TulsaPeople July 2017

July 2017

CELEBRATE AMERICA TULSA ST YLE

PROMISED LAND IMMIGRANTS CALL TULSA HOME

ESSAY

ADDRESSING GENDER PAY INEQUALITY

SIX SMOKING SUCCESSES

You may not be prepared for trauma, but we are.

Throughout its history, Saint Francis Hospital has built a reputation of excellence in trauma care. As a part of a team of fellowship-trained acute care surgeons, Dr. Nathan Powell and his colleagues at the Saint Francis Trauma Institute provide specialized care for patients in some of the most critical life situations. “We know when a patient is on their way and prepare for them before they are brought through the emergency room doors,” he says. “That dedicated level of care continues throughout a patient’s hospitalization and through their outpatient follow-up.” The Saint Francis Trauma Institute draws patients from all over the region with an in-house trauma surgeon available 24/7. “Our team sees it as a privilege and responsibility,” Dr. Powell says.

“We take pride in providing care for this community.”

Nathan J. Powell, D.O. TRAUMA SURGEON

Healthcare for life.

saintfrancis.com | 918-488-6688 SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES

Michelle B.

Corrina Bi.

every moment is a gift.

Michelle was surprised to learn the small lump in her breast was cancerous and required a full mastectomy. Because of her diagnosis, she required another 20 weeks of chemotherapy treatment after her cancer spread to her lymph nodes. With the help of her Hillcrest team, she was able to keep a positive attitude. “Sometimes you just have to smile and make the best of it.

There’s a good reason it’s called ‘the present’ - because life itself is a present.”

Cancer-free today, Michelle now volunteers at Hillcrest, sharing her remarkable story and encouraging others.

To learn more about Michelle’s life-changing experience with Hillcrest Medical Center, visit Hillcrest.com.

Hillcrest.com | 918.585.8000 “Like” us on Facebook.

Paul Hagood, MD; King Morris, MD; Jennifer Compton, PA-C; Dae Kim, MD, PhD; Melanie Ketchandji, MD; and Clark Tingleaf, MD.

Urology Services In Tulsa, Owasso, Claremore & Cushing

Utica Park Clinic urologists specialize in high quality, compassionate care for urinary disorders and diseases, including: • Bladder control problems (incontinence) • Blood in the urine • Cancer (bladder, kidney, prostate, testicular, etc.)

• Erectile dysfunction & impotence • Female pelvic outlet relaxation disorders • Kidney failure • Kidney stones • Male infertility

Cleveland

Claremore Owasso 11 412

412

75

51

Pryor

Catoosa 169

• Prolapsed pelvic organ • Prostate enlargement • Urinary tract infections • Urinary tract stones • Vasectomy • And much more.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Oologah

75

• Pediatric urology (Ages 18 months and up)

MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED

44

244

Creek Tpk

69

64

For health news, tips and information, join us on or text TIPS to 95159

44

Sand Springs

Cushing

66 75

169

51

44

97

Broken Arrow

Sapulpa

Jenks

Bristow Okemah

Henryetta

Okmulgee 40

Close to home.

918.579.DOCS (3627) •

UTICAPARKCLINIC.COM

Listening to you helps us see your whole picture.

To get great care for your everyday life, you need more than an everyday doctor. AscensionÂŽ care teams at St. John Clinic take the time to listen so we can understand all aspects of you and your life.

And with convenient locations, online scheduling for urgent care and virtual visits, you can get the care you need, when you need it. Find a doctor who is right for you by calling the St. John PulseLine at 918.744.0123 or visit stjohnclinic.org.

JULY 2017 | VOLUME 31 ISSUE 9 Hot Mess BBQ food truck’s Frankenhog, a hot dog topped with pulled pork and bacon slaw.

FEATURED

30 Essay Addressing gender pay inequality in Oklahoma

BY ALEXANDRA BOHANNON

32 Promised land Tulsa is home to immigrants from across the world. Although their reasons for coming vary, their love of our city is unwavering.

BY NATALIE MIKLES

19 COMMUNITY

121 GIVING BACK

A conversation with the Tulsa Hispanic Chamber’s Francisco Treviño. Women are taking on the beverage industry.

Ramond Walker counsels millennial entrepreneurs.

New Hope celebrates 25 years. A local ministry makes families feel ‘super.’

A look back at Tulsa’s Western Village.

96 TABLE TALK

A peach and plum crisp makes for a flavorful summer dessert. Bottoms up with Juniper’s blueberry cocktail.

Glacier’s on the move to Utica Square.

SPECIAL SECTION 41

Faces of the 918

July 2017

THE BUSINESS ISSUE

Six Tulsans turned their zeal for cooking into smoking successes.

Jack Arnold returns to his design roots.

Tips for better posture. Barbecuers are fired up over Hasty Bake’s Tulsa Grill Store.

CELEBRATE AMERICA TULSA ST YLE

JULY 2017

86 The business of barbecue

99 LIFESTYLE

Celebrate America at three local destinations. One Tulsan steps up to the plate to immortalize historic baseball teams. Two new pageturners.

TULSAPEOPLE

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

9 CITYGUIDE

PROMISED LAND IMMIGRANTS CALL TULSA HOME

ESSAY

ADDRESSING GENDER PAY INEQUALITY

SIX SMOKING SUCCESSES

ON THE COVER Elmer’s BBQ has been a Tulsa staple for 35 years.

TulsaPeople.com

5

WHAT’S ONLINE TULSAPEOPLE.COM Follow us on Twitter @TULSAPEOPLE

Find us on Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/TULSAPEOPLEMAG

Follow us on Instagram @TULSAPEOPLE

Follow us.

Use #MyTulsaPeople to tag your Instagram and Twitter photos of the people who make this city great.

WE’LL FEATURE OUR FAVES!

PLANNING A WEDDING OR EVENT? The 2017 Venue Guide is available at TulsaPeople.com/venueguide.

@wendycreates

Somehow we are staring at 2.5 days left of KINDERGARTEN. What a whirlwind of a school year ... she’s learned how to read, write, tie her shoes, & lose teeth like a champ!

Onward & upward Alivia, grace & gratefulness, now onto first grade you’ll go. #mytulsapeople #letherbelittle

THE NEW 2017 A-LIST DIRECTORY IS NOW ONLINE

AT TULSAPEOPLE.COM//A-LIST @aftineades

2017

This is an amazing woman! I’m so thankful for her in my life and am so blessed to call her my mother. she is strong, beautiful, + courageous. love you momma! #MyTulsaPeople

NEW HOME PLAN BOOK & OFFICIAL GUIDE

Meet some of Tulsa’s hottest pit masters

June 17-25, 1 to 7pm daily

FREE ADMISSION

SHOWCASING OVER 150 NEW HOMES FROM METRO TULSA'S TOP BUILDING COMPANIES

STONE CANYON - YORKTOWN - FOREST RIDGE

PUBLISHED BY

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME THIS YEAR?

Visit TulsaPeople.com/POH for the New 2017 Official Parade of Homes Guide!

6

‘Cue & A (p. 86)

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

PLUS Meet the Faces of the 918, on p. 41 and online: TULSAPEOPLE.COM/FACES

@underthesycamore

Chris is featured in this month’s @tulsapeople || More about Chris’ job (well, one of them) on my blog. Thank you @jessieleighphotos for the photos! #mytulsapeople

Subscribe to THE INSIDER for the best in entertainment, arts and culture this weekend.

The 2017 A-LIST Directory is online all year! TULSAPEOPLE.COM/DIRECTORIES

T ailored r eTiremenT P lans To

e nsure T he F u Ture W ell -B eing oF

Y our V alued e mPloYees

karen ellis, senior vice president ; & debi combs, senior vice president

We work with you to develop the retirement plan that you and your employees need in order to achieve long-term financial goals.

O ver 36

years Of experience

fiduciary

cOmpliance

discretiOnary

TrustOk.com | 918-744-0553

trustee

persOnalized

service

FROM THE EDITOR

Volume XXXI, Number 9 ©2017. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

If I’m having a bad day, I Google the principal’s office scene from the 1989 film “Uncle Buck.”

1603 South Boulder Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 918-585-9924 918-585-9926 Fax

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller EDITOR CITY EDITOR DIGITAL EDITOR ARTS & BENEFITS EDITOR ONLINE CALENDAR EDITOR

Anne Brockman Morgan Phillips Anna Bennett Judy Langdon John Langdon

EDITORIAL CONSULTING Missy Kruse, The Write Company

Buck (played by the late John Candy) has been

ing immigrants profi led by Connie Cronley (p.

called to his niece’s elementary school. The hi-

32) dreamed of a better life when they came to

principal never fades, no matter how many times

has made that life a reality.

larity of Candy’s introduction to the assistant

I watch it. But excellent comedic dialogue aside,

the United States. Their hard work here in Tulsa

women still have an unrealized dream: equal pay

dreamer, a silly heart. She is a jabberbox.”

p. 30 describes the benefits to us all if the wage

“She’s only 6,” Buck retorts. “I don’t think I

want to know a 6-year-old who isn’t a dreamer or

for equal work. Alexandra Bohannon’s essay on

gap between women and men disappears.

I hope you’ll find this issue of TulsaPeople

a silly heart.” Amen to that.

full of information and inspiration. To all those

still be classified as dreamers (and jabberboxes,

just might make something of yourselves. TP

I actually know plenty of adults who might

for that matter). But what’s wrong with that?

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

In Oklahoma — and across the country —

I’ve always liked what Buck has to say when the

administrator calls young Maizy “a twiddler, a

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

dreamers and silly hearts … never change. You

After all, success often starts with a dream.

CONTROLLER SUBSCRIPTIONS DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR INTERNS

Madeline Crawford Georgia Brooks Morgan Welch Michelle Pollard Valerie Grant Greg Bollinger Andrea Canada Craig Freeman Steve Hopkins Betsy Slagle Mary McKisick Gloria Brooks Amanda Hall Meagan Collins Emily Fate Katie Volak

MEMBER

TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

Our July business issue is full of Tulsans who

followed a spark, a passion, an idea. Just read

about the barbecue cooks in our feature on p. 86.

In building their own brands, they’ve each creat-

Langdon Publishing Company sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue of Tulsa People was printed on recycled fibers containing 20 percent post-consumer waste with inks containing a soy base blend. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally, meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

ed quite a foodie following — and our stomachs are grateful.

Tulsa native and “booch boss” Ali Zarrow

started her rise to the top of the beverage industry by experimenting with homemade kombucha

Disregard any TulsaPeople subscription solicitation that is not directly mailed from the Langdon Publishing office at 1603 S. Boulder Ave. Contact Langdon Publishing directly if you are interested in subscribing or renewing your TulsaPeople subscription.

(p. 22). The founders of the Ladies of Libations

Association saw an opportunity to mentor young women in their industry (p. 22).

Ramond Walker followed his passion to start

his own company, and now he helps millennials do the same (p. 26). And each of the nine amaz8

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Morgan Phillips CITY EDITOR

C A L E N D A R + E N T E R TA I N M E N T + C U LT U R E Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève will perform “Carmina Burana” July 29 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

7/28-8/4

WARM-UP ROUTINE GREGORY BATARDON

D

ancers from across the globe bring their impressive athleticism to Tulsa from July 28-Aug. 4 for the second Summer Heat International Dance Festival. Presented by Choregus Productions, the contemporary dance festival features dynamic public performances, intensive workshops for advanced dancers and dance experiences for all age groups and skill levels.

The festival opens with a gala performance July 28, featuring works

performed by dancers from Joffrey Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Move: The Company and several independent artists. The performance starts at 8 p.m. in the Chapman Music Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St. Tickets are $15-$60.

Other public performances are July 29 and 30, and Aug. 1 and 6. For a full schedule of events, visit choregus.org/summer-heat-internationaldance-festival. TP

TulsaPeople.com

9

JULY

C OM PIL ED BY C A S S A NDRA S COT T

Oklahoma Shirt Co. at An Affair of the Heart

3

Central Library’s “Music Sandwiched In” features nationally renowned opera singer Barbara McAlister, accompanied by acclaimed pianist Margaret Singer.

10

Oklahoma author Rilla Askew will speak at Central Library to promote her first nonfiction collection, “Most American.”

21

28

4

14-16

22

Celebrate the “Master of Suspense” with Hitchcock on the Lawn at Philbrook Museum of Art, featuring “Vertigo.”

6

Award-winning author, poet and filmmaker Sherman Alexie visits All Souls Unitarian Church.

7

The First Friday Art Crawl lets casual admirers and avid aficionados satisfy their cravings for creativity throughout the Brady Arts District.

Japanese artist Taro Takizawa opens his Living Arts installation of removable wall vinyl created on site.

10

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

An Affair of the Heart, the “handmade, boutiques and gourmet market,” returns to Expo Square.

Cheer on the Roughneck women’s roller derby league in Tulsa’s match against Oklahoma City at the Rhema Ninowski Recreation Center.

15

It’s not your average flea market: The Tulsa Oddities and Curiosities Expo brings unusual vendors to the American Legion Post 1.

16

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa kicks off its summer concert series with country acts Diamond Rio and Ronny Milsap.

19

“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” stops at the BOK Center with dances from ballroom to modern.

23

Alternative rock fills the Brady Theater as Chevelle hits the stage.

27

Florida Georgia Line cruises into the BOK Center for “The Smooth Tour,” alongside special guests Nelly and Chris Lane.

Peter Frampton visits River Spirit’s Paradise Cove for a can’t-miss throwback concert.

28-30

Gardening, interior design and decor: What’s not to love about the Home and Garden Expo of Oklahoma at Expo Square?

29

Get out of town and out on the water. Scoot around Lake Tenkiller for Cookson Bend Resort and Marina’s annual Tenkiller Lake Poker Run. VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE LOCAL EVENTS.

AFFAIR OF THE HEART: EVAN TAYLOR

Enjoy live music and food trucks on Jenks Main Street for Jenks Freedom Fest, followed by fireworks over the river at dark, to celebrate the great American holiday.

Circle Cinema hosts a two-day premiere event for “It’s the Blues: Mission to Memphis,” a film about a struggling blues musician following his dream.

TulsaPeople.com

11

WHERE TO …

CELEBRATE AMERICA Three star-spangled spots

BY LAURA DENNIS

Veterans Park Located just south of downtown, Veterans Park honors the Tulsa County citizens who gave their lives in defense of this country. Several plaques and memorials honor Tulsa veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Spanish-American wars and World Wars I and II. A chainsaw sculpture called “Two Sides of Freedom” by Clayton Cross also resides at the park. The sculpture was created from the trunk of a tree damaged in a 2007 ice storm.

The park spans 15 acres and is a spectator spot for Tulsa’s annual Folds of Honor FreedomFest.

The July 4 event is one of the largest fireworks displays in the U.S. and offers food, drinks and entertainment throughout the evening.

1811 S. Boulder Ave. riverparks.org/freedomfest

12

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Kendall Whittier District

OK Military History Center

Celebrate America, community and culture with Kendall Whittier this Independence Day. Rich in history, the district represents the American melting pot of cultures and is one of Tulsa’s most diverse neighborhoods. It’s also home to the annual Fourth of July Bike Parade and Celebration.

Kids can decorate their bicycles with balloons, streamers, ribbons and flags at 9 a.m. and join in the parade at 10 a.m. The whole family can enjoy watermelon, popcorn, games, prizes and a climbing wall while watching the parade in celebration of America’s birthday.

Take a trip to the OK Military History Center for a thorough history lesson and a dose of American patriotism. The center is home to a large and growing collection of military artifacts, including the gentleman’s cloak and Bible of Maj. Morton Merrill, who was chaplain of the 177th New York Regiment during the Civil War. Also on display are weapons, uniforms, books, manuals, maps and memorabilia from all periods of U.S. military history. Each piece represents the story of the American who used it in combat or in service of our nation.

Parade starts at Kendall Whittier Elementary School, 2601 E. Fifth Place

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday; closed, Sunday-Monday and major holidays.

112 N. Main St., Broken Arrow 918-794-2712 | okmhc.org

VETERANS PARK: PROPELLER COMMUNICATIONS; KW DISTRICT: COURTESY

The Fourth of July holiday brings flag-waving patriotism to Tulsa. Whether you prefer to commemorate America’s independence with a stroll through U.S. history or you’re more interested in finding the best spot on the lawn for a fireworks extravaganza, the area presents plenty of opportunities to let freedom ring.

LOCAL TALENT

Jeff and Caleb Voth documented their annual mountain trek in “The Trip.”

Creative Community

Dan Bewley named his company after his father’s hometown of Three Sands, Oklahoma, a former oil boom town near Tonkawa.

Local father-son duo prove passion and strength can move mountains.

BY HEATHER KOONTZ

E

ach year Jeff Voth takes a group of men on a Rocky Mountain backpacking adventure toward self-discovery. “I lead the group for fun and the love of the mountains,” he says. It was that love that drew him back to the Rockies after getting lost at age 12 and swearing he’d never return.

Jeff and his son Caleb documented their fiveday trek in July 2016 for their debut film, “The Trip: Mountains and Manhood,” which tells Jeff ’s story and explores the trip’s impact on those who take it.

“My dad started a tradition of taking my brothers and I into the mountains when we each turned 5 years old,” says Caleb, now 25. “To sleep on the ground, trudge through weather and elements, carry your own weight, make your own food —

PAGETURNERS

there’s really no better way for a young boy to find out what he’s made of.”

According to Caleb, the goal of the film is simple: “We wanted to show men and women across the country that they can be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Both Voths have full-time jobs outside of filmmaking, but they are passionate about making time to pursue their interests and say they hope this film inspires others to do the same.

“The Trip” is already making waves. In April, the documentary won “Best Indie Spirit Documentary” and “Best Movie Poster” at the Twister Alley Film Festival in Woodward. The team hopes to bring it to Tulsa for a screening this summer.

For more information and a list of showings, visit thetrip.film. TP

“WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?” by Connie Cole Jeske Framed by the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, this book by the First United Methodist Church of Tulsa minister documents her church’s longtime work in the service of disadvantaged Tulsans.

It also is a primer for others seeking to help neighbors in need.

“NAIL’S CROSSING” by Kris Lackey In Oklahoman Lackey’s first novel, a tribal policeman for the Chickasaw Nation and a county deputy work together to investigate the murder of a young drifter. Their search takes them throughout Oklahoma and into Louisiana’s bayou country. — MORGAN PHILLIPS 14

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Tulsan fields NEW VENTURE Unlike the Drillers do now, Tulsa’s early baseball teams did not have merchandise shops. “We’re asking, ‘What if they did?’” says Dan Bewley, owner of Three Sands Clothing.

With the help of his wife, Diane, and the team at GreenHouse Clothing, Bewley designs T-shirts and other sports apparel promoting Oklahoma baseball teams established around the turn of the 20th century. He conducts extensive historical research to ensure the designs are inspired by teams’ original uniforms — a feat, considering photos and descriptions are often hard to find.

Three Sands is a “labor of love” for Bewley, a former reporter who spent 25 years in TV news.

He now owns his own video production company, Your Story Media, and is the adviser of The Collegian, the University of Tulsa’s student newspaper.

A longtime baseball fan and self-described “uniform nerd,” Bewley likes to watch what professional teams are wearing. He says he is enthralled by the early pro baseballers who had to work other jobs — often in the oil industry — to provide for their families. Bewley’s goal is to “celebrate Oklahoma’s baseball history and share it,” he says. “Hopefully we’ll spark something in people to learn a bit about Oklahoma.”

GreenHouse sells Three Sands apparel at its 3310 S. Yale Ave. storefront. Bewley’s brand also can be found at a few other local retailers and at threesandsclothing.com. — MORGAN PHILLIPS

LOCAL TALENT: TYLER BARNES; THREE SANDS: VALERIE GRANT

LIFE UNBRIDLED

sit pretty, pretty quick.

CUSTOM QUICK SHIP UPHOLSTERY DELIVERED I N 3 0 D A Y S O R L E S S .*

SPECIAL SAVINGS GOING ON NOW

CASTLEBERRY’S AN AUTHORIZED ETHAN ALLEN RETAILER TULSA 6006 SOUTH SHERIDAN 918.496.3073 * Delivery times may vary based on location.

Ask a designer or visit ethanallen.com for details.

Sale going on for a limited time. ©2017 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

Let Jane help you find a solution for your home loan needs.

Jane Christiansen, Mortgage Banker, mls #1509266 jane.christiansen@commercebank.com | 918.879.5401

WF10242 JChristiansen Mortgage Ad - 8x4.875.indd 1

2/8/2017 4:54:26 PM TulsaPeople.com 15

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Jim Blazer

Allison Keim paints in her studio at the Hive in Jenks.

PARTY BAND

HOME AT THE HIVE Painter creates and teaches at collaborative space in downtown Jenks.

BY JANE ZEMEL

F

rom the time she could read Dr. Seuss books, Allison Keim wanted to be an artist/teacher/mother. Today the parent to three is an artist in residence at the Hive in downtown Jenks, a studio, gallery and event space where she also teaches workshops. Mission accomplished.

“I’ve always been interested in composition — how things are arranged,” Keim says. She started out in journalism before studying art and art history at the University of Tulsa. “Writing was an illustrative thing for me,” she says. Drawing is another way for her to communicate.

Early travels led Keim toward abstract art. In Japan in 2001, she learned how the gesture of the brush creates beauty. Modern exhibits in New York

16

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

and San Francisco connected with her. Studying Jackson Pollack convinced her each splatter has a purpose.

It’s not just about what’s on the canvas, but how it got there. Keim finds inspiration in the color palette of Oklahoma’s weather and landscapes, “especially where the hills meet the skies,” she says.

Keim is one of three artists in residence at the Hive, with Chris Hopkins and Christopher Westfall. The multi-purpose building is a key part of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce (also housed there) plan to make the city an arts hub.

The Hive is 10 minutes from Keim’s home, five minutes from her kids’ school and her dream come true. “It’s an incredible honor, a strange feeling,” she says. “I belong in a studio … painting.” TP

Some people dream of being rock stars.

Others dream of owning their own business. Jim Blazer managed to do both. For 36 years, Blazer has worked in sales and marketing, first with his own company and later with Stillwater-based Eskimo Joe’s Promotional Products. Although Blazer enjoys his day job, he’s passionate about his moonlighting gig as the keyboardist in popular Tulsa party band Easy Street.

Twelve to 15 times a year, the band performs covers of ’60s and ’70s rock classics for weddings, high school reunions and the occasional casino show. “We have a niche,” Blazer explains. “We have great harmonies and two lead singers.”

Blazer, whose first piano teacher was his mom, is a long-time member of the Tulsa music scene. Over the years, he has played with musicians like JJ Cale and David Gates. Easy Street boasts two Grammy-award winners: drummer Scott Musick and bassist/vocalist Casey Van Beek. The other band members are Doug Moore, Randy Ess, Cayla Butler and Jason Turner.

For Blazer and his bandmates, the thrill of the live performance hasn’t faded since Easy Street formed in 1970.

“We just love doing it,” Blazer says. “We have fun, and we get energized. Even if it’s a song we’ve played 400 times, we still put our heart and soul into it.”

— JULIE WENGER WATSON For more information, visit facebook.com/easystreetbandtulsa.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: VALERIE GRANT; EASY STREET BAND: GREG BOLLINGER

PLAYS ON

The ONLY Early Childhood Program that offers a specialty in Infant/Toddler Education.

WE WORK TO LESSEN YOUR TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

BECAUSE THERE’S ONLY ONE

WE TOTA

24 x 365

O R

hours a year LED Lighting • Daylighting • Energy Audits Roof Repair + Replacement • Up to 50% Coming from Incentives

LED Lig Roof Re

A comprehensive facility retrofit contractor

A com

Whether it’s extending the useful life of your roof assets, reducing energy expenditures or simply improving the interior work environment, Fleming 8760 serves as your trusted consultant and contractor.

Whethe energy e ment, Fl

flemingconstructiongroup.com

flemin

5405 S. 125th Ave. Tulsa, OK 74146 | 918-627-7800

5405 S.

Nammi Early Childhood Education Graduate, Tulsa Educare Lead Teacher

Student

THE NEW 2017

A-LIST DIRECTORY

IS NOW ONLINE! The A-LIST Directory features Tulsa’s BEST businesses in five categories: DINE LOCAL

HEAD TO TOE

SERVICES

FUN FOR ALL

SHOP LOCAL

Learn more at www.TulsaSooners.com The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

TulsaPeople.com OU-Tulsa_TPVert_Camp4.indd 2

1/26/17 4:45 PM

17

Thank you for making the 2017 Waltz on the Wild Side a success.

Your support helps build a bigger, better zoo.

John Steele Zink Foundation

MAJOR SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Harold & Edna White Foundation

Anderson Hutchison Family | Arrow Construction Resources | The Billings Family and The Mueller Family | Andy & Megan Brown Nanu & Fred Dorwart | Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | ONEOK | Osage Casino | Lynn & Barbara Owens | Radiology Consultants of Tulsa Hannah & Joe Robson | US Beef Corporation, dba Arby’s

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

Bailey Family | Bank of Oklahoma | Barrow & Grimm, P.C. | Capital Advisors | Crossland Construction | Curtis Restaurant Supply DJM Consulting Company | Margo & Kent Dunbar | The Dyer Family | GableGotwals | Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile & Hardwood | Kent & Sandy Harrell David & Jenny Lamb | Adam & Bertie Lesher | Magellan Midstream Partners | McGraw Realtors | Mike & Kristi Miers | Mary Adeline Miller Nadel & Gussman Energy, LLC | Oklahoma Chiller | ONE Gas | The Oxley Foundation | Price Family Properties | Rich & Cartmill, Inc. | Rupe Helmer Group Andrew & Holly Ryan | Selser Schaefer Architects | Staghorn Petroleum | Sandy & John Stava | Valley National Bank | World Travel Service

Special t hanks t o t hese zoo par t ners for building a better zoo t hrough their cont inued suppor t .

