TulsaPeople July 2020

THE BUSINESS ISSUE

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS GUIDE

STAYCATION IN TULSA July 2020

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When your health or medical condition can’t wait.

We’re safely treating patients for all conditions.

Many health concerns can’t and shouldn’t be put on hold. Especially medical emergencies. That’s why Hillcrest is operating with heightened safety guidelines as we continue to care for the health of our patients and their families.

Visit Hillcrest.com for information on appointments, including online video visits, locations, hours and facility safety guidelines.

You’re safe in our care.

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Tulsa’s own dark knight

Catalysts for change

Bungalow bounty

P. 16 Building the Batmobile

P. 55 Gunboat Park revitalization

P. 113 Designer Kirk Holt’s Brookside home

11 CITY DESK

On the air with Bobby Eaton Jr. Seventy-five years for Sweet Adelines.

Lindsey House gets a new facility.

Three Tulsans fighting sex trafficking.

Building the Batmobile.

29 THE VOICE

Staycation ideas for the summer season. This month’s patriotic events.

The artists behind Tulsa’s ArtCars.

Inside a local cannabis lab.

Black-owned businesses.

54 NEWSMAKER: CHARLES ELY

Retired after more than three decades in broadcasting, but still committed to Tulsa.

BY JOHN HOOVER

55 CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE

Gunboat Park undergoes revitalization and attracts new tenants.

BY KRISTI EATON

59 LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

109 LIFESTYLE

67 TULSA’S HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC

123 TABLE TALK

An inside look at the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force.

BY TIM LANDES

Tulsans who went above and beyond in the time of COVID-19.

BY STAFF

More than a decade of colorful, handmade gifts from Tatermash Oilcloth. Perfect picnic platters. Safety at the dentist’s office. Three works of art for Connie Cronley.

Four places for cold, sweet treats.

Easy lemon linguine. Catching up with demand at Pancho Anaya.

The Vault’s new menu items.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 45 73 4

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Helmerich and Payne’s anniversary Faces of the 918

BATMOBILE: GREG BOLLINGER; CHANGE, BUNGALOW: MICHELLE POLLARD

JULY 2020 | VOLUME 34 ISSUE 9

Don’t wait to get the care you need

Telehealth doctor visits now available Now more than ever, we understand that getting the care you need as safely as possible is top of mind for you and your family. That’s why we’re adding more options for your care, including virtual or telehealth visits for adult and pediatric care by phone or video. At Ascension St. John, our care team offers virtual visits

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Whether it’s a chronic condition or an unexpected issue, we’ll listen closely to your concerns and will work with you to determine the right option for your care. And if you need to come in person for a visit, know that we have strict safety precautions in place to protect you and your family. No matter how we deliver care, our doctors and care teams are here to listen to you and understand your health needs.

© Ascension 2020. All rights reserved.

WHAT’S ONLINE VISIT US AT TULSAPEOPLE.COM Follow @TulsaPeople and @TheTulsaVoice on:

TULSAPEOPLE.COM/PODCAST

JULY 1

Rev. Robert Turner, D.Min. A discussion about what it’s like to be Black in America and Tulsa, why he’s advocating for changes in Tulsa leadership through protests and what it means to preach on Black Wall Street.

TIFFANY CRUTCHER AND GREG ROBINSON

PLUS

JULY 15

Tressi Mizell The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force supervisor on trying to solve cold cases dating back more than five decades.

6

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Our stories delivered straight to your inbox every Tuesday.

TULSAPEOPLE.COM/NEWSLETTER

For COVID-19 coverage plus online-only content like the Oklahoma bestsellers list and music listings: TULSAPEOPLE.COM/THEVOICE

THE FUZZ Find adoptable dogs and cats through the Tulsa SPCA at TULSAPEOPLE.COM/THEVOICE.

TURNER: COURTESY; MIZELL: MICHELLE POLLARD; PROTEST: TIM LANDES

Look back at scenes from Tulsa’s many June protests as part of a nationwide response to the killing of George Floyd and police brutality.

CAPTU RE , SHARE # UTICASQUARE

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UTICASQUARE .COM

SUNNY DAYS & FRESH STYLES Fresh air and flower-lined sidewalks. Local merchants who greet you with a smile. Renowned restaurants with flavors and ambience for every occasion.

That’s the irresistible charm of Tulsa’s special place.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Volume XXXIV, Number 9 ©2020. All rights reserved.

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

TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

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

Protesters march in the street as thousands gathered downtown May 31 in recognition of the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre and George Floyd, whose death sparked nationwide protesting.

8

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Chamber-led coalition of companies and nonprofit partners that celebrate diversity, champion equity and cultivate inclusion within the region’s businesses.

The work being done by OCCJ and MOSAIC especially deserves our attention and support now. Go to occj.org and mosaictulsa.com to learn more.

Education, understanding and activism are powerful weapons in the fight against inequality. Two related examples we recently appreciated: • Receiving an email from longtime friend Edd Cochran of Oklahoma City, to make us aware of Good Housekeeping Magazine’s list of “20 Powerful Books About Anti-Racism to Educate Yourself.” Find it at goodhousekeeping.org.

• Seeing a pop-up lending library called “Black Lives Matter” just inside the Dog Dish store in Utica Square.

The store is owned by our daughter, Emily, so her activism makes us proud.

We are experiencing a significant moment in this country. Now is a time for education, action and change. We each can be open to educating ourselves around history and issues of systemic racism in America. And talking about them. The more we learn, the more we understand, the more each of us can effect change and help this country arrive at a better place.

Also in this issue, enjoy reading about: • Staycations: Ideas for getting-away-at-home for the summer season on p. 29.

• On p. 45, Helmerich & Payne’s 100th Anniversary: A special section recognizing one of Tulsa’s legendary companies and corporate leaders.

• Light in the Darkness: An inside look at the work of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force on p. 59.

And online via TulsaPeople.com, see:

EDITOR CITY EDITOR DIGITAL EDITOR THE VOICE EDITOR THE VOICE DIGITAL EDITOR DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER

Anne Brockman Morgan Phillips Tim Landes Blayklee Freed Kyra Bruce Anna Bennett

EDITORIAL CONSULTING Missy Kruse, The Write Company CREATIVE DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

Madeline Crawford Georgia Brooks Morgan Welch Michelle Pollard Greg Bollinger

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Andrea Canada Josh Kampf Betsy Slagle CONTROLLER Mary McKisick DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Amanda Hall

MEMBER

TulsaPeople’s distribution is audited annually by

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.

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.

• Tulsa Talks: “What It’s Like to Be Black in Tulsa” a discussion with the Rev. Robert Turner, D.Min. • Scenes from Tulsa’s many June protests as covered by Digital Editor Tim Landes. TP

Jim Langdon

Juley Roffers

PUBLISHER

PRESIDENT

S AY N O T O H A T E

TIM LANDES

This issue of TulsaPeople has been one of our most challenging to produce in our 34-year history. We created it — with our team largely working remotely — during a confluence of events that are weighing heavily on us: the horrifying killing of unarmed George Floyd, an African American, by a white Minneapolis police officer; the resulting unrest producing protests in Tulsa and many other cities; and the gripping concern over the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when Tulsa’s case numbers are climbing.

It is a time that is requiring each of us to reach deep into our reservoirs of faith and hope.

Our cover story, expertly coordinated and written by Editor Anne Brockman, recognizes 20-plus Tulsans who were among those nominated for going “above and beyond” during the pandemic by being uniquely “resourceful, courageous and compassionate” in their work. With this tribute on p. 67, we are proud to recognize these Tulsans.

We value and appreciate Tamecca Rogers, the mother of three Black sons, for contributing our Perspectives piece on p. 38. Her words reflect the compelling concern of an African-American mother. Although we must acknowledge the vast majority of law enforcement officers do their difficult jobs well, we know too many Black lives — particularly boys and men — are being tragically lost in America as the result of troubling interactions with police.

Of course, we know other just reasons for feelings of anger and great concern within the African-American community today: Data associated with the pandemic shows Black Americans are experiencing disproportionate numbers of COVID-19 deaths and a disproportionate number of job losses in our country. Also, a disproportionate number of Black Americans do not have health care. All reflect serious and unfair imbalances in the distribution of economic resources and opportunities in America. And while these and other inequalities experienced by Black Americans are documented, they can be largely invisible in the lives of white Americans.

We can do better.

Each of us can earnestly strive to contribute toward more racial equality with our words and actions and by supporting organizations doing this important work. Two powerful ones in Tulsa are the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, and MOSAIC. OCCJ, originally named the National Conference of Christians and Jews, has served Tulsa since 1934 with the singular mission of “eliminating bias, bigotry and racism in our city and state.” MOSAIC is the Tulsa Regional

PUBLISHER Jim Langdon PRESIDENT Juley Roffers VP COMMUNITY RELATIONS Susie Miller

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Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus competes in the semi-finals at Sweet Adelines International’s 74th annual Convention and Competition on Sept. 19, 2019, in New Orleans.

Members of Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus, including Assistant Director Patty Friedemann (front row, center), compete in the semi-finals at Sweet Adelines International’s 74th annual Convention and Competition on Sept. 19, 2019, in New Orleans.

COURTESY SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SHOWY BUSINESS

“M

any people’s image of barbershop harmony is men singing with straw hats and striped vests, and women in red gingham dresses,” says Patty Friedemann, assistant director of Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus. “Today’s barbershop singers have evolved to be master vocalists who entertain their audiences with a variety of songs and high-energy choreography.”

Friedemann’s husband, Frank, is master director of Talk of Tulsa, a 62-member women’s chorus. The pair started the singing group in 2000.

Since winning first-place, small chorus, in March 2003, Talk of Tulsa has

medaled every year at its regional contest and has placed as high as 12th at international competition.

The chorus’ members, who range in age from 20 to 80, also belong to Tulsa-based Sweet Adelines International, a 75-year-old association of more than 20,000 a cappella women singers.

Though traditional four-part harmony is the cornerstone of the barbershop genre, Talk of Tulsa’s performances often have a modern spin. In the past the group has incorporated beatboxing and even cartwheels. “It’s a lot of fun and very entertaining,” Friedemann says. TP

SEE P. 18 FOR MORE ABOUT BARBERSHOP HARMONY AND SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL. TulsaPeople.com

11

NOTEBOOK

BY MORGA N PHILLIP S

Surreal

SUCCESS

Since the City of Tulsa established it in 1979, the Tulsa Economic Development Corp. has offered lending programs to small businesses, creating jobs.

The pandemic kicked that lending into overdrive, according to TEDC CEO Rose Washington. That’s due in part to Mayor G.T. Bynum’s creation of the Business Resilience and Recover Loan Program that offers zero interest, zero fees and deferred payments to qualifying small businesses.

At press time, Washington reported TEDC had approved 40 such loans totaling $1,305,100.

HAS THE ROLE OF TEDC SHIFTED SINCE IT BEGAN? TEDC was created to promote, assist, develop and advance start-up and growing enterprises. Today, we serve as a catalyst for economic prosperity in the small business community as well as in under-resourced areas of Tulsa, facilitating economic development activities where private sector disengagement has created inequities and voids.

Our primary focus has been providing progressive lending to promising businesses that create job opportunities; however, TEDC steps in to fill gaps and serve the greater good wherever small businesses can address community needs or capitalize on economic opportunity. Several years ago, we built the Shoppes on Peoria (1717 N. Peoria Ave.), a retail incubator in north Tulsa that is home to nine African American-owned businesses. The organization is now working to address

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PAST FEW MONTHS AT TEDC? The past few months have been surreal. Team TEDC has worked around the clock to meet the needs of Tulsa small businesses. After Mayor Bynum’s announcement about a new program offering and TEDC’s involvement, over 350 loan applications were received, reviewed and underwritten in less than a month. This is more than double our annual volume.

We practiced social distancing while never missing a day in our offices, comforted small business owners worried about escalating expenses and zero income, listened to their stories of fear and agony while providing assurance that recovery is eminent, and even closed loans curbside.

— Kirk Wester, executive director of Growing Together Tulsa. The organization developed the Mi Gente Loan Program for local immigrants who do not qualify for federal relief programs nor received a stimulus payment despite paying taxes.

Read Tim Landes’ article on the program at TulsaPeople.com. For more information or to contribute, visit gttulsa.org.

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Tulsa has two new “Destination Districts,” according to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce: the historic Greenwood District, located inside the Inner Dispersal Loop, and East Tulsa Main Street, located at East 21st Street and South Garnett Road.

Both were designated 2020 Oklahoma Main Street Communities in June, joining Kendall-Whittier Main Street and Route 66 Main Street. Managed by the Tulsa Planning Office, the Destination Districts Program is a commercial revitalization initiative that aims to promote entrepreneurship and small businesses, and to enhance public spaces to create a vibrant, welcoming community, according to the City of Tulsa.

As part of the Main Street UrbanMain program, the two districts will receive training and technical assistance for preservation-based commercial district revitalization, as well as specialized training for urban districts that includes topics such as security, transportation and gentrification.

food inequality through the development of a grocery store in north Tulsa.

“We (as a society) acknowledge there’s an entire group of folks that we’re perfectly fine with having clean our homes, mow our yards ... We are perfectly fine receiving the benefits of an underground economy. My position is, and our organization’s position is, that we are going to move toward a just answer to this, and that, at the end of the day, I don’t know who can stand aside with good conscience and look at the incredible challenges this community is facing and walk away and not be moved by that.”

12

Main streets NAMED ‘DESTINATION DISTRICTS’

Rae Baker, Liam Baker, Yee Xiong and Mr. Jones

HAPPY TAILS Happy Tails is a monthly article demonstrating that for every tragic animal story there can be a happy ending, thanks to rescue organizations like the Tulsa SPCA. Learn more at tulsaspca.org. Visit TulsaPeople.com/TheVoice to see a photo gallery of adoptable pets.

This month’s story is about 1-year-old cat Mr. Jones: “He was extremely skiddish when we first brought him home — we think he was abused — but has since bonded with my son’s kitten and myself and become a whole new cat. He has made such a huge difference for our family, but especially myself. He is our first rescue animal and was so scared of everything when we first brought him home.

“Having the patience to work with him has helped me have more patience with everyone else in my life.

He has taught our family that no matter what you go through, being surrounded by the right people (and animals) can bring you back to life and bring out the best in you.” — RAE BAKER

GREG BOLLINGER

Rose Washington

LOCAL TALENT

Bobby Eaton Jr. is CEO of Eaton Media Services, where he works with Ramal Brown, senior vice president; Dean Finley, assistant vice president; and SynCeerae Hills Robin, co-host of “The Bobby Eaton Show.” Eaton’s son, Bobby Trey Eaton, is production engineer.

THE OTHER SIDE Bobby Eaton Jr. amplifies Black voices over the airwaves.

BY MORGAN PHILLIPS

B

obby Eaton Jr. operates his radio station just steps from what used to be his family’s barber shop — a hub for socializing and activism in north Tulsa.

On one side of the wall at 1533 N. Norfolk Ave., barber chairs and equipment wait to be restored into a museum, one of Eaton’s many dreams for the community.

On the other side is Eaton’s studio, the area’s new hub since 2016, when he started the station online after moving back to Tulsa from Houston to care for his elderly parents. “The community comes in here all the time,” Eaton says of the little white building next to his family’s homestead, which pre-dates the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. “It’s the go-to place, where we give a voice to the voiceless.”

Like his father, Bobby Eaton Sr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in north Tulsa, Bobby Jr., 66, considers himself an activist. He takes great pride in his Black-owned radio station, which has broadcast since January on KBOB 89.9 FM. “My motto is, ‘We tell our stories our way,’” Eaton says.

14

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Under the Eaton Media Services umbrella, programming includes Eaton’s namesake interviewbased show; the “Juice Radio Show,” created by Tulsa high school students; and 15 other radio shows with local hosts — all of which discuss Black issues. The station also plays various genres of music.

Years ago, Eaton was on the other side of the mic. As a sought-after bassist, he toured worldwide with mega artists such as Natalie Cole. His career also included service as a postal worker and apartment manager for the U.S. military in Iraq during the Iraq War. Now Eaton focuses much of his time on mentoring young Tulsans. Th is past year he took a bus of 10 “Juice Radio Show” journalists to Atlanta.

They went to the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and toured CNN world headquarters.

“A lot of people retire, and they just sit at home and watch TV, go to church on Sundays. That’s all they do,” Eaton says. “But I love young people.

They need our wisdom as the elders, and we need their energy.” TP

A month before she would relinquish her title as Miss America, Jennifer Berry Gooden graced the cover of the December 2006 issue of TulsaPeople.

In the feature, she recounted the first time she competed in a pageant. “I was fourth runner-up, which was exciting for me — I didn’t think I’d place at all, so I won a little bit of scholarship money,” she says in the article. “I enjoyed the experience — I really loved it.”

On Jan. 29, 2007, the Jenks native would pass her title to another Miss Oklahoma, Lauren Nelson of Lawton, which she counts as “one of my most treasured memories.” This was the first time two Miss Oklahomas won Miss America in consecutive years.

“I walked out onto the stage with Mario Lopez, trying to contain my excitement as I had learned just seconds before that Lauren had won,” Berry Gooden says. “I remember looking up to my Miss Oklahoma family in the crowd with such pride, so proud of our state and so proud of Lauren. As her name was announced, it was as if I won all over again.”

In April 2007, Berry married Nathan Gooden in Tulsa. The concert pianist and corporate executive happened to serve on the panel of judges that awarded Berry the title Miss Oklahoma 2005.

“Don’t worry, there were no controversies there,” she says. “We originally met the night I won Miss Oklahoma after the pageant. He claims he knew I would be his wife the first night he saw me.” The pair corresponded and eventually dated during her year of travel as Miss America.

After 10 years in North Carolina, the family moved in 2017 to a Seattle suburb, where Nathan is a finance director for Amazon. They have two boys and two girls ranging in age from 5-10. Jennifer stays busy with the children, and often returns to Tulsa to emcee the Miss Oklahoma pageant. — ANNE BROCKMAN

GREG BOLLINGER

COVERS REVISITED

Thank You

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Giveaway Date: August 2, 2020

Thank you, Tulsa, for helping to raise $1,200,000 for the kids of St. Jude.

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Thank you, Sam, for the impact you have made on our community and for 30 years of selfless service to our organization!”

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— Lance Franczyk Managing Partner

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tulsa.nm.com TulsaPeople.com

15

CHANGEMAKERS

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Don Alam, left, and Travis Wickman are building a Batmobile replica for Tulsa Pop Kids.

Tulsa’s own

Tia Pope, Lindsey House graduate and office manager, and Tiffany Egdorf, president and CEO, outside the new Lindsey House facility

MOVING ON UP

Lindsey House expands its residential opportunities with new site.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

W

hen Tia Pope fi rst learned about Lindsey House, she was only eight months clean and sober with no clue how to save money. As a Women in Recovery participant, she was trying to overcome financial struggles and retrieve her kids, who were in the care of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

“I needed a safe place to bring my kids home to,” Pope says. That safe place became Lindsey House, an organization that provides women who have children with supportive housing as they transition from homelessness.

The 18-month program teaches life skills, fi nancial literacy and workplace proficiency, all individualized to each woman. What Pope found for her and her two daughters was a network of fellow moms and counselors who believed in her and her children.

“I would get excited as I saw my bank account grow,” Pope says. “When you pay something off, you get to a space that you never thought was possible.”

Pope is one of the 56 graduates of the Lindsey House program, although many more have learned valuable lessons and are active in its alumni 16

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

program, according to President and CEO Tiffany Egdorf. To help more women and their families, four years ago Lindsey House began a fundraising campaign to build a $6 million facility. On July 6, the 10-year-old nonprofit will open the doors to its new headquarters, which has 24 apartments, group/common areas and office space.

The new facility triples the number of families Lindsey House can help at one time and expands its food and household items pantry, which is available to all alumni.

The average stay is 16 months. Apartment sponsors provide necessary home goods like pots and pans, linens and lamps, and often send cards of support to the women and their children. “It gives them somebody to connect with,” Egdorf says.

As for Pope, she remains close to the organization. In November she was hired as Lindsey House’s office manager. With a history in food service, Pope’s confidence for the role was inspired through the supportive system for which she now works and works to sustain.

“We limit ourselves a lot,” Pope says. “So when you accomplish something you never thought was possible, it’s empowering.” TP

If you’re keeping your eyes peeled, you might see the Batmobile around Tulsa in the near future.

Yes, the Batmobile. A $150,000 working replica of the caped crusader’s set piece from Tim Burton’s 1989 “Batman.”

Why that one? “It’s iconic. It’s basically, for most adults, our first (experience with the Batmobile). It’s outlandishly huge, so it’s got that comic feel to it,” says Don Alam, owner of Nerd Alert Customs and project manager for the Batmobile project.

Tulsa Pop Kids, a local nonprofit that advocates for literacy and education programs in schools through pop culture and entertainment, plans to use the Batmobile to that end. Rather than passing out copies of, say, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” they’re using superhero comics and graphic novels.

“We’ll be able to go to some of these north Tulsa schools and bring comics out and have the kids come out and get a picture with Batman,” Alam says. “We’ll be able to do hospital visits … and just bring a little more light to their lives.”

Arthur Greeno, president of Tulsa Pop Kids, reached out to Nerd Alert Customs to kickstart the project, which began this past summer. It was put on hold due to COVID-19.

Construction resumed May 9, and the project is set to finish sometime in late fall, after which the Batmobile will begin its charitable works. It’ll also be available for a chauffeur experience or for a car show.

All proceeds will go to Tulsa Pop Kids.

— ETHAN VEENKER

GREG BOLLINGER

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17

APPLAUSE

Tulsa Fencing Club member Michael Gibson

Take a stab

Right: A 1948 autographed photo of the Johnson Sisters Quartet, the first women’s quartet to release an album.

The sisters placed second at the 1947 Sweet Adelines convention and were named national champion quartet the following year. The sisters also founded the Chicago #1 Chapter of Sweet Adelines.

CREATING HARMONY Sweet Adelines International celebrates its 75th anniversary.

BY MORGAN PHILLIPS

S

eventy-five years ago, Edna Mae Anderson and three other Tulsa housewives formed an a cappella singing group. Today it has grown to more than 20,000 members worldwide.

The mission of Sweet Adelines International is to “elevate women singers worldwide through education, performance and competition in barbershop harmony and a cappella music.”

African Americans in the South invented barbershop harmony, or a cappella four-part harmony, in the late 1800s. The sound became popular in white communities and evolved to its current form, according to the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Founded as the all-men’s group the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America Inc. in 1938 in Tulsa, the BHS is now based in Nashville and

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welcomes all members. But seven years after its founding, Anderson and her friends wanted to participate in the “chord-ringing, fun-fi lled harmony” their husbands were singing, says Tammy Talbot, CEO of Sweet Adelines International.

Sweet Adelines was incorporated in 1945, and its headquarters remain in Tulsa, where it has a staff of 27. Members range in age from 7 to 102 and receive benefits including education and opportunities for competition and leadership.

Although physical performances, including regional competitions, were recently canceled or conducted virtually, organization President Joan Boutilier says the strength of their community in the face of COVID-19 has been inspiring.

“We have provided a lot of online education. We have shared with our membership inspirational messages from our board of directors,” she says.

“Right now it’s all about the connection.

Boutilier, who herself has sung in quartets and choruses for more than 30 years, says barbershop harmony is less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle.

“I don’t know that those women who met at that kitchen table in 1945 had any idea of the impact they would make on our members’ lives for 75 years,” Talbot adds. “It has spread from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to New York to New Zealand and beyond.” TP

For over 50 years the Tulsa Fencing Club has been teaching students how to compete in the Olympic sport of fencing.

A meme shared on social media states fencing is the best sport to compete in during the COVID-19 pandemic since participants wear masks and gloves and keep a distance from each other. “And as the club motto states, ‘It’s fun to stab your friends,’ and I would agree,” says David Dean, the club’s owner and coach. “Our new normal is just saluting your opponent and not shaking hands with them. The salute is still important to our sport because of the respect we teach for your opponent.”

Dean started fencing at the Oklahoma City Fencing Club in 1984. After he and his wife relocated to Tulsa for her job, Dean took over club operations in 2011.

“What keeps me involved with fencing is the fun of it,” he says. “Fencing is a constant thinking martial art. You want to get a point, but you also have to be aware that your opponent wants that same point. It is the ultimate human chess game.”

Tulsa Fencing Club has 24 members. It offers beginning fencing for ages 10 and up as well as memberships and fencing classes at Southminster Presbyterian Church Community Center, 3500 S. Peoria Ave. More info is available at tulsafencing.com.

“I think people should try fencing because it’s a great exercise for your body and mind,” Dean says. “And remember: You’re already wearing a mask and gloves.” — TIM LANDES

APPLAUSE: COURTESY SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL; FENCING: GREG BOLLINGER

AT FENCING

Members of Sweet Adelines International gather to sing, dance and reconnect at Mass Sing, pictured here in St. Louis in 2018.

DINING

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Tressi Mizell Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force

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12/18/19 3:22 PM

Q & A

YOU RAN FOR PRESIDENT TWICE AND NOW PREFER THE ROLE OF “AGITATOR” INSTEAD OF CANDIDATE. WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR YEARS ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL? Other than the fact that it’s more fun to win than to lose, the bigger lesson was how strong the United States is. Despite many of the stupid things you see out there, it is still fundamentally a very strong country and also a very diverse country, not in the politically correct sense, but in the sense that numerous people have numerous and various interests. Various focuses. You see it all the time going from community to community. And because most people share a basic view of the United States, this diversity of interests, backgrounds, is not a threat to the country, but a source of pride.

An excerpt from INTERMISSION, the magazine of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

BY NANCY C. HERMANN

“P

ursue your purpose.” “Provide value.”

“Have faith in the future.” As Steve Forbes would tell you, robust entrepreneurship, free markets and continuous innovation forge pathways to prosperity.

Forbes’ grandfather, Scotsman B.C. Forbes, arrived in America in 1904 and founded Forbes magazine 13 years later. B.C.’s enterprise passed to his son Malcolm Stevenson Forbes Sr. and then to grandson Steve (Malcolm S. Forbes Jr.) in 1990. As the third generation to lead the Forbes empire, he holds the posts of media chairman, CEO and editor-in-chief, and writes the Forbes column “Fact and Comment.”

A 1970 history graduate of Princeton University, Forbes was the founding editor of the college’s magazine Business Today. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed him to head the Board for International Broadcasting, overseeing Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe. President George H.W. Bush reappointed him in 1993.

Forbes made bids for the Republican presidential candidacy in 1996 and 2000, with a platform

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TulsaPeople JULY 2020

promoting a flat tax. Calling the current U.S. tax code an “idiotic monstrosity,” he told INTERMISSION, “It’s a source of corruption. Nobody understands it. It brings out the worst in us.” He currently hosts the podcast “What’s Ahead?” and is the bestselling author of several books. His recent PBS documentary, “In Money We Trust?”, is based loosely on a book he wrote with Elizabeth Ames. His Tulsa Town Hall talk will draw from his book “Power, Ambition and Glory.”

Forbes and his wife of nearly 50 years, Sabina Beekman, are parents to five daughters.

CENTRAL TO THIS ELECTION YEAR IS ADDRESSING GOVERNMENT’S MAIN FUNCTION IN OUR ECONOMY. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW? The main function, in addition to defending the realm, as they used to say — providing safety, internally and externally — is creating an environment for economic opportunity, for growth, for people to enjoy a higher standard of living. As more resources are created, that enables us to create more safety nets and have a better economy, better opportunity and a better environment. Wealth makes that possible. The government should see as its task removing obstacles from people doing new things, expanding existing businesses, creating new businesses and ensuring people are taken care of who need the help.

DO YOU THINK A LEFT-LEANING DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE HAS A CHANCE OF WINNING THE 2020 ELECTION? You would think normally, no. You saw that back in 1972 when a far-leftist won the nomination for the Democrats. George McGovern lost 49 out of 50 states. But given the unique political situation today, including the coronavirus, you can’t make bold assumptions, and there are a lot of wild cards out there.

FROM YOUR STUDY OF HISTORY, IS THERE A LESSON THAT HAS BROUGHT YOU CLARITY OR INSPIRATION? What is inspiring and certainly clarifying is that it seems every 40 or 50 years, this country has an election where we debate where this country is going to go. What should the soul of the country be? You saw it in the 1850s before the Civil War. You saw it in 1890s, when there were huge debates about the rise of big cities, massive immigration, huge companies. They called them “trusts” in those days. They seemed to be corrupting and undermining American democracy. We came through it. People were worried about the closing of the frontier. Well, it turns out that the real frontier is the human mind — not land out West. You saw it in the ’30s and the Depression.

You saw a little of it in the ’70s. That is why this is probably one of the most pivotal elections since 1980, when Ronald Reagan won.

