the bank’s current charter was granted in 1924. Over that century, Mabrey Bank has expanded from Okmulgee to Tulsa, Oklahoma City and eight other markets across the state. The additions of services like the Private Bank, Mabrey Mortgage and industry-specific lending products in health care, recreational land and much more have contributed to Mabrey Bank reaching $1.8 billion in asset size.

However, assets alone can’t tell the whole story of Mabrey Bank’s longevity. The bank’s success is rooted in treating its team members and customers like family, while caring for and respecting its communities. In 2023, Mabrey Bank donated more than $545,000 to community initiatives across 220 organizations in addition to hundreds of volunteer hours served by the team members.

An updated mission statement, launched this year in the wake of the centennial milestone, reinforces the family’s brand of customer-focused banking that has set Mabrey Bank apart over the last century.

Our team provides sound financial solutions and personalized service to empower people, enrich businesses and improve the communities we serve.

This mission, cultivated through generations of Mabrey family leadership and now upheld by more than 270 team members, showcases why Mabrey Bank has developed into a family-owned, locally operated pillar of the Oklahoma business community.

Historical HIGHLIGHTS

From above left, Katie Mabrey, Carlisle Mabrey IV, Scott Mabrey, Mark Mabrey, Melanie Mabrey Eggert. From bottom left, John Mabrey, Marilyn Mabrey Sulivant, Carlisle Mabrey III, Bruce Mabrey.

1994: The Mabrey family purchases Citizens Security Bank in Bixby, merging with Citizens National Bank, to begin a presence in the Tulsa footprint.

1966: The Mabrey family acquires controlling interest of Citizens National Bank in Okmulgee, which would later become Mabrey Bank.

2015: The bank officially changes its name to ‘Mabrey Bank,’ emphasizing the family-owned and locally operated services.

Moore Funeral Homes and Fitzgerald Funeral Service

When James Herbert Moore opened his funeral home in 1932, he had no idea his company would become the largest funeral provider in Oklahoma. More than 90 years later, Moore has grown with Tulsa, both in the number of locations — six in total — and in the scope of services.

What have not changed are Moore’s core values — as well as the family at the helm. “Our mission is to provide excellent care to the deceased and their families and to help create tributes that remember, honor and celebrate the lives of those very special people,” says Joseph P. Moore, owner and grandson of the company’s founder. “We give our families the highest level of personal and professional care during one of the most difficult times of their lives.” Unique services offered include an onsite crematory, to ensure that all aspects of cremation are performed properly and with dignity.

Additionally, Moore offers special veterans’ services and an extensive aftercare program — including online resources and weekly grief support groups. Moore’s pre-planning services lock in today’s prices and provide peace of mind. These offerings,

plus a commitment to service, have resulted in excellent reviews on family satisfaction surveys. Moore Funeral Homes and Fitzgerald Funeral Service’s motto is to provide extraordinary service at a fair and affordable price.

Moore/Fitzgerald maintains strong community involvement, both individually and corporately. The company takes special pride in its 40 full-time, dedicated and professional staff members, many of whom have been with Moore/Fitzgerald for more than 10 years and have experience working with families of all faiths. “Our families have come to know that we’ll be here when they need us,” Moore says.

Recently Moore further expanded services by opening a 2nd family center. In addition to the family center at the Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, there is now a lovely 1700 square foot family center at Moore’s Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st St. At these family centers, families and friends can continue to share memories and celebrate the life of their loved one while having refreshments or a meal at a reception following the memorial service.

Jeff Tutt, LaFonda Ehlers, Koby Creason, John Wilson, Chris Penn, Lynne Moore, Terry Hamm, Joseph Moore.

Sisemore & Associates

Established in 1995 in Tulsa, Sisemore & Associates, Inc. is dedicated to providing dependable Land Surveying, Land Planning and Civil Engineering Services.

“With over 25 years of professional experience, we have the expertise to assure a client’s project runs smoothly from conception to the final as-built,” says Shawn Collins, PLS, CFedS. “We are proud of the knowledge and experience we have to offer to engineer and design firms, contractors, builders, real estate developers and private individuals.”

“We are longtime members of the Oklahoma and National Societies of Professional Land Surveyors, the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and Tulsa Executives Association. As such, our company has earned the trust of multiple state agencies and local municipalities through innovation, creativity and years of experience.”

Sisemore currently has four licensed Professional Land Surveyors possessing decades of experience in ALTA/NSPS Surveys, Boundary Surveys, 3D Laser Scanning, UAV LiDAR Mapping and Topographic Surveys to Construction Layout/Staking and Final As-Built Surveys.

“Additionally, we have two Professional Civil Engineers with experience in storm sewer, waterline, utilities and grading design,” notes Collins. “Our Surveying, Land Planning and Engineering departments are supported by a highly talented crew of Project Managers, Cad Technicians, Survey Technicians, Clerical and Field personnel.”

“Whether the project is commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, or mixed-use in nature, our experienced staff offers expert advice and guidance,” notes Collins.

SURVEYING • PLANNING • ENGINEERING

Aubrey Collins Executive Secretary Office Manager

Shawn Collins, PLS, CFedS President Director of Land Surveying

Final Touch Commercial Cleaning

Since its establishment 39 years ago, FTCC has had one mission: to serve. We love serving our clients, our staff members, and our community. We are passionate about Tulsa and all our community partners. We consider our clients to be family and have long lasting partnerships with each of them.

‘We are a team of professionals with a proven track record in this region that performs our work with integrity to successfully exceed our clients’ expectations,’ says Sandra Mullins, founder and owner of the business that cleans more than 10 million square feet each night. ‘Our team is comprised of more than 280 experienced staff members who have worked together for many

years, including veterans with 30+ years of experience. Their expertise and hard work have provided us with many successful partnerships.’

Final Touch employees use sustainable products and practices to clean for health and safety, and produce long-term benefits. They were the first cleaning service organization headquartered in Oklahoma to achieve the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building (CIMS-GB) certification with honors. The certification, based on an accredited assessment, demonstrates a commitment to the delivery of environmentally preferable services.

Chelsea Hanoch, Lindsay Henderson, Jackie Vu, Brooke Taylor, Madi Page

Sandra Mullins

ImageNet Consulting

ImageNet Consulting was founded in Oklahoma in 1956 as Southwest Typewriter Company. As times and technology changed, so did the name. Southwest Typewriter Company began a legacy of providing superior solutions, products, and service. Over the years, the company experienced constant innovations in office equipment and communication technology. As the copy machine revolution began in the 1970’s, ImageNet supplied clients with the products that met their budgets and provided the best solution. Through the generations, the company continues to utilize the platforms of leading technology companies to maximize efficiency and lower costs for clients.

Today, ImageNet Consulting is an industry-leading and award-winning Managed Services powerhouse. “With over 60 years of experience in the technology and business consulting industry, we have built a reputation for providing cutting edge technology to our clients with dependable expertise and strategic guidance along the way,” says Alan Webb, Oklahoma Market president.

ImageNet works with companies of all shapes and sizes and from every industry.

ImageNet is an Oklahoma based company, and has a presence in 7 States with 19 locations. “While Managed Print is one of our core business offerings, we have evolved to a true IT Solutions company,” notes Webb. “Our customers now additionally rely on us for Enterprise Content Services, Audio Visual

Solutions, 3 D Printers and Managed IT Services” says Ben Berghall, Director of Managed IT Services.

ImageNet’s Managed IT solutions team of over 40 individuals provide small and medium size clients across multiple verticals essential IT services from 24/7 help desk support, network and server management, data backup, disaster recovery to critical cyber security. “It is difficult for small and medium businesses to keep up with all the cyber security threats” says Berghall. That’s why ImageNet has invested heavily in people and technology to help businesses secure their networks, computers and end-users. ImageNet Managed Security Services includes: Automated server and workstation protection tools backed by 24/7 threat hunting teams, cybersecurity end-user awareness training, and email protection and threat monitoring.