The Helmerich Trust

The H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust

PEOPLE + PLACES + HISTORY

SIPS OF SUCCESS

A

s a health-conscious undergrad in Northern California, Tulsa native Ali Zarrow wasn’t satisfied with the selection of probiotic kombucha available in the local markets. The commercially produced, sediment-filled concoctions of tea, sugar, yeast and bacteria — with their vinegary odor — weren’t exactly pleasing to the palate.

In pursuit of a better beverage, Zarrow began fermenting her own, an experiment that proved more difficult than expected. Undaunted, she

dreamed of producing a consistent, aesthetically pleasing product on a large scale. The result is Clearly Kombucha, a San Francisco-based beverage company with product distribution across the U.S. “All of our products are light and refreshing and made with the highestquality organic ingredients,” Zarrow says. “We aim to make fermented beverages fun and approachable while still giving you all of the health benefits.”

For more on Zarrow and Clearly Kombucha, see p. 22. TP TulsaPeople.com

19

NOTEBOOK

BY MORGA N PHILLIP S

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DESIGN CHOSEN

Since the 1970s, University of Tulsa mechanical engineering students have focused their talents on projects that address the special needs of local residents with physical and developmental disabilities. The venture is known as the Make a Difference Engineering (MADE at TU) initiative.

Most recently students from the department designed and constructed two projects for the Little Light House, a Christian developmental center for children with special needs from birth to age 6. The TU students created the “Donation Station,” an interactive donation box, and revamped the center’s “Surfin’ Tubes” (pictured), which LLH students utilize to roll on their stomachs, working muscles and developing important skills.

Erling inducted into

OKLAHOMA HISTORIANS HALL OF FAME Tulsa broadcaster John Erling was inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame on April 28.

Erling hosted KRMG’s morning radio show for 29 years. In 2009 he founded the “Voices of Oklahoma” oral history project dedicated to the preservation of the history of Oklahoma and its people. Each month, TulsaPeople publishes brief excerpts from Erling’s transcripts on this page.

“Erling’s 200-plus oral histories with influential Oklahomans have added to the state’s historical record,” says Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “Both historians and the general public have access to these interviews and can use them to understand and share the past.”

20

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Tulsa’s new Arkansas River pedestrian bridge, “The Gateway,” will be the first of its kind, said Mayor G.T. Bynum at a June 5 press conference. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates — the firm behind the design of A Gathering Place for Tulsa — the bridge will feature an unprecedented steel plate fabrication system. It will have a variety of shading structures and sitting areas, lighting features and separate lanes for bicylists and pedestrians.

In March, the City of Tulsa started a public process to seek conceptual bridge designs as the existing pedestrian bridge could not be salvaged due to structural deficiencies. The City received 234 responses from individuals across the country, and four designs were sent to the public for feedback. More than 140,000 comments were received, and two final designs were selected.

Bridge selection committee member Jeff Stava says MVVA did a great job of incorporating public comments into its final design and calls the firm “arguably one of the very top landscape architecture firms in the world.” He says the design will seamlessly integrate with A Gathering Place.

Bridge construction is expected to begin in 2018. Bynum says the City has committed to $24.5 million in construction costs, made possible through Vision Tulsa funds, the 2014 Improve Our Tulsa funding package and grant funds.

Private resources could be provided to add more amenities to the bridge, according to City officials.

Voices of Oklahoma “There were many, many times that we would say, ‘What are we doing this for? You know, it’s hard, and we are crawling.’ There are a lot of very, very difficult times when you start with no money at all, or almost (none). Six hundred dollars was not a lot to start what is now a $2 billion company.”

— DAVID GREEN, CO-FOUNDER OF HOBBY LOBBY, IN 2009. THE COMPANY REACHED $4 BILLION IN REVENUE IN 2015, ACCORDING TO FORBES. “Voices of Oklahoma” is an oral history project supported by the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities at the University of Tulsa. John Erling founded the project in 2009.

BRIDGE: COURTESY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES; LITTLE LIGHT HOUSE: MELISSA MASTERS; VOICES: COURTESY

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

PRECISION CR AFTED PERFORMANCE INTRODUCING THE NEW

2018 TLX

Schedule a Test Drive

TODAY 4905 S. Memorial Drive Tulsa, OK 74145 doncarltonacura.com

Acura of Tulsa

Give us a call today at 918-664-2300

The All New

2018 HONDA ODYSSEY

Family owned and operated for over 40 years.

4141 S. Memorial Drive • doncarltonhonda.com

Give us a call today at 918.622.3636

TulsaPeople.com

21

ROOTS

LOLA leadership: Megan Briseño-Morgan, Johnna Hayes, Kristen Roelofsen and Shanna Postoak

Kindred spirits

RAISE BAR FOR WOMEN

Clearly Kombucha, co-founded by Ali Zarrow, uses a highly selective filtration system that removes the alcohol-producing yeast and leaves in the healthy gut bacteria.

CLEARLY COOL Tulsan is behind the scenes of a top beverage trend.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

H

eading to Stanford in 2006, Tulsan Ali Zarrow expected to graduate four years later with a degree in sociology. That she would do so as co-founder and CEO of her own San Francisco-based beverage company was not exactly something she had planned.

Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of neighboring Silicon Valley and her own quest for the perfect dairy-free, probiotic beverage, Zarrow, along with Caleb Cargle — who was working in the Stanford Graduate School of Business at the time — created Clearly Kombucha in 2009. The company, whose employees include Zarrow’s sister Rachel, produces a line of kombucha, a fermented tea favored by the health conscious.

Zarrow credits her family for her success. Her father, Scott Zarrow, who died in 2012, was a Tulsa attorney and philanthropist and son of philanthropists Maxine and the late Jack Zarrow.

22

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

“I could never have gotten this far without the support of my family and everything I learned from my dad growing up,” Zarrow says. “The first couple of years we started the business, my dad was very involved. He was a sounding board and an advisor and, really, our No. 1 cheerleader. Now it’s cool because my mom (Hilary Zarrow) has taken his role and acts as that same sounding board.”

According to Zarrow, being young and female in a male-dominated industry is both tough and rewarding. “At the end of the day, it’s worth fighting for,” she says. “The challenges I face on a day-to-day basis are definitely one of the reasons why when something great happens, it feels even better.”

In Tulsa, Clearly Kombucha is sold at Natural Grocers. Its sister brand of fermented botanicals, C Botanicals, can be found at Natural Grocers, Sprouts and Akins. TP

ROOTS: COURTESY ALI ZARROW

A

s new restaurants and swanky cocktail joints pop up all over Tulsa, positions like servers, bartenders and management are added.

A group of female leaders in the food and beverage industry formed the Ladies of Libations Association (LOLA) in April to lend support to women in the industry, whether they’re just starting as a hostess or have a career that already spans decades.

Megan Briseño-Morgan, fine wine specialist in Tulsa for Republic National Distributing Co., is president of LOLA and has encountered challenges unique to women in her 22 years in the business.

“Even though our common language is the beverage business, women seem to have a harder time marketing and promoting themselves,” Briseño-Morgan says. “Our group is more about changing our own internal dialogue and lets us explore how we can better support each other.”

The group will meet quarterly and provide networking opportunities, but it also plans to connect young women with mentors in their areas of interest. BriseñoMorgan hopes the group will also give women the confidence they need to succeed.

“Many times, I feel like women hold back because we are fearful of not being good enough, deserving enough,” she says. “We want you to know how to ask for that raise or promotion with confidence, without questioning yourself.”

— ANGELA EVANS

Zach Keith, Kristen Kelley and Carter Stokeld are helping lead Williams into its 100th year as a Tulsa-based company.

THIS LAND. OUR HOME. After relocating from Arkansas to Tulsa in 1918, our founders planted roots and never looked back. Over the decades, we’ve grown along with the city.

Our 52-story headquarters, built in the 1970s, anchors the skyline of a dynamic, vibrant downtown that our company leaders envisioned years ago.

After almost a century, we’re proud to still call Tulsa home. We’re also proud to be named #22 among Forbes’ 2017 Best U.S. Large Employers. And most of all, we’re proud of the people who make our future even brighter than our past.

CONVERSATIONS

BEHIND THE MIC

Leader shares his love for Spanish music with children and tackles tough topics.

BY ANNA BENNETT

character is me. But at least by being Tio Pancho, I can be more open.

It’s like a secret identity. Do you think people know now that you’re Tio Pancho? They’d probably be surprised — if I’m at the chamber, how can I be doing children’s music over here? They are complete opposites.

What’s the reaction been like from kids and parents? We had a caller who said, “I don’t know when you guys came up with this program, but I’m enjoying the music, and this is the first time my kids are sitting quiet, listening to the song inside the car.” A truck driver on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma was telling me on the air, “This song brings back memories. I’m listening to “La Muñeca Fea” (“The Ugly Doll”), just thinking of my childhood.”

These days, you don’t see kids living a full childhood. They grow up so fast and they don’t have the opportunity to be children. In a way, that’s what I want to bring back.

You’d think so, and yet it sounds like the goals of the chamber and the radio show are the same: promoting the community. Exactly.

There’s a lot of good within the Hispanic community. It’s not what you hear about out there. People think because I’m Hispanic I’m undocumented, or because I’m Hispanic I’m taking advantage of social services and I don’t pay taxes. And that’s not true.

I talk about immigration on the program. My goal is to have kids join me on the program — have it not just be my show but their show, too. So I invited a Hispanic girl, and we talked after Trump came out with his immigration stuff. As a child, and as Tio Pancho, we talked about it. I would ask questions; she would answer me back, in a child’s perspective. Her mom was there, and another lady was there. They were just listening.

I don’t think a lot of people really talk to kids. People say you have to look down to kids. No. You have to look at their eye level. We have those conversations that maybe kids don’t usually have.

You’ve got a character as the show’s host, right? As Tio Pancho I give advice to people. I tell it like it is, respectfully. I promote the culture, the language, imagination, the arts, creativity. So, in a way the

You’re giving them the opportunity to participate. I think it’s healthy for kids to be able to express themselves about the real problems of an adult. Because this immigration issue doesn’t just affect the adults.

What’s it like doing “El Espacio del Tio Pancho” (“Uncle Pancho’s Space”)? I like doing it live because people can call in and ask for songs and send greetings. The music is very traditional. It’s not silly songs that the parents will get tired of listening to.

24

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Listen to “El Espacio del Tio Pancho” from 8-10 a.m., Saturdays, on 104.9 FM Que Buena.

It affects the kids, as well. The not knowing if, by the time they get back from school, their parents are going to be there (or if they will be picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials). That’s a true fear in our community.

By being open on some of the issues with the kids, I think you accomplish a couple of things. You let the kids know that we know they suffer just like us. Two, you allow them to have confidence in themselves. TP

VALERIE GRANT

F

rancisco Treviño, longtime president and CEO of the Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has recently doubled down on his work in the community, adding “children’s radio show host” to his resume in March.

The live, Spanish-language music show is a 50th birthday present of sorts to Treviño, who is a father of three — but it’s local listeners who are celebrating.

Announcing the LATEST ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY from the

#1 Total Joint Program in Tulsa *

The MakoÂŽ Total Knee Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery provides each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.

Oklahoma Surgical Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Oklahoma to offer Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Surgery. This latest advancement in robotic joint replacement surgery transforms the way total knee replacements are performed. The Mako total knee system allows the surgeon to create a personalized surgical plan to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis.

For more information go to: oklahomasurgicalhospital.com *CareChexÂŽ Quality Rating System

a physician-owned hospital

918-477-5000 81st & Lewis, CityPlex Towers

BIZ WHIZ In addition to owning his own business, Ramond Walker teaches courses at Community Care College on a range of life skills and leadership topics.

MEET AND GREET

Pro counsels millennial entrepreneurs from underserved communities.

BY TARA RITTLER

A

fter graduating as high school valedictorian in Memphis, Tennessee, Ramond Walker moved to California in 2003.

“I was raised in an impoverished neighborhood,” Walker says. “I was also overweight when I was younger, so I had a mindset of rejection. I went to California with a goal that things would be better.”

After three months of living on the streets or on government assistance, Walker moved to Ohio, where a godmother encouraged him to apply to college. He ended up studying graphic design and marketing at Oral Roberts University, graduating summa cum laude in 2010.

Walker worked for Community Spirit magazine for three years before realizing that his true passion was training young professionals from underserved communities. The first step in this new career was developing the Dreamstart Entrepreneurship Conference, which ran from 2013-16.

26

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

At 32, Walker now owns Dreamstart LLC, which allows him to travel and speak as well as counsel clients whose average age is 25. “My clients either want to start a business or develop a career,” Walker says. “For the first, I walk them through the business process. For the second, I help them identify their unique strengths and abilities.”

Walker self-published a workbook, “LifeScript,” on Amazon in 2015 that is designed to help readers create “an intentional script” for their life when they are feeling stuck or confused about the future.

One of Walker’s recommendations to his clients is to quit fearing both failure and success.

“When you fail, adjust your expectations and do better next time,” he says. “Also, people are afraid of losing themselves in success. But success is just a natural part of thriving.” TP

Henley, on building a free food pantry in a food desert: People in the neighborhood who don’t have access to a vehicle can only get food from QuikTrip. We encourage people to keep the pantry stocked with things people can cook for dinner, like pasta and sauce.

On the pantry’s accessibility: You can go absolutely anytime and put your donation in or grab something you need.

On meeting community needs: The target for the pantry is anyone with a need, which is most any one at certain times; you don’t have to prove you need help or explain why you do.

On the gratification of giving: When you donate something to the pantry, you know it is going into the hands of someone in need within hours, if not minutes. — TARA RITTLER Visit littlefreepantryprojecttulsa.com for details.

BIZ WHIZ: VALERIE GRANT; MEET AND GREET: GREG BOLLINGER

ROUGH START TO DREAMSTART

NAME: Taylor Henley AGE: 32 OCCUPATION: Administrative assistant at Lambrusco’z WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW HER: Henley founded Tulsa’s first Little Free Pantry Project at 1018 W. 23rd St. in November 2016. The unmanned pantry is open 24 hours a day, relies on donated food and other items, and operates via “the honor system.” It is sponsored by Lambrusco’z.

THANKS

To Our Supporters & Participants In the 37th Annual

Tom Boyd CF Golf Classic Cedar Ridge Country Club PRESENTING SPONSORS Rita and David Adams Anonymous in Memory of Lo Detrich Breeze Investments, LLC – Mary and Jim Bush CMark Resources, LLC – Cinda and Mark Marra Pam and Terry Carter The Jack Richardson Foundation Jeff Galvin Family – In Honor of Grace Galvin Lexus Champions for Charity Lexus of Tulsa MESA Jill and Robert Thomas Susan and William Thomas TulsaPeople Magazine The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation LUNCH AND DINNER SPONSORS Red Rock Canyon Grill – Lunch TiAmo Restaurant – Dinner SNACKS ON COURSE Coney I-Lander TOURNAMENT SPONSORS Executive AirShare Matrix Service Company Pam and Mickey Meimerstorf GOLF SPONSORS Bank of Oklahoma BlueStone Natural Resources Andrea and John Boyd in Memory of Tom, Jean and Chris Burton Family Trust Green Country Interiors The Buland Team at Merrill Lynch Oklahoma Capital Bank OND Financial Solutions In Honor of Sara Sheehan Independent Tubular Saks Fifth Avenue Warburton Capital Management Williford Resources WPX Energy HOLE SPONSORS Mabrey Bank Jan O’Connor Republic Roofing Venture Properties

AUCTION DONORS Cedar Ridge Country Club Charleston’s Forest Ridge Golf Club Friends of CF Gateway Tire and Service Golf Club of Oklahoma iHeart Media Jeannine and Rob Irwin Lexus Champions for Charity Lexus of Tulsa Mahogany Grill Cinda and Mark Marra MeadowBrook Country Club Mohawk Golf Course Dave Muller Photography Old Village Wine and Spirits Oral Roberts University Page Belcher Golf Course Red Rock Canyon Grill Betty Robinson Savoy Barbara and Don Thornton TulsaPeople Magazine Ultimate Golf Experience Upper Crust Pizza EVENT CONTRIBUTORS Anheuser-Busch Coney I-Lander Scott Jergensen Sue and Gary Jergensen Ben E. Keith Lexus of Tulsa Lexus Champions for Charity Mabrey Bank QuikTrip Corporation Red Rock Canyon Grill Ti Amo Ristorante Verizon WPX Energy CHAIRS Mark Marra – Honorary Chair and National Ultimate Golf Chair Mark Sheehan – Golf Chair Jo Ann Winn – Executive Director

Presented by Lexus Champions for Charity and Lexus of Tulsa

L to R: Mark Marra, Golf Classic Honorary Chair and National Ultimate Golf Chair and David Litzinger, Lexus of Tulsa.

June 14, 2017 Congratulations and Thank You, Tulsa!

The Tom Boyd Memorial Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic once again had a very successful event, raising $230,000 for CF this year! That brings the fourteen-year total net proceeds raised to $2,460,000! This is an outstanding accomplishment for a local charity golf tournament, and is due to the generosity of our many sponsors, participants and donors.

All involved with the tournament have contributed to this fundraising success. It is impossible to thank everyone, but some people and organizations deserve to be singled out. Special thanks go to Mark Marra, honorary chair, the committee and of course the indomitable Jo Ann Winn. Red Rock Canyon Grill and Ti Amos Restaurant have continuously and graciously provided lunch and dinner. Barbara and Don Thornton and David Litzinger of Lexus of Tulsa gave the tournament a big boost when they came on board ten years ago, and have contributed some outstanding auction prizes as well as their other support. David Bryan, Cleve Stubblefield and the entire staff of Cedar Ridge Country Club have always done an outstanding job hosting the event. And, of course, the tireless efforts of Jo Ann Winn, her staff and the many volunteers of the Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have been the catalyst to making this golf tournament one of the most successful small market golf events in the nation.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has ever been a sponsor, participant or volunteer for this tournament, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the years to come. As many of you know, this is a very personal effort for me as my daughter Sara has CF, so it is difficult for me to put into words the gratitude I feel towards everyone who has supported this tournament and the CF Foundation in general. I am continuously amazed at the generosity of the people in Tulsa!

Sincerely, Mark Sheehan Chairman, CF Golf Classic

The Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is located at 2642 E. 21st St. in Tulsa. If you would like information on next year’s Tom Boyd Memorial Golf Classic or the work of the CF Foundation, please call 918-744-6354.

MUSINGS

BEHOLD, THE WRITTEN WORD

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

S

tand back, please, and give me a little running room.

I want to take a victory lap in honor of Mrs. Simpson, my sixth-grade English teacher who taught grammar that lasts a lifetime.

That’s why I spotted — like a vigilant hawk — a grammatical error in the headline of a fullpage ad in a national newspaper. The ad was for a good cause, raising funds for food backpacks for children. An ad this size would cost thousands of dollars. Maybe the space was donated, since it was for a charity. Good cause, good intent — but poor grammar.

The headline was: “One in Five American Children Go Hungry.”

Mrs. Simpson would have slashed through that with a big red pen. The subject of the sentence is “one” and not “children.” Therefore, the verb agreement was wrong. It should have read: One in Five American Children Goes Hungry.

I felt duty-bound to point this out, so I sent an email and a letter to both the charity and the advertising agency that produced it. For a while, the ad continued to appear in all its grammatical ignorance. Then one day, the headline was changed. It now reads: “One in Five American Children Goes Hungry.”

I take full credit for this. I don’t know for a fact that the correction was my doing since nobody answered either my email or my letter. But who’s to say I’m not a super heroine of the English language?

I believe in reading. Which means I believe we should all do it. I believe we should read a variety of newspapers, magazines and books. And I believe reading is a two-way communication. If we spot errors in fact, we should write and point them out. If we don’t like the negative drift of news coverage, we should write and say we’re opposed to fanning a culture of fear, so please tone it down.

If I didn’t read newspapers, I wouldn’t know the

28

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Catholic archdiocese in Kansas City, Kansas, is eliminating Girl Scouts meetings and cookie sales on church school and parish property. I wouldn’t know that in Utah, the Mormon church is backing away from Boy Scout programs for boys 14-18.

Both churches are adopting their own youth programs more closely affiliated with their religious culture. Nothing to do with Planned Parenthood or gay rights, they assure us.

Without newspapers, I wouldn’t know that a county in Oregon is closing its public libraries because the citizens voted down a tax increase that would amount annually to about $72.

Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, public libraries — easy targets for small-time gunslingers.

An English newspaper reported a dustup in Bretforton, Worcester, about a cathedral’s special ceremony of thanksgiving for the local asparagus crop. The ceremony included — in addition to the formally vested clergy — a man wearing an asparagus costume. Church of England members responded with outrage: The display was infantile, inappropriate, bizarre and silly. My favorite response was from a conservative theological blog that said, “This is a church, for God’s sake.”

Sometimes I stop reading and start preaching. I followed local Facebook posts about the new book “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which documents the Osage Nation murders of the 1920s. People wrote that they were on the library’s long wait list or had a book to loan friends. I recommend this book, but I found myself replying that authors get paid only by book sales, so if you can afford it, please spend $28.95 to buy a copy of the book and give it to friends or donate it to the library.

Maybe I could learn some restraint from author Jo Nesbo, who asked that guests insistent on bringing gifts for his 40th birthday party give him a book they thought he should read. It could be a book from their own bookshelf, he said. TP

QA &

From Tulsa Professionals

For information about participating in Q&A, please contact adservices@langdonpublishing.com.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Can a landowner prevent minerals exploration on their property?

Not really. In Oklahoma, the mineral estate is considered the “dominant” estate, so a minerals owner has the right to reasonable use of the “servient” surface estate for minerals production. This right is not unlimited, however. A 2015 statute authorizes the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to regulate drilling activity, and preserves municipalities’ ability to enact regulations concerning certain matters such as noise and odors. Oklahoma also has a “Surface Damages Act” which provides compensation to landowners if damages occur.

BEAUTY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT How can I keep my health and beauty routine on track during the summer?

Summertime is always hectic, but our “Christmas in July” sale can help. This 7-year tradition allows existing and new patients to purchase their favorite products and procedures at fantastic prices. We offer unlimited pre-purchasing during this sale, just in case you cannot make it in until the fall. Our wide discounted selection during July will ensure you will always look and feel your best. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 918-872-9999.

Malissa Spacek and Dr. James Campbell BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 500 S. Elm Place • Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-872-9999 • www.baweightspa.com

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT After I turn 70 ½, I plan to continue working. Can I contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA? In the year you turn 70 ½, you can no longer contribute to a Traditional IRA. You must begin taking Minimum Required Distributions at 70 ½.

However, if you have earned income past age 70 ½, you can contribute to a Roth IRA (as can your spouse), provided your income is less than certain thresholds. The phase out begins at $186,000 of adjusted gross income for joint filers and $118,000 for singles. If those limits apply, you cannot make IRA contributions.

Rebecca Sherwood

J. Harvie Roe, CFP, President

Bluestem Escrow & Title 1924 S. Utica, Suite 802 • Tulsa, OK 74104 918-921-3478 • www.bluestemok.com

AmeriTrust Investment Advisors, Inc. 4506 S. Harvard Ave. • Tulsa, OK 74135 918-610-8080 • hroe@amerad.com

VETERINARIAN

WILL AND TRUSTS

Please explain feline heartworm disease.

I wrote a book. Can the copyright be passed on to my family?

Heartworm disease in cats is a very serious syndrome that can result in serious debilitation. Mosquitoes transmit the disease. The heartworms live in the bloodstream, lungs, and heart. The main symptoms are coughing, difficult breathing, vomiting/diarrhea, weight loss, seizures, and, if left unchecked, can result in acute death. There are several products available from your veterinarian that are easy to administer on a monthly basis that will prevent this deadly disease in cats.

When a person writes a book, composes music or designs a symbol to represent their business, not only does the person own the work, they hold the potentially valuable intellectual property (IP). IP rights are “intangible property.” There are different types of IP, each protecting different aspects of a creation. If an owner chooses to transfer their IP rights through estate-planning documents, it is critical to draft the bequests correctly.

Dr. Erin Reed

Karen L. Carmichael

15th Street Veterinary Group 6231 E. 15th St. • Tulsa, OK 74112 918-835-2336 • www.15thstreetvet.com

The Law Office of Karen L. Carmichael 2727 E. 21st St., Ste. 402 • Tulsa, OK 74114 918-493-4939 • www.tulsawillsandtrusts.com TulsaPeople.com

29

ESSAY

THE WAGE GAP IN OKLAHOMA ALTHOUGH IT IS ILLEGAL TO PAY WOMEN LESS THAN THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS, THE STATE MIGHT NOT REACH PAY PARITY UNTIL 2068.

BY ALEXANDRA BOHANNON

30

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

GEORGIA BROOKS

T

he date April 4, 2017, marked Equal Pay Day in the United States.

Across the country, women and advocacy groups came together to discuss the pay disparity between men and women.

The date, 4/4, was significant. By Bureau of Labor Statistics findings, it would take one year, plus four months into the next year, for a woman to make the salary of her male counterpart in the previous year. That means the average woman in America makes 80 cents of the male dollar; minority women, even less.