SPEAKING OF FRONTIERS OF THE WEST, AND THE MIND, I KNOW THAT WALT DISNEY IS SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE. WHAT QUALITIES WERE KEY TO HIS SUCCESS? What is remarkable about Disney and other creators and innovators like him is the very fact that they had an imagination for seeing things that others did not see. Whether it was cartoons with sound, or animated films of feature length, which Disney did with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in

COURTESY

STEVE FORBES

Editor’s note: Originally scheduled for April 16-17, Tulsa Town Hall ’s presentations with Steve Forbes have been moved online. A conversation with Forbes and Tulsan Jim Stovall began June 26 at tulsatownhall.com. It is available to anyone at no charge through July 22.

MORE BROADLY, WHAT IS AMERICA’S ROLE IN THE WORLD? America’s role in the world, given that we are the largest economy in the world, still the most powerful military, is to ensure that the bad guys — the bad actors in the world — don’t gain the upperhand. This happened in the 1930s. We contained the Soviet Union during the Cold War and, today, we have to make sure terrorism is contained and that potentially aggressive countries like Russia and China don’t feel they have free rein to trample their neighbors. So, it’s making sure it’s a peaceful world.

the late ’30s. The movie was a huge hit and saved the company, but he bet everything on it. He had a vision of what a park should be and again nearly severely jeopardized the company’s finances, but pulled it off. That kind of courage and vision is something that ultimately benefits all of us. There’s a new book out called “Disney’s Land” by Richard Snow that describes the creation of Disneyland.

Almost every ride was created from scratch. An amazing achievement.

IN WHICH FIELDS MIGHT ENTREPRENEURS FIND SUCCESS NOW AND IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE? The amazing thing is, even in traditional fields you can find opportunities in terms of doing things differently. There are going to be enormous changes in aerospace with high-tech and, of course, enormous areas of opportunity in health care. It is 18 to 20% of the U.S. economy. You are going to see changes where the patient actually becomes more in control, where patients make choices, not third parties, insurers and the like. You are going to see better safety nets, just as we do with food. So, for people with an entrepreneurial bent, the creation of new devices, new cures and new ways of delivering health care are enormous. That’s a multi-trillion-dollar area, and it’s just going to be wide open for positive disruption.

IF YOU COULD TWEAK OUR SYSTEM OF EDUCATION, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? For K through 12, I think the way to go is genuine school choice. Just as we are discovering in medicine, each of us is different. I could respond to a medicine, but for you the sideeffects could be disastrous. So, through education we are learning that one size does not fit all. I think you are going to see a dramatic change where the way education is delivered is going to be varied. You are going to see the same thing in higher ed, where more and more people may do what they call “stacking.” You take certain courses in certain areas. You get certain certificates in certain areas. It’s not going to be the traditional four years for everybody. A lot of diversity in terms of how you get an education is going to come along.

COMING IN AUGUST

SOME COLLEGES ARE JETTISONING HUMANITIES STUDIES IN FAVOR OF THOSE MORE CAREER FOCUSED. IS THAT WISE OR NECESSARY? The sticker price of higher ed is just outrageous. Instead of being an opportunity for young people to have upward mobility, they end up with a lot of debt — a mini-mortgage they have to spend years trying to get out from under. That is unnecessary and wrong. I think what you are going to see is that universities and educators are going to have to make the case for college on the basis that, yes, we can be more career-oriented, but also that humanities help enrich your life. One who understood that was Steve Jobs. He made the case that science and humanities were not polar opposites.

He saw them as two sides of the same coin. TP For 85 years, Tulsa Town Hall has engaged and enlightened audiences by hosting, in person, speakers who are diverse, provocative and experts in their fields.

The 10th Anniversary celebration and announcement of Tulsa’s BEST businesses in 115 categories!

TulsaPeople.com

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ROOTS

Nicole Hopkins, founder of the Downtown Tulsa Breakfast Club, and founding member Derrick Alexander Jr. The group has been meeting virtually but will resume in-person meetings in August.

Lance McDaniel and Rachel Cannon on the set of “Send Me Wings,” a short film Cannon co-wrote, produced and starred in.

Based on the book by Bobby Cyrus, the film was recently shown at the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City.

HOME FROM HOLLYWOOD Actress from Tulsa returns to her Oklahoma roots.

BY GEORGIA BROOKS

T

wenty years ago, it was unthinkable to maintain an acting career while living in the middle of the country. But times have changed, and actress Rachel Cannon has come back to her home state to do just that.

Cannon was born in Tulsa and attended the University of Oklahoma. After graduation she moved west, got an acting coach and has spent the past two decades living and working in Los Angeles. It’s been a successful run, with guest-starring roles on hit shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mad Men” and recurring roles on “Two and Half Men” and “Fresh off the Boat.”

Cannon will continue acting, as well as writing and producing, but she is making Oklahoma her home base. She, her husband and their 4-year-old son recently moved to Edmond and she says they could not be happier.

Her timing is perfect. The past few years have seen the entertainment industry de-centralize from California and spread to many other hubs around the country. “I shot a series in Chicago. I did one in Atlanta … All the new jobs I was being considered for were in New York and Vancouver,” she says. “I saw this window of opportunity where if I was going to hop on a plane for work either way, why not have a better quality of life and go back home?”

Oklahoma itself is more of a place of opportunity than it once was. In 2014 the state extended

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Cannon, husband Noah Engh and son August Engh

its Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program for another 10 years. “This was a game changer because it spoke of certainty and longevity.” says Tava Sofsky, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music office.

The rebate program has since been extended to 2027. These extensions and other legislative updates, as well as a strong grassroots momentum, have solidified Oklahoma as an attractive filming location: 2019 saw 39 projects filmed in the state.

Cannon is devoted to expanding the Oklahoma entertainment industry, as both an artist and an entrepreneur. “I would much rather do film and television in my home state than going somewhere else to do it,” she says. “I’m going to do everything I can to help the industry and support that.” TP

Tulsa has no shortage of networking groups and professional associations, but Nicole Hopkins wanted to create a group with no membership fees and an emphasis on community service.

She founded the Downtown Tulsa Breakfast Club in summer 2018 by gathering a few friends from various industries. What began as a small group of young professionals is now a monthly gathering of about 20 people of all ages at DoubleShot Coffee Co. Meetings, which are from 7:308:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, often feature guest speakers “with a great story to tell, or someone who is doing great things in the community,” Hopkins says.

Every third meeting is a service project, such as a food drive or gifting art supplies to patients at Saint Francis Children’s Hospital. Since membership is free, members pool resources to purchase donated items.

“What we always tell people is, ‘You’re probably not going to get a lead here, but you’re probably going to meet a good person who, down the road, is going to meet another good person they can introduce you to,” Hopkins says.

Members are professionals from CPAs to attorneys to social workers.

Hopkins works in business development for an architecure firm and owns local gift box company Blasem Box. “At one point we thought we should make this to where there can be only one person per industry,” she says. “But we really wanted it just to be a group of people who wanted to do good things together.” — MORGAN PHILLIPS

“SEND ME WINGS”: THOMAS VINCENT KELLY; FAMILY: COURTESY RACHEL CANNON; BREAKFAST: GREG BOLLINGER

BREAKFAST SERVICE

Art and nature are always available At Crystal Bridges and the Momentary

Crystal Bridges | Five centuries of American art The Momentary | Contemporary visual & performing arts

DREAM TEAM

FREEDOM FIGHTERS Three Tulsans fighting sex trafficking

Andrea Graver

Marsha Johnson

Esther Goetsch

As a minister’s wife, Graver helped many recovering from addiction and trauma for 15 years. She volunteered with Unlock Freedom, an umbrella organization that focused on education and prevention of sex trafficking. When it dissolved in 2018, she started Defending Dignity.

“Our mission is to reach women trapped in sexual exploitation to facilitate healing and restoration,” Graver says. Much of Defending Dignity’s focus has been on outreach to the women who might be trafficked working in illegal massage parlors in the Tulsa area.

The faith-based nonprofit also canvases areas known for sex trafficking to educate Tulsans on its realities, while providing information on how to recognize a victim, how to report the crime, and the process for the child or adult once that victim is identified.

Last year, Defending Dignity partnered with advocacy group Convenience Stores Against Sex Trafficking. They trained store managers and employees to spot and report trafficking. Victims often go to convenience stores to escape their trafficker for a brief amount of time.

As a former chaplain for the Tulsa police and fire departments, Johnson counseled first responders and victims experiencing grief and trauma.

When DaySpring Villa, a shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence, opened its sex trafficking wing in 2015, she became connected with the organization to reduce employee turnover due to the effects of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.

“Emergency personnel, counselors — they spend so much time with the victims that it takes a toll on them,” Johnson says.

She implemented a successful staff wellness program that led to working directly with sex trafficking victims, providing trauma screenings and counseling.

A year earlier, she opened Destiny Wellness Center to address the eight dimensions of wellness under one roof. Clients include professionals on the frontlines to end trafficking.

Johnson speaks to churches, college classes and other organizations on the subject. “To make the most impact for sex trafficking victims, research those places providing effective services for them,” she says. “Find those organizations in the community working directly with them and do things for those agencies.”

As “director of coalition builds” for the national nonprofit Truckers Against Trafficking, Tulsa native Goetsch connects private and public sector partners to “attack a huge, dark, hideous problem through systems’ change and coalition building.”

TAT’s mission is to educate, equip and empower, and mobilize members of the transportation industry to recognize and report human trafficking. “We’re training individuals, companies and industry sectors to be a mobile army of eyes and ears across America’s roadways in reporting human trafficking,” she says.

One example of TAT’s work is its collaboration with the Oklahoma Trucking Association to pass legislation to require antitrafficking education in commercial driving schools. Goetsch also has stocked the Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation weigh stations and ports of entry with training materials, and TAT has trained the Highway Patrol and the Corporation Commission officers on human trafficking and taking a victim-centered approach.

“We’re raising up individuals going about their everyday job,” Goetsch says, “and inspiring them that they can be an everyday hero.” So far she has been responsible for 53 partnerships in 36 states and one in Canada. TP

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TulsaPeople JULY 2020

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

BEAUTY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT With the kids at home for summer, how can I maximize my beauty time with the biggest bang for my buck?

The BA Med Spa is the perfect place to capitalize on value and time while getting ready for summer. We will be offering our “Annual 12 Days of Christmas in July” sale, where you will find a wide selection of savings from injectables to laser services, Coolsculpting and Emsculpt — all of your favorite products and services are heavily discounted ALL July long! We understand that your time is just as valuable as the savings you are craving during the summer months. Call today to rejuvenate your skin on your schedule and still pamper yourself the way you deserve. You can reach the BA Med Spa at 918-872-9999 to find out what Santa is leaving in your summer stockings.

Malissa Spacek and Dr. James Campbell BA Med Spa & Weight Loss Center 510 N. Elm Place • Broken Arrow, OK 74012 918-872-9999 • www.baweightspa.com

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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT I need cash and qualify for a reverse mortgage, is this a good choice?

Typically, no. The appeal of a reverse mortgage is the homeowners borrow against the primary residence’s value tax-free without making any ongoing payments. The problem with the typical lump-sum repayment of a reverse mortgage is the accrued debt might exceed the adjusted purchase price of the property. The entire tax deduction may be lost when claiming all at once if the taxpayer does not have enough income to offset in that tax year. If the original homeowner dies, it is now a tax issue for the heirs or estate. All options should be reviewed before using this method.

TROLLBEADS TOGETHER APART LIMITED EDITION

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

3541 S. Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK |

VETERINARIAN How do I keep my pet healthy during the summer months?

Walking for exercise … which should be done during the cooler times of the day. If this cannot be achieved, try walking in shady areas, swimming, teaching your pet to walk on a treadmill, or even simply walking in the house for a continuous time frame of 10-15 minutes twice a day. Also working on basic commands can be a great mental and physical work out. Fatigue is the number one reason leading to injury in our pets. So better to be consistent than a weekend warrior.

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

31st & harvard • 918-986-1349 • marymurraysflowers.com TulsaPeople.com

25

CHARITABLE E VENTS *BENEFITS SUBJECT TO CHANGE EDITOR’S NOTE: TULSAPEOPLE IS A SPONSOR OF THE HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS.

4 Fish and Fireworks Benefits Oklahoma Aquarium.

OKAQUARIUM.ORG

23 Embers: Lighting the Way for a Brighter Future Benefits Palmer Continuum of Care Inc. PALMERTULSA.ORG

20 Boy Scout Golf Classic Benefits Boy Scouts of America Indian Nations Council.

OKSCOUTS.ORG

31 Sip for Sight Grand Tasting Benefits Vizavance.

SIPFORSIGHT.COM

Monarch Ball Monarch Ball: Sweet Dreams to Safer Days was March 7 at Southern Hills Country Club.

The event included dinner and dancing to raise funds for Domestic Violence Intervention Services. A DVIS survivor shared her story via a video by Avcom Productions.

The agency raised nearly $300,000 in support of its Safe Housing services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence to ensure those who come through its doors are able to have “Sweet Dreams and Safer Days.”

1

2

1. More than 275 patrons attended the 2020 Monarch Ball.

2. DVIS board member Jeff Snodgrass and Linda Brock 3. Attendees enjoy live music from band Lost Wax. 4. Butterfl y confetti falls as attendees dance.

5. Patrons Katie and Thomas Gardner and Joshua and Briana Maxwell 6. DVIS CEO Tracey Lyall and Monarch Ball Co-chairs Nancy Pruitt and Roni Stacklin

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JOHN BIVENS/BOOK WITH BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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RACQUET AND HEALTH TRANSFORMING LIVES BUILDING HEALTHY MINDS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES Established in 1973, Street School combines alternative education and therapeutic counseling and is Oklahoma’s longest running and most successful dropout prevention and intervention program.

PERSONAL TRAINING SUMMER SPECIAL • 3 for $99 • 8 for $275 • 16 for $550

Street School operates as a non-profit agency through a partnership with Tulsa Public Schools and serves an average of 200 students ages 14-19 in grades 9-12.

REGISTER TODAY komenoklahoma.org 918.392.2745 research

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Street School helps youth from dropping out of high school and prepares them for college, technical school or the workforce. They provide students with the academic and emotional skills needed to achieve their potential and become responsible and productive citizens.

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR! For more information or to make a donation, visit streetschool.org.

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MARTIAL ARTS

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Paradise never sounded So Good.

“Voted Best Place to See a Concert” • Featuring state-of-the-art audio and lighting • Seating for 2,500+guests • Ten VIP suites and a VIP bar and lounge Check out our Website for Upcoming Shows www.riverspirittulsa.com

Live Music

Friday & Saturday Nights

Starting at 9pm in 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and at 10 pm in Margaritaville!

Visit margaritavilletulsa.com for a complete schedule.

81st & RIVERSIDE 888-748-3731 RIVERSPIRITTULSA.COM

Summer

STAYCATION The pandemic has been a challenging time for many, but it also has given Tulsans a chance to get to know our city and surrounding areas better. A drive down Route 66 through Tulsa reveals historic shops and restaurants, roadside attractions and vibrant neon signs like the one pictured here at 5220 E. 11th St. Beyond the city limits, Green Country is a haven for fun hikes and interactions with nature. And if a resort stay is what you’re after, the area casino-hotels are as close as you can get to the beach in a landlocked state.

GREG BOLLINGER

FIND OUR STAYCATION GUIDE ON P. 42.

TulsaPeople.com

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THE HAPS EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to lifting COVID-19 restrictions, confirm activities with event websites prior to attending.

JULY 19

A TOUR OF TULSA 11 A.M.-7 P.M. | FREE. 181 RANCH | 3913 E. 181ST ST. S. 181RANCH.COM/TOUROFTULSA

Small locally owned businesses, from all industries across the city, will gather together for a day of networking and community support. Stop by to meet new businesses and support your old favorites. All participating companies will have items for sale, gift cards, giveaways and more.

JULY 1 Join the Oklahoma Aquarium every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from June 1-Aug. 7 for Summer Submarine, an online summer camp featuring videos, activities and story times for young learners under 12. Free. okaquarium.org FOR THE KIDS

STORYTIME BOOKS JAZZ JULY 3, 10, 17, 24 Every Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m., volunteers with the nonprofit group Tulsa Saints meet up at the Denver Avenue Station, 319 S. Denver Ave., to Feed the Needy. The event is open to anyone who wants to help. Free. facebook.com/tulsasaints

JULY 17 Ok, So Tulsa Grand Slam searches for Tulsa’s Best Storyteller at 8 p.m., at IDL Ballroom, 230 E. First St. Come one, come all and deliver your best true story or sit back and enjoy the show. $12.50. facebook.com/oksotulsa JAZZ STORYTIME

DO MUSIC GOOD

JULY 18 Duet Restaurant, 108 N. Detroit Ave., welcomes saxophonist Jermaine Mondaine for a Soul and Jazz Concert Series. He takes the stage at 8 p.m., so order your food and drinks before then and prepare for a night of jazz. Tickets required. duetjazz.com

JULY 6 At noon on Mondays in July, join Tulsa City-County Library for Music Sandwiched In, a web concert series on Zoom. The first show of July features a performance by Oklahoma musician Susan Herndon. Registration is required. Free. events.tulsalibrary.org TEATIME MUSIC

TEATIME ROCK SHOW

BUZZ JULY 11-12 See gems, minerals, beads, jewelry, a kids’ zone, a fluorescent room and more than 28 dealers from all over the United States at the Tulsa Rock and Mineral and Jewelry Show. The fun starts at 9 a.m. inside the Exchange Center, 4149 E. 21st. $10. facebook.com/tulsarockandmineralsociety

TRIVIA

JULY 25 From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Shadow Mountain Honey Co., 6332 S. 69th E. Place, will host its annual Great Tulsa Honey Sale. A social distancing plan will keep people separated while shopping a delicious wildflower crop of honey. Free. shadowmountainhoney.com JULY 30 Test your knowledge at Mother Road Market, 1124 S. Lewis Ave., for Trivia Night! From 6-7:15 p.m., grab your friends, food from your favorite Mother Road Market merchant and a drink at the WEL Bar to fuel your knowledge. Free. motherroadmarket.com

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR A FULL CALENDAR OF E VENTS. 30

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

AQUARIUM: VALERIE WEI-HAAS; JEROME MONDAINE: RUSS HARRINGTON

STORYTIME JAZZ MUSIC JULY 7 Harwelden Mansion, 2210 S. Main St., opens its doors to host an Afternoon Tea at the Mansion from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Stop by for an afternoon of sandwiches, scones and tea. $50. harweldenmansion.com

ROCK BOOKS SHOW

JULY 13 Acclaimed historian Tom Clavin will virtually speak about his new book, “Tombstone.” Learn about the true story of the Earp brothers, Doc Holliday and the famous gunfight at the OK Corral from 7-8 p.m., thanks to Magic City Books. Free. facebook.com/tulsalitco

CELEBRATE

Fleet Feet Sports Blue Dome, 418 E. Second St., starts off the holiday at 7:30 a.m. for the Firecracker Run, a 5K through downtown Tulsa. Choose to participate with your family in the stroller run, or run solo. $45. FLEETFEETTULSA.COM/ FIRECRACKER At 9 a.m., Tulsa Habitats for Hope celebrates the holiday at Charlotte’s Muse Urban Farm Food Forest, 6104 N. Boulder Ave., to Work, Eat and Mingle with your neighbors as you build tiny homes for the homeless. FREE. FACEBOOK.COM/CHARLOTTESMUSEURBANFARMFOODFOREST

FOURTH OF JULY

FUN

The Venue Shrine, 112 E. 18th St., hosts Ben Miller Band for a Fourth of July Jam at 8 p.m. Celebrate the holiday with live music, cold beer, dancing and much more. $10. FACEBOOK.COM/TULSASHRINE If you’re looking to celebrate the Fourth with a party, head to Inner Circle Vodka Bar, 410 N. Main St., Suite A, at 9 p.m. for a performance by FEENIX and a laser light show in place of fireworks. The patio offers ample room to social distance. FREE. FACEBOOK.COM/ICVODKABAR Owasso’s annual Independence Day event Red, White and BOOM celebrates with a fireworks show from 9:30-10 p.m. launched from Owasso Golf and Athletic Club. Public viewing areas include Owasso High School, 12901 E. 86th St. N; and Owasso Town Center Shopping Center, 12912 East 86th St. FREE. CITYOFOWASSO.COM

BY KYRA BRUCE

VISIT TULSA TREASURES

Boomfest presented by the Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 S. Aquarium Drive, Jenks, offers a front-row view to the most vibrant firework display in the area from the aquarium’s riverfront backyard. Take a stroll around the aquarium, grab a beer and enjoy the show. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. $18.

OKAQUARIUM.COM

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ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED. LIMITED CAPACITY.

EXPLORE THE GARDENS

philbrook.org TulsaPeople.com

31

MUSIC NOTES

CEDAR *ROCK* INN

THE SHOW MUST GO ON FOR ITS FOURTH YEAR, BARNACLE BANGER MOVES ONLINE. STORIES BY KYRA BRUCE

C

OVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the live music scene, forcing it to adapt or die. Kylie Slabby, creator of Black Mold Booking, experienced this fi rst-hand while trying to plan the fourth annual Barnacle Banger Festival on her own.

“It’s not happening in person anymore, but it was going to be in the biggest venue yet and allages, which I guess it’s still all-ages because it will be online,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve seen online stuff done before and I remembered that and I thought, maybe I shouldn’t cancel and just keep trying to pull this off.”

After deciding to move the July 18 festival online (streaming for free at location still to be determined), all the previously booked bands were happy to send in a video rather than perform live.

It’s even a better option for Los Angeles-based band Egg Drop Soup, which will no longer have to make the trek to Tulsa. “They’re friends of mine.

I love them so much, and I’m happy they’re going to be a part of it. I’m really excited for Tulsa to be introduced to them,” Slabby says.

That isn’t the only pro of the festival moving online; Slabby says it gives her space to make it bigger and better. She is still adding bands to the lineup, which includes locals like Graveyard Party and Slabby’s own Ramona and the

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Phantoms, as well as out-of-towners Remains to be Seen and Kill Vargas from Wichita, Kansas.

The genres of music performed will span the spectrum, including electro-pop, rock and acoustic.

Since bands are submitting their own performance videos, there is space for them to show personality and a different side of themselves.

Viewers can see what their practice spaces are like, for example.

“I think it’ll be cool and different because I don’t know what kind of sets bands are going to submit. It might be more acoustic or like a different style, or it might be how they normally play,” Slabby says. “So it’s defi nitely going to be a lot more unique.”

Slabby is excited to see how the festival takes shape for its fi rst year online. She’s also proud to put on the festival for another year all on her own.

“When you put on something successful it just feels really good afterward,” she says. “I’ve met so many bands and people across the country because of it — people who are my friends to this day. People who have helped me when I go on tour with my band, so it’s really cool to have that.

“I’m just looking forward to continuing. Not giving up. It’ll be nice to have another year I can say that I’ve done it.” TP

T

EGG DROP SOUP: EMMANUEL ROUMAIN

Egg Drop Soup from L.A. are one of the many bands playing the first online Barnacle Banger.

he Cedar Rock Inn at Redberry Farm, 4501 W. 41st St., is preparing for another summer of live music on the lawn, even if it’s a bit behind schedule. On July 1, the Inn welcomes the Red Dirt Rangers for a free, 6 p.m. performance.

COVID-19 presented many problems for owner Sandi Dittmann while trying to plan a live music schedule for the summer. “We usually start earlier in the summer,” she says.

“I had everything planned for May and June and had to cancel those.”

Since the July concert is on the Inn’s massive lawn, it should be easy to keep a 6-foot distance. Supporting acts have not yet been announced.

“We have a food truck that we’re trying to have up and running by then, and I’m hoping people will be allowed to go into the Inn for a tour,” Dittmann says. “We can also sell wine and beer now, or people can bring their own.”

Dittmann is excited to share the Inn with Tulsa again because the property is new and improved. The Inn has a new parking lot, which is the reason it can host a crowdgathering band like the Red Dirt Rangers for the first time.

“The reason I even started doing these was so people could come see this big beautiful house,” Dittmann says. “I’m excited for everyone to come outside, enjoy some fresh air and listen to this great band.”

Celebrate TULSA! Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of Tulsa’s award-winning city magazine each month.

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CANNA CULTURE

Gary Berg

‘Made with love’ INSIDE A LOCAL CANNABIS PROCESSING LAB

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

34

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

GREG BOLLINGER

N

ational cannabis edible brands have made their way into Tulsa dispensaries, but a fresh line of cannabisinfused products is arriving on the scene from a Tulsan-owned and operated business.

Cannabis growing and processing company Oklahoma Sweet Grass produces medical marijuana products that span the spectrum. Some of the cannabis distributor’s 18 products include THC gummies, hard candies, cookies, toothpicks, pain cream, bath salt and more, and can be found at local dispensaries. The operation is 100% local, says Chad Smith, co-owner of Oklahoma Sweet Grass with his wife, Lindsey.

“We didn’t hire any consultants from other states. It was all Oklahoma based,” says Smith, a Bishop Kelley High School and Oklahoma State alum. The couple came up with some of the recipes for OSG edibles based on treats they like to eat. “The no-bake cookies, that’s something my wife would make me all the time, so (OSG) just added THC to them,” Smith says.

Smith is an entrepreneur and has other businesses and properties in town, so it made sense to use the space they had for a new endeavor, he says. “I fell down a rabbit hole,” Smith says. “I wanted to be a one-stop shop.”

He shaped the once plain and discreet property into a fully outfitted cannabis processing lab, complete with chemist Gary Berg, who works part time when he’s not teaching high school chemistry. The set-up cost around $1 million and can make virtually any cannabis product imaginable.

“We do bubble hash, we have a rosin press and we have a full BHO (butane hash oil) processing machine,” Smith says. Hash, rosin and oil are all forms of concentrated cannabis, each with a different process of extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes.

Each piece of equipment helps ensure consistent quality across all the products, Head Processor Brandon Curtiss says. Finding uses for cannabis is personal to him because it has helped him manage symptoms from ulcerative colitis and arthritis. “I’m not a chemist, but chemistry is my passion,” Curtiss says. He fi lled notebooks with years of detailed personal research, which has helped OSG develop its methods.

The company also grows its own plants, making it a vertically integrated operation from plant to product. Other than its local ties, OSG differs from national brands because they handdose products like the Canna Quench drink line, Curtiss explains. “I’ve created a pharmaceutical base that we infuse (the drink) with, so it’s similar to your oral suspension liquids like Tylenol or codeine where it processes in your liver quickly, but it’s also water-soluble.”

Smith says hand-dosing and the care the team takes developing and crafting these products is why he put “OSG: Made with love” on every package. TP

Arrive Early.

Stay Late.

Serving the families of Jenks and the surrounding community by providing clothing and programs to meet physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

2914 E. 91st St. • 918-600-2099 facebook.com/TulsaArtsDistrict

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35

ART SPOT

Road flair

A LOOK INTO THE CREATIVE WORLD OF ARTCARS

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Tulsa ArtCar aficionado Charlie Larson with Ooja, one of his ArtCars. Ooja means "something that defies description."

The name is still in progress for this ArtCar designed by Tulsa artist Chris Wollard during quarantine. Some contenders include: Carvid 19, Rona Roadster and Corona Cruiser.

SEE MORE ART CARS AT TULSAPEOPLE.COM

36

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

GREG BOLLINGER

W

hen a vehicle reaches the end of its life and the price of repairs exceeds its value, oftentimes it’s traded in or scrapped for parts.

But where some see the end of a car’s life, others see the beginning of a new one — by shaping and shifting the car into an ArtCar. “You start with something that is worthless, has 200,000 miles on it, and you’re unsure it’ll be any good. If not, it’ll look good in a junkyard,” says Tulsan Charlie Larson, who is in charge of five ArtCars. He uses the words “in charge” rather than “own” because the cars are for everyone to enjoy.

Somewhere between a parade float and a roadside attraction, ArtCars are adorned with anything imaginable. Some look like mosaics, like Larson’s teal Volvo with foam wings affi xed to the side named Tulsa Deco Evolvo.

Others are more like sculptures, like Ooja, the multi-headed green monster on four wheels with no windows or windshield. Ooja means something that defies description.

ArtCar is an worldwide phenomenon. Enthusiasts hold large festivals in Trinidad, Colorado; San Francisco; and Houston, home of the Art Car Museum.

Larson says he has been interested in unusual cars and roadside attractions since childhood. The semi-retired Tulsan grew up on the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, but in 1985 he and his wife, Jeff ry, moved to Tulsa and have been here ever since.