As Webb and Berghall reflect on their 15 years with ImageNet, they have seen the company grow from a few hundred employees to almost 500 in seven states. “Tulsa is very important to us, and we are proud to have been part of growing our Tulsa team from 12 employees to over 50 today. We were originally downtown in the Blue Dome district, but we quickly outgrew that location and moved to our current location on 41st Street between Sheridan and Memorial. We welcome you to stop by and see our showroom” says Webb, “and learn more about the products and services we offer our business clients.”

ImageNet leaders include: Ben Berghall, VP of Managed IT; Andrew Newell, Tulsa Sales Manager; Kyle Kempf, VP of AV; and Alan Webb, Oklahoma Market President.

Jim Blankenship Quality Collision Repair

Jim Blankenship and his wife, Elizabeth, are proud that their downtown auto body repair business has been successful in Tulsa for over 49 years.

Blankenship purchased the company in 1975 from auto dealer Bob Spraker. “I had worked with my parents in their body shop starting at age 14,” says Blankenship, a 1960 graduate of Tulsa Central High School who attended TU and served in the National Guard before going into business.

“It has been our pride over these many years to provide our customers with the highest quality of collision repair, striving to achieve excellence on every job,” he says.

Blankenship is proud to have trained and mentored many students from Tulsa Technology Center and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology over the years.

“I am very appreciative of the good company we have been able to build over the years and I thank Elizabeth for being so special to our customers, our employees and to me,” says Blankenship.

Independent Material Company

Independent Material Company (IMC), a commercial and residential masonry supply company, was established by the Swayze and later McKinney family in Tulsa in 1924. Anna Helgadottir and Johann Skaftason started doing business with IMC and Wendell McKinney back in 1976. The company stayed in the family for three generations until the unexpected death of John McKinney in 2014. With the McKinney family’s blessing, long time customers and close family friends Anna and Johann purchased this historic business. IMC is still at the original location, just northeast of downtown Tulsa. While modernized in many ways, the building still has much of its historical charm with beautiful beams and brick walls.

IMC specializes in commercial and residential masonry supplies. “Some of our customers are second and third generation masons, with memories of coming here with a grandfather.” said Jennifer Kudirka, operations manager. “We get to know our customers, and we take pride in helping, whether it’s a homeowner looking for materials, or a contractor getting ready for a major build.”

IMC is proud to be Tulsa’s local supplier of commercial masonry

supplies, tools and equipment. Colored mortars, concrete mix, concrete blocks, stucco supplies, plaster, and thin set are well stocked here. There are many otherwise hard to find items and specialty tools in the showroom, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, IMC is happy to order it for you. Newer products include pavers, retaining walls, fireplace supplies, stone and other hardscape and outdoor living products for home and business.

“After 100 years in Tulsa, many IMC customers and vendors have become our dear friends and, along with our wonderful employees, have become part of the extended family of Independent Material Company.” says Anna. “IMC is proud to provide the craftsmen of Tulsa quality materials to build and expand this city, benefitting even more generations to come.”

Jim Blankenship

The team at IMC, Inc.: Justin Corder, Sales; Jennifer Kudirka, Operations Manager; Seth Orban, Driver; Nick Smith, Warehouse; Jose Aquirre, Warehouse.

Amini’s Galleria

Amini’s Galleria, a Tulsa-based retailer specializing in indoor and outdoor home entertainment goods, is nearing its 50th anniversary. Founded by Mack Amini in 1975 with just five pool tables, the company has flourished into a family-driven enterprise with innovative product lines and expansive inventory both in-store and online. With over 150,000 square feet of retail space across locations in Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, Amini’s has become a household name that has made families happy for years.

“My vision has always been to be a retailer who cares for its customers, and to provide products that enhance our customers’ homes and lives,” emphasizes Mack. “That belief remains the same today with our company purpose “We Really Care” carried by our strong and caring staff that have been with Amini’s for decades. This is the heartbeat of our company, and why we are still here today.”

One will find a member of the Amini family involved in every store location. The founder’s wife, Rajeanna Amini is the controller and general manager of the company, and their sons, Arash and Hamid Amini, who are the CEO and General Manager of Tulsa respectively lead the company’s strategy that is focused on selling products that enhance the elegance and family entertainment in the home backed by the company’s

Amini’s has evolved beyond pool tables to become a leading supplier of indoor and outdoor home entertainment goods. Their newest addition, the Wellness Category, offers traditional, infrared, custom, and outdoor saunas, along with cold plunges. Arash Amini emphasizes the importance of products that positively impact customers’ happiness and health, highlighting the significant benefits of saunas in enhancing well-being.

As a family-owned operation, Amini’s is committed to its customers and their well-being, ensuring they continue to provide exceptional products and service for years to come.

Amini’s offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor home entertainment goods, such as pool tables, game room furniture, arcade games, indoor and outdoor furniture, area rugs, bar stools, and now traditional and infrared saunas and cold plunge!

Tulsa store General Manager Hamid Amini with Company Founder Mack Amini and Rajeanna Amini, who serves as Controller. Generations of dedication: The Amini family proudly stands at the heart of their family-owned business since 1975.

5-STAR Amini Advantage Service Guarantee and a 105% Price Match Guarantee.

We B Trees

In 1995, Tim Nall established We B Trees, a Tulsa-based tree service offering removals, pruning, arborist consultations and plant health care treatments. The company has grown over the decades with a focus on trust and honesty, between both customers and employees.

“We always want to be completely transparent with a customer when it comes to their trees,” Nall says. “If there’s a way we can save the tree, we will do everything we can.”

We B Trees is a family owned and operated business. Tim’s wife, Barbara Nall, co-owns the company and manages the financial side of the operation. “Something we pride ourselves on is the relationship we have with our employees — being a small family operation we view and treat them as part of our own family,” she says. She credits them with getting We B Trees to where it is today.

We B Trees, which has won the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics multiple years, is a trusted name and has established partnerships with Tulsa icons like Gathering Place, Philbrook Museum of Art, River Parks and others.

Empire Fence Company

Empire Fence Company has become the “familiar face to turn to” for all of your fencing needs. All great things have small beginnings. When owner Bob Richison began the business in 1955, it was just a small backyard enterprise. With a lot of hard work, a love for helping others, and a big dream, Richison turned Empire Fence into a successful small business. When grandson Nathan Nelson joined the team in 1998, the two businessmen formed a dynamic duo. Together, they teamed to lead Empire Fence to becoming the leading “face” for residential fencing.

Although Richison has officially passed the business leadership to grandson Nathan, who serves as President/CEO of the company, Bob’s face, name, and legacy will always remain at Empire Fence Company. Under Nelson’s leadership, the company has expanded into the commercial industry and continues to grow and thrive.

“We have always done business the old-fashioned way since my grandfather first began Empire Fence,” said Nelson, “and we remain

committed to a foundation of integrity by offering customers quality products and excellent service at a fair price. Bob Richison had a heart to serve others and that trait is in the DNA of Empire Fence Company. It’s an honor to carry on what my grandfather began over 60 years ago and continue meeting the residential and commercial fencing needs of northeast Oklahoma,” says Nelson.

Empire Fence President and General Manager Nathan Nelson with founder Bob Richison, his grandfather 3755

Kierstyn Ramsay-Kunce, Shawntel Lunn, Omar Caracheo, Barbara Nall, Office Dog Nala, Tim Nall, Ron Roberts, Filemon Jimenez, Skyler Cardenas

Ziegler’s Art & Frame

Ziegler’s Art & Frame has been Tulsa’s leading custom shop for 50 Years. The family owned and managed business celebrated its 50th anniversary last summer. Many things have changed during those 50 years of business, but what will always stay the same is Ziegler’s commitment to quality work and friendly service.

Founder Dan Ziegler started Ziegler’s as a wholesale business in 1973. In the early 80’s he brought his son-in-law Alan Morrow into the operation to open a retail shop located at what would eventually be known as “the very Large Corner of Lewis and Admiral.” Dan’s sons Danny, and Tim soon joined the growing family business. Trent Morrow and Matt Ziegler are the third generation of the family enterprise who are dedicated to keeping the historic Tulsa business going.