In Oklahoma, the gap is wider: Women make 73 cents for every dollar men make, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families.

The symbolic April 4 holiday seeks to address a long-standing workplace issue: equal pay. Bringing attention to the gender wage gap is vital to developing a workplace that supports everyone. Shrinking the gap is important for both men and women; states with legislation targeting the pay gap report a “rising tide” effect that also increases male wages.

The Department of Labor defines equal pay as “the rate of pay for the job regardless of the sex of the worker.” The phrase “equal pay for equal work” in the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963 refers not only to equality in job titles, but also to equality in skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.

The three major theories used to explain the wage gap are human capital, occupational crowding and discriminatory preferences. Each of these theories can be partially responsible for the wage gap, but not one theory can account for all of it.

Human capital: Human capital is attained through training or specialty education in a field. This theory argues that women purposefully choose fields that utilize training and skills that will remain relevant despite large amounts of time out of the workforce, such as during and after pregnancy.

Researchers argue investments in training in relation to projected workforce involvement and duration could have an effect on the wage gap.

Occupational crowding: This is the idea that most women work in a relatively small number of socially “appropriate” occupations. A field is impacted

ZACHARY BURNS

by occupational crowding — also known by federal statute as “occupational segregation” — if one gender comprises less than 25 percent of workers, according to researchers Ariane Hegewisch and Heidi Hartmann.

For example, 6 percent of employed women work in nontraditional fields such as computer science and oil/gas, while 44 percent of employed men work in those fields, according to the BLS report. Conversely, 5 percent of employed men work in nontraditional fields like nursing and education, while 40 percent of employed women work in those fields.

According to the report, low wages are associated with fields traditionally dominated by women. Men employed in female-dominated fields get paid less than their peers in male-dominated industries.

However, men in female-dominated fields “have higher median hourly earnings than women; the single exception is for the highly skilled female-dominated occupations.” Largely, when working jobs that are traditionally held by women, men make 99 percent of female wages — just one percentage point from pay parity.

Discriminatory practices: This idea theorizes that women with identical life experience as men receive less pay just because they are women.

A 2013 University of Massachusetts study found the gender pay gap does not disappear after controlling for variables such as education level, experience, career aspirations, occupational preferences, part-time versus full-time status, hours worked, being married, having young children at home, college major and college GPA. Most telling regarding discriminatory preferences related to the gender pay gap was a 2006 study by scholars Kristen Schilt and Matthew Wiswall. The pair collected data from a sample of transgender individuals and performed a panel study on their hourly pay before their transition, immediately after their transition and their current salary at the time of data collection.

They found trans women receive less pay after their transition from male to female, despite having the same amount of workplace experience (if not more experience) after their transition.

Conversely, the authors discovered that trans men earn at least the same pay, if not more, than they did after their transition from female to male.

The authors admit the study’s limitations, but state generally that their study supports the pay discrimination theory.

Oklahoma currently has an equal pay statute on the books. Even with this law, however, the Institute of Women’s Policy Research projects that women in Oklahoma will not receive pay parity until 2068.

Closing the wage gap would give a woman in Oklahoma “88 more weeks of food, nine more months of mortgage and utilities payments, 15 more months of rent or 2,937 additional gallons of gas.”

— NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WOMEN AND FAMILIES

It is clear that, despite making wage discrimination illegal in 1964, the original enforcement mechanism of this statute was extremely weak.

While this statute made it a criminal offense for an employer to violate the law, the maximum fine is only $100 per employee. This law also does not yield any protections for workers bringing pay discrimination suits in the workplace.

Perhaps this could explain why, according to the Oklahoma Department of Labor, there has “never been any revenue collected from this fine,” which implies there has never been an investigation into pay discrimination. The original law also outlines no methods for an employee to collect miscalculated wages.

According to the 2013 National Partnership for Women and Families report, closing the wage gap would give a woman in Oklahoma “88 more weeks of food, nine more months of mortgage and utilities payments, 15 more months of rent or 2,937 additional gallons of gas.” Equal Pay OK, a collaboration of nonprofit and advocacy groups, states that women in Oklahoma would earn an additional $6.2 billion if the gap were closed.

Clearly, stricter enforcement of gender wage laws could make a massive impact for women at different career stages and levels of employment, as well as greatly impact our communities as a whole.

In the professional world, Oklahoma women have been losing, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

State regulations and private business practices, if enacted, could level an unequal playing field. TP

Alexandra Bohannon earned her Master of Public Administration degree in 2016. She has worked for various policy think-tanks and nonprofits, and completed a graduate fellowship at the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Her most recent position was as regional coordinator for the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice. She currently is following her passion by working in various crew positions on movie sets.

TulsaPeople.com

31

TULSA IS HOME TO IMMIGRANTS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD. ALTHOUGH THEIR REASONS FOR COMING VARY, THEIR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO OUR CITY ARE UNWAVERING.

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

For a look into the faces of some of Tulsa’s more recent immigrants, visit the “Journey to America” documentary photography exhibition curated

by M. Teresa Valero, director of the University of Tulsa School of Art and photographer/graphic designer, and on display at the YWCA East Multicultural Center, 8145 E. 17th St.

32

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

A LOT OF WORDS RHYME WITH IMMIGRATION: frustration, cessation, agitation, complication, nation, discrimination, westernization, assimilation, inundation. These also are some of the sentiments in worldwide news associated with immigrants.

The word we choose is celebration.

Unless we are full-blood Native Americans, all of us in the United States have an immigrant heritage.

As of 2013, 13 percent of the U.S. population, about 40 million people, is foreign born. In Oklahoma, nearly 220,000 immigrants of legal status contribute to the workforce and economy. In 2014, the most recent report from the New American Economy, they paid more than $345 million in state and local taxes.

For more information about Oklahoma’s immigrant history, see the “Newcomers to a New Land” series of 10 books recently republished from the University of Oklahoma Press. Each book focuses on one nationality or ethnicity of settlers to Oklahoma’s frontiers: Czechs, Poles, Germans, Jews, Mexicans, British and Irish, Italians and more. This is history made by the daily lives of ordinary people.

For this article, we zoomed in closer to meet nine foreign-born Tulsans who are enriching our local culture and economy. They have blended into the community in a variety of professions: business, art, craftsmanship, aerospace, education, social work, city government and medicine, in addition to philanthropy and volunteerism.

They all have commonalities: they came to the U.S. for education or employment opportunities. For many, it was a hard, lonely struggle.

We asked them all the same questions: What age were you when you arrived? Why did you come? Has your U.S. experience fulfilled your expectations? What do you miss about your native country?

We native-born residents might take America for granted. Their gratitude is humbling.

POLAND

Sherman Ray

“I’m just a little Polish tailor,” says Ray, who marked his 96th birthday May 5. To others, he is famous.

He survived three German concentration camps and has been Tulsa’s legendary master tailor for more than 60 years, specializing in handcrafted suits with a clientele including some of the city’s most prominent citizens. He started exercising in his 80s and now he’s a jock — exercising every day. At one point he could bench-press 195 lbs.

Ray was born in Bialystok, Poland, and was apprenticed at 13 to his tailor father, whose father also was a tailor.

Ray was a young teenager when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union invaded Poland and his family was shipped to a concentration camp.

He escaped en route but was recaptured and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the extermination camp. “The screaming was so loud, orchestras played to cover the sound,” Ray remembers. “If I hadn’t been a tailor, they would have killed me, too.” He lived by tailoring uniforms for the S.S. troops.

After doing hard labor in both Auschwitz-Monowitz and Dachau, when the war ended in 1945, he weighed 75 lbs.

“I was all alone. All of my family was gone,” he says.

He had nothing. Surviving that first year was even harder than the camps, he says. He struggled to survive in Germany and England before coming to the U.S. in 1949. He was 28.

Eventually he settled in Tulsa, where he married and had two children. Ray was a full-time tailor by day at downtown menswear stores and a private tailor at night. In 1968, he opened his own tailor shop with no sign, no telephone and no assistant because nobody measured up to his standards. Often he worked 70 hours a week. He has shortened his work day, but the one-man Ray’s Tailor Shop is still in business at 3107 S. Jamestown Ave. He lives by two mottos: “Never give up. Never say ‘I cannot do.’ Always say, ‘I will try.’ And, my father said, ‘Gold and diamonds they will steal from you, but if you’ve got a trade, nobody will take it away.’” Those philosophies have saved his life.

TulsaPeople.com

33

MEXICO

Ace Cuervo Cuervo has the gift of gab and a big smile. Both traits have helped him establish a career as a professional photographer.

He was born in Veracruz, Mexico, a port city on the Gulf of Mexico. His family crossed the border often and easily to shop in McAllen, Texas, and that is where they chose for his two younger sisters to be born. In the pejorative political language, the girls are “anchor babies,” he says, U.S. citizens by birth who enable immigrant parents to achieve U.S. residency.

That is how at age 6, Ace, with his parents and sisters, moved to Texas with green cards in hand for a better life and education. “My parents had the typical immigrant mindset,” Ace says, adding that his whole family are naturalized citizens. “They wanted us children to be lawyers, doctors, corporate CEOs — certainly not artists. (They taught us to) bear down, study, get good grades.” The children did that, and now one sister is a physician and the other a corporate vice president. Ace started down that path, and eventually got a college degree and a corporate job.

But a premature midlife crisis hit at age 30, and he quit his job. He wanted to be a professional photographer, pursuing his longtime hobby and real love. With his portfolio and personality, he was hired as a Tulsa World photographer, where he gravitated to fashion, food and social events.

He also started a side business photographing parties, galas and fundraisers in his nontraditional style. “If it’s unscripted and crazy, that’s for me,” he says. A bride asked him to photograph her wedding like that.

That shoot grew into a full-time profession. He now owns two businesses, Ace Cuervo Photography and Simply White Photo.

He and his wife, Hether, have two small children. What started as a family joke is now a way of life.

He and the children speak only in Spanish. Hether and the children talk only in English.

“I’m one of the luckiest men you will ever know,” Cuervo says. “I have freedom — my kind of freedom — and flexibility in my work. I love it.”

Photography let him exceed his parents’ expectations. “Do good work and smile,” his father tells him.

And Cuervo smiles a lot.

ZAMBIA

In a sense, Patel has been running a marathon his entire life.

He came to Tulsa from Zambia, Africa, at age 14 to enroll at the University of Tulsa. He had finished high school in three years in London, so all of his university classmates were older. His family, of Indian descent living in Zambia, believed that America was the best place for his education.

Being a TU student at that age wasn’t easy. “I was alone,” Patel recalls. “I didn’t know the culture.”

He got a bachelor’s in biology and French from TU then a dental degree from the University of Oklahoma. Focused on establishing his own dental practice, he worked six days a week at three dental jobs.

In a year, he had his own dental clinic.

Next, he acquired a law degree in three years, taking evening and lunch-hour classes at the TU School of Law. He then set his sights on a pastoral degree, attending Grace School of Ministry classes weekday mornings, and seeing his dental patients in the afternoons. He has combined dentistry and ministry by traveling on more than 30 dental missions around the world.

He and his wife, Kalpana, have a daughter in college and a son in high school.

Six years ago, at age 44, Patel began running and has now run 97 marathons. In January, he participated in the World Marathon Challenge, completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. This month, he will run a marathon in Alaska, marking his 50th state in which to do so. His faith in God and his life in the U.S. have allowed him to achieve dreams “way beyond and above what I could imagine,” he says. Now he’s training for a triathlon, which involves learning something new: how to swim. At six weeks into his training, he could already swim a mile.

His advice: “Dream dreams you can’t fulfill, and let God fill in the dots.”

34

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

INDIA

KALPANA MISRA Misra grew up in Delhi and spent summer holidays at her grandparents’ little town in the Himalayan foothills. After acquiring a master’s from the University of Delhi, she planned to do post-graduate work in either the U.K. or the U.S., then move back to India.

All of her applications were accepted: University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, Princeton, University of California at Berkeley and the University of Michigan. She had heard that U.S. universities were more welcoming to Asian students. What’s more, Michigan had a top-notch Chinese studies program and political science program, her areas of interest.

So at 24 she moved from humid subtropical Delhi to the cold winters of Michigan. It was her first time away from her family, to live alone and to eat alone. Although she was incredibly homesick, she was determined to stick it out. “I was not going to quit,” Misra says. “I came here to do something, and I would do it, however hard.” That experience, “out of my comfortable cocoon and tested to my limits,” enhanced her self-reliance and sense of empowerment.

Misra was teaching at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania when the University of Tulsa began courting her for its new international curriculum. She agreed to come for an interview, lured in part by the image of the Sunbelt. She arrived during a February ice storm with the campus covered in snow. “But I could visualize the sunshine,” she recalls of her home since 1988. “I loved the university. I loved the open spaces.” She is now dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of political science.

“I still think of India as home, but Tulsa feels like a second home, so welcoming and inviting,” she says. “It is the greatest place for kids.” She and her economist husband, Murali Iyengar, have two adult children.

While Tulsans were bemoaning an unusual rainy spring, Misra thought fondly of India’s monsoon season, “so romantic and so beautiful with the feel of the rain that awakens the dry earth. The rainy season is when the peacocks dance.”

Krassi Figg BULGARIA Figg fell in love with the cello at age 6 in her native Bulgaria.

She has followed that love affair halfway around the world as a professional musician.

When she was 12, she moved to study music in Varna, the second-largest Bulgarian city on the Black Sea. She claimed several national musical competitions and moved to Sophia, the Bulgarian capital, to attend the state conservatory. There she studied, she performed and she taught. She became principal cellist with a major national orchestra and a cello professor at the Plovdkiv Music School.

Next, Figg went to Paris for a degree in chamber music and cello performance. There she performed with the French National Orchestra and four other orchestras and ensembles. “All my life, I am traveling,” she says. And, all of her travel has been for the love of the cello.

In 1999, she and her family (cellist husband and three young sons) moved to the U.S. to play with orchestras in Kansas and Oklahoma. “We were five people, five suitcases, two cellos and one dog,” she says.

For three years, Figg commuted between Tulsa and Kansas City, performing with both orchestras and chamber ensembles as the family adjusted to a new life in a new country. In 2002, after more than half a century of existence, the Tulsa Philharmonic closed because of financial difficulties. Three years later, the new Tulsa Symphony Orchestra was formed, and in 2009, Figg and her sons moved to Tulsa and put down roots. Her performance schedule is still intense: the Tulsa Symphony, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and the Tulsa Camerata chamber music ensemble. She is one of the founders of Tulsa Camerata. Her mornings are devoted to practicing for her performances and preparing for her students.

She teaches cello at Tulsa’s Barthelmes Conservatory. “I tell my students that practice and discipline are the most important things in life,” Figg says. “I truly believe that.”

Thirty years ago she didn’t know where Oklahoma was, but now Figg says, “Tulsa is the place I came home.” The arts are vibrant here, she says, and Tulsans support the arts. “I find myself very fortunate.”

TulsaPeople.com

35

ENGLAND

“I love fish and chips,” Nelson says. It’s a dish from the country of her birth, England.

In Berlin in the 1930s, her father, Herman Kaiser, was the last Jewish lawyer to practice in Germany before being disbarred because of his ethnicity. It was not the right time for a Jewish child to be born in Nazi Germany. Herman’s pregnant wife, Kate, joined her emigrant brother in London so that the child, named Ruth, could be born with English citizenship.

The Kaisers were living in Rostock, Germany, where Kate’s father, Max Samuel, owned a shoe accessory factory.

Herman traveled to other countries representing it. When the Nazi government pressured Herman to become an informant, he left Germany forever.

A new Samuel factory opened in Blackburn, Lancashire, offering welcome employment in an area hard hit by the Depression. Kate and Ruth joined Herman there in 1938. The next year, Hitler invaded Poland and lit the fuse for World War II. The young family had left their home in cosmopolitan Rostock to start a new life in a declining Blackburn.

There, Kate learned to cook on a coal stove.

In 1940, when Ruth was 4, they moved to the U.S., sponsored by Sam Miller, a great uncle and Lithuanian immigrant who had worked his way from a peddler to prosperous oil-producing Oklahoman. Once again, the young family started over in a new country. Kate’s frugal housekeeping money was $7 a week. Two years later, a son, George, was born.

Nelson is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, a businesswoman, philanthropist and a volunteer acclaimed for her work with the Tulsa Housing Authority and the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She is known for her fondness of scuba diving, tennis, travel and William Faulkner. Nelson is the mother of four grown children — one of whom is actor Tim Blake Nelson — and the wife of attorney Thomas Murphy. She is grandmother to 10.

She remembers parents that were resilient, hardworking, generous and grateful for opportunities in other countries, and especially in Tulsa.

Ghayth Coussa LEBANON AND SYRIA Coussa doesn’t talk much, especially about himself. He’s a very private person.

“Middle Easterners tend to keep things to ourselves,” he says. It’s a cultural thing, he explains. “We’ve been prosecuted and killed because of our beliefs. So it’s imbedded into us not to say what we think.”

Coussa was born in Lebanon, but spent much of his youth between that country and Syria, his grandparents’ home while his father lived in political exile in Lebanon.

Coussa came to the U.S. at age 21. “I got a late start,” he says. He had graduated from high school at 17, but spent four years involved in the Lebanese civil war.

His desire to study aerospace presented him with the two best choices, the U.S. or the Soviet Union. “I wasn’t interested in the Soviets,” he says. At the University of Kansas he got a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, a master’s degree in mathematics and did post-graduate studies in aerospace. Then he added a MBA from the University of Tulsa. His expertise developed into a career in flight simulation.

At FlightSafety International in Tulsa, he creates computer software programs for flight simulation equipment in civil, commercial and military aircraft.

At KU he met another international student who would become his wife, M. Teresa Valero, from Venezuela. She is director of the TU School of Art. Their son is now a senior at the University of Southern California majoring in biochemistry.

When Coussa came to the U.S., he was “going into the unknown.” The potential comfort level in America is unbelievable, he says, but immigrants give up a lot, too. He left behind not only the history and lifestyle of his native Syria and Lebanon, but his connection with a big family. The Coussa tribe alone numbered some 3,000. “A whole town can be an extended family,” he explains. After years of wars, many of them are now dead. What are his thoughts of peace in Syria? “I block it out,” he says. In Tulsa, with his successful career and family, “I created a whole new life,” he says.

36

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

ICELAND

Johann Skaftason

Skaftason has been enamored with airplanes ever since he was a child in Iceland. It’s what brought him to Tulsa at age 22 to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics and Technology to study to be an airframe and powerplant mechanic.

He graduated and returned to Iceland to work for Icelandair. Then he was laid off. But he had an ace up his sleeve.

His family included skilled concrete masons, and Skaftason had learned the craft as a teenager. “I was always working as a mason,” he says. He held a Journeyman’s Certificate in Masonry, which required four years of technical and trade study and an apprenticeship with a master mason. “That’s the reason I got a green card,” he says.

He returned to Tulsa and worked as an airplane mechanic and as a mason on the weekend. The turbulent times in the aerospace industry caused a round of layoffs in which a coworker’s job was on the chopping block. Skaftason knew his friend had a family to support, so Skaftason left the industry to become a full-time mason.

Today he owns Eurocraft, a stone, tile and masonry business that employs 35 individuals.

Skaftason was recognized for his mastery of stone when he was chosen to create the memorial for the USS Oklahoma, sunk during the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. “We worked 24 hours a day for a whole year on the memorial,” he says. Skaftason and his staff spent three months installing the memorial on Hawaii’s Ford Island, near the former berth of the sunken Oklahoma.

Skaftason and his wife, Anna Helgadottir, have three adult children.

The family regularly travels to Reykjavik since both remain close to their large families. It’s a totally different lifestyle there, he says, near the ocean with lots of outdoor activities and extended family.

As for his life and career in Tulsa — “Wow. Way past anything I thought,” Skaftason says. “The opportunity here is awesome as long as you’re willing to work. I am the American dream.”

After almost 40 years, Skaftason is again pursuing his love of flying, taking lessons to renew his pilot’s license. In Tulsa he has created a life of both sky and stone.

K E N YA

GRETCHEN MUDOGA Mudoga came to the U.S. from Kenya, by way of Colorado.

She was born in Denver where her parents were university students. When she was 6 months old, they returned to Kenya to live, work and raise a family that included two other children.

“There was a big education push for all of us siblings,” Mudoga says. Her father agreed to let her attend a university in the U.S. so long as he chose it “to make sure I was not corrupted by the worldly ways,” she says.

At age 17, she attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. “Culture shock on steroids” is how she describes it.

Some of her college friends were from Tulsa and she visited T-Town multiple times during school.

After graduation, she stayed in the U.S. “In Tulsa, I found my happy place in social service.” With no family in the U.S., work and career were her focus. She started out as a receptionist with the Tulsa Housing Authority. Today she is deputy court administrator in the City of Tulsa’s Municipal Courts Department. A highlight of her Tulsa work was helping resettle the New Orleans refugees arriving on buses from Camp Gruber after the Hurricane Katrina evacuation.

American by birth, Mudoga was not recognized officially as a Kenyan citizen until 2006. “I truly had no sense of belonging anywhere,” she says. “I always felt an immigrant in both the U.S. and in Kenya.” Still, she misses the “sights, sounds, smells, weather, language and culture” of Kenya.

Helping others has been a constant in Mudoga’s life since moving to Tulsa, and she volunteers with several social service and fitness-based groups. “I love volunteering. Because I am not a limelight person, I feel better in the role of the cheerleader.” She prefers “boots on the ground” neighborhood involvement. She has been influenced by the legendary late Booker T. Washington teacher and coach Ed Lacy, whom she met through a mutual friend, and helping with his summer track and field program for children from north Tulsa and Junior Olympics.

“He always talked to me about giving back,” Mudoga says of Lacy. “He taught me humility, teamwork and that it does not take much to make a difference in a child’s life.” TP TulsaPeople.com

37

the face of

NEUROFEEDBACK BRAIN FITNESS THERAPY

RENUYOU NEUROFEEDBACK BRAIN FITNESS CENTER RenuYou Neurofeedback Center is highly regarded as one of the top neurofeedback clinics in the world. Dr. Barry and Cyndie Gardner introduced this cutting edge technology to the state almost a decade ago. The Gardners are highly regarded in the industry as leaders in research and development. RenuYou Neurofeedback Center is the only board certified neurofeedback clinic in Oklahoma that is physician staffed with licensed professional counselors and therapists. Doctors from all over the country refer patients, who come from as far away as California and Florida, to receive treatment.

RenuYou Neurofeedback begins with a qEEG that measures the brain’s electrical activity. Why? Because everything in the brain is electric; every thought you think and every emotion you feel is due to the electrical firing of neurons. “We measure that activity to see where a person

7424 S. Yale, Suite 100 | 918-747-7400 | renuyoutulsa.com

is producing too much, as in the case of anxiety, where they’re not producing enough, as in ADD, or where the roads just don’t seem to be connected,” says Clinical Director Marie McCabe, MA, LMFT, BCN. “Often, we can see immediately why a person is struggling and target it for change with neurofeedback.”

RenuYou uses “reward” brainwave biofeedback based on selfoperant conditioning that involves retraining the brain through the relaxing therapy of watching a movie or listening to music.

As desirable brainwave patterns emerge, they are reinforced by the “reward” of the continuation of the movie or music. If not, the reward is taken away. Because the brain is a learning machine, it does not like the fading and naturally goes after the reward of the movie staying on and forges a new, healthier neuropathway that becomes a permanent part of the brain’s productivity.

If you or someone you know struggles with issues such as depression, anxiety, autism, hyperactivity, insomnia, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue or addictions, then neurofeedback could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

“We are passionate about what we do,” Dr. Barry Gardner says. “Our software system has thousands of testimonials from individuals whose lives have been improved.”

As one 15-year-old patient who was suffering from depression and had been “cutting” herself put it, “RenuYou Neurofeedback Center saved my life.”

BLEED: 8.25 INCHES

When Dealing With Difficult Family Law Issues, You Need Our Team In Your Corner.

A divorce is one of the most significant and difficult life transitions to face. However, in more cases than not, splitting up is much more complicated than simple getting a divorce.

There is almost always more….

Child custody. Child support. Mediation. Parent coordination. Adult guardianship. Estate planning. Tax issues. Civil litigation. Probate.

BLEED: 10.875 INCHES

That’s why you need a diverse team of professionals assembled under one roof who can do it all: The Family Law Team from Hall Estill.

You will benefit from the sheer size of the firm. You will be pleased with our individualized attention. And, you will definitely be more than satisfied with the value of our practical and reasoned approach.

We’re sensitive, yet we’ll be your strongest advocate in this most difficult time of your life.

Hall Estill is pleased to be ranked as a Tier 1 Law Firm in the Metropolitan Rankings

by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report.

Best Lawyers named 11 Hall Estill attorneys as Lawyer of the Year in their specialty area.

TULSA / OKLAHOMA CITY | 320 S. BOSTON, STE 200 | 918.594.0846 | family@hallestill.com

State of Education with keynote speaker Joshua Wyner

kle Creative Services, Inc. S. 85TH EAST AVENUE A, OKLAHOMA, 74133

806.2657

K49@COX.NET

ADOBE® ACROBAT® PDF PRODUCED BY JIM KNIGHT DESIGN, 7457 SOUTH GRANITE, TULSA, OK 74136 918.691.1155 JIMK26@AOL.COM ANY TECHNICAL ISSUES REGARDING OUTPUT, PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL

VISION TULSA HALF PAGE 8.25 INCHES WIDTH 5.125 INCHES HEIGHT

REV1 and executive HALL ESTILL Joshua Wyner HNK1248-4 is the vice president director of the Aspen Institute’s College TITLE: HNK1248 LARI L. GULLEY Excellence Program.