Before he was old enough to drive, Larson remembers painting and decorating his bike every few months, like the time after Woodstock. “I ran down to the store and bought plastic flowers to make a flower power Sting Ray,” says Larson, who has worked in antiques and car sales, among other things.

Roadside attractions and souvenir tchotchkes inspired his fi rst ArtCar, which Larson made in two days after hearing an ad on the radio calling for ArtCars about 15 years ago. The car included “a desert (water) bag that cooled the radiator in the ’50s — suitcases, a ukulele, pink flamingos — anything you might find on the road to take home as a souvenir,” he says.

Community is a big part of ArtCar culture, Larson says. When COVID19 hit, Living Arts of Tulsa and Philbrook Museum of Art partnered with artists for an ArtCar parade May 1-3. “We had a ball, and people were out in droves — in driveways, on their porches, sitting on the curb — it just felt so good to see people,” Larson says.

“Th is pandemic is bigger than all of us as individuals, but as a community, we fi nd that we are all in it together,” says Sina McLin, Living Arts’ art and communication manager. “As an organization, we are fi nding that sharing art experiences (even remotely or at a safe distance) reminds us that we are never really alone.”

Larson met lifelong friends through ArtCar and pulled together an impromptu caravan with some of them for this story. He took turns driving Ooja and riding on his futuristic motorcycle named the Extraordinary Retro Rocketbike. Tulsa artist Chris Wollard debuted his latest ArtCar project, a Mazda Miata covered in sleek, hand-formed aluminum riveted together from scratch, which took four weeks to build. Kelly White (a.k.a. Tie Dye Kelly) and her mother Barbara Killion joined the caravan in White’s tie-dye VW bus. Lora Larson, a local physician and Charlie’s sister, joined in the teal Volvo.

As the procession drove through midtown neighborhoods, passersby snapped pictures, smiled and waved. Th is, Larson says, is what ArtCar is all about. Larson and the crew urge anyone interested in ArtCar to learn more. They’re always looking to add to their caravans.

“Anybody can be an artist (with ArtCar),” Larson says. “It’s folk art in its purest form — just like a roadside attraction.” TP

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PERSPECTIVES

Tamecca Rogers with sons Chazen, Keith and Ian.

MAY 26, 2020

BY TAMECCA ROGERS

38

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

hashtag on social media. Therefore, although I am so tired of having the same conversation with them over and over again and, I am sure, they are tired of hearing the same conversation; I would be neglecting my motherly duties if I did not.

I have to remind them who they are. They are Black boys with deep voices, which can scare people. They are animated when they talk, using hand gestures and different expressions on their faces, which can intimidate individuals.

It’s scary that intimidated people can be dangerous. Be careful, I say. Use your words, tone and movements wisely.

I have to remind them that although they have pretty amazing friends from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, they do not have the same privileges as their white counterparts. I have to remind them that although I think they are absolutely adorable, smart and funny with hearts of gold, unfortunately, not everyone sees them the same. Sadly, they will be judged based on stereotypes and prejudiced viewpoints.

My sweet boys, be careful. Tread lightly. Stay aware of your surroundings. Make good decisions.

Do not argue with authority, even if you know you are right. Do not make sudden movements. The

goal is to make it back home to me, alive.

It breaks my heart to have those conversations with my boys. Every time I have that conversation with them, I feel some of their innocence slipping away. I do not know the answer, and I feel absolutely powerless. Therefore, I continue to pour all of my love into them. I hug them a little tighter. Stare at them a little longer (which they think is very weird). And pray even harder.

The senseless killing of unarmed Black boys and men due to racism, ignorance and fear must stop. TP Tamecca Rogers, Ph.D., has been a resident of Tulsa for 36 years. She is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center, where she has worked for 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in business administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Prior to her time at Tulsa Tech, Rogers served five years as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy and a combined six years as a high school instructor and college enrollment counselor. She also has held adjunct professor positions at multiple post-secondary institutions. Rogers is a proud mom of Ian, 23; Chazen, 18; and Keith, 9.

MICHELLE POLLARD

I

am a Black mother of three boys, and I woke up this morning with a heavy heart.

I was thinking about my boys and the conversation I will have with them about another senseless killing of a Black man. Just last week I had to talk to them about Ahmaud Arbery, who was gunned down while jogging unarmed in a south Georgia neighborhood. And today, the conversation will be about George Floyd.

Quite frankly, George Floyd should be alive this morning. Instead, he was murdered in Minneapolis as he lay on the ground begging police for his life, struggling to breathe, handcuffed, with a knee on his neck, blocking his carotid artery.

Watching the video of his murder was difficult to say the least. George called out for his momma in his last words. I had to turn the video off. I had to take a break. My eyes were flooded with tears as I thought to myself, how many times must I have this conversation with my boys? When are things going to change? How do I protect my boys? Where do I even start?

The fact of the matter is, I agonize over the possibility of not being able to protect them from those who fear them. I fret over the chance of them being the next news headline or the next

DO YOU

KNOW

?

RECYCLE THIS

Non-recyclable items in the blue cart can contaminate an entire truckload. Please use the blue

NOT THAT

recycling cart for recyclable items found in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry only.

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39

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Black Wall Street Gallery 10 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite B | 918-521-8201 | bwsgallery.com EDUREC Youth and Family Fun Center 5424 N. Madison Ave. | 918-430-3947 | facebook.com/edurecnorthtulsa Greenwood Cultural Center 322 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-596-1020 | greenwoodculturalcenter.com Theatre North Various performance locations | facebook.com/theatrenorthtulsa EVENTS AND CATERING 36th Street North Event Center 1125 E. 36th St. N | 918-200-9046 | 36theventcenter.com

BLACKOWNED BUSINESS GUIDE

Chef Charlotte Shores charlotteshores.com Jamie James Kitchen and Catering LLC 918-510-8277 | jamiejameslee78@gmail.com Tisdale23 Event Planning and Catering 907 S. Detroit Ave. | 918-899-2005 | tisdale23.com Touch of Soul Catering and Delivery 918-946-0736 Tristen's Special Occasions 918-852-3100 | facebook.com/tristenspecialoccasion

Celebrating local entrepreneurs

BY MARY NOBLE AND STAFF

Yvonne V. Matthews Business Center 240 E. Apache St. | 918-728-7008 | facebook.com/yvonnevmatthewscenter FOOD AND DRINK The Burger 405 E. 46th St. N. | 918-428-2008 Cajun Boil Catering 205 E. Pine St. | 918-230-2541 | facebook.com/cajunboilcatering Dipped by Brandie 918-407-8471 | facebook.com/dippedbybrandiellc Elmer’s BBQ 4130 S. Peoria Ave. | 918-742-6524 | facebook.com/elmersbbqtulsa Evelyn’s Soul Food 3014 N. 74th E. Ave. | 918-835-1212 | evelynsoulfood.com

If we missed your business, please send an email to voices@langdonpublishing.com to be included in our online listing.

40

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Fruit Head 918-240-1435

CBD Pharm 2324 E. Admiral Blvd.

Juicemaker Lounge 3508 S. Sheridan Road | 818-209-6345 | facebook.com/juicemakermusic

Dragonslayer Games 3944 S. Hudson Ave. | 918-991-0264 | dragonslayergames.tcgplayerpro.com

Leon's Smoke Shack BBQ 601 S. Sheridan Road | 918-798-7907 | leonssmokeshack.com

Elder Sports 8307 E. 111th St. S., Unit I, Bixby | 918-894-9177 | eldersports.com

Mrs. T’s Kountry Kitchen 2115 N. Cincinnati Ave. | 918-794-8894 | facebook.com/mstskountrykitchen

Fulton Street Books and Coffee 210 W. Latimer St. | facebook.com/fultonstreet918

Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Q 2225 N. Harvard Ave. | 918-835-7077 | facebook.com/oklahomastylebbq

Mocha Books 5525 E. 51st St. Suite 205 | 918-236-9019 | readwithmochabooks.com

Oklahoma Toffee Co. 1124 S. Lewis Ave. in Mother Road Market | 918-480-1400 | oklahomatoffee.com

Off The Racks Boutique 918-381-0398 | offtheracksok.com

Reba Dale’s BBQ 782 E. Pine St. | 918-425-1122 | facebook.com/rebadalesbbq Retro Grill and Bar 800 N. Peoria Ave. | 918-587-3876 | facebook.com/retrogb30 Rozay’s Wingz 2627 E. 11th St. | 918-271-5051 | facebook.com/tulsawingspot Rubicon 2248 N. Harvard Ave. | 918-398-0306 | facebook.com/rubiconrestaurantllc Sugar by Charlotte 1124 S. Lewis Ave., Kitchen66 Takeover Cafe | 509-554-7044 | sugarbycharlotte.com Sweet Lisa’s Cafe 1717 N. Peoria Ave. | 918-561-6099 TNT Wangs FOOD TRUCK Often parked at 409 N. Main St. | 918-955-1739 | instagram.com/tntwangstulsa Waffle That FOOD TRUCK Often located at Apache Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard | instagram.com/wafflethat Wanda J's Next Generation 111 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-861-4142 | wandajs.com GOODS STORES 3 Leafs Dispensary 2464 N. Yale Ave. | 918-764-8183

The Freeze 212 E. 46th St. N. | 918-425-8102

Bethel Pharmacy 205 E. Pine St., Suite 7 | 918-505-9650 | bethelholisticclinic.com

Frios Gourmet Pops 105 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-949-9879 | friospops.com

Black Wall Street Market 5616 N. Osage Drive | 918-770-6020 | facebook.com/blackwallstreetmarket

The What Not Shop 4747 N. Peoria Ave. | 918-425-5811 5 Star Solutions 8218 E. 71st St. | 918-863-3000 | 5starsolutionspro.com MEDIA The Black Wall Street Times 17 W. 5th St. | theblackwallsttimes.com Eaton Media Services 1533 N. Norfolk Ave. | 832-443-9499 | kbob899.com The Oklahoma Eagle 624 E. Archer St. | theoklahomaeagle.net SERVICES A Better Lawn Experience 918-841-2378 | cmelvin874@gmail.com A and M Healthcare Clinic LLC 3606 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. | 918-728-8512 | amhealthcareclinic.com Allie’s Crown Florist 250 E. Apache St. | 918-430-1250 | alliescrownflorist.com aNAILized by Anti 405-456-9356 | anailizedbyanti.com Assistance and Integrity LLC 539-292-9646 Avenu PR 36 E. Cameron St. | 918-810-9222 | avenupr.com AYD Trinity Travel 460 N. Xanthus Ave. | 918-809-3743 | aydtrinitytravel@yahoo.com Barbara’s Graphic Arts and Word Processing Services 240 E. Apache St. | 281-903-6068 | barbara.middlebrook@yahoo.com

Best of the Movers 918-505-8387

Lyons Repair Services 918-409-4899

Biglow Funeral Directors Inc. 1414 N. Norfolk Ave. | 918-687-5510 | biglowfunerals.com

Lumos Chiropractic, Dr. Fallon Long 7171 S. Braden Ave. | 918-960-0826 | lumoschiropractic.com

Bravo Doors 4056 N. Elgin Ave. | 918-833-2411 | bravodoors.net

Modern Woodsmen of America 130 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite 401 | 918-884-7474

James Collins, AGENT AT FARMERS INSURANCE 10159 E. 11th St., Suite 420 | 918-933-3821 | jcollins2@farmersinsurance.com

NextGen Tax Services 7806 E. 106th St., Suite 200 | 918-600-2299 | nextgentaxcpa.com

Color Me True Destiny Programs 918-850-3074 | mlhwilliams12@gmail.com Doc J’s Heat and Air LLC 918-921-4240 | docjsheatandair.com Don Thompson Images 918-814-4262 | donthompsonimages.com Dreamstart 918-732-9846 | mydreamstart.com Dyer Memorial Chapel 2103 E. 3rd St. | 918-425-5549 | dyermemorialchapel.net Elizabeth Hill, Realtor 918-810-1302 | ehillhomes.com Keith Ewing, AGENT AT FARMERS INSURANCE 10159 E. 11th St., Suite 420 | 918-388-3934 | kewing@farmersagent.com

The Pin Man 802 E. Sixth St. | 918-587-2405 | positivepins.com The Pistolsmith 2145 N. Rockford Ave. | 918-408-6412 Rock Your Party Inc. 1408 S. Denver Ave. | 918-367-0248 | rockyourparty.org Rose Tax Solutions 107 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-358-7900 | rosetaxsolutions.com Smiley Elmore and Associates 4158 S. Harvard Ave., Suite E-2 | 918-745-9154 | moneyconcepts.com/celmore The Pillar Group LLC 136 N. Greenwood Ave., Ste 136 | 918-392-5665 | yourpillargroup.com

VickyB’s Dance Co. 130 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite 124G | 918-297-6644 Visions by Dee 346-386-3633 | visionsbydee.com Vision Branding 918-587-1428 | rnadams78@gmail.com Wise Moves Dance Academy 918-812-5617 | wmdanceacademy.com With Love Holistic Birth Services and Consulting 2232 S. 137th E. Ave. | 918-282-9033 | withlovedoula.wixsite.com/website STYLE AND SELF CARE Beads Please LLC 918-720-6420 | facebook.com/mybeadsplease Black Label Grooming 6373 S. Memorial Drive, Suite B | 918-270-3444 | blacklabelmg.us Blow Out Hair Studio 109 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-576-6200 Body Sculpting by Landry 7935 S. Memorial Drive | 918-809-9680 | facebook.com/bodysculptingbylandry Claudia Hats and Jewelry 918-995-2787 | claudia.hats@gmail.com

Lord Primo shop-lordprimo.com Luxurious Turquoise Sun LLC 918-264-2324 | luxuriousturquoisesun.com Natural Health Clinic 112 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-587-4500 | nhgreenwood.com Nu Celebrity Impressions 610-467-7377 | nucelebrityimpressions.com Nuni Products 609-351-2039 | 918-829-9999 | nuniproducts.com Poppi’s Urban Spa 302 S. Frankfort Ave., Suite C | 918-932-8181 | tulsapoppi.com Purple Rain Collections 782 E. Pine St., Suite B | 918-928-2613 | facebook.com/purpleraincollections Ralph’s Menswear 736 E. 36th St. N. | 918-425-3933 She-PHIT Athletics 918-973-7448 | she-phit.com Silhouette Sneakers and Art 10 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite C | 918-732-9166 | silhouettetulsa.com

Elegance Beauty Supply and Gifts 205 E. Pine St. | 918-582-5858 | elegancebeautygifts.com

SistaDos Salon and Fine Grooming 6614 S. Memorial Drive, Suite 29 | 918-346-8397 | facebook.com/sistadosalonfinegromming

EJDezigns 918-200-8539

SpeakOut Wear 918-808-3120 | squareup.com/store/sow

Enlighten Candle Co. 918 954-4200 | enlightencandlecompany.com

Style By Lisa J 405-633-1693 | facebook.com/LisaJBrands

Stingray Printing and Graphics 4533 N. Frankfort Place | 918-810-1207

Essential MD 7806 E. 106th St., Suite 205 | 918-600-2233 | essentialmdtulsa.com

Styled by Maia Treleaven 918-401-0276 | stelladot.com/sites/maiavtreleave

Street Geekz 1717 E. 40th St. N. | 918-841-8874 | sgeekz.com

Habit Boutique 1717 N. Peoria Ave., Suite 12 | 918-986-9500 | habitboutiquetulsa.com

Tai B. Beauty and Makeup Artistry By appointment | taibbeauty.com

Jack’s Memory Chapel 801 E. 36th St. N. | 918-428-4431 | jacksmemorychapel.com

Griffin's Heating and Air 918-346-2541 | g.page/griffin-heat-air

Ke Concepts keconceptsllc.com

Trabar Communications LLC 918-645-4508

Howell’s Designer Suits 202 E. Marshall Place | 918-587-7775 | howelldesignersuits2.com

Kimberly's Janitorial Service 918-816-8311 | kimberlys.simpleybook.me

Tulsa Dream Center 200 W. 46th St. N. | 918-430-9984 | tulsadreamcenter.com

Excel Professional Grant Writing and Nonprofi t Services LLC 219-810-4039 | grants4me2.webs.com Greenwood Avenue Gift Shop 19and21.com Hush Harbor 918-408-6821 | hushharbor909@aol.com Innovations Lactation and Breastfeeding 3336 E. 32nd St., Suite 107 | innovationspcfitllc.com

Lane’s Lawn Service 918-585-6921 | 918-734-5249 LasTop Management Company Inc. and LasTop Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping Inc. 918-850-6480

Shoe Smiles 4606 E. Admiral Place, Suite A | 918-636-1462 Skip’s Body Shop 3251 N. Peoria Ave. | 918-425-1635 Smith Repair Services 918-998-6161

Tulsa Window Tinting and Graphics Locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby and Owasso | 918-889-9477 | tulsawindowfilms.com

Jaded Onyx Soap and Beauty 2005 N. Owasso Ave., Owasso | 918-904-9382 | jadedonyx.com Kimberly Kween Tulsa Stylist 6614 S. Memorial Drive | 910-896-6776 | styleseat.com/kimberlykween Locks and Strands Salon 1044 E. Pine Place | 918-282-2018

Tee’s Barber Shop 120 N. Greenwood Ave. | 918-584-1189 Total Family Wellness 3336 E. 32nd St., Suite 107 | 918-398-3586 | tfwok.com United We Stand, Inc. 205 E. Pine St., Suite 16 | 918-382-1766 Virtuous Jewels 918-850-2108 | shopvirtuousjewels.com The XclusiV Body Suit Health and Holistic 5332 S. Memorial Drive | 918-902-0168 | getsuitedxv.com TP TulsaPeople.com

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How to staycate in the Tulsa area.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Summer isn’t over yet, so pack up the car and hit the road with family and friends for a fun trip that’s close to home.

Local vacations, a.k.a. staycations, not only eliminate the need for pricey plane tickets and hotel rooms, but also can give Tulsans a new appreciation for this land we call home — while maintaining social distance during the pandemic. This guide will give staycationers an idea of what’s available within about a two-hour drive.

Route 66: A neon tour The Mother Road stretches from Chicago to the west coast, and luckily it runs right through Tulsa. Neon has historically been part of the iconic highway, which runs down East 11th Street in midtown until reaching Southwest Boulevard near I-244, so take a mini road trip through Tulsa and see if you can find all the neon signs.

No need to leave town to see entertaining roadside attractions like Buck Atom of Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, 1347 E. 11th St. The gift shop that celebrates Route 66 recently installed a new neon sign, which is part of a larger trend to bring back neon to the Mother Road. The City of Tulsa and the Route 66 Commission have dedicated grants for business owners looking to join the neon party.

Other signs include the iconic Meadow Gold sign near East 11th Street and South Peoria Avenue, originally installed in the 1930s at 11th Street and Lewis Avenue by the former Meadow Gold Dairy location, according to the Tulsa Foundation of Architecture.

Visit TulsaPeople.com for a complete of list of neon to find on the Mother Road in tulsa.

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These budget-friendly day trips (or camping trips if you want to stay awhile) are ideal vacation spots with fun for the whole family.

Bluestem Falls, Pawhuska • free This popular area swimming hole is the spillway for Bluestem Lake. Certain points on the tall boulders surrounding the waterfall serve as diving boards for those brave enough to make the plunge. The lake and water spillway offer fi shing and hiking, and there are RV and tent campsites near the lake. A bonus to this spot: Nearby downtown Pawhuska is hopping with shops and restaurants, so after a long day of swimming or fi shing, you can enjoy great local food.

Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Pawhuska • free

Spanning 40,000 acres, this location is the largest protected area of tallgrass prairie in the world. It’s the ideal place to learn about Green Country’s wildlife, including more than 2,100 American bison, more than 210 species of birds, wildfl owers, and bluestem grass and switchgrass, which reach 6-8 feet tall in September. The complete drive through the preserve is about 50 miles and takes around two hours with stops. Be sure to stay on the road. Bison can be dangerous.

Osage Hills State Park, Pawhuska • $8/car entry fee

This park is a local hiker’s paradise with winding, rocky and wooded trails through the park’s 1,100 acres. Mountain bike trails are available, as well. The vibrant and abundant foliage make Osage Hills State Park a great place to visit any time of year. The park also includes fi shing and camping, with cabins available to rent, and tent and RV sites. The park is one of seven constructed in Oklahoma by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Construction began in 1935, and remnants from the Corps’ stay include concrete and rock foundations from their living quarters and an amphitheater carved into rock along the trail.

Great Salt Plains State Park, Jet • $8/car entry fee

Though the drive is a little farther than the others listed, this site is unlike anything else you’ll see in Oklahoma. In prehistoric times, Oklahoma was covered by a salty ocean. Today only the salt remains, creating vast, barren fl ats that refl ect the sun (seriously, wear sunscreen and sunglasses).

The selenite crystal dig area allows visitors to dig for the hourglass-shaped selenite crystals — the only place in the world they can be found. Enjoy hiking and equestrian trials, and look for some of the over 300 species of protected birds in the refuge. RV and tent camping is available, and cabins are available to rent.

MEADOW: MICHELLE POLLARD; BUCK ATOM’S: GREG BOLLINGER; OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: BLAYKLEE FREED

Get away close to home

Outdoor adventures

Hop in the RV

Camping in a tent in the dead of Oklahoma summer isn’t always a relaxing escape into nature, so why not try an RV? Whether renting or buying, an RV is a great way to beat the heat. Stephanie Pierce, co-owner of Dave’s Claremore RV, has helpful tips for folks new to RVing.

What are a few things beginners should know before making an RV purchase? Budget

is important to consider in the early stages. Tow capacity of your truck or SUV is also extremely important if you plan to buy a trailer or fifth wheel.

This will determine how large or small you can go with your RV purchase. You also want to think about how many people will be traveling with you … it’s important to have enough beds for everyone.

I also recommend really spending some time inside the RV you’re considering to be sure it’s comfortable and has what is most important to you.

Don’t make a decision in the first 30 minutes. It’s kind of like buying a house, you have to decide what features/layouts are things you must have, and be sure all your necessities are met. It’s important

to pick a dealer partner that includes a full walkthrough demonstration in your purchase. This should take about an hour-and-a-half to two hours if it wis done thoroughly.

Do you need a special driver’s license to drive an RV? No special license; no endorsements at all.

Are there any common rookie mistakes? You can

never have enough leveling blocks or water hoses.

These items will come in handy as you travel to different places. It’s also a great idea to make a list on your first excursion so you remember what you may want to bring next time. I always recommend a short trip, close to home for your first outing. This gives you the opportunity to gain some confidence, as well as see what you may need for a longer vacation.

Where are your favorite places to take an RV in Oklahoma? Little Sahara in Waynoka; Cookson Bend on Tenkiller Lake, Cookson; Robbers Cave in Wilburton; Spencer Creek Campground on Oologah Lake, Oologah.

Resort life in Tulsa Escape the grind of everyday life with a weekend trip to one of Tulsa’s lively casino hotels. Each casino features live music and other events, games and special amenities detailed below.

Osage Casino and Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 777 W. Cherokee St., catoosa hardrockcasinotulsa.com

8330 Riverside parkway riverspirittulsa.com

Constructed in 2018, this casino and hotel has 141 rooms.

Many rooms face the 120,000-gallon pool, which comfortably serves 240 people with a 15-seat chaise lounge tanning ledge where guests can relax in shallow water. A hot tub and fire pit are located near the pool and the poolside bar. The outdoor pool area includes a 6,000-square-foot exterior hardscape space for outdoor entertainment and views of the Osage Hills. Osage Casino and Hotel Tulsa also has a fully operational brewery, featuring locally brewed beer from Nine Band Brewing Co.

Known for its knockout shows and adults-only pool, Hard Rock is located on the outskirts of town in Catoosa. A stay in one of the 454 rooms and suites includes a free shuttle service to Tulsa’s Gathering Place. Dining options include upscale eateries like McGill’s on 19 and casual options like Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill.

A trip to the Spa at Hard Rock is an option for those needing to wind down. Hotel visitors with the Unlimited Golf Package receive unlimited golf tee time with a cart at neighboring Cherokee Hills Golf Club.

This riverfront casino hotel boasts beautiful views and memorable shows, and the tropical theme brings home the staycation experience. The entertainment venue Paradise Cove invites popular rock acts, nationally touring comedians and the brawlers of MMA and boxing — and after the show, visitors can stay in the 27-floor all-glass hotel tower.

The 483 rooms and suites include access to the resort pool with cabanas and a beach bar. Dining options include Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Margaritaville, and Landshark Pool Bar and Tiki Bar and Dining, where swimmers don’t have to leave the pool area for a cold beverage. TP

OSAGE, HARD ROCK, RIVER SPIRIT: COURTESY

951 W. 36th St. N. osagecasino.com

River Spirit Casino

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Born in 1895 in Chicago, Walter Hugo Helmerich II was a thrill-seeking aviator who found his way to Oklahoma when he was stationed at Fort Sill.

In 1919, he married Cadijah Colcord, the daughter of Oklahoma oil pioneers who introduced Walt to a new kind of thrill—drilling for oil.

William Thomas Payne was a native of Shawnee, Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma A&M in 1915 with a degree in bacteriology and chemistry. After serving during WWI and being commissioned to isolate the 1918 flu epidemic, Bill returned home to work as an oil scout for the Colcord family, where he met Walt Helmerich.

EDITORIAL H&P Anniversary 2

Helmerich and Payne became fast friends. Walt admired Bill’s honesty and quiet determination, while Bill viewed Walt as a smart, outgoing and tough-minded individualist. In 1920 they agreed to formalize their partnership on the wind-swept plains of South Bend, Texas before formally incorporating in Tulsa, Oklahoma six years later.

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As we take pride and celebrate H&P’s centennial year in 2020, we also reflect on all we have accomplished as a company and our colleagues, both past and present, who’ve contributed to this success. What started as a handshake between two business partners has grown into an industry-leading, technology-driven company with operations around the world, but always based right here in Tulsa.

Our success has been a direct result of generations of hard-working, dedicated employees who have brought their best each and every day.

There have been a lot of changes over the last 100 years. But every time H&P has faced a new challenge, including the challenges facing the world and our industry today, the people of H&P have come together to tackle it head-on with tenacity and grit, as well as compassion for each other. I am humbled by the way our people continue to honor the legacy of our company through teamwork, a service attitude and innovation.

EDITORIAL H&P Anniversary 3

I can’t think of a better city than Tulsa for a company like H&P to thrive in, and I am excited to make our way forward, together.

Sincerely, John Lindsay President & CEO

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A STORY OF HARD WORK HARNESSING THE SAME 1920s GRIT You may drive by the H&P headquarters at 15th and Boulder every day and not realize that Helmerich & Payne is the oil and gas industry’s most trusted partner in drilling productivity and technological innovation. Whether in an office or on a drilling rig, the men and women who carry H&P’s legacy forward work tirelessly every day to enable the production of affordable energy for the world.

“If my grandfather were here to see that the same spirit of innovation and adventure lives on in the company he started a century ago, he would be proud of every individual who ensures H&P continues to set the industry standard around the world.”

HANS HELMERICH Chairman of the Board

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1920

1944

Walter Helmerich II buys his first Star 29 cable rig in South Bend, Texas and meets his future business partner William Payne. The two formally incorporate their company as Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and move the headquarters to Tulsa in 1926.

After Payne leaves H&P for other ventures, Helmerich II moves the company into deeper drilling, and drills three successful wildcats in the Texas panhandle.

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GETTING TO KNOW H&P H&P has operations in 10 states and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as 7 countries.

H&P has been ranked #1 in total customer satisfaction 11 years in a row.

H&P’s technology segment develops automated tools to deliver more value to exploration and production companies, create a safer work environment and minimize environmental impact.

H&P’s employees live by “The H&P Way,” which includes the company’s core values of Actively CARE, Service Attitude, Innovative Spirit, Teamwork and Do The Right Thing.

1960

1968

Walter Helmerich III succeeds his father as CEO. During his 30 years of leadership, he shapes H&P into a modern, global organization. A few notable achievements include H&P being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, growing the company internationally and the expansion into real estate.

H&P deploys its first offshore rig named Spindletop. The hull measures 352 feet long, 76 feet wide and 19 feet deep, and it can drill in water depths up to 600 feet.

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A STORY OF COMMUNITY Often quietly serving behind the scenes, Helmerich & Payne employees are encouraged to be a strong force of good in the Tulsa community. From supporting annual United Way campaigns to “Go Red” events for the American Heart Association and dozens of volunteer and fundraising efforts in between, H&P’s employees will always invest back into the community that allows the company to thrive.

DID YOU KNOW? Helmerich & Payne bought Utica Square in 1964, at which time Walter H. Helmerich III commissioned the planting of 300 trees. The company still owns and operates the shopping center today.