Many improvements have been made to the store in the last few years, including a new gallery that just opened this month. Visit the store and you will find a wide selection of frames, art supplies, gifts, and home décor. After 50 years of success, the future looks bright for Ziegler’s!

The Conoco station at 2325 East Admiral Boulevard, circa 1940s.

The shell of the old Conoco station as it appears sitting next to Ziegler’s today.

Tim Ziegler, Matt Ziegler, Alan Morrow, Trent Morrow

The old station as a part of Ziegler’s store.

ABC Equipment Rental

ABC Equipment Rental has been dedicated to renting and selling quality power tools and construction equipment in Tulsa since 1952. ABC offers a wide variety of products, to rent including excavators, skid steer loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, telehandlers, appliance dollies, aerators, garden tillers, jack hammers, compaction equipment, heaters, pressure washers, plumbing equipment, and concrete equipment. Big and small we try to rent it all.

“Our company works with contractors, home owners, landscapers, manufacturers, construction personnel and also do it yourselfers, said Charles Hewett, the owner of ABC. “We constantly strive to provide our customers with solutions to get jobs completed. The right tools and the right equipment help insure a job well done. We rent solutions.”

ABC Rental began in 1952 four blocks from the current location at 2910 East 15th Street. Charles Hewett’s father Tim Hewett, a Vietnam War veteran, purchased ABC in 1977. Charles Hewett, who became president of ABC in 2015, and then owner in 2019, has expanded the business with a second location at 9222 E 21st

Street. The second location has a large lot where the company stocks the larger equipment in the fleet.

“I am extremely proud to own a business that has served the greater Tulsa area for 72 years,” said Charles Hewett, “and to have built a reputation among our customers for reliability, helpfulness and knowledge of equipment.”

Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa

Since 1976, Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Inc. (IHCRC) has served more than 300,000 Tulsa-area American Indians with comprehensive health, wellness and behavioral health care. All services are offered in a single building for ease of care, accessibility and integration. Several special programs and events are available to enhance well-being and reconnect the community to their culture.

More than 10,000 individuals from over 126 tribes receive care annually. Another 2,400 participate in cultural events and family activities. IHCRC continues to add services and programs to promote an approach to care that strengthens physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness within the American Indian community.

“Some of our earliest patients have grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren who are now receiving care at IHCRC,” says CEO Carmelita Skeeter, who has been with the organization since its founding. What started with one parttime physician is now a staff of 170.

Indian Health Care Resource Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), as an Ambulatory Health Clinic and a Medical and Dental Home. All services are free to any individual with a CDIB or tribal membership card. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a community board and is not tribally affiliated.

Service Manager Joshua Blankenship, Operation Manager Wendell Edd, who has 40 years of service, Sales Manager Chris Rust, Owner and President Charles Hewett, Fleet Manager Brad Burgess

McGraw REALTORS®

Making Home Buying and Selling Effortlessly Simple Since 1938.

Experience the joy of stress-free home buying and selling with McGraw REALTORS®. Since 1938, we’ve dedicated ourselves to simplifying one of the most critical choices you’ll make—where you live. What started as an independent residential real estate company in Tulsa, Oklahoma has become one of the nation’s top ten fastest-growing real estate companies with over 830 experienced associates across twenty-one offices serving Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado.

“There are many attributes that make McGraw Realtors the best in our business. It could be the tenacity of our people or it could be the dedication they have to each other and to our customers. I believe it is our Culture that separates us from everyone else,” said Bill McCollough, president and CEO. “Our people focus every day to provide the best service, marketing and technology in the business. We are relentless in

our pursuit to be the best and we have been for over 85 years. McGraw is a diverse company filled with a diverse group of people, but for all the things that make us different, three crucial values hold us together: strong character, the courage to always do what is right, and the resolve to stay loyal to our principles,” McCollough adds.

“McGraw Realtors associates aspire to the McGraw standard of our core values; to be committed, loyal, and tenacious. The culture of our company is our principle value, which is a strong foundation of family, support, and outstanding character,” noted Lindsey Schlomann, executive vice president and Oklahoma Principal Broker.

Choose McGraw REALTORS® and experience real estate service that is woven from the threads of our rich tradition to provide you with an unrivaled, seamless process.

“We are committed. We are loyal. We are tenacious. We are McGraw Realtors.”

McGraw President and CEO

Bill McCollough with Lindsey Schlomann, EVP and Oklahoma Principal Broker

9 TULSA METRO LOCATIONS

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US, TULSA!

GIRLS NIGHT AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES!

• 918.810.6765 • Station13tulsa.com

Your all in one wedding destination. Catering, multiple venues, lodging for your guests, wedding coordinators and florals.

Schedule a tour (918) 400-1120

Canebrake.net Wagoner, OK

Trinity Episcopal Church is one of the most beautiful settings for a wedding, vow renewal or blessing. The Gothic architecture, the stunning stain glass and the high altar, unparalleled as a backdrop for taking your vows.

We can accommodate up to 300 guests!

Wedding Guide is available at trinitytulsa.org/weddings

3924 Charles Page Blvd.

Unique and historic event venue only 3 miles from downtown Tulsa.

Wedding Shower • Bridal Brunch • Bachelor & Bachelorette Party Rehearsal Dinner • Wedding Ceremony and Reception Celebrate all of life’s events at Station 13

REAL WEDDINGS

Recent weddings featuring local couples

Rachel McKisick and Hylton Purdum

Growing up as friends, the couple didn’t start dating until junior year at Oklahoma State University. After a year of dating Hylton decided to propose to Rachel after church one Sunday. Visiting their favorite places in Stillwater, Rachel remembers it as “the sweetest day filled with our favorite things.”

After nine months of planning, the Tulsa-area natives recited their personally written vows in front of 175 people on a warm day with a slight breeze. The couple, who makes their home in Broken Arrow, describes the day as fun, welcoming and authentic.

Rachel appreciates Hylton’s patience and his steadfast support. He loves her smile and how much she cares about others.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Modern Moments Photography Bridal wear: David’s Bridal Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey Rehearsal dinner site: I Don’t Care Bar and Grill Ceremony and reception site: The Lodge at Bridal Creek Wedding cake: Red Rooster Bistro

Caterer: Silver Dollar Catering Music and lighting: Complete Weddings and Events Wedding planner: Amy Wenham of Ann Louise Designs

Flowers: Ann Louise Designs Hair and makeup: Beauty for Ashes

Kylie Budd and Cody White

Kylie, a registered nurse for a local hospice company, and Cody, parts manager for Fowler Ford, met at a local watering hole over a game of corn hole. That chance encounter blossomed into a love story full of laughter, fun and adventure.

Cody proposed during a float trip celebrating Kylie’s birthday. Ten months later, on a clear sunny day, 100 friends and family members gathered to celebrate this pair of Tulsans. The dreamy, boho and tasteful soiree featured shades of green, pops of color from florals and comfort in the way of Nike tennis shoes worn among the wedding party.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Madison Alexis Co. Bridal wear: Facchianos Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey Rehearsal dinner site: Bourbon Street Cafe Ceremony and reception site: Dream Point Ranch Wedding cake: Sweet Devotion Cakery

Caterer: Elote Cafe and Catering Music: DJ Connection Invitations and programs: Zazzle Flowers: Crooked Roots Design

Makeup: Drea Carreno Hair: Emma Gazaway

Amy Slanchik and Gabe Jouas

SEPT. 30, 2023

Gabe, born in Tulsa, met Amy during her first week of college at The University of Oklahoma. After building a friendship for nearly a decade, the couple started dating once they were both living in Tulsa. Over the years they’ve enjoyed traveling, golfing, being in nature and eating delicious meals prepared by Gabe.

After a proposal at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, the couple decided to plan a wedding in the Brittany region of France to honor Gabe’s heritage and spend time with French relatives and close guests. Special touches were everywhere. Amy’s grandfather used to say, “Ego te Amo,” Latin for “I Love You.” The phrase was sewn into Amy’s dress. Gabe’s grandmother sewed lace bags to hold Jordan almonds for each guest, which is a French tradition.

The power went out during dinner, providing some unexpected magic. While the room was already candlelit, guests found extra candles and placed them in empty wine bottles. A warm, romantic glow filled the 19th-century château. A battery-powered speaker played Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight,” prompting several couples to start dancing.

THE DETAILS

Photography:

Lighting and rentals: Arnaud Klein Hair and makeup: Hair and Makeup by Gabby,

Méa Grenon, Méa Photography; below right, Juan Carlos Claros Menswear: Saks Fifth Avenue Rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception site: Château du Val in Brittany, France Caterer and wedding cake: Château du Val Music: Saxophonist Jon Rebbeck Invitations and programs: Etsy Flowers: Laura Stevenin

Gabby Gokool Offi ciant: James Dickson

Elise Moore and Stephen Gaulin OCT. 15, 2022

This modern fairytale started like many others of the 21st century: online. A first date on Cherry Street grew into a relationship meant to last. After a year of dating, Stephen proposed at a park, which was followed by an engagement party with friends and family.

At their reception, the couple wanted a way to show their appreciation for their guests. A family friend made Elise and Stephen matching aprons and the couple served cake to everyone. It was the perfect way to visit with each of their guests as they handed out their dessert. At the fall wedding, other special details included a hot cider bar and s’mores stations.

THE DETAILS

Photography: JW Photography Bridal wear: Bella Rose Bridesmaid dresses: Baltic Born Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

Ceremony and reception site: Discoveryland Ranch Bridal jewelry: Moody’s Jewelry Wedding cake: Sam’s Club Caterer: Ludger’s Catering

Flowers: Binding Blooms Hair and makeup: LG Luxury Beauty Rentals: ABCO Party Rentals

Venue & Catering Guides

AGORA EVENT CENTER

1402 S. Peoria Ave Ste. 200, Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 819-1044

agoraeventcenter.com

Event rental contact: AgoraEventCenter@gmail.com

Capacity: 400

BELLA DONNA WEDDING CHAPEL & EVENT CENTER

2188 N Hwy 167, Catoosa, OK 74015 (918) 266-2141 BellaDonnaEvents.com

Event rental contact: info@belladonnaevents.com

Capacity: 200

THE CANEBRAKE

33241 E 732 Rd Wagoner, OK 74467

Canebrake.net

Event rental contact: Kyla Evans, (918) 400-1120

GAST EVENT CENTER

1429 Terrace Dr. (918) 744-6997

gasteventcenter.com

Event rental contact: Sara Gonzales

Capacity: up to 200

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO TULSA

777 West Cherokee Street Catoosa, OK 74015 (918) 384-7931

hardrockcasinotulsa.com/amenities/meeting-and-events

Event rental contact: meetingsthatrock@hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Capacity: 900

LIVING ARTS OF TULSA

307 East Reconciliation Way (918) 585-1234

livingarts.org

Event rental contact: Gallery Manager, info@livingarts.org

Capacity: 260

MARGARITAVILLE TULSA

8330 Riverside Parkway, Suite A (918) 995-8080

margaritavilletulsa.com

Event rental contact: kristalw@margaritaville.com

Capacity: 30-800

ANDY’S BOWL SOCIAL TULSA

8711 S. Lewis Ave. (918) 299-9494

bowlandybs.com

Event rental contact: Ryland Bristow

Capacity: 600

THE CAMPBELL HOTEL & EVENT CENTERS

2636 East 11th Street (918) 744-5500

EventsAtCampbell.com

Event rental contact: Diane Morrison

Capacity: 225

GATHERING PLACE

2950 S. John Williams Way gatheringplace.org

Event rental contact: info@gatheringplace.org or fill out a private event form on the website.

Capacity: Varies on location

HERMAN & KATE KAISER YMCA

5400 S. Olympia Ave., Tulsa, OK 74107 (918) 446-1424

ymcatulsa.org/hkeventplanning

Event rental contact: Summer Knox sknox@ymcatulsa.org

Capacity: 300

LAFORTUNE STUDIO AT THE TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

110 E 2nd St. (918) 596-7111 tulsapac.com/lafortune-studio

Event Rental Contact: tfaith@tulsapac.com

Capacity: 200

Available for rehearsal dinners, receptions, and parties.

LOWDOWN

108 N. Detroit Ave., Level B lowdowntulsa.com

Event rental contact: info@LowDownTulsa.com or fill out a private event form on the website.

Capacity:140

MEADOW LAKE RANCH

3450 South 137th West Avenue, Sand Springs (918) 494-6000 • meadowlakeranch.com

Event rental contact: Susie Warren, manager@meadowlakeranch.com

Capacity: Up to 200. Indoor & Outdoor Venues.

VENUE & CATERING GUIDES

MOTHER ROAD MARKET

1124 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK 74104 motherroadmarket.com

Event rental contact: events@motherroadmarket.com

Capacity: Mother Road Market has dedicated space for intimate small gatherings to large festive parties.

OKLAHOMA AQUARIUM

300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks okaquarium.org

Event rental contact: Alyssa & Ava - OKAQ Events Team Events@okaquarium.org

Capacity: 500 mingle, 350 seated

PINOT’S PALETTE

Broken Arrow, Cherry Street and Riverwalk locations (918) 893-6447 (BA); (918) 794-7333 (CS); (918) 518-5433 (RW) • pinotspalette.com

Event rental contact: Contact desired location

Capacity: Broken Arrow-56; Cherry Street-48; Riverwalk-60

TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN

3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive (918) 289-0330

tulsabotanic.org

Event rental contact: events@tulsabotanic.org

Capacity: Call for information.

JUSTIN THOMPSON CATERING

1115 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A (918) 779-6333

TulsaCatering.com

Catering Capacity: We can cater any sized party!

Additional Information: Featuring elevated cuisine and beverages inspired by concepts within the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group.

RIBCRIB

9 Tulsa Metro Locations

918-712-7427

ribcrib.com/catering

Catering Capacity: 5-5,000+

Additional Information: Slow-smoked BBQ and plenty of it. All packages are buffet style and include setup. Free delivery on all caters over $100.

ONEOK FIELD - HOME OF THE TULSA DRILLERS

201 North Elgin Avenue

(918) 744-5998

tulsadrillers.com

Event rental contact: events@tulsadrillers.com

Capacity: 10 – 8,000+

STATION 13

3924 Charles Page Boulevard

(918) 810-6765

station13tulsa.com

Event rental contact: Jackie Potter, info@station13tulsa.com

Capacity: 500 Indoor/Outdoor

TULSA ZOO

6421 East 36th Street North (918) 669-6609 • tulsazoo.org

Event rental contact: Wylie Shaw, Amy Watson

Capacity: 160 indoor; 4,000 outdoor

LUDGER’S CATERING & EVENTS

1628 S. Main St.

(918) 744-9988

ludgerscatering.com

Catering Capacity: 20 person minimum with no max

Additional information: Drop-off to full-service catering, service staff, bartenders, cash bars, linens, centerpieces and floorplan design.

SOCIETY

3 Tulsa Metro Locations

918-712-7427

societyburger.com/catering

Catering Capacity: 5-250*

Additional Information: Burgers, salads, and pasta. All packages are buffet style and include setup. Free delivery on all caters over $100. *We can customize larger caters with notice.

PHOTO

Lifestyle

HOME HEALTH TRENDS

RETHINK, REFILL

At Kendall Whittier’s Jo and June, go on a sustainable journey that takes shoppers from simple swaps like all-natural kitchen brushes and bath sponges to a refill station for your shampoo, conditioner and hand/body wash needs. Featuring personal care products from brands like Oneka and Common Good, both of which boast biodegradable formulas with subtle scents, shoppers can bring in their own containers or choose from a variety available for purchase. Shoppers can buy as little or as much as they like with weight being the pricing factor. tp

READ MORE ABOUT THE SHOP AND ITS HOME GOODS ON P. 83.

Purchase with a purpose

Bridges Mercantile provides opportunities to those with special needs.

BY HADLEY DEJARNETTE

Bridges Mercantile is more than a retail location. Created as an extension of the Bridges Foundation, Bridges Mercantile showcases the exceptional stories of individuals with developmental disabilities in a collection of handmade products.

Established in 1964, the Bridges Foundation provides employment opportunities to individuals with special needs. Bridges Mercantile, located in Jenks, plays a crucial role in ful lling this mission. “Because so many people don’t know what we do, having the store allows us to share our mission with the community,” says Nikki Jolly, the foundation’s chief programs o cer.

Bridges Mercantile, initiated in 2013 as Bridges Barkery, began by making and selling natural dog treats. Its success led to the acquisition of a popcorn store in 2018, evolving into what it is today. e store now o ers a variety of products, including Bridges Barkery treats, gourmet popcorn, greeting cards, candles and artwork — all crafted by individuals within the foundation.

In addition to being a store, Bridges Mercantile acts as a communal space for events including pilates and cooking classes. e store also collaborates with other nonpro ts in the area such as Red Iron Co ee, A New Leaf and John’s Crazy Socks. “We never wanted it to be only about Bridges,” Jolly says. “We wanted it to be an open space to help individuals tell their stories and get their start.”

e popular Bridges Barkery dog treats and gourmet popcorn are often featured in fundraisers for Tulsa organizations. “I think what sets us apart from other fundraisers is the ability to customize the orders to t your speci c fundraising event whereas large companies are not able to do that,” says Karie Jordan, president and CEO of the Bridges Foundation. rough its charitable spirit, community engagement and commitment to helping individuals with special needs, Bridges Mercantile demonstrates that every purchase can truly have an impact in people’s lives. tp

BRIDGES MERCANTILE

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday

108A E. Main St., Jenks

918-417-7819

bridgestulsa.org/shop-the-mercantile

SHOP FAVORITES

Barkery dog treats, $8.

Gourmet popcorn, $8.

Oklahoma series hand-painted cards, $20.

Store Manager Kristin Horn and Associate Kayla Jayroe MICHELLE

Eclipse vacation

Nearby destinations worthy of a stop to see this month’s solar eclipse.

BY RHYS MARTIN

Are you making plans to see the total eclipse on April 8?

It’s going to be an event of celestial proportions that will bring people from all over the country to southeast Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Because of the crowds, you’ll most likely want to get there early. And why not stay awhile? ere’s plenty of other things to do that will make the trip even more enjoyable!

e area around BEAVER’S BEND STATE PARK has seen an explosion of development, anchored by the variety of outdoor activities available and the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Broken Bow and Hochatown are both well within the range of totality for the eclipse; if you can nd good lodging available, take it! If you are bringing some youngsters with you, Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo o ers a variety of creatures to meet from all over the world. Broken Bow has a number of

breweries and wineries to enjoy while you wait for the moon to do its thing.

HUGO — a bit to the west — also has a very interesting sight closer to the ground: a circus cemetery. For many years, Hugo was a popular wintertime resting spot for traveling circus companies. Showmen’s Rest is a section of the Mount Olivet Cemetery just north of Highway 70 featuring several ornate grave markers for trapeze artists, clowns, animal trainers and more who called the area home.

Over the border in Mena, Arkansas, you’ll nd QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK

It’s sure to see high tra c during the eclipse but it’s worth a visit any time you feel like stretching your legs. Even if you’re not staying at the lodge, it’s worth walking around and exploring the grounds. Grab a bite at Myers Cruizzers Drive-In (a classic, vintage-style burger dive) before heading back to Oklahoma.

HOT SPRINGS is a good place to spend

a fun weekend before the eclipse arrives — and there are multiple scenic overlooks and unique vantage points nearby for the big day. Luna Bella, an unassuming little restaurant on an island in the middle of Lake Hamilton, serves delicious Italian food that’s worth the drive in and of itself.

e Gangster Museum of America tells many stories from the town’s history that are tied to legendary names from organized crime.

Finally, there’s always PARIS … TEXAS

Seeing a total eclipse from beneath its famous Ei el Tower (complete with cowboy hat on top) is sure to make for a fun memory. ere’s also the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial and the historic Town Square; each spot would also serve as a good place to join the crowd and enjoy the view.

No matter where you decide to view this event, take the time to explore the community and nd a reason to return. tp

Lake Balboa in Hot Springs Village

GOOD GOODS

When co-owners Philip Holmes and Dani Fausset opened Jo and June nearly nine years ago, the pair only dreamed of what their curated vintage and home goods shop could do or be for the community.

“We want to create a space that makes customers feel good while having a unique experience and shopping kind earth goods,” Holmes says.

Holmes and Fausset are intentional with their inventory. They believe in using vintage and second-hand before buying new. While Jo and June does carry new goods, Holmes says they research all the products to ensure they are ethically and sustainably sourced while helping sustain small business owners all over the world.

There’s the modern Japanese tableware Hasami Porcelain on one side of the shop, while the other wall displays Zero Waste Club cotton swabs and shaving accessories. On a table sits Palo Santo incense next to a bowl of hairclips made from sustainably-sourced plant glucose. A shelf holds toothpaste tablets and powder with Swedish-made dish brushes underneath. Throughout you also can find vintage clothing of all sizes and styles, along with curious trinkets and treasures.

Jo and June, 2413 E. Admiral Blvd., opens early on Tulsa Farmers’ Market Saturdays and gets plenty of traffic and new shoppers on these days.

Learn more at joandjune.com. — ANNE BROCKMAN

A collection of home goods on the shelves at Jo and June.

HEALTH

Our bodies are intricate and complex organisms that are inextricably bound — for better or for worse — to everything happening around us. For this reason, gut health is more important than ever according to Dr. Harvey Tatum, a gastroenterologist at Hillcrest HealthCare System.

“The small intestine accounts for about 70% of our immune system. So if you think about it, we ingest our world — everything we eat and drink and breathe,” Tatum says. “What’s not inhaled by the lungs is cleared out of the lungs and then swallowed, and so we process the entire outside world through our GI (gastrointestinal) tract. From day one your immune system starts to learn by what you ingest.”

According to a 2022 American Gastroenterological Association survey, nearly 40% of Americans have experienced disruptions in routine activities due to uncomfortable bowel symptoms. Tatum advises on three points for well-being through our gut.

DIVERSITY LEADS TO RESILIENCY

A rich interior environment is going to be resilient to different challenges. “We have bad bacteria in our food chains and in our gut all the time,” he says, “but because it’s a complex environment there’s a balance between those bacteria. They compete and the bacteria themselves keep the bad guys in check.”

Whole, minimally processed foods and foods produced by fermentation of whole food products will support a robust diverse gut biome, which is the goal of a healthy gut.

AVOID ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS

Gut resiliency comes from eating different, natural foods. “By choosing highly processed foods, we destroy our intestinal diversity and the very thing that protects us from disease,” says Tatum, who recommends a plant-based diet. “It’s the plant-based fibers that provide the best diversity and health for our gut bacteria.”

EAT LOCAL

The more food you eat that comes from the region where you live, the more your gut is trained to live where you live. Healthy soil requires a diverse set of bacteria and fungi, and our digestive systems require healthy diversity of bacterial species to help balance our immune system. “Eat local,” Tatum says. “It’s better for our economy, it’s better for our ecology, it’s better for you.”

MATTHEW

Oh, those confounding compound pronouns!

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

Once upon a time — long, long ago — I taught journalism writing classes at e University of Tulsa. I loved everything about it. I loved writing, I loved teaching, I loved the students, they loved writing. Well, maybe not that last thing. Many of them did though, and some became professional writers in di erent elds.