Mr.LAW Wyner has spent the HALL ESTILL FAMILY AD HALL ESTILL MEDIA: VISION TULSA 320 S. BOSTON, STE 200 past two decades as a nonprofit leader with MAGAZINE TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74103 SPACE/COLOR:at 4C improving and equalizing TELEPHONE (918) 594-0400 organizations aimed HALF PAGE HORIZONTAL HALLESTILL.COM educational outcomes. will SIZE: 8.25” X 10.875 His keynote speech LGULLEY@HALLESTILL.COM SCALE: 100% focus on the impact of TCC’s participation in the CURRENT VERSION DATE: 10/18/16 Pathways Project, a national initiative funded by Bill and Melinda Gates.

Wednesday, August 30 | Noon-1:30 pm DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown Register @ tulsachamber.com/events

PRESENTED BY

GOLD SPONSORS

HOSTED BY

EDUCATION BENEFACTORS

SILVER SPONSORS Bama Companies • Bank of Oklahoma Hastings + Chivetta Architects, Inc. • QuikTrip Corp.

SemGroup Corporation • University of Oklahoma -Tulsa

40

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

EVERY BUSINESS HAS A STORY TO TELL. “Faces of the 918� is a special sponsored editorial section that tells the stories behind a wide variety of locally owned businesses serving our community. Each profile features owners and/or employees of more than 40 Tulsa companies with a description of their business. We hope you find this presentation informative and useful.

Each company represents a select business category and single-page profiles are organized alphabetically by category.

TulsaPeople.com

41

Designed by WaterShapes by Wallace, built by Signature Pools.

Brian Philpott and Timothy Wallace, SWD.

the face of

CUSTOM POOLS AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

WATERSHAPES BY WALLACE For 12 years, Timothy Wallace has lived and worked by the motto “design different.” Wallace, owner of WaterShapes by Wallace, specializes in designing and bringing to life highend custom outdoor living projects.

“We do the whole package,” says Wallace. “Pool, kitchen, structure, landscape, lighting, hardscape. We do it all.”

Wallace’s lynchpin is a 3D modeling technique that eliminates the guesswork in designing a space.

“We begin with the end in mind, and design it right,” says Wallace, who is one of only two certified WaterShape Designers in Oklahoma, and one of only 47 worldwide.

In addition to new pool construction, WaterShapes by Wallace performs extensive pool remodels, updating materials and adding luxurious features like natural stone waterfalls, waterslides, artistic paving and saltwater conversion.

“Our goal is quality projects over quantity,” says Wallace.

6226 E. 101st St., Jenks | 918-975-3558 | watershapesbywallace.com

SIGNATURE POOLS Signature Pools is Tulsa’s Premier custom pool builder.

The owner of Signature Pools, Brian Philpott, has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Oklahoma State University.

Brian started his career working in engineering/architecture firms gaining knowledge of landscape design, site design and construction methods.

Signature Pools focuses on the minutia of design and construction so clients can focus on imagining the outdoor lifestyle of their dreams. Signature Pools is one of the few

companies that offer artificial rock waterfalls, which are typical at high-end resorts. This system allows for the construction of water features of any shape or size without the use of large machinery.

Many of the services Signature Pools provides includes the construction or remodeling of pools, landscaping, pavers, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, retaining walls, irrigation and drainage.

11145 S. 82nd E. Pl., Suite N, Bixby | 918-394-2301 | oksignaturepools.com

the face of

PIZZA

MAZZIO’S ITALIAN EATERY What originated in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Ken’s Pizza Parlor in 1961 grew into Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, with locations across nine states. Mazzio’s is still locally owned and operated by the Selby family.

“As a family-owned business, we may not have some of the big marketing budgets and fancy technology that our national competitors have,” says Eric Selby, vice president of brand development. “But we’re proud to have the best people and the best food in the business.”

The success of Mazzio’s has been the result of many dedicated long-term team members who practice founder Ken Selby’s passion for “pizza perfection.” Mazzio’s still makes dough from scratch every day in every location and uses only 100 percent real meats and cheeses — and of course, Mazzio’s family-secret pizza sauce recipe.

Mazzio’s appreciates the loyalty of Tulsa and surrounding areas and provides community support through organizations such as the Tulsa Area United Way, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, No Kid Hungry and over 150 local groups and charities.

“We’re so grateful for the loyalty of our guests for the past 56 years,” says Eric Selby.

More than 40 area locations | 918-664-4444 | mazzios.com

The Selby Family: Eric, Debbie, Lori & Beau Not pictured: Julie & Susan

Sam Graves, PE; Cameron Wallace; Stephanie Putzke, Associate AIA

the face of

ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

CYNTERGY Established in 1997, Cyntergy is now celebrating 20 years of service to national clients and local community. As a fullservice architecture, engineering and construction services firm, Cyntergy places its focus on two things: relationships and excellence.

“For us, a project is only successful if the quality of our product is excellent and we build a worthwhile relationship with our client,” says chairman Ken Hirshey.

The Cyntergy team includes multiple LEED-certified

architects and engineers. The team takes pride in its ability to implement a sensible approach to sustainable design through creative practices. This sustainable philosophy, inherent in the company culture, provides a lasting positive environmental impact in addition to creating long-term operational cost savings that clients will appreciate for years to come.

“We succeed because it’s relationships we build,” says company president Gordy Guest.

810 S. Cincinnati Ave., Second Floor | 918-877-6000 | cyntergy.com

Danny Ziegler, Secretary; Tim Ziegler, Treasurer; Trent Morrow, Director of Marketing, holding Charlie, the store’s greeter; and Alan Morrow, President.

the face of

ART & FRAMING

ZIEGLER’S ART & FRAME The popular store rooted in the Kendall Whitter neighborhood offers hundreds of styles of custom and readymade frames. “We specialize in specialty framing and can do it all from custom-designed mats and frames to creating shadow boxes and frames for needlework,” says Alan Morrow, company president. “We also stretch and re-stretch painted canvases on the proper bars for display, and can custom cut any mat to create multi-openings, oval, arch, spandrel and cathedral shapes. A customer’s artwork is in good care with our helpful and knowledgeable staff. ” The store is also a supply source for artists with major brands of oils, acrylics, watercolor, couache, inks, markers

6 N. Lewis Ave. | 918-584-2217 | zieglerart.com

and pens. “We take pride in offering graphic and illustration supplies plus all the ancillary products to enable one to pursue artistic endeavors,” said Morrow.

Ziegler’s is known for offering one of the city’s largest collections of Tulsa art. Customers are frequently “amazed” to find iconic photos and prints from Tulsa’s past to the latest images reflecting our growing and ever-changing city. “We also are proud to feature the works of local and regional artists that we believe are representative of the ‘Tulsa spirit,’” noted Morrow.

The store is a member of the “Keep It Local” movement that encourages Tulsans to shop and support locally-owned stores.

Tulsa Pitmaster Josh Snead

the face of

BARBECUE

RIBCRIB Decades ago, the best barbecue could be found only in remote shacks and roadside trailers. But it was worth the drive, even if you had to wait in line or eat standing up.

RibCrib BBQ had similar humble beginnings in 1992 when founder Bret Chandler opened in Tulsa with little more than a shack, a stack of hickory wood, and a smoker.

“Twenty-five years is a proud milestone for our team,” says Bret. “This would not have been possible without our shared vision for serving customers mouthwatering barbecue without having to pull over on the side of the road or go off the beaten path. Our food has been more art than science, and we are always chasing barbecue perfection.”

ribcrib.com

RibCrib has grown to more than 60 restaurants in seven states, including 32 across Oklahoma. The PigMen team has been named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in several competitions and received countless top-ten finishes, including the prestigious American Royal World Series.

RibCrib serves its communities by hosting fundraisers and dishing out meals to those in need. In 2016, the RibCrib Pitmasters Golf Tournament raised over $100,000 for charity.

Join RibCrib in celebrating 25 years of Smokin’ the Good Stuff.

the face of

CAJUN FOOD

CAJUN ED’S HEBERT’S SPECIALTY MEATS For 19 years, Tulsans have turned to Cajun Ed’s Hebert’s Specialty Meats for Gulf Coast staples such as gumbo, etouffee and jambalaya. What has kept them coming back for so many years?

“We offer fresh, authentic Cajun cuisine made here in Tulsa by real Cajuns,” says owner and namesake Ed Richard.

Richard is a third-generation chef, and the business is in his family’s blood. His grandfather was a well-known restaurant owner, his mother wrote cookbooks and taught cooking classes, his brother is a highly respected chef and restaurant owner and his son is Chef De Cuisine at a fine dining restaurant. Richard’s daughter Kimberly is now general manager of the restaurant, his daughter Rachel helps manage the business and his wife Jennifer is involved in marketing — truly a family affair.

In addition to lunch and dinner, Cajun Ed’s offers a full meat market, from mouth-watering filets, rib eyes and prime rib to freshly ground hamburger patties, homemade sausages, stuffed pork chops and kabobs. Shoppers can also find a variety of brands with a Cajun flare, including Tabasco, Zatarain’s, Louisiana products and Zapp’s potato chips.

2101 E. 71st St. | 918-298-8400 | cajuned.com

Ed Richard

Lung team members, including Dr. Peter Baik, Thoracic Surgeon; Dr. Daniel Nader, Division of Pulmonary Services Chief; and Dr. Kendal Hervert, Pulmonologist.

the face of

CANCER CARE

CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA AT SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER For 27 years, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Southwestern Regional Medical Center in Tulsa has focused on treating adult cancer at any stage. At CTCA, experienced and dedicated cancer experts work together in one location, sharing their knowledge, coordinating treatments and, ultimately, providing comprehensive cancer treatment tailored to the patient.

Each patient is assigned a multidisciplinary care team, led by a medical oncologist and coordinated by a nurse care manager, who answers the patient’s questions, manages their treatment schedule and assists in the logistics involved in the cancer journey.

“Our cancer experts deliver advanced treatments and

10109 E. 79th St. | 800-515-9610 | cancercenter.com/tulsa

leading-edge technologies all under one roof,” says Dr. Daniel Nader, chief of staff and pulmonary services. “This is intended to eliminate driving around to multiple locations for treatment visits or doctor appointments.”

The CTCA patient-centered model is designed to provide personalized cancer care for each patient with the help of minimally invasive procedures, genomic profiling, targeted drug therapies and more.

At the same time, CTCA adds evidence-informed supportive therapies to each personalized treatment plan to help the patient manage cancer-related side effects, retain strength and stamina and, most importantly, maintain a good quality of life.

Scott and Megan Sherrill

the face of

CATERING

LUDGER’S CATERING & EVENTS Co-owners Scott and Megan Sherrill are the driving force behind Ludger’s Catering & Events — he’s the executive chef, she’s the event coordinator. Since 2009, the husbandand-wife team has brought their unique combination of skills to the helm of the 30-year-old Tulsa company.

When it comes to catering, customization is the name of the game. The Sherrills are passionate about bringing their clients’ events to life, and they understand that every event has a different set of nuanced needs — from a drop-off

6120 E. 32nd Pl. | 918-744-9988 | ludgerscatering.com

luncheon at an office to a formal wedding or black tie gala and everything in between.

In addition to a wide range of catering services, Ludger’s can also provide bar and bartenders, service staff, rental coordination, floor plan design, centerpieces and decor.

“We have really pushed over the past several years to reinvent what we do and how we do it,” says Megan. “We are continually striving to learn what is hot and on-trend around the country — what clients want to see.”

the face of

CLEANING MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES

MURPHY SANITARY SUPPLY

President Jeannie Murphy, seated, General Manager Billy Drake and Chief Financial Officer Glenda Bigbie, standing

A visit to Murphy Sanitary Supply quickly reveals why the business has been a success for nearly 15 years: Founder and president Jeannie Murphy is enthusiastic about her business, its employees and customers.

“I love the people side of being in business,” Murphy says. “It’s interesting and fun to develop business relationships, knitting things together to come up with solutions for customers that are cost effective and that work.”

Murphy Sanitary Supply distributes a complete line of cleaning chemicals, janitorial products, commercial paper and cleaning equipment. The company also facilitates customized training, and maintains an equipment and repair division for industrial, institutional, commercial and retail customers. The company serves a 13 county area from its 15,000-square-foot facility in northeastern Oklahoma.

“We work very hard to offer the highest quality products and service, and believe in going that extra mile for our customers,” Murphy says.

13105 E. 61st St. S. | 918-461-2200 murphysanitary.com

Ted Curato with members of his TLC Painting team working on a project at KingsPointe Village.

the face of

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PAINTING

TLC PAINTING, INC. Established in 1997, TLC Painting is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Owner Ted Curato feels “very fortunate” that the company that started with two employees and one van has grown to 18 on the team. Curato credits the great work of TLC’s employees along with business coaching and counseling from peers at The Alternative Board (TAB) for the company’s steady growth.

Today, TLC services larger commercial and industrial clients including shopping centers, apartment complexes, power plants, manufacturing facilities, schools, state and federal installations…as well as a broad range of residential projects. “We continue to broaden our services, too” said

6945 E. 38th St. | 918-663-3552 | tlcpainting.com

Curato. “Our newest service offering is the installation of reflective roof coatings on metal, flat and low-sloped roofs.”

TLC is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. “Our overall goal is to retain and serve our residential and commercial customers for many years, and benefit from their good references,” said Curato. “I learned early on that it’s much easier to explain a price than it is to explain a bad job.”

“Our way of doing business is to treat all employees, peers, customers and vendors with honesty, integrity, respect and to always do the right thing even when it hurts,” the owner emphasized.

Chelsea Hanoch, Lindsay Henderson, Sandra Mullins, Brooke Taylor and Jackie Vu

the face of

COMMERCIAL CLEANING

FINAL TOUCH CLEANING When the 9-to-5 is done, the work is just beginning for the staff of Final Touch Commercial Cleaning.

That’s when the 185-plus employees of this 31-year-old company go to work, cleaning everything from corporate offices and medical facilities to municipal buildings and universities all over the Tulsa area. The expert staff offers daily and nightly cleaning services, carpet extraction, 24hour emergency cleaning and more.

Owner Sandra Mullins insists on the highest standard of white-glove service in the industry. Final Touch Commercial Cleaning is the only nationally certified janitorial service in Oklahoma.

10404 E. 55th Pl. | 918-663-1919 | finaltouchcleaning.com

Cleaning more than 6 million square feet daily is a monumental job, but Mullins, who operates Final Touch with her daughters Brooke and Lindsay and Vice President Jackie Vu, believes that “to whom much is given, much is required.” That’s why the company returns thousands of dollars annually to local nonprofits through donated services and fundraising efforts.

“We give meaning to cleaning,” Mullins says. “When we started, we made it our mission to create a culture of giving.

It’s the charitable work that really inspires us. We’re so happy to be part of the Tulsa community.”

the face of

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

INSURICA TULSA/JOE WEST COMPANY Since 1919, INSURICA/Joe West Company and its team of insurance producers have been servicing the greater Tulsa area, including Sand Springs, Sapulpa and Cushing.

The insurance agency specializes in the areas of manufacturing, schools and municipalities, energy, financial institutions, aviation, professional liability, food related industries, employee benefits for large and small groups. The team of insurance professionals is uniquely skilled and ready to assist clients with all commercial and personal insurance needs.

“We provide risk management services to all of our customers, and we do this first by understanding their individual business,” said Joseph Sanchez, the company’s local president. “Once we understand a business we then access markets that offer competitive and comprehensive insurance programs—along with claims and loss control services—that best relate to the business.”

INSURICA/Joe West Company specializes in core industries and business disciplines, providing clients with unparalled access to unique coverage and risk management programs…all while maintaining a local agent relationship. “Our goal is to uncover solutions that lead to improved coverage and savings,” said Tim Driskill, the company’s local CEO.

406 S. Boulder Ave. | 918-660-0090 | insurica.com

INSURICA/Joe West Company producers include: Jeff Cleveland, Mike Kennedy, Mike Robinson, Bob Turner, Guy Griggs, Andy Soares, Bill Johnson, Chad Ferguson, Robert Wonn, and John James.

Top row: Melissa Richison, Raymond Davis, Dave Looney, Dick Alaback, Neil Dailey, Bill Beichler, John Gray, and Cara Leigh Ingram.

Bottom row: Lisa Brandes, Carey Velez, Gary Krisman, and Ryan Brah

the face of

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

MCGRAW COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES McGraw Realtors has been locally owned and managed since 1938 and is currently the largest and fastest-growing residential real estate company in Tulsa.

McGraw Commercial Properties, the commercial division of McGraw Realtors, was founded in 2008 and specializes in buying and selling commercial properties including: office, retail, restaurant, service, industrial, investment, municipal, non-profit, multi-unit residential and vacant land.

McGraw’s commercial and property management divisions work together to deliver comprehensive commercial real estate solutions, ranging from tenant and landlord representation to facilities and property management.

4105 S. Rockford Ave. | 918-388-9588 | mcgrawcp.com

“This approach forms successful long-term relationships rather than one-off transactions,” says Broker Manager Neil Dailey. “Our longevity and know-how make McGraw Commercial the area go-to for commercial real estate and property management services.”

Over the past year, McGraw Commercial Properties has grown to a team of 12 with the additions of brokers from other national firms with offices here in Tulsa, including three CCIM designations.

A recently completed renovation at the McGraw office provides more space for the Commercial Properties and Property Management and Leasing departments.

The Green Country Appraisal Service team includes President Timothy M. Glass, Andrea Brooks and Christine Peck.

the face of

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS

GREEN COUNTRY APPRAISAL SERVICE Green Country Appraisal Service is celebrating 36 years of appraisal and consultation work for various banks, governmental entities, lawyers and individuals. Commercial properties appraised include retail, restaurants, offices, churches, industrial, multi-family, mixed-use, vacant land, cattle ranches and conservation easements throughout northeast Oklahoma.

Timothy M. Glass is the company president and a licensed appraiser. In 2000, he was the president of the Green Country of Oklahoma Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

1703 E. Skelly Dr., Suite 101 | 918-744-5744

Nationally, he has served on the Regional Ethics and Counseling Panel of the Appraisal Institute.

The company’s secretary, Christine Peck, has been with the firm for 27 years and handles word processing, research of local market trends and report publishing.

Green Country Appraisal Service’s research analyst, Andrea Brooks, has been with the firm for 11 years.

She maintains an expanding database of over 10,000 comparables, bids and coordinates appraisals and provides research on properties appraised.

From left to right, Pam Bewley, Susan Atherton, Sally Wales and Lea Ann Hanseth.

the face of

COMMERCIAL TITLE SERVICES

COMMERCIAL TITLE & ESCROW SERVICES The year 2017 is a very special one for the team at Commercial Title & Escrow Services because it marks the 20th anniversary of the Tulsa company. The year will be celebrated in September as the firm’s founding owner, Pam Bewley, and her nine employees mark the occasion with friends, family and clients at a gala anniversary party.

After 20 years, Bewley is still excited about coming to work every day at Commercial Title. “I love the feeling of completing a transaction (closing) from contract to Title Policy and knowing our team achieved excellence for the client,” she says. “Achieving the highest level of customer service is our measure of success in this business.”

The company owner recognizes the importance of having

experienced personnel in the business, and Commercial Title has it: Executive Vice President Sally Wales, 20 years; InHouse Attorney Susan Atherton, 12 years; Commercial Escrow Officer LeaAnn Hanseth, 12 years; Title Analyst Jody Jumper, 12 years; and Escrow Assistant Sandie Coats, 12 years.

“Our experience and service truly sets us apart and enables Commercial Title & Escrow to achieve a high market share in Tulsa,” Bewley noted. “Our team takes pride in providing innovative, responsive and reliable title insurance and closing services in support of every commercial property transaction. Establishing the highest level of professionalism and trust with the client is a key to our success.”

4739 E. 91st St., Suite 200 | 918-556-6336 | commercialtitleok.com

First Oklahoma Bank President and Co-CEO Tom Bennett III with Chairman and Co-CEO Tom Bennett, Jr.

the face of

COMMUNITY BANKING

FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK First Oklahoma Bank believes that building a better bank is about building a better future for you – the customer.

When the founders set out to form First Oklahoma Bank on Nov. 4, 2009, they envisioned achieving quality growth by creating a better bank for area residents.

Relationships with customers are paramount. First Oklahoma makes sure everybody is taken care of with respect and in a timely fashion. The bank listens to customers’ needs, which has led to offering the highest CD rates in the market, concierge-level products and service, and free ATM service worldwide.

In a little over seven years, First Oklahoma Bank has

become the fastest-growing new bank, based on assets, in Oklahoma history and the fastest-growing community bank in Tulsa County. By February 2017, First Oklahoma had exceeded $500 million in assets, reaching a milestone more than 2½ years sooner than originally planned.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to help people fulfill their dreams of building and expanding businesses, buying homes, and creating wealth,” says President and Co-CEO Tom Bennett III. “We approach banking as a ministry of serving customers, investors, the community and each other. We want to treat each other like we want to be treated.”

100 S. Riverfront Dr., Jenks | 918-392-2500 | firstoklahomabank.com

Dr. Carrie Sessom and staff

the face of

COSMETIC DENTISTRY AND SLEEP SOLUTIONS

RIVERWALK DENTAL SPA AND SLEEP SOLUTIONS Beauty meets comfort at Riverwalk Dental Spa and Sleep Solutions. The practice boasts a state-of-the-art dental facility in a luxurious, spa-like environment. Under the leadership of Dr. Carrie Sessom, Riverwalk Dental Spa strives to change the lives and health of patients on a daily basis.

As a dentist, Dr. Carrie is very patient-focused and strives to help each individual achieve whole-body health in a comfortable, relaxing environment. In addition to cosmetic and general dentistry, Riverwalk Dental Spa offers sleep solutions to patients who can’t tolerate wearing their CPAP for their sleeping disorder. “We make a custom-fit

FDA-approved oral appliance covered by most medical insurance companies,” says Dr. Carrie. “Helping patients find an alternative to their CPAP machine is a rewarding experience.”

The friendly and compassionate team of dental professionals at Riverwalk Dental Spa works seamlessly together to provide comprehensive dental care. The practice is committed to helping patients enjoy optimal oral health and a beautiful smile, and ensures that they have all the information needed to make informed decisions about their oral health care.

9717 E. 42nd St., Suite 200 | 918-392-7654 | riverwalkdentalspa.com

the face of

CREDIT UNION

TULSA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Tulsa Federal Credit Union began in 1943 with the philosophy of “people helping people.” As a communitychartered, not-for-profit organization, Tulsa FCU has thrived on partnering with its owners — the members — to provide a cooperative environment focused on what is best for the membership. In 2016, through the combined efforts of its dedicated staff, Tulsa FCU was able to save its members $7,097,055 in interest over the life of their loans.

Starting with only 12 members and $240 in assets, devoted members and knowledgeable staff have helped grow the

institution to more than 56,000 members and $722 million in assets at 14 branches across Tulsa and its surrounding communities.

The heart of Tulsa FCU is centered on core values of trust, integrity, teamwork and making a difference. What sets Tulsa FCU apart is its commitment to employee development, dedication to personalized financial solutions and positive impact in the community. Each year, Tulsa FCU supports admirable causes and organizations, including the Tulsa Area United Way and the Tulsa FCU Tulsa Run.

9323 E. 21st St. | 918-610-0200 | tulsafederalcu.org

Pictured Left to Right: Kyle Montgomery, Tammy White, Jean Hopkins, Wendy Carson, Janet Keirsey, Jennifer Easky, Brandy Clark, Tanner Casey, Juantonio Baldwin

the face of

DESIGN/BUILD/REMODEL

KLEINCO CONSTRUCTION Kristin Daffern

Kleinco Construction is a full-service construction company specializing in commercial and residential new construction and remodel.

“The quality that sets Kleinco apart from others is the ability to seamlessly blend old and new together to create a beautiful yet functional space,” says Kristin Daffern, owner of Kleinco. “It’s skillful construction paired with great design sense.”

By using a sophisticated understanding of light, texture and color, the team at Kleinco draws upon nearly 60 years in business to create the perfectly proportioned space while using a time-tested, fixed-price structure to efficiently utilize every dollar. The end results are simply beautiful.

1660 E. 71st St., Suite J | 918-493-3406 | KleincoBuilds.com

Back Row, left to right: Charles Secrest, Camillie Craven, Rachel Haight, Bobby Strauss, Melissa Mize, Whitney Sapp, Krysten Butcher Middle Row, left to right: Allison Holbrook, Keisha Spotwood, Stacy Dixon, Garnita Kuhlmann, Annie Atkerson, Trisha Thompson Seated, left to right: Gigi Meyer, Alyse McDaniel, Taylor Wilson

the face of

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

KEY PERSONNEL Key Personnel was founded in 1978, with the goal to place key people in key positions in the Tulsa market. Since then, Key Personnel has strived for continuous recruiting innovation. The company’s recruiters are on the cutting edge of finding effective web-based tools that help Key understand candidate trends, and serve up candidates who are most likely to be successful employees.

Several factors have contributed to Key Personnel’s successful growth for nearly 40 years. Local ownership and knowledge of Tulsa has allowed Key to react quickly to changes in the local economy. Key has an unmatched database of more than 150,000 local applications in its state-

9717 E. 42nd St., Suite 200 | 918-747-0000 | keyjobs.com

of-the-art recruiting system.

“Strong networking in all facets, combined with the most innovative approach in the industry, is the key to continuous quality candidates for our clients,” says Taylor Wilson, marketing director. “Our history, family of tenured recruiters, and innovation are unrivaled in the Tulsa market.”

Key Personnel services the employment needs for many of Tulsa’s top companies in the clerical, industrial, technical, administrative, legal and medical areas. These divisions are dedicated and specialized within their field to exceed customers’ needs for employees at all levels of expertise.

the face of

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

ANDY B’S What if you could go someplace and create fun memories to last forever? That’s exactly what Andy Bartholomy wanted to create with Andy B’s Entertainment Center.

“Andy B’s has made bowling cool again,” says Cody Harness, marketing coordinator. The Tulsa center offers private bowling in the VIB lounge, with big-screen videos, high-energy music, plush couch seating and even a bar.

Andy B’s chef-created menu lets patrons eat and play

8711 S. Lewis Ave. | 918-299-9494 | andybtulsa.com

Andy Bartholomy, Owner and JR Huyck, General Manager

in one place, with plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters.

Beyond bowling, Andy B’s offers a laser tag maze full of smoke and glow lighting, an indoor racecar track and a large selection of arcade games with fantastic redemption prizes. The center also hosts corporate events and birthday parties. At Andy B’s, fun-lovers of all ages can make forever memories.

the face of

FESTIVALS

THE CASTLE OF MUSKOGEE For 23 years, the Castle of Muskogee has served as a “gateway to another world.”

More than 250,000 people visit the Castle each year for a variety of events, including the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, the Castle Zombie Run, the Halloween Festival, the Boare’s Head Feaste and Castle Christmas, plus weddings and private and corporate gatherings.

Summertime means it’s fireworks season at the Castle, and this year promises an expanded selection of everything from novelties to multi-action displays, all in a 37,000-square-foot air-conditioned facility.

The Castle of Muskogee is a family-run business. Owners Jeff and Matt Hiller are proud of the special magic they bring to events and festivals of all kinds. There are many event centers in eastern Oklahoma, after all, but only one of them has a castle.

3400 E. Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee | 918-687-3625 okcastle.com

Matt Hiller and Jeff Hiller

Standing L to R: Tayler Bair, Princess Brown, Matt Longan, Lance Franczyk, Blake Kelley, Noelle Fling, Tom Craft, Pat Prokop, Cheryl Figueroa Seated: Bianca Berry, Omah Ahmadieh, Marianne Guenther

the face of

FINANCIAL PLANNING

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL Founded in 1857, Northwestern Mutual has helped individuals and business owners achieve financial security even before Oklahoma statehood. Managing Partner Lance Franczyk has since positioned the company as a dynamic partner in the future of Tulsa. The firm’s mission is to provide financial security for the community, one life at a time, by developing individualized solutions for clients.

Franczyk and his team have been involved in the revitalization of downtown Tulsa, relocating their offices across from the BOK Center in 2012. “We believe the

201 S. Denver Ave., Suite 500 | 918-496-8721 | tulsa.nm.com

downtown development initiatives represent the future of Tulsa, and we see Northwestern Mutual as a part of that future,” says Franczyk.

Franczyk’s excitement for the future is tied to his belief in the client experience. “Our clients proudly recommend us to their friends, family and associates. We are there for every stage of life: when they begin careers, start families, change jobs, educate children and retire,” says Franczyk, “We are there in the end, when the planning becomes an irreplaceable legacy.”

John Madden

the face of

GREEN HOME BUILDERS

J MADDEN HOMES J Madden Homes has been building and remodeling homes in Oklahoma for 15 years.

What is immediately apparent about a home from J Madden is its curb appeal and luxurious feel. But behind the scenes, homeowners enjoy sustainability and energy efficiency — some pay less than $1,000 in utilities annually.

Owner John Madden is an advocate for better, more efficient building practices in the home building industry. Nationally, Madden is at the leading edge of new technology, products and building methods. He sits on numerous boards and is a member and/or certified by the National Home Builders Association (NHBA), Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Certified Green Professional (CGP), and Certified Aging in Place (CAPS I). Madden was the first builder in Oklahoma to earn the FORTIFIED-Wise™ certification. Homes with this certification will withstand 120-mile-per-hour winds and qualify for a 30 percent discount on homeowners’ insurance.

“What sets our work apart is the high level of design detail combined with seamless usability in every project,” says Madden. “We focus on efficiency and innovation, while maximizing luxury. We build today’s homes for tomorrow.”

918-269-9688 | jmaddenhomes.com *Estimated annual energy costs are based on average sized homes and savings are dependent on the total square footage of a home.

the face of

HEALTH INSURANCE

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF OKLAHOMA Since 1940, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has been a part of the Tulsa community as the area’s oldest and largest private health insurer, serving more than 800,000 members statewide. BCBSOK continues to support community programs and initiatives, and is invested in efforts that improve the health of all Oklahomans, both now and for generations to come.

“We are committed to making Tulsa a healthier place to live and work,” says Ted Haynes, president. “We couldn’t do that without dedicated employees who can be seen in the

community throughout the year.”

Whether it is an enrollment event with the Mobile Assistance Center, an immunization clinic through the Oklahoma Caring Van program, marching in a parade or volunteering with more than 100 Tulsa area community partner organizations, the employees truly are the faces of BCBSOK. Headquartered in Tulsa, BCBSOK is proud to invest time, resources and dollars in the community. The Social Responsibility Report at bcbsok2016srr.com reveals the company’s impact on Oklahoma and Tulsa.

1400 S. Boston Ave. | 918-551-3500 | bcbsok.com

First row: Mica Harding, Pam VanMeter, Cortney White, Jessica Lozano, Lauren Cusick, Gayle Singleton.

Second row: Greg Davis, Christian Gray, Kevin Holmes, Rod Johns

the face of

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS

FUNCTIONAL MEDICAL INSTITUTE At Functional Medical Institute, the focus isn’t on disease management; it’s about healing. As the region’s premier healthy weight management clinic, FMI specializes in fat loss and muscle enhancement.

Led by a husband-and-wife wellness team, FMI focuses on disease reversal and prevention, hormone therapy, DNA analysis with unique implementation, and custom lab analysis to optimize the health of each person. “We look at each individual’s unique health needs,” says Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood, founding physician of FMI. “We aim to obtain the highest level of overall function and maintain it through a collaborative and educational approach involving doctor and patient.”

Functional Medical Institute treats patients who have a healthy vision for their lives and want to adopt a lifestyle to maintain long-term wellness while working toward weight loss goals. Numerous patients have lost nearly 50 percent of their body fat — with maximum muscle retention.

“Our testimonials speak for themselves,” says Dr. Mark Sherwood. “We are confident we can help any client with their healthy fat loss goals.”

6048 S. Sheridan Rd. 918-748-3640 | FMIDR.com Dr. Mark Sherwood and Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood

Left to Right: Austin Boyce, Chase Wiesman, John Boyce, Amy Grogan, Tom Boyce, Chase Boyce, Chad Wiesman

the face of

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRIC AND PLUMBING

AIRCO SERVICE Airco is a “one call does it all” service company. With the largest service company in Oklahoma, Airco Service provides customers with the highest quality products and services available. The company’s technicians are certified, trained, knowledgeable service professionals with excellent customer service and workmanship skills. Plus, Airco offers free estimates on product replacements.

56 years in business have earned the third-generation family-owned Airco a reputation for reliability, and the trust of Tulsa customers. Additionally, Airco is one of the Top

11331 E. 58th St. | 918-252-5667 | aircoservice.com

Dealers in North America with Lennox, and was voted Best Workplace in Oklahoma. Other accolades include Oklahoma Best of the Best, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and the designation of “Super Service” on Angie’s List.

Airco Service supports the local community through events such as Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, The Tulsa Run, Rooster Days, Tulsa International Mayfest, Blue Dome Arts Festival and many others. Multiple employees serve as Chamber members throughout the state of Oklahoma.

MaidPro Heartland CEO Greg Ford with half of his dedicated cleaning team.

the face of

HOME CLEANING

MAIDPRO TULSA Creating clean houses is the top priority at MaidPro, a local company that specializes in delivering personalized, precise cleaning services to homeowners in the Tulsa area.

“We are proud to be Tulsa’s premier residential home cleaning service,” says Greg Ford, owner of the business since 2005. “We are our customers’ ally in the battle to keep one’s home clean the easy way — by letting us do the work, whether that means a weekly clean or just a one-time sprucing-up.”

MaidPro customizes services to meet the specific needs and budget of each customer. “We offer a full range of

cleaning services and use a 49-point checklist to ensure a home is cleaned correctly,” says Ford. “Kitchens, bathrooms and dusting are our specialties, but we also focus on specific areas desired by the homeowner.”

MaidPro cleaning professionals undergo thorough background checks prior to employment and are bonded and insured. Each receives extensive training to clean at the highest level. “We strive to help our employees work to their greatest ability, making sure we provide the tools to enable them to enjoy what they do,” says Ford. “If you are stepping on LEGOs, call MaidPro.”

12801 E. 31st St., Suite F | 918-270-2800 | maidpro.com/tulsa

the face of

IMPORT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

FOUR STAR IMPORT AUTOMOTIVE Four Star Import Automotive has nearly 30 years of experience in two things: Hondas and Acuras. This level of specialization allows Four Star to deliver unparalleled service on these import automobiles, from routine maintenance and alignments to complicated repairs.

In addition to know-how, Four Star prides itself on maintaining relationships with its valued customers. In fact, Four Star’s most effective advertising comes in the form of customer referrals. Four Star’s mission is to provide quality work at reasonable prices — and back up that

work with a guarantee. The skilled staff, led by owner Earl S. Creekmore Jr., strives to make all customers feel comfortable and assured.

“A large number of our customers are single women who say that it is great to have things explained to them in language that they understand,” says Creekmore. “They can feel confident that we would never suggest unnecessary repairs.”

Customers also can expect to be greeted at the door by two adorable Yorkie sisters, who are always happy to entertain new friends.

9906 E. 55th Pl. | 918-610-0880 | fourstarimport.com

Front row L to R: Steve Diesing, Kathy Southerland, Rob Tallon.

Back row L to R: Quinton Hembree, Earl Creekmore, Charlie Gurthet, Tim O’Toole.

Not pictured: Cheryl Creekmore Below: Dutchie and Roxie

Sitting Left to Right: Co-Owners, Gina Miller and Brenda Rice.

Standing Left to Right: GHD Team Members - Emily Murtha, Joy Allen, Matt Fager and Elena Gambill (not pictured, Lorna Williams).

the face of

INTERIOR DESIGN

GHD INTERIORS Founded in 2006, GHD is an award-winning interior design firm that offers design, decor and remodeling services for both residential and light commercial clients. In addition to Oklahoma, GHD has completed projects in Scottsdale, Breckenridge, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Chicago.

GHD differentiates itself by taking the “turnkey” approach to another level.

“We hyper-focus on every single detail from start to finish,” says Gina Miller, co-owner. “This creates and ensures an impeccably designed and highly functional space while giving clients an enjoyable, stress-free experience.”

In the past several years, GHD has received accolades from

221 W. Main Street, Jenks | 918-995-2100 | ghdinteriors.com

Home Decor Small Business, Tulsa Designer Showcase, Home

by Design publications, Kansas City Spaces, the Tulsa World and TulsaPeople, plus several prominent trade publications.

GHD also serves in advisory capacities for Clary Sage College and Oklahoma State University. But regardless of outside recognition, GHD’s focus remains on each client’s satisfaction.

“GHD’s goal is to see clients live well and feel happy within their new environment,” says Brenda Rice, co-owner.

“The high level of repeat business over the past 10 years is a testament to GHD’s unique business model. We are in it for the long-term relationship — to positively impact someone’s life in profound ways.”

the face of

KITCHEN AND BATH

CARRIAGE HOUSE DESIGN Growing up in a historic New York carriage house, Stuart Harle witnessed firsthand how an older structure could be beautifully rethought and made new, while still honoring its integrity and past. Most importantly, he realized that elevating one’s space can elevate the quality of one’s life, especially in the spaces where most people start and end their days: kitchens and baths.

Harle’s company, Carriage House Design, specializes in kitchen and bath design and fine custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode/Brookhaven and Dakota. The company takes pride in keeping clients ahead of the trend while revealing their structure’s inherent character. To this end, Harle surrounds himself with people who are passionate and meticulous — exceptional architects, interior designers, craftsman, vendors — and, of course, discerning customers.

“We continue to learn because we continue to listen,” says Harle, a National Kitchen and Bath Association Certified Designer with 20 years of experience. “We transform ideas into a beautiful kitchen or bath that’s a pleasure to come home to.”

6502 E. 51st St. | 918-949-9017 chdkitchenandbath.com Stuart Harle

Andrew Mungul

the face of

LUXURY HOTEL

AMBASSADOR HOTEL TULSA, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION A room at Ambassador Hotel Tulsa is exactly like nothing else. As part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, superior customer service and a peaceful, pleasurable stay is a given, but Ambassador goes above and beyond.

Built in 1929, the historic 55-room luxury hotel has priceless charm and character. Plus, amenities that often cost extra— parking, WiFi, bottled water — are included. Guests also have the opportunity to dine at the Chalkboard Restaurant, further elevating their stay.

“We know that every hotel strives to provide flawless service, but we make it our duty to exceed expectations,” says General Manager Andrew Mungul. “We are passionate about ensuring that every time you walk through our doors, you receive a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Tulsa.”

In addition to receiving a Four Diamond Rating from AAA, Ambassador Hotel Tulsa is ranked in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in US, and is Marriott’s 2016 Top Global Hotel for Guest Satisfaction.

1324 S. Main Street | 918-587-8200 ambassadortulsa.com

Eric Hill, MIT Sales Specialist; Tucker Bidleman, VCIO; Alan Webb, Tulsa Market President

the face of

MANAGED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SOLUTIONS

IMAGENET CONSULTING In today’s constantly changing world of business technology, it is critical that companies adapt and leverage technology for sustainability, market growth and cost savings. The majority of companies view internal staffing of technology and support as being very expensive, taking away from the bottomline.

ImageNet’s Managed IT Solutions allow companies to leverage cutting-edge technology at an affordable rate to save the business money.

Our engineers, technicians, and helpdesk personnel are focused on becoming a trusted partner to take care of all a client company’s computer and technology worries. Our systems engineers listen to each client’s unique needs and implement solutions that work under the guidance and

7231 E. 41st St. | 918-359-8602 | imagenetconsulting.com

approval of a virtual CEO. From the smallest helpdesk problems to server maintenance—or company-wide technology solutions—we make sure that we foresee problems before they arise. Proper planning and preventive maintenance ensures that a company’s computers and network supports the business reliably without reactive headaches.

“Our vision at ImageNet is to provide the state-of-the-art information technology (IT) solutions that improve each client’s bottomline,” says Alan Webb, Tulsa market president. “We are confident no other company can match our portfolio of products and consulting expertise to help businesses of all sizes experience more efficient and cost-effective technology to automate and streamline their IT processes.”

the face of

OPTOMETRY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY

BLINK OPTICAL Drs. Kali Cole and Alison Hansen, members of The Eye Institute, provide quality care and experience, giving Blink Optical the unique ability to offer a multi-service optical shop geared towards adults and children.

Dr. Cole specializes in pediatric ophthalmology, while optometrist Dr. Hansen focuses on exams and contact lens fittings for teens and adults.

In addition to treating refractive error, amblyopia and retinopathy of prematurity, Cole performs a wide variety of ocular surgical procedures including the treatment of strabismus, nasolacrimal duct obstruction and benign orbital and eyelid tumors.

Hansen strives to provide excellent care to all patients while focusing on teens and adults.

She performs comprehensive eye examinations for glasses and contact lenses and treats a variety of eye conditions and diseases. She also specializes in difficult contact lens fittings.

Beyond the technical expertise at Blink Optical, the practice is committed to exemplary customer service.

“We take great pride in providing excellent customer service to all of our patients,” says Hansen. “We strive to go above and beyond what is expected.”

1826 E. 15th St. Suite B | 918-576-6600 blinkopticaltulsa.com

Drs. Kali Cole and Alison Hansen

the face of

PET BOUTIQUE

DOG DISH Question: Why does a store like Dog Dish devote much of its store space to bags and cans of food for dogs and cats?

Answer: Healthy pets are happier pets.

“We believe good nutrition will improve the quality and longevity of a pet’s life,” says Emily Bollinger, owner of the popular store in Utica Square. “Feeding a pet food with quality ingredients and controlling portion size are proven factors that can extend a dog or cat’s life up to 20 percent.

And proper nutrition can prevent common ailments such as ear infections, allergies and tear stains.”

As a quality standard, Dog Dish sells pet foods that are produced by a family-owned business or a company that

owns and operates its own manufacturing facility. The store offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on all foods.

Dog Dish, now in its 15th year of operation, is also known for its bakery case filled with a large variety of special treats for dogs, plus selections of pet toys, collars, quality beds, accessories and apparel.

“We strive to be a complete store for dog and cat lovers,” added Bollinger. “The favorite parts of my job are getting to know our customers and their pets, scouting new products that are useful and fun, and educating about healthy dog food and treats.”

1778 Utica Square | 918-624-2600 | thedogdish.com

Emily Bollinger with Spencer in the Utica Square store.

Empire Fence President Bob Richison with Vice President and General Manager Nathan Nelson.

the face of

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL FENCING

EMPIRE FENCE COMPANY Things are solid as a fence post at Empire Fence Company.

Owner Bob Richison, who established the business in 1955, continues to lead Empire as president with grandson Nathan Nelson as vice president and general manager. “Our business is still located at East Admiral Place and North Garnett Road,” says Richison. “We offer all types of fencing from wood to chain link to ranch rail.”

Richison credits the company’s success to the way Empire does business. “We are committed to a foundation of integrity by offering customers quality products and

22 N. Garnett Road | 918-437-1671 | empirefence.net

excellent service at a good price,” says Richison. “We do business the old-fashioned way because we are not the only fence company in town.”

“I am very proud that Empire Fence has been selling and building fences for nearly 60 years,” says Nelson, who at age 35, muses that he has 20 years of experience, since he started hanging around his grandfather’s business at age 12.

Richison hopes his grandson has an equally long run.

“With the blessing of good health, he will be around to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary in 2058.”

Left to Right: Colby Carlow, Project Manager; Carissa Kumar, Office Manager; Mark Richards, CEO; Spencer Haines, Director of Business Development; Andy Anderson, Senior Project Manager; Jim Webster, New Construction Sales Manager; Matt Richards, Project Manager; Hannah Phillips, New Construction Sales

the face of

ROOFING

ARROWHEAD ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION Arrowhead Roofing and Construction has been helping Tulsans put a roof over their heads for 30 years. The company provides roofing services for residential and commercial projects alike, and is versed in both restoration and new construction.

Arrowhead is equipped to handle everything from repairs, to complete tear-offs, to new construction. Over the years, the company has worked hard to keep pace with the latest technological developments, and has consistently changed operations to exceed the needs and expectations of clients.

In addition to roofing, Arrowhead also provides siding, painting and many other general construction applications.

Arrowhead has positioned itself in the top one percent of roofing contractors by maintaining GAF Master Elite Status and Owens Corning Platinum Contractor certification.

“Arrowhead is dedicated to demonstrating integrity in everything we do,” says Mark Richards, president and CEO. “Our commitment to innovative products, systems and the latest technologies allows us to provide our clients with outstanding products and services.”

5810 S. 118th E. Ave. | 918-743-9257 | arrowheadroofing.com

Southern Saferooms Chief Operating Officer David Tidwell.

the face of

TORNADO SHELTERS

SOUTHERN SAFEROOMS The first-hand view of the destruction of an EF5 tornado inspired Mike Tidwell, president of Southern Sheet Metal Works, to create a new division within his 114-year-old Tulsa company in 2013. “Our knowledge and skill in engineering and steel fabrication enabled us to build a safe room that would withstand the destructive winds of the worst tornadoes,” says Tidwell.

Today, Southern SafeRooms fabricates aboveground, reinforced steel storm shelters. These safe rooms are certified to withstand the 250 mph winds of an EF5 twister.

1225 E. Second St. | 918-584-3371 | southernsaferooms.com

“Our safe rooms are designed to be installed in garages, workshops or any location with a reinforced concrete slab floor that is at least four inches thick,” says David Tidwell, chief operating officer. “Our safe room has been successfully tested at the National Wind Institute at Texas Tech University to meet impact guidelines of FEMA 321/361 and ICC500.”

Southern SafeRooms designs and builds custom or standard 3' x 5', 4' x 4', 4' x 6' and 4' x 8' shelters, and each safe room is moveable if the customer buys a new home.

Cameron Cruce, District Service Manager; Scott Wilson, Service Manager; Jack Walters, General Manager; Maggie Kemp, Office Manager; Brian Cathey, Production Manager

the face of

UNIFORM RENTAL

UNIFIRST CORPORATION Since 1936, UniFirst has earned its reputation for personalized, quality services based on customer-focused philosophies that are followed by all employee Team Partners. In Tulsa, the local service and operations teams work in unison to manage the Uniform Rental and Facility Service Programs at the highest level of service and responsiveness.

“Our business is to deliver hygienically clean uniforms, workwear, and facility service products to businesses throughout Oklahoma,” said Jack Walters, general manager of the local facility located in Broken Arrow. “Our company succeeds based on adherence to our core values of Customer Focus, Respect For Others, and Commitment to Quality.”

2100 N. Beech, Broken Arrow | 918-251-4334 | unifirst.com

UniFirst’s full-service Uniform Rental Program helps a company eliminate upfront clothing investments, and enhance their business image. UniFirst handles scheduled laundering, garment maintenance, repairs and replacements.

The company’s Facility Service Programs provides customers with cleaning and ancillary products to ensure a safer, cleaner, healthier and more attractive work environment.

“We have over 23,000 products in stock and over 200,000 available to order to achieve ongoing, reliable and consistent product availability,” said Walters. UniFirst’s uniform and facility service catalogs are available online (unifirst.com) for more information.

Chris Hamm, George Foldesy, and Ben Herrig

the face of

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

COMMERCE TRUST COMPANY Since 1906, Commerce Trust Company, a division of Commerce Bank, has been the leading provider of investment management, financial planning, trust and private banking services.

With Commerce Trust Company, clients feel confident and secure about their family’s future. A customized investment portfolio starts with a conversation about the client’s goals and follows with objective advice and recommendations suited to their family’s needs.

“We take a full-service approach to wealth management

and simplify their complex financial life,” says Ben Herrig, Senior Vice President. “Our proactive team takes the time to understand each client’s personal and financial goals.

We develop a customized plan specific to their wealth management needs and work with them to ensure success.”

Today, Commerce Trust Company administers more than $45 billion, and serves clients in all 50 states and 25 countries. Commerce Trust Company offers a comprehensive approach to wealth management, a dedicated team of specialists and a strong fiduciary relationship with its clients.

5314 S. Yale Ave., Suite 606 | 918-879-2226 | commercetrustcompany.com

The team at Ranch Acres—comprising over 100 years of experience—includes, front row, store owner Mary Stewart, Emily Stewart, Truman, and Todd Wofford. Back row, Damon Daniel, Clark Lipotich, Steve Hebard, and Cody Greene. Inset photo, artist Cody Greene with Winona, the store’s penguin after the recent makeover.

the face of

WINE & SPIRITS

RANCH ACRES WINE & SPIRITS Since prohibition was repealed in Oklahoma in late 1959, Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits has been in continuous operation at the original location in the Ranch Acres Shopping Center.

Owned today by Mary Stewart, the store is well known for its wide variety of wines, beers and spirits, and excellent customer service offered by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. A recent remodel has given the 58-year-old business an updated look.

3324 E. 31st St., Suite A | 918-747-1171 | ranchacreswine.com

“We specialize in pairing wines and helping our customers put together dinners, parties and celebrations,” says Stewart. “We also take pride in our recently expanded beer and spirit selection.”

Throughout the year, Ranch Acres hosts many events, allowing local brokers to feature their products. Customers are encouraged to sign up for the store’s email newsletter to learn about special happenings and receive discount coupons.

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Register today at tulsawalk.org.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Tulsa University of Tulsa | Dietler Commons September 23 Party starts: 7:30 am Walk starts: 9 am

T he f o s s e n Busi

E U C E B R A B SIX TULSANS TURNED THEIR ZEAL FOR COOKING INTO SMOKING SUCCESSES.

by NATALIE MIKLES

W

elcome to the golden age of barbecue.

Sauce might cover a multitude of sins, but in a time when everyone’s a food critic, barbecue cooks must prove themselves through the bark on their ribs and the tenderness of their brisket.

The allure of the mom-and-pop barbecue stand remains, but the past decade brought new blood and a renaissance of cooks who consider ‘cue as much a calling as a business.

In Tulsa there’s still a beautiful mix of old-fashioned barbecue joints and guys new to the scene. There’s also a combination of styles, which has always been the case in Oklahoma.

It’s not easy to pinpoint Oklahoma-style barbecue. Its influences come

86

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

from all around. Celebrity chef and restaurateur Rick Bayless was right when he said Oklahoma barbecue is defined by what it isn’t more than what it is.

Oklahoma barbecue is not held to the exacting standards of Texas or to the tradition of Kansas City. Rather, we’re an amalgamation of smoke and sauce, of heat and sweet, of pork ribs and sliced brisket.

Tulsans don’t use a checklist to decide what makes the barbecue great. We appreciate meat good enough to skip the sauce, but we’re just as likely to squeeze some on a rib. We’re discerning but not hard to please, and a friendly staff (or a great cobbler) will go a long way in making us repeat customers.

RibCrib

B

ret Chandler started RibCrib out of a retrofitted old house turned barbecue shack in 1992.

He had little more than the shack, a smoker and his recipes. The original menu of five meats with two side options has grown exponentially. And in place of that old shack, Chandler has 60 RibCrib locations across eight states, including 32 in Oklahoma.

Chandler and his team have recrafted those original recipes over the years, entering many barbecue competitions and devouring the knowledge of pitmasters along the way. RibCrib’s signature dry-rubbed spare ribs have won many of those competitions and remain one of the most popular menu items in the restaurants. But, how do they ensure consistency across 60 locations?

“RibCrib strives for consistency of product through ongoing intensive training programs and reviews as well as a culture of people who truly love the art of barbecue,” Chandler says.

Within five years of operation, Chandler had opened six other locations and had a vision of taking quality barbecue mainstream.

Those St. Louis-style spare ribs and baby back ribs are still on the menu and are smoked onsite at the individual restaurants each day. But the menu has gone way beyond ribs.

Now you’ll find a smoked chicken salad, burgers, chicken tenders and catfish, among many other things.

“Twenty-five years is a proud milestone for our team,” Chandler says. “This would not have been possible without our shared vision for serving customers mouthwatering barbecue without having to pull over on the side of the road or go off the beaten path. Our food has been more art than science, and we are always chasing barbecue perfection.”

RibCrib’s corporate headquarters remain in Tulsa.

RibCrib has 11 locations in the Tulsa area. Visit ribcrib.com to learn more.

TulsaPeople.com

87

Smokies

Bologna at Smokies is sliced a half-inch thick and placed in the smoker, giving the meat a smokier and more aromatic avor because the smoke permeates both sides of the meat.

Smokies smokes its meat with hickory wood in a smoker the Latsoses made themselves from a piece of hydro conduit, or concrete water pipe.

88

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Noteworthy

SIDES

Baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw: the trinity of barbecue sides. These side dishes, and others, like corn on the cob, fried okra and mac and cheese, round out a great barbecue meal. Here are some of our favorites.

Tabouli at ALBERT G’S is a welcome side to a barbecue meal.

Tabouli here is made from scratch each day, bright and fresh, with a nice hand of lemon and parsley. Pair it with smoked turkey breast for a lighter lunch.

2748 S. HARVARD AVE.; 421 E. FIRST ST. Joe Davidson takes his sides seriously. In creating his menu, Davidson, owner of OKLAHOMA JOE’S BAR-B-QUE, made sure the sides had as much love as the meat. The barbecued beans are great; better than typical baked beans, with a complex flavor of smoke and sweet. Also try Oklahoma Joe’s spicy slaw.

Smokies’ owner Mark Latsos and his son, Aaron.

Mark was a trucker before opening his east Broken Arrow barbecue restaurant.

F

or five years, MARK LATSOS planned and dreamed about opening a barbecue restaurant. As a truck driver, he had plenty of time to think. So he considered his smoker, what sauce he would use, even how he would decorate the walls.

In 2012, he opened Smokies and, to his surprise, quickly had a following.

That following has grown far outside the parameters of Broken Arrow, in part because of national accolades, including from Garden and Gun magazine. The Southern lifestyle magazine placed Smokies on its barbecue bucket list. Other fans have found their way to Smokies after a national barbecue writer called it the “holy grail” of barbecued bologna.

Latsos says his bologna is unique because it’s sliced a half-inch thick and then placed in the smoker. Many barbecue cooks, he said, place the entire roll of bologna in the smoker, and then slice it to order. His bologna has a smokier and more aromatic flavor because the smoke permeates both sides of each slice, he says.

The smoker itself is unique at Smokies. Latsos and his family made it themselves out of a piece of hydro conduit, or concrete water pipe. The cylindrical smoke chamber is constantly puffing while the fire box is filled with plenty of hickory wood. “Barbecue is the most difficult product to be consistent in cooking,” Latsos says. “There are so many factors: temperature, humidity, wood.”

Latsos says his smoked meats are so good they don’t need sauce. But for customers who prefer it, each table has four offerings, all made in Oklahoma: Head Country mild and hot, Ranger Creek and Sa-Mokin.

Customers love Smokies’ coleslaw, a family recipe. Latsos also created a popular atomic coleslaw, an adaptation of the original, with red and green cabbage, red bell peppers, jalapeños and a habanero-based coleslaw roux.

5251 E. KENOSHA ST., BROKEN ARROW | 918-357-1113 11 A.M.-8 P.M., MONDAY-THURSDAY; 11 A.M.-9 P.M., FRIDAY-SATURDAY

6175 E. 61ST ST.; 333 W. ALBANY ST., BROKEN ARROW; 423 N. MAIN ST. IN CAIN’S BALLROOM So it’s not exactly a side, but the buttermilk pie at STUTTS HOUSE OF BARBEQUE is not to be missed. Anyone who’s a repeat customer knows to order pie with lunch. If you wait, it might be gone.

2021 E. APACHE ST. Here’s a side you won’t find at any other barbecue restaurant in town: bacon cabbage. BIG ANTHONY’S BBQ’s bacon cabbage combines crisp bacon and onions with red and green cabbage and a balsamic vinegar glaze. Also great are Big Anthony’s brown sugar baked beans.

8151 E. 21ST ST. If you want a good variety of sides, try ROUTE 66 BBQ. Corn nuggets, fried mac and cheese, potato salad, green beans and fresh-cut fries are all solid choices.

2604 E. 11TH ST. Barbecued baked beans at LEON’S SMOKE SHACK are simply called, “Them Beans.” There’s something different, and addicting, about “Them Beans.” See for yourself when you order them along with their great hot links and pulled pork.

601 S. SHERIDAN ROAD BILLY SIMS BARBECUE has a diverse menu with tasty Polish sausage, jalapeño and cheddar hot links, smoked turkey, chopped brisket and more. But no matter what you order, include Billy Sims’ potato salad as a side. This creamy, flavor-packed potato side is a fan favorite for a reason.

LOCATIONS ACROSS THE TULSA AREA TulsaPeople.com

89

Hot Mess BBQ Jen Scavo runs Hot Mess BBQ, a food truck specializing in smoked meats and interesting takes on barbecue. Customer favorites include barbecue tacos, nachos and sandwiches.

VIDEO

A

t least twice a week, someone asks JEN SCAVO if her husband or dad smokes the meat for her barbecue food truck.

She’s used to the question and doesn’t take offense, but she does set them straight. “I do all the cooking. All the smoking. Everything,” Scavo says. “It’s an art once you get it going.”

Scavo settled on her food truck before she settled on barbecue. The truck, which is actually more of a trolley, had just the look she wanted.

When she discovered it was already equipped for smoking, she decided to delve into the barbecue world.

Scavo uses her own rub and sauce to make brisket, pulled pork and sausage, with the brisket being her top seller. She occasionally puts chicken and turkey legs on the menu, but says most people prefer something slightly heavier to eat.

Her barbecue tacos are always a hit. And after a trip to Hawaii, where she discovered the Hawaiians’ love for pulled pork on hot dogs, she decided to give it a try in Oklahoma. She calls it the Frankenhog, and customers love it.

The Frankenhog is a hot dog topped with smoked pulled pork and a bacon slaw. The slaw, which has a sour cream rather than mayonnaise base, is loaded with bits of smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.

Scavo’s two boys, ages 9 and 11, often help in the truck on busy days.

For a schedule, visit facebook.com/scavohotmessbbq. | 918-809-2252

90

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Longtime barbecue go-to Elmer’s and newcomer Hot Mess BBQ food truck explain the ins and outs of their ‘cue.

TULSAPEOPLE.COM

Hot Mess BBQ’s bacon coleslaw has a sour cream base and is loaded with bits of bacon and cheddar cheese. It comes as a side, but also on the Frankenhog, a hot dog topped with pulled pork.

Elmer’s

Keith Jimerson was an industrial engineer before he bought Elmer’s 14 years ago.

B

efore Keith Jimerson became the owner of Elmer’s BBQ, he was an industrial engineer. And 14 years since he bought the restaurant, he continues to see the restaurant as much from an engineer’s perspective as a barbecue cook’s.

“Before I came, the kitchen worked by eye, by hand, taste and feel,” Jimerson says. “Now we have a more consistent way of doing things.” That methodology and consistency paid off, and Elmer’s has long been considered one of Tulsa’s best places for barbecue.

After 35 years in Tulsa, Elmer’s has a loyal customer base, with generations of customers coming in for their tried and true favorites. To keep up with changing tastes, Jimerson has added smoked salmon and a boneless, skinless chicken breast, which he says customers love.

But it’s the traditional barbecue — the ribs, sausages, bologna, brisket and pork — that has kept people coming back. “In this part of the country, your brisket has to be extremely good,” Jimerson says.

Some say Elmer’s homemade sauce — available in mild, sweet and spicy, and hot — is the best in Oklahoma. “It complements our smoked meat so well,” Jimerson says. “It doesn’t overpower it, but enhances it.”

Elmer’s potato salad is creamy and smoother than most potato salads. It’s made the old-fashioned way, with Idaho potatoes cut and boiled down each day.

Jimerson is astute about the role of social media in the restaurant business today. And though he has always made it a priority to take care of each guest and to be friendly, he knows how important it can be when everyone’s a critic. “A lot of customers are taking pictures of their food,” Jimerson says, “and they’re reviewing you as soon as they sit down.”

On a visit to Elmer’s, you can’t go wrong with the Badwich, which has samples of rib, chopped beef, smoked bologna, hot links and smoked sausage. It’s served on a bun or Texas toast with two sides. Plan to share or ask for a to-go box.

Elmer’s signature sandwich is the Badwich, which includes ribs, chopped beef, smoked bologna, hot links and smoked sausage, all served on a bun or Texas toast with two sides.

4130 S. PEORIA AVE. | 918-742-6702 11 A.M.-8 P.M., TUESDAY-THURSDAY; 11 A.M.-9 P.M. (OR UNTIL THEY RUN OUT), FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Good ‘cue

Here are some other good spots for barbecue in and around Tulsa: Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger and Chili House 6835 E. 15th St. 918-258-0005

Wranglers B-B-Q 7915 E. 71st St. 918-252-4499

Billy Ray’s 3524 Southwest Blvd.

918-445-0972 1904 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow 918-286-8585

Trails End BBQ 8888 N. Garnett Road, Owasso 918-272-7427

TulsaPeople.com

91

N

o restaurant in town has had more sustained buzz than Burn Co. From the time Adam Myers opened it in a small location on East 11th Street across from the University of Tulsa, a line of people stretched out the doorway.

There was no slow burn to this news. Food lovers told their friends about this crazy, wonderful place where everything was cooked on Hasty-Bakes, where the bark on the ribs was insanely good and where those in the know could order a “happy plate”: a glorious mess of whatever the cooks decided to give you.

When they opened their current location at 1738 S. Boston Ave. in 2014, the intensity seemed only to amplify. Most days, you’ll see a line curling out the door toward the parking lot. Open the doors, and you’ll hear music thumping from the kitchen and, if you’re early (and lucky) enough, you’ll be offered a free rib while standing in line.

That reward for waiting might be the only rib you taste. Ribs are the first to sell out at Burn Co., but no worries, there are plenty of other foods not to be missed.

Diners start lining up as early as 8:30 a.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday for the best chance for ribs.

Along with the legendary ribs, Burn Co. is known for the Fatty, a sandwich of baconwrapped chopped sausage, ground sausage and minced hot links. Some come only for it.

Some call it a work of art.

Hasty-Bake grills take up much of the kitchen space, with a giant vent hood in the middle. Everything, even the grilled potato salad, is made on a Hasty-Bake.

You won’t find a microwave, or even an oven, in sight.

Burn Co.’s cult following has grown to include day trippers and barbecue connoisseurs who put Burn Co. on their pilgrimage. Food celebrities, including Alton Brown, have stood in line and declared its greatness. A new Southern Living cookbook, “The South’s Best Butts,” includes a section on Burn Co. with recipes for its grilled potato salad, the Fatty and candied bacon.

It’s a great start, but we know others are holding out for the recipe for Burn Co.’s much-talked about mac and cheese, thick and smoky with bits of bacon.

In early July, Burn Co. will open a second location on the Jenks Riverwalk.

This location will be open for dinner as well as lunch. Myers plans to expand Burn Co.’s grilled menu at the new location and make its in-house rub and steak and chicken seasoning available for purchase.

92

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Burn Co. 1738 S. BOSTON AVE. 918-574-2777 10:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M., TUESDAY-SATURDAY The Jenks location will open this summer at Riverwalk Crossing.

Burn Co.’s South Boston Avenue location sees diners line up as early at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays. Ribs are a hot commodity and are one of the first menu items to sell out.

FILL ‘ER UP

Oklahomans will drive incredible numbers of miles for good food. Mention good barbecue, and that number doubles. So, plan to jump in your car for a Sunday road trip or Friday lunch at one of these restaurants that is worth the drive.

The Butcher BBQ Stand WELLSTON Levi Bouska serves barbecue out of a converted train car on Route 66. It has the undiscovered dive feel that some people go crazy for, yet it’s anything but hidden since he sells out nearly every weekend.

Bouska grew up helping his grandparents at their barbecue restaurants, then took his dad’s championship-winning barbecue recipes to make buzzworthy food, like the Butcher’s Burnt Ends and Apple Pie BBQ Beans.

3402 W. Highway 66 in Wellston About an hour drive, west and south from downtown Tulsa; Open three days a week.

11 a.m.-8 p.m. (or until sold out), Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until sold out), Sunday. butcherbbqstand.com | 405-240-3437

Wild Horse Mountain BBQ SALLISAW A true destination restaurant, Wild Horse Mountain has long been a favorite place for a meal after a long motorcycle ride or food road trip. Don’t miss the sliced beef or the peppery beans made with bits of onion and meat.

111001 A. 4612 Road, Sallisaw About 1 ½ hours southeast of downtown Tulsa; Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., TuesdaySaturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday. wildhorsemountainbbqco.com 918-775-9960

Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch DAVIS

Mac’s Barbeque SKIATOOK Mac’s has all your smoked-meat favorites, like ribs, ham, bologna and brisket. Sides, including campfire potatoes and pinto beans, also are excellent.

If you’re in the mood to try something different, give the Okie a try. The Okie is a Philly-style sandwich of chopped beef with simmered bell peppers and onions and melted cheese. Or try the Messy Pig, a sandwich of pulled pork and barbecue sauce piled high with coleslaw.

1030 W. Rogers Blvd. in Skiatook About 30 minutes north of downtown Tulsa Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. macsbbqok.com | 918-396-4165

Many barbecue fans drive hours to Davis, just to see if Smokin’ Joe’s is as good as people claim. Once the Travel Channel show “Food Paradise” aired a segment on Smokin’ Joe’s, even more barbecue aficionados made the trek.

Some say the brisket is the best in the state. And if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday, check out the smoked prime rib.

Tasty pinto beans are dotted with bits of brisket.

Over the summer, Smokin’ Joe’s plans to add an airstrip, which means you can fly in for some barbecue.

3165 Jollyville Road in Davis Two hours and 40 minutes southwest of downtown Tulsa; Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; closed Wednesday and Sunday. facebook.com/davisbbqmafia 580-369-2818 TulsaPeople.com

93

Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que

Mattie Bledsoe-Hayes has been in the barbecue business since she was a teenager. She opened Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que in 1993.

M

attie Bledsoe-Hayes has a firm barbecue foundation. The owner of Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que has been in the barbecue business since she was a teenager, learning everything from how to smoke meat and make beans to how to run a restaurant from her aunt, Lizzie Peters.

Peters and her husband, Oscar, owned Pete’s Barbecue, a Tulsa favorite since it opened on North Peoria Avenue in 1968. When it closed in 2001, most of Pete’s fans found their way to Oklahoma Style.

Oklahoma Style, which opened in 1993, is still very much a family business, with nieces and nephews, cousins and family friends working everywhere from the kitchen to the cash register.

You’ll find classic Oklahoma barbecue here, including sliced and chopped beef, ribs, bologna and hot links. And though chicken is becoming easier to find on barbecue menus, at Oklahoma Style, it’s not an afterthought. Chicken here has a smoky and sweet flavor that’s good enough on its own but even better with Oklahoma Style’s homemade mild or hot sauce. The chicken is sliced and cut into chunks, so customers can have it as part of a two- or three-meat special or sandwich it between slices of soft white bread.

Many people order racks of ribs or meat by the pound to take home for dinner or parties. Along with the meat are solid sides, including baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, broccoli salad and green beans.

No matter how full you are, don’t pass on the sweet potato pie. Served warm in individually sized pie tins, the sweet potato filling is creamy, full of cinnamon and held together with a tender crust. Other desserts include peach cobbler, lemon cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, coconut cake and cheesecake. TP

2225 N. Harvard Ave. | 918-835-7077 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 94

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Thursday, September 14, 2017, 6 pm Cox Business Center Honoring

Alison Anthony

Director Strategic Outreach, President Williams Foundation -Williams Company

For more information, contact the TCC Foundation at (918) 595-7836 or tccfoundation@tulsacc.edu

W H AT’S COOK ING? The buzz on Tulsa’s tastiest products, restaurants and events

BY NATALIE MIKLES

I WAIT UNTIL JULY TO EAT PEACHES.

The other months, they’re rarely worth eating. But in July, I make up for it. I love taking a trip to Livesay Orchards in Porter for a bushel of peaches.

They’re delicious plain, add just the right amount of sweetness to salsa and are, of course, perfect in pies.

But, you don’t have to travel to Porter. The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market has great peaches this month.

One of my favorite recipes is a peach crisp, with its nutty, buttery topping.

Try it with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for what will be one of your best memories of the summer.

PEACH AND PLUM CRISP Serves 8-10 FILLING: 1 ½ pounds peaches (about 4), peeled and pitted 1 ½ pounds plums (about 6), pitted ½ cup sugar 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Pinch of salt

Peach and plum crisp

CHOCOLATE LOVERS REJOICE 96

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

TOPPING: ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup brown sugar ¾ cup flour ¾ cup oats ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts 2 teaspoons lemon zest ½ teaspoon cinnamon

To make fi lling: Butter a 10-inch glass or pottery pie plate. Peel peaches, then cut peaches and plums into cubes. Mix together all ingredients for fi lling, and place in pie plate. Let stand 1 hour, and stir occasionally. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make topping: Mix together topping ingredients, spreading evenly over fruit.

On the oven’s center rack, bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. Place a parchment-lined cookie sheet on lower rack of oven to catch juices. Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.

When Bill Copeland opened Glacier Confection in the Brady Arts District, it was a hidden gem. Chocolate lovers knew it was the best place to find handmade, full-bodied and interesting chocolates. Years later, Glacier has been discovered by many Tulsans. And soon, it will become a chocolate destination for even more, with a second location opening in Utica Square.

The new Glacier will have the same chocolates customers have come to love from the downtown location, including European and American-style truffles in flavors like mojito mint, blood orange, Mediterranean sea salt,

limoncello, cookies and cream, raspberry, caramel and many more.

Copeland’s background in film technology shows in the chocolates, many of which are beautifully finished with chocolate spray gun, airbrush or hand-painted designs.

Glacier plans to open in August in the long-held former location of Russell Stover. Although he had no plans to open a second location, Copeland says the foot traffic from surrounding businesses and the appeal of Utica Square was something he couldn’t pass up.

Q&A

CHEERS!

super-hot chili peppers last summer. We played with several test batches at home and started sharing them with friends and family. We were fortunate enough to be accepted into Kitchen 66’s Launch 1.0 program around that time. We incorporated Baby D’s Bee Sting in February and bottled our first commercial batch in March.

Ashley and Dillon Hargrave

How did Kitchen 66 prepare you? What did you learn from the experience? The program prepared Baby D’s Bee Sting for success by giving us the resources needed to make and sell our sauces legally. Kitchen 66 gave us access to a commercial kitchen and the ability to operate under their licenses. We were also part of a community of food entrepreneurs working together to make Tulsa a more delicious city.

What celebrity or well-known person would you most want to try your product?

Sean Evans from Hot Ones. He is probably less well known to people outside of the hot sauce community, but he is quickly becoming the person most often associated with hot sauce. He has a weekly YouTube show where he interviews celebrities while they make their way through 10 progressively hotter chicken wings. The show highlights the sauces each week, and the reactions are priceless.

DILLON AND ASHLEY HARGRAVE are the owners of Baby D’s Bee Sting, a locally made hot sauce.

The sauce is a blend of chili peppers, apple cider vinegar, onions, garlic and salt. Getting a new food business off the ground was made a little easier with the help of Kitchen 66, a program of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation that helps Tulsa entrepreneurs find success in the food industry.

Baby D’s Bee Sting can be found at Kitchen 66, 907 S. Detroit Ave.; Bodean’s Seafood Market, 3376 E. 51st St.; Mr. Nice Guy’s, 111 E. M.B. Brady St.; Barn 66, 1607 N. Highway 66, Catoosa; and Chimera, 212 N. Main St.

PIE: GENERAL MILLS; JUNIPER: GREG BOLLINGER

Tell us how you got started. We got started when a farmer friend gifted us several pounds of hot and

Local chef competes in

NATIONWIDE CONTEST

What’s in your fridge at home? Local eggs, homemade roasted red pepper hummus, garlic herb goat cheese, homemade pesto pasta salad, organic carrots, organic blueberries, organic strawberries, Champagne, organic chicken, organic kale and organic super greens salad mix. Baby D’s is always in our kitchen, but it’s stored on the counter. Most hot sauce, including ours, is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.

Do you have a guilty pleasure food? Ice cream. We probably get a little too excited when we decide to run to STG after dinner for some of their super dark chocolate gelato. Sharing a kitchen with another K66 company, the Pop House, has been a dream come true because we have been able to test some of their new pops.

They are using Baby D’s Bee Sting Jalahellño to make a pineapple jalapeño pop.

What’s your ultimate goal for your business? We want to be the most popular hot sauce brand in the world. TP

Michael Minden’s Butterfinger Cream Cheese Brownie Pie took first place in the 2017 Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest. Minden is the chef and owner of Michael V’s Restaurant, 8222 E. 103rd St. In its third year, the annual contest celebrates independent family or “neighborhood” restaurants and gives them an opportunity to showcase their local flavor by submitting an original breakfast, entrée or dessert recipe that uses at least one General Mills ingredient.

Minden’s winning recipe includes a peanut buttercream cheese layer atop a Gold Medal brownie layer with bits of Butterfinger and Oreo pieces baked in. Chocolate ganache tops the dessert with more bits of candy. Diners can now find the pie on Michael V’s dessert menu.

A BERRY BLUE

summer

T

he berries of summer are at their plumpest peak in July, and Juniper Restaurant is making the most of the bounty with a selection of fruit-infused spirits.

As we celebrate all things red, white and blue this month, the perfect cocktail to wet your whistle is the Blue Dome. The mixologists at Juniper, 324 E. Th ird St., infuse vodka with fresh blueberries and add a healthy splash of elderflower liqueur, which gives a floral, honey-like essence that enhances the berry without overpowering. Mint leaves are given a quick smack to release the oils and are floated atop, lending a fragrant, cooling and herbaceous element to this refreshing cocktail. A squeeze of lime adds the perfect citrus hit to round out the flavors.

“The fi rst sip of the Blue Dome will make your mouth dance,” says Justin Thompson, owner of Juniper and the Justin Thompson Restaurant group, “and your body is sure to follow.” Though the delicate sweetness from the fruit and elderflower liqueur take center stage, the cocktail is definitely spirit-forward enough to keep your attention.

Look for other summery concoctions on the Juniper menu as it incorporates more fruits of the season into its ever-changing roster of specialty cocktails. — ANGELA EVANS

TulsaPeople.com

97

918-629-3717 SouthGrandLake.com

Las Ventanas

The definition of tasteful elegance

Buy & Sell With a Local

Nestled within the gated community of The Points is this Santa Barbara retreat with Mission Flair featuring a circa 1870 workable bell.

Four en suite Bedrooms and two powder baths in the main house. The Casita/Guest House offers a Bedroom, Bathroom and wet bar.

Extraordinary professional Kitchen with black oak counters. The Entertainment Kitchen features high-end appliances, redwood counters, a LaCornue-LeChateau 90 range and one-of-a-kind back splash from Italy.

The home’s massive windows allow the panoramic Grand Lake views to become an integral part of the interior decor.

This home’s effortless style incorporates many classic details including hand hewn beams along with custom tile, vessel sinks, exterior tile, hardwood floors upstairs and travertine down with redwood, black oak and white oak counters, granite and Spanish tile counters, turret tile work. There is approximately 6,000 sq. ft. in home and 165 ft of waterfront. Contact Diana for additional information. $3,950,000

Sunset Terrace

When the sun goes down and the sky lights up, you will not want to leave this paradise. Swim-up granite bar, sandy beach entrance, laminar jets, multi light feature, swimming pool, water fall hot tub and double fireplace The veranda includes outdoor kitchen with an ice maker, 30” EVO flattop, 42” alfresco grill, vintage kegerator, 30” stainless steel sink, and lots of storage areas.

F

or their new Grand Lake home, Karen and John Woolman knew there was only one architect they should choose: longtime friend Jack Arnold.

The structure took about seven months to design and a year and a half to build; the foundation alone took three months. “Jack’s attention to detail is impeccable,” John Woolman says.

The Woolmans opted for a contemporary residence with interiors to match. The home’s large family room, with its sitting area, dining table and kitchen, is encased by glass walls that provide views of private courtyards and the waterfront.

See more of this home on p. 100. TP

TulsaPeople.com

99

Karen and John Woolman desired a contemporary home for their new Grand Lake getaway.

Longtime friend and architect Jack Arnold created a modern masterpiece that provides a low-maintenance lifestyle for the couple.

John Woolman has called Grand Lake his second home since he was a boy. When he came across this property, he knew he wanted to create a home that valued the spectacular views and supported a laid-back life for himself and his family. The home, built by Cowen Construction, features a pool and is a short walk to the waterfront.

100

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

HOME

WAVE of the FUTURE A CONTEMPORARY JACK ARNOLD-DESIGNED HOME RESIDES ON THE SHORES OF GRAND LAKE.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

W

hen Karen and John Woolman decided it was time to build a new home on Grand Lake, they turned to their friend of more than 30 years, architect Jack Arnold.

“He can design anything,” says John Woolman.

“Tulsa is lucky to have someone like Jack.” The Woolmans essentially gave Arnold free rein, laying out only a few priorities: They wanted a single-level design that was maintenance-free and captured the property’s stellar lake views.

To say Arnold is known for his Old World and Country French styles is an understatement. He has been recognized in countless national publications and garners attention with the completion of each new project.

What many might not know about the Tulsa native is that Arnold began his career in contemporary design and shifted his focus as more clientele were interested in European design. Designing the Woolman home was like coming back to his modernist roots. “This was a real fun project for me to get into,” Arnold says. “To get to do this with John and Karen made it even more fun. When the client gets excited and gives you energy, it just builds up and makes a better project.”

John was Jack’s loan officer at one time. Ever since that initial loan, the Tulsans have called each other friends and even business partners over the years. “There’s no one else I would have design our home,” Woolman says.

Nestled in the gated community of The Points, the Woolman home overlooks south Grand Lake.

“He had a good site location with a great view, which we wanted to take advantage of — that was paramount,” Arnold says.

Walking through the home’s front courtyard, one is immediately introduced to the water, thanks TulsaPeople.com

101

Warm grays are incorporated throughout the home’s design.

Arnold installed a wood-paneled ceiling to absorb sound in the concrete and glass home.

Artwork is minimal; the design remains at the forefront.

The home’s cantilevered porch provides the perfect spot to relax.

to the main structure’s 15-foot glass walls that provide a clear view to the lakefront. The glass, along with concrete and steel features, set a modern, minimalistic tone. Even with the glass expanses, energy management was never a concern because of the home’s insulation in the ceiling and walls.

John Woolman has owned a home at Grand since 1981, so he has learned that traditional lake living requires some elbow grease. “When I would get to the lake, I would spend three to four hours sweeping up, hosing down the patios and wiping away cobwebs,” he says of the couple’s previous lake homes.

With that in mind, Arnold chose easy-tocare-for concrete floors and grass-laden courtyard spaces. The home’s exterior is made from masonry stucco that will never need to be painted, and the slate roof is guaranteed to last decades. Landscaping was chosen for its natural beauty and minimal upkeep.

Although many lake homes have wood decks that must be regularly cleaned and stained to keep them looking nice, the home’s deep concrete foundation solves the property’s severe slope and provides a platform from which the home could grow. The patio has retractable glass doors, which creates a space that can be used year-round. That room, along with its adjacent cantilevered porch, are where the Woolmans spend most of their time.

The home features a master suite with an adjacent sitting room perfect for getting out of the sun.

The kitchen, dining and family room are encased in glass and flanked by the home’s dual courtyards.

Opposite the master wing, the two guest rooms each have their own patio and waterfront view.

The home’s interior design, created by Jack’s wife, Susan Arnold, with guidance from Karen, allows the architecture to shine while allowing the Woolmans to relax in comfort.

Throughout the project, Arnold routinely returned to the concept of easy living. “It’s kind of a mantra of mine: Keep things simple,” Arnold says. TP 102

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

The home’s front courtyard, along with the lot’s slope, provides privacy for the homeowners in their glass-encased family room, dining room and kitchen. Holly trees line the interior perimeter and are surrounded by other evergreen shrubs and grasses.

Retractable glass doors allow the Woolmans to easily open and close off the patio year-round.

THE SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR INDOOR & OUTDOOR KITCHEN NEEDS

THE GALLEY IDEAL WORKSTATION • PREPARATION •

COOKING •

™

SERVING • CLEAN-UP •

WINNER! Kitchen Ideas | KitchenDesign.com | 918.494.0621 Metro Appliances & More | MetroAppliancesAndMore.com | 918.622.7692 Both located at 5313 S. Mingo Road

TulsaPeople.com

103

TRENDING

Trendy traveler

BY KENDALL BARROW

Whether traveling to the pool or beach, keep your summer style simple and cool with these classics.

Pictured: Johnny Was navy embroidered tunic, $228, and Susan Shaw tassel earrings, $32, both from Donna’s Fashions; Vineyard Vines tote, $298, and Jack Rogers sandals, $118, both from Island Nation.

104

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

NEW Happy Place!

OPENING

July 17th at 36th and Harvard next to Toni’s Flowers and Ed Beshara’s Formal Wear

MON-FRI, 10-6 • SAT 10-5 • 918-712-8785

New Radko Ornaments!

We invite you to come see our new collection of Christopher Radko ornaments that have just arrived. The selection includes the “Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers Drum.” It honors the album that has been named the best-ever in music history. A perfect gift for someone special!

Take a trip to…

Charleston October 16-20, 2017 • $2,178

per person, double occupancy

Deluxe Plantation and Antebellum Homes Tour

2058 Utica Square • 918-747-8780

Call 918-494-0649 or email david@thetravelgroup.biz for more information on this trip NE corner of 101st and Mingo • www.thetravelgroup.biz

“Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness?”

– J.S. Foer

Float Coat™

d Custom Picture Framing d Fine Art d Home Accessories

6 N. LEWIS 918.584.2217 zieglerart.com 1778 UTICA SQUARE • OPEN M–SAT, 10–6 TulsaPeople.com

105

Hasty-Bake 131 Legacy charcoal grill

Jennifer Caudle at the Tulsa Grill Store

Hasty-Bake’s most popular grill.

Its versatility allows you to grill, bake and smoke at the same time, and it comes in powder-coated and stainlesssteel options. $999.

Cutting boards These locally made boards come in a mix of pecan and cherry, and feature a mess-free grease channel. They’re specially fitted for Hasty-Bake grills. $119.99-$149.99.

Yeti products Since Hasty-Bake is an authorized dealer, it is among the first to get new offerings such as new colors and cooling bags from the trendy company. $279, cooler; $39.99, lowball rambler.

Local sauces

Marshall Brewing Co.’s barbecue sauce is one of many of the store’s local, curated sauces. $4.99.

STOREFRONT

SEARED SUCCESS HASTY-BAKE’S TULSA GRILL STORE IS FIRED UP TO HELP EVERY KIND OF BARBECUER.

BY ROBERT EVATT

I

t has always been easy for Tulsans to pick up a Hasty-Bake charcoal grill — the company sells them mere feet from where they’re made.

But 17 years ago, Rich Alexander, president of Hasty-Bake, noticed the company had a problem whenever an outdoor cook wanted a grill that used anything but charcoal.

“When people called us for gas grills, we would send them to other places,” he says.

“Finally, we decided to keep all grilling customers with us.”

106

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

DCS outdoor kitchen 30-inch gas grill Alexander transformed the retail store at 1313 S. Lewis Ave. into the Tulsa Grill Store, a onestop shop for just about anything a barbecuer needs, from setting up a cooking station for the fi rst time to finding a new way to make a familiar cut of meat pop with flavor.

The Tulsa Grill Store stocks an array of popular grill types from other brands, including an entire room of Weber grills. But a growing number of people are turning to a permanent cooking setup, says Jennifer Caudle, marketing director for Hasty-Bake. “Outdoor kitchens are now very popular,” she says. “We can design a cooking setup based on the dimensions you have available in your yard.”

Hasty-Bake makes its own spices and sauce, but the Tulsa Grill Store has an entire wall devoted to all kinds of rubs, marinades, spices and other flavorings, with an eye to showcasing local creations you might not find at the grocery store.

“We’re very big on shopping local,” Caudle says.

“We want to help keep money in Tulsa.”

Though spring and summer are prime grilling seasons, Caudle says it’s not unusual to field customers year-round, from professional barbecuers stocking up for a competition to dedicated cooks who aren’t about to let a little bad weather stop them from fi xing a delicious steak. TP

A popular choice for permanent outdoor kitchens. Hasty-Bake can customize the setup with its own drawers and doors. $2,199.

Seasonings

The store carries numerous brands of seasonings, including namesake blends. $5.99-$11.99.

iGrill bluetooth thermometers Keep tabs on your meat’s temperature and get alerts on your phone. With certain compatible Weber models, you can remotely control the grill. $99.

Tulsa Grill Store

1313 S. LEWIS AVE. | HASTYBAKE.COM 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday

Blue Green Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds

Three Strong Women Three Powerful Operas

Consortium | 3509 S. Peoria Ave., #180 Tulsa, OK 74105 | 918.748.8700

918.779.4165 www.anngarrett.com

TULSAPEOPLE.COM

GIVEAWAYS

Visit TulsaPeople.com/ giveaways to register for our July FAMILY FUN Giveaway:

$250 package for SUMMER FUN and FAMILY DINING with gift cards for Flying Tee, Andy B’s, Marley’s Pizzeria and Ricardo’s!

2017 SEASON JUNE 23-JULY 21 Singers and musicians from across America come together for a series of 25 performances at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs and Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.

Figaro THE MARRIAGE OF

d e f loy carlisl

VISIT OPERA.ORG FOR TICKETS & INFO Hwy. 62 West / Eureka Springs, AR (479) 253-8595

TulsaPeople.com

107

HEALTH

Bryan Waytula - “Girl of the Water” (drawing) Best of Class

STRAIGHT TALK

Expert shares advice for better back health.

BY ANNA HOLTON-DEAN

“DON’T SLUMP; STAND UP STRAIGHT!”

12 TH ANNUAL

CHEROKEE ART MARKET 14

&

15

H

EROKE

E

C

OCTOBER

A

T

T

CherokeeArtMarket.com R

MARK

E

© 2017 Cherokee Nation Businesses. All Rights Reserved.

READY FOR SOME FUN? Tulsa Master Gardeners are looking for active adults who enjoy interacting with people, are lifetime learners and are ready, willing and able to volunteer their time to enhance the numerous Master Gardener outreach programs. Join us for a one hour orientation session to explore the program and requirements. No previous horticultural training or education is required, just a desire to learn about a variety of subjects related to gardening.

Orientation sessions: August 2 at 1 p.m. or August 9 at 10 a.m Tulsa County OSU Extension Center 4116 East 15th Street The Master Gardener Training program is offered one time a year, beginning in September each Wednesday through mid-December. This may be a perfect fit for your volunteer activity. Lots of fun with a group of engaged, eager to learn adults who enjoy outreach and nature!

Please visit our website to sign up for one of the two orientation classes at www.tulsamastergardeners.org.

108

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

When it comes to good posture, your grandmother knew what she was talking about, and the reasons go beyond appearing prim and proper.

Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Poor posture can lead to “compensation and weakness resulting in possible neck and low-back pain,” explains Sean Riley, doctor of chiropractic at Tulsa Spine and Rehab.

Although 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, according to the association, you can help prevent it by understanding the most common causes and remedies of poor posture.

OBESITY: Excess weight, which causes people to bear more weight in the front of their bodies, puts pressure on the lower back, Riley says. Wiser eating choices and an active lifestyle are both necessary to reduce weight and, consequently, improve posture and reduce pain. When exercising, focus on improving hip flexibility and strengthening the mid-back and core.

BACKPACKS: Studies show the weight of a backpack can have adverse effects on a child’s posture. “Sadly, we do see kids and adolescents with injuries related to backpacks, whether it’s neck or low-back pain or posture abnormalities,” Riley says.

He advises parents to choose an appropriately sized backpack for the child’s body.

It should fit snugly and not exceed 10 percent of the person’s total body weight. The heaviest contents should be packed closest to the back. “Don’t overload it,” he says.

“Use hands to carry some books if necessary.”

DESK JOBS: Many of us spend most of our time in an office, behind a computer.

“The forward world we live in puts our arms in a flexed position with our heads dropping forward,” Riley says. “This leads to slumping over and puts us at risk for upper back and neck pain, which I call cumulative trauma.”

Here are some tips: 1. Take micro-breaks throughout the day. Download a timer to your computer to help you remember when to break, Riley suggests.

2. Next, he says to invest in an ergonomic chair. Keep both feet on the floor, maintaining as a neutral position as possible. Back support is equally important.

“Some ergonomic chairs have rolls, but if your chair doesn’t have one, there are different things you can put in the small of your back to provide support,” he says.

3. Consider using a work station that allows you to sit and stand.

PHONES/TABLETS: “The average head weighs about 10-12 pounds. When we bend our necks forward 60 degrees, as we do to use our phones, the effective stress on our neck increases to 60 pounds — the weight of about 5 gallons of paint,” according to a study by New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine. This is known as “iHunch.” Riley suggests cutting back on time spent looking down at your devices to lessen the impact.

SLEEP: Yes, you can help your posture while you sleep. Start by sleeping on your side or back — not your stomach, which can cause increased irritation in the neck and lower back, Riley says. As for your sleeping surface, “You don’t need the most expensive mattress out there,” he says. “Purchase a mattress that will provide a moderate amount of support and avoid pillows that greatly displace your head.” TP

INTRODUCING

PARKINSON’S CARE “I’m so happy that those with a Parkinson’s-related disease now have somewhere to go. Saint Simeon’s is stepping forward with specialized training and therapy equipment.” —JIM LANGDON Jim Langdon, Publisher, Tulsa People; Honorary Chair of the 2017 Parkinson’s Rally Walk. Jim’s parents, Francis and Gloria Langdon, lived at Saint Simeon’s, and his mother had a Parkinson’s-related disease.

W W W. S A I N TS I M E O N S . O R G 918-425-3583

Saint Simeon’s staff has received Parkinson’s training and added state-of-the-art therapy equipment, designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s. Saint Simeon’s Parkinson’s Care is endorsed by: • COTTAGE LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CENTER • HEALTHCARE • PARKINSON’S CARE • SKILLED NURSING •

1335 E. 11th St. Suite E., located on historic Route 66

Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

jenkinsandcotulsa Third_5.25x4.875_TulsaPeople.indd 1

6/12/17 7:39 AM

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL TULSA SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT AND AWARDS LUNCHEON

Thursday, September 28

Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills 1902 E. 71st St. • Tulsa, OK 74136

Featuring keynote speaker Ann Rhoades

President of People Ink and former executive at Jet Blue and Southwest Airlines The Tulsa Small Business Summit is the region’s premier education event for small business owners. In addition to the keynote speaker, the Summit will include topical breakout sessions and the annual Crystal Star Awards ceremony.

Table sponsorships are now available. Email karenhumphrey@tulsachamber.com to sponsor the Summit.

PRESENTED BY

NEWS TO YOU

Tim Lyons, TTCU The Credit Union president and CEO

TTCU CEO RECOGNIZED FOR SOS CAMPAIGN

Pictured at the campaign kickoff are Jeff Nickler, general manager of the BOK Center and SMG; Robert Purgason, 2017 AAT campaign chairman; Phil Lakin, AAT Advisory Council chairman; Rebecca Marks Jimerson, AAT Advisory Council member; and Todd Cunningham, AAT executive director.

ARTS ALLIANCE TULSA LAUNCHES 2017 CAMPAIGN Arts Alliance Tulsa launched its annual fundraising campaign on April 12 at a press event at the BOK Center. The BOK Center/SMG donated $5,000 to kick off the campaign.

AAT began operations in October 2015 to provide unified funding and audience development support for the community’s cultural assets. The alliance helps fund 40 member organizations.

The 2017 AAT campaign will run through July 4. To participate, visit artstulsa. org or call 918-289-0222.

110

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Pictured at the event are Muhammet Ali Sezer, executive director of Dialogue Institute — Tulsa; the Rev. Ray Owens of the Met Cares Foundation and Metropolitan Baptist Church; the Rev. Bill Hemm, son of Cindi Hemm, superintendent of Avant Public Schools; Sister Barbara Austin; Jacqueline Caldwell, vice president for diversity and engagement at the University of Tulsa; Scott C. Alexander, keynote speaker and associate professor of Islamic Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago; and Morgan Phillips, master of ceremony and city editor of TulsaPeople Magazine.

DIALOGUE INSTITUTE HOSTS FRIENDSHIP DINNER AND AWARDS The Dialogue Institute — Tulsa presented four awards for education at its annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 2 at the DoubleTree Warren Place.

Honorees were the University of Tulsa, recipient of the 2017 Global Education Award; the Met Cares Foundation, recipient of the 2017 Community Service Award; Cindi Hemm, recipient of the 2017 Leadership Award; and Sister Barbara Austin, recipient of the 2017 Dialogue and Friendship Award.

TTCU: COURTESY; FRIENDSHIP DINNER: STEVEN MICHAEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The Foundation for Tulsa Schools recently presented the Spirit of Innovation award to Tim Lyons, CEO and president of TTCU The Credit Union. It was given at the foundation’s Showcase Dinner on April 7 at Southern Hills Country Club.

Lyons received the award for his leadership in initiating the “S.O.S. Support Our Schools” fundraising campaign in June 2016. As they are now, Oklahoma public schools were in jeopardy, facing an unprecedented state funding shortfall. Determined to make a difference, and knowing that TTCU could be a catalyst for the community, Lyons launched the “S.O.S. Support Our Schools” campaign, pledging a $1 million donation from TTCU to area schools. The campaign was designed to help bridge the gap until a permanent funding solution could be implemented by the Oklahoma Legislature.

Lyons enlisted donations from community and business leaders, and individuals also stepped forward to support the initiative. In the end, the campaign raised $2.8 million, which was distributed to schools throughout northeast Oklahoma.

Visit ttcu.com for more information.

McGraw Realtors

6124 S. Indianapolis Ave. $1,250,000 Custom built by the current Owners with no detail left untouched each room is bathed in natural light. Ann Sacks surfaces throughout the house.

Large open living area with beamed ceiling opens to high-end kitchen.

Master on first floor with his/her closets and luxurious bath plus private office. 3 additional bedroom upstairs each having private baths and walkin closets. Game room. Pool plus outdoor living. Call for more details.

232 H azel B lvd $ 925,000 Amazing contemporary with warm touches throughout. Double wall of windows in the great room open to two different private patio areas.

Maple cabinetry in the kitchen and Ceaserstone counters. Master suite on first floor with large walk-in closet. Upstairs features a spacious game room, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths plus a library.

1642 E 31 Street $699,900 Open floorplan designed by Jack Arnold in gated area of Midtown.

High-end kitchen with granite & stainless appliances. Living & dining room open with beamed ceiling. Den area with floor to ceiling windows. 3 bedrooms each with private bath. 3 car garage. Small Yard.

3727 S. Utica Ave. $449,000 Traditional house with beautiful hardwood floors and plenty of natural light. Spacious familyroom on 1st floor with eating space and built-ins.

Granite kitchen with stainless applainces and pantry. Flexible bedroom floorplan has 4 beds and 2.5 baths. Gameroom on second floor with private bath could be a 5th bedroom. Beautiful backyard has covered patio.

TulsaPeople.com

111

McGraw Realtors

theEHC

Extraordinary Home Collection

Extraordinary Homes Extraordinary Realtors 11926 S 14th Court, Jenks

$1,799,000

Upscale resort living on wooded 5 acres designed for entertaining! Gorgeous hardwoods, open culinary kitchen, wine room, game room and separate theater. Outdoor kitchen features sparkling pool & spa. ◆ 6 Bedrooms

◆ 6 Full, 1 Half Baths ◆ 4 Living Areas ◆ 4 Car Garage ◆ Jenks Schools ◆ MLS 1709428

4354 S Victor Avenue, Tulsa

$2,595,000

Spectacular newer custom home features stunning great room, master or guest suite down plus second master up, utility up & down, large game rm with kitchen. Outdoor living with waterfall pool & playhouse! Gated driveway. ◆ 5 Bedrooms

◆ 5 Full, 2 Half Baths ◆ 4 Living Areas ◆ 4 Car Garage ◆ Tulsa Schools ◆ MLS 1711379

624 W 80th Street, Tulsa

$998,000

Transitional style new construction with ideal floorplan in private gated community. Spacious rooms, granite island chef’s kitchen, elegant master suite, study, exercise room and safe room. Outdoor fireplace & lovely backyard. ◆ 5 Bedrooms

◆ 4 Full, 2 Half Baths ◆ 4 Living Areas ◆ 3 Car Garage ◆ Jenks Schools ◆ MLS 1707785

Curt Roberts 918.231.0691 112

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Katie Lieberman Hutto 918.698.3800

Laura Hawkins 918.260.7885

McGraw Realtors

Contact an EHC Group Member today for help finding your Extraordinary...

2116 S Detroit Avenue, Tulsa

1236 E 27th Street, Tulsa

$1,199,000 9917 S Urbana Avenue, Tulsa

$799,000 3206 S Zunis Avenue, Tulsa t uc

str

w

Ne

7808 E 99th Place, Tulsa

2411 E 139th Street, Bixby Pam Case 918.809.3247

$699,000

n Co

$1,249,000

n

io

$384,900 4219 E 97th Street, Tulsa

$324,000

Pam Case

Chris Zinn Group 918.994.1235

Chris Zinn

$1,895,000

Laura Hawkins

Curt Roberts

theEHC

Katie Lieberman Hutto

Extraordinary Home Collection

TulsaPeople.com

Extr Ex 113

McGraw Realtors

Luxury Property Group at McGraw Realtors tim HayEs

918-231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

sHErri sandErs

Gordon sHELton

918-724-5008 918-697-2742 ssanders@mcgrawok.com gshelton@mcgrawok.com

diana PattErson

918-629-3717 dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

Custom EstatE

6845 E. 181st Street S. - Newer custom estate with exquisite details thru-out. Located on 5 acres with outdoor living, fireplace, pool, spa, waterfall, sport court, pond & shop.

Chef’s kitchen, beamed greatroom, fabulous master, study, mud room, Safe room,1st floor Theater. 2 bed down/3 up with gameroom\study niche. $1,350,000.

avaLon PLaCE

Eagle Bluff on Grand Lake! Gorgeous 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath lake home overlooks the large part of the lake & views are breathtaking. Relax at the pool, watch the moon rises & sunsets! New roof & paint makes this home worry free! It even comes completely furnished! $1,200,000

WoodmErE 12005 S 68th East Avenue Stunning home in Woodmere located on a greenbelt. Open floor plan w/ living, dining, kitchen flowing together. Master suite on 1st level w/ guest bedroom used as office. 3 more bedrooms+ gameroom up.

Covered patio overlooks pool & spa. 3 car garge. $925,000

siGnaL HiLL

Grand LakE

stanford ELm 6707 E 112th Street S, Bixby Gated Stanford Elm neighborhood is the location for this Traditional brick home featuring granite kitchen, newer Trane matching H & A systems, H20 and 2008 roof. Formals plus spacious family room/kitchen combo. 1st floor master suite + office! $399,000

Enjoy the Luxury Lifestyle you desire TulsaPeople JULY 2017

Grand LakE

3020 S Trenton Avenue - One owner custom built smart house.

Architect Rachel Zebrowski calls it “Desert Mediterranean”. Pool overlooks greenbelt & Crow Creek.

Home has an air bridge to full apartment with kitchenette. $950,000

5127 E 84th Place Gorgeous full Stone/brick home on 1 acre.

Stunning hardscaping park-like yard. Formal living & dining. Study.

Granite/SS Kitchen with garden views. Master suite with spa bath on level one. Media room up with 3 beds and library. Extensive hardwoods throughout. 4 Fireplaces. Outdoor living, Pool with spill over spa & greenhouse. Gated. $895,000.

114

Call any of the Luxury Property Group Realtors about one of these homes, or any property that you have an interest in. They will provide you with superior personal service with the highest integrity.

Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Italian Villa overlooking Grand Lake with views from every room. This spacious home offers gorgeous finishes such as granite, marble, hardwoods & tile.

Detached 2 car garage has a darling guest quarters & kitchen including granite & stainless appliances. One hour from Tulsa! $699,000

CHimnEy HiLLs EstatEs 2336 E 17th Street - One level Ranch in Chimney Hills. Large master with walk-in closet. Vaulted living room with beamed ceiling. Kitchen opens to eating area. Outdoor covered patio. $179,000

McGraw Realtors

A Rare Find in Midtown! Fabulous New England Seaboard Cottage Loaded With Charm and Curb Appeal. “One of a Kind” Custom Built on a Private 2/3 Acre Treed Lot with Pool and Spa. Circle Drive and Welcoming Covered Front Porch Greet Your Guests. Open Plan has Vaulted Formal Areas, Study, and Master Suite Down. Vaulted Chef’s Kitchen with Granite and Stainless Appliances and Opens to Family Room. Two Bedrooms and Game Room Up with Pullman Bath.

Beautiful Beamed and Vaulted Ceilings, Wood Floors, New Carpet, New Exterior Paint. The Large Back Yard is a Beautifully Landscaped Oasis with Towering Trees and Inviting Pool.

1131 East 18th Street - Live the Dream in This Classic Vintage Residence in Historic Maple Ridge! The Grandeur of the Past Mixed With Modern Day Contemporary Flair. This Icon of History has been Lovingly Restored and Totally Remodeled. Five Bedrooms, Five Living Areas, Five Full and One Half Baths, Master Suite w/FP and Sitting Area. Three Levels of Wood Floors, Exquisite Moldings, Plaster Walls, “Elegant Hollywood Stairway.”

Today’s Granite/Stainless Kitchen. Lower Level Boasts Billiard Room, Wet Bar, Wine Cellar, Card Room, and Game Room. Located on a Corner Double Lot with Gated Side Entrance, Gunite Pool, Three Car Garage with Carriage House Above. Call for Private Showing. Offered at $1,250,000.

Charming Midtown Cottage! Great Location Near Utica Square. Larger Than It Appears, this Home is Unique and Updated, Main Level Freatures 2 Living Areas, 3+ Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, and Exercise Room. Upstairs is Home Office with Built-ins and 1/2 Bath, could be 4th Bedroom. Open Plan with Arched Doorways, Wood Floors, Wood Burning Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings with Skylights, Each Bedroom Has A Bath. Island Kitchen has Granite Counters, Jenn Aire Stainless Appliances, Snack Bar & Opens to Vaulted Family Room with Skylights. Separate Master Suite has Vaulted Ceiling, Fireplace, Builtins and Overlooks Wood Deck & Back Yard. Master Bath has Carrara Marble Counter with Double Sinks and Large Walk-in Closet. Private, Beautifully Landscaped Back Yard with New Deck for Entertaining Outdoors. Circle Drive and 2 Car Garage. Offered at $465,000.

6742 South Columbia Avenue - Spectacular Park-Like Backyard with Fabulous Water Feature! Privately Nestled on Over 1/2 Acre Wooded Lot. Contemporary, 1-1/2 Story with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full, 2 Half Baths, 2 Living Areas, and Office. Hardwood Floors, Vaulted, Beamed Ceilings, 3 Fireplaces, Wet Bar. Master Suite with His/Her Walk-In Closets and Luxury Granite Bathroom. Great View From Deck Overlooking Breathtaking Landscaped Backyard with Waterfall. Circle Drive. Offered at $549,000.

Midtown One Level With Huge Diving Pool! 1/2 Acre Treed Lot Tucked in Private Culde-sac on Dead End Street. Spacious Formal Areas, Vaulted, Beamed Ceilings, Wood Floors, New Carpet, 2 Fireplaces, Wet Bar, Granite Kitchen & Baths. Plan Features 2 Living Areas, 2 Eating Areas, 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, and Office, could be 5th Bedroom. Large, Island Kitchen has Vaulted Ceiling with Skylights, New Double Ovens, and Opens to Vaulted Family RoomLot with Five Car Garage. Three Level with Spacious 6212 East 105thGranite/Stainless, Street - Exclusive Gated Rockhurst!

Stately Brick on 1/2 Acre Wooded with Rooms, Fireplace.

SuiteHardwood has Vaulted Ceiling and Private Deck.

Oversize Heated Diving 10’Master Ceilings, Floors.

Granite, IslandWood Kitchen Open to Family Room with Fireplace. Large Master Suite Down with His/Her Pool Closets.

ProvidesGentlemen’s Great Outdoor Entertaining.

Towering Trees in BackUp Yard, WholeRoom, Home5Generator, Study with Built-ins.

Curved Stairway to Game Beds and 3 Baths. Third Level is Huge Home Theater w/102” New Screen, Outbuilding, GuestAbove Parking.

Offered at $445,000.

GuestExtra Apartment Garage.

Gated Driveway. Circle Drive. Jenks Schools. Offered at $950,000.

TulsaPeople.com

115

McGraw Realtors

Mobile:

Allison jacobs

918.850.2207

ajacobs@mcgrawok.com 4105 S. Rockford ave. tulsa, ok 74105

mcgrawrealtors.com

9829 S Jamestown Avenue

4407 S Gary Avenue

Silver Chase neighborhood, gorgeous 4 bedroom home, office, 2.5 baths & 3 car garage. 2 spacious living areas, gorgeous hardwoods in 2nd living and kitchen, spectacular kitchen which was recently updated.

Newly remodeled master bathroom with soaking tub and steam shower!

Screened in back porch with outdoor living and hot tub. $495,000

Located in the heart of Midtown! Top of the line home. Theatre Rooms with wet bar. Builder paid attention to detail, classic design. Office & master downstairs. 2 beds down, 3 beds up all with private ensuite baths, HUGE closets. Large Gameroom! $999,000

1919 S Gary Place

Darling Florence Park home with a ton of space! Hardwoods throughout, new windows, spacious, and move-in ready! $290,000

1261 E 25th Street

Remarkable home, Heart of Midtown. Pool, Tennis Court, Outdoor Living & Kitchen with firepit, Gated pool, plenty of room inside & out!

Incredible new addition. All 5 bedrooms w/ensuite baths! Gorgeous hardwoods, insulated stucco, fine attn to detail! $2,400,000

2101 S Boston Avenue Unit#6

Broadmoor Condo with all the Midtown charm. Walk to river, Cherry Street, Downtown & Utica Square. Beautiful hardwoods & large open rooms. $165,000

Scott coffman

918-640-1073 scoffman@mcgrawok.com

E IC ED PR UC D RE

4012 S. Oswego Ave - New Listing. Totally remodeled, 3 bed, 2 car, 1 bath, hardwoods, beautiful newer kitchen with granite counter tops and tile backsplash, stainless appliances, separate master suite with small office attached, in-ground storm shelter, large private back yard. Close to park and splash pad. $175,000

116

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

128 Elm Street, Mannford New Listing near Keystone lake and boat docks. One level ranch. Very private, large double lot, 3 bed, 2 bath, new tile flooring, vaulted living room ceiling, 2 car garage.

Large out door storage building/workshop. $135,000

McGraw Realtors

View these homes plus thousands more at our web site:

www.LarrySellsTulsa.com

3838 S Wheeling Avenue - New Construction on Quiet Midtown Street. Caesar Stone Kitchen w/Island. Great Room w/fireplace. BKFST Nook. FRML Dining. Wet bar. Master Suite w/spa like bath. Guest Suite. Home Office. 2nd Level has 3 bedroom suites + Game Room. Pool, Hot Tub, 3 Car Garage. $1,349,000

3725 S Wheeling Avenue - Perfect Brookside Location. Formal Living, Family Room & Main Level Master Suite all have their own wood burning fireplaces. Formal Dining open to Granite Kitchen w/Nook. 3 Bedrooms and 2 full baths on 2nd level. In ground pool. 2 Car garage w/work area. $439,000

Larry Harral 918-231-4455

Ann Harral 918-231-4456 TulsaPeople.com

117

McGraw Realtors

Specializing in Fine Quality Homes 260-1800

11415 S. Sandusky Avenue, Tulsa

4BR, 4 full and 2 half baths. Living & dining rooms with views. Family room opens to Chef’s kitchen with Labradorite granite island. Theater room. In-ground gunite pool & patios.

Jenks SE. $1,100,000

11706 S. Erie Avenue, Tulsa

Forest Hills Estates, Granite kitchen, huge center Island. 5 beds, 7 full & 1 half baths. Office, sun room & Sun Room living quarters in walk out basement. Master with double bathrooms. Hardwood, deep crown mouldings, built-ins vaulted/beamed ceilings. Corner lot. Pond. Bixby schools. $875,000

11402 S. Granite Place, Tulsa

Gorgeous home & yard. Pool with wrought iron fence plus privacy fence. 5 beds, 4 full & 2 half baths, large 3 car garage. Office, enclosed sun room.Hardwood, plantation shutters, high ceilings, built-ins. Granite island kitchen. $590,000

Find Your Way Home

Cindy Henderson 918.231.9890 Heidi Ewing 918.230.1090

304 E 29th Place, Tulsa

6683 S Jamestown Avenue, Tulsa

Completely Updated, Kitchen with Marble Countertops, Coffee bar, Pantry, 3 Living areas, 2 bedrooms 2.5 baths down, 3 bedrooms 2 baths up, Game Room up, Hardwoods, 2 fireplaces, New Windows, 3 car garage, sprinkler system, Tankless HW. 1 Block to The gathering & River. $869,000

Motivated seller! Investors welcome! Jenks Schools! Huge corner lot, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3,961 sq ft, master suite down with private bath, updated kitchen, vaulted ceilings, open floor plan with lots of light, great storage & amazing outdoor living space. $319,500

1708 S College Avenue, Tulsa

10920 S Sycamore Street, Jenks

Florence Park Bungalow. Hardwoods, Granite Kitchen, Large Living room with Fireplace, Newer Windows, Formal Dining, Large Master has Whirlpool Tub & Separate Shower, Walk In Closet, Great Front Porch, Sprinkler System, 2 Car Garage, Greenhouse. $323,000 118

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

1518 S Elwood Avenue, Tulsa

Secluded & private English Cottage, updated kitchen, granite, SS, hardwoods, formal Dining & Living with vaulted beamed ceilings, Firepleace, Master Down, large sunroom has amazing sunsets, 2 car as well as carport, walk to Riverside & The Gathering. $269,000

12507 S 15th Court, Jenks

Gorgeous waterfront views with tons of upgrades! 4 beds, 3.5 Amazing kitchen with granite, SS & pantry open to living room baths, 3 car, open floor plan, master suite down, plantation with fireplace overlooks backyard that offers incredible sunsets! 3 stutters, wood floors, new paint, granite, upgraded Lennox AC/Heat bedrooms down plus office, game room, bedroom & bath up. Large & windows, large game room, office, vaulted ceilings & sprinkler system. $386,500 utility room, 2 dining rooms. Oversized 2 car garage. $324,900

McGraw Realtors 2606 E 22nd Place Located in the heart of Midtown with in walking distance to Utica Square.

Kitchen is open to the living room for easy entertaining. Master suite down. Two fireplaces. Upstairs game room currently being used as 4th bedroom. Beautifully updated. Must see! $545,000.

Judy

Dunagan

2679 E 69th St A country estate in the middle of the city. Perfection inside. Completely

remodeled with attention to every detail, yet comfortable & inviting. Family room with wet bar.

Fireplace, his/her baths & closets in master suite. Wooded lot with spectacular views. Call Judy for more information.

When results matter call..

918-671-9315

RHYNES EVANS

Bovasso

& Beal Team

Sharna Bovasso (918) 605-2995 | sbovasso@mcgrawok.com Dee Ann Beal (918) 688-5467 | dbeal@mcgrawok.com

Your home. Our commitment.

Andrew: 918-698-7814

SRES

Lori: 918-606-3913

arhynes@mcgrawok.com levans@mcgrawok.com

D

Check out our Facebook Page

S&

TE GA

U EO

RG

NG

TI

W

NE

S LI

GO

3107 E. 88th Street Custom dream home w/chef’s kitchen & new high end appliances. 2 masters down & all bedrooms have private baths! Recording studio and 14 seat theater room. Backyard oasis w/ pool, spa, waterfall, Koi pond & outdoor kitchen. Located in beautiful gated Wellington South. Reduced price! $899,900.

E

IC

4908 S Columbia Place Midtown 1 story on .8 acre lot. Beautifully remodeled. Open kitchen with huge island, 2 living areas, spacious master, hardwoods. Backyard pavilion with fire pit leads to a detached apt/office with kitchen & accessible bath. Landscaped corner lot with circle drive. $575,000.

EW

PR

2125 E. 31st Street Complete remodel in Forest Hills with high end finishes taken down to the studs.

Spacious master down with gorgeous bath. All bedrooms have private baths. Dream kitchen with granite, large island & pantry. Hardwoods throughout with new windows & plantation shutters. House sits back from the street and has a nice circle drive.

Close to Utica Square. Great location!$615,000.

N

1740 S. Yorktown Avenue Charming Midtown cottage with nice curb appeal. New upstairs addition includes a 4th bedroom, 3rd full bath & gameroom.

Granite & stainless appliances in the kitchen. All baths are updated! Spacious master suite with a fireplace. 2 living areas! Hardwoods. Great location near Cherry Street & Utica Square. $299,900.

S

RE

C 5A

S 177th East Avenue Rare opportunity to own property in a prime location just east of Indian Springs Golf and Tennis County Club. Build your dream home or subdivide. Five beautiful acres with paved county road access. $180,000.

TulsaPeople.com

119

STAGE SPONSOR

STUDENT SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

7 pm • Wine Dinner “Under the Tent” with NSU Jazz Lab and Multiphonic Funk

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

3 pm • Gates Open 4-11 pm • Wineries & Food Vendors Open

Including: Deep Branch, TideWater, Vernost, Woods and Water, and Pecan Creek wineries NEW: “Peoples Choice” Award 3-5 & 5:30-7:30 pm • NEW: Paint & Pour 4-9 pm • Regional/Local Acts Including: The Zuits, Darrell Christopher & the Ingredients, Cynthia Simmons Quintet, Mischievous Swing, Swunky Face featuring Branjae

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

10-1 pm • Champagne Jazz Brunch with Scott McQuade

TICKETS AND PACKAGES: POSTOAKLODGE.COM • 918-425-2112

BENEFITS + CAUSES + VOLUNTEERS

Chef Trey Winkle of R Bar competes at Blank Canvas.

CULINARY CONTEST

JOHN BIVENS

T

ea was on the menu at Blank Canvas, an “Iron Chef ”-style cooking competition April 29 that benefitted Youth Services of Tulsa. Five local chefs were judged on their use of tea in sweet and savory dishes, which patrons sampled during an elegant evening at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Nico Albert of MixCo won the competition and was named 2017 Best Chef. Ben Alexander of the Tavern was voted 2017 People’s Choice winner.

The team at Spexton jewelry — including Nate McPherson, Greg Shelton and Andy Marcum — was named 2017 Youth Champion. For more than a year, the company has supported YST’s street outreach programs with every product purchase at Spexton, Spexton.com and Landella. Hundreds of backpacks, bottles of water, sunscreen, socks and underwear have been provided to at-risk youth. TP

TulsaPeople.com

121

Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon

2

1. Jen Bricker and the 12 Girl Scout honorees, who each received a $1,500 scholarship 2. Edie Farley and Susie Collins Hentschel say the Girl Scouts pledge.

3. Southern Hills utilized the new S’mores Girl Scout cookie in the luncheon desserts.

4. Patrons bid on silent auction items.

5. Roberta Preston, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, speaks to the audience.

6. GSEOK worked with Tulsa’s Garden Deva Sculpture to create Girl Scout sculptures that are available to purchase.

3

4

5

6

KELLY BROWN/ACE CUERVO PHOTOGRAPHY

1

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma recognized the accomplishments of 12 extraordinary Girl Scouts at the Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon on April 20 at Southern Hills Country Club. Event chairwoman Susie Collins Hentschel also was honored.

Gymnast Jen Bricker was the keynote speaker. Left at an orphanage in Romania, Bricker was born without legs and with her heart on the opposite side of her chest. She was adopted and became a state champion in power tumbling. She later discovered that her idol, Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Moceanu, was her biological half- sister.

Architecture and Design Film Festival The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture presented its inaugural Architecture and Design Film Festival from April 20-23 at the Circle Cinema. The festival showed 21 films from nine countries and hosted a range of speakers connected to the films. Paul Goldberger, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and architecture critic, was a special guest. S. R. Hughes hosted a patron party for the event, which raised more than $30,000 to assist TFA with its preservation efforts and educational outreach.

1. Nancy Hermann and Abby Kurin 2. Patrons mingle between fi lms at Circle Cinema. Usually held in New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles, the fi lm festival added 2017 stops in Tulsa and Seoul, South Korea.

3. Brian Hughes, Danielle Brewster and Susie Wallace 4. Clark Wiens, George Kravis, Michelle Wiens and Kyle Bergman 5. Jim Turner and David and Kristen Pounds 6. Patrons were fans of architecture, history and design.

5

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

4

6

MONICA BURGESS

3

1 122

2

JULY

Mirror Mirror Gala

COMPILED BY JUDY LANGDON 1 Sertoma Pancake Breakfast Benefits Broken Arrow Blue Star Mothers.

BABLUESTAR.ORG

More than 250 people attended the Mirror Mirror Gala on April 21 at DoubleTree Warren Place. The event asked supporters of Youth at Heart to choose sides — “Old School” or “New School” — in a playful competition to raise funds for the organization. Patrons wore blue or red to represent their philosophy of “old school” or “new school.” A dinner reception kicked off the evening, followed by a live auction and Old School vs. New School challenges, including trivia and a dance-off. Proceeds will help provide Tulsa youth with after-school and summer enrichment opportunities.

1. DoubleTree Warren Place serves up a delectable dinner.

2. Youth at Heart students enjoy the Mirror Mirror Gala.

3. The 2017 Mirror Mirror Gala honorees: Wheatina Bonner, YAH Alumnus Achievement Award recipient; Melissa McCorkle, Community Partner Award recipient; and Juanita Jones, Legacy Award recipient 4. Jocelyn McCarver, YAH president and CEO, and Steve Wilson, QuikTrip representative and YAH board member. QuikTrip presented YAH with a $25,000 check, plus gave YAH an additional $15,000, the night of the gala.

14 League the Way Benefits Youth Services of Creek County.

YSCC.NET 17 Boys and Girls Club Charity Golf Tournament Benefits local Boys and Girls Clubs of the Salvation Army.

SALARMYTULSA.ORG

1

22 Somewhere in Time: Sunset in Paradise Benefits RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Tulsa.

RSVPTULSA.ORG 24 Musical Mondays Benefits LIFE Senior Services.

LIFESENIORSERVICES.ORG

2

KORBEN T.

29 Bingo Bash Benefits Tulsa SPCA. TULSASPCA.ORG / BINGO-BASH 3

EDITOR’S NOTE: HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS ARE SPONSORED BY TULSAPEOPLE.

4

Spokeasy Benefitting the Tulsa Hub, Spokeasy on April 28 featured music, dancing and an art auction of bicycling-inspired work donated

by Tulsa artists and leaders. The gala channeled the spirit of the 1920s at the Ross Group’s downtown headquarters.

Artist Lisa Regan, owner of Garden Deva Sculpture, was honored for her support of the Tulsa Hub, a transportation equity nonprofit that provides education, refurbished bicycles, safety gear and support to people in poverty, people with physical and mental disabilities and others.

NICOLE DONIS

1

3

2

4

1. Glass art from the event’s signature artist, Robin Tilly 2. Artist/donor Rachel Rose Dazey of Dillon-Rose and musician Cris Foster of the Grits 3. Branjae entertains guests.

4. Dancers with the Oklahoma Swing Syndicate 5. Melody Young, Sarah Dover and Christy Hanewinkel from event sponsor West Elm

5 TulsaPeople.com

123

Kawanna Gordon began working at New Hope three years ago, when her oldest son began participating in its programs.

FAMILIES FIRST New Hope Oklahoma has served children of incarcerated parents for 25 years.

BY JORDAN COX

E

profit uses the evidence-based curriculum xtraordinary. That’s the word Kawanna “WhyTry” to teach students life skills. Program Gordon uses to describe the impact of and Camp Director Meghan Lovett explains New Hope Oklahoma, a nonprofit whose that simply providing a space for the kids to be mission is to “end generational incarceration, one together fosters a sense of belonging. “They’re child at a time.” their own support system,” she says. “What they But extraordinary also described the burden Gordon felt in 2014. She was pregnant with her need is a strong community and a good mentor.”

Gordon’s experience with New Hope proyounger son, and her 7-year-old son had started vided an upward trajectory for her entire family. acting out following the incarceration of his faTh rough the positive relationships with peers, ther. That’s when the paths of the Gordons and mentors and counselors proNew Hope connected.

New Hope, celebrating its vided by New Hope, her oldWANT TO BUY NEW HOPE 25th year, has grown from est son’s behavior changed AN ANNIVERSARY GIFT? dramatically. Now 11, he rehosting a summer camp for cently won a school leadership six children in 1992, to servCheck out its Amazon wishlist award. ing more than 500 students (under New Hope Oklahoma) Gordon herself is employed ages 5-18 through summer for backpacks and school camps, an after-school prowith New Hope as a program supplies. Items will be coordinator. Her passion is gram, community groups and distributed at its Back to working with teenage girls. “I’m special events throughout School Party from 11 a.m.trying to show them the right Oklahoma. decisions to make as young New Hope’s after-school 1 p.m., Aug. 12, at Trinity women,” she says. “They’ve beprograms are in eight schools Episcopal Church. across Oklahoma. The noncome part of my life.” TP

124

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

MINISTRY MAKES FAMILIES FEEL ‘SUPER’

Tulsa has no shortage of churches. But families of children with special needs, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders or similar conditions, have few options that specifically cater to their unique challenges.

RiverGate Church, a nondenominational congregation at 1439 E. 71st St., began its “SuperKids” ministry in January 2016. Nine to 10 preschool and elementary-aged children regularly attend the Sunday class while their parents attend the worship service.

In class, children can become superheroes for the hour by choosing from a selection of costumes.

The room features a soothing palette with pops of color for those with visual impairments, as well as sensory-engaging activity centers. Each child is paired with a trained volunteer teacher with an extensive background of working with students with disabilities.

The Rev. Cristin Hamman, associate pastor, started SuperKids after noticing more kids with autism who weren’t comfortable in a traditional ministry setting. She has spent 15 years working to make church more inclusive to students with disabilities, while tearing down the stigma of being “different.”

Hamman, who has a degree in special education and early childhood education, says SuperKids is all about the kids having fun and learning to accept each other in a non-judgmental setting. “These kids needed something to call their own,” she says.

SuperKids continues to grow and add events outside of its Sunday class, such as a Sensitive Easter Bunny and a Sensitive Santa. — JUDY LANGDON

APPLAUSE: VALERIE GRANT; SUPERKIDS: GREG BOLLINGER

APPLAUSE

READY, SET, GLOW!

21st Anniversary Gatesway Balloon Festival SAVE THE DATE! • September 15th-17th, 2017 Broken Arrow Events Park, East of NSU Balloons will inflate at dusk & dawn

Free gener al Admission • Tethered Balloon Rides • Kids Activities Mustang Car Show • Balloon Glows • Live Entertainment 5k • Laser Tag • $5 Parking • Inflatables

Zarrow Families Foundation • Shangri-La • KHP Capital • Shining Honor Project • Gelvin Foundation, Inc. Community Care • Boomer Solutions • Central Bank of Oklahoma • Coretz Family Foundation Ray Miller, Jr. & Schwickerath Dirt Sales, LLC • Deloitte • Greg and Linda Arend

for more information visit gateswayballoonfestival.org

A PARK GROWS IN TULSA A GATHERING PLACE – PART 22

COMING TOGETHER Mid-year construction photos and an update on A Gathering Place for Tulsa

BY MORGAN PHILLIPS

The walls for the Four Seasons Garden pathway are under construction.

Twenty-four intricate stone columns (shown) and 15 stone walls will start at East 31st Street and connect to the main part of the park near the ONEOK Boathouse.

The two land bridges have been waterproofed and are being covered in gravel and fi ll material. Once completed, they will be covered with 8-15 feet of soil and planted with 15- to 21-foot trees. Stava says the land bridges will become the new iconic landmarks for all Riverside drivers.

Looking north from the BOK Boat Docks up the narrows of Peggy’s Pond toward the ONEOK Boathouse provides a unique perspective of the park’s features taking shape. TP

SHANE BEVEL

Playground equipment from Monstrum of Denmark is being installed in the Chapman Foundations Adventure Playground. The tall German-built Richter play towers, which can be seen in the background, will be the centerpiece of the Adventure Playground, says Jeff Stava, executive director and trustee of Tulsa’s Gathering Place LLC. Two 21-foot-tall Blue Herons will allow for climbing, sliding and crawling.

126

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

SAVE THE DATE

Restaurant Week is a delicious opportunity to experience some of Tulsa’s best restaurants at a great price and help fight hunger in Oklahoma!

TulsaPeople’s 11TH ANNUAL

September 8-17 Benefiting

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

Community FOOD BANK of Eastern Oklahoma

TulsaPeople.com

127

TAKE ME BACK

Western Village was a popular destination for out-of-towners and locals, who could enjoy live performances from bands like the Honey Hudgens Combo.

WESTERN SPOT ON THE EAST SIDE A

t East Admiral Place and South Garnett Road, just south of Mohawk Post 308 of the American Legion, is the former site of a plush Tulsa landmark motel called Western Village.

Tulsa developer Roy L. Morgan built the popular stop for weary travelers in 1952. The 33-unit, hexagonal-shaped Western Village boasted Western décor, including wagon wheels and wrought iron, and its clientele arrived not only in cars, but also flew in to its on-site private airstrip and heliport. Guests could enjoy an 18128

TulsaPeople JULY 2017

hole golf course with pro shop, shop for Western wear, relax at the pool and shuffleboard court, and visit the popular Longhorn steakhouse or the Ranch Room coffee shop.

Unfortunately, Western Village’s days were numbered, and after several ownership changes over the years and an arson in 1982, demolition was announced. In 1997, what remained of Western Village was razed for the Mohawk Post’s new offices. Remains of the motel’s hexagonal parking lot can still be seen from Google Earth. TP

SOURCE: TULSA WORLD/SUSAN HYLTON, DEC. 17, 1997 PHOTO: COURTESY TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

BY JUDY LANGDON

Custom Furniture in 30 Days!

WINNER!

10137 East 71st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 918.254.6618 www.bassettfurniture.com