“The Tulsa Area United Way is just one of many organizations that have reaped the benefits of Helmerich & Payne’s success. We simply would not be the strong Tulsa we are today without the constant re-investment in our community through the volunteerism and financial generosity of corporate leaders like H&P.” ALISON ANTHONY President and CEO, Tulsa Area United Way

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1989

1998

Hans Helmerich, son of Walter Helmerich III, becomes H&P’s third CEO. During the first ten years of his leadership, he oversees the company’s growth in the US land drilling market and the beginning of H&P’s deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

H&P revolutionizes the industry with the FlexRig1. The new design has a flexible drilling range, half the moving time and revolutionary health, safety and environmental benefits.

This leads to the development of H&P’s award-winning ACdrive FlexRig fleet.

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2014

2020

John Lindsay, a Tulsa native, becomes the fourth CEO of H&P. During his tenure, he has expanded H&P’s drilling operations, as well as the company’s technology portfolio.

As H&P celebrates a century in business, the company continues to deliver innovation to the energy industry through the integration of technology and automation to drilling operations.

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THANK YOU, TULSA. HERE’S TO THE NEXT 100 YEARS AND OUR WAY FORWARD, TOGETHER.

“Helmerich & Payne’s story in Tulsa is a remarkable one. The company has grown over a century thanks to brilliant leadership, hard work and a willingness to take educated risks. Helmerich & Payne has used the success derived from those values to make Tulsa a better place for all of us to live and work.”

G.T. BYNUM Mayor, City of Tulsa

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H P 10 0Ye a r s .c o m

NEWSMAKER

Charles Ely One of Tulsa’s most trusted voices at KTUL Channel 8 for nearly three and a half decades retired in 2019, but he stays busy flipping houses and still has plenty of thoughts about the state of TV journalism.

I

was born in … Cleveland, Ohio.

Although my family lived in Euclid, a suburb, where my grandfather was mayor. Growing up there was unique because … half the kids I grew up with had parents or grandparents with accents. We grew up with a real appreciation for ethnicity because everybody was Polish, Croatian, Italian.

When you went to somebody’s house on a Sunday, you got Grandma’s Italian meatballs from the old country, or your buddy’s mom was cooking purple kielbasa. My first job was … as an intern at WERE-AM (Cleveland), and all their talk shows were sort of inflammatory.

And the news was aggressive. It was crazy. Remember “WKRP in Cincinnati?” That was a documentary, not a comedy. I mean, the sales guys had plaid coats, the on-air people screamed into the microphone. It was awesome. My first TV job … paid $150 a week. Think about that. This is 1974. It was a dominant, first-class station. I mean, when it came to buying helicopters, they couldn’t decide to buy one big one or two little ones. After short stays in Atlanta and Dallas as a reporter and weekend anchor … We moved here in 1984. We thought we’d come for two years. But after the first contract, I was working on a house.

The second contract, we’d had a baby. Then you’re there six, you’re there nine and you’re done. I mean, Tulsa — when I have friends come to visit, they go,

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“Wow! This is a great town! Who knew?”

It’s the best-kept secret in the country.

My longtime co-host Carole Lambert … Oh, I’d trust her with my life. Family. I mean, she’s just a bedrock kind of person. Professional, sound, solid, good, good-hearted. The TV news industry has changed … I covered the whole Nixon thing as a student reporter. There was certainly opposition (in the media), but I don’t remember this sort of, like, all the reporters trying to be “part of the club.”

They do a story at the White House, and they do a little sneer at the end to “show you where I stand.” I don’t care where you stand. I don’t think anybody cares where I stand. I think the media has done generational harm to itself by basically abandoning objectivity. I’m at peace in retirement … Oh, yes.

I think I did enough of it. I think the audience was exposed enough to me that they’ve had their fill. I started flipping houses because … When you work the night shift, most of your friends are at work during the day, so doing a couple projects around the house fits in very nicely. … Just pick the ugliest thing in this house, then fix that. What’s the second ugliest thing?

Fix that. And over time, you learn about mitering corners on trim, hanging fixtures. I don’t do anything really complex. I like to bike. I like to fish. Go work out. Keeps me out of pool rooms. And newsrooms. TP

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY JOHN HOOVER

Gunboat Park lies between East 11th and 13th streets and South Elgin and Frankfort avenues.

Catalysts for

CHANGE

GUNBOAT PARK UNDERGOES REVITALIZATION, ATTRACTS NEW TENANTS. STORY BY KRISTI EATON | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD

TODD RUFFIN /MIDWEST DRONE PRODUCTIONS

A

sk Thomas Carlson about the Gunboat Park neighborhood, and he will tell you there is no one more passionate or bullish about it.

Carlson, owner of the Carlson Group, has spent the past year and a half revitalizing and investing millions of dollars into the neighborhood, located between East 11th and 13th streets and South Elgin and Frankfort avenues.

“I’m heavily invested,” he said one Friday morning by phone while he was working in the neighborhood. “We have about 90,000 square feet of land — millions of dollars in it — but I also put in my own office down here.”

In addition, a few other well-known community organizations have selected Carlson’s up-and-coming development, Gunboat Plaza, to house their headquarters.

This includes Leadership Tulsa, which plans to open this summer, and FC Tulsa (formerly the Tulsa Roughnecks), which moved in May 1. A multitude of smaller businesses, homes and apartments, as well as two parks in the vicinity, already call the neighborhood home.

“The location is one of the best in the city,” Carlson says. “We are so close to Cherry Street, 11th Street. We have

immediate highway access. We’re basically three-quarters of a mile from eight different districts, such as Blue Dome, the Arts District, SoBo, Cherry Street, Maple Ridge.

“It’s all right there — you don’t have to drive through the traffic of downtown to get to where we are. We’re just this incredible gem, but it’s pretty easy to overlook it.”

Carlson and his team started looking at Gunboat Park — so named because the streets of Frankfort and Elgin form a boat shape — because they saw they could devise a large master plan instead of purchasing lots and building piecemeal. Many of the dilapidated buildings had been demolished a decade before the team’s investment, leaving empty lots, he says.

The approach allowed them to focus on smaller details, such as front entrance design and other key elements to renovating the area. “You have this wonderful mix of livework Craftsman-style homes next to warehouses next to historic 1920s brick buildings,” he says.

Before it was called Gunboat Park, the area was known as Elm Creek: one of Tulsa’s first and oldest planned neighborhoods, Carlson says.

Tulsa’s new hub?

Opening in the former warehouse of Catholic art and gift supplier FC Ziegler Co., Leadership Tulsa’s 7,800-squarefoot Leadership Center will include office space, co-working areas, a catering kitchen, and meeting and training rooms.

It also will host many of the organization’s own classes, says Wendy Thomas, executive director of Leadership Tulsa, which provides community leadership development programs.

Thomas says the project started because the organization had outgrown the office space it had occupied for 12 years. Since 2008, the organization has tripled staff and programs.

“We desperately needed our own meeting and training space, too,” Thomas says. “We couldn’t even host a board meeting without borrowing or renting space from a friend.”

The new location will offer members a way to connect with each other through the co-working space, which, Thomas says, is a reflection of the way people are now working in the digital world.

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Thomas Carlson is the owner of the Carlson Group, a full-service real estate company that has invested in the revitalization of Gunboat Park. The area sits in the southeast corner of the Inner Dispersal Loop with a collection of commercial, industrial and residential properties.

Tamara Wagman and Aaron Sloan look over plans for the new Engine Room, a boxing gym that will soon call Gunboat Park home. Wagman and Sloan own the building together.

The new location provides a larger space than its previous Pearl District site, as well as opportunities to host sporting events and other activities.

“Whether people need an occasional downtown hangout between meetings or a regular place to do focused work or small meetings, the Leadership Center will be a place that offers modern convenience as well as companionship,” she says. “Our two training rooms, one serving up to 50 and one serving up to 30, will also be available at reasonable fees for organizations and businesses to offer company off-sites.”

The team will be in the new Leadership Center by July, she adds, with programs, events and co-working later this year.

Thomas says the Gunboat Park neighborhood had not been on Leadership Tulsa’s radar for the new facility until Thomas Carlson reached out as part of the request for proposals. “(Carlson) really spent time diving into our business model and offered us a perfect solution for all our needs as part of his development. We are proud to be an anchor tenant in this newly emerging district,” she says. “There is a fun mix of residential and light industrial development already in the area, and we felt our Leadership Center would benefit from being downtown.

Gunboat Park offers a relaxed environment, convenient parking and a creative urban vibe.”

Thomas says she was surprised many people are unfamiliar with the Gunboat Park area, but is excited to help usher in a new era by bringing thousands of people to the soon-to-open Center.

“With the other businesses and building owners in the area, we look forward to bringing not only increased attention but also smart updates to the parks, streets and landscaping in the area,” she says. “At the same time, we intend to be good neighbors, bringing increased property values without heavy truck or other industrial traffic that some other uses of the property might have stimulated. We’ve been getting very positive feedback from people who appreciate the updates to the building and the area generally.”

For Ed Sharrer, project manager at Leadership Tulsa, 56

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the revitalization of Gunboat Park harkens to his work as former executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street.

“Gunboat Park and Kendall Whittier were both largely forgotten neighborhoods that are in the process of being rediscovered and brought back to life,” Sharrer says.

“Gunboat Park is unique because of just how close residential, commercial and light industrial properties are to one another. It’s all jumbled up together with great old red brick apartment buildings, Craftsman bungalows, parks with mature trees and formerly vacant warehouses coming back to life.”

Just as Ziegler Art and Frame and Circle Cinema are anchors for Kendall Whittier, Sharrer says, “We’re hoping the Leadership Center is an anchor for Gunboat Park — not as an entertainment or retail hub, but as a place where Tulsa’s leaders grow and gather.

“And we want to do that in a way that is neighborly to the residents of Gunboat Park. We want the folks who live across the street and down the block to be happy we’re here.”

One of the first new tenants to the area was goPuff, an on-demand delivery service for various items — everything from a bag of chips to Clorox wipes, Carlson says.

In the time of COVID-19, it became extremely popular. But even before the coronavirus, delivery services were growing exponentially.

“They took a big gamble before we even poured our parking lots, but we are just so centrally located with such great access to the highways,” Carlson says.

Elizabeth Romaine, spokesperson for goPuff, says the company launched in Tulsa in May 2019. It has 175 locations nationwide as of April 2020. “goPuff does well in markets where the consumers are digitally savvy and looking for more convenience in their lives,” Romaine says. “As you know, Tulsa residents are quite digitally savvy, comfortable using apps on their phone and having products delivered to their home.”

She says the real estate in Gunboat Park could support their delivery needs.

Wendy Thomas is the executive director of Leadership Tulsa, which will move into its new Gunboat Park space by July. The new headquarters will feature offices, co-working space, meeting rooms and a commercial kitchen.

Another tenant is the Engine Room, a boxing gym, which was previously located in the Pearl District.

Owner and head coach Aaron Sloan says he and his fiancée, Tamara Wagman, are excited to be a part of a rapidly developing neighborhood.

“We have a very diverse membership at our gym and multiple classes each day, which will bring an influx of new traffic to the area,” Sloan says. “When the weather is nice, we often bring our training outside, too. We’re planning to have regularly scheduled boxing events, some of which will take place outside, which we think will also help introduce more people to the neighborhood.

“With the gym, we’ll have the largest footprint (15,000 square feet) in Gunboat Park, and we want our business to have a positive impact on the other businesses and residents around us.”

What the future holds Ryan McGahan has been living in the neighborhood for five years in an apartment. He likes being near downtown but also close to Reasor’s at East 15th Street and South Lewis Avenue. He works nearby as a designer and art director. One drawback has been the poor condition of the neighborhood roads, something Carlson also noted.

Carlson hopes they will be repaved in 2021.

Future renovation work includes defining the parks more, Carlson says. Maybe one day they’ll get a local establishment for food or drink, though Carlson is unsure with COVID-19 whether such businesses will be looking to expand.

Still, he’s proud of the work underway in the neighborhood and looks forward to continued growth.

“Rather than the most economical or fastest way, we focus on what will make (the) best long-term change, which usually comes with a higher price tag,” Carlson says, adding: “We (the Carlson Group) bit off about 10% of the entire neighborhood, maybe a little more, and I think that was one of the big catalysts for change.” TP

REAL.DESIGN.BUILD.

Architecture + Construction Commercial + Residential

918-742-4600 www.silodesignbuild.com

TulsaPeople.com

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LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS An inside look at the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Task Force

TIM LANDES

BY TIM LANDES

The intersection of North 19th and West Union streets in Collinsville. It was in this area where Rebekah Barrett was found unconscious in the street on April 23, 1995.

It’s dark outside the radius of the streetlight at North 19th and West Union streets in Collinsville.

A couple hundred yards to the east, another light: from the orange steeple of a church that sits just off the road. A row of lights illuminates the parking spots near the church entrance; then it’s darkness to the street.

“It was right in here that her body was found,” says Rick Lawrence, a Tulsa County Sheriff Office’s Cold Case Task Force investigator. He sits in the passenger seat of an unmarked TCSO SUV as it rolls into the light.

Sgt. Tressi Mizell, Task Force supervisor, brakes. “The suspect lived a block from here?”

“Just right up there on the corner,” responds Lawrence as the vehicle resumes rolling north back into the dark.

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Rebekah Barrett

It was prom night. April 23, 1995. Rebekah Barrett was an 18-year-old high school senior.

She didn’t have a prom date, so she and her friends opted to instead go in search of an Owasso prom party.

“Th ings didn’t go the way the storybook would like to go,” Lawrence says.

According to their investigation, Barrett’s ex-boyfriend, Greg Alan Roach, had recently ended their relationship. The car full of girls drove by his house and saw his truck in the driveway, so they continued half a mile down the road to a gas 60

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station, where Barrett called him to meet her there.

He arrived; they fought, and she left in her friend’s car. The young women began traveling east on old Highway 69 toward Owasso when Roach drove up behind the car, flashing his lights. He then sped around the car and cut them off.

“It’s drizzling rain, the streets are pretty slick.

He proceeds to circle the car, yelling, screaming, hitting on the car,” Lawrence says, repeating the eyewitness accounts. “Then he goes around to the passenger side and starts banging on the passenger window, which is where Becky is sitting.”

Concerned for her friends’ safety, Barrett agreed to ride with him back to his house. She instructed her friends to follow them and pick her up there. She told her friends the plan was to talk him down.

Barrett got into the truck and Roach sped off.

By the time the girls turned around, the truck was out of sight.

Lawrence says Roach took a shortcut from the highway that circumvented the main streets and led him directly toward his house. They passed the old Collinsville Park that many locals called the bird sanctuary.

Barrett’s friends took the Main Street route, turning north on 19th. They drove about a quarter of a mile north when they came upon two cars

pulled over to the side of the road.

Barrett lay in the middle of the road with no apparent injuries. She was unconscious, but breathing, her friends told investigators that night.

“She hasn’t been there very long because she’s not soaked from the drizzle yet,” Lawrence says.

“She’s still relatively dry.”

Lawrence says Roach rushed up to the scene from his house asking what had happened.

“He tells three stories in a span of 24 hours as to what happened,” Lawrence says. “The third story is the one he stuck with all these years.”

According to Lawrence, no witnesses saw Barrett standing in the road. The last person known to be with her was Roach.

Barrett died en route to the hospital.

CREATING A TASK FORCE

TCSO investigates murders that occur outside Tulsa’s city limits and within the county jurisdiction. A small team of investigators handle one to three homicides a year. Some cases go “cold” or remain an unsolved criminal investigation, which remains open pending the discovery of new evidence.

The Barrett case is one of 26 cold cases being investigated by the Cold Case Task Force. It’s

BARRETT: COURTESY TULSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE; MICHELLE POLLARD

Sgt. Tressi Mizell, TCSO Cold Case Task Force supervisor, and Rick Lawrence, Task Force investigator, with a binder of case notes from the Barrett case.

comprised of retired law enforcement officers who voluntarily work the cases, attempting to bring closure to victims’ families — and bring murderers to justice. As supervisor, Mizell is the only TCSO employee on the team.

The taskforce came about after Vic Regalado was elected sheriff in 2016. A retired 23-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department, Regalado brought with him more than a decade of experience in solving murders.

“I spent most of my career investigating homicides at Tulsa Police Department,” Regalado says.

“It’s something I was always passionate about having been an investigator, and seeing what it takes to investigate those, and more importantly, seeing the impact that it has on families of those who have suffered the loss of a loved one or friend through violence.”

He says one of the fi rst things on his list was the stack of cold cases. The problem was they were a mess, cases were disorganized and not properly stored. Historically, Regalado says, smaller agencies never received proper funding for training or funding for a state-of-the-art property room.

When a department can’t train staff and help them develop an expertise, Regalado says, then you get what you pay for. He shares examples of deputies mishandling evidences, improperly fi lling out paperwork, case fi les being mixed together or missing.

“It’s disappointing, disheartening,” Regalado says. “But I wasn’t surprised. And it didn’t mean I couldn’t change it.”

He called his friend and former boss Mike Huff, a retired TPD sergeant and homicide detective, for help. Could he volunteer to sift through and organize the mess?

When Huff saw the storage room and its floorto-ceiling stacks of boxes, he told Regalado it was a yearlong job. Later, at a luncheon for FBI retirees, Huff started recruiting help.

MICHELLE POLLARD

POSSE OF LEGENDS

Huff began with retired FBI agent Mick Harrington, who he’d met when investigating a bank robbery.

He also called on former Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent Lowell Sprague; they attended the Tulsa Police Academy together. Sprague soon left TPD for a long career at the ATF that included the Branch Davidian standoff and escorting Timothy McVeigh to jail following the Oklahoma City bombing.

Another helper, Doc Shannon, a retired Drug Enforcement Administration agent, worked undercover on many high-profi le cases throughout his career. The two met when Huff worked in the TPD records room before going to the academy. They’ve since worked together throughout their careers.

Others involved in the early days of the Task Force were Huff ’s hero, former FBI agent Wayne Lord, Ph.D., now a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma; retired FBI agent Jim Norman, who oversaw the Oklahoma City

SEEING IT T HROUGH When Huff retired from the Tulsa Police Department on May 27, 2011, it was 30 years to the day Roger Wheeler was murdered in the Southern Hills Country Club parking lot. It was a case that would garner national attention due to its connection to Boston’s Winter Hill Gang.

“That case — I don’t want to say it defined me — it plagued me for 30 years,” says Huff, who was at the scene of the crime and continued working the case the rest of his career.

“You just can’t give up. That’s the lesson I try to remind myself when the days get tough.”

Huff joined TPD on Jan. 16, 1975. He became a detective in May 1980. After the Wheeler case turned cold, Huff says he made Mike Huff a deal with his captain to continue investigating it and a few other cold cases while earning overtime pay.

In March 1985, Huff’s father passed away. He says his final conversation with his father was about the Wheeler case. “He told me to see it through. Just see it through.”

In September 2000, the Winter Hill Gang’s former leader James “Whitey” Bulger, as well as Stephen Flemmi and Johhny Martorano, were federally indicted for Wheeler’s murder. In 2001 Martorano reached a plea bargain and Flemmi pleaded guilty. Bulger remained on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list.

Inside Huff’s home office there is a framed front page of the Dec. 2, 2002, Boston Herald, which has a photo of Huff being sworn into the hearing. Standing next to him with his right hand raised is David Wheeler, the victim’s son. The remaining wall space is covered with newspaper clippings, photos, awards and citations. There’s also a framed FBI Most Wanted bulletin for James J. Bulger.

Huff received an invitation in March 2011 to speak at a California Homicide Investigator’s Association meeting about the Wheeler case and Bulger. At the end of his lecture, Huff wrote his phone number on the board and told the people in the room to call him if they ever arrested Bulger.

“Days after I retire, I get a call at almost midnight,” he says as a smile forms. “They say ‘Is this Sgt. Mike Huff?’ I say ‘yes’ and they say, ‘I’m booking somebody in jail and they just brought in Whitey Bulger.’ I knew within seconds of him walking in the jail doors.”

On Aug. 12, 2013, Bulger was found guilty on 31 counts, including 11 homicides with one being Roger Wheeler. Bulger was sentenced to two life terms plus five years. In October 2018, the 89-year-old was beaten to death in a West Virginia prison.

During his three decades in the TPD Homicide Unit, Huff’s case closure rate was 90%, he says, and he estimates he was involved in more than 1,000 cases. The department might investigate as many as 75-80 murders or as few as 25 a year. Some murders you don’t solve; some you do, and you might arrest four or five people in those cases, he says.

Huff could have called it a career and enjoyed spending time with his family. The problem is he didn’t have another hobby. He knew a lot about solving crimes, so he went into private investigation work, founding the International Association of Cold Case Investigators. Then Regalado called him with the offer.

“I’m still hooked on cold cases,” he says. “I have a knack. I’m not smarter than anybody else. I just know how to navigate my way through a death investigation, which is unique. I always joked before I retired and said, ‘I’ve got a skill nobody in the world wants. I’m not very marketable.’ Then I found out oh, yeah, they still want it.”

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bombing investigation; and the late Jim Hardin, a former TCSO reserve deputy and investigator.

“You can’t solve a case by yourself,” Huff says.

“You need a small army, and I got a small army of guys who were legendary in their careers, and now they want to share their free time to solve cases.”

With this team, Huff says he knew what was about to happen before they pulled the first box off a stack.

“I was hooked before I walked in the door,” he says. “I was hoping I would find exactly what I found. I knew it gave me a chance to do something for those people. We had cold cases at Tulsa PD, but we also had all the fresh murders, and it was a scramble to keep up with that. Not that we disregarded cold cases at all, but if there is a 15-year-old kid laying dead in the middle of the street, that’s the first priority. Now I get to play a game of chess as opposed to playing a game of checkers.”

It was up to Regalado to assign someone to oversee Task Force operations. The person he chose also had a connection to Huff.

DETECTIVE JAY CRONLEY P.I.

For as long as she can remember, Tressi Mizell wanted to be a detective.

Born in the mid-1970s, Mizell says she grew up in a south Tulsa bubble. It was an insulated 62

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childhood, she says, noting she never crossed East 21st Street until 2004 when she started working for TCSO. She and her two younger sisters weren’t interested in dolls or playing house. They played detective, with Mizell taking the lead to solve the whodunit. All she needed was an ID stating who she was.

A Tulsa Tribune was always laying around. “I would cut out a picture of Jay Cronley in the paper and use that as my badge,” Mizell laughs. “You know, Detective Jay Cronley P.I. It’s really cheesy, but I’ve always been interested in solving crimes, really solving puzzles of any kind.”

On June 22, 2004, Mizell was in her third week on the job at the Tulsa County Courthouse. She hadn’t been at work long that day when her corporal called and asked Mizell to come downstairs.

“He said, ‘Your sister’s been shot and she’s at St. John, and I need you to go to the hospital,’” Mizell says. “He got someone to drive me. She ended up passing away several hours later.”

Her sister, Amber Rogers, 26, worked as a bank teller at First Fidelity Bank, then located at East 21st Street and South Columbia Avenue. Two masked men entered the bank demanding money.

After Rogers handed it over, the men shot her and bank President Mark Poole, who survived. They also shot customer Howard Smith, who survived.

While Mizell was at the hospital with her family, Huff, then a homicide sergeant, worked the scene of the crime. Huff remembers everything about that day because he says it’s rare to have bank robberies that involve actual shootings.

“You don’t start from scratch, you start in the hole,” Huff says. “It’s not like a series of gang murders where there’s a mood and you gather intelligence about who’s doing what, who has what kind of gun and its escalation. You start off behind the eight ball. They did something so heinous and crazy, you don’t know where to start but with the facts and go from there.”

Huff credits his team of investigators for quickly identifying the suspects based on similarities in a convenience store robbery a week earlier.

That night Tulsa Police arrested four suspects connected to the robbery, including the two shooters and the getaway driver.

Mizell says her sister’s death made her question her ability to continue working in law enforcement, and it’s something that sticks with her.

“Every time I would hear something about a bank robbery or an innocent person getting shot it brought it right back,” Mizell says. “I remember being in CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training), and one of the instructors brought up my sister’s case, not knowing I was in that class.

TIM LANDES

Lowell Sprague, retired ATF agent, and Mike Huff, retired Tulsa Police Department homicide investigator, discuss a case inside the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Cold Case Task Force office.

“It was like your body just takes over. It was like a freight train started running through my ears, and I had to get up and leave. One of my classmates kindly let the instructor know what was going on.

It’s tough, and there are some times where you have to get a hold of yourself and say, ‘You know, don’t take this personally. This is someone else who needs your help.’”

Mizell never met Huff over the next 12 years, but she followed his career. She read the reports of his arrests and watched him on TV. She admired and looked up to him from afar as she herself worked as a detective for more than a decade.

During her career Mizell built a good relationship with Hardin, who had helped Huff get the cold case files in order. Mizell says she was surprised and thrilled when Hardin called and said she had been chosen to supervise the Cold Case Task Force.

The time came to meet Huff, the homicide detective who meant so much to her. “It was a total fangirl moment,” she says. “For me it was things coming full circle. To be able to thank him personally.”

Huff says it didn’t take him long to understand why she’s perfect for the role. “She’s smart, and she stays on us,” he says of Mizell. “You can teach people how to investigate a case. But you can’t teach people how to care. They either do or they don’t. Caring is such a big part of what we do, and she’s perfect for it.”

THE MAVERICK

The Cold Case Task Force eventually got its own space to work cases, an area set aside from the daily operations of the Sheriff ’s Department. It’s not much different from the basement offices depicted in “Mindhunter” or “The X-Files.”

Long white plastic tables are set up end-toend in the middle of the room. Seated around the table are many of the Task Force members.

Behind them, along the wall, are shelves of clear plastic tubs containing homicide case files. A label on the front of each box identifies what homicide they pertain to or the year for closed cases.

There are eight containers full of files from Dena Dean’s 1998 murder. There are a few bins each for Veda Woodson and Martha Moore. Each of the 26 cases has at least one bin. The number of bins depends on the amount of files and evidence.

At the north end of the room are two desks: one for Mizell and one often occupied by Rick Lawrence, a volunteer of the Cold Case Task Force.

Behind Lawrence is a massive spreadsheet covering much of a wall. It’s a breakdown of every cold case homicide with key points listed below each victim’s photo. There are hundreds of small boxes, each filled with tidbits of information to help jog the memories of investigators.

Most of the Task Force members file out of the room after a briefing update. There has been progress on a few cases. Some are working on different parts of the same cases. Some are focused on only one or two. Lawrence is focused on several. “He’s sort of a maverick,” Mizell says. “He likes to take on as many as possible and do his thing.”

Lawrence pulls two white binders from a row and places them on a table. What appears to be a school photo of Rebekah Barrett is slid inside the clear plastic cover. She has curly brown hair and a smile inside dimples. Inside, the next photos are from a post-mortem examination.

According to a Sept. 7, 1995, Tulsa World article, Roach denied involvement through his attorney John Flippo, who told the paper investigators believed Barrett died from natural causes or a drug overdose.

That September, the state medical examiner asked to exhume her body to further investigate after a toxicology report stated she had no drugs or alcohol in her system.

As Lawrence fl ips through the photos he shares what they believe really happened the night of April 23, 1995. There was no road rash, scarring or tire marks, which Lawrence says debunks the hit-and-run story Roach had told investigators.

He claimed after he parked the truck, he went inside to get a cigarette and Barrett walked away from his house and got hit before the witnesses arrived.

The only visible marks on her body were a small gouge on her left chin and small abrasions on her eye socket and temporal area.

“The other theory is she jumped out of the truck, but the injuries don’t suggest that,” Mizell adds. “There are no movement wounds. She slammed into the ground.”

Once Barrett’s body was exhumed, investigators say forensic pathologist Dr. Ronald Distefano did a full exam and formulated a new theory based on his findings.

“He made two incisions on her spinal column and found where she had a hemorrhage,” says Lawrence, pointing at his neck. “In laymen’s terms, the pivot joint that makes her neck move around.

It was caused by ‘probable blunt force trauma.’ She was somehow hit there, and my suspect has a long history of domestic violence.”

So why, after her body was exhumed and it was determined her death was not from natural cases, were charges never filed?

Investigators say it’s likely the case was never worked beyond the initial days after the crime. The official line is “Newer cases happened, and there wasn’t the manpower to solve it.”

“I think I can get a conviction,” Lawrence says.

“But it sure would be nice to have at least one person come forward (to corroborate what happened) and stand by it.”

Lawrence is one of the most recent volunteers to join the task force. He came on in January 2019 following a late-night conversation with Huff, who Lawrence has known since they attended Tulsa Junior College together in the early ’70s.