I still love writing. Beautifully crafted sentences, whether they are sturdy as a brick wall or delicately evocative, give me genuine joy. Butchery of the English language, written and spoken, is so painful I wince. at’s happening more often.

I’m asking people whose rst language is English: Can’t anybody here speak this language?

at’s an allusion to a quote from a frustrated Casey Stengel watching his 1962 New York Mets fumble and foul up so sensationally the team set a league record by losing 120 games that season.

“Can’t anybody here play this game?” Stengel shouted.

Pity the poor pronoun, the most abused victim. Routinely I read and hear welleducated adults get so tangled in rstperson and third-person pronouns they sound like toddlers.

It’s simple. e pronouns I, he, she, we, they are subjects of verbs. (“I went to the lacrosse game.”) e pronouns me, us, him, her, them are objects of verbs and prepositions. (“ ey gave the trophy to him.”)

Add multiple people to the mix, and suddenly speakers are lost in a thicket of compound pronouns. en we hear “Me and Margaret had lunch together.” And “ e club sent owers to she and her family.” Someone in deep woods wrote “Myself and the kids are so happy.”

It’s interesting to see Cherokee, Osage and other tribes allocate substantial funding and serious e orts to preserving their native languages while English speakers leave

ours by the side of the road. e German philosopher Wilhelm von Humboldt said, “Absolutely nothing is as important for a nation’s culture as its language.”

I believe that. But then, I’m reading a grammar book for pleasure. “Grammar for a Full Life: How the Ways We Shape a Sentence Can Limit or Enlarge Us” is by Lawrence Weinstein, cofounder of the Harvard University Writing Center. e book’s compelling premise is this: How we use language determines how we think and feel.

Do we use passive verbs like helpless victims? Do we clutch a phone and moan, “ ey’ve had me on hold for 20 minutes”? Or, do we speak assertively with an active verb, saying “I’m holding,” indicating we can have the power to act, even if it is only to hang up.

One of the textbooks required for my college teaching was “Grammar for Journalists.” At rst, I resisted and included only a few lessons in grammar. I soon realized that wasn’t enough. Ten years later, half of my classes involved basic grammar drills, such as identifying the subject of a sentence. ese were bright students from good schools across the country, but they had not been taught basic grammar skills needed to speak their native language correctly.

Recently, I visited a replicated oneroom schoolhouse at the Bartlesville Area History Museum and saw a framed “Rules for Teachers — 1915.” Here are a few of them.

1. You will not marry during the term of your contract.

2. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless at a school function.

3. You may not ride in carriages or automobiles with any man except your father or brother.

4. You may not dress in bright colors.

5. You may under no circumstances dye your hair.

6. Your dresses may not be any shorter than 2 inches above the ankles. ey also had to sweep the oor daily, scrub it weekly with hot soapy water, clean the blackboards and start the re at 7 a.m.

Teaching has always been a demanding profession. It’s hard work. I couldn’t be a teacher today. Especially in this state. God bless and God help those who try. tp

L U X U R Y

P R O P E R T Y G R O U P

C a l l a n y o f t h e L u x u r y P r o p e r t y G r o u p R e a l t o r s a b o u t o n e o f t h e s e h o m e s , o r a n y p r o p e r t y t h a t y o u h a v e a n i n t e r e s t i n W e w i l l p r o v i d e y o u w i t h s u p e r i o r p e r s o n a l s e r v i c e w i t h t h e h i g h e s t i n t e g r i t y

S I G N A L H I L L

G R A N D L A K E T h i s n e w l y r e n o v a t e d h o m e s i t s o n a n a c r e o f l a n d t h a t o v e r l o o k s m a t u r e t r e e s , p r i v a t e b a c k y a r d , s w i m m i n g p o o l & i s l o c a t e d i n a g a t e d c o m m u n i t y I t i n c l u d e s 5 b e d r o o m s ( 2 d o w n ) 5 b a t h r o o m s a c h e f ' s k i t c h e n l a r g e b u t l e r ' s p a n t r y g a m e r o o m f o r m a l d i n i n g , b r e a k f a s t n o o k , 2 w o o d b u r n i n g f i r e p l a c e s , d o g w a s h i n g s t a t i o n , a n d a 2 0 + c a r g a r a g e ! B e a u t i f u l f i n i s h e s , n e w f l o o r i n g , e l e c t r i c , p l u m b i n g , a l l s u r f a c e s a n d f i x t u r e s T h i s i s a h o m e t h a t y o u d o n t w a n t t o m i s s i t i s s p e c t a c u l a r 5 0 1 1 E 8 4 t h S t r e e t $ 1 8 5 0 0 0 0

C H A R L A N E E S T A T E S

R a n c h s t y l e h o m e w i t h w a l ko u t b a s e m e n t l o c a t e d i n c h a r m i n g C h a r l a n e E s t a t e s i n m i d t o w n ! C o n c r e t e d e c k c o v e r s b a c k o f h o u s e O p e n k i t c h e n , 4 b e d , 3 5 b a t h s , 2 c a r g a r a g e M a s t e r h a s f l o o r t o c e i l i n g g l a s s w i n d o w s o v e r l o o k i n g b a c k y a r d w i t h t r e e t o p v i e w s N e w r o o f i n s t a l l e d i n O c t o b e r 2 0 2 3 3 2 2 8 S D e l a w a r e P l a c e $ 6 9 9 , 0 0 0

2 3 0 0 R I V E R S I D E

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R o a d $ 1 , 9 9 9 , 9 5 0

L A K E S I D E V I L L A S

M I D T O W N

R I V E R S I D E F a b u l o u s 4 t h f l o o r c o r n e r u n i t w i t h a n a m a z i n g w r a p a r o u n d b a l c o n y E n j o y t h e n o r t h & w e s t s u n s e t o v e r t h e R i v e r & D o w n t o w n T u l s a ! F l o o r t o c e i l i n g w i n d o w s & d o o r s a l l o w s f o r p a n o r a m i c v i e w s 2 b e d 2 b a t h & 2 g a r a g e p a r k i n g s p a c e s C l o s e t o G a t h e r i n g P l a c e & R i v e r T r a i l s a r e a c r o s s t h e s t r e e t ! 2 3 0 0 c o m m u n i t y o f f e r s 2 4 / 7 s e c u r i t y , v a l e t & i n d o o r p a r k i n g , p o o l & i n d i v i d u a l s t o r a g e u n i t A l l u t i l i t i e s a r e p a i d i n H O A f e e 2 3 0 0 R i v e r s i d e D r i v e 4 C $ 4 2 5 , 0 0 0

T h i s L a k e s i d e V i l l a s s i n g l e - s t o r y V i l l a o f f e r s l u x u r i o u s f e a t u r e s l i k e h a r d w o o d f l o o r s , h i g h c e i l i n g s , a n d c r o w n m o l d i n g t h r o u g h o u t T h e g r a n i t e s t a i n l e s s s t e e l k i t c h e n o p e n s t o t h e g r e a t r o o m , w h i c h f e a t u r e s a d r y b a r a n d o v e r l o o k s a b a c k y a r d p a t i o T h e m a s t e r s u i t e i n c l u d e s a d o u b l e v a n i t y , s e p a r a t e s h o w e r , a n d j e t t e d t u b , a l l s e t w i t h i n t h e L a k e s i d e c o m m u n i t y n e a r C e d a r R i d g e C o u n t r y C l u b 6 3 0 5 W S o u t h P a r k S t r e e t $ 4 2 5 , 0 0 0

T h i s E n g l i s h s t y l e d h o m e w a s b u i l t i n 1 9 2 6 a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y r e m o d e l e d t o t o d a y s s t a n d a r d s H a r d w o o d f l o o r s , g r a n i t e c o u n t e r s i n t h e k i t c h e n a n d a n e w e r m a s t e r b a t h r o o m a r e j u s t a f e w o f t h e m o d e r n f e a t u r e s E n j o y t h e c l o s e b y p r i v a t e s c h o o l s , U t i c a S q u a r e s h o p p i n g c e n t e r a n d S t J o h n ' s H o s p i t a l ! 2 1 2 0 E 2 4 t h S t r e e t $ 6 6 9 , 0 0 0

T h e R i v e r p a r k s T r a i l s a r e r i g h t a c r o s s t h e s t r e e t f r o m t h i s 2 b e d r o o m , 2 b a t h c o n d o E n j o y t h e y e a r r o u n d b e a u t y o f t h i s f u l l y r e m o d e l e d c o n d o ! A o n e c a r g a r a g e i s v e r y c o n v e n i e n t f o r s a f e t y - i t o p e n s i n t o t h e h o m e ! U p s t a i r s i s a k i t c h e n , l i v i n g r o o m , a n d b e d r o o m w / b a t h F r o n t a n d r e a r b a l c o n i e s

1 1 5 0 s q f t 1 5 0 5 R i v e r s i d e D r i v e

$ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0

E n j o y t h e L u x u r y L i f e s t y l e y o u d e s i r e

PRiCE

Table Talk

DINING FOOD DRINKS

BAR BITES

Aburger and fries is a quintessential American meal. Pair with an ice-cold, locally brewed beer and you’ve got the makings of a good night. Tina’s smashburger features two thin patties topped with burger sauce, grilled onions, American cheese and pickles. The salty, nibbly matchstick fries are the perfect partner. tp 1732 S. Boston Ave. • 918-518-1671 • tinastulsa.com

Friendly fare

Check your dietary worries at the door of these eateries o ering fab fare alternatives for those with food allergies.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

Dining out with dietary restrictions can either be a total thrill — like when a restaurant exceeds your expectations with o erings for gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and more — or a complete let-down, and you once again end up with a garden salad and leave hungry and defeated.

Luckily, however, more and more restaurants are coming up with specialized menus or notable options for those with special dietary needs. We found so many great restaurants that we couldn’t include them all. But here are some of our favorites.

Indian restaurants are a great choice for vegetarians. You won’t miss any protein in the veggie tikka masala at TANDOORI GUYS located in Broken Arrow at 2039 W. Houston St. It’s some of the best in town with a creamy, buttery curry sauce and tender veggies. It’s also gluten-free and nut-free! Another standout item at Tandoori Guys is the tomato rasam, a tamarind and tomato soup that’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free.

ere aren’t many things better than the vindaloo at DESI WOK , 3966 S. Hudson Ave. We love this slightly spicy dish of a tomato and cashew sauce with potatoes.

ere’s no need for cream in this vindaloo since the cashews and potatoes act as the thickener. Pasta dishes are something those with gluten intolerance really miss, which makes the blazing noodles even more wonderful. ese stir-fried rice noodles are both gluten-free and vegan, but an egg can be added if you wish.

Since 1972 — decades before many restaurants acknowledged vegetarian eating — BIG AL’S HEALTHY FOODS has been o ering a vegetarian menu from its cheery corner location at 3303 E. 15th St. at menu remains, with great vegetarian wraps and sandwiches, like the avocado delight with avocado sun ower seeds, provolone, tomato and alfalfa sprouts. e colorful and crunchy deluxe veggie sandwich is lled with red cabbage, shredded carrot, spinach and other veggies with a side of yogurt tahini. Smoothies here are a must, and can be made with coconut milk for those with dairy restrictions. We love the cucumber mango smoothie. Tip: ask for it with a sprinkle of tajin seasoning.

Dal Tadka, left, Gobi Manchurian, center, and Veggie Tikka Masala, right, at Tandoori Guys.

Gluten-free isn’t always so easy at a deli. But LAMBRUSCO’Z — located at 1344 E. 41st St. — has many gluten-free options, including roasted tomato soup and chili. And any of Lambrusco’z fabulous sandwiches can be made as a gluten-free hoagie wrap. Add a gluten-free double chocolate cookie, and you can’t ask for a better sans-gluten lunch.

THE COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET at 1502 E. 15th St. has long been ahead of its time on accommodating food allergies and restrictions. Gluten-free, vegetarian or dairy-free? No problem. ere seems to always be something divine in the

bakery case that’s also gluten-free, like the red velvet cake or the classic cheesecake. Another favorite is the vegan breakfast tacos lled with roasted mushrooms and sweet potatoes, avocado and chimichurri sauce.

Vegan options abound at CHIMERA , 212 N. Main St., where vegan and gluten-free dishes make up the majority of the menu. Chimera takes foods you wouldn’t think would be possible for someone with dietary restrictions and makes them possible. Like Chimera’s barbecue sandwich with tofu slathered in espresso barbecue sauce, housemade pickles and spicy mustard. It comes on sourdough, but gluten-free bread can always be subbed.

A note on the menu at THE VAULT, 620 S. Cincinnati Ave., reads: “Let us know if you are vegan, gluten-free or have a nut allergy.” at also goes for Libby Billings’ other restaurant, ELOTE (514 S. Boston Ave.). You won’t feel like you’re an annoyance at these restaurants; rather, servers will point you to items on the menu that will work for you. One of our favorites include the vegan rotini pasta. It’s a beautiful dish of squash, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, lemon, garlic, chickpeas and toasted pecans. tp

Above left, the Urban from Lambrusco’z is piled high with ham, grilled chicken, bacon and cheddar with two kinds of barbecue sauce on a gluten-free bun.

Above right, gluten-free chocolate espresso torte from Coffee House on Cherry Street.

Left, The Vault’s vegan rotini pasta and herbal spritzer mocktail.

Spring vegetarian cooking

Spring is here, and we’re ready for food that is light, fresh and full of avor.

Put risotto on your menu this month, adding any of your favorite spring vegetables. Our recipe uses asparagus, but peas would be equally delicious. —

NATALIE MIKLES

ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOM

RISOTTO Serves 4

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups baby portobello mushrooms, sliced

1/2 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup Arborio rice

1 pinch nutmeg

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat vegetable broth to boiling. Set on low burner to keep warm.

In a large saucepan, warm butter and olive oil. Saute onion, adding garlic once onion is tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes into cooking. Add mushrooms and asparagus, cooking another 5 minutes on medium heat until softened. Remove from heat.

Add rice to mixture, stirring to coat. Place pan back on heat, adding broth a quarter of a cup at a time, slowly stirring to combine. When the liquid begins to boil, turn down heat to a gentle simmer. Cook 30 minutes, stirring often. You will want to stir more and more toward the end of the cooking time so the risotto doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Remove pan from heat, put a lid on it, and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste and the Parmesan cheese, stirring well. tp

Asparagus and mushroom risotto

So haute RIGHT NOW

The 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist announcements have once more put Oklahoma in the spotlight, as Tulsa restaurants lit up categories with nominations, including Chef Jordan Hawley being named semifinalist for best chef in the Southwest.

Hawley’s nomination for his work at il seme nearly coincided with il seme’s announcement that it would be expanding. It was perfect timing for owners Lisa Becklund and Linda Ford, as reservation bookings greatly increased after the James Beard announcement.

The expansion will include a bar, lunch service, pastry case and retail space.

Late night traffic, which picks up in the spring and summer, also will be satisfied with extended bar hours and a bar menu.

Il seme is known for its refined menu of regional Italian food, making the highest and best use out of vegetables and local beef and dairy.

Il seme is located at 15 W. Fifth St. and is currently open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. — NATALIE MIKLES

FOR THE FOODIES

Big Bite is the new Tulsa foodie experience you didn’t know you were missing.

“It’s a chance to eat and greet with chefs, and taste something you can’t eat anywhere else. It’s well-suited for super foodies,” says Meg Shepherd, Big Bite’s creator and festival organizer.

Big Bite is an indoor food festival from 5-9 p.m., April 20, at the Gateway Event Center, 851 E. Admiral Blvd. It’s a combination food festival, interactive experience and celebration, with photo ops and fun packed into one night.

If Big Bite sounds familiar, it’s because it started last year as a tie-in to Big Ride, an outdoor concert on the Saturday of Tulsa Tough weekend. Big Ride will continue this year, from sundown to

midnight on June 8, in the field one block north of Cain’s Ballroom, with music, food and drinks.

This year, Big Bite has been decoupled from Big Ride, with Big Bite as its own stand-alone event.

More than 30 of Oklahoma’s favorite restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops and beverage makers — such as Natv, Noche, India Palace, Mood Bru, America Solera, Wander Folk Spirits and more — will take part.

“Our mission is to spotlight and elevate Oklahoma’s food and beverage scene. It’s a celebration of Oklahoma eats and drinks,” Shepherd says. “There’s a flyover food mentality with Oklahoma. We fly under the radar, but we want to be noticed. Big Bite gives us a bigger stage to celebrate it.”—

NATALIE MIKLES

WHAT THE ALE

FIZZY FUN

Nothing’s Left doesn’t leave anything out when it comes to flavors. The brewery is known for its creative versions of beers and slushies, both alcoholic and non. Now they’ve added sodas to their ever-evolving menu.

Nothing’s Left’s LTL (“Larger Than Life”) Soda comes in 8-ounce cans and are available in the taproom at 1502 E. Sixth St. Patrons can try Root Scootin’ Boogie root beer, Ch-Ch-Ch Cherry Bomb, OG: Original Grapester and an orange soda called Everyone’s Home Slice.

“We’re not always married to the idea of beer, but we are married to the idea of flavors,” says Lacy Richards , co-owner of Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. “We love making things ... something that people aren’t expecting. We’ve always loved the idea of being able to pull that nostalgia from having those classic sodas that you loved as a child.”

Made on-site with a base of agave and minimal added color, the smaller serving size is ideal for kids and adults.

“We always like having non-alcoholic slushies, non-alcoholic soft serve and then a whole myriad of non-alcoholic products,” Richards says. “Having 8ounces is a lot more appealing to me than having something commercially made with a lot of processed stuff. … It is a no-brainer for us.”

— TOM GILBERT

Lacy Richards

Fettuccini Bolognese

IL SEME: MICHELLE POLLARD; BIG BITE: RYAN CASS; WHAT THE ALE: TOM GILBERT

Big Bite has general admission and VIP experience tickets available at flywheeltulsa.com/tickets.

A LA CARTE

Roll with it

Cinnamon rolls are a must at these local sweet spots.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

You can’t mention cinnamon rolls in Tulsa without talking about SAVOY, where the cinnamon rolls are legendary. They’ve been made by the Kelamis family in some iteration since 1918. These big, fluffy cinnamon rolls are so good, you’ll want one for breakfast and another to take home for dessert. Savoy also makes incredible pecan rolls and a cinnamon roll French toast. 6033 S. Sheridan Road • 918-494-5621 • eatsavoy.com

Nostalgic for a cinnamon roll like grandma used to make? LITTLE J’S has you covered with delicious rolls, handmade each day with layers of cinnamon and sugar. These rolls aren’t the size of your head. They’re manageable, delicious rolls — the kind you would make at home if you were a five-star baker. If you’re looking for something different, Little J’s also has a cinnamon-pecan twist, a sort of sister to a cinnamon roll, with cinnamon streusel in a flaky pastry. 10032 S. Sheridan Road • 918-995-7979 • littlejsbakeshoppe.com

SAINT AMON may specialize in French pastries, but don’t sleep on their American cinnamon rolls. They’re sweet (but not intensely so), full of cinnamon swirls and topped with a light glaze. Occasionally, Saint Amon also makes a cinnamon roll bread pudding that’s out of this world. 8156 S. Lewis Ave. • 918-364-2143 • saintamonbakingco.com tp

CHEAP EATS

When you need a quick bite for a few bucks, these are some local favorites — the winners of TulsaPeople’s annual A-LIST Readers’ Choice Awards.

CONEY I-LANDER

Seven area locations. coneyi-lander.com

TACOS DON FRANCISCO

4008 E. 11th St., 918-834-4866 7924 E. 21st St., 918-660-8870 facebook.com/tacosdonfrancisco1

QUEENIES

1816 Utica Square 918-749-3481

queeniesoftulsa.com

TORCHY’S TACOS

3330 S. Peoria Ave. 918-495-4073

torchystacos.com

WEBER’S SUPERIOR ROOT BEER DRIVE-IN

3817 S. Peoria Ave. 918-742-1082

webersoftulsa.com

Coney I-Lander

Cinnamon roll at Savoy

MICHELLE POLLARD

The Iced Runt

COOL AND SATISFYING Served cold, The Iced Runt is the Nordaggios take on a breve latte. Espresso and half and half are poured over ice, making for a smooth morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

SWEET! The Runt’s glass rim is dipped in honey and coated with sugar in the raw. Take a sip and the creamy coffee melts away the coarse grains while providing a hint of earthy sweetness.

GLOBAL FLAVORS While in the shop, peruse the options for take-home coffee beans that are roasted on-site with expert attention. Dine-in patrons also can partake in a pour-over, which is a precise method of brewing that delivers specific, pronounced flavor notes. tp

Since opening on Dec. 22, a new bar in Tulsa’s SoBo District has been grabbing the attention of neighbors and commuters alike.

“We are first and foremost a bar,” says Tyler Schilling, who owns Tina’s with fiancée Krystle Morris. Schilling — whose nickname is “Tina” — was behind the bar at Valkyrie for eight years. As a mixologist and bar owner, he wanted to present familiar cocktails while making them more approachable for Tina’s guests. “Something they know at a good price and with great ingredients,” he says.

The cocktail menu includes staples like a whiskey sour, daiquiri, margarita and Tom Collins. In an homage to the neighborhood, the DoubleShot Martini — served on tap — includes vodka, DoubleShot’s coffee concentrate and coffee liqueur. Wines and beers are plentiful, too.

The food menu is simple by design, according to Morris. Chef Alex Koch designed the offerings, which includes three entrees (smashburger, BLT and wedge salad) and three snacks (pimento dip, fries and cancha, which are Peruvian corn nuts).

“When we designed Tina’s we designed it for smaller parties — groups of four or less — as a place to sit down and chat with your friends,” Schilling says. The goal was an intimate setting, Morris adds, also noting “It was thoughtfully designed and built by people in our neighborhood.”

Tina’s opens at 3 p.m., WednesdaySaturday; noon, Sunday. — ANNE BROCKMAN

Tina’s sells cancha — a Peruvian corn nut — as a bar snack.

MICHELLE POLLARD

From busted tires to bowling balls

STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE BY

PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

During the 1910s, Tulsa’s population growth and expansion of the main business district had transformed predominately residential areas into commercial districts. One of these areas was near the corner of West Second Street and South Elgin Avenue, where a sheet metal shop, operated by American Sheet Metal Co., was constructed in 1920.

is industrial area, however, soon became known for auto industry operations, which included dealerships, repair shops and

service stations. In turn, the building was repurposed to serve as an auto repair shop in 1922.

Many auto-related companies called the location home from the 1920s-1960s. One of the longest serving auto-industry tenants was the Motor Exchange Tire Co., which occupied the building and oversaw its expansion during the late 1940s.

e company started in 1926 as an auto-loan and tire distributor but eventually transitioned into supplying auto parts and

household appliances. It also became one of Tulsa’s largest boat distributors.

After a very public legal battle with the City during the late ’50s, the company changed its name but remained at the location until 1962.

In more recent years, the building was a warehouse for Parker Drilling before reopening in 2011 as Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge. e building is in what is now the Blue Dome District. tp

Motor Exchange Tire Co., as seen in this photograph taken by Howard Hopkins circa 1953, was located at 211 S. Elgin Ave. Fisk Tire advertisements can be seen on the building, including a sign above the door with the Fisk Tire shield and its slogan “Time to Re-Tire.” Another advertisement for Griesedieck Brothers beer is seen on the billboard above the building.

1523 EAST 15TH STREET, TULSA