Lawrence served 12 years in the Marines and 13 years in the Air Force Reserve’s security police. In 1976, he worked for the Owasso Police Department, where he helped on one homicide case, which he says got him interested in doing investigative work. Since then his career has taken him from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to Tulsa, where he worked in probation and parole, specializing in street gangs and

“I HAVE AGENCIES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY CALLING AND GOING, ‘HOW ON EARTH DID YOU GET PEOPLE TO DO THIS?’ ...

IT’S JUST AMAZING.”

TULSA COUNTY SHERIFF VIC REGALADO TulsaPeople.com

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On Dec. 3, Huff suffered a stroke while home alone. Despite the constant numbness in his left hand, leg and foot, despite the slowed speech and waves of depression, despite the fact he cannot drive, Huff says he will keep working because he has cases to solve.

“I’m not going to let that stop me,” says the 64-year-old, who acknowledges his work was a major contributor to the stroke. “I hope I have a lot of use left because there are a lot of people that need what I got, and I need to be able to do what I do.”

On April 1, the Task Force lost volunteer Joanne Emmons, who died after contracting COVID-19. She served as the minute keeper for the team and as an organizer. Her husband, Jerry, is a former FBI agent who also volunteers on the Task Force.

SOLVING CASES

outlaw motorcycle gangs. He also worked on the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crimes Task Force.

Lawrence says his experience dealing with constant criminals was needed on the team. “I know just about everybody who’s involved in these homicides up here (pointing at the giant spreadsheet),” he says. “Many of the victims are former gang members, some of the suspects are former or current gang members. I bring that to the table.

And the fact that I’ve been a lifelong Tulsan, a lot of these cases, somehow or another, I either know somebody who’s a witness, know who is deceased or know their family.”

SETBACKS

Ask a cold case investigator what the odds are of getting a conviction and they all say the same thing. “Only 1% of cold cases ever get a conviction,” Mizell says. “The odds are stacked against us, no matter what.”

Working cold cases, especially older ones, is challenging for numerous reasons. Suspects and witnesses die. Evidence from the pre-DNA era was often mishandled, improperly stored or tossed. As case fi les moved multiple times over the year, fi les were lost.

The Cold Case Task Force also relies on privately raised money to operate. Fundraising pays for travel to follow leads outside the Tulsa area and for DNA testing. Investigators say the state lab has a six-month wait, so they often need to 64

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

turn to private labs where the cost is $5,000 to test a piece of evidence. To date they have raised about $50,000 through the Sheriff ’s Foundation, a nonprofit that allows citizens to donate anonymously to the Task Force.

In the Barrett case, a witness came forward in November 2019 with information that the suspect had admitted to killing Barrett. The next day investigators say she recanted her statement after the suspect intimidated her.

“On cold cases when we do focus on a suspect, they can’t help themselves from getting involved some way or another, like reaching out to witnesses and intimidating them,” Huff says.

“There’s always activity when you get focused on the right suspect.”

Investigators say the witness who recanted her statement previously fi led a domestic violence assault on the suspect in Pittsburgh County.

Then years later they were both arrested in Louisiana for unauthorized use of a food stamps card, and there are misdemeanor warrants for both. She continues to live in Louisiana, but the suspect is back in Oklahoma, according to Lawrence.

The setbacks haven’t just come in case work.

Doc Shannon, who has been the team’s main fundraiser, nearly died during open heart surgery in late 2018.

Jim Hardin, one of the original Task Force members, died in November. In his final days of life, he helped raised $5,500 for the Task Force.

It has been 25 years since Barrett died. It’s early May. The spring air is warm. A breeze carries the smells of the nearby rendering plant into Collinsville. Cars occasionally drive through the area where Barrett lay taking her final breaths.

The sun has gone down. The streetlight illuminates the area. A subtle reminder that where there is darkness there is light. TP

TIM LANDES

Sgt. Tressi Mizell and Rick Lawrence stand outside the trailer of the late Edgar Eddington, who was murdered in 1997.

Eddington’s case is one of 26 cold cases being investigated by the Task Force.

Since January, the Task Force has closed six cases by “death of offender.” On May 15, Mizell arrested Tommy Edward Harris for the May 23, 1992, murder of Kim McVey. Harris allegedly shot McVey in the head during an altercation involving a methamphetamine deal that went bad. As Lawrence investigated the case, he was able to locate a witness who confi rmed Harris pulled the trigger.

“I’m just so proud that Rick followed this through because this is not a sexy case,” Huff says.

“This is somebody that was in a risky lifestyle. I think this really says a lot for the Sheriff ’s mission, for us and Rick because nobody should put a value on a human life. That’s way above our pay grade.”

With success comes phone calls asking how TCSO was able to assemble a team that voluntarily works and solves cold cases.

“I have agencies from across the country calling and going, ‘How on Earth did you get people to do this?’ and I said, ‘I wish I had the answer.

All I know is that we got lucky,’” Regalado says.

“We found people that were committed to the truth, and are willing to do it on their own time ... it’s just amazing.”

A lot of work is still to be done. Twenty-six families continue hoping for closure and justice for the death of a loved one. Lawrence is confident the team will soon help create both those things for Barrett’s family.

“Her mother and sisters are 1,000% supportive of what I’m doing,” says Lawrence, who constantly updates the family. “No matter how long it takes to do it, it matters to that mother or father or husband or a wife or child that’s still missing their loved one.”

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TULSA’S

HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC

The year 2020 will likely go down in history books as one of the most fragile times in our city due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Tulsans have gone above and beyond during the pandemic being resourceful, courageous and compassionate. TulsaPeople accepted nominations from the community and chose to recognize 20 for their efforts.

STORY BY ANNE BROCKMAN | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD TulsaPeople.com

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WARREN CLINIC LEADERSHIP AND THE STAFF OF WARREN CLINIC BROKEN ARROW ELM 460 As the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in our area, Warren Clinic administration and the team from Warren Clinic Elm Urgent Care quickly responded to set up a comprehensive drive-through testing clinic for patients with suspected COVID-19. The site opened March 15. The staff worked long hours, under stressful and unfamiliar circumstances as fear of the illness built in the community.

“We knew we needed to get something off the ground quickly, and we knew we needed to be flexible as the whole situation was rapidly evolving,” says Sherry Fisher, clinic director. “Our team came together like never before, and we were able to open within days of our first planning meeting. We knew people were counting on us, and our commitment to our community was what kept us going through those first few weeks. These patients were scared and sick — I hope we were able to be a source of hope and reassurance for them.”

Among the team’s many accomplishments, it established a private and safe testing site in the facility’s parking garage to minimize virus exposure, staffed an isolation triage area in Suite 460 for patients showing signs of COVID-19, set up a call center to provide phone triage to concerned citizens, managed supplies and appropriate personal protective equipment and cleaning standards, as well as coordination of lab and radiology services for patients. This was conducted seven days a week and is still underway.

As of late May, this site has tested approximately 5,992 patients, received more than 12,600 calls through the COVID-19 call center and has evaluated over 1,400 patients in the clinic.

SUSAN FLORES, CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA

Heath Tye and Kelly Mull

TULSA FIRE DEPARTMENT In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, firefighters and business partners Tye and Mull realized they might have a product that could not only help slow the spread of the coronavirus, but also potentially save lives. As owners of Royal-Grow Products, a biological and fertilizer business, and Bullhollow Farms, a poultry farm, the pair had looked for a solution to clean their farm’s water. That’s when they found hypochlorous acid, which they thought would address the issue of sanitization of equipment for first responders.

They met with Tulsa Fire administration and proposed their idea, let the department borrow their machine and donated large quantities of the product to get TFD started. After administration determined the best way to spray the product, all Tulsa Police vehicles, the 911 dispatch center, water treatment plant and many other city facilities were treated. The pair has been featured in Firehouse Magazine and contacted by departments all over the country asking for help. “It is nice to be recognized, but ultimately our goal was to help people,” says Tye, a firefighter for 14 years. “We knew there was a shortage of safe chemicals, and we knew we could make a large amount of organic and safe product to use around people and get it all over the city and the state to help people.” The product and equipment will be used indefinitely, not only to fight coronavirus, but also to clean and decontaminate gear, apparatuses and facilities.

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Flores is a certified occupational health/infection prevention registered nurse at CTCA-Tulsa. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Flores’ day-to-day responsibilities changed drastically to play a vital role in educating not only the facility’s staff and patients, but also caregivers, contracted staff and vendors. As a member of local and corporate committees, she created policies and procedures that met all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Those policies included PPE training and conservation, front-door screening procedures, antibody testing for stakeholders and developing a plan for a possible surge in cases.

“The main concern heard from both staff and patients was regarding their protection from the virus,” Flores says, pointing to masking and screening as top priorities.

“The staff also was concerned about the availability of PPE for their use.” Susan worked with staff and organizations to source outlets and donations of personal protective equipment. She volunteered to collect more than 600 handmade masks from community volunteers for CTCA employees, arranging for them to be cleaned and distributed. She came in on her days off to help create processes for various formalities and helped coordinate education on the pandemic through multiple formats and distribution sites in Tulsa’s facility.

Rita Gallardo and her husband, Oscar

ADEL GHULOOM, M.D., OKLAHOMA HEART INSTITUTE As the medical director of the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Oklahoma Heart Institute on the Hillcrest campus, Ghuloom worked long hours in the hospital’s COVID unit despite many questions about a virus the world is still trying to understand.

One night, Ghuloom donned his personal protective equipment and spent the night in a patient’s room because he was too worried to leave her bedside. “That’s just what Ghuloom does; tirelessly working to ensure patients have the best outcomes,” according to his nomination from a fellow Hillcrest employee. “He believes the human touch is just as important as taking care of patients’ medical needs.” At press time, Ghuloom reported the patient he watched over that night has slowly improved; she remains critical but is stable.

Ghuloom, who has been with OHI for about two years, says that for his patients — COVID and non-COVID — he is honest yet hopeful when speaking to them. “I want them to understand their condition, but I also want them to know that I and my team will do everything in their power to help heal them. I think patients are often most scared of the unknown, so I think it helps if they understand.” In his time as a physician he has been a part of many cases once thought as hopeless, but cutting-edge technology and medical expertise have seen them through to recovery.

“I am very proud of the work we have done during this pandemic,” Ghuloom says. “The medical community worldwide has come together to share knowledge so we can all benefit and improve patient outcomes.”

IRENE BROWN, OKLAHOMA METHODIST MANOR “In my opinion, isolation and stagnation are the biggest dangers of aging,” says Brown, Oklahoma Methodist Manor’s life enrichment coordinator. “Getting outside of oneself is crucial to continuing to thrive.” With the onset of the pandemic and quarantine, Brown was forced to “think outside the box” for entertainment and enrichment activities. One of those was a virtual spring drive across Tulsa. Typically this is an annual tradition that residents look forward to, so Brown knew she needed to make this a reality. She reached out to the community for photos of their yards and blooms. She drove around Tulsa with her daughter for hours getting video to use.

Other activities she orchestrated included a daily community prayer, scavenger hunts around campus, a Stations of the Cross walk-around and weekly brain teasers. She also called on residents to fill “the interim,” as she called it. Brown says residents sat on their balconies for hymns and prayers, as well as contributed jokes, puzzles and other tidbits for newsletters. Once small group gatherings were allowed, residents opened their home gardens for guided tours.

CHRIS BERNARD, HUNGER FREE OKLAHOMA As executive director of Hunger Free Oklahoma, Bernard led an organization “with grace and humility,” according to his nomination from a fellow community advocate.

Working with Director of Operations Michelle Brobston, HFO created Tulsa Kitchens Unite, a crisis intervention solution to feeding Tulsans through the kitchens of local restaurants and caterers while keeping the restaurant

Rita Gallardo IGLESIA HISPANO VICTORY AND LA COSECHA INC. Gallardo immediately responded to the COVID-19 crisis by tripling down on basic needs relief — food, pantry items and cash assistance for bills — through La Cosecha, an arm of the church that supports community members in need. As vice president of the corporation, “Gallardo has been providing food and other essential supports for thousands of families each week, quietly, reliably, without fanfare. What she has accomplished is completely miraculous,” according to her nomination by a philanthropy executive.

La Cosecha, which means the harvest, was already an integral part of the church’s outreach. For the past five years it has averaged assistance to 300 families per week. With the coronavirus, that outreach grew to 2,000 families each week. Her husband, Oscar, serves as president of the corporation and runs the pantry, working to sew the community into the fabric of this mission. The majority of those assisted don’t attend Iglesia Hispano Victory. “This is open to anyone,” Gallardo says. “We don’t require anything.”

La Cosecha has partnered with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, GoFresh and other organizations for grocery donations, with the George Kaiser Family Foundation providing cash assistance.

If La Cosecha doesn’t have a way of helping someone, Gallardo says they try to point the person to a place that can. “We may not be giving them a permanent solution to their situation, but we can help them get through this rough patch,” she says.

kitchens open, workers paid and families fed. Throughout the pandemic HFO provided more than 30,000 meals per week through 22 Tulsa restaurant partners and distributed them at 35 Tulsa Public Schools meal sites, two Union Public Schools locations, and more than 10 other community sites. “We are currently funded to keep the program running through June 26, but believe that the need for the program will continue through the summer,” Bernard says.

“We are currently exploring additional funding options, including CARES Act dollars.”

The organization, founded in 2016, also launched a statewide food resource page and SNAP enrollment assistance hotline to help those struggling to pay for groceries.

“In normal times food insecurity is not as visible to the more fortunate,” Bernard says. “This pandemic showed many people that one crisis could put them in the same position that so many Tulsans find themselves in regarding food insecurity. I think it also showed that it takes all of us to address the issue and that without crucial programs like SNAP or child nutrition programs, like summer meals for kids, the situation would be profoundly worse.”

While the situation changes daily, needs remain high because of the job climate. “If you add that to the eviction crisis, utility bills and other financial struggles that piled up during the pandemic, food is the easiest thing to cut back on to stretch your budget even though it has profound impacts on health and productivity.” Bernard says HFO is focused on a dual approach: connecting families to longterm food resources, such as SNAP, and crisis intervention food resources, such as Tulsa Kitchens Unite.

COLLEEN STICE, MEALS ON WHEELS OF METRO TULSA As a Meals on Wheel employee, Stice serves as care navigation coordinator assessing client needs to connect them with community resources such as food pantries, medical assistance and mental health services. When the pandemic hit, COVID-19 highlighted Stice’s “boundless capacity for compassion and selflessness,” according to her nomination by a community member. She volunteered to deliver meals to clients who tested positive for the virus TulsaPeople.com

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As laboratory manager, Moran led Fab Lab Tulsa’s response to the personal protective equipment shortage. Numerous entities reached out to Fab Lab to create three different forms of PPE projects in March and April. “In the course of 18 days, following the initial requests, our staff managed all three projects simultaneously and worked intensely to develop designs, prototypes, materials and processes to address the unique needs of each one,” Moran says. “Face shields were ultimately our most successful project of the three.” Over those 18 days, Tulsa County’s COVID-19 cases rose from 23 to 313, underscoring the urgency of the projects. “Once our prototypes and processes were proven and we had all necessary supplies in hand, our staff and volunteers managed to reach a production peak of 750 face shields per day.”

Fab Lab staff ultimately prototyped, fabricated and delivered more than 2,600 face shields for Ascension St. John, LIFE Senior Services, OU-TU School of Community Medicine, Sequoyah Elementary School, Happy Hands Education Center and LIFE Senior Services.

With the objective to produce PPE that met the same function and requirements of the original items they intended to replace, Moran says the team worked hard to match materials while also ensuring functionality with the lab’s machinery and fabrication processes. Face shield prototypes used materials sourced from office, art and fabric suppliers. With the rapid development of nationwide small-scale and D-I-Y PPE manufacturing, particular types of raw materials were in high demand.

Moran and the team adapted designs to work around supply shortages and sourced materials from new alternative suppliers. “Fab Lab Tulsa is grateful it was able to make a small contribution to addressing local needs during the coronavirus pandemic,” Moran says.

Dan Moran FA B L A B T U L S A

As the director of research and analysis for Impact Tulsa, Kimbrel has worked at the center of addressing internet access gaps in the city. The Tulsa Internet Taskforce is being led by Nick Doctor, the City’s chief of community development and policy, and Jonathan McIlroy who leads Tulsa Public Schools’ data strategy and district performance. The Taskforce is charged with addressing this digital divide. According to Kimbrel, Tulsa has about 57,000 households without a cable, DSL or fiber line; There are about 26,000 households without any connection to the internet of any type, including a phone plan.

“At the start of COVID-19, the school districts expressed concerns with launching their remote learning plans and wanting to ensure that all students had access to internet and devices while at home,” Kimbrel says. “At the same time, Impact Tulsa’s research team in partnership with TPS’ data team and Tulsa’s Planning Office pulled internet access data by census tract to help school districts and community partners understand the nature of internet access and disparities among students and in the neighborhoods where the students live.” Maps were created to visualize the landscape of internet access in Tulsa, which was presented to school districts and community partners to assist in targeting families for improved connectivity. Kimbrel adds African Americans and other non-white racial groups have lower access, as well as geographic disparities with certain neighborhoods experiencing systemic inequities like poverty and limited transportation. “There are many reasons why internet access disparities exist,” she says, such as high subscription costs, needing to have a deposit, credit issues, eligibility challenges related to documentation or being unaware of low-cost internet options.

The Taskforce’s goals include strategizing, aligning cross-sector efforts, and seeking private and public support to eliminate the barriers and increase access to internet connectivity. Already, the Taskforce has plans to launch a communications campaign to students, families and teachers, working to make low-cost internet programs more accessible, and developing ways to amplify Wi-Fi at public locations, like multi-family complexes and in key areas for broader community access.

Kimbrel hopes to see Tulsa as a “Digital Inclusion Trailblazer” and as a city where everyone has “the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society by implementing intentional strategies and investments that will eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access.”

Delia Kimbrel, Ph.D. IMPACT TULSA

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or had contact with someone infected and were selfquarantining. The MOW team decided it would have one person deliver to these individuals: Stice. She delivered enough food for each adult in the home to have two meals a day. Through a partnership with the district, those with Tulsa Public Schools students in the home also received two additional meals per child.

Additional wellness checks were handled by more than 200 volunteers who called clients to discuss how they were doing. “When one of those volunteers is concerned with anything that might be going on with a client, I’m the one who follows up,” Stice says. Some needed help picking up prescriptions; others needed microwaves to heat the meals. Many needed toilet paper and paper towels.

LAUREN HOLDER, TULSA SPCA Holder was instrumental in getting 100% of Tulsa SPCA’s adoptable dogs and cats in foster care by March 26, “both because they do better in home environments and also to minimize staff interaction and contact with each other and the public,” she says. The organization leaned on its foster homes and posted on social media for help. As foster program manager, intake specialist and clinic assistant, Holder and an expanded team were drowning in applications because of the response.

“We started with 117 animals, and between the (six) adoptions and community response to foster parents, we were able to place the other 111 in approved foster homes.” And there’s more good news: Most have already been adopted.

Tulsa SPCA has had to cancel walk-in adoptions, and adoption events have been put on hold indefinitely.

Those interested in adopting should reach out to the organization or submit an application to start the process. Recently, public clinic services have resumed.

LAUREL WILLISTON, M.D., GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH SERVICES Good Samaritan provides comprehensive primary care to the medically underserved in the greater Tulsa area at multiple clinic sites. As medical director, Williston was integral in setting new protocols for medical staff and volunteers under COVID-19 to ensure patients still receive care. According to her nominations from multiple team members, “She has been a leader in overcoming many obstacles in a very uncertain and changing environment, and an encouragement and inspiration to her team.”

During the early days of the pandemic, Williston says Good Samaritan chose to treat many patients over the phone if they had stable conditions, and shifted many of its clinic sites to alternate locations to accommodate social distancing. “We received incredible support from many in the community, which made it possible for us to continue our services in this challenging time,” she says. For example, a grant allowed the nonprofit to purchase personal protective equipment, which was added to PPE donations.

Good Samaritan’s partnership with In His Image Family Medicine Residency, of which Williston is faculty, allowed for coordination of its COVID-19 response in conjunction with Ascension Medical Group. Williston credits the extensive Good Samaritan team “as we adjusted our response at least weekly, almost daily at some points, as this pandemic unfolded.”

KATHY O’DELL, ASCENSION ST. JOHN O’Dell’s post as incident commander means she was the chief of Ascension St. John’s emergency structure, Incident Command, tasked with navigating operations around COVID-19. For 66 days straight, with many long hours, “Kathy’s leadership went above and beyond,” according to her nomination from a fellow Ascension St. John team member. She oversaw all elements of response for the system’s six hospitals, as well as clinics and outpatient areas. O’Dell is the hospital’s director of emergency, trauma and critical care.

An emergency health care veteran of 35 years, O’Dell claims she loves “to make calm out of chaos.” She led a team of section chiefs and made myriad tough decisions at all hours of the day and night. “We worked together in the command center seven days a week in the beginning to provide direction and daily communication to every leader and every staff member within the health system,” O’Dell says. “This communication was essential to establish new, normal operations during this time as well as educate staff in proper guidelines to keep them healthy and safe.”

An ICU COVID-19 unit and a medical COVID-19 unit were established at St. John Medical Center, and Incident Command collaborated with other health systems and emergency medical service providers — a move O’Dell calls critical. “We knew that in order to respond effectively and keep the Tulsa community safe, we had to work together,” she says. “We met with the other leaders in our community to share concerns and best practices for safety recommendations, treatment plans, PPE conservation, and other logistics and workforce issues. We provided reports and data to the city, county, state and federal authorities concerning the number of COVID-19 patients and the severity of their disease processes.”

KELLY VANBUSKIRK AND THE COVID-19 INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, TULSA HEALTH DEPARTMENT According to her multiple nominations from fellow THD staff, VanBuskirk has demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Tulsa County residents.

She oversees the response team at the Tulsa Health Department, including epidemiology and contact tracing, COVID testing operations, and emergency preparedness and response. One nomination expresses VanBuskirk as “extremely thorough, dedicated and passionate about protecting health.”

But VanBuskirk is just one person who continues to be on the scene during this unprecedented pandemic response. The entire THD team is dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of Tulsa County residents.

The communication department provides updates to the public in order to make appropriate, informed decisions for themselves and their families. The COVID-19 phone bank operators receive a plethora of calls from citizens ranging from basic questions to more complex, detailed calls.

THD epidemiologists and disease investigators are tasked with confirming positive COVID-19 tests with individuals or notifying someone that they have been in contact with a positive case and may be at risk for developing the virus. These epidemiologists dispel fears, answer questions, and grieve and mourn alongside the clients they serve.

Sean Jarrett

NEW JERUSALEM TULSA Even though his church already feeds the community through its pantry program, pastor Jarrett wasted no time in launching a response to suffering due to the impact of the coronavirus. He started by purchasing a truck from Feed the Children to feed 400 families from the area, including at the Comanche and Mohawk Tulsa Housing Authority sites. Then his congregation partnered with Friendship Church and Metropolitan Baptist Church to launch “Serve the City.” With funding from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, each weekend anywhere from 800-1,000 families arrived to receive food. “We already knew that food insecurity in north Tulsa is a huge issue,” Jarrett says. “You put COVID on top of that, with people being laid off and their children being home for an extended amount of time, and it opened our hearts to what we should be doing.”

Jarrett stresses the importance of partnerships and buy-in from the local community. “You do more together, always,” he says, adding that each weekend 50-60 individuals volunteered their time. Community partners include Tulsa Police, Black Tulsa firefighters, fraternities and sororities. “I knew if we came together … we could serve much more than I would ever be able to impact.”

Originally from Little Rock, Jarrett says he has never seen a city more segregated, leaving certain communities forgotten, under developed and under funded. “It’s really what makes me committed to being a part of the rising of north Tulsa.”

Nurses don personal protective equipment and are on the frontline to perform nasopharyngeal swab collections on clients suspected of having COVID-19, while those in support roles ensure the paperwork is accurate, the environment is safe, and help provide direction and support to the nurses.

The Long Term Care Task Force visits the very highrisk settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, to test the residents and staff while also providing education and infection control consultation to the facilities.

CHELSEA FOREMAN, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES As the assistant shelter director for the past six years, Foreman has worked with the DVIS team to implement a crisis texting line for those experiencing domestic violence. “We know there are immeasurable barriers for many survivors to access support, and part of our mission at DVIS is to remove as many barriers for domestic violence survivors as we can,” Foreman says. DVIS receives messages for help through Facebook and email and knew TulsaPeople.com

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there needed to be a better way to ask for help when it isn’t safe to call, she explains. Then some “serendipitous catalysts” came to be in the last few months. The George Kaiser Family Foundation provided the financial resources for the texting software, and 211 established its texting line and agreed to provide technical support to the one for DVIS. “Then COVID happened,” Foreman says. “We saw a reduction in calls during the stay-at-home order to our crisis line and knew that domestic violence was still happening — domestic violence has been shown to increase in high-stress situations and times of economic instability — we just weren’t hearing from the survivors. That realization was the final piece that led us to push the texting service through as fast as we could.” Two weeks after the technology was functional, the texting team was trained and began accepting texts. The team responds to texts from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. every night, as research shows this is one of the highest crisis text messaging times for other lines in the U.S. Survivors text SAFE to 1-833-338-5763 and the message is passed through to one of nine advocates, including Foreman, who correspond with the survivor offering safety planning and resources. “Our crisis line staff are trained and available to talk through what you are experiencing and either help you halt what is happening or work with you to identify the tools you have to build the foundation for your next steps,” Foreman says. At the shelter, a team of more than 30 — from advocates and counselors to cooks, maintenance and children’s staff — kept the facility open and safe for survivors during the pandemic.

MI’SHELL GARRETT, TULSA BOYS’ HOME At 24, Garrett never thought she would be an essential anything. As a residential youth care professional at Tulsa Boys’ Home, she oversees the care of 10 boys ranging in age from 12-17. Typically, boys go on outings to basketball games, the zoo and parks. They have visits from case workers, siblings or parents. COVID-19 forced TBH administrators to quarantine the campus for three months, only allowing staff and essential workers onsite. “Our No. 1 priority is to keep them safe, but it’s hard to explain that to a 12-year-old who has already had so many challenges,” she says.

Garrett decided to solicit donations from the community for extra toys, board games, books, old video games — anything to keep her boys entertained during the crisis. She often worked 12-16-hour days to help alleviate downtime for the boys. “I was just really leaning into the fact that this is affecting them way more than me,” Garrett says. “I can go home, Zoom with my friends. But they don’t have the option to leave.” Was it stressful? Absolutely, Garrett admits, but this time also gave her the opportunity to get to know the boys more and interact with them in new, creative ways, mentioning a Zoom call they conducted with her dog.

But her charity doesn’t stop at the pandemic. For Garrett’s birthday in July she is doing another fundraiser for TBH. Since the boys are into music, she wants to buy every boy on campus a MP3 player.

MOUSUMI SOM, D.O.; OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER AND OSU CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES As chief of staff and a frontline worker at OSU Medical Center, Som says her hope during this unprecedented time 72

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Madeleine Eller

LONE WOLF Although Eller was able to continue working during the pandemic, she knew she needed to help her neighbors and fellow restaurant industry folks whose bank accounts could not cover all their needs. She began preparing free meals daily for anyone in need at her own cost and on her own time. According to her eight nominations, she has fed more than 400 people with no-contact porch pickups of meals and baked goods and “deserves all of the recognition.” A baker by trade, Eller says, “I felt it was important to include a sweet treat as well with the meals I was offering,” such as banana nut bread, blueberry cobbler or pear cake.

Eller sourced monetary, to-go ware and ingredient donations from the community, vendors and local restaurants, but much of it came from her own pocket. “On a daily basis during the first month of the pandemic I would make between 80-100 items a day and feed those out to households and individuals in need,” she says, adding that this slowed to 50-60 items a day once businesses started reopening.

The recipients of her meals and the community at large were generous, as well. Eller says the kind words, love and donations she received while doing this good deed were what kept her going through such a difficult time. “I made a lot of great friends through this experience who want to make our hometown better for us all,” she says. “I felt this was a great lesson for us all on what it means to be a community, and I am proud to have been a part of the process. I just wanted to do my part to contribute.”

has come from seeing recovered patients return to donate plasma to help other COVID patients, in addition to the sense of collegiality within state. “When you see everyone forgetting what system you work for or what color jersey you support on the football field it reminds me why we are here and what we can do when we work together,” Som says.

As a faculty member with OSU Center for Health Sciences, her leadership and guidance ensured training was not interrupted for residents working in the hospital.

Personal protective equipment was acquired so duties didn’t cease, while restructuring of the faculty structure ensured residents were working alongside a physician for comfortable management of COVID patients. With uncertainty surrounding the future of the novel coronavirus, Som says this unique training is invaluable. “It is important for our young physicians to be able to be nimble, as health care does not always follow a playbook. If they are not trained under our watchful eye, we have done them and this state a disservice.”

Som also participates in OSU’s Project ECHO COVID19 program, disseminating the latest COVID information and best practices to physicians across Oklahoma so they are prepared and informed.

TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATIONS TEAM This 1,100-member team consists of custodians, groundskeepers, plumbers, electricians, child nutrition staff, bus drivers and mechanics. It provides critical support to the district’s 6,000 staff members and its 40,000 families.

In approximately five days, TPS created a city-wide meal service program at 210 sites across Tulsa — 40 school sites and 170 bus stops. The team worked through the logistics and staffing of these locations, while working with the state to generate waivers that allowed parents to pick up meals without students present, and families could receive more than one day of food at a time. On average, 20,000 breakfast and lunch meals were distributed each day, eventually growing to serve 871,521 breakfast, lunch and supper meals over an eight-week period. The team has driven 17,480 miles providing these meals, while also disinfecting 8.4 million square feet every day.

Under Student and Family Support Services, a bilingual wellness care line for TPS employees, parents and students was set up to provide referrals for mental health assistance, social services, food and groceries.

This service will continue throughout the summer. TP

A SPONSORED EDITORIAL SECTION

Addiction Recovery / 12 & 12 Inner Solutions Architecture / KKT Architects Inc. Boxing / Engine Room Boxing Gym

Healthcare / Saint Francis Health System

Bringing Artists & Arts Workers Together in Tulsa / Tulsa Artist Fellowship Staff

Home Cleaning / MaidPro Tulsa Marble & Stone Countertops / Eurocraft Granite & Marble

Business Banking / Security Bank

Medical Marijuana / Seed Cannabis Co.

Business Technologies / JD Young Catering / Ludger’s Catering Cleaning Maintenance Supplies / Murphy Sanitary Supply

TulsaPeople is proud to present our fifth annual edition of “FACES OF THE 918,” a special sponsored editorial section that tells the stories behind a variety of locally owned businesses serving “the 918.” Each profile features owners and/or employees of 35 Tulsa-area companies with a description of their business. We hope you find this presentation informative and useful.

Each company represents a select business category. Single-page and half-page profiles are presented alphabetically by category in two groupings.

Payroll Processing and Tax Compliance / Red River Payroll Pet Boutique / Dog Dish

Commercial Insurance / Insurica/Joe West Company

Property Management / McGraw Property Management & Leasing/Winfield Property Management

Commercial Real Estate / McGraw Commercial Properties

Reproductive Medicine / Tulsa Fertility Center

Commercial Real Estate Appraisals / Green Country Appraisal Service

Residential Real Estate / McGraw Realtors

Commercial Cleaning / Final Touch

EVERY BUSINESS HAS A STORY TO TELL.

Health Insurance / Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Mobile Assistance Center

Community Banking / First Oklahoma Bank Computer Services and Support / Jackson Technical Cosmetic Surgery / Plastic Surgery Center of Tulsa Disaster Restoration / Oklahoma Disaster Restoration and Carpet Cleaning Specialists Inc. Fencing / Empire Fence Company Financial Planning / Northwestern Mutual

Retinas / Tulsa Retina Consultants Sustainability / American Waste Control Tree Service / We B Trees Wealth Management / Commerce Trust Company Wellness / Functional Medical Institute Wine & Spirits / Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits Workforce Management and Staffing / Barracuda Staffing

TulsaPeople.com

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the face of

ADDICTION RECOVERY

12 & 12 INNER SOLUTIONS At 12&12 Inc., we serve adults suffering from the brain disease of addiction and cooccurring mental health and substance use disorders. Within our continuum of care, we offer medically supervised detoxification, medication assisted treatment, intensive residential treatment, outpatient counseling and transitional living. 12&12 recently became the state’s first facility to specifically treat methamphetamine addiction. Inner Solutions at 12&12 Inc. offers these same services to individuals with commercial insurance or the resources to pay out-of-pocket.

Our service model uses a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical oversight, psychiatry, nursing, counseling and case management. In alignment with evidence-based practices, we simultaneously treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders that dramatically increase our clients’ likelihood for recovery.

“Clients come to us with varying degrees of addiction severity, and varying understandings of how to sustain longterm recovery,” says CEO Bryan Day. “That’s why it’s necessary to individualize treatment planning and meet each client’s needs.”

A Tulsa Area United Way partner agency since 1989, 12&12 has Joint Commission Accreditation and is the only accredited Comprehensive Community Addiction Recovery Center (CCARC) in the state that provides the full continuum of services in one location.

6333 E. Skelly Drive | 918-664-4224 12and12.org Tricia Mason, COO; Yvonne Rainwater, Marketing and Development Coordinator; Brian Day, CEO; Brandie Herren, Director of Nursing

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HEALTHCARE

SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEM St. Francis Xavier was a 16th century Jesuit priest from Spain who ministered to the poor and sick throughout the Far East, from India to New Guinea to Japan. Back in 1960, Saint Francis Hospital founders Natalie and William K. Warren, Sr. chose him as the health system’s namesake. Since that day, St. Francis Xavier has been the face of healthcare in eastern Oklahoma.

Since its founding, Saint Francis Health System has grown to become Oklahoma’s largest and leading healthcare provider with more than 10,500 employees in more than 100 locations throughout the region. As a private, not-for-profit health system, Saint Francis is the region’s only locally led and governed system offering state-of-the-art hospitals and facilities dedicated to providing our neighbors with the most advanced and comprehensive care.

Together with our mission To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ, images of St. Francis Xavier are present at all health system sites across the region. And as our patron saint, St. Francis Xavier’s missionary spirit, lifework and legacy permeates all that we do.

918-488-6688 | saintfrancis.com

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TREE SERVICE

WE B TREES We B Trees provides professional tree care for established trees in the greater Tulsa area. Services include deep root fertilization, pruning and preservation, diagnostics, tree removal, stump grinding, cabling and bracing, and much more.

In 2020 the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

We B Trees began as a small operation ran by owner/ president Tim Nall, one crewman and one truck. Today the company has grown into a thriving family-operated business running multiple crews, a tree health care division run by Nall’s eldest son, and a subdivision – B’Haulin, a rolloff dumpster service.

“We have seen many changes and had many people to help build us into the company we are,” Nall says. “Trust and honesty are at the base of our existence and always have been.”

The company provides quality tree care that aligns with homeowners’ goals. In fact, We B Trees has secured

a coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Company management values transparency and honesty with the customer above all else.

“We will be honest in whether or not a tree is in good health,” Nall says. “We don’t let our equipment dictate what we recommend for your trees.”

After receiving his degree in forestry from Oklahoma State University, Nall began his career working for several companies as an operational engineer. He went on to work for the City of Tulsa Urban Forestry Department, where he became a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Nall and his crew bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, in order to provide unmatched quality regardless of the size or complexity, from pruning to complete tree removal. In addition to the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, We B Trees is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.

P.O. Box 9563, Tulsa, OK 74157 | 918-446-3473 | webtrees.com

Zach Hendrickson, Dustin Bradford, Tim Nall, Barbara Nall, Dylan Nall, Omar Caracheo, Zach Smith, Whitney Fulkerson

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ARCHITECTURE

KKT ARCHITECTS INC. For 31 years, KKT Architects Inc. has held true to its legacy of providing client-centered, community-focused design. Across KKT’s diverse portfolio of project types, President and CEO Sarah Gould, AIA, works closely with the strategic leadership team to continue evolving KKT’s vision of innovation and excellence. Gould believes that human potential can be both celebrated and promoted through architecture and design.

“What I love about architecture is connecting people: to people, to places and to community,” Gould says. “We are passionate about creating spaces that improve lives and enrich communities.” She is excited to share the passion with which KKT’s leaders contribute to the firm’s overall success, including being instrumental in streamlining operations,

building relationships with client partners, as well as developing mentorship and growth opportunities within the firm. Previously the Managing Director, Gould was officially named President and CEO in June as Andrew Kinslow, AIA, transitioned to a new stage in his career.

The Tulsa-based firm provides Architecture, Interior Design and Structural Engineering professional services.

KKT’s key project types include: education, corporate office, healthcare, nonprofit, retail, restaurant and multi-family.

KKT has more than 70 design professionals who are focused on contributing to an inclusive, healthy community, and as a firm it is committed to the core values of character, community, collaboration and creativity.

2200 S. Utica Place, Suite 200 | 918-744-4270 | kktarchitects.com KKT Strategic Leadership Team (left to right): Ranan Gangel, P.E.; Rob Winters, AIA; Shannon Darnell, IIDA, Well AP; President and CEO Sarah Gould, AIA, A4LE; Barry Goldstein, AIA; Kate Cofer, AIA, IIDA, PMP

Top: Carolyn Sickles, Abby Mashunkashey, Amanda Harris. Bottom: Caroline Chandler, Cheyenne Smith, Seth Dazey

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BRINGING ARTISTS & ARTS WORKERS TOGETHER IN TULSA

TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP STAFF Tulsa Artist Fellowship, located in the heart of Oklahoma’s Green Country, is an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Using evidence-based practices, GKFF invests in a culturally vibrant and economically robust Tulsa and believes that a thriving city will afford high quality opportunities for all residents. With an understanding that the arts are essential to this mission, Tulsa Artist Fellowship was established in 2015 as a program dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges for artistic communities and serving as a globally recognized model for mobilizing Tulsa’s residents with the transformative power of art.

TAF is committed to fostering an equitable environment where a diverse and inclusive community of artists and arts workers can thrive professionally. “We acknowledge that a significant number of artistic practitioners are unable to secure the time and resources required to actualize their arts

work in tandem with maintaining stable housing and studio space,” says Executive Director Carolyn Sickles. In response, the Fellowship strives to remove these barriers by providing award recipients with three core areas of support: · $20,000 yearly stipend for up to two years; · Fully subsidized scalable housing that accommodates families, partners and pets; · Fully subsidized studio space with access to shared facilities including ceramics studio with kilns, woodshop, media lab, roof terrace, performance rehearsal and meeting spaces with video/audio capabilities.

Fellows intentionally engage in critical dialogue with Tulsa.

Public facing platforms include First Friday open studios, public readings, discursive events and performances. There are currently over 50 Tulsa Artist Fellows living and working in our program.

109 N. MLK, Jr. Blvd. E. | 918-591-2461 | tulsaartistfellowship.org

ERIC BOHNE Chairman & CEO GIL EACRET Senior Vice President

DAWNE STAFFORD President & CFO TOM GAY Executive Vice President

SCOTT WILSON Senior Vice President

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BUSINESS BANKING

SECURITY BANK Security Bank takes pride in building relationships and communities. Located centrally at East 51st Street and Highway 169, one can be assured the bank and its experienced team members are all about Tulsa. Security brings customers the highest level of attention and service, with local decision-making.

“We are a locally-owned community bank that is committed to providing exceptional customer service and finding banking solutions for business customers,” said Eric Bohne, chairman and CEO. “A clear demonstration of our commitment to small businesses in our community has been our participation in the SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans. This special loan product has brought immediate aid to businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

When the PPP program launched, the entire team at Security was immediately committed to the process of

making loans. “We were able to fund every application received, helping approximately 600 local businesses retain employees and build a bridge to the other side of the shutdown,” noted Bohne. “Our PPP loans topped $100 million, the majority of which were in amounts under $350,000.”

“Our focus on the small business segment comes from our belief that the success of small businesses is important in building local economic vitality and shaping our community for the better,” added Dawne Stafford, president and CFO. “Our commitment to Tulsa exceeds business banking.

Investing in Tulsa is part of the makeup of Security Bank,” emphasized Bohne. “The bank’s employees take pride in supporting nonprofit organizations and charitable endeavors that make a difference, and enhance life and work within the community.”

10727 E. 51st St. | 918-664-6100 | sbtulsa.bank | Member FDIC

Doug Stuart and Bob Stuart, Jr. are grandsons of business founder Joe Young.

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BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES

JD YOUNG “It’s hard for us to believe that nearly 70 years have passed since Joe Young first opened the doors of JD Young in Tulsa,” says Bob Stuart, CEO, and co-owner with Doug Stuart, Patty Stuart, and Deni Stuart. “Who could have known over 60 years later that his vision of serving Oklahoma’s business community would still be alive and thriving as it is today.”

Today, JD Young succeeds by adapting and evolving with the times, and staying on top of the ever-changing document management industry and needs of clients. “Companies all over the state contact us for direction and ideas on how to be more efficient in their workflow practices,” says Stuart. “We are skilled at offering the best products and services to our customers, and backing-up our sales with excellent maintenance by our highly-skilled service teams.”

JD Young’s mission is to help businesses better manage the flow of information and data through a more efficient

116 W. Third St. | 918-582-9955 | jdyoung.com

usage of hardware systems, software solutions and advanced IT technology. “Specifically, we are skilled in providing information-handling processes that increase performance and reduce the cost of input, output and management,” noted Stuart. “It’s all about creating a document strategy for a business to identify how the company is managing its paper files. The strategy is a needed step toward managing documents more efficiently as a means of increasing profitability.”

The Stuart family realizes establishing and maintaining strong relationships with clients is the key to JD Young’s sustained success over six decades. “Our company’s guiding light from day one has been doing the right thing for customers…our business partners,” Stuart notes. “We count our blessings every day that we have a strong and growing base of customers and excellent employees to serve them.”

Standing: Billy Drake, General Manager, and Glenda Bigbie, Chief Financial Officer.

Seated: Jeannie Murphy, President.

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CLEANING MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES

MURPHY SANITARY SUPPLY A visit to Murphy Sanitary Supply quickly reveals why the business has been a success for nearly 18 years: Founder and president Jeannie Murphy is enthusiastic about her business, its employees, and its 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,” The COVID-19 virus outbreak set the sanitary supply industry on a challenging new course. “We now offer more products for disinfecting large areas quickly and they are in high demand, of course,” said Murphy. “We encourage

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

the use of these products along with the frequent washing of hands as a best defense, using hand sanitizer if water is not available, and wearing masks.”

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 truly believe in going the extra mile for our customers,” Murphy says.

Chelsea Hanoch, Lindsay Henderson, Jackie Vu, Brooke Taylor and Madi Ambrose

the face of

COMMERCIAL CLEANING

FINAL TOUCH CLEANING While some businesses and sectors are seeing a reduction in demand due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the need for cleaning professionals has never been higher or more essential.

Final Touch Commercial Cleaning has stayed on the cutting edge for 35 years, cleaning everything from corporate offices and medical facilities to municipal buildings and universities all over the Tulsa area. The company offers the latest innovative technology to not only clean, but also disinfect and sanitize, more than seven million square feet of space each night.

“We feel blessed to be able to keep our cleaning associates employed and our business thriving in today’s economy,” said Sandra Mullins, President. “It is important to show our clients that we are committed to protecting their patrons and employees by providing our staff with the latest

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

training on how to prepare and respond to the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak.”

Final Touch uses superior products that include natural, non-toxic cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants for everyday use, as well as specialized services including fogging and electrostatic spray technology. This process gives clients peace of mind to know their workspaces are sanitized and all viruses and bacteria are eliminated within a two minute kill time.

Throughout the pandemic, Mullins has stayed true to her belief that “to whom much is given, much is required.” It is the reason she has continued to create a culture of giving by donating thousands of dollars annually to local nonprofits.

“It’s the charitable work that really inspires us,” she said.

“We’re so happy to be part of the Tulsa community.”

Dick Alaback, Susan Walker, Gary Krisman, Cara Leigh Ingram, John Gray, Lisa Brandes, Neil Dailey, Sara Harris, Warren Stewart, Hannah Demuth, Dilon Argo

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

MCGRAW COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES McGraw Realtors Commercial Properties, was founded in 2008 and specializes in buying and selling commercial properties including office, retail, restaurant, service, industrial, investment, municipal, nonprofit, multi-family residential and vacant land. McGraw’s Commercial Properties and Property Management divisions work together to deliver comprehensive commercial real estate solutions, ranging from tenant and landlord representation to facilities and property management.

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

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

Commercial Properties has grown to a team of 14. Their commitment is to help commercial real estate investors find the right property to profitably expand their portfolio.

McGraw Commercial Properties’ Multi-Family Sales Division has experienced exponential growth since the 2019 merger with Winfield Property Management. This merger provided the Multi-Family Sales Division the ability to offer investors a reliable means of protecting their assets after a sale or purchase.

McGraw Realtors Commercial Properties has acquired the most sought-after listings in the greater Tulsa and enjoyed success putting commercial buyers and sellers together across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Texas.

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

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS

GREEN COUNTRY APPRAISAL SERVICE Green Country Appraisal Service is celebrating 39 years of appraisal and consultation work for various banks, government 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, MAI, SRA is the company president and a licensed appraiser in the state of Oklahoma. In 2000, he was the president of the Green Country of Oklahoma Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Nationally, he has served on the Regional Ethics and Counseling Panel of the Appraisal Institute.

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

The company’s secretary, Christine Peck, has been with the firm for 31 years and handles word processing, research of local market trends and report publishing.

The company’s research analyst, Andrea Brooks, has been with the firm for 14 years. She maintains an expanding database of over 18,000 comparable sales and rentals. She also handles bids, coordinates with clients, and provides research on properties being appraised.

Together, Green Country Appraisal’s team provides comprehensive appraisal reports for lenders, buyers, sellers and estate settlement.

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

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COMMUNITY BANKING

FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK Life is about relationships – now more than ever. Local businesses that were otherwise doing well have recently had their operations turned upside down. Businesses and individuals realize they don’t need just a bank, they need a better bank.

First Oklahoma Bank is committed to serving and walking alongside customers to help them pursue their financial goals. During the COVID-19 crisis, First Oklahoma bankers worked around the clock to close hundreds of loans through the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and individual contractors to help save thousands of Green Country jobs. Their tenacity helped pump more than $100 million back into Oklahoma businesses.

When customers call First Oklahoma Bank they are greeted by a real person — someone who knows their name — rather than a pre-recorded message. They are bankers who live here, worship here and volunteer here. They know the heartbeat of the community, understand its economy and make all decisions locally. Deposits made with First Oklahoma Bank stay here in the community and help it grow.

First Oklahoma Bank was established on Nov. 4, 2009, with the vision of creating a better bank for Tulsans, and yearly it has surpassed benchmarks to become the fastest-growing new bank in Oklahoma’s history.

First Oklahoma Bank invites residents to “Move Up to Better Banking” by calling or visiting either its midtown Tulsa location or its iconic six-story headquarters in Jenks.

4110 S. Rockford Ave., Tulsa | 100 S. Riverfront Drive, Jenks | 918-392-2500 | firstoklahomabank.com | Member FDIC

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COMPUTER SERVICES AND SUPPORT

JACKSON TECHNICAL At Jackson Technical, computer consultation services are the core of a business designed with the objective of supporting the success of clients, whatever their industry.

“Our staff has years of experience with up-to-date skills in the latest technologies,” says Tim Jackson, founder and president. “We offer complete computer systems management and maintenance with a proactive approach to prevent problems before they occur.”

Jackson is most proud of the culture and attitude of the team he’s assembled. “I try to find highly skilled experts who have the technical skills required for the career, but don’t have the arrogance or condescending demeaner that is often associated with I.T. specialists.” He followed with “I’m looking for that helper mentality.”

611 S. Elgin Ave. | 918-585-8324 | jacksontechnical.com

Jackson Technical combines information technology service with strong client relationships to create a soughtafter customer experience.

“We listen to needs, then we recommend, plan and implement,” says Jackson. “Our team of experts can provide a company of any size with computer and communications solutions.”

The 20-year-old company moved into a new facility in December 2017, a three-story, 19,500-square-foot building in downtown Tulsa. The building’s open and inviting industrial-style look was created by the McIntosh Group and constructed by Thompson Construction.

“We have stressful jobs that often require after-hours work, so we do like to have fun when time permits!” says Jackson.

Jay and Tammy Stokes

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DISASTER RESTORATION

OKLAHOMA DISASTER RESTORATION AND CARPET CLEANING SPECIALISTS INC. Oklahoma Disaster Restoration (ODR) is a family owned and operated business in Tulsa. Founded in 1988, ODR employs technicians who are certified in disaster restoration and reconstruction services.

“Our company utilizes state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and a highly trained staff for perils such as fire, water, sewer, mold and bio-hazard,” says Jay Stokes, president and co-owner of ODR with his wife, Tammy Stokes, who is general manager. “We are skilled in reconstructing a client’s home to its original state or better.”

Oklahoma Disaster Restoration offers: Rapid Response Disaster Mitigation: The ODR team responds to calls within an hour, 24 hours a day. Callers talk to a live person with the experience to guide them through what can otherwise be a traumatic situation.

6565 E. 42nd St. | 918-992-4ODR | okdisaster.com

Quality Workmanship: ODR’s team is highly skilled in treating water and smoke damaged items and offers a commitment to satisfaction and happiness with the final outcome.

The Right Contractor: ODR can work as a client’s general contractor to assure the family’s returned to their home as quickly following the remediation. It is a thirdgeneration company that adheres to the core values of its founder, the late Bill Stokes: perseverance, integrity, compassion, urgency and stewardship.

“We strongly encourage a prospective client to tour our facility and inquire about our water, fire and personal property restoration services,” notes Tammy Stokes. “A tour will show our process and the highly skilled work we do so one better understands and has peace of mind with our complete restoration process.”

Standing: Matt Longan, Bob Skaggs and Noah Parris.

Seated: Kristin Nylander and Janelle English.

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL These days, it’s more important than ever for one to have a financial plan. At Northwestern Mutual, Bob Skaggs and his team are highly skilled and experienced in engaging clients in conversation to promote looking at their financial “big picture” to recommend the right insurance and investment strategies in one integrated financial plan.

“Our objective is to truly help each client connect their heart to their balance sheet,” Skaggs emphasizes, “meaning we want to create a financial pathway that enables one to enjoy life to the fullest, make memories that bring happiness, take care of the people and things that matter most in life, and feel confident and secure.”

Skaggs says that following a detailed conversation, his team at Northwestern Mutual works to position each client with a combination of liquid reserves, various pieces of insurance, and appropriately designed “investment

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

buckets” that--when arranged together--create the desired flow of income to enable the client to live and enjoy the life they desire. And with a portfolio risk that is appropriate and not excessive.

As a financial advisor and an estate and business planning specialist, Bob Skaggs has enjoyed 35 years of professional success at Northwestern Mutual. He earned a BS degree in Economics from Oklahoma State University and later the professional designations of Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

“I value and appreciate the fact Northwestern Mutual’s guiding approach to financial planning is more long-term in how we help people plan, and in the way we do business,” he said. “This approach has served our clients well through all kinds of economic ups and downs—for over 160 years.”

BCBSOK MAC team in Tulsa Left to Right: Senecca Collins, Darci Cole, Dennis Peschka, Kevin Holmes

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HEALTH INSURANCE

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF OKLAHOMA MOBILE ASSISTANCE CENTER For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to supporting the health and wellness of all Oklahomans. One of the ways they’re doing this is with a dedicated team to help people understand their available health insurance options.

The BCBSOK Mobile Assistance Center team is a group of licensed community outreach specialists who are ready to help people navigate their options in a one-on-one, private setting.

The team travels across the state to personally assist Oklahomans, whether in person or over the phone, and helps them see if they qualify for financial assistance to

1400 S. Boston Ave. | 855-453-5944 | enrollnowok.com

pay for health insurance.

Oklahomans who have been impacted by a job loss or loss of coverage may qualify for a special enrollment period up to 60 days after a qualifying event. Citizens of a federally recognized tribe can enroll any time, year-round.

“We can assist individuals with enrollment questions and look at all coverage options for individual marketplace plans, Medicare plans, group plans and Federal Employee plans,” says Darci Cole, MAC team member.

To contact the BCBSOK MAC team directly, email MAC@bcbsok.com or visit enrollnowok.com.

Justin Houde

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HOME CLEANING

MAIDPRO TULSA With multiple operations between the USA and Canada, Justin and Stephanie Houde have been advancing the cleaning and service industry since 2013. The couple took ownership of MaidPro Tulsa in 2020 as their latest business adventure, but they are keeping it old-school in their approach.

“Especially in these days that we are living in, we aim and strive for a truly connected approach to the service industry,” said Justin. “We offer a guarantee that each client will be 100% satisfied with our services every single time.

And we facilitate employee incentive programs — and listen to our team members — which encourages them to take extra pride in their work as part of the MaidPro family.”

As a result, he says homeowners “can expect smiling faces when MaidPro enters your home because we love what we do!”

Customer Service can be somewhat of a dying art as the world shifts to more automated and online experiences.

MaidPro offers a streamlined experience without losing the human touch of customer service. “As Tulsa’s premier residential cleaning company, we concentrate our efforts toward simplifying life for our customers, and offering consistently quality service,” noted Stephanie. “We boast a full 49 point checklist on every job — every time — to ensure the home is sparkling clean when our team finishes each and every time.”

12802 E. 31st St., Suite F | 918-270-2800 | maidpro.com/tulsa

Ryan Phillips, Hjorny Skaftason, Anna Helgadottir, and Johann Skaftason.

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MARBLE & STONE COUNTERTOPS

EUROCRAFT GRANITE & MARBLE Family and business are intertwined at Eurocraft, a stone fabrication business emphasizing old-world craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The people of Tulsa warmly welcomed owner Johann Skaftason and his wife, Anna Helgadottir, when they emigrated from Iceland in 1976.

Coming from a family of masons, the couple founded Eurocraft as a full-range masonry service before dreams led them to specialize in natural and engineered stone. While most people his age are looking at retirement, Johann has daughter Hjorny Skaftason and son-in-law Ryan Phillips by his side to grow the business and continue its legacy. As Johann says, “Working and dreaming keeps us young, and we have no plans to stop.”

Eurocraft is known for its attention to detail and innovation, in addition to selection. “My father takes on challenges and finds solutions where many others cannot,” Hjorny says.

These projects find their way to the dinner table where discussion always comes back to Eurocraft. Projects like the Mayo Hotel and the USS Oklahoma Memorial in Pearl Harbor define periods in the family’s history.

“We love our work,” Hjorny says. “We get to travel the world to find one-of-a-kind natural stone to bring to the people we love in Tulsa and Oklahoma.” They consider it a privilege to help restore the incredible architecture and historic buildings of Tulsa. “We’re proud of our city, and we want to help maintain its beauty with enduring stone for decades to come.”

16052 S. Broadway, Glenpool | 918-322-5500 | 2626 E. 15th Street, Tulsa | 918-938-6914 | eurocraftgranite.com

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA

SEED CANNABIS CO. It has been a little more than one year since Seed Cannabis Co. opened its first dispensary at 623 S. Peoria Ave. Now there’s a second location at 4209 S. Sheridan Road, and a third will open this summer at 1430 E. 71st St. The Oklahoma-owned and operated company is expanding while remaining dedicated to having the highest quality product and the most knowledgeable staff. The dispensary staff can provide education about products and practices to help patients obtain the best medical outcomes. The team specializes in new users, explaining the medicinal value of cannabinoids and terpenes and how they work together to give the patient the medicinal benefits they need, as well as how to dose edibles and tinctures (starting out very low and slow).

“Although it’s been a challenging year for most medical and retail establishments,” CEO Taras Filenko says, “the medical cannabis space continues to grow as patients realize the true benefits. We want to make sure that patients who are new to medical marijuana have all the resources and education they need to make informed decisions for their health. In addition, those who have used cannabis for longer will recognize Seed’s high quality products.”

Along with selling its own niche products, Seed partners with key manufacturers in the industry to have great variety and selection of the best medicinal products available.

623 S. Peoria Ave. | 539-867-1880 4209 S. Sheridan Rd. | 539-867-4645 1430 E. 71st St. | Coming summer 2020 seedcannabisco.com

Steve Hobbs

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PAYROLL PROCESSING AND TAX COMPLIANCE

RED RIVER PAYROLL The vision when creating Red River Payroll in 2018 was to provide small business owners more flexibility and freedom to focus on growing their business. “Our objective was to bring cutting-edge technology and personalized service together to give clients the best payroll service and workforce management solution possible,” says Steve Hobbs, co-founder and CEO. Red River does more than just process payroll for a wide variety of clients. “We insulate our clients from the liability associated with payroll tax compliance and ensure their employees are paid timely and accurately,” Hobbs adds.

The company’s services include: Paperless Payroll: Offering clients a truly paperless payroll solution utilizing technology that allows Red River to streamline a company’s entire payroll experience from

paperless onboarding to W-2s.

Payroll Tax Service: From reconciling prior payroll tax issues to creating a simple solution for handling ongoing federal and multi-state taxes, Red River assumes full responsibility for payroll tax compliance.

Time and Labor Management: Using cloud-based integrated software to minimize errors plus save time and money with simplified timekeeping on a variety of tracking methods, including the mobile app, biometric timeclocks or your PC. Pay-As-You-Go Workers Comp: Simplifying the workers compensation process to ensure that each client never pays more or less than needed for coverage and eliminating the need for an annual audit.

1660 E. 71st St., Suite 2i | 918-488-6196 | redriverpayroll.com

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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 factors that can extend a dog or cat’s life. And proper nutrition can prevent common ailments such as ear infections, allergies and tear stains.”

Dog Dish carries kibble and canned pet food, as well as frozen and freezedried raw diets for dogs and cats that are continually growing in popularity.

The store offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on all foods.

Dog Dish, now in its 18th 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 and Moops, the shop dog

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

MCGRAW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING / WINFIELD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT In June of 2019, McGraw Realtors merged with Winfield Property Management, and has continued to expand across the region. Winfield currently manages twenty-four properties stretching from Moore to Pryor with more than 2,700 units in their care. The partnership with McGraw, specifically the Multi-Family Residential Sales Division of McGraw Commercial Properties, has been very successful.

In addition to Winfield’s multi-family residential property management, McGraw Realtors Property Management and Leasing, under the leadership of Director Kim Cavin, manages over 360 doors in Tulsa. Founded in 2011, their mission continues to be to help property owners find the right tenant and manage their properties to make a profit. They are also committed to helping people find the right home to rent and manage their property the right way.

McGraw Realtors began its Commercial Property Management department in 2017, lead by Director Susan Walker.

Since 2017, the division has increased occupancy from 66.7% to 97.6% while growing the managed portfolio by more than 500,000 square feet. McGraw Commercial Property Management currently manages 774,891 square feet of commercial space.

Collectively, the companies that share the same roof share the same commitment to property management services to their clients. “Taking on the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of investment properties can be time-consuming and overwhelming,” Susan Walker shares, “That’s where we come in. We handle every aspect of managing the asset and the owner enjoys peace of mind and the profits.” As of June 2020, their portfolio under management - which includes residential, commercial, and multifamily properties - totals more than 3.5 million square feet.

The multi-faceted company continues to serve Northeastern Oklahoma and beyond.

4105 S. Rockford Ave | mcgrawpropertymanagement.com | 918.388.6133

winfieldliving.com | 918.995.2950

Row 1: Kim Henderson, Ong Xiong, Kim Cavin, Susan Walker, Amy Bors, Janie Easley, Jonna Martinez Row 2: Danielle Spann, Krista Sands, Chris Fowler, Linda Hughes, Kimberly Schellhorn, Loretta Rankins Row 3: Brian Scarbrough, Ryan Gorman, Gary Krisman, Carey Velez

Dr. Stanley Prough and Dr. Shauna McKinney

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REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE

TULSA FERTILITY CENTER With a caring staff, compassionate doctors and a state-ofthe art facility, Tulsa Fertility Center specializes in making baby dreams come true. Tulsa Fertility Center is well equipped to handle a variety of fertility needs, all from the comfortable and convenient location near downtown Tulsa.

For many Tulsans with barriers to becoming parents, “hope starts here,” with treatments ranging from intrauterine (a.k.a. “artificial”) insemination, surgery for underlying fertility problems, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and much more. TFC also offers an egg donor program and postvasectomy fertility treatment.

Since 1980, TFC’s fellowship-trained fertility specialists, Stanley Prough, M.D., and Shauna McKinney, M.D., bring

115 E. 15th St. | 918-359-2229 | tulsafertilitycenter.com

affordable fertility care to patients across Green Country, as well as residents of northwestern Arkansas, southwestern Missouri and southeastern Kansas who make the journey to Tulsa to seek treatment. Men and women travel to Tulsa to find that TFC’s fertility doctors truly care about their struggles to get pregnant.

TFC is a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Led by Fertility Laboratory Director J. Kevin Thibodeaux, Ph.D., the lab was recently re-accredited by the College of American Pathologists for its laboratory operations. TFC accepts most insurance plans and commits to making world-class fertility care both affordable and accessible.

Johnnie Cherblanc, Holli Woodward, Heidi Williams, Rachel Hicks, Kathy Stacy, Lindsey Schlomann, Curt Roberts

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

MCGRAW REALTORS Tulsa-based McGraw Realtors has been proudly serving the real estate needs of Northeast Oklahoma for over 82 years. And as the top-ranking independent real estate company in Oklahoma, McGraw shows no signs of slowing.

“I am excited that I will see McGraw celebrate 100 years during my career,” says Bill McCollough, company president. “It is truly rare to see any company succeed in business that long, especially one that stays true to its principles over the years.”

Since acquiring the assets of Anderson Properties in early 2020, McGraw now has eighteen total offices across Oklahoma and Arkansas, including eight in the Greater Tulsa area. “The company has always been an industry leader in terms of recruiting and retention, adaptation to

4105 S. Rockford Ave. | 918-592-6000 | mcgrawrealtors.com

technological advances, and providing employees with the tools they need to give clients a stress-free and memorable real estate experience,” McCollough continued.

“I am honored to be associated with the finest real estate company in Oklahoma,” says founder Joe McGraw. “The contributions of many have made the business successful since our beginning in 1938. I am proud of our culture which inspires enthusiasm, innovation, devotion and a strong regard for the honor of all.”

McGraw Realtors has been embedded in the Tulsa community for more than 82 years and the company’s commitment to helping clients succeed in the real estate process continues to be the company’s driving force into the future.

Lars Freisberg, M.D. and Tom Finley, M.D.

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RETINAS

TULSA RETINA CONSULTANTS

Stephanie Cooper

Tulsa Retina Consultants was founded six years ago to bring a new level of care for diseases of retina and vitreous of the eye. Managing physicians Thomas Finley, M.D., and Lars Freisberg, M.D., specialize in Individualized care tailored to each patient. With the dawn of COVID-19, the expert staff and team of physicians considered all aspects of health and safety in their medical environment.

“Many of our patients face definite vision loss if they do not have access to ongoing treatment,” Finley says. “We therefore never considered closing. Very early we started preventative measures for patients and staff.”

By balancing considerate care for many at-risk patients, as well as taking precautions for staff, Tulsa Retina

2424 E. 21st St. | 918-949-4577 | retinatulsa.com

Alan Hromas

Justin Parschauer

Kyle Piwonka

Consultants was able to address vision issues throughout the pandemic.

“Maximizing protection and everyone’s health has taken a completely new meaning,” Freisberg says. “This requires much more work from everyone, but that has been the spirit of Tulsa Retina Consultants from the beginning. We start every day with the goal to raise the bar in retina care.”

Along with Finley and Freisberg, Tulsa Retina Consultants physicians also include Justin Parschauer, D.O.; Kyle Piwonka, D.O.; Alan Hromas, M.D.; and Stephanie Cooper, O.D. Shelly Callanan is the practice’s chief financial officer.

Kenneth Burkett at the 2019 Tulsa Christmas Parade in front of the American Waste Control Polar Express

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SUSTAINABILITY

AMERICAN WASTE CONTROL Sustainability is more than recycling.

“Our view is Sustainability is about stewarding resources responsibly for the benefit of our economy, society and environment,” says Kenneth Burkett, founder and owner of American Waste Control. Kenny, has been in the waste business since 1970, operates a fleet of over 185 trucks, employs 250 people, and operates its own recycling center and wasteto-energy landfill.

Many people recognize Burkett and his company for their Mr. Murph recycling plant and Waste-to-Energy Landfill, but may not know American Waste Control actively supports community organizations and events including Tulsa International Mayfest, Tulsa Christmas Parade, Green Country

Adult & Teen Challenge, American Therapeutic Riding Center, Soldier’s Wish, Happy Hands Education Center, Little Light House, Gathering Place, Convoy of Hope, Tulsa Pop Kids and many more.

Burkett and his team at AWC are proud the company is making an important and lasting mark. “Sustainability is focused on leaving an impact on people’s lives and our community in a positive, meaningful way,” he said.

The company’s renewable energy landfill in Sand Springs provides power to over 20,000 Oklahomans and is home to over 1 million honey bees. The bees enable the company to produce its own honey and lip balm—products that are given to customers.

1420 W. 35th St. | 918-446-0023 | americanwastecontrol.com

Leslie Mobley, Matt Farris, Chris Hamm and George Foldesy

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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 Matt Farris,

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 now administers over $54 billion in assets, and serves clients in all 50 states and 25 countries. Commerce Trust Company offers a comprehensive approach to wealth management, a dedicated team of experienced specialists and a strong fiduciary relationship with its clients.

5314 S. Yale Ave., Suite 606 | 918-477-3610 | commercetrustcompany.com

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WELLNESS

FUNCTIONAL MEDICAL INSTITUTE When you hear about the latest diet, it seems to work for everyone ... except you.

And the truth is, even the people who have good results at first usually end up right back where they started.

The husband-and-wife wellness team at Functional Medical Institute want Tulsans to stop the roller coaster dieting and accept that there is no one-size-fits all diet.

“You need a health plan unique to you,” says Dr. Mark Sherwood.

Functional Medical Institute works with patients to develop a lifelong health plan (that actually works) with five steps: · STEP 1 Analyze your DNA and labs · STEP 2 Develop a plan unique to you · STEP 3 Implement your new lifestyle · STEP 4 Measure progress and fine-tune · STEP 5 Bio-identical hormones (as needed) “We use this simple five-step approach at Functional Medical Institute every day to help people achieve optimal health,” says Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood, founding physician of FMI. FMI hosts free webinars available to anyone interested in learning more about wellness, disease reversal and prevention, and custom health analysis.

6048 S. Sheridan Rd. 918-748-3640 | fmidr.com/tulsapeople

Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood and Dr. Mark Sherwood

Kevin Burr

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WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING

BARRACUDA STAFFING Kevin Burr founded Barracuda Staffing in 2009 amidst one of the biggest economic crises of our time. The resulting success was achieved of his belief he could create and build a higher quality staffing agency to serve the Tulsa business community.

“Our objective was to offer companies a more careful, quality placement process that would result in lower turnover for clients and higher job satisfaction for contractors,” he says. The result? Barracuda has grown to a full-service staffing company with two sister companies, Barracuda Consulting and Red River Payroll, each serving clients and placing contractors nationwide.

Burr credits the company’s team for surviving the Great Recession as a new staffing firm, and growing into the diversified organization it is today. “Our people made it happen. Every member of our team is passionately committed to the success of our candidates and clients, and they live and breathe our core values every day,” he says. “We each believe that finding people meaningful jobs and helping businesses succeed strengthens our community.”

The founder is proud the company created and trademarked “a Four-Dimensional Matching process that has changed the turnover rates for numerous client businesses. It allows the owners and managers to focus on team building and development instead of dealing with costly turnover.”

Burr says Barracuda Staffing thrives in an environment that fosters team members to “push each other to raise the bar, seek out creative solutions, and strive to consistently improve our service delivery model. At Barracuda, our belief is: “good enough is never good enough,” and our company motto is: “Expect More. We Do.” Barracuda has has been listed twice on the “Inc. 5000” list recognizing America’s Fastest-Growing Privately-Held Companies,” and also recognized on Inc. Magazine’s “Best Places To Work” list.

The company believes in being actively involved in the community and has supported the mission and work of many local organizations over that past 10 years, including Solders Wish, Tulsa Christmas Parade, Tulsa Pop Kids, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

1660 E. 71st St., Suite 2E | 918-488-0887 | barracudastaffing.com

the face of

BOXING

ENGINE ROOM BOXING GYM Owner and head coach Aaron Sloan opened the Engine Room seven years ago, relocating this month to a completely renovated historic building in Gunboat Park. This new, state-of-theart facility has more than 15,000-squarefeet, making it the region’s largest boxing gym. The Engine Room offers fitness and competition training for adults and kids, as well as personal training. It boasts three rings, a yoga room and a separate space for the Ready to Fight Parkinson’s-specific Boxing Program. Designed by Sloan, who is also a registered cardiac nurse, RTF is the official therapy boxing program of USA Boxing. “We’re excited about the new gym and the opportunity to invest in downtown,” Sloan says.

Aaron Sloan

316 E. 11th St. | 918-289-0090 engineroomboxing.com

the face of

CATERING

LUDGER’S CATERING Ludger’s Catering prides itself on being a one-stop shop for any type of event, whether it’s 10 guests or 2,000, and offers services ranging from drop-off catering to full service events.

The Ludger’s Catering team enjoys working with each client to make sure that their event is unique to them and their vision. “We have an amazing staff and the expertise to handle all of the details,” says Megan Sherrill, who has owned the company with her husband, Executive Chef Scott Sherrill, since 2009. Winner of multiple local and national wedding and catering awards over the years, Ludger’s Catering continually strives to provide its clients with delicious food along with friendly and professional service.

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Scott and Megan Sherrill

the face of

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

INSURICA/JOE WEST COMPANY Since 1919 Insurica/Joe West Company and its team of 50+ insurance professionals have been serving the greater Tulsa area.

“Throughout these challenging times our team has been available to service and address the insurance needs of our customers, not only from a business perspective but on a personal level as well,” said Joseph Sanchez, company president. “We stand ready to assist with insurance needs be it Commercial, Employee Benefits or Personal Lines.”

“As essential workers, our office has been staffed and open every day to assist clients,” noted CEO Tim Driskill.

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

the face of

COSMETIC SURGERY

PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER OF TULSA Dr. Greg Ratliff is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His credentials and years of excellence in plastic surgery set him apart. He specializes in breast augmentation/breast procedures, but performs body contouring, “Mommy Makeovers,” facial procedures and more. He is medical director for Inject, an Aesthetics Bar, which focuses on Botox and neurotoxin injectionables, hyaluronic acid fillers, HydraFacial MD, laser hair removal, Morpheus8 microneedling and other services.

“We strive to make your visit with us the best health care experience ever,” Ratliff says, adding the practice consistently receives great 100% authentic reviews on realpatientratings.com.

2107 E. 15th St. | 918-712-0888 | pscoftulsa.com TulsaPeople.com

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the face of

FENCING

EMPIRE FENCE COMPANY Things are “solid as a post” at Empire Fence Company as the company celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2020. As the new decade dawns, owner and founder Bob Richison has officially passed-the-baton of business leadership to grandson Nathan Nelson, who serves as company president.

“We have always done business the old-fashioned way since Bob opened Empire Fence back in 1955,” said Nelson, “and we remain committed to a foundation of integrity by offering customers quality products and excellent service at a fair price.”

In an effort to ensure customers are pleased with their product and service, Empire Fence Company continues a policy of not requiring a down payment when fencing is ordered. “It is our belief that we need to deliver on our services before requiring final payments from our customers,” noted Nelson.

“We believe this policy is a major reason we are the largest residential fence company in northeast Oklahoma.”

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

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

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 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 61-year-old business an updated look.

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.

3324 E. 31st St., Suite A | 918-747-1171 ranchacreswine.com 108

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Mary Stewart, Emily Stewart and Truman

Patriotic

PARTY MICHELLE POLLARD

RED, WHITE AND BLUE RING TRUE FOR SUMMER SOIREES.

Clockwise from top: 180° square gingham tablecloth, $50; La Cadeaux platter, $40; Caspari cobalt tumblers, $8 each; 180° melamine sandwich tray, $28; La Cadeaux dipping bowls, $5 each; La Cadeaux serving bowls, $40 and $30; Kei and Molly towel, $14; La Cadeaux serving utensils, $13; all from Margo’s, 2058 Utica Square.

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STOREFRONT Tatermash’s most popular item, pictured in the No. 1-selling pattern, is the large tote, with its plentiful pockets and zippered top. $35.

The extra-large tote is a favorite for pool-goers as it can hold several beach towels and is waterproof. $40.95.

Bibs, which can be easily sanitized and thrown in a diaper bag, are popular baby gifts. $12.

Manager Julie Hawksworth and owner Lori Alison with shop dog Frazier Colorful tablecloths come in various shapes, sizes and colors. $45.

Custom creations

TATERMASH OILCLOTH SPECIALIZES IN PERSONALIZED GIFTS AND EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS.

W

hen her daughter Sydney couldn’t find a bag to fit the needs of her wheelchair, Lori Alison took it upon herself to create one. For the fabric, Alison opted for oilcloth for its durability, functionality and ability to be cleaned.

What Alison didn’t know was that it would start her off on a business now in its 17th year.

After five years working out of her home, Alison opened Tatermash Oilcloth as a customizable gift and embroidery shop.

The midtown store stocks 150 prints in oilcloth, which is a printed vinyl with a slick back.

Oilcloth is only made in Mexico, Alison says, but all sewing is done in Tulsa by local sewers.

Nearly everything in Tatermash can be personalized, including more than a dozen oilcloth creations such as totes, lunch bags, bibs and cosmetic bags, as well as cotton robes, Corkcicle products, jute bags, laundry bags or wristlets. More than 100 embroidery colors and over 50 vinyl decal colors are available. Products made at the store can be personalized for $5-$8; products brought in by customers to be personalized are $10-$12.

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As the summer season continues, Alison says popular items will revolve around the pool and making preparations for a return to campus with school-pride colors.

As a small business owner, Alison does her best to meet her customers’ needs, even creating custom products from time to time, as she did with her daughter’s bag. “But if we don’t have it, we send them to other local businesses, such as the Gadget Co.,” she says. “Niche businesses are all around us.”

During the recent pandemic, Alison says business did slow, but she has already seen customers return, and she is grateful for their continuing support.

“We’re a local, small business and very passionate about it.” TP

Tatermash Oilcloth 3101 S. JAMESTOWN AVE. | 918-743-3888 | TATERMASH.COM 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday

The small zip bag fits perfectly inside Tatermash’s totes. $15.

Perfect for gameday, these clear stadium crossbody wristlets can hold a phone, wallet and other essentials. $24.

Cotton waffle wraps are popular back-to-campus gifts, which can be personalized. $30.

MICHELLE POLLARD

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

NOW OPEN The games you love, the flavors you crave and the music that made you are back and better than ever. We’ve added new health and safety guidelines to make sure you enjoy the safest, most comfortable experience possible.

When you’re ready, the stage is set for your next hit.

Know your limits. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700.

HEALTH

Clark Robinson

Time for a checkup LOCAL DENTISTS REASSURE PATIENTS OF SAFETY MEASURES.

SEEING CLEARLY

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has put many on high alert when it comes to doctor visits, errands and routine tasks. The local dental community assures that visiting the dentist now is just as safe — perhaps even safer — than ever before.

“For almost 50 years, dentists and their team members have routinely worn a surgical mask, eye protection, gloves and protective clothing anytime they see a patient, whether it is for an exam, a simple filling or providing a more complex service such as an implant or root canal,” says Lindsay Smith, D.D.S., a dentist in private practice in Tulsa and former past-president of the Oklahoma Dental Association. “With the introduction of COVID-19, which is a novel or new type of coronavirus, dentists across the country continue to practice the same high standard of infection control but have also made changes to our time-tested procedures.

Most of these changes deal with social distancing within a practice setting and the addition of more types of personal protective equipment for the dental health care providers such as face shields and N95 masks.”

Dentists in Oklahoma are governed by the State Dental Act, which requires following CDC guidelines, according to Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., president of the Oklahoma Dental Association and assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry. “We take those guidelines seriously every day — not just during a pandemic — to protect our patients, our team members and ourselves,” he says.

This means all instruments are sterilized and kept in packaging until the time of one’s appoint-

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Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., and Lindsay Smith, D.D.S.

ment. All surfaces are wiped clean and sanitized with surface disinfectant wipes, which remove bacteria, fungus and viruses, including coronavirus. Smith adds that anything that can’t be sterilized is considered single use and discarded after an appointment. “These are standard practices that have been routinely used by the dental profession for decades,” he says. Social distancing and pre-screenings are conducted throughout the office, as well.

Smith encourages practicing good oral hygiene and says maintaining routine dental visits are critical to one’s health. “We are finding more and more that good oral health is related to good overall systemic health,” he says. “Associations between oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic illness have been studied for years, and more and more the health care community is acknowledging that maintaining good oral health can help minimize complications or severity of several of the common chronic illnesses that exist.” TP

Many say adversity is the birthplace of ingenuity. For Clark Robinson and his team at Robinson Glass, that statement couldn’t be more true.

As Tulsa began coming to terms with doing business in the time of COVID-19, Robinson’s team began fielding requests for protective screens or “sneeze guards.” “We had some people asking about acrylic in the very beginning, but no one had an idea on how to support them, hang them or what to do with them,” Robinson says.

Thinking outside the box lead them to use tempered glass for permanent and temporary safety partitions. “The reason we use the tempered glass is that it holds up much better to repeated cleaning,” he says. “Over time, (acrylic) scratches, yellows or becomes hazy.” Robinson Glass has created three stock options available at its showroom, 7240 E. 46th St., ranging in size from 24 to 30 inches tall. All are portable and do not require drilling or affi xing to a counter. Two feature an acrylic base with metal frames to hold the screen; the other features the glass affixed to a slotted channel.

Custom fabrications of COVID-19 screens at places like banks and dental offices have kept Robinson’s staff busy. “Six months ago, no one would have thought to need these,” he says.

“We had to figure out some way to make a glass panel to keep people safe.”

Robinson is the second-generation owner of the residential, commercial and auto glass service company. During these difficult times, he credits his 50 employees at three locations who “have dug down deep and persevered.”

— ANNE BROCKMAN

MULLASSERIL AND SMITH: COURTESY OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION; ROBINSON: MICHELLE POLLARD

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

HOME DESIGN

The saltwater French gray gunnite pool with Kool deck and natural stone border is a needed respite in the hot Tulsa summer.

The nearby sitting area is surrounded by a Colorado blue spruce, various Japanese maples and numerous evergreens.

Furnishings are from Caluco and Kingsley Bate, and the large umbrella is from Jack Wills Co.

Bungalow bounty LOCAL DESIGNER’S RESTORED MIDTOWN OASIS

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

MICHELLE POLLARD

A

fter 37 years in the business, Kirk Holt is no stranger to creating beautiful spaces for his clients. He might as well make one for himself, too.

When Holt purchased the 1938 Maple Ridge bungalow in 2011, he was familiar with the property. He had helped the previous homeowners, who happened to be two of his best friends, with its interior design.

“It’s deceiving from the street,” says Holt, who recently sold the 2,266-square-foot residence where he not only lived, but also where he ran his business, Cisar-Holt. Holt is moving to Guthrie and his office to Edmond, but will still work with clients in Tulsa and across the country. He recently sold the home with the help of Justin Ross of Coldwell Banker Select.

The fi rst thing Holt did after taking possession of the property was to have Trebilcock Construction open up the formal living and dining room

spaces to the family and breakfast rooms, creating an open space that allows for easy flow and plenty of light. “I didn’t have to change a lot — just opening it up,” he says, adding the home is now perfect for entertaining.

In 1982, previous owners reconfigured the kitchen and added a family room and laundry room. A second floor also was added, which includes a master bedroom and guest bedroom, both with their own en-suites and walk-in closets.

When he’s not working from his first-floor office or work room, Holt says most of his time is spent in the family room or the backyard spaces. Holt’s green thumb is evident in the beautifully manicured backyard full of bountiful hydrangeas, blushing roses and other flora. A pool and spa add to the ambiance.

With the help of A-Plus Remodeling, his 2016 exterior renovation included a new roof by Accurate Roofing and paint colors to go with his overall aesthetics, along with restyling of the carport with added architectural details.

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A Sara Matson original painting purchased at a show at SR Hughes takes centerstage in designer Kirk Holt’s family room, which shows his love of symmetry. The home’s original red oak hardwood floors were matched and carry through to the family room addition. New Windor wood windows are topped with custom Pierre Frey linen/wool woven casement Roman shades.

FAST FACTS BUILT IN: 1938 UPSTAIRS ADDITION: 1982 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,266 WALL PAINT: Pratt and Lambert’s Lambswool CEILING PAINT: Sherwin Williams’ Ethereal White

Holt trusts Todd Hudspeth of Discover Eden Landscape Design to create beautiful living sculptures in the numerous containers throughout the garden area.

4 DAYS 3 BUYERS 2 OFFERS 1 CONTRACT

JUSTIN ROSS

www.tulsametroagent.com Tulsa Metro Agent @TulsaMetroAgent

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

918.519.0508

tulsametroagent@gmail.com

Jeremiah Lindsey (918) 289-3368 jlindsey@fbhl.com NMLS: 1474953

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NMLS #224149

MICHELLE POLLARD

Senior Mortgage Banker

Colefax and Fowler Cream Snow Tree wallpaper surrounds the dining room, which was part of Holt’s remodel when he purchased the home. Fabric-framed mirrors by Hickory Chair on opposite walls provide light, but also help make the space feel larger, Holt says. The Venetian mirrored chandelier adds glamour.

The dining room sits between the family room and the formal living room, where Holt mixes modern furniture with antiques, such as the Chinoiserie settee he found at Randall Tysinger Antiques more than 20 years ago at High Point Market, the world’s largest home furnishings industry tradeshow. Ava, his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often sits atop the piece to watch passersby. He recently upholstered the settee with Jim Thompson Onyx Cotton Chenille Canvas.

Through most of the home, including the breakfast room and kitchen, walls and trim feature Pratt and Lambert’s Lambswool paint with Sherwin Williams’ Ethereal White on the ceilings. Holt says he always uses a color that has a hint of blue on interior ceilings to mimic the sky.

Plenty of light comes through the French doors along the east side of the breakfast room, which also features a wine refrigerator and plenty of storage.

In the kitchen, Master Craft cabinetry and granite countertops reflect the colors in the newly installed glass and limestone mosaic backsplash from the Tile Shop. A Brizo Artesso smart touch articulating faucet resides over the Kallista black fireclay sinks.

1335 E. 11th St. Suite E. • Tulsa, OK 74120 located on historic Route 66

The master bedroom is part of the addition the home underwent in the 1980s. The room features 9-foot, 4-inch, vaulted ceilings with an arch window flanked by custom linen draperies trimmed with Janet Yonaty Greek key trim and blackout lining.

Adjoining the room is a master bath with travertine marble countertop, cream marfil marble flooring and tub/shower surround, all of which lend to the space’s overall color palette.

Wedding Registry & Home Styling Available

O n l i ne Shoppi n g @ jenkinsandcotulsa .com jenkinsandcotulsa TulsaPeople.com

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REGIONAL TRAVEL

Hit the road

THESE REGIONAL DESTINATIONS PROVE ROAD TRIP WORTHY THIS SUMMER.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

Oklahoma

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

CASTLE OF MUSKOGEE Through July 6, the Castle of Muskogee hosts its annual fireworks sale. Shop onsite or online and pick up curbside at 3400 Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee. Numerous events are throughout the year; a complete schedule is available at okcastle.com. During the off season, walk and tour the grounds of the 14-acre Renaissance Village. okcastle.com NATIONAL COWBOY AND WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM This summer, Adventure Days at the Cowboy are through July 25 at the Oklahoma City institution. Different themes and self-directed activities will highlight each week. On weekdays, participate in instructed crafts from 10 a.m.noon and 1-2 p.m. Monthlong activities will culminate on July 25 with the National Day of the Cowboy Celebration, which will include art activities, trick roping, a moustache contest and a book signing with author John Langmore.

Activities are free with general admission or to museum members. nationalcowboymuseum.org

Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater

Carlton Landing

CARLTON LANDING Located on the shores of Lake Eufaula just 20 miles south of Interstate 40, Carlton Landing is a planned community designed by the same firm behind Seaside, Florida. Nature walks, a community farm, boat rental and numerous luxuries await those who stay in the bungalows, cottages or houses. Homes also are for sale. carltonlanding.com

Arkansas CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART Opened in 2011 in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges boasts a permanent collection of American masterworks paired with temporary exhibitions celebrating the power of art and architecture. Sculpture and walking trails link the museum’s 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, where patrons can also visit the Momentary. This satellite site showcases contemporary art forms and hosts events.

The sites have limited the number of visitors to 30 guests per 15 minutes at Crystal Bridges, and 15 guests every 15 minutes at the Momentary. Visitors must register for a timeslot online and will receive an email prior to their visit about what to expect and how to prepare. crystalbridges.org 116

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Missouri JOHNNY MORRIS’ WONDERS OF WILDLIFE NATIONAL MUSEUM AND AQUARIUM Less than three hours from Tulsa, this Springfield attraction boasts a 1.5-milliongallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

The immersive wildlife galleries bring visitors eye-toeye with a massive collection of record-setting game animals. When the new facility opened in 2017, readers of USA Today voted it the Best New Attraction in the country. wondersofwildlife.org BIG CEDAR Big Cedar Lodge is known for its numerous amenities and natural scenery, all tucked into the Ozark Mountains abutting Table Rock Lake in Ridgedale. Many visit Top of the Rock, a nature-based heritage preserve

and cliff-top extension of Big Cedar Lodge. Stay in a cozy cabin, hit the golf course and hike one of the nearby nature trails. bigcedar.com

Texas DALLAS Whether you’re headed on a road trip with the kids, your sweetie or a group of friends, Dallas is the place to relax, explore and satisfy this summer. Just four hours away are numerous museums, shopping destinations and watering holes eager to have you visit. Learn about the science behind Pixar at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Peruse and dine at the Dallas Farmers’ Market. The bustling downtown arts district has numerous boutique and luxury hotels, while nearby Deep Ellum entices music lovers and cocktail connoisseurs. visitdallas.com TP

STILLWATER: VISIT STILLWATER; CRYSTAL BRIDGES, CARLTON LANDING: COURTESY

STILLWATER Known for its college campus, Stillwater also boasts the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, the Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, two nearby lakes, plenty of live music venues and delicious dining spots, as well as a historic, walkable downtown. visitstillwater.org

I N V I TAT I O N A L A R T E X H I B I T I O N & S A L E R E S C H E D U L E D C E L E B R AT I O N • S E P T E M B E R 1 1 – 1 2 , 2 0 2 0

Howard Post, Vintage Hills, Vintage Corrals, Oil, 36'' x 44''

V I S I T N AT I O N A LC O W B OY M U S E U M . O R G / P R I X D E W E S T F O R E V E N T S C H E D U L E & R E S E R VAT I O N S .

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MUSINGS

thrift shop. I hope someone else adopted her for a while.

Larry McMurtry wrote a long, well-researched and admiring portrait of historian Angie Debo for “The New York Review of Books.” He praised her first-class intellect and her trilogy of Oklahoma Indian histories, but then he said that in her 90s she became “cute” and wore a black bonnet like Queen Victoria.

I was horrified. I know where he got that egregiously wrong idea. I wrote him to tell him of his mistake. I’ve seen the photograph that led to this misconception. It was Dr. Debo as the parade grand marshal of the Prairie City Day celebration in her hometown of Marshall, Oklahoma. She was wearing vintage clothes, including her late mother’s bonnet. He replied politely.

Now I’m worried. Somewhere there is a picture of me in cat makeup for a Halloween party. Might somebody one day assume that since I love cats, I came to think I was a cat?

BY CONNIE CRONLEY

F

or years I owned an oil portrait of a young woman with red hair wearing a green evening dress and a string of pearls. I don’t know her identity. How I came to have the portrait is the story.

I saw it in an antique store tucked away on a top shelf. The store’s owner didn’t know who the young woman was either or how he had acquired the painting.

“Are you buying it for the frame?” he asked. I mumbled, didn’t explain. An explanation would bring one of “those looks” that mean “too weird.”

I bought it because its being there made me sad.

She was a young woman, about 18 or 20, and it must have been a special occasion to elicit an

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expensive painting: an engagement (although she wore no ring) or a graduation. The hairdo and the dress style suggested the late 1950s or early 1960s. Now, the woman would be about 80 if she were still alive. Maybe she is long dead.

How did her portrait end up in an antique store? Did she have no family that valued her portrait? Was it swept up in an impersonal estate sale and sold with odd bits of furniture and trinkets?

Did she get rid of it herself because it reminded her of an unhappy event? It made me sad that nobody cared enough to preserve her portrait. So, I bought it to give it, and her, a home.

It continued to make me sad every time I looked at it so eventually, I gave it away to Goodwill or a

Conclusion: Pictures can tell stories. Some of them mysterious, some of them wrong and some of them odd. TP

MICHELLE POLLARD

THREE PORTRAITS/ THREE STORIES

When I worked at a soup kitchen, one of the Native American homeless guests was a gifted artist. He and his girlfriend had left New Mexico in a hurry to get away from “some bad people” — I didn’t want to know the details — riding a train.

When the train stopped in Tulsa, their dog got loose, and they stayed behind to look for it. They lived in a tent.

I met them when they came into my office to try to sell me his painting of a young Indian girl.

It was so good — the details of the beadwork, the girl’s eyes — I bought it and eventually several more. These were personal purchases because it was against the soup kitchen’s policy to buy things from the soup kitchen’s clientele.

As winter approached, this desert couple suffered from the cold weather and wanted desperately to get into an apartment. She had a job by now, and he was selling some of his artwork to other people, but not enough to live on. I wanted to help them make a deposit on an apartment, but I didn’t want to give them the money. It was against the soup kitchen’s policy to give money to the diners.

So, I commissioned him to paint my portrait.

I didn’t want an official portrait; that seemed pretentious. Whimsically, I asked him to paint me as my favorite saint, St. Therese of Lisieux. He liked to work big, so he painted an enormous 24-by-36inch portrait. I paid him, and they moved into their apartment just before snow fell.

What was I to do with a big portrait of me as St. Therese? Albeit, St. Therese wearing makeup, jewelry and a big, cheesy grin. The soup kitchen was in the basement of a church. I couldn’t keep it there; I would seem delusional. So, I brought it home and here it reigns, stopping visitors and service people in their tracks.

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McGraw Realtors

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SHERRI SANDERS

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A T M C G R AW R E A L T O R S

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HIGHLAND PARK ESTATES

THE RIDGE AT SOUTH COUNTRY

3720 S. Wheeling Avenue, Tulsa Stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Midtown home recently updated with high end finishes & superior quality. New windows & doors.

New/restored hardwoods. New concrete driveway & patios. New HVAC systems & Tankless HW. Home built in 1945- renovation in 2015 & completed in Spring 2020. $825,000

5920 E. 145th Place S., Bixby Immaculately kept home with tons of upgrades, hardwoods & extensive molding throughout.

Large scale rooms. Study, formal dining & powder room on 1st level.

Great room opens to stainless/ granite kitchen with butler’s pantry & nook. Master Suite with sitting area, jetted tub, separate shower & closet connects to laundry room. $399,900

OLIVERS

BALMORAL

1425 E. 35th Place, Tulsa This New construction in Transitional Contemporary architecture sits on a quiet street in Brookside. Two blocks from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Eliot elementary school and walking distance to The Gathering Place. Front door is a unique Herringbone Maple that opens to 13ft ceilings. $929,000

2524 E. 66th Place, Tulsa Custom built home in gated Balmoral subdivision. Master bedroom down. Large office with WBFP. Great storage. Beautiful covered patio with WBFP. Very private. HOA covers yard work, seasonal cleaning and common area flowers. Whole home generator. $889,000

BOSTON SQUARE

RUSTIC HILLS

28 Woodward Boulevard, Tulsa Two bedroom, two full, one half bathroom Townhome in Boston Square. Doug Campbell renewed everything recently featuring Gaggenhau kitchen appliances.

Everything updated to top quality. $350,000

3912 E. 58th Place, Tulsa This home in Carnegie School District has a wonderful newer kitchen that overlooks the inground pool and deck. The family room is part of the kitchen and is close to the first floor Master Bedroom.

Four bedrooms, two full, one half bathrooms all on a cul-de-sac.

2,808 sq. ft $350,000

GRAND LAKE

GRAND LAKE

Luxury at Sawmill Hollow Point, 5,902 s.f., 150’ of shoreline, 6 BR, 5.5 BA, 3 living areas, huge open living space on the main floor with travertine and 20’ ceilings with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Grand Lake, large master on the main level more living space over the oversized garage includes shared living space and two bedrooms. $2,800,000

The Coves on Bird Island, 3 BR 3 BA, wood paneled office with tons of shelves, sunken living room with beautiful gas log fireplace, wet bar, large master, totally updated with stainless and granite in the kitchen, fresh exterior and interior paint, large deck on the lake side of the home overlooking Grand Lake like you have never seen. This home comes completely furnished with very fine taste. $675,000

E N J OY T H E LU X U RY L I F E ST Y L E YOU D E SI R E TulsaPeople.com

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McGraw Realtors

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918.808.4780

mkeys@mcgrawok.com

8231 S. Kingston Avenue Beautifully updated home in gated Stonewall Estates; 1.65 acres w/ mature trees & heavy landscaping; 2 large bed down, 3 up, each w/ walk-in closet & private bath.

Game room, theater, office & gym $2,250,000

6311 E 105th Street Amazing estate home on approx 1.1 acres in Gated Rockhurst. Located in highly desirable Jenks SE Schools. 6 Ensuite beds + 2 bed quarters that have access from the home & also a separate outdoor entrance. Entertainers dream w/2 game rooms & theater, diving pool, private pool bath, hot tub, outdoor living/kitchen & indoor basketball court w/separate entrance. Stunning details throughout. All rooms w/ incredible scale and fantastic natural light. Custom built one owner with meticulous attention to detail. $2,590,000

11620 S. Fulton Ave. Rare beautifully landscaped lot on pond w/ creek, waterfall and fountains! Wall of windows at rear of house for views of park like setting, swimming pool, pond & multiple patios .$735,000

1308 E. 27th Street Close to Philbrook, Gathering Place and Brookside! First floor master w/spacious bath and separate closets. 3 bedrooms up with remodeled bath. Large backyard with pool. Garage apartment. $569,000

2636 S. Trenton Ave. English Tudor charmer in Terwilleger Heights complete with clinker brick!

3 bed, 2.5 baths, updated kitchen w/double ovens. Breakfast room w/bay window plus a sunroom. $464,000

Scott Coffman

918-640-1073 - scoffman@mcgrawok.com IN D Y! L SO DA 1

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7435 S. Gary Place | $635,000

11218 S. Birch Street | $199,900

Stunning Jack Arnold design, custom French Country home built in 1991. Open floor layout with lots of custom trim, moldings, built-ins. 2 living, hobby room plus office. Stunning large master with private porch. totally custom pool by Baker Pools surrounded by a beautiful treed yard and amazing landscaping.

Beautiful Jenks home with updated paint & colors, vaulted high ceilings, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, gas fireplace, newer stainless appliances, washer & dryer staying, custom barn door, theater room (projector & screen stay), charming back porch, largest yard in neighborhood, corner lot.

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Catherine Santee Hughes

Tulsa Top 100 Realtor

918.639.4199 chughes@mcgrawrealtors.com

918-693-2961 - lbryant@mcgrawok.com 10709 South Gum Street, Jenks

3241 South Troost Avenue, Tulsa

Custom Estate by builder Mike Harrison.Gated neighborhood.

5 BRs all en suite w/2 BRs on 1st floor. Study/Game/Theater rooms.Master w/expansive bath, double closets & bonus space (currently exercise room).Home is perfectly positioned to capture spectacular views & offers extreme privacy in outdoor spaces. Backyard oasis w/pool, putting green,outdoor kitchen & fireplace. Covered outdoor living, multiple balconies.Large flat yard, 0.55 acre lot.Jenks schools.Oversized 4 car garage.

Abundant storage throughout $1,550,000

Embrace the Brookside Lifestyle! New 4 bed/4.5 bath luxury home. Stone Creek Custom Homes. Modern transitional style.

Master suite + additional bed suite on first floor. Large Chef’s Kitchen w/ top of the line appliances/separate catering kitchen.

Designer lighting. Open concept w/ living/kitchen opening to the backyard. Deep covered outdoor living. Upstairs game room + flex space. True 3 car. On a quiet tree-lined street, blocks from shopping, restaurants, Eliot Elementary, and Zink Park. $999,000

1050 East 34th Street, Tulsa

Embrace the Brookside Lifestyle 5 bed / 4.5 bath luxury home (2 beds down). Stone Creek Custom Homes. Modern transitional style. Large Chef’s Kitchen w/ top of the line appliances. Designer lighting. Open concept w/ living/kitchen opening to the backyard. Deep covered outdoor living.

Estimated completion Aug. 2020. Room for pool. $929,000

2260 East 38th Street, Tulsa

Charles Dilbeck 1928 masterpiece estate home. Whimsical, romantic design, prominent chimneys, decorative stacked stone, hand carved wood detail, striking iron work, and elaborate soaring window. 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths (main home). Separate guest quarters (additional bed and full bath). Pool w/ full bath, retractable ceiling and sliding doors. $820,000

2954 S. Boston Place, Tulsa, OK - Travis Park - $639,000

2662 East 22nd Street, Tulsa

Walk out the door and you have immediate access to Gathering Place! Striking home with abundant storage, custom cabinets.

Master, office or formal dining and additional bedroom down; two more large bedrooms and Game room up. A dream home for a family or entertaining.

Midtown charmer 1930s classic home updated to perfection! Large 0.32 acre lot with mature trees, park like setting in back yard. Master suite down with soaking tub, walk in shower and massive closet. Second Master upstairs. 5 beds and 4 full baths. All upstairs bedrooms spacious with walk in closets. Game room up and office down. 4 Car tandem garage. New Roof 2017. $649,000

Top 100 Realtors in Tulsa D TY TE NI A U G M OM

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1411 S. St. Louis Avenue B, Updated & fabulous Loft.

Just minutes from Cherry Street, close to Utica Square & minutes from downtown. This loft has a downtown view off the master suite balcony. Granite, stainless steel appliances, new paint, new carpet, updated baths & clean hardwoods. $345,000

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3112 E 88th St, Stately home located in a gated and guarded neighborhood. Updated 6 large bedrooms, 2 offices, media room, game room, spacious living areas. Half acre lot, pool, circle drive.

New roof! $948,000

7203 S. Gary Place, Stunning home in an established & gated neighborhood, with 24 hour security guards.

Completely remodeled home includes newer appliances, flooring, bathrooms, utility, kitchen, office & outdoor areas. Covered outdoor living space includes full kitchen, retractable screen & heater. Must see, well maintained & quality home.$649,000

3810 S Terwilleger Blvd, Superb midtown location.

Private cul de sac on a dead-end street. Almost 1 acre with mature trees. Lot is prepped and ready for new construction. Gorgeous lot with established neighbors.

Ready to build your custom home! $650,000

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2627 Terwilleger Blvd. Charming Midtown home with new paint throughout. New A/C. New HW tank.

Expanded living spaces & beautifully refinished and expanded hardwood floors. Large kitchen, corner lot.

Blocks way from the Trail & Gathering Place. $625,000

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McGraw Realtors

Laura Bryant

DINING + FOOD + DRINKS

Savory

620 S. CINCINNATI AVE. | 918-948-6761 SEE P. 126 FOR MORE ON THE VAULT’S NEW MENU.

MICHELLE POLLARD

PLATES

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ulled Pork Sopes ($15.99) is a new menu item that debuted when the Vault reopened in mid-May. Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish typically featuring a thick, savory cake. Chef and owner Libby Billings put her spin on the dish by creating a corn-cake base topped with a carrot-cauliflower slaw, sliced avocado, locally sourced pulled pork, grilled pineapple and a drizzle of Korean barbecue sauce. TP

TulsaPeople.com

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

BY NATALIE MIKLES

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s we all poke our heads out into the world from our coronavirus quarantine, one lesson we have learned in the kitchen is to use what we have on-hand. We can keep that up by having a handful of go-to recipes that are simple, using pantry and refrigerator staples.

One of my favorites that fits that bill for summertime is a lemon linguine. If you have a box of pasta, olive oil and lemon juice, you can create this plain but wonderful dinner. The nice thing about it is you can add handfuls of herbs from your garden. My favorites are basil and parsley, but chives, dill and tarragon also are good.

A summery lemon linguine is great with additions of grilled shrimp or chicken, roasted green beans or asparagus or fresh, chopped garden tomatoes.

Here is the basic recipe, ready for you to make it your own.

LEMON LINGUINE Serves 6 ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Salt and fresh ground black pepper 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook linguine in boiling, salted water until done. Drain, and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to keep pasta from sticking.

In a large serving bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil and parsley. Add pasta, tossing to coat.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and Parmesan.

Jennifer Anaya and Katia Anaya

BACK AT IT 124

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

Lemon linguine

Five generations of the Anaya family have weathered the storms of life.

The first family bakery opened in Mexico in 1912.

Twenty years ago, the first Pancho Anaya opened in Tulsa.

And just a few months ago, the economic devastation of COVID-19 threatened to take it down. But the Anaya family’s three Tulsa locations remained open, with loyal customers picking up orders of their favorites.

“We’re so thankful for our customers,” says Katia Anaya, the bakery’s human resources director.

Pancho Anaya began implementing safety procedures at the bakery two weeks before required by the City. Customers are now required to use hand sanitizer before being handed a tray and tongs to select items from the display cases. Employees are required to wear masks, no in-store dining is allowed and acrylic partitions separate the customer from the cashier. She says most people were glad for the safety measures, though they did have some pushback.

One major change Pancho Anaya implemented early on was to split up baking teams in the production and common areas, creating distance for employees.

Pancho Anaya does a lot of wholesale business to local restaurants, which was dramatically affected by COVID-19, though Anaya says business — particularly wholesale telera (bread used for tortas) — is picking up significantly.

Even at the height of the pandemic, there were a few items Pancho Anaya never stopped making. Those most popular include bolio — a Mexican-style French baguette — churros and doughnuts. Pancho Anaya also is known for its concha, a shell-shaped bread with either chocolate or vanilla paste.

One area of business Anaya says dropped significantly is orders for birthday parties, quinceañeras and other large events.

“I think it’s going to take some time for those large events to pick back up,” Anaya says.

Until then, customers continue to order Pancho Anaya’s famous tres leches cake, churros and other sweets for their small gatherings.

Pancho Anaya has three locations: 2420 E. Admiral Blvd., 11685 E. 21st St. and 212 S. Garnett Road.

— NATALIE MIKLES

MICHELLE POLLARD

1 pound linguine ½ cup olive oil Zest from 1 lemon Juice from 2 lemons ½ cup freshly chopped basil

CHEERS

Q & A

Thomas Hunter

Dagobah Swamp

The force

HUNTER: MICHELLE POLLARD; CHEERS: GREG BOLLINGER

IS STRONG Kiss My Ale dubs itself Tulsa’s best “nerd den.” With a drink menu inspired by cultfavorite movies or TV series, it also offers a collection of more than 250 board games and puzzles ranging from party favorites to obscure Kickstarter exclusives. You might even overhear the last round of a fantasy role-playing game.

For owners Carissa Hull and Bryan Kiss, it’s just another night at their nearly 2-year-old bar.

“There wasn’t anywhere in town to game socially with other adults,” Hull says. “We love to support our local game stores; however, alcohol isn’t allowed because of local laws. When we would walk into any bar in town with a copy of ‘Cards Against Humanity’ we could always draw a crowd of new friends to play with. It became apparent that Tulsa wanted a place to drink and be nerdy.”

In the mood for a cocktail? Try the Dagobah Swamp ($8) with coconut rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and grenadine.

Another favorite is the Randy in Manhattan ($10), with Oilfire whiskey, sweet vermouth and imported Italian black cherries.

The beer menu features only Oklahoma brews. You won’t find TVs playing the big game, but you can reserve game space for a $10/hour spending minimum for your group.

There are monthly trivia nights and bimonthly Smash Brothers Ultimate Tournaments. On Thursdays, the bar hosts a different game for patrons to play with rules taught by Kiss.

All events can be seen at kissmyale.com or facebook.com/kisserintherye.

Kiss My Ale is open 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Wednesdays-Sundays, at 5336 E. Admiral Place. — ANNE BROCKMAN

S

ome of us can’t remember Tulsa without RICARDOS. The Tex-Mex restaurant, famous for its chile rellenos and enchiladas, opened in 1975. And owner Thomas Hunter has been there nearly every step of the way, working for RICARDOS 38 of the 45 years it has been opened.

Hunter started as a 14-year-old dishwasher, working his way up to bus boy, line cook, manager and eventually owner. He earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Oklahoma State University before diving into a full career at the restaurant.

Hunter also serves as second vice-chairman of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and has helped steer other restaurants through the tough times of the COVID-19 crisis. We talked to him earlier this summer.

DO YOU ENJOY COOKING AT HOME? I really enjoy cooking at home, but also like jumping on the line here at the restaurant to keep my skills up.

WHAT THREE THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR? Bacon, eggs and RICARDOS queso. I can eat breakfast for any meal. Plus queso goes over so many things I already have in my freezer, like riced broccoli or riced cauliflower.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT RICARDOS, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO EAT OUT? When I eat out, I prefer a locally owned restaurant like RICARDOS. Charleston’s, Freddie’s in Sapulpa, Shogun. And for a little road trip, Pete’s Place in Krebs is worth the drive.

HOW WAS RICARDOS IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS? When we had to close our dining rooms, we

were able to really focus on to-go business. We have new packaging (such as to-go containers), and I feel we are much better at it than before all this happened. Our guests were not to be denied our food. They really blessed us with business and gracious tips to my employees.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE IMPACT OF COVID19 ON AREA RESTAURANTS? AND HOW HAVE YOU SEEN RESTAURANT OWNERS AND WORKERS PULL TOGETHER DURING THIS TIME? Th is has been a trying time for so many businesses. Restaurants were hit hard because of the service we give our guests. Once you take that away, cash flow dries up. It’s hard to pay vendors and employees when that happens.

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association really stepped up. They have been helping its restaurant members and even nonmembers on a daily basis. We receive regular updates on regulations and best business practices, plus info on loans and grants.

So many local guests and businesses also blessed restaurants by buying gift certificates.

Many of those were donated to health care workers. December is our biggest month for gift sales, and we nearly doubled that in April.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF OKLAHOMA RESTAURANTS GOING FORWARD? I’m extremely hopeful that our industry will bounce back stronger than ever. Th is crisis has really tested my faith. God has not abandoned us and will take us through this.

I live in an amazing city and state. Our guests are very loyal and giving. Thank you, Tulsa, for standing behind your local restaurants. TP TulsaPeople.com

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A LA CARTE

Fresh

PERSPECTIVE PUOPOLO’S ITALIAN ICE AND CREAMERY

COOL When the Vault opened nearly nine years ago, it was one of a few higher-end restaurants in the downtown corridor. But a lot has changed for the downtown restaurant scene. Several nearby restaurants now offer steaks and seafood.

When chef and owner Libby Billings decided to close the Vault for two months during the pandemic, she says it gave her the opportunity to pause and evaluate her restaurant’s menu, costs and overall essence. She decided it was time to adjust the menu and reopen in mid-May with a fresh outlook. “This is getting back to the original intent with creative food and vegetarian options,” Billings says.

New menu items like the Korean BBQ Tofu sandwich ($11.99) and the Auto Bank Salad ($5.99, small/$9.99, large) are nestled in with classics like the Bank Teller Shrimp ($22.99) and Vault Pasta ($13.99).

For appetizers, the No. 1-selling Cauliflower Wings ($8.99) remain and the meatballs were given a new, spicy spin ($9.99).

Billings’ other restaurants, Elote and Roppongi, stayed open throughout the pandemic, adjusting with family packs, contactless delivery and online ordering.

She plans to continue family packs and online ordering at her three restaurants.

Full advantage of the Vault’s patio and upstairs Tom Tom Room will continue to be open to dining guests.

The restaurant group will continue its partnership with Growing Together’s Food for Families and Tulsa Kitchens Unite, which both provided free meals to those in need during the pandemic.

Throughout it all, Billings is appreciative of the supportive Tulsa community. “We’ve been overwhelmed with kindness,” she says.

— ANNE BROCKMAN 126

TulsaPeople JULY 2020

DOWN Come summer, nothing satisfies more than a cold, sweet treat. Tulsa has plenty of options for the frozen concoctions. Here are five worth a try for cooling down the seasonal heat.

— ANNE BROCKMAN AND BLAYKLEE FREED

Gelato, Italian ice and soft serve are a few of PUOPOLO’S ITALIAN ICE AND CREAMERY’S specialties. Try the Poco Pie ($5.95) with two scoops of any of the dozen gelato flavors served in a crust with whipped cream and a cherry. And if you can’t decide between soft serve and Italian ice, go for the strati, a treat served layered or blended for the best of both worlds. 8931 S. YALE AVE., SUITE P; 918-551-7668; PUOPOLOSCREAMERY.COM SWEETS AND CREAM lets you mix and match soft and chewy homemade cookies and ice cream into a custom sandwich ($2.99). The dozen cookie flavors at this Mother Road shop include snickerdoodle, red velvet and chocolate, and pair with any of the dozen ice cream flavors. Or go classic ($1.99) with vanilla ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. 1114 S. YALE AVE., 918-633-3182, SWEETSANDCREAM.COM

Open year-round, INK’S SHAVED ICE in Broken Arrow is known for its shaved ice, but has recently added a fan favorite to its menu: Dole Whip, also known as pineapple whip. Available in three flavors — strawberry, vanilla and pineapple (and twist) — this is the frozen treat popular on midways at local fairs. 318 W. KENOSHA ST., BROKEN ARROW; 918-510-7211; FACEBOOK.COM/INKSSHAVEDICE

Whimsy and color greet guests to SUGAR BOOGER, a shaved ice shop on Jenks’ Main Street. A huge variety of flavors, toppings and sizes fill the menu, all themed with a snot- or booger-inspired name. Try the Unicorn Snot ($10.95), a heaping helping of shaved ice with cake batter, blue raspberry and tigers blood syrups, dotted with rainbow sour gummies, whipped cream, Nerds and a swizzle lollipop. 116 E. MAIN ST., JENKS; PICKYOURSUGARBOOGER.COM

Hand-crafted two and a half gallons at a time, ROSE ROCK’S MICROCREAMERY’S ice cream flavors are often unique. This Boxyard spot boasts fresh Oklahoma ingredients like Stillwell strawberries and Porter peaches. Staples on the menu include Rose Rock with strawberry and candied pecans, and non-dairy options like vegan chocolate. 502 E. THIRD ST., 918-396-8001, ROSEROCKMICROCREAMERY.COM TP

MICHELLE POLLARD

Libby Billings

R A E Y P A G A A S L E U V T R R SE A E Y Y T I C TULSA / G WITH R O .

ITYYEAR C ow!

N y l p Ap

In an effort to help Tulsa-area small businesses and nonprofits reopen and operate safely in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve partnered with Tulsa County and the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to qualified applicants.

If your business or nonprofit employs 50 or fewer people and is located in Tulsa County, visit tulsacounty.org/ppe and complete an online application form. This form will be used to verify your status within the Secretary of State’s corporation database and with the Tulsa County Assessor’s Office. Once verified, we’ll contact you with a date and time next week for kit pick-up at Expo Square.

Each PPE kit will contain a one-month supply of items for 10 employees, including hand sanitizer, surface disinfectant, cloth and disposable face masks, and a thermometer. Employers with five to 10 employees can receive one kit. Employers with 10 to 25

employees can receive up to two kits, and employers with 25 to 50 employees can receive up to three kits.

The program is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that took effect in late March to help address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

We’re committed to being a resource for your business during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.

One West Third Street, Suite 100 | Tulsa, OK 74103 918.585.1201 | info@tulsachamber.com | TulsaChamber.com TulsaPeople.com

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TULSA TIME WARP

This March 1945 image of the Kendall Whittier District looks west on East Admiral Boulevard at North Gillette Avenue. A sign for Exchange Auto Salvage can be seen on the right.

BIRTH OF A DISTRICT STORY AND COMPOSITE PHOTO BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

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TulsaPeople JULY 2020

TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

I

n 1906, oilman J.M. Gillette and Tulsa merchant J.M. Hall, sometimes referred to as the “father of Tulsa,” joined forces as real estate developers and acquired property for a modest housing addition just outside city limits.

The land they purchased belonged to prominent Muscogee (Creek) pioneer and cattleman Alvin T. Hodge, who was allotted the land, just east of town, in 1903.

The Gillette-Hall addition would soon be renamed Whittier Square in time due to its close proximity to John Greenleaf Whittier School, named for the American poet and constructed in 1916.

Federal Boulevard, a popular farm-to-market road, was at one time the federal division between Creek and Cherokee nations. It was renamed Admiral Place in 1920 and eventually became part of the “Mother Road” — Route 66 — from 1926-1932.

The area continued to grow until 1965 when the construction of Interstate 244 cut off direct access to the area. Herculean efforts made by the local community since the late ’90s have reclaimed some of the magic from a century ago.

The Whittier Square Historic District was listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. TP

Oklahoma’s First Struthers Parkinson’s Care Network – Certified Community.

Saint Simeon’s Doesn’t Just Say They Understand Parkinson’s Care…

They Prove It Every Day. “When it became time to find my husband a higher level of care than I could provide at home, I looked all over Tulsa.

Every place said they understood Parkinson’s care. I soon found out, they don’t. After one facility gave me 30 days to find Rodney a new home because they couldn’t provide the care they’d promised, I was distraught. Then I found peace of mind at Saint Simeon’s.”

— Alice (Rodney’s wife) Hear Alice’s story at SaintSimeons.org/Alice

SaintSimeons.org

Endorsed by: AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION • PARKINSON FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA

Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma