TulsaPeople November 2025

Make thispumpkincreampie!

a slice of TULSA

HOLIDAY EVENTS • 40 COVER STORIES SHOP LOCAL • WELLNESS GUIDE DISHES AND DRINKS AND MORE!

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Leaders with Heart

ENTREPRENEURIAL. FAITHFUL. GENEROUS.

Jarrod Frie’s journey from running surgical implant sets between hospitals to leading a national healthcare company is anything but ordinary.

Jarrod returned to Tulsa after earning his degree in exercise science from Oklahoma Baptist University. His early career with Medtronic Spine and Biologics gave him a front-row seat to the complexities of the medical field, eventually inspiring him to launch his own distributorship, Biomaterials of Oklahoma now called Corsair Medical.

Jarrod’s story took a pivotal turn when he met Tom Emerick, a benefits visionary behind Walmart, who founded Edison Healthcare – a concierge healthcare program that offers second opinions, complex diagnoses, treatment plans and surgeries from top specialists nationwide. Emerick asked Jarrod to consult with him on growing the business.

In 2017, Jarrod acquired Edison Healthcare. As the company’s CEO, Jarrod is mission driven. “If God has given me employees to steward, then my responsibility is to steward them well, to love, encourage and support them in their wins and losses,” he says. That philosophy, rooted in his upbringing as a preacher’s kid – his father pastored for 54 years, including at First Baptist

leadership.

Jarrod has participated in mission work in Haiti, Kenya, China, and locally in Tulsa. His youngest son was adopted from Haiti, and Jarrod continues to support Chosen and Cherished, a ministry helping Haitian youth transition out of orphanages into stable adulthood.

“The Bible calls us to care for the widows and orphans and those in need…Growing up, I was very fortunate to be around a lot of people in the church and ministry and see them live out their faith in tangible ways,” he says.

Jarrod’s generosity also is woven into his company culture. Edison Healthcare supports Get Out of the Bus.org, a faith-based outreach that brings food, ministry, and hope to underserved Tulsa neighborhoods via a double-decker red bus. Edison also provides scholarships for underprivileged students at Metro Christian Academy and emergency aid to employees.

What does he hope to be remembered for most? “That I was bold in my faith,

that I tried to honor Him in the things that I was involved with. I also want to be remembered as a good husband, father, and generous.”

“I’ve seen Jarrod throughout the years engage in a number of entrepreneurial ventures, and at each stage he’s shown the unique ability to spot opportunities and then recruit great people to build great businesses,” says Tom Bennett III, President and CEO of First Oklahoma. “Jarrod is a super talented guy. He goes out of his way to do the right thing and help people in both his business and private life.”

Jarrod credits First Oklahoma Bank for taking a chance on him when other financial providers wouldn’t. “First Oklahoma Bank invests in people, not just performers,” he says. “They’ve been a tremendous asset in getting us to where we are. I’m eternally grateful.”

VETERAN CARE IN ORANGE COUNTRY

From shaping the next generation of physicians to providing exceptional care for all, OSU brings a bold vision and depth of medical expertise to Orange Country.

Our rapidly growing network of 27 clinics and significant expansion at OSU Medical Center downtown proves we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care to northeastern Oklahoma.

Discover why orange is the answer and learn more about how we are caring for Orange Country at orangecountry.okstate.edu/medicine.

THIS IS ORANGE COUNTRY

OSU MEDICAL CENTER | OSU MEDICINE CLINICS

OSU CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

Opening downtown in Spring 2026, the OSU Academic Medical District will elevate our impact by expanding services to the new James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center.

CITY DESK

Tulsa CARES’ new clinic. Nonprofit sends hope to Ukraine. Salon for curly hair clients. Familiar Tulsa voices in tv and film.

LIFESTYLE

Tulsan outfits the stars. Whimsical woodcraft designs. Hard-to-find brands at Willamina. Connie’s cat tea party.

Doctor Kustom’s evening chef’s table. A French affair on Cherry Street. Pumped-up pumpkin pie. Horchata macchiatos at Dulce Vida.

Botanic Garden of Lights

Over the past several weeks, I have had a unique opportunity to dive into the history of TulsaPeople and Langdon Publishing as we put together this issue — the fi rst of Volume 40, which officially kicks off our 40th anniversary celebration. Th rough this process, I’ve not only learned about stories that have impacted Tulsa over the last four decades (like the 1981 Winter Hill gang-affi liated murder of local businessman Roger Wheeler at Southern Hills Country Club — read more about that in our 40 covers feature on p. 36), but I have also been able to discover behindthe-scenes details that provide invaluable insight as I take on the role of editor. It is still hard for me to believe that I have gone from a fl edgling freelance contributor to taking on this role within a little over a year. I’ve been a fan of TulsaPeople since my days as a teenager writing for the Trojan Torch, Jenks High School’s student-run newspaper, in the early 2010s. I am delighted to be back in an editorial position dedicated to celebrating my hometown. It is an honor to be part of an incredible team supporting a longstanding, locally owned media operation during a time when these kinds of independent print publications are becoming harder to fi nd nationwide. You can read more about how Langdon Publishing got its start in the late 1980s on p. 36.

Fortunately, Tulsa’s desire for local news is not slowing down — something I love about T-Town. There is an emerging nonprofit news initiative, The Tulsa Flyer, helping cover breaking news and special

topics across the city. You can read more about them on p. 13. Of course, Tulsans enjoy national outlets as well, which was on full display when the city welcomed NBC’s “Today” show to town Oct. 10 — also spotlighted on p. 13. Speaking of TV, the city is buzzing about Sterlin Harjo’s latest FX series “The Lowdown,” which airs its season fi nale this month. You can learn about local musicians spotlighted in that and other big screen productions on p. 20, as well as discover the Tulsa designer who helped create chic apparel for several of “The Lowdown” stars on p. 58.

If you picked up this issue for the pumpkin pie on the cover, let me be the fi rst to tell you that the recipe features rum (yum) and can be found on p. 68. On p. 70 you’ll fi nd details on three restaurants offering soul-warming mac and cheese. Additionally, we explore Doctor Kustom’s new bistro on p. 65, and dishes and details at Cherry Street newcomer Ava June on p. 66.

Th ank you for reading my fi rst editor’s letter. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at lauren@langdonpublishing.com if there’s anything you’d like to see in the magazine or online at tulsapeople.com. tp

Lauren Rogers EDITOR

EDITOR Madison Walters

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tiffany Howard

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Allyssa Reeder

MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Pollard

VIDEOGRAPHER Greg Bollinger

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Andrea Canada

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

At 98 years old, veteran Bob McKim enjoys diving into the open sky and hurtling toward the earth at 120-plus miles per hour. Skydiving on the regular since he turned 84, McKim also stays busy by volunteering as an Airport Ambassador, assisting travelers arriving to Tulsa International Airport.

See p. 14 for a conversation with McKim about his sky-high habits and volunteer work at TUL. tp

SAFE AND SECURE

A Tulsa-based company is solving a major headache for homeowners living in today’s e-commerce universe. Founded in 2017, Parcel Safe has developed and patented a feature-rich package of anti-theft systems designed primarily for the homeowner, but also to provide home builders with a way to differentiate themselves from competition while solving a real safety issue for their homebuyers.

“For the homeowner it’s the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind,” says Managing Partner Ed Conn. Assembled almost entirely in Tulsa, most of Parcel Safe’s materials are American-made and can be used in both residential and commercial settings.

Four different Parcel Safe models range in size and technological application. The Defender is an entry-level solution that accommodates 65-70 percent of packages, according to Conn. Models go up from there, integrating the company’s mobile app and security sensors to different degrees.

While a Parcel Safe can be added to an existing structure or property, Conn says new homes are ideal for Parcel Safe integration, adding that five Tulsa Parade of Homes participants include the product in their design.

Learn more at parcelsafesystems.com.

— ANNE BROCKMAN

Writer Hernan Diaz heads to Tulsa

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz is coming to Tulsa Dec. 4-5 to accept the 2025 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award given by the Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library. With three books published in 37 languages, the Argentine American writer is a recipient of the John Updike Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Whiting Award and a fellowship from the New York Public Library’s Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers.

His first novel “In the Distance” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award, among other distinctions. “Trust,” his second novel, also garnered prestigious recognition including the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2023; it was listed as a best book of the year by more than 30 publications and was named one of Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2022, as well as one of the New York Times’ 100 Best Books of the 21st century. “Trust” is also currently being developed as a limited series for HBO starring Kate Winslet Diaz spoke with us ahead of his visit to Tulsa from his home in Brooklyn.

What was your origin story of becoming a writer? Was there something that prompted you, or did it develop in you organically? There was nothing else in the cards for me, I never wanted to be anything else other than a writer. I started to write as soon as I learned how to write — short stories, awful poems — and then I became an academic and a critic. So I knew from very early on. I became an academic because I was uncertain that I would be able to make a living out of writing ... I was hoping to become a full-time writer since I was a child and it only happened last year when I quit academia. —

TIFFANY HOWARD

ATTENTION PASSENGERS

As travelers come and go through Tulsa International Airport, one thing remains constant: the Airport Ambassadors.

“While most airports now have volunteer programs, the scope and longevity of TUL’s ambassador program is rare,” says Alexis Higgins , CEO of Tulsa International Airport. This year marked 30 years for the Airport Ambassadors Program, which today has more than 150 volunteers age 55-plus who greet guests, provide directions and answer the most asked question: Where’s the nearest restroom?

As a roamer, Joe Horn walks the concourses with his red blazer adorned with a collection of pins, helping travelers and assisting the airport in whatever it needs.

“I love helping and being here,” Horn says.

Even though TUL has great signage, airports are human spaces, and travel can be stressful for many, Higgins says. “It’s easy to overlook signage at an airport when your mind is scattered from preparing for a trip, or you’re running late,” she says. “Our Ambassadors provide context, reassurance and flexibility that signs cannot when travelers may overlook wayfinding signage.”

At any given time between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., there are 10 volunteers working four-hour shifts, according to Higgins. TUL partners with LIFE Senior Services for recruitment.

Besides roaming the concourses, other Ambassadors sit at the desk opposite the TSA security checkpoint or at TUL’s two baggage claim areas assisting guests.

TUL’s 19 Welcome Waggin’ Therapy Dog teams (for which there is no age requirement) also make up the Ambassadors program, helping to contribute to a total of nearly 18,000 hours donated in 2024 — an impact valued at over $619,000. — ANNE BROCKMAN

Airport Ambassadors volunteer program celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Ed Conn is the Managing Partner at Parcel Safe, which makes anti-theft systems for safe package delivery.

Hernan Diaz

NOVEMBER

COMPILED BY MADISON WALTERS

Nov. 1

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ARTS FESTIVAL

Living Arts of Tulsa and Casa de la Cultura are partnering up again to host their annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Arts Festival downtown. In conjunction with the event, Living Arts, 307 E. Reconciliation Way, will have ofrendas on display Nov. 1-15. livingarts.org

Nov. 1 AFRICAN MARKET OKLAHOMA

Taking place at the Historic Big 10 Ballroom, African Market is the perfect way to experience traditional food, music, dance, fashion, culture and more. africanmarketoklahoma.eventbrite.com

Nov. 6 MUSIC AGAINST ALL ODDS: A KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION

Hosted at All Souls Unitarian Church, this Kristallnacht remembrance and musical performance commemorates the 1938 Night of Broken Glass in Nazi Germany. jewishtulsa.org/event/kristallnacht25

Nov. 8 “FOR THE LOVE OF ART” EXHIBITION

Featuring works by the Oklahoma Sculpture Society and Tulsa Artists Guild members, this fundraising show runs through Jan. 3, 2026 at Arts@302. arts302.com

Nov. 9 JEFF TWEEDY

Jeff Tweedy is coming back to the historic Cain’s Ballroom for a stop on his "Twilight Override" tour with special guest Liam Kazar cainsballroom.com

Nov. 11 TULSA VETERANS DAY PARADE

This more than a century-old tradition honors those who have served in our community. The parade route winds through the downtown area and culminates in an afterparty at VFW Post 577. tulsaveteransdayparade.com

Nov. 14-15 ROUTE66 GLASS FEST

This glass arts extravaganza allows attendees to meet glass artist vendors, admire stunning art and watch live demos. rt66glassfest.com

Nov. 21-23 BRAUM’S AFFAIR OF THE HEART

The shopper’s mecca returns for its fall iteration at the SageNet Center. Visitors can expect a wide variety of local businesses, as well as vendors from around the country. tulsafallaoth.com

Nov. 28 TURKEY TROT

Bring your friends and family to the BOK Center for the 5k run/walk or Fun Run at this annual tradition the day after Thanksgiving. facebook.com/GoldenDrillerRacing

Nov. 29 THE ROOTS

The Roots, the official house band on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” will be making a stop at The Cove at River Spirit Casino on their fall tour. riverspirittulsa.com tp

Ofrenda from the 2022 Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival

A clinic that CARES

Longtime nonprofit adds enhanced medical care to its growing list of services.

BY SHARON BISHOP-BALDWIN

For over three decades, Tulsa CARES — the largest provider of social service programs for low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in Oklahoma — has offered an array of services that help reduce barriers to care including housing assistance, nutrition, transportation, mental health, insurance navigation and prescription assistance.

But CEO Carly Senger Wignarajah says clients kept pointing out what wasn’t offered — consistent and supportive medical care.

Th at box was fi nally checked last month with the ribbon cutting to open CARES Health, a 4,100-plus-square-foot medical clinic adjacent to Tulsa CARES at 3712 E. 11th St.

“It really is the evolution of Tulsa CARES,” Wignarajah says, recalling the “scary and heartbreaking time” of the organization’s beginnings during the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. “We were really just providing dignity in death.”

In 2017, Tulsa CARES added hepatitis C as a focus of care, due to Oklahoma ranking second in the nation in hepatitis C prevalence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Now Tulsa CARES is adding an emphasis on primary care.

“It will look and feel like any other medical clinic,” Wignarajah says, adding that the facility is a “smaller, more-accessible practice free from discrimination and bias.”

Dr. Madhuri Lad — a nationally recognized HIV-care expert who joined Tulsa

CARES in 2022 when the vision for the clinic began picking up steam — says her patients are eager for the on-site lab as well as the in-house pharmacy that will allow the patient to get prescriptions fi lled during the same visit.

“I think it’s very important for patients to have a choice in health care,” Lad says. “And I really, really feel like quality of care is very important when patients have those choices. So that’s another reason why I’ve been so passionate about opening a clinic for Tulsa CARES. I want to be able to provide a good quality of care for HIV patients, for hepatitis C patients and for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Besides Lad, Tulsa CARES has hired a nurse practitioner and has plans to hire a third provider next year. Care is provided

on an income-based sliding scale, with all insurance accepted.

“CARES Health will always be a safe and trusted home for the LGBTQ+ community, and we are proud to expand our services to welcome and care for all people in the Tulsa area,” Wignarajah says.

As nearly half of Tulsa CARES annual revenue comes from government contracts, Wignarajah adds that shifts in public funding create uncertainty for the communities that depend on their services.

“At a time when access to care for marginalized populations remains fragile, the need for our work remains as urgent as ever,” she says. “Tulsa CARES’ board has been incredibly supportive with contingency planning; we will not lose sight of the people we serve.” tp

Above, Tulsa CARES physician Dr. Madhuri Lad and CEO Carly Senger Wignarajah. Below, opened in October, Tulsa CARES’ new, 4,100-square-foot CARES Health clinic offers services including primary care, as well as an onsite lab and pharmacy. The building was designed and built by Ethos Architects (formerly KKT) and Myers-Cherry Construction, LLC.

TULSA ON ‘TODAY’

The third hour of NBC’s “Today” show visited Tulsa for their live broadcast on Oct. 10. Anchors Dylan Dreyer, Al Roker and Sheinelle Jones spent time exploring Tulsa on the Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the show. The team recorded segments for the program at locations including Mother Road Market, Gathering Place and Cain’s Ballroom.

Local guests on the show included Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols , actress and beauty pageant titleholder Olivia Jordan, Owner of Country Bird Bakery Cat Cox and Ava June Chef Trevor Tack . Clips from the event are available to watch online at today.com. — STAFF REPORTS

“Today” show hosts Sheinelle Jones, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer at the Guthrie Green.

NEW NEWS IN TULSA

Tulsans now have access to a new source for local news via The Tulsa Flyer, formerly called Tulsa Local News Initiative. This emerging nonprofi t news initiative came to fruition following years of research organized by the American Journalism Project.

In addition to posting free-to-read stories on its website, the Tulsa Flyer is publishing The Oklahoma Eagle, the historic, Black-owned newspaper of more than 100 years. The Tulsa Flyer has expanded The Eagle’s staff and will continue to publish its weekly print edition. The two publications operate from a joint newsroom inside the former ahha Tulsa building at 101 E. Archer St.

“When communities lose local news, government goes unchecked and misinformation spreads,” Tulsa Flyer Executive Editor Gary Lee says. “The Tulsa Flyer will be a source of trusted daily news that will equip Tulsans with the information they need to lead fuller, more connected lives.”

The Tulsa Flyer is also launching the Tulsa Documenters program, which trains and pays locals to report on government meetings. To learn more and start reading coverage, visit tulsafl yer.org. — STAFF REPORTS

3 FROM TULSA AREA TO BE INDUCTED INTO OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME Ronnie Dunn

On Nov. 13, seven Oklahomans will be added to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Tulsa’s Arvest Convention Center. Tulsans include country music star Ronnie Dunn, musician Taylor Hanson and businessman Eddy Gibbs . Other 2025 class members include Ardmore’s Mautra Staley Jones , Ames’ Bert Mackie, Norman’s Michael A. Mares and Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti. These Oklahomans join 745 previous Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductees. Learn more at oklahomahof.com. STAFF REPORTS

Eddy Gibbs

Taylor Hanson

Bob “Mac” McKim

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

LAirport.

“Stay busy,” McKim says. “If you don’t stay busy, you’re not going to last.”

He has now spent 21 years behind an information desk near baggage claim.

Born on March 22, 1927, McKim joined the Army in 1944 and helped Gen. Douglas MacArthur recapture the Philippines during World War II. He later served in Korea as a command sergeant major in an artillery division. After more than 20 years in the military, McKim

became a Tulsa police offi cer before eventually joining the Sheriff ’s Department, where he jokingly says he never ranked higher than “rookie.”

An amateur pilot, McKim once owned three small aircraft and a helicopter with his son. He no longer fl ies himself, but McKim took up skydiving at age 84 and still jumps out of a perfectly good airplane every chance he gets.

Now 98 years old, McKim volunteers two days a week as a red-coated Airport Ambassador, which often makes him the fi rst Tulsan that a visitor meets.

“If I’m going to be their fi rst impression,” he says, “I want it to be a good one.”

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON QUESTION TRAVELERS ASK AT THE AIRPORT INFORMATION DESK? “Where’s the restroom?” When they get off the airplane, they pass three of them before they get down here, but they still ask.

WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS DO YOU GET A LOT? “Where are the ticket counters?” “Where is the baggage claim?” “Where are the car rentals?” “Where can I get an Uber?” “How can I get to security?”

WHAT IS THE HARDEST QUESTION PEOPLE ASK? “My baggage didn’t come in.” We have to send them down to the ticket counter if the airline doesn’t have somebody up here. It’s been a long time since somebody asked a question that I couldn’t answer because I’ve been here a while.

HOW ARE THE QUESTIONS DIFFERENT FROM LOCALS COMPARED TO VISITORS? They’re not. You might know how to get around in Tulsa but that doesn’t mean you know how to get around the airport.

WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST AT THE AIRPORT IN THE LAST 21 YEARS? We have a lot more foreign travelers, which can be a challenge understanding what they are asking us. And sometimes they don’t understand what we are saying. We have to be patient, take our time. Years ago, when I fi rst came out here, buses ran all the time from the airport, then they quit. Now they’re back again, but they don’t run as often as they used to.

WHY HAVE YOU KEPT VOLUNTEERING FOR SO LONG? Planes fascinate me. Th at’s part of it. But I enjoy it. I enjoy the people out here, they’re always great. You couldn’t ask for a nicer place to work. But I’m not a guy who likes to just sit around. No. It drives me up the wall.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT SKYDIVING?

The fi rst time, they had me sitting on the edge of the plane with my feet hanging out at 12,000 feet. I looked down. I thought, “What have I got myself into?” The next thing I know, I was gone, falling. People ask me why I would want to jump out of an airplane, and I tell ‘em, “Because I want to get back on the ground,” and they think I’m crazy. Th at plane is going to land eventually. But I don’t want to wait. tp

World War II and Korean War veteran Bob McKim has volunteered for 21 years as an Airport Ambassador at Tulsa International Airport.

When Shirin Zakerion (standing) was growing up, straightened hair was all the rage and embracing her curls was the last thing on her mind. “My relationship with my hair wasn’t a good one,” she says. “It shaped how I felt as a woman growing up.” Now the owner of Siren Curl Studio, she teaches clients how to emphasize — not hide — their natural hair texture.

Embracing every curl

Tulsa stylist educates clients on how to best care for their curls.

BY MEGAN TURNER

Stylist Shirin Zakerion opened Siren Curl Studio, 7707 E. 111th St., Suite 105, in 2018 because she wanted to create a place where curly hair was represented and natural beauty was celebrated.

As an immigrant growing up in Oklahoma, Zakerion realized from a young age that blending in could make her life significantly easier. At the time,

“blending in” for those with textured hair typically involved finding the easiest way to straighten it.

“I remember as a child, the extent of my curly hair care was going to get a relaxer,” Zakerion, says. “Because that was what was sold to me as the solution to my hair.”

Interested in hospitality, hair and creativity, Zakerion attended the Paul Mitchell school in Dallas in the early 2000s. She returned to Tulsa and worked as a stylist for many years until stepping away from the chair in 2015 following the birth of her first child.

In 2018 Zakerion took a class to help better care for her own curly hair, but she didn’t expect to fall in love with the process.

“That feeling of seeing someone look in the mirror and finally recognize themselves — I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of,” she says. “I wanted to be able to give people that feeling.”

After the class, she began curating her own techniques and learning how to care for every curl type and pattern. As she restarted her career with a focus on curls, she saw there was still a shortage for curly hair services and representation.

“I realized that if I wanted to help as many curly-haired people as possible in my lifetime, I couldn’t do it alone,” Zakerion says.

So Zakerion founded Siren Curl Studio, where every stylist would be taught the techniques she had mastered. “I realized my work wasn’t just about hair, it was about teaching people, and even kids, how to care for their natural texture so they can embrace who they are. I want them to grow up never feeling like they have to change themselves to fi t in,” Zakerion says. tp

Cassie Celestain, didn’t set out to start a nonprofi t back in 2021 when she put out a call on social media to help collect period products for a local school. She’d heard from a friend and former teaching partner that this was a need.

What surprised Celestain, and subsequently those that saw her social media post, is that, according to studies done by Thinx, Inc. and PERIOD., one in four girls struggle to afford period products. Celestain says this lack of access can mean missing school, or utilizing makeshift products like socks, grocery bags or old rags to meet their monthly need.

Celestain, a Glenpool graduate, former teacher and mother to three daughters, felt compelled to reduce this barrier and thus launched the Tulsa Period Pantry Foundation.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to go without basic necessities, and realizing girls face that same struggle every month without period products made me determined to do something about it,” she says.

The Period Pantry now serves 74 schools and youth programs, granting 55,000 girls access to period products, helping to reduce absences and instill confidence.

“Pantries” — 3-foot-by-1-foot containers that hold pads, tampons and liners in various sizes — are placed in Tulsa County school restrooms or nurses’ offices so girls can access them freely. Students can also take products for later use in discreet makeup bags/pouches, and schools can opt in to offer reusable items like period panties and menstrual cups as well.

“No student should have to choose between their education and managing their period with dignity,” Celestain says. “We are proud to support thousands of girls, but the need is greater than ever.”

For more information about hosting drives, helping stock pantries or ways you can donate, visit tulsaperiodpantry.org/getinvolved. — JORDAN COX

The Tulsa Period Pantry Foundation, founded by Cassie Celestain, places period products in area schools.

The First Lady of J. David Jewelry

When people in Tulsa think of J. David Jewelry, they think of excellence, craftsmanship and integrity — but those who know the Wiland family understand that behind every brilliant diamond and sparkling ring is a heart just as radiant: Kendra Wiland, affectionately known as the “First Lady” of J. David Jewelry.

Kendra’s story is one of grace, faith and steadfast love. It began back in high school, when she said “yes” to a first date with her future husband, Joel David. What started as a young romance between two high school sweethearts has grown into a lifelong partnership — not just in marriage, but in business and in giving back to the community they love.

For more than 30 years, J. David Jewelry has remained locally owned and operated, serving Tulsa and the surrounding communities with a simple mission: to show unconditional love through our people, our processes and our jewelry. That personal touch — the belief that every customer is family — comes directly

from the Wilands’ way of life.

Whether it’s serving on the board of international ministries or spending time in the NICU at Saint Francis cuddling babies, Kendra’s quiet leadership and compassion shine in everything she does. Her heart for others, both near and far, reflects the same spirit that guides J. David Jewelry each day.

To Kendra, jewelry has never been about luxury — it’s about legacy. It’s about helping people mark milestones and carry love forward in something beautiful and lasting. That’s what makes J. David Jewelry more than a store; it’s a reflection of the people behind it.

In a world where so much feels impersonal and rushed, Kendra and Joel Wiland have built something timeless: a family business rooted in generosity and genuine care for others. And that’s what makes J. David Jewelry shine brightest of all.

CHANGEMAKERS

Kara Gae Neal, fundraising chair of nonprofit Heartland to Breadbasket, with Founder Mary Dotson and President George Dotson. The nonprofit ships hundreds of humanitarian aid items to Ukraine each month — including medical supplies, prosthetics, shoes, eyeglasses, pots, pans, nonperishable food items and more — which make their way to civilians and soldiers (inset) alike.

Hope from the Heartland

Tulsa nonprofit ships more than 300 boxes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine each year.

BY TIFFANY HOWARD

For 25 years, Mary Dotson, 82, has stewarded a vision to better the lives of Ukrainians living in the fallout of invasion and war in their country. Officially establishing the nonprofit Heartland to Breadbasket in 2016, Dotson and her team ship as many as 350 boxes of doctor-reviewed medical supplies, everyday items and other forms of humanitarian aid to Ukraine per year.

“I was very taken with the people, their will to live, their desire for democracy,” she says of her fi rst visit to Ukraine in 2000. Living in Des Moines, Iowa, at that time, she went as part of a sister city visit to Cherkasy. “(We were) trying to help them with agricultural practices, government, democracy ... it was only nine years out from the close of the Soviet Union.”

Back home, Dotson began to collaborate with her community — including her brother, George — to garner much-needed items such as medical equipment and computers for classrooms.

Dotson continued her visits to Cherkasy even after moving to Tulsa in 2003. She and George, who is now the nonprofit’s president, share that the need for medical supplies and humanitarian aid really

ramped up in 2010, when Russians began a low-level infi ltration that grew into the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2014.

“They had aid stations, and Mary’s supplies found their way into those aid stations,” George says.

Since then, through a combination of grassroots fundraising and asking local businesses if they’d like to help in some way, Dotson has been relentless in her pursuit of anything and everything she thinks could provide care, utility, comfort or joy.

“Tulsa has been very hospitable to this effort,” she says, specifically highlighting the many donations of shoes by Big River Footwear Co. in Utica Square.

Sending at least 25 boxes of humanitarian aid each month, Heartland to Breadbasket’s team also includes Kara Gae Neal, Martin and Maurine Lantz, Donna LaDuke and Martha Ferrara, as well as legal counsel.

To help off set shipping costs (each box costs between $80-$100 to send), you can give online at heartland2breadbasket.com. For item donation, contact Dotson at 918629-0353 — winter items like socks, sweaters, tea, and instant mixes for hot drinks and soups are especially welcome. tp

TYPROS TURNS TWENTY

The organization that nurtures Tulsa’s up-and-coming workforce is now a young adult itself. Tulsa’s Young Professionals, or TYPROS, turns 20 this year.

“TYPROS is tailored for young professionals who want to develop and grow professionally,” says Emily McCraw, who is a young professional herself, as well as the program coordinator of community development at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “We connect people, develop leaders, engage in the community and positively impact Tulsa.”

Started in 2005, TYPROS is now 2,100 members strong. Joining is free, and members can get involved in eight different “crews” with emphases ranging from arts and entertainment to sustainability, business development and tech. The organization has created initiatives such as 918 Lead — a non-partisan initiative preparing Tulsans who want to run for public office — or 918 Vote, which aims to engage young voters. The TYPROS “Bring it to Tulsa” initiative even helped to bring Trader Joe’s to town in 2016.

“People either come here for friends or for professional development. That’s what they think, but they end up getting the best of both worlds,” says McCraw. “(Since COVID) we’ve had to be more flexible by offering virtual opportunities, thinking more creatively about networking, and making sure our programs fi t the way young professionals live and work today.”

TYPROS will celebrate its 20th Anniversary at the Vista at 21 the evening of Nov. 13. The event will recognize the contributions of past and present leaders and members, while also looking ahead to the organization’s next 20 years of connecting people, developing leaders and making an impact in Tulsa.

Anyone is welcome to attend the anniversary party; visit tulsachamber.com/events to purchase tickets. — JORDAN COX

Malayna Hasmanis, TYPROS Diversity Crew leader, speaks during the September Pub Club gathering at New Story Brewing.

ON STAGE

The trills are alive

A wide

range of performances is on deck for Tulsa Opera’s 77th season

Tulsa Opera is once again offering something for everyone during its 77th season. The company’s first stage production of the season — “The Sound of Music” — opens Nov. 15 at the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education on the Tulsa Community College Southeast campus, 10300 E. 81st St.

“We are doing the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical that everybody knows and loves,” says Cindy Sadler, director of marketing and communications for Tulsa Opera.

Internationally renowned opera singer and native Oklahoman Leona Mitchell is returning to Tulsa Opera to play the Mother Abbess alongside Broadway star Jenn Gambatese as Maria and Tulsa favorite Sam Briggs as Capt. Von Trapp.

“We have a very long relationship with Leona Mitchell that spans more than 40 years, so we’re able to reach out to her personally with invitations. After that, we still have to go through her agent,” Sadler says. “We are beyond thrilled to have her because the role of the Mother Abbess is iconic. This is the character that sings ‘Climb Every Mountain’ and there’s a long tradition of opera singers taking this role.”

Tulsa Opera’s other productions this season include “The Pirates of Penzance,” Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, “Sing Me a Waltz” on May 16, and “Noah’s Flood” performed by the Tulsa Youth Opera June 5 and 6. The company will also perform “Spanish Nights: The Vocal Music of Manuel de Falla” and “Route 66: Music from the Mother Road” as part of its Voices After Dark Recital Series.

And Tulsa Opera isn’t just confined to the stage. The company hosts hundreds of performances and programs across Tulsa — from its Songs by Heart series offered at memory care facilities, to yoga classes at River Parks, to full concerts in church sanctuaries.

“Last year we engaged with almost 52,000 patrons at over 400 performances and events throughout the city,” Sadler says. “We’re not just at the performing arts centers, we’re all over the place. You can invite us into your home for a customized Salon Concert. You can find us at the Guthrie Green, in libraries and brew pubs, in your second grader’s classroom, at First Friday, and the list goes on. We also have community programs that are not performancecentered, like our Opera Echoes community conversation series.”

Sadler says opera’s incorporation of other facets of the arts makes it an art form all types of audiences can enjoy.

“It involves not only music, both vocal and instrumental, but it also involves visual art, fashion design, dance. It involves poetry and theater and storytelling and architecture. I do think there’s something for everybody in opera.”

For more information, visit tulsaopera.com. — SARA PLUMMER

13th Annual, 1st Lady Competition

NOG O F

Over 12 restaurants and bars in the district will compete! Sunday, November 30 @ Living Arts of Tulsa. 6:00 pm. Must be 21+. Reservations required. $50/person.

Tulsa Opera Director of Marketing and Communications Cindy Sadler says their upcoming 77th season has a little bit of everything. “People want versatility,” she says. “Our only criteria is great music, great storytelling and great singing.”

Emerson Montessori Elementary Art Department.

MUSIC NOTES

The Tulsa Sound

Tulsa tunes in TV and fi lm

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

With the fall release of Sterlin Harjo’s FX series, “The Lowdown,” Tulsa is once again in the national spotlight. In addition to an incredible lineup of acclaimed Hollywood actors, the crime noir-styled drama is replete with homegrown talent, including actors, writers and a slew of folks behind the scenes.

Just as Harjo’s previous FX project, “Reservation Dogs” celebrated Oklahomarooted musicians with a local-leaning soundtrack, his latest effort continues to preach the gospel of domestically crafted tunes. For Tulsa music fans, it’s a joy to hear a familiar artist included in a major fi lm or TV soundtrack. For our city, it’s the best kind of PR. For the artists themselves, this type of exposure can boost a career.

“If you see Tulsa on the big screen, you’re going to be curious about the city and want to know more,” says Meg Gould , executive director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture.

According to Gould, series like “The Lowdown” and the fi rst season of Taylor

Sheridan’s “Tulsa King” encourage “setjetting”— a tourism trend where travelers choose vacation destinations based on fi lming locations of popular shows. Gould believes music is a driver of the feel of the TV show or fi lm, ultimately contributing to its success and popularity.

“They’ll hear those local artists; they’ll see them on the screen, and they’ll see what Tulsa has to offer,” she says.

Musician JD McPherson’s music has been featured in a number of fi lm and TV productions. Most recently, he worked on “The Lowdown,” producing the score for the series, which includes original music compositions to accompany certain scenes. Previously, several of McPherson’s songs were featured in “Reservation Dogs.”

“When I actually saw the show and heard my music be a part of it, I can’t explain the feeling. It meant more to me to be a part of ‘Reservation Dogs’ than any other fi lm or TV program I’d been a part of. Particularly, when my song, ‘Precious,’ was used in the ‘Cheese’ episode when he goes to the boy’s home, I lost it. It’s

very, very special to me to be included in that show in some way. I’m very grateful,” McPherson says.

Country-roots musician Jacob Tovar, who made an on-camera appearance in “The Lowdown” and had music featured in both of Harjo’s FX series, shared a similar feeling.

“I felt really excited that I would be part of such an amazing project with Sterlin. When I heard and saw myself on screen, it was surreal,” he recalls. “I’ve always had the dream to work in fi lm or theater, and being invited to be part of those shows are making that a reality for me.”

Music from Kalyn Fay has been included in a short fi lm, a documentary, a PBS “American Masters” episode profi ling actress Lily Gladstone, “The Lowdown” and two episodes of the Netfl ix series “Resident Alien.”

“I felt honored that someone cared enough about what I was doing to include it,” she says. “Knowing that my music was used in a series that also had Indigenous representation and producers made me feel proud to be included. Plus, the show is fun! It made it even more special because it is a series my parents, aunts, and uncles watch, and I know that it meant a lot to them to hear my music in that episode. I didn’t grow up around musicians, or people who understand that industry. It was something I had to learn on my own, so for them to hear it makes them feel like I ‘made it’ to some degree.”

More than personal gratification, these artists are grateful for what this can mean for their broader music community.

“It’s defi nitely expanded my reach to new audiences and will continue to help other artists’ reach stretch out there too,” Tovar says. “It’s great for our community of artists when opportunities like this come up.”

Fay says, “I don’t take it for granted. I feel a huge responsibility to that support that was given to me, to offer that same support to others, and I think that is how many Tulsa musicians are. When we get something, it’s not just for us, but for everyone in our community.” tp

Tulsa artists JD McPherson, Jacob Tovar and Kalyn Fay have all had their music featured in recent films and television series, putting Tulsa in the spotlight.

TUNES AND TURKEY

The annual Leftover Last Waltz will return to Cain’s Ballroom Nov. 30. Held each year the weekend after Thanksgiving, the event is a fundraiser benefiting music programs through The Foundation for Tulsa Schools.

The evening features music from Martin Scorsese’s 1978 concert documentary “The Last Waltz,” which chronicles the last concert of the Canadian-American rock group The Band (comprised of musicians Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson) on Thanksgiving Day 1976. Special guests at the legendary show included Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters and Neil Young

Concert-goers can expect to hear Americana classics like “The Weight,” “Ophelia,” “Up on Cripple Creek” and others performed by an all-star band led by Paul Benjaman. Tickets to this family-friendly experience are available at cainsballroom.com and include a Thanksgiving meal. For sponsorship opportunities that include tickets, reserved tables, and/ or name recognition and advertising, email greg@langdonpublishing.com. — STAFF REPORTS

SUCCESS

Musicians performing at the 2024 Leftover Last Waltz at Cain’s Ballroom.

Whitney Stauffer Narrate Design

Aesthetic adventures

Explore Tulsa through the eyes of local artists.

BY BLAYKLEE FREED

Four Mothers Collective at Positive Space Tulsa

Returning to Positive Space Tulsa for the third year, the artists of the Four Mothers Collective will showcase an inspiring and empowering exhibit during the month of November. The Collective’s mission is to empower, heal and create community through all forms of art with its BIPOC sisters, girls and Two-Spirit relatives. Co-curated by Carly Treece (Mvskoke, Cherokee) and Jessi Sands (Mvskoke, Taino, Cherokee, Choctaw), the exhibit features work from 20-plus Oklahoma artists. “Some artists have never displayed with us before, and we always have new emerging artists, mid-career and established artists, and I think that’s important to bring those together … showing communities together in that way.”

Four Mothers is less about membership and more about community. “It’s not about one person getting to the top,” Treece says. “It’s about everyone coming up together, and it’s important to build that community, to pass on skills, to pass on knowledge and not gatekeep those things.”

This year’s theme is “all about Indigenous joy and what that means to each artist,” Treece says, so there’s sure to be a variety of interpretations and ideas represented.

Positive Space Tulsa, 1324 E. Third St. • 6-8 p.m., Thursday; 5-8 p.m., Friday; noon-5 p.m., Saturday

ARTworks Gallery at Holland Hall

Color is the name of the game at Holland Hall’s 48th annual ARTworks show, which is held in the Walter Arts Center’s Holliman Gallery. Celebrating contemporary art, this year’s exhibition is on display through Nov. 25 and features the dynamic work of Rachel Hayes and Eric Sall — both former Tulsa Artist Fellows who are married to one another.

Hayes incorporates vibrant colors in her textile work, sending viewers into a kaleidoscope experience, while Sall’s otherworldly abstract paintings incorporate pleasant geometry that is endlessly interesting. The nationally recognized artists were invited to be a part of Holland Hall’s longstanding ARTworks tradition of bringing a prominent visual artist to campus to spend a week in residency working with students at every grade level, according to Steve Dyer, Holland Hall's director of Walter Arts Center and Fine Arts.

“We look for artists who are prominent in their chosen discipline and capable of genuine engagement with our students during the workshops,” Dyer says. “This gallery exhibit will provide a wonderful opportunity to see their creative talents displayed in a single venue.” Walter Arts Center Holliman Gallery at Holland Hall, 5666 E. 81st St. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

'Art About Town' with Alpha Rho Tau Take a look at Tulsa through the eyes of Alpha Rho Tau Civic Art Association members in the juried exhibition “Art About Town” at 101 Archer. The artists have displayed their work in varied mediums united by a theme of exploring places around the Tulsa metropolis and surrounding towns.

The show, which opened Oct. 3 and runs through Dec. 19, is co-curated by Vice President Dianne Morrison and member Ken Brown. Both Morrison (oil and watercolor) and Brown (pen and ink, graphite) will have work on display, along with dozens of other members.

Alpha Rho Tau members range in age, medium and experience level. The community group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, March through December, at Hardesty Library. You can also get to know some of the Alpha Rho Tau members behind “Art About Town” through a meet-the-artists event at 101 Archer during the First Friday Art Crawl Nov. 7.

“The main thing I am interested in is encouraging people to explore the arts, not just through Alpha Rho Tau but also through other individual galleries and places of work,” Morrison says. “Art and humanity are alive and well in Tulsa, Oklahoma!” tp 101 Archer, 101 E. Archer St. Noon - 5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday

"Dancer" by Jaime Misenheimer (Choctaw) is part of an exhibit by the Four Mothers Collective on display at Positive Space Tulsa through November. The exhibit is themed around Indigenous joy.

By the book

Tulsa’s Central Library celebrates 60 years downtown thanks to Allie Beth Martin.

BY MICHAEL OVERALL

In mid-April 1961 Allie Beth Martin moved into a makeshift office in a reception room on the second floor of the former Tulsa County Courthouse at Sixth Street and Boulder Avenue. The space was borrowed from the county superintendent’s staff and was strictly temporary. Martin had only six months to meet one of the most daunting political challenges in Tulsa history.

Born on June 28, 1914, in Annieville, Arkansas, Martin earned a master’s degree from Columbia University before coming to Tulsa in 1949 to work at the old Carnegie Library at Th ird Street and Cheyenne Avenue. After spending a year doing odd jobs around the library, Martin was put in charge of the children’s section in 1950, the same year a nationally recognized expert declared Tulsa’s public library to be hopelessly outdated and overcrowded.

Th e Metropolitan Library Board put a bond issue in front of voters in December 1960 to build a bigger, more modern facility. But the plan was doomed by low

turnout and staunch opposition in the suburbs, where voters didn’t seem enthusiastic about paying taxes to support downtown building projects. Th e measure failed 55% to 45%.

Only four months later, however, Tulsa officials put Martin in charge of launching another campaign. Th is time, the plan included opening a system of branch libraries to serve residents outside of downtown as well as a new main library at the new Civic Center. But the effort still found little support in Jenks, Bixby and other suburbs. Broken Arrow voters opposed it 4-to-1. Martin needed a strong turnout from Tulsa voters who hadn’t shown up the fi rst time, so her strategy included mobilizing 1,000 volunteers as “Citizens for Libraries” to mount an intensive get-out-the-vote drive in the fi nal weeks of the campaign. The $3.8 million bond issue sailed to victory with 66% of the vote in November 1961, a massive turnaround for an issue that had seemed to be a lost cause less than a year earlier.

Before long, Martin became the fi rst director of the newly created Tulsa CityCounty Library System with more than 20 locations and a staff of 160. Most importantly, she oversaw the design and construction of the new Central Library, a masterpiece of midcentury modernism at Fifth Street and Denver Avenue.

“I never dreamed I’d be studying concrete textures for columns and distinguishing between pin oaks and water oaks for landscaping,” Martin told a newspaper reporter shortly before the new building opened in the summer of 1965.

The reporter described Martin as “a remarkable combination of enthusiasm and energy” who always seemed to accomplish “the unexpected.”

“For Allie Beth,” the newspaper wrote, “library progress goes like clockwork. Round-the-clock work, that is.”

Martin’s influence spread nationwide after the publication of her widely cited book, “A Strategy for Public Library Change,” in 1972 and her election as president of the American Library Association in 1974. But she died of cancer on April 11, 1976, at the age of 61. Every library in the county closed to let staff members attend her funeral.

Tulsa’s Central Library celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, still indebted to Martin for leading the come-from-behind drive to build it. tp

The Tulsa City-County Library, located at 400 Civic Center. Architects Charles W. Ward and Joseph R. Koberling, Jr. designed the four-story building which opened in 1965.

Former Tulsa City-County Library Director Allie Beth Martin. She served as the first director of the library from 1963 until her death in 1976.

NOVEMBER 4–7

Channeling Our Ancestors

TPAC

NOVEMBER 4

NOVEMBER 14

Peter McBride and Kevin Fedarko

TULSA TOWN HALL

Dog Man: The Musical CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

NOVEMBER 8

Holst’s The Planets

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

NOVEMBER 13

Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road

TPAC

NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 14–16

Rent

THEATRE TULSA

NOVEMBER 15

The Magic of Motown

MOXIE EVENTS

NOVEMBER 18–23

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole

Christmas the Musical CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

Sam Harris: Beyond the Rainbow with Music Direction by Michael Orland TPAC

NOVEMBER 22–23

Maxwell Quartet CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

DECEMBER 4–23

A Christmas Carol AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

DECEMBER 7–21 The

Through Nov. 2

Care Card

Benefi ts Family and Children’s Services. carecardok.com

Through Dec. 8

Toys for Tots

Benefi ts Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots. toysfortots.org

1

All Souls Love and Light Gala

Benefi ts All Souls Church and the Justice Teams. allsouls.me/gala

Day of the Dead Walk/Run

Benefi ts Mita’s Foundation. mitasfoundation.org

Gold as Ice Bene t Game

Benefi ts Gold as Ice. facebook.com/events/ 2032707247545179

Murder Mystery Dinner

Benefi ts Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com

Paint the Town Red

Benefi ts Tulsa Alumnae Chapter of DST Scholarship Fund. facebook.com/dsttulsaalumnae

3

Amplify Youth Health Day

Benefi ts Amplify Youth Collective. amplifytulsa.org

6

Dinner with Friends

Benefi ts Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa. mealsonwheelstulsa.org

Fall Fest

Benefi ts Little Light House. littlelighthouse.org

November charitable events

COMPILED BY MADISON WALTERS

Gold Medal Night

Benefi ts Aim High Academy. aimhighgym.org

Illuminate Gala

Benefi ts Pathways Adult Learning Center. pathwaysok.org

Night of Honor

Benefi ts Soldier’s Wish. soldierswish.org

7

Art Party

Benefi ts Tulsa Girls Art School. tulsagirlsartschool.org/ artparty

Olio Follies Fundraiser

Benefi ts Tulsa Spotlight Theater. tulsaspotlighttheater.com

The Spring 45 Trivia

Benefi ts The Spring Shelter. thespringok.org

8

Ace it for Autism!

Benefi ts various Autism organizations. facebook.com/ rotaryclubtulsasunrise

Fall Vendor Fair and Bazaar

Benefi ts Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com

Giving Spirits

Benefi ts the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. okfoodbank.org/spirits

Hollywoof Fur Ball

Benefi ts Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. animalallianceok.org/furball

Lager Land Festival

Benefi ts Philbrook Museum of Art. philbrook.org

OCCJ Celebration Dinner

Benefi ts The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice. occjok.org

Red and Navy Royale Auction and Dinner

Benefi ts Rogers State University Foundation. rsu.edu

Rock ‘N’ Folk ‘N’ Chili

Cook O

Benefi ts Horton Records. facebook.com/hortonrecords

Two Angels Toy Run

Benefi ts Two Angels Toy Run. facebook.com/2AngelsToyRun

Welcome Home 5K

Benefi ts Eagle OPS Foundation. eagleops.org

9

Breakthrough T1D Walk

Benefi ts Breakthrough T1D. breakthrought1d.org

11

Tulsa AWARE Luncheon

Benefi ts Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter. awareok.org

13

Dancing with the Tulsa Stars

Benefi ts San Miguel School of Tulsa. dancingwiththetulsastars.com

East Meets West

Benefi ts Tulsa Route 66 Main Street. facebook.com/ route66mainstreet

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony

Benefi ts Oklahoma Hall of Fame. oklahomahof.com

TYPROS 20th Anniversary Celebration

Benefi ts Tulsa Young Professionals. typros.org

14

Movers and Shakers Gala

Benefi ts Food on the Move. fotmgala.com

15

A Night at Cain’s

Benefi ts Owasso Education Foundation. owassoeducationfoundation.org

Bark Meow Luau

Benefi ts Sandite Team Animal Rescue. facebook.com/sanditeteam

Tulsa Cattle Baron’s Ball

Benefi ts American Cancer Society. tulsa.acscbb.org

18

Bunco for a Cause

Benefi ts Owasso Rotary Club and Bailey Education Foundation Scholarship program. baileyeducationfoundation.com

18-20

Stories of Light Radiothon

Benefi ts Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. wish.org/oklahoma

20

Barbecue and Cigars

Benefi ts Tulsa Boys’ Home. tulsaboyshome.org

Dinner of Reconciliation

Benefi ts John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation. jhfcenter.org

Night of Impact

Benefi ts Project Hope Worldwide. projecthopeworldwide.org

Restoring our Community Banquet

Benefi ts Crossover Scholarship Fund. crossoverscholarshipfund.org

21

Dinner and BUILD Awards

Benefi ts Building All Children. buildingallchildren.org

22

Bourbon and Blues

Benefi ts Folds of Honor Oklahoma. oklahoma.foldsofhonor.org

28-30

Christkindl Market

Benefi ts OKM Music. okmmusic.org

28-Dec. 28

Botanic Garden of Lights

Benefi ts Tulsa Botanic Garden. tulsabotanic.org

28-30, Dec. 6-7

The Christmas Tree Lot

Benefi ts Cascia Hall Preparatory School. casciahall.com

28-Jan. 3

Philbrook Festival

Benefi ts Philbrook Museum of Art. philbrook.org

29

Cancer Sucks Concert

Benefi ts Cancer Sucks. cancersucks.com

30

Leftover Last Waltz

Benefi ts Foundation for Tulsa Schools. facebook.com/ theleftoverlastwaltz

Arvest Winterfest

Whether you’re looking to hear some live holiday music, see a glittering light display or shop ‘til you drop, this season’s packed holiday events calendar has it all.

BY MADISON WALTERS

Nov. 1-2

Holiday Heritage Market

This market features antique and vintage items with a special emphasis on the most wonderful time of the year.

Stoney Creek Conference Center, 200 W. Albany St., Broken Arrow heritageeventcompany.com

Nov. 8

Harvest Christmas Craft Show

Get your holiday shopping finished early at the Harvest Christmas Craft Show!

Harvest Church,1601 W. Fourth St., Sand Springs facebook.com/1601craftshows

Nov. 13

Christmas in Broken Arrow Kick-O

The Rose District comes alive with holiday spirit during this annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Rose District Plaza, Broken Arrow visitbrokenarrowok.com/ christmas-temp

Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour

A cappella group Straight No Chaser will be performing a canon of holiday songs sure to put you in the festive mood.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St. S. tulsapac.com

Nov. 18-23

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” Max the Dog narrates as the mean Mr. Grinch steals Christmas from the jolly Whos of Whoville.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St. S. tulsapac.com

Nov. 26-Jan. 1

Rhema Lights

This year there’s a new way to experience the millions of glittering holiday-themed lights that adorn Rhema’s 110-acre campus — from aboard the Rhema Express Train! Rhema, 1025 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow rhemalights.org

Select Nights: Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025 Nov. 28-30, Dec. 3-7, Dec. 10-14, Dec. 17-23, Dec. 26-28 5- 9 p.m.

Happy Holidays! EVENT GUIDE

Nov. 27

Lights on at Utica Square

A beloved Tulsa tradition to kick off the holiday season, bundle up and count down to the lighting ceremony of the 700,000 lights that frost Utica Square at Christmastime.

Utica Square, 1709 Utica Square uticasquare.com/events/lights-on

Nov. 27-Dec. 31

Castle Christmas

Inside the Castle, guests can enjoy a holiday movie by the cozy fireplace, visit with Santa, meet Santa’s elves and browse unique holiday vendors. Outside, experience a dazzling drivethrough wonderland of holiday lights and displays.

Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Road okcastle.com/castle-christmas

Nov. 28-Dec. 20

Woolaroc’s Wonderland of Lights

Woolaroc will be covered with over 750,000 lights as the historic ranch transforms into a holiday haven! Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Center, 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville woolaroc.org/event/ woolaroc-wonderland-of-lights

Select nights, Nov. 28-Dec. 28

Botanic Garden of Lights

Make s’mores over fire pits, enjoy holiday music and take in the spirit of the season in the atmosphere of a magical winter wonderland.

Tulsa Botanic Garden, 3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive tulsabotanic.org/ botanic-garden-of-lights

Nov. 28-30

Christkindl Market

OKM Music’s Christkindl Market brings a beloved German tradition to the community with food, artisanal gifts, handmade ornaments and so much more.

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Center, 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Road, Bartlesville okmmusic.org/christkindl-2025

Select nights, Nov. 28-Jan 3

Philbrook Festival

Sip cocoa, meet Santa Claus, take home a one-of-a-kind art project and marvel at the sights and sounds of the season at Philbrook Museum’s annual festival.

Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road philbrook.org/visit/fundraising/ festival

Nov. 29

Lights on Owasso

Come and enjoy caroling, food trucks, photo ops, live reindeer, balloon artists, games and, of course, the lighting ceremony! Redbud Festival Park, 109 N. Main Street, Owasso cityofowasso.com/718/ Lights-On-Owasso

Ornament Festival

Attendees can shop a treasure trove of handmade ornaments for sale by an array of artists from Tulsa and beyond.

Ruby Clay Company, 409 E. Eighth St., Suite B rubyclaycompany.com

Nov. 28-Jan. 4

Arvest Winterfest

Bundle up and break out your ice skates as one of Tulsa’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 17th year.

Outside the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. tulsawinterfest.com

Through December Winter in Williams Lodge

Gathering Place will host a range of festive events in the dreamy, decorated warmth of the Williams Lodge. Gathering Place, 2650 S. John Williams Way E. gatheringplace.org

Dec. 2

Christmas Luncheon and Fashion Show

Get ready to shop one of the largest silent auctions in town followed by a lovely lunch and fashion show, all benefiting Tulsa Area Salvation Army Programs.

Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, 6808 S. 107th E. Ave. southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ tulsa-area-command

Dec. 3

Bark in the Park:

Deck the Paws

Head to Gathering Place for a dog play social with Santa photos, treats, activities and the opportunity to donate to a shelter pet angel tree. Gathering Place, 2650 S. John Williams Way E. gatheringplace.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is bringing their “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour for an evening of rock-infused Christmas classics.

BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. bokcenter.com

Botanic Garden of Lights

Dec. 4-23

“A Christmas Carol” Banish those “Bah Humbugs” with American Theatre Co.’s version of this beloved classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St. S. tulsapac.com

Dec. 5

Have Yourself a Jazzy Christmas with Tom Braxton and Michael Fields Jr.

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tom Braxton and smooth jazz multi-instrumentalist Michael Fields Jr. will bring holiday cheer to Tulsa with a special performance.

LowDown, 108 N. Detroit Ave. lowdowntulsa.com

Glow on the Green

See the park transformed with thousands of sparkling lights and enjoy a holiday artisan market, live entertainment, food truck fare, free photos with Santa and more!

Guthrie Green, 111 Reconciliation Way guthriegreen.com

Dec. 5-6

Nutcracker Festival

This annual festival offers holiday-themed activities, sweet treats, live performances, a shopping market and more.

SageNet Center, 4145 E. 21st St. nutcrackerfest.com

Dec. 5-7

Christkindlmarkt

This German holiday market features over twenty local vendors and artisans with unique wares, imported goods, authentic German food, children’s area and more.

German-American Society of Tulsa, 1429 Terrace Drive gastulsa.org/christkindlmarkt

Dec. 5-7

Christmas at the Ranch

As 181 Ranch’s flagship event, this Christmas market extravaganza features over 150 local artists, crafters, makers, food trucks and small businesses.

181 Ranch, 3913 E. 181st St. S., Bixby 181ranch.com

Dec. 6

Art in the Park Holiday Festival

As Arts Alliance Tulsa’s most prominent fundraising event, this festive holiday tradition features photo ops with Santa and the Grinch, live performances and a street festival with treats, art and activities. Guthrie Green, 111 Reconciliation Way guthriegreen.com

Carols and Crumpets

Find fresh and fragrant holiday crafts like wreaths, potpourri, topiaries and more at this special market.

Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria Ave. tulsaherbsociety.org/ visitor-calendar

Christmas on the Riverwalk

This 3rd annual event will feature a Santa Claus photo booth, live Christmas music, great vendors and even hot chocolate and fondue samples from The Melting Pot. Jenks Riverwalk, 300 Riverwalk Terrace, Jenks jenksriverwalk.com

Darnaby Arts and Crafts Show

Celebrate the season with over 180 hand-selected vendors showcasing incredible local craftsmanship — perfect for finding those one-ofa-kind holiday gifts!

UMAC Tulsa, 6836 S. Mingo Road facebook.com/darnabyartsandcrafts

Holiday Artisan Market

Shop for the perfect gift while listening to festive bluegrass tunes by the T-Town Irregulars.

Chimera, 214 N. Main St. chimeratulsa.com

Jingle Bell Run

Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run! Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let’s jingle all the way toward a cure for arthritis.

River West Festival Park, 2100 S. Jackson Ave. events.arthritis.org/jbrtulsa

Philbrook Festival

Lights On at Utica Square

Sandi Patty:

Christmas Blessings

Five-time Grammy Award winner

Sandi Patty will be playing a Christmas concert that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, 701 S. Main St., Broken Arrow brokenarrowpac.com/spotlight

Yuletide Market

Join Tulsa Farmers’ Market for its annual holiday event that includes Santa meet-and-greets, caroling and more.

Tulsa Farmers’ Market, 1 S. Lewis Ave. tulsafarmersmarket.org

Dec. 7

Princess Holiday Ball

Enjoy enchanting singalong performances and meet all your favorite princesses in their holiday gowns. Mayo Hotel, 115 W. Fifth St. facebook.com/ characterconnectiontulsa

Sensory Sensitive Santa Meet and Greet

This sensory-friendly gathering provides a safe and welcoming way to enjoy the magic of Christmas. Arts at 302, 302 S. Main St., Broken Arrow arts302.com/events

Dec. 7-21

“The Nutcracker”

Tulsa Ballet’s version of “The Nutcracker” includes nods to the original story and special elements designed specifically for Tulsans. Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 101 E. Second St. S. tulsaballet.org

Dec. 9

Grady Nichols Christmas Show

This tradition returns and will feature Grady Nichols, Andy Chrisman, Kelly Ford and Alaska Rayne, along with a 12-person cast of Tulsa’s finest musical talent — complete with a full band and more. Mabee Center, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. mabeecenter.com

Dec. 10

Tulsa Festival Ringers with The Tulsa Carolers

Tulsa Festival Ringers will collaborate with The Tulsa Carolers for a performance of holiday tunes while dressed in Dickensian costume.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St. S. tulsapac.com

Dec. 12

Ok So Tulsa Story Slam: Holiday Disasters

At this story slam, speakers must follow the prompt of “Holiday Disasters” when telling their story, so be ready for family drama, mayhem and so much more at this lighthearted holiday event.

Living Arts of Tulsa, 307 E. Reconciliation Way oksotulsa.com

Dec. 12-13

Christmas in Tulsa

The Signature Symphony is joined by voices of the Tulsa Opera Signature Chorale, guest vocalist Andra Pantelimon and the 2025 Tulsa Sings! winner to engage in some holiday hoopla.

TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center, 10300 E. 81st St. signaturesymphony.org

Dec. 13

A Very Vintage Christmas Parade

Attendees are encouraged to dress up for this vintage-themed parade! Downtown Sapulpa business.sapulpachamber.com/ events

Alternative Holiday Market

This isn’t your typical holiday fair! Explore a curated collection of dark art, macabre treasures and strange, unusual finds that can make for unique gifts this season.

Boman Twin Event Center, 2909 S. Sheridan Road, Suite B facebook.com/ whisperingwillowproductions

Owasso Christmas Parade

The theme for this year’s Owasso parade is “Christmas Memories.”

Smith Farm Marketplace, 9002 N. 121st E. Ave., Owasso cityofowasso.com/538/ Owasso-Christmas-Parade

Rudolph Run

Dress up and head out for the festive 5K or 1-mile Fun Run — both of which end in post-race treats and hot chocolate!

Fleet Feet, 303 S. Main St., Broken Arrow fleetfeet.com/s/tulsa

Sweets with Santa

Guests will enjoy animal chats, participate in crafts, story time and a photo op with Santa himself. Tulsa Zoo, 6421 E. 36th St. N. tulsazoo.org/santa

Tulsa Christmas Parade

Since 1926, the Tulsa Christmas Parade has entertained thousands of children and adults with its whimsical magic as it winds through downtown Tulsa. Downtown Tulsa tulsachristmasparade.org

Dec. 14

Seventh Night Hanukkiah Lighting

Gather with the congregation of Temple Israel at Zarrow Pointe for a Hanukkiah lighting.

Zarrow Pointe, 2025 E. 71st St. templetulsa.com

Dec. 20

Candlelight: Christmas Special Enjoy holiday classics performed by a string quartet in a dreamy candlelit atmosphere as the German American Society Tulsa. German American Society Tulsa, 1429 Terrace Drive tulsa-theater.com/shows

Dec. 27

Global Gatherings: Holiday Edition

Come take part in a festive celebration of winter holidays and cultural traditions from around the world! Gathering Place, 2650 S. John Williams Way E. gatheringplace.org tp

Tulsa Christmas Parade

NOVEMBER 1986 The premiere issue of TulsaPeople took the opportunity to speak to Mayor Dick Crawford, NORDAM CEO Ray H. Siegfried II, Philbrook Museum of Art Executive Director Marcia Manhart and Tulsa Chamber executive Rick Weddle about the positive ongoing development in the local economy. They were featured on the cover and were four of many voices for the cover article.

Topics discussed included Tulsans’ united response to a recent flood that had wreaked havoc on neighborhoods along the Arkansas River. The prestige of Tulsa being the Oil Capitol of the World was losing its luster. An incubator system for fostering entrepreneurial success was in discussion. Aviation and aerospace was solidifying its role in Tulsa’s economy.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

Discover our city’s history via TulsaPeople covers from the past four decades.

BY STAFF

As we kick off celebrating our 40th anniversary year this month and look ahead to Tulsa’s future, we’d also like to take a moment to step back in time and tell readers about our own story’s beginnings.

Upon returning to Oklahoma in early 1986 following a stint managing the advertising division of the National Newspaper Association in New York, Publisher Jim Langdon noticed that Tulsa had no city magazine like most other American cities of its size — one created to serve Tulsans interested in enhanced coverage of local arts, business, culture and philanthropy scenes. Langdon and his wife Juley Roffers (a practicing attorney at the time) immersed themselves in planning such a magazine that would celebrate Tulsa and the Tulsa people who were making the city a truly special place to live, work and play.

Utilizing a network strengthened by his heritage as the son of a community newspaper publisher in Oklahoma, and his days studying journalism at the University of Oklahoma, Langdon was able to secure support from across the state to fill this reporting gap in Tulsa.

From his early career in advertising sales, Landgon knew that the lifeblood of any publication is advertising. And he also knew the first person to contact for potential support of a city magazine in Tulsa: Harold Powell, owner of Harold’s Stores, Inc., the clothing store chain founded in Norman that operated two of its eight stores in Tulsa — one in Utica Square and a second in The Farm Shopping Center. Knowing Powell from his days in Norman, Langdon reached out to him to seek a meeting in Norman to explore the idea of expanding Tulsa’s media landscape.

Not only did Powell immediately commit to being an anchor advertiser in TulsaPeople, he offered to pay the cost of Harold’s first year of advertising in advance. He also volunteered to connect Langdon with other key retailers in Tulsa at the time: George, Bob and Don Renberg of Renberg’s Department Stores, Bill Fisher of Miss Jackson’s and Hans Helmerich representing Utica Square Shopping Center.

Additionally, Powell offered to come to Tulsa to participate in meetings with those key advertising prospects. In those meetings, each of the local retailers offered to support the idea of TulsaPeople with first-year advertising contracts. The support enabled the young publisher to hire a small, talented team to create the first issue, including selling ad contracts to other Tulsa stores and businesses going forward.

Those initial advertisers included Judy and Bill Castleberry’s Ethan Allen furniture store. The store’s opening in Tulsa coincided with the first issue of TulsaPeople published in November of 1986, and the Castleberrys continued to advertise in every consecutive issue of the monthly magazine until the store’s closing when the Castleberrys retired from business in 2018.

Langdon credits the teams of talented professionals working on TulsaPeople over the years with the publication’s overall success, which includes receiving 254 journalism awards.

JANUARY 1988 Pat Gordon has been featured on three TulsaPeople covers: January 1988, January 1993 and July 2002.

After living in New York City for almost 10 years, he returned to Tulsa to a home in Maple Ridge where he continues to paint today. Celebrated for his still life, Gordon is also known for his commissions and serials, including the “Men in Evening Gowns” series.

Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, currently has a retrospective of Gordon’s work. “Wall Flowers: Patrick Gordon Paintings” is on display through Jan. 3 and features more than 50 paintings spanning the artist’s five-decade career.

JULY 1988 Robert LaFortune was featured in July 1988 because of his business and philanthropic contributions to Tulsa, which are many. After serving three terms as city commissioner and four terms as mayor, LaFortune retired from politics in 1978 to spend time with his family and focus on his private business and civic affairs.

Before his death in 2024, he was managing his family’s trust while also doing a considerable amount of volunteer work. He served on the boards of Bank of Oklahoma, Philbrook Museum of Art, Ascension St. John Health System, Tulsa Performing Arts Center and his greatest pride, the Tulsa Library Trust. In 2013, LaFortune spearheaded the fund drive for Central Library’s renovations. He raised $30 million in private gifts in one year; public funds added $25 million more.

His family’s civic legacy lives on. His nephew, Bill LaFortune, served Tulsa as mayor from 2002-2006 and is now a district judge serving Tulsa County. His grandson, G.T. Bynum, served eight years on the city council before becoming a two-term mayor, leaving public office in 2024.

OCTOBER

1993 Tulsa native

John Starks was in his third season with the New York Knicks in 1993. His cover feature detailed one of the most famous plays in the Knicks’ history: his dunk in the last minute of New York’s win over Chicago in game two of that year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

In 1994 he established the John Starks Foundation to help New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Tulsa students attend college. He is now the Knicks’ alumni relations and fan development advisor.

NOVEMEBER 1993

When Otto Duecker’s cover hit newsstands in 1993, the photorealism school of painting was booming. Part of that school, Duecker’s paintings made the viewer feel as if he or she could snatch a piece of fruit off the canvas and eat it. Duecker found his niche and has had a remarkable career as a painter. Recent series include paintings of famous photographs, cut flowers, glassware and playful paraphernalia. You can find his works for sale locally at M.A. Doran Gallery. Commissions are also available upon request.

OCTOBER 1995 Along with overviewing her film career, the October 1995 cover feature spotlighted Peggy Helmerich’s charitable contributions to Tulsa, most notably her push to endow the Tulsa Library Trust. The article was published in advance of the trust’s 10th anniversary of the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award.

Today, at age 97, Helmerich remains involved in the yearlong planning of her namesake gala, now in its 40th year. (Read more about the event on p. 8.)

In 2015, Helmerich saw the completion of a new $1.6 million Peggy Helmerich Horticulture Center at Woodward Park’s Linnaeus Teaching Gardens — a vision she shared with late husband Walt. Her devotion to the performing arts and longtime support of Tulsa Opera is a major reason the company continues to stand as a leader in Oklahoma’s arts scene, according to past board president Steve Walton. Helmerich was inducted into Tulsa Opera’s Hall of Fame in 2023.

JULY 1994 Aubyn Howe’s extensive volunteerism and fundraising expertise for myriad local causes and nonprofits was celebrated with a cover feature in 1994.

After retirement, Howe and her husband Bob left Tulsa and retired to the Midwest. In 2009, Howe served as president of the alumni association at the University of Texas in Houston — her alma mater. The avid traveler died in 2021.

MAY 1996 Bob Lawless was president of Texas Tech University when he took the helm at The University of Tulsa in 1996. Under Lawless’ leadership, TU achieved rankings in the “Top 100” national universities and “Top 50” private universities listed in the U.S. News and World Report. He established the Vision of Excellence plan and the Presidential Scholarship program, which improved TU’s academic stature, increased faculty salaries and grew TU’s recognition on a national scale. He also expanded the campus footprint with state-of-the-art facilities additions including the Donald W. Reynolds Center and the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex.

Lawless and wife Marcy moved back to Lubbock, Texas, five years after his retirement from TU in 2009. He remained steadfast in his support of higher education, working until he was 80 as a consultant assisting universities in finding candidates to fill senior positions. Lawless died in 2024.

JANUARY 1997 In January 1997, TulsaPeople kicked off the city’s centennial by highlighting the individuals working behind the scenes. Sharon King Davis was chairwoman of the Tulsa Centennial Steering Committee, leading the way through four major celebratory events.

Susan Savage was mayor at the time and championed King Davis’ efforts in the story. “Sharon is the driving force behind the celebration, and the one helping to pull a myriad of people’s talents together,” she said.

Steve Turnbo served as chairman of the kickoff celebration on Jan. 18, 1997, which began with the relighting of the Council Oak ceremonial fire by the Muscogee Nation and encompassed nine birthday parties thrown throughout the city.

King Davis was also behind 2007’s “Tulsarama,” which included raising the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Time Capsule. “It was the most unique, worldwide and exciting event that I have ever worked on,” she said in 2016.

King Davis still works for her family’s real estate business, King Investments, and continues her involvement on the boards for local organizations like Tulsa Leadership Vision and the Family Safety Center.

Savage, mayor from 1992-2002, served as Oklahoma’s secretary of state from 2003-2011. Today she is CEO of Morton Comprehensive Health Services.

Turnbo, co-founder of Tulsa public relations firm Schnake Turnbo Frank, remained active in the firm until his death in 2023. He was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame one year prior.

AUGUST 1998 In promotion of the Greenwood Jazz Festival where he was performing, saxophonist Grady Nichols was featured on the August 1998 cover.

The cover helped him meet his wife.

“My neighbors at the time set me up on a blind date. As many people know, blind dates don’t always turn out too well, but after seeing her picture, I figured I’d take a shot. Turns out, she had picked up and read the article about me in TulsaPeople before we met,” Nichols wrote in our October 2011 issue. “So, in a way, I owe TulsaPeople for helping convince my future wife to go out with me in the first place.”

Nichols continues to perform solo and with his band at performances across the region. Catch him in concert at multiple venues this month including Nov. 27 at Utica Square’s Lights On holiday tradition.

MARCH 1999 Gailard Sartain was one of several Tulsans achieving success in Hollywood who spoke with TulsaPeople for this 1999 feature. Sartain, well known for his role in the local late-night program “Mazeppa,” had also appeared in the long-running TV show “Hee-Haw” and several movies, including “The Outsiders,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Fried Green Tomatoes” and “The Buddy Holly Story.”

The cover featured an image of Sartain from the soon-to-bereleased movie “Existo,” in which he played a drag queen.

Sartain kept busy in the early 2000s, appearing in films such as “The Replacements,” “The Round and Round” and “Elizabethtown.” Also a talented illustrator, Sartain designed Mayfest’s 2001 poster. He remained in Tulsa until his death this past June.

JULY 2000 Publisher Jim Langdon and then-Editor Missy Kruse enlisted the help of local author and historian Hannibal Johnson for a three-part series to tell the story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — a shameful time in Tulsa’s history that many preferred not to discuss. Younger Tulsans often knew nothing of the incident. Johnson’s articles recounted those awful days and the aftermath, as residents and entrepreneurs of the most successful African American business district rebuilt.

Twenty-one years later, the city, state and nation marked the massacre’s centennial with commemorative events and dedications including the opening of Greenwood Rising and the Pathway to Hope.

JULY 2001

There had long been suspicion that prominent Tulsa businessman Roger Wheeler had been killed in 1981 by individuals associated with the Winter Hill gang, a Boston crime syndicate.

Upon the 20th anniversary of Wheeler’s death, Langdon contacted an editor with Boston Magazine to find a Boston writer who could tell the story of this gang and its alleged role in Wheeler’s death. Writer Ralph Ranalli was writing a book on Winter Hill and agreed to do a summarized version of the gang’s history, activity and the ongoing hunt for various members including Whitey Bulger

Simultaneously, TulsaPeople Kruse interviewed Tulsa Police Department Sgt. Mike Huff because he had pursued the Wheeler murder since the day it happened.

TulsaPeople was awarded first place in the feature story category by the City and Regional Magazine Association in 2002. The judges commented, “This fascinating piece is a feature with an edge that skillfully retraces a homicide case that shows the impact of a high-profile scandal in New England on an Oklahoma family.”

Huff retired from TPD on May 27, 2011, 30 years to the day of Wheeler’s murder in the Southern Hills Country Club parking lot. In a July 2020 TulsaPeople article, Huff said, “That case — I don’t want to say it defined me — plagued me for 30 years,” said Huff, who was at the crime scene 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.”

JANUARY 2002 If any Tulsan personifies the adage, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” it’s George Kaiser, named TulsaPeople’s Tulsan of the Year in 2002. The native Tulsan is chairman and majority shareholder of BOK Financial Corp. and president/CEO and primary owner of GBK Corp. — the parent company of the family business Kaiser-Francis Oil — which he took over in 1969 and expanded into banking, real estate and alternative energy. Today he’s No. 182 on Forbes’ Richest People in the World List. Fortunately for Tulsa, Kaiser has made his hometown a recipient of this generous giving through the locally-based George Kaiser Family Foundation, which promotes early childhood education and community health, and helps fight generational poverty. He also led the establishment of the Tulsa Community Foundation, one of the nation’s largest community foundations, which manages over $6 billion in assets. He spearheaded the financial commitment to Gathering Place, which opened as a 66.5-acre park in 2018.

MAY 2003 Kathy Taylor and Susan Savage joined Gov. Brad Henry’s cabinet in 2003 as secretary of commerce and tourism, and secretary of state, respectively.

Taylor was elected Tulsa’s mayor and served from 2006-2009, then returned to Henry’s cabinet as chief of education strategy and innovation, and spent a semester as a Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She continues the work of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, which she started with husband Bill Lobeck in 1997. From 2021-2024 she was dean for The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business.

After eight years as secretary of state, Savage taught for three years at the University of Oklahoma’s College of International Studies, where she created an international leadership development program. Today as CEO of Morton Comprehensive Health Services, Savage confronts the challenges of Oklahomans’ access to health care.

APRIL 2004 A feature about Tulsans making it in New York had to include actor Tim Blake Nelson, a Holland Hall graduate who attended Brown University and the Juilliard School. After 2000’s “O Brother, Where Art Thou” Nelson’s film repertoire has included everything from “The Incredible Hulk” and “Lincoln” to “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “Watchmen,” which is set in an alternate Tulsa. Nelson portrays Dale Washberg in the FX series “The Lowdown,” which filmed in Tulsa and premiered this past September.

JUNE 2004 In June 2004, Tulsa had just hosted the International Route 66 Festival, of which Michael Wallis served as its honorary co-chair. He had just finished voice work for the sheriff of Radiator Springs on the yet-tobe-released “Cars.”

Following the success of “Cars,” Wallis lent his talents to its sequels and Cars Land, a 12acre park next to Disneyland. Since 2004, Wallis has authored 17 books including his most recent release, “Belle Starr: The truth behind the Wild West Legend.”

OCTOBER 2004 Best known for her first novel “The Outsiders,” S.E. Hinton released her first adult novel, “Hawke’s Harbor,” in 2004.

The Tulsa Voice interviewed her in July 2016 about the making of “The Outsiders.” “I am very happy the books are famous,” she said. “I never have wanted to be famous myself. When I wake up in the morning I think, ‘Is the coffee ready?’ not, ‘Wow, I’m S.E. Hinton.’”

Since the release of that feature story, many happenings have taken place surrounding her 1967 novel. In 2019 musician Danny Boy O’Connor opened The Outsiders House Museum, which celebrates the book and film. Hinton donated several of the items on display.

In 2024 “The Outsiders: A New Musical” debuted on Broadway and was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical that year. Last month, the production began its North American tour with a weeklong string of performances at Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

SEPTEMBER 2004

Leanne Taylor’s striking 2004 cover and feature discussed her successful treatment of breast cancer, perseverance through its challenges — such as losing her hair — and how she fought cancer with humor and perspective.

“Every day is still a gift,” Taylor says. Green Country residents continue to see her as anchor of the News on 6 morning show. Among other community involvement, Taylor is on the Komen Tulsa Board of Directors and participates in the annual Komen Race for the Cure.

DECEMBER 2004 While on assignment in 2004 in Sadr City, Iraq, the World Picture News photojournalist Paul Taggart was ambushed, kidnapped and held hostage by insurgents for three days. The Booker T. Washington High School graduate’s earlier work took him to Africa to document the malaria epidemic and the effects of HIV. In Cuba, he documented the lives and treatment of transsexual prostitutes.

Taggart’s assignments have allowed him to document the Russian invasion and refugee crisis in Georgia, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, illegal whaling in Antarctica, the suicide bombing of Benazir Bhutto’s motorcade in Pakistan and many more world events. In early 2006, he moved to Beirut, Lebanon, and covered a number of assignments in the region.

With a wife, three children and a home in Pennsylvania, he now opts for less dangerous assignments, including photographing mountain gorillas and the rangers that protect them in the Congo.

OCTOBER 2005 In 2005, Yevgeny Yevtushenko celebrated his 12th year on The University of Tulsa faculty, as well as his 72nd birthday. He also was busy preparing to perform a reading of his most famous work, “Babi Yar,” while accompanied by Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 13.”

During his tenure at TU, he completed a 1,000-page anthology of work by Russian poets, many of whom were fighting state censorship before and after the October Revolution.

In 2015, Yevtushenko organized a 12,000-mile tour on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, performing 28 poetry readings over 40 days. “All the halls were overcrowded,” he remembered in 2016. “The final concert was in Moscow Sports Palace before the presence of 7,000 faithful admirers of poetry.”

In October 2016, the prolific writer began a new project, a daily radio reading from an unpublished, 500-page novel. He died in 2017.

MARCH 2006 Carlton Pearson was the influential leader of the 5,000-member Higher Dimensions church who developed a belief in universal salvation, was deemed a heretic by his denomination’s leadership and lost his church. His decision garnered national attention; his remaining congregants met temporarily at Trinity Episcopal Church. Despite the fallout, Pearson felt the worst was behind him and was excited to start a new chapter.

In 2008, New Dimensions merged with the congregation at All Souls Unitarian Church where he served as an adjunct minister for several years. “Come Sunday,” a motion picture reflecting on the life of Pearson and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, debuted in 2014. He died in Tulsa in 2023.

MAY 2007 In this edition, national sports entertainer Myron Noodleman (Rick Hader) served as a tour guide of summer fun, hilariously illustrating several of TulsaPeople’s 97 ways to enjoy summer in T-Town. What started as a shtick in 1981 to win costume contests had by then become a full-blown career for Hader, who began marketing the character as ballpark entertainment. He spent more than two decades as Myron — whom Hader perfected at Tulsa Drillers games — entertaining crowds at minor league baseball games internationally. Even though he was a professional entertainer, Hader returned to Union High School to teach math. “I have the best summer job of any teacher,” Hader said in 2016. He died in 2017 due to complications from sinus cancer.

AUGUST 2007 When professional golfer Bo Van Pelt gave TulsaPeople a peek into a week of his life, he had been playing six years on the PGA Tour and three years on the Nationwide Tour. TulsaPeople readers were taken along for the ride as Van Pelt traveled to the Crowne Plaza Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.

Today, Van Pelt, 50, and his wife, Carrie, live in Jenks with their children Olivia, Trace and Crew. The Van Pelts co-own South County, a gymnastics and cheer studio. Van Pelt still plays on the Legends Tour and won the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in Scotland earlier this year.

NOVEMBER 2007 Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee) first appeared on the September 2007 cover of TulsaPeople at the age of 27 when he received critical success for his first feature, “Four Sheets to the Wind.” He and partner Chad Burris shot the film, a coming-of-age tale, in their native Oklahoma. The film screened at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won acclaim for its universal themes and unique style.

Since 2007, his resume includes films “Barking Water,” “Mekko” and “Rez Ball.” In 2021, the dark comedy “Reservation Dogs” debuted on FX, telling the story of four teenagers growing up on a reservation in Oklahoma. With it he rewrote the Hollywood playbook with an authentic Native story and the first scripted network television series to film the entirety of its season in Oklahoma. TulsaPeople named Harjo its 2022 Tulsan of the Year. “That’s the ultimate praise,” Harjo said in his second TulsaPeople cover feature. “If you can make people at home proud, then you really did something good. I didn’t leave here. I’ve only tried my best to bring the work here. We’ve brought a lot of money into town. It just feels really good to be recognized. I’m very proud to be Tulsan of the Year. It’s awesome.”

Harjo’s latest project debuted in September. “The Lowdown,” also on FX, was shot in Tulsa earlier this year and stars Ethan Hawke, Keith David, native Tulsans Jeanne Tripplehorn and Tim Blake Nelson, and many others.

FEBRUARY 2007 Rick and Kathy Clarke featured in February 2007 because of their passion for adopting children.

At that time, the couple had nine children, with seven living at home. Some were adopted from Tulsa foster care and others from Russia, Liberia and Ethiopia.

Since the story, the family has experienced tragedy. Rick, an attorney and former judge who specialized in adoptions, died in 2009 after struggling in the hospital for eight months following kidney and pancreas transplants.

To make ends meet financially, Kathy went back to work in the administrative office at Wilson Middle School, where she met a 14-year-old student in foster care who eventually became the first child Kathy adopted without Rick.

“This (adoption) is the road that Rick and I started down,” she says. “It’s still what was in our heart and what was in his heart.”

FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER

2008

This four-part series profiled the North, South, East and West of Tulsa, each corresponding issue delving deep into our city’s unquestionably diverse areas.

The introduction to the series in the February 2008 issue reads: “Each part of Tulsa has its own character and culture. But how much is myth? How much is truth? In this 2008 series, you are invited on a journey outside your chosen home base to explore the rest of our city. Our mission: eliminate some stereotypes, create a dialogue and shed some light on the lives of our fellow citizens.”

“360 Degrees of Tulsa: North, South, East, West” highlighted the character of each of these areas of town, as well as the history and current developments shaping them. Each segment also highlighted a set of residents from the area, describing their work and home lives and why they love their part of the city.

To kick off the series in February we featured Quan Do, an employee at Nam-Hai Asian grocery store near 21st Street and Garnett Road. The August issue featured north Tulsa resident Quincy Edwards who founded Operation DIPP, a youth enrichment program. As the P.E. teacher at Central Middle School, Edwards continues his work teaching leadership principals and the value of integrity to students; this past May he was formally recognized by the Oklahoma State Legislature for his ongoing contributions to empowering Tulsa’s youth. reinvention.

JANUARY 2011 As president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Mike Neal’s days had kept him running back then, and they still do. As Tulsan of the Year in 2011, our cover photo depicted that speed with a superhero spin.

Neal’s organization represents more than 2,500 member organizations. Since 2011, Neal has remained the head of the 120-year-old organization. For the fourth time, Tulsa Regional Chamber was named Best Chamber by the Association of Chamber Commerce Executives in 2020.

SEPTEMBER 2011 Writer Jim Edwards met with legendary musician Leon Russell to reflect on his move back to Tulsa in 1972. During the interview they hit all the high notes: his momentous solo career; his influence on J.J. Cale, Elton John and many more; sessions at his Church Studio; Shelter Records; and his mansion in Maple Ridge. Earlier that year Russell had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was slated to play 19 tour dates with Bob Dylan

The Church Studio was purchased in 2016 by Teresa Knox, who spearheaded a massive renovation that concluded in 2022, opening the historic site for tours, recording sessions, gatherings, music events and more.

In 2016 Russell experienced serious heart problems and underwent bypass surgery in July of that year. He died later that year in Nashville, Tennessee, and is buried in Tulsa’s Memorial Park Cemetery. Russell became a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2022.

SEPTEMBER 2018 Like everyone else, we had been anticipating the opening of Gathering Place in September 2018. However, with our business, we’re forced to think months in advance. And since all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and many in the nation were also going to be covering this park’s opening, we wanted to do something to uniquely capture the magic.

“When discussing how to present Gathering Place, we wanted it to be iconic and communal, and acknowledge that art is important to both the George Kaiser Family Foundation and Tulsa,” TulsaPeople Creative Director Madeline Crawford says. “We wanted to show that Gathering Place isn’t just a park, but a backdrop for Tulsans to celebrate and really live in.”

We presented this concept to Gathering Place officials: Assign a local artist to create a piece based on an iconic Gathering Place site. They loved the concept. But who would paint it on such a short deadline?

“Tulsa is full of top-notch artists, particularly painters,” Crawford says. “Tommy Lee Ball was our top choice because his landscapes of Tulsa are special. His use of light, color and detail showcase Tulsa in a beautiful, magical way.”

Luckily, Ball agreed to the project.

After a site visit in July it was decided that a vantage point looking upon the building with Peggy’s Pond, the dock and overlook in the foreground would make the perfect setting.

Gathering Place folks arranged for us to have stand-ins on the building’s deck, dock and in a roving kayak. Lucky for them, Aug. 5 came with an unexpected cool front.

Ball arrived with a nearly completed piece measuring 30-by-40 inches and an assistant, Barrett Hird, who was the unsung hero of the morning. Hird was a human easel and sat, out of the camera angle, behind Ball’s plywood work board. After we moved Ball’s setup a few feet left of the original setting, Hird used a giant 2-by-4 to keep a branch out of photographer Michelle Pollard’s frame. He also saved the artwork as the sprinklers unexpectedly started.

Ball was an absolute dream to work with and finished the painting less than a week after our shoot. The original painting now hangs in Gathering Place’s ONEOK Boathouse..

MARCH 2015 For the 2015 downtown issue

TulsaPeople took on a concept never-before-seen in the pages of the magazine. Downtown development was and continues to inspire many, but also leaves many asking, “What’s next?” Three buildings in downtown at that time particularly piqued our interest based on their location and potential, so we enlisted the help of Kinslow, Keith and Todd (who rebranded to KKT Architects, which is now Ethos Architects), Selser Schaefer Architects and KSQ Architects to reimagine the buildings.

On the cover, KSQ Architect’s concept transformed the former OTASCO store at 201 E. Second St. into a five-story Artist Repertory Tulsa, with a performance space and units for artists to live and work. Today the site is home to a multi-story building that houses The Brook restaurant on its second story.

FEBRUARY 2017 For this food feature, writer Natalie Mikles interviewed representatives from Polo Grill, 3 Sirens Restaurant Group, French Hen, Palace Cafe (which closed at the end of 2023; the space is now home to Ava June) and Sushi Hana about the beauty of food and the importance of plating, while showcasing a photogenic dish that easily whets diners’ appetites. The Golden Mango roll at Sushi Hana made the cover — vivid yellow mango slices drizzled with golden sauce sit atop a roll featuring shrimp tempura and crab meat.

With sushi, owner Kenny Chan works to make each piece or roll have its own look. “It’s like a song. I like to use different beats,” he said in the 2017 article.

Sushi Hana’s Brookside location, 3739 S. Peoria Ave., is still a great spot for creative rolls and plenty of Asian fusion dishes. Its patio is a favorite, too.

JANUARY 2017 The annual MVP Foundation Manhood Summit was founded in 2012 by Tulsa attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons. When Solomon-Simmons was named Tulsan of the Year in 2017 for his efforts to give back to young Black men from single-mom households, 200 students were attending the summit that provided one-on-one mentoring and life skills lessons like shaking hands and tying a tie.

Along with being an advocate for young men, Solomon-Simmons continues to advocate for his north Tulsa community. He founded Justice for Greenwood — a network of volunteers, attorneys, academics, experts and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and descendants who are fighting for reparations. Solomon-Simmons advocated for the Department of Justice to open a federal review into the Tulsa Race Massacre that began in 2024.

NOVEMBER 2018 For a special Pet Issue in 2018, our cover featured some of Tulsa’s most photographed and famous animals, the iconic Philbrook cats.

At the time, three felines — Perilla, Acer and Cleome — roamed the grounds to keep pests away, “but thanks to social media, the cats’ popularity has really blossomed,” said Sheila Kanotz, Philbrook’s director of horticulture, in the article.

This fame encouraged the museum to host a Cat Video Festival for several years, and sell Philbrook cat collectibles in the museum shop.

For the cover, we literally rolled out the red carpet from the museum’s iconic tempietto for these critters.

Acer and Perilla retired from garden duties in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and eventually crossed the rainbow bridge. Cleome is still on patrol, but is a bit shy.

Greenwood’s Reckoning

MAY 2021 In March 2021, TulsaPeople embarked on a three-part series to showcase the resilience of Greenwood after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the perils involved with “urban renewal” and how the city and community are reckoning with actions of the past.

In May 2021, eyes across the city — and nation — focused on the centennial. Our feature looked at how the city and its people explored the consequences of the destruction. Then-City Editor Morgan Phillips spoke to James Kavin Ross, a local historian who investigated possible burial sites. He served as chairman of the 1921 Graves Public Oversight Committee. Upon his death in 2023, the City renamed the stretch of 11th Street in front of Oaklawn Cemetery to J Kavin Ross Drive as recognition to his tireless dedication.

Phillips and videographer Greg Bollinger also collaborated with Brenda Nails Alford, a descendent of Greenwood business owners, for an in-depth video project to tell her family’s story.

The cover art was from artist Aunj Braggs, then a member of Black Moon Collective, a group of Black creatives in Tulsa. “Inseparable” provided a modern-day perspective to its companion piece, “Resilience.” Both works were part of Philbrook Museum’s “From the Limitation of Now” exhibition.

JANUARY 2023 “When we bought Cain’s, we just wanted to fix it up enough so we could open it,” said Alice Rodgers in a 2022 interview. Her family — including sons Chad and Hunter, and then-husband Jim — purchased the historic music venue in 2002. Over the decades it had been a garage, dance academy and Western Swing hall, and music venue. New paint, doors, plumbing and ventilation were among the much-needed repairs, which also included installing major upgrades like sprinklers and a fire alarm.

When TulsaPeople decided to name the Rodgers family Tulsans of the Year in 2023, it marked 20 years of their ownership of Cain’s Ballroom. Since the cover feature, Jim, a neurosurgery specialist, died in 2023. Cain’s went on to celebrate its centennial in 2024 with months of celebrations and special events. Special concerts by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Jason Isbell and Hanson were held in 2024.

Later that year, TulsaPeople’s then-Features Editor Tim Landes coordinated a centennial section in the December issue featuring an in-depth interview with former owner Larry Shaeffer and other integral Cain’s staff, as well as a special photography exhibition featuring the work of Richard Galbraith and Phil Clarkin that was hosted at OKPOP.

NOVEMBER 2022 No cover star has swooned our staff like Winston. Handler Perry Payson was interviewed for the November 2022 article a few months after the Frenchie won Best of Breed, first in the Non-Sporting Group and Reserve Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

The same month of Winston’s cover, he won the National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and broadcast on Thanksgiving Day.

OCTOBER 2023 Downtown Tulsa will always be a favorite subject for TulsaPeople. We’re lucky to have a drone pilot and photographer in Greg Bollinger. His expertise shines in photos like the one on our October 2023 cover — our annual downtown issue.

The energy of a Tulsa Drillers game on a beautiful summer evening captured one of the 44 ways we suggested readers explore downtown.

OCTOBER 2024 The October 2024 issue was the second time in the magazine’s history to publish a split cover (the other was March 2007’s four covers featuring Corey Williams, Amanda Ruyle, Micky Payne and Afeez Ologolo). October’s multiple covers presented two downtown stakeholders, Elliot Nelson and Jackie Price Johannsen

Photographed by Michelle Pollard, Nelson’s cover shot was taken outside Santa Fe Square, a project of Nelson’s Fishless Desert, a multidisciplinary real estate company. Santa Fe Square opened that fall with 184 apartments, a 700-space parking garage, commercial and office space.

As president of Price Family Properties, a family-run commercial real estate business, Johannsen had her portrait taken by then-Features Editor Tim Landes outside the company’s newest foray into downtown living: ARCO. Its 72 units — ranging in size from studio to four-bedroom — had recently opened in the historic building. tp

‘Inseparable’ by Aunj

Celebrate the magic of the Missouri Ozarks this winter with a visit to the Johnny Morris Foundation’s conservation attractions. Explore Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, discover seasonal adventures at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and take in holiday lights and sweeping views at Top of the Rock. Together, these world-class destinations create unforgettable family memories and inspire a love of the great outdoors.

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK

WONDERS OF WILDLIFE

LOST CANYON CAVE & NATURE TRAIL

ANCIENT OZARKS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK

Small Works, Great Wonders

Art lovers, take note — “Small Works, Great Wonders” returns Nov. 7 to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This signature art sale and exhibition features hundreds of small-scale paintings and sculptures by the nation’s top Western artists, all priced to take home that very night.

Can’t make it to the sale? No problem. Buyers can purchase by proxy, ensuring you never miss out on your favorite piece. After the sale, unsold works remain available through Nov. 30, both in person and online.

TulsaPeople readers should see this as more than a destination — it’s a rare chance to bring original art home, to invest in the artists who shape the West, and to engage with Oklahoma’s vibrant cultural scene. Be inspired and discover your next masterpiece — in miniature — at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

One Night Art Sale • November 7 Sale & Reservation Information swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Unable to Attend? • Proxy Information Contact proxy@thecowboy.org

Unsold artwork available to purchase through November 30. On Exhibit November 1 – 30

Billy Schenck, Vengeance Valley, Oil, 16 x 20 in.

Beat those winter blues

3 di erent destinations to escape the winter doldrums.

BY ANNE BROCKMAN

RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO

With the winter months, the need to get out of town comes on full force. Some need sun. Others need activities and new experiences. Some need a change of pace. These three destinations have all that and more.

In southcentral New Mexico, nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountains, sits the village of Ruidoso. It’s an area ideal for skiiers and outdoor adventurers with sweeping landscapes of mountains, sand dunes and deserts, or perfect for history buff s wanting to know more about the Mescalero Apache and Spanish legacies.

Ruidoso was named Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Take a stroll down its main shopping area and peruse its many art galleries in the area.

Head northeast to the town of Lincoln, a restored historic district, and walk the streets the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid did while learning the deadly story behind the Lincoln County War.

After a badly burned black bear cub was found following a 1950 forest fi re near the town of Capitan, he later became known as Smokey — an iconic symbol of the U.S. Forest Service. After living much of his life at a zoo in Washington, D.C., he was buried at what is now the Smokey Bear Historical Park. Check out the museum and pick up a Smokey souvenir.

Ruidoso has several microbreweries and wineries creating unique sips. Try Lost Hiker Brewing Co. with its midtown location and pet-friendly patio in the heart of the village shopping district. A fi re in 2024 followed by flooding the next year impacted infrastructure, but services have been restored to much of the area. Travelers should consider this mountain getaway in the winter as there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to experience.

Ruidoso, New Mexico

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Each year the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo welcomes more than 1 million visitors to the world’s original indoor rodeo. Held Jan. 16-Feb. 7 at Dickies Arena, the event hosts more than 31,000 entries and contestants from 40 states. Five specialty rodeos celebrate the heritage, diversity and excitement of the Western way of life. Dozens of musical acts perform throughout the multi-week event. Be sure to mark your calendar for the All-Western Parade on Jan. 18 where more than 2,000 horses will be joined by marching bands, floats and dignitaries for a truly Texas experience.

The West is celebrated across Fort Worth. Be sure to take a stroll through the Stockyards National Historic District. A twice-daily cattle drive of Longhorns happens at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. A great viewing spot is from the observation deck on East Exchange Avenue.

Before or after the drive, stroll through the numerous Western wear and tack shops. Both Fincher’s White Front and M.L. Leddy’s are fourth-generation shops where visitors can pick up everything from boots and hats to belts, buckles, clothing and more.

Fort Worth is also known for its impressive collection of fi ne art museums. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is hosting “Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of a Painting,” an exhibit organized by the National Portrait Gallery of London and dedicated to the work of one of the world’s foremost contemporary painters, through Jan. 18.

The Kimbell Art Museum is known for its permanent collection containing works from many of the art world’s masters — Rembrandt, Goya , Monet, Picasso and Matisse, just to name a few. It’s also home to Michaelangelo’s fi rst known painting. Its neighbor in the Cultural District is the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, which boasts an extensive collection of works by Remington and Russell. Be sure to stop in at the museum shop for a special shopping experience.

Texas’ warmer winter months makes catching a drive-in movie possible yearround. The Coyote Drive-In screens current and throwback fi lms, and hosts live music Friday and Saturday before the screenings.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Nothing quite outdoes the charm that is Charleston, which was settled by English colonists in 1670. Walk along the iconic Rainbow Row, a collection of colorful townhouses that date to the late 1700s. Meander

down King Street for shopping, galleries and restaurants while en route to The Battery (also known as White Point Garden) for picturesque views of Charleston Harbor. Book yourself a walking or carriage tour to dive into the history of this city.

Charleston is known as a city that foodies love. Try Husk, an award-winning restaurant that celebrates local farmers and purveyors with Southern fl avors and food traditions. For brunch try the shrimp and grits — a signature Charleston dish.

Founded in Charleston, Callie’s Biscuits has several grab-and-go eateries across the city. The tender, buttery biscuits are made by hand, and the pimento cheese sandwiches are legendary.

City Market is one of the nation’s oldest public markets and is Charleston’s most visited attraction. It features more than 300 businesses providing everything from prepared foods and original art to South Carolina-made products and services.

The world’s largest oyster festival hap-

pens Feb. 1 at Boone Hall Plantation. The 42nd Lowcountry Oyster Festival includes live music, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, kids’ activities and much more.

The Charleston Lowcountry region abounds with natural splendor. The Angel Oak Tree is one such example. On Johns Island sits an ancient Southern live oak that measures more than 66.5 feet high and 28 feet in circumference. Its age is debated, but many consider it somewhere around 400500 years old, making it one of the oldest living things in North America, predating the founding of Charleston itself.

The area is a wealth of history. Take a ferry to Fort Sumter and explore where the fi rst shots of the Civil War occurred. Open since 2023, the International African American Museum is located at Gadsden’s Wharf, a significant site during the transAtlantic slave trade in North America. Permanent exhibits explore pre-enslavement as well as the Lowcountry’s significance in the civil rights movement. tp

Above, Fort Worth Stockyards Station historic district decorated for Christmas. Below, White Point Garden in Charleston, South Carolina, surrounded by live oak trees.

At the dental office of Dr. Larry James, we believe your dental care should be more than just a check-up. It's about forming a relationship built on trust, comfort, and a shared goal: your happiest, healthiest smile.

From routine cleanings to a smile makeover, we offer a range of services: Family Dentistry, Preventive, Cosmetic and Restorative Procedures and Implants; utilizing advanced technology for a more comfortable visit.

Ready to love your smile again?

Let Us Help You Smile.

Larry F James DDS

918.665.0015 | www.FlossTulsa.com

5011 S Fulton Ave

Through your generosity, we can address senior hunger and loneliness.

Let’s ensure no one is left behind this holiday season. THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY SHOULD START WITH A SMILE.

(Near 51st & Yale, east side of Tandy YMCA)

Your gift delivers meals, companionship and care to homebound seniors. Please donate today.

‘One-stop shop’

Recent

expansion of Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa allows for additional services as they continue to

BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ

What started as a survey to assess health care needs for Tulsa’s Native American population 50 years ago has grown into the state-of-the-art Indian Health Care Resource Center complex serving more than 14,000 citizens of various tribes. CEO Carmelita Wamego Skeeter has been an instrumental part of IHCRC since its origins in 1976.

“We started at Eighth and Denver with a small half-day clinic — and now we serve thousands of tribal members throughout the state and beyond,” Skeeter says.

IHCRC is a nonprofit that operates as an urban, Native-serving health center independent of tribal and federal control. A board of trustees meets to determine issues of policy and governance.

redefi ne health care for Native Americans.

Spanning almost two city blocks at 112,000 square feet, the newly expanded IHCRC has added several new amenities including a fully equipped gym and physical therapy services. Th e expansion also included an enlarged pharmacy with fi ve drive-thru lanes, as well as a recently opened same-day clinic for acute illnesses.

Citizens of any federally recognized tribe are eligible for services if they present their CDIB card or tribal ID. IHCRC strives to provide consistency between patients and providers, meaning patients will have the same doctor, the same nurse and the same case manager every time they visit (with exception of staff absences/changes).

“We become their ‘medical home,’” Skeeter says. “Our one chart, one patient system allows for better quality health care, because all the providers have access

to the same information, and have a team approach to that patient’s care.”

IHCRC offers a range of services including medical, pediatrics, geriatrics, behavioral health, physical therapy, dental, optometry, and substance abuse treatment and prevention, with speech and occupational therapy services coming in 2026. Along with the fitness center and pharmacy, IHCRC also provides in-house services such as X-rays, mammograms and ultrasounds. Different kinds of health education and wellness programming are available for tribal members as well, including transportation, a running club, nutrition and cooking classes, and a youth program.

“We are a one-stop shop of integrated services,” Skeeter says. “Our goal is to empower (Native individuals) through exceptional health care.” tp

Indian Health Care Resource Center began in 1976 with a staff of four, which included current CEO Carmelita Wamego Skeeter. Today the newly expanded facility employs a staff of 170-and-counting to meet the needs of more than 14,000 tribal citizens.

A new level

Saint Francis Health System reaffirms commitment to community with recent Level 1 Trauma Center verification

The Saint Francis Health System was recently verified as a Level 1 Trauma Center through the American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma. This distinction is the result of years of collaboration and investment that have positioned Saint Francis to provide improved emergency response, comprehensive coverage and access to specialized physicians 24 hours a day, as well as additional educational and research opportunities through a partnership with the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority.

“This is about more than a title,” Saint Francis Hospital Trauma Medical Director Dr. Brock Goodwin says. “Level I verification means more lives saved, faster care and more resources for the most critically injured patients. It reflects decades of investment by Saint Francis and commitment to its community.”

Saint Francis’ unique public-private partnership with the OSU Medical Authority is designed to support the education of future physicians, ensuring the sustainability of their trauma program.

“Level I verification affirms that world-class trauma care is not reserved for the largest metropolitan areas,” says Dr. Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “It is available here in Tulsa, and it is built to grow and sustain for the future.” — STAFF REPORTS

How Ascension St. John achieved Level 1 Trauma Center status.

Achieving Level 1 Trauma Center status from the American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma — as Ascension St. John’s main campus did this past summer — is a noteworthy technical and educational achievement in the medical community, representing the gold standard in comprehensive trauma care.

For patients, this means access to the highest level of comprehensive trauma care available, according to Dr. Michael Charles , trauma medical director at Ascension St. John.

“Anything an injured patient needs to restore health, we can handle 24/7,” Charles says. “We have specialists available and on-call to handle any and all injuries without the need to transfer to another facility, including unusual things like oculo-plastics, reconstructive microvascular surgery and implantation services.”

Achieving ACS/COT Level 1 Trauma status has taken years of work.

The Trauma Center, which achieved ACS/COT Level 2 status in 2009, receives reviews from the ACS every three years. Though the 2022 review came after the center faced years of challenges with the COVID pandemic, staff and administrators agreed it was time to level up their services.

“We had a new administrative leadership that came on board and asked, ‘what would it take to make the trauma center a Level 1?’” Charles says.

In short, the answer was a yearslong effort by the entire trauma department. Though much of the project centered on improving staffing, equipment and other resources to ensure immediate treatment for all patients, the certification also required a significant boost to research and education, says Krista Norrid, trauma program manager at Ascension St. John. The result was a closer alignment with the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa’s School of Medicine.

“Now, all of our trauma surgeons are associate professors and teach the students and residents at the OU medical school,” Charles says.

The trauma center also now publishes numerous scholarly articles each year, helping push forward medical knowledge across the world.

In addition to growing from five trauma surgeons to seven, the trauma center has added performance improvement nurses, outreach nurses, trauma registrars and support staff who handle chart review and other administrative duties to ensure all patients get the care they need — from pre-hospital care, immediate stabilization, dedicated care and support after discharge if needed. The center’s team and physiatrists have established a closer relationship with Ascension St. John’s rehabilitation team, so that an in-house patient can immediately start physical therapy.

With the resources in place to handle just about any situation, from immediate trauma to cardiovascular and neurological care, Ascension St. John will not only be able to handle all local patients without turning them away, but also patients from across the region with traumas that their local hospitals can’t handle.

“St. John has been here for almost 100 years, and (achieving Level 1 Trauma status) just escalates us for another 100,” Charles says. — ROBERT EVATT

This past summer, Ascension St. John’s main campus earned Level 1 Trauma Center status from the American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma.

Drew Dozier, a nurse technician at Saint Francis, participates in a live trauma drill with a high-fidelity simulation robot patient.

SELECTION PROCESS (METHODOLOGY) “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

This is the question topDentists™ asked thousands of dentists to help determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with other dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in Oklahoma. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, topDentists™ remains confident that their polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

DISCLAIMER This list is excerpted from 2025 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for almost 80 dentists and specialists in the Tulsa metro area. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2012-2025 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

ENDODONTICS

Christopher C. DeLong

Owasso Endodontics 12899 E. 76th St. N., Suite 108 Owasso, OK 918-272-2488 owassoendo.com

Eugenia M. Johnson

Green Country Endodontics 10507 E. 91st St., Suite 340 918-994-6000 greencountryendodontics.com

Michael J. Kubelka Kubelka Endodontics

4606 E. 67th St., Building 7 Suite 201 918-494-4144 kubelkaendodontics.com

Zack S. Ritter

Tulsa Endodontics Associates 2250 E. 49th St. 918-481-6622 rootcanaltulsa.com

Amy E. Stone

Tulsa Endodontic Associates 2250 E. 49th St. 918-481-6622 rootcanalstulsa.com

Michael Strand

Broken Arrow Endodontics 4420 W. Houston St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-615-3600 brokenarrowendo.com

Byron N. Tucker

Endodontic Specialists of Northeast Oklahoma 5555 E. 71st St., Building 9 Suite 210 918-524-3366 esneok.com

Kent H. Wyatt

Endodontic Specialists of Northeast Oklahoma 5555 E. 71st St., Building 9 Suite 210 918-524-3366 esneok.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Bonnie L. Arnould

Arnould Dental 7311 S. Lewis Ave. 918-496-3377 drarnould.com

Forrest L. Arnould

Arnould Dental

7311 S. Lewis Ave. 918-496-3377 drarnould.com

Benson L. Baty

7335 S. Lewis Ave., Suite 206 918-496-1051 tulsadentalgroup.com

Seth Bingham

Bingham and Howarth Family Dentistry

6565 S. Yale Ave., Suite 1100 918-481-4925 binghamandhowarth.com

Melissa Bowler

Collinsville Family Dentistry 1310 W. Main St. Collinsville, OK 918-371-3774 bowlerdds.com

Charles W. Calhoun 10016 S. Mingo Road, Suite B 918-250-8861 calhoundds.com

Carolyn M. Caudle 401 S. Boston Ave., Suite 1800 918-582-3877

Walter M. Davies III Progressive Dental Care of Tulsa 7614 E. 91st St., Suite 120 918-212-5834 dentalcareoftulsa.com

Michael Engelbrecht III 6565 S. Yale Ave., Suite 1104 918-492-9420 brightsmilesoftulsa.com

Deboria F. Gill Gill Family and Laser Dentistry 6141 E. 91st St. 918-747-4444 gilldentistry.com

Daniel Gri ths Midtown Dentistry 3345 S. Harvard Ave. Suite 102 918-743-8539 tulsamidtowndentistry.com

Robert A. Gruenberg 133 W. Blue Starr Drive Claremore, OK 918-342-3477

Lori Hare

Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry

201 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. Claremore, OK 918-343-4300 thehealthysmiles.com

Meghan Hodges élan by Dr. Meghan Hodges 10031 S. Yale Ave., Suite 104 918-528-7486 tulsadentalcare.com

Bruce D. Horn 7990 S. Sheridan Road 918-492-9090 brucehorndds.com

Kevin Howarth Bingham and Howarth Family Dentistry 6565 S. Yale Ave. 918-481-4925 binghamandhowarth.com

David E. Jump

Cherry Street Family Dentistry 2105 E. 15th St. 918-742-2888 cherrystreetdentistry.com

Steve O. Lusk 9815 E. 51st St. 918-664-9995 tulsadentalart.com

Molly Marshall-Hays

Marshall Family Dentistry 8830 S. Yale Ave. 918-481-5252 marshallfamilydentists.com

Dale R. Mathis

Mathis Family Dentistry 5404 S. Memorial Drive Suite A 918-663-5215

Thomas L. McGinnity 3747 E. 11th St. 918-834-2330

Nicole A. Nellis

Nellis Family Dentistry 9314 S. Delaware Ave. 918-518-6305 nellisfamilydentistry.com

Terry F. Rigdon

Prestige Dental 10010 E. 81st St., Suite 200 918-494-8666 tulsaimplantdentist.com

Jerry W. Robertson

Restorative Dentistry of Tulsa 9224 S. Toledo Ave. 918-492-7263 restorativedentistryoftulsa.com

Carrie D. Sessom

Riverwalk Dental Spa

7104 S. Sheridan Road, Suite 8 918-770-0027 riverwalkdentalspa.com

Je ery W. Sessom

4415 S. Harvard Ave. Suite 102 918-742-2096 tulsasculptedsmiles.com

Wrany R. Southard

Contemporary Dental Arts 4712 E. 51st St. 918-459-9090 tulsafamilydental.com

Dean O. Todd

7134 S. Yale Ave., Suite 100 918-493-2444 drdeantodd.com

Shannon K. Toler

Origin Dental Wellness 2100 S. Utica Ave., Suite 205 918-747-6453 origindentalwellness.com

Corbyn L. VanBrunt

Smiles of Tulsa 6565 S. Yale Ave., Suite 1103 918-481-4910 smilesoftulsa.com

Chadwick N. Webster

Dental Creations 8190 S. Memorial Drive 918-307-0307 tulsadentalcreations.com

W. Scott White

301 E. 141st St. Glenpool, OK 918-291-6000 glenpooldentist.com

Michael Wynn

Wynn Dentistry 4608 S. Harvard Ave. 918-742-7351 tulsadentistdds.com

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Daniel Cannon Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

3345 S. Harvard Ave. Suite 103

918-743-1351 cannonoralsurgery.com

Heath Evans Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 4716 W. Urbana St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-449-5800 eooms.com

Lloyd A. Hudson Oklahoma Wisdom Teeth Center 7316 E. 91st St. 918-392-9970 oklahomawisdomteeth.com

D. Todd Johnson

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

4716 W. Urbana St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-449-5800 eooms.com

Cody Hayes Mumma Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

4716 W. Urbana St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-449-5800 eooms.com

Christopher Ray Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 4716 W. Urbana St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-449-5800 eooms.com

Thomas M. Rogers

Greer and Rogers Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2105 E. 21st St. 918-747-4760 drjerrygreer.com

Gregory D. Segraves

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

4716 W. Urbana St. Broken Arrow, OK 918-449-5800 eooms.com

Donal R. Woodward 4617 E. 91st St. 918-492-6994 woodwardoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTICS

Lion Clendenen

Tulsa Braces 3305 E. 45th St. 918-932-2707 tulsabraces.com

Jonathan S. Cooper Cooper and Misner Orthodontics

3916 E. 91st St. 918-876-7846 coopermisnerortho.com

Brent S. Dobson III

Owasso Orthodontics

12813 E. 101st Place N. Owasso, OK 918-272-4242 owassoorthodontics.com

Kevin C. Du y

Du y Orthondontics 1621 S. Eucalyptus Ave. Suite 201 Broken Arrow, OK 918-249-1818 du yorthodontics.com

Blake R. Henry II

Henry Orthodontics 7705 E. 81st St. 918-294-7705 henryorthodontics.com

Phyllis C. Higgins

Carter and Higgins Orthodontics

3232 E. 31st St. 918-986-9986 carterandhigginsortho.com

Je rey A. Housley

Owasso Orthodontics 12813 E. 101st Place N. Owasso, OK 918-272-4242 owassoorthodontics.com

Douglas A. Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics

5304 S. Harvard Ave. 918-747-1346 klortho.com

Joseph Lai

Kirkpatrick and Lai Orthodontics 5304 S. Harvard Ave. 918-747-1346 klortho.com

Ryan V. Nowlin Nowlin Orthodontics 11910 S. Memorial Drive Bixby, OK 918-369-6100 nowlinortho.com

Anand N. Patel

The Brace Place 4550 S. Harvard Ave. 918-749-8817 thebraceplacetulsa.com

Kyle R. Shannon

Shannon Orthodontics 3516 E. 31st St., Suite C 918-743-2321 shannonorthodontics.com

Wayne N. Wyatt

Wyatt Orthodontics 9840 E. 81st St., Suite 100 918-273-6609 wyattsmiles.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Je rey J. Ahlert 14600 E. 88th Place N. Owasso, OK 918-272-1444 je reyahlertdds.com

Sarah M. Fox-Broermann Fox Broermann Pediatric Dentistry of Tulsa 6585 S. Yale Ave., Suite 510 918-492-1106 foxbroermann.com

R. Grant Gerety 4606 E. 67th St., Suite 310 918-493-3031 pediatricdentisttulsa.com

Kerry K. Kitterman

Morrow, Lai, and Kitterman

Pediatric Dentistry

2930 S. Pittsburg Ave. 918-742-9810 mlkdentistry.com

April A. Lai

Morrow, Lai, and Kitterman Pediatric Dentistry

2930 S. Pittsburg Ave. 918-742-9810 mlkdentistry.com

Chelsea Taliaferro On the Cusp 8222 E. 103rd St. 918-921-8822 onthecuspdds.com

PERIODONTICS

William Brent Burchard

Dental Surgical Arts of Tulsa 2902 S. Pittsburg Ave. 918-748-8868 dsaot.com

Jordan M. Pierce

Dental Surgical Arts of Tulsa 2902 S. Pittsburgh Ave. 918-748-8868 dsaot.com

David Stapleton

Owasso Perio 12810 E. 101st Place N. Owasso, OK 918-376-2191 owassoperio.com

Trung Tran

Transcend Dental Implants and Periodontics

9607 E. 95th Court S. 918-288-0818 tulsaperio.com

David H. Wong

Route 66 Dental Implants and Periodontics

4545 S. Harvard Ave. 918-749-1850 route66implants.com

William B. Wynn IV

Eastern Oklahoma Periodontics

6565 S. Yale Ave., Suite 1008 918-492-0737 eoperiodontics.com

40TH ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAYS!

TulsaPeople is kicking off our anniversary year with TWO special giveaways:

Giveaway #1

4 tickets to Tulsa Opera’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC on November 15

Plus $100 gift certificates for Polo Grill AND Travers Mahan!

$540 total value

Registration deadline: November 9*

Giveaway #2

4 tickets to the GRADY NICHOLS CHRISTMAS SHOW on December 9

Plus $100 gift certificates for Baron’s on 1st and Travers Mahan!

$500 total value

Registration deadline: November 30*

Morrow, Lai, & Kitterman

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

At MLK Dentistry, our board certified pediatric den tists Dr. April Lai and Dr. Kerry Kitterman provide comprehensive pedia tric dental care including preventive, restorative, and emergen cy services. We also provide sedation dentistry, sealants, tooth co lored fillings, and Sprig™ white crown technology, all while stayin g current with the latest dental advancements and education. Throu gh our programs Free Until 3 and Brush Your Way to Disney, as well as with our in-office therapy dog, Jeff, we make dental car e engaging and educational. Supported by a knowledgeable, well-tra ined team of registered dental hygienists, dental assistants, an d staff, we are proud to help Tulsa’s youngest smiles grow bright a nd healthy. As the practice continues to grow, we honor Dr. Mark M orrow’s 46 years of service and look forward to welcoming Dr. Hannah Shelton in 2026.

2930 S. PITTSBURG AVE TULSA, OK 74114

918-742-9810

MLKDENTISTRY.COM

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (EOOMS) is committed to providing comprehensive oral surgery care. They practice the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Common procedures include wisdom teeth and dental extractions with intravenous anesthesia for patient comfort. They specialize in all aspects of dental implant surgery, bone grafting and jaw reconstruction. As a group they offer 24-hour practice coverage and take trauma calls for local hospitals.

EOOMS is comprised of six experienced oral surgeons: Todd Johnson, D.D.S.; Gregory Segraves, D.D.S.; M.S. Heath Evans, D.D.S.; Cody Mumma, DDS, Chris Ray, D.D.S. and Kipley Powell, D.D.S. All EOOMS surgeons hold memberships in numerous dental societies including the Tulsa County Dental Society, Oklahoma Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Additionally they are clinical assistant professors at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

For patients’ convenience, most of the group’s services are provided in the three EOOMS offices. The offices are board certified for office IV anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Quality of care and patient safety are always the group’s primary concern.

The EOOMS staff is a committed group of employees who strives to achieve the highest standard of care. Their surgical team has specialized training in oral surgery and anesthesia assisting, which provides for a more comfortable and safe oral surgery experience.

EASTERN OKLAHOMA ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

Broken Arrow | 4716 W. Urbana St. Owasso | 12802 E. 101st Pl. N. Muskogee | 1331 S. York St. 918-449-5800 | Eooms.com

Dr. Heath Evans, Dr. Cody Mumma, Dr. Todd Johnson, Dr. Chris Ray, Dr. Greg Segraves, Dr. Kipley Powell

Locally Owned and Trusted Since 1944

Lifestyle SHOP SMALL

HOME HEALTH TRENDS

As holiday shopping ramps up this season, consider Tulsa’s local small businesses for your gifting needs. Native-owned Southwest Trading Co. carries a wide array of beaded and natural stone jewelry, sterling silver jewelry, Navajo and Hopi pottery, plush blankets, clothing and more.

Southwest Trading Co.’s “Mini CEO” Marley, daughter of store co-owner Ashley Bible, models one of their jackets for sale.

FASHION

Heartland haute

Local fashion designer opens studio in Brookside.

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Growing up on 5 acres in Choctaw, David D’Angelo Caldwell spent a lot of time outside, riding bikes and playing army. But when he wasn’t immersed in nature, he was busy creating. Captivated by everything related to fashion, Caldwell would sketch the models he saw in magazines and use his mom’s sewing machine to rework his jeans, adding embellishments with stitching and paint, or fraying and cutting them to achieve a distressed look. He also taught himself how to make hats from recycled sweaters and other unique fabrics, selling them to friends and local boutiques in Oklahoma City.

“I always cared about my appearance growing up. I was always connected to fashion that way,” says Caldwell. “I always wanted to be different.”

Fast forward several decades, and the kid who won “best dressed” in high school is now a fashion designer whose bespoke leather jackets have been spotted at the 76th Emmy Awards, on Esquire.com, on red carpets and in Sterlin Harjo’s latest production “The Lowdown” — actors Keith David and Peter Dinklage can both be seen wearing leather jackets by Caldwell.

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Caldwell moved to New York

City in 2008 to hone his craft through an internship with designer Zac Posen Caldwell then made his fi rst New York Fashion Week presentation at Spin Magazine and appeared as a contestant on Season 2 of Bravo network’s reality TV show, “Th e Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection.” In 2013, Caldwell and his wife, whom he’d met at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art in 2011, relocated to Tulsa. He spent the next 10 years working at Black Optical in Brookside, where he fi rst met Harjo and would help him style his eyewear.

Caldwell didn’t make a return to sewing until 2023, when he says a buying trip to Paris reignited his love of the craft.

“I made some jackets and pants to wear while in Paris. After returning I was shopping at Abersons and tried on a John Varvatos leather shirt jacket. Th at’s when I decided to make my version of it,” Caldwell says. “I had no intention of starting a leather jacket business until my clients started inquiring where I got my jacket. Th is (was) when I had a lightbulb moment to start making jackets to sell.”

Th is past April, Caldwell debuted his spring collection during a trunk show at Abersons. After working for years out of his garage, he recently opened his own studio on the third floor of Center 1, 3509 S. Peoria Ave.

Danny “Danny Boy” O’Connor, founder of The Outsiders House Museum, likens Caldwell’s work to “the old Hollywood tailors of the ’90s who made one-of-akind pieces for all the up-and-coming celebrities.”

“My main man, David D’Angelo, is hands down the best when it comes to making custom leather jackets in Tulsa. Th e guy’s got a real gift,” says O’Connor. “For the Broadway premiere of ‘Th e Outsiders’ musical, he made me a suede hoodie jacket that turned heads, something you’d expect out of New York or L.A., but it was crafted right here at home. Th at’s the magic of David.”

Caldwell is excited to offer this unique fashion experience to Tulsans.

“Having a design studio where clients are part of the process and design decisions, and where the product is created right here in Tulsa, I don’t think there is anything like this in our city,” he says.

Visit daviddangelocaldwell.com to shop Caldwell’s designs. tp

Fashion designer David D’Angelo Caldwell (right) in his Brookside studio with client Danny Boy O’Connor. D’Angelo has created multiple custom pieces for O’Connor, including the jacket he is wearing.

This time of year reminds us of the things we have to be thankful for.

Thank you Tulsa for 40 years, here’s to the next 40!

Nature’s canvas

Woody River Hardwoods creates heirloom-quality pieces.

BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ

Named after owner Ben Colvin’s two grandsons, Woody and River, Woody River Hardwoods is a true tree-to-table experience.

“Most of our wood comes from the excess of our tree business, Ben’s Tree and Shrubs,” Colvin says. “We surface the wood on our property.”

After 20 years of running Ben’s Tree and Shrubs, Colvin began to dabble in woodworking and learned how to make wood furniture by watching several YouTube videos.

“I still have the fi rst table I made,” Colvin says.

Th rough years of practice and trial and error, Colvin has created everything from custom dining room tables, chairs, coffee tables and benches to large-size conference tables and custom doors.

“I let the wood speak to me,” Colvin says. “Every tree tells a different story, and I help bring it to life through my creations.”

Colvin’s handiwork can be seen in some of Tulsa’s top eateries, such as the chef’s table at Doctor Kustom and the counter at the James Beard Award-winning Country Bird Bakery. “I love the idea of my wood being associated with food — and having some of the fi nest meals in Tulsa served on one of my tables.”

The older the wood, the better, according to Colvin. He loves working with salvaged wood with lots of cavities and scars.

“All the imperfections show what the tree really looks like,” Colvin says. “It just brings you closer to nature.”

Keeping in practice with his sustainability philosophy, Colvin uses every part of the wood. The smallest pieces become beautiful trays and cutting boards, while driftwood is used to create unique hanging racks. His smaller works can be found for sale each week at the Tulsa Farmers’ Market. Visit woodyriverhardwoods.com to see a gallery of his work. tp

Ben Colvin of Woody River Hardwoods (1823 E. Third St.; appointment only) crafts one-of-a-kind creations using salvaged wood. His custom furniture pieces can be seen around town in places such as Littlefield Agency, bottom left, and Doctor Kustom Bistro, right.

WILLAMINA

1207 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A 918-850-0615

willaminatulsa.com

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday

Unique boutique

Luxury boutique Willamina o ers high-end apparel and accessory brands typically not accessible within Tulsa.

BY LAURA DENNIS

Local entrepreneur Paige Van Norman opened Willamina, a luxury boutique that offers a variety of high-end, carefully curated apparel and gifts, in October 2021. Located at 1207 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A, the storefront boasts a large selection of women’s clothing, fi ne jewelry, small leather goods, shoes, a small section of children’s apparel, and a variety of accessories including, scarves, hats, candles, perfume and more.

Van Norman, a California native, moved with her family to Tulsa in August 2020. With a background in business management and an eye for style, it wasn’t long before she noticed a gap in the Tulsa retail market. “I would see women (in Tulsa) wearing the brands that I love and admire for their quality and sustainability,” she says. “I would ask them where they were shopping, and they would always say ‘online,’ or ‘on a trip.’” But Van Norman discovered Tulsa was a small-business focused community, and she saw an opportunity to bring trendy — but also durable — brands to Tulsa. And so, the dream of Willamina was born.

Van Norman set her focus on wholesalers that weren’t present in the Tulsa market — brands like DÔEN, Hunter Bell, Aviator Nation and numerous others that were coveted and typically found only in high-fashion cities like Los Angeles and New York City. “DÔEN has become huge here,” she says. “They were direct-to-consumer, but they opened wholesale to 30 stores in the United States, and somehow we were chosen to be one.”

Van Norman says Willamina is more than just a store, it is a place for women to come and be themselves. “We want them to feel beautiful, to come and feel seen and known. Our store is just a welcoming and super warm environment.” tp

SHOP FAVORITES

Simple, chic and lightweight Isabel Marant Sneakers, $495-plus, can be dressed up or down. Comfortable for everyday wear.

This DÔEN Quinn A-line dress, $278, features capped sleeves and an empire waist. Available in seven colors.

A romantic scent of sandalwood, cinnamon and nutmeg, Maison Louis Marie perfume, fragrance No. 04, $98, is autumn in a bottle.

Paige Van Norman, owner of luxury boutique Willamina (1207 S. Lewis Ave.) where shoppers can find exclusive brands like Hunter Bell, DÔEN and Aviator Nation.

9 conversational lives

BY CONNIE CRONLEY ILLUSTRATION BY ALLYSSA REEDER

h oh, here come the winter holidays.

I love the seasonal festivities, food, music and decoration — the once-a-year celebrations. Here come pumpkins and cranberries, two of my favorite things. Here come scented candles and snuggly, handmade throws.

And — for better and worse — here come the gatherings of people. Sometimes this is wonderful and sometimes excruciatingly less so. There’s the one who is wild-eyed about politics; the one with hypochondriasis (anxious about his health); the one who is a cellcoholic (addicted to cellphones) verging on suffering from nomophobia (fearful of cellphone absence); the one with athazagoraphobia (fear of being forgotten); and the one with phobophobia (fear of phobias). Plus, the garden-variety oddities. Singularly, they are OK; put them all together for a holiday gathering and you’re serving a crazy salad with fruitcake for dessert. Mild disagreements can escalate so fast we need to snatch the cutlery off the table. Real damage can be done with a soup spoon.

I blame this on the pandemic. We lost much of our communication skills during that isolation. Maybe we didn’t permanently lose them, just set them down somewhere and can’t remember where. As conversationalists, we have become human cellphones with weak batteries, spotty connections and poor signals. Luckily, communication is a muscle we can strengthen. Until then, patience and forbearance must carry the day. We all have friends and relatives who require extra doses of this; sometimes, we are those people.

It might help if we think of our friends and family not as people but as cats, creatures far more entertaining than humans. I have composed this sing-song verse for just this reason.

All to say, how wonderful to be alive and merry. How wonderful to celebrate our quirky, entertaining differences. If not celebrate, tolerate.

THE PUSSYCAT’S TEA PARTY

Felicia had a bad time with a hairball

She isn’t quite over it yet

She told in detail

How it affected her tail

And the ghastly trip to the vet.

Monroe has a new cell phone

Nervously glued to his face

His messages show

No forecast of snow

But he’s checking his texts just in case

Penelope’s on a strict diet

She doesn’t eat dairy at all

Very little meat

Nothing at all sweet

But a great goblet of alcohol

Hubert is going on holiday

A trip he has planned for some time

He told us the fare

And the hats he will wear

For lively excursions at bedtime

Sweetie has learned a new song

The notes stretch up to the sky

She sang to the end

Again and again

Till tears flowed from each eye

Jules told a story about something

He couldn’t remember the name

He thought it was ham

But could have been jam

It was tasty just the same.

Muriel interrupts constantly

Wild-eyed and twitchy as can be

You can’t say a thing

Before she jumps in

Is it nerves or too much sweet tea?

Louie’s in physical therapy

He will not say why or when He’s done it before

When he lay on the floor

From a grievous encounter with gin

Ollie’s on a tear about religion

His eyes fairly blaze when he talks

As fiercely as before

When he took the floor

To orate about the ballot box

The pussycats love a good party

Tuxedo, calico and tabby

Fluff y and sleek

Eating cake for a week

Gossipy, laughing and catty. tp

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP

Call any of the Luxury Property Group Realtors about one of these homes, or any property that you have an interest in. We will provide you with superior personal service with the highest integrity.

SPICEWOOD VILLAS

Immaculately kept one-owner villa in gated Spicewood Villas with soaring ceilings, hardwoods, and a chef’s kitchen. Featuring a new roof, generator, 3-car garage, and lush landscaping, this South Tulsa gem offers luxury and convenience near shopping, dining, and golf. 9607 E 102nd Place S. $550,000

JENKS EAST

Beautifully updated South Tulsa home on a spacious corner lot in Jenks East Elementary, featuring fresh paint, newer hardwoods, and a bright two-story entry. With a granite and stainless kitchen, multiple living areas, a luxurious primary suite, and a large fenced backyard with mature trees and patio, this home perfectly combines comfort, style, and convenience near shopping, dining, and the Creek Turnpike. 8710 S Delaware Pl. $439,500

MAPLE RIDGE NORTH

The Percy/Elliott House is available for the first time in almost 50 years! This Historically significant home is recognized as Bruce Goff’s initial design in Tulsa and is called the “House with a Secret” as Bruce Goff was only a teenager when he designed the home. This majestic two-story home is listed in the book “One Hundred More Tulsa Homes” and is located in Maple Ridge North. Generous vestibule when you walk into the house and double doors open to the large scale and Impressive formal living room and formal dining room. An updated kitchen gives you granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances with an eating area in the kitchen. 312 E 19th Street. $1,145,000.

TIM HAYES 918 -231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

GORDON SHELTON 918- 697-2742 gshelton@mcgrawok.com

SHERRI SANDERS 918- 724-5008 ssanders@mcgrawok.com

DIANA RILEY PATTERSON 918- 629-3717 dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

GRAND LAKE

This charming Coves on Bird Island home sits on a corner lot with two 2-car garages, one oversized and one with additional upstairs storage. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, and bright open living spaces with a chef’s kitchen and multiple ensuite bedrooms. Enjoy a covered deck with a hot tub, firepit, and greenbelt views—plus all the Coves amenities including 24-hour security, pool, and clubhouse just minutes from the golf course.

33690 Sage Grouse Cir, Afton. $695,000

MIDTOWN

Ranch style homes provided an easy floor plan to raise a family. This home has a huge lot for adding another wing or a pool! 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and an open kitchen. Midtown is at your doorstep!

4523 S Lewis Ave. $450,720 with a 3.75% interest rate assumable loan!

THE VILLAGE

Custom built by Don East, a well known Tulsa home builder, is a prime example of his personal style and taste. He built this home in 2000 and used it as his primary dwelling and office. Make an appointment to view this one of a kind home and why he loved it so much. Tucked into a corner of The Village, a gated community just off Memorial and 101st Street. 10135 S 78th East Ave. $495,000

THE FOUNTAINS AT BIXBY luxury

Lot pricing beginning at $115,000.00.

Lock-and-Leave – Exterior maintenance handled so you can travel freely.

Timeless Materials – Warm wood, stone, and textures that age gracefully.

Energy Smart – Modern construction, efficient systems, and Energy Star certified.

Community Walking Trail – Connects through the neighborhood and to Bixby trail system.

Location – Close to shopping, dining, and highways for easy Tulsa access.

Bedrooms & Baths – 2–3 bedrooms with 2, 2.5, or 3 baths.

Square Footage Range: 1700-2600 sq. ft.

Features – Gated community with high-end finishes.

Neighborhood – Includes two fountains and natural water features.

Table Talk

DINING FOOD DRINKS

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOCTOR KUSTOM ON P. 70.

THURSDAYS

n Thursdays there’s often a line already formed outside of Doctor Kustom Bistro before the doors open at 11 a.m., with foodies eagerly awaiting their chance to snag one of the Brazilian restaurant’s most popular items: the picanha sandwich.

“Picanha is a small piece inside the top sirloin,” explains owner Alexandre Figueira. “It’s the queen of the cuts, because it’s the most traditional piece of meat for us in a (Brazilian) barbecue.”

The sandwich features 60-70 chopped slices of picanha steak (grilled to preference) piled onto pillowy ciabatta bread and topped with torched Havarti cheese, baby lettuce and Doctor Kustom’s signature cream cheese sauce; it’s served with either steak fries or polenta fries sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan.

Come get in on this end-of-week tradition at Doctor Kustom’s new location on the southwest corner of Lewis Avenue and Eleventh Street. tp

S. Lewis Ave., Suite C • doctorkustom.com

Paris comes to Cherry Street

French fare and atmosphere are a hit at Ava June.

BY JUDY ALLEN

Ava June’s Olive Oil “Madeleine” featuring seasonal stone fruit and basil flavors, served with lavender ice cream

Sitting snugly on the northeast corner of Cherry Street, Ava June evokes the same ineffable charm and culinary excellence of the brasseries that adorn the City of Light.

Formerly the longtime home of Palace Cafe, the space was redesigned by Duvall Atelier. The walls are awash in muted pastels and glossy tiles, adorned with art that evokes Paris without veering into kitsch. “We did not want Ava June to feel like a caricature of a French restaurant, but what you would actually see in Paris,” says Executive Chef for Pastis Hospitality Trevor Tack . “It is obviously French, but not wholly traditional.” The space is, as Tack describes, “both open and airy, and sexy and intimate, at the same time.”

At Ava June — which is named after the grandmother of Noah Bush , co-owner of Pastis Hospitality — the menu nods to French tradition but is not bound by it. “Ava June was born out of our love for travel and dining at restaurants in France, New York City and other larger cities. We wanted to bring that vibe here,” Tack says. “We believe this restaurant can fit in any city, anywhere.”

The menu offers the inevitable soupe à l’oignon gratinée (French onion soup), steakfrites, beef bourguignon, escargot and fruits de mer (seafood), but also includes Funeral Rolls (baked brioche rolls sandwiched around ham and gruyere cheese with brown sugar Dijon butter) and a deconstructed jambon beurre sandwich inspired from a restaurant in Brooklyn (shaved ham, butter with fl aked sea salt, Dijon mustard, cornichons and greens heaped onto slices of grilled bread).

The word “brasserie” means “brewery” in French. The concept became popular in Paris in the late 19th century through Alsatian immigrants who brought their brewing traditions and dishes, like choucroute — fermented cabbage eaten with meat and potatoes — with them. Choucroute garnie, French for “dressed sauerkraut,” at Ava June is loosely translated; consisting of a crispy bone-in pork chop served with house-made sauerkraut, maple-dijon gastrique and garlicky mashed potatoes.

The idea is a menu that diners can make their own, whether dining for breakfast, lunch or late dinner. “Use it the way you want to,” he says. “Even if it’s caviar at 10 a.m.” Tack loves that the experience could be a three-hour girls’ lunch or a solo diner reading the paper at the bar with a coffee. The restaurant recently started opening at 8 a.m. for breakfast, which includes a pared down offering of pastries, tartines and croissant souffles.

And of course, no brasserie experience is complete without wine. “I believe we have more sommeliers on staff than anywhere in town,” Tack says. There is a thought-

ful cocktail assortment — the Provençal Old-Fashioned is a hit — and a draft bier de garde, typically a farmhouse ale, in addition to bottles of imported French beer.

Many Tulsans who got wind that Pastis Hospitality (a division of GB Provisions that also runs Vintage Wine Bar, The Saturn Room and Topeca Coffee Roasters) was opening a new spot were hoping that the result would be a rebirth of the group’s popular Lowood and Hodges Bend restaurants that burned down a few years ago, but Ava June — which opened this past May — was actually in the works beforehand. Pastis Hospitality also owns LoFi Pizza and Wine Listening Bar next door to Ava June.

Whether longing for Paris or rooted in Tulsa, Ava June proves that the spirit of this brasserie is not imitation but translation — a love letter from one culture to another, written in the language of food, wine and fellowship. tp

Breakfast: 8-11 a.m., Monday-Saturday. Lunch: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., every day. Dinner: 5 p.m.-close, every day. Closes at 10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday.

Above, Ava June’s light and airy dining room was designed by Duvall Atelier. Left, snow crab claws with cocktail sauce, remoulade and horseradish. Right, Ava June’s Braised Beef Bourguignon with red wine glacé, creamy horseradish polenta, crispy mushrooms and pearl onions.

Even the most traditional of pies benefit from a refresh. Here are three ideas for putting a spin on the Thanksgiving classic.

GINGERSNAP CRUST: Swap out a standard pastry crust for crushed gingersnaps mixed with melted butter. It adds a spiced crunch that pairs perfectly with pumpkin filling.

MAPLE WHIPPED CREAM: Sweeten whipped cream with a drizzle of maple syrup instead of sugar. The maple taste is subtle but adds depth of flavor.

SALTED CARAMEL SWIRL: Drizzle a ribbon of salted caramel over the filling before baking. It bakes right into the pie, giving a touch of caramel flavor in every slice.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

There’s no Th anksgiving table without pumpkin pie. Even people who say they don’t like pumpkin pie will usually take a sliver, because it’s the taste of the holiday itself. But after years of the same recipe, sometimes it’s nice to give tradition a little twist.

Th is version adds sour cream to the fi lling, giving the pie a subtle smoothness that balances the sweetness and warms up the spice. The texture is creamier, silkier, almost custard-like — and the addition of dark rum rounds everything out with a subtle, festive fl air.

Serve it with softly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and you’ve got a pie that can stand proudly alongside the turkey as the star of Th anksgiving.

PUMPKIN RUM CREAM PIE

1 (9-inch) pastry crust

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup sour cream

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

Pinch ground cloves

Pinch ground nutmeg

Pinch salt

3 tablespoons dark rum (can substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla if desired)

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Line a 9-inch pie dish with the pastry, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, butter, cream, sour cream, spices, salt and rum (or substitute vanilla for rum). Blend for about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl once or twice, until smooth.

Pour fi lling into pastry shell. Bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 50-60 minutes longer until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or the pie jiggles just slightly in the center.

Let cool on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled, with whipped cream. tp

Flavor and flair

Tulsa’s coffee scene has a fresh new fl avor with Dulce Vida, a Mexican-inspired cafe. Owner Ti any Rodriguez wanted to create something she hadn’t yet seen in Tulsa: a coffee shop that reflects Hispanic culture and makes every guest feel at home.

The mantel above the counter is lined with photos of her grandparents, who raised 10 children in Mexico and whose work ethic and faith inspired Rodriguez to take a leap into business ownership for the fi rst time.

At Dulce Vida, 8038 S. Yale Ave., the drinks lean playful and trendy. Rodriguez and her team rotate three to fi ve new creations each month, many inspired by Mexican desserts and fl avors. Horchata macchiatos and dulce de leche lattes are customer favorites, drawing in coffee lovers looking for something new. Other fl avor-packed drinks include the Fresita, a cheesecake-fl avored latte with a chocolate drizzle and strawberry cold foam, and the Churro Latte topped with cold foam and cinnamon sugar. Th e fall menu includes indulgences like the Pumpkin Horchata, Pumpkin French Toast Latte, Cookie Butter Latte and Pecan Pie Chai.

The bakery case is stocked with goods from local bakers, including tres leches cake, pumpkin cinnamon rolls and maple doughnuts.

Open daily, Dulce Vida is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, bringing something warm and different to Tulsa’s growing cafe culture. —

NATALIE MIKLES

Opened in August, Fetch Social Club indoor/ outdoor dog park bar offers an all-weather hangout space.

FETCHING IDEA

Fetch Social Club, a newly opened dog park bar, cafe and daycare, is the perfect place for pups and their people to blow off some steam as we head into the winter months — with its one-and-a-half-acre area outside and 7,000 square feet of indoor romping space, weather and colder temperatures won’t stop the good times from rolling.

“We really saw that Tulsa needed something as far as an indoor/outdoor dog park with regulated play and a bar,” says Alex Gardner, Fetch’s food and beverage manager. Gardner is married to Alex Mitchell, who co-owns the business with Audrey Corte. “It’s an all-season place for your dog to come and play.”

Located across the street from The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges at 728 S. Wheeling Ave., Fetch offers a great variety of beer, wine and nonalcoholic options for patrons both with and without dogs, as well as food by Lambrusco’z. After checking a pup in, owners can choose to either hang out with them in the play space or sit down with a beverage while attendants look after their dog for them. The park is fully monitored, and trained staff members are always watching the dogs to make sure they behave.

“We’ve been having a lot of people come and work remote during the day, which is great,” says Gardner, adding that day passes can be purchased for $10 during the week ($12 on the weekend).

In addition to membership options, Fetch also offers full-day dog care seven days a week, as well as basic obedience training. Vaccine records are required for pet entry; learn more at fetchsocialclub.com. — TOM GILBERT

Dulce Vida owner Tiffany Rodriguez sits at a table inside her Mexican-inspired cafe, which delights patrons with pastries from local bakers and trendy drinks like the Cookie Butter Latte, topped with cookie butter cold foam and cookie crumbles.

A LA CARTE

Barbecue and mac and cheese just belong together. At Albert G’s, the mac is creamy, cheesy and just sturdy enough to be the perfect pairing with brisket, ribs or pulled pork. It’s a favorite side dish, but you can also order one or two hot links to add on top for a full meal. It’s smoky, cheesy comfort in a bowl. 421 E. First St., 918-728-3650; 2748 S. Harvard Ave., 918-7474799; 7588 S. Olympia Ave., 918-921-8080 • albertgs.com

Mac and cheese is practically a requirement at a soul food restaurant, and Wanda J’s does it right. A creamy, velvety mix of multiple different cheeses, it’s the ultimate comfort food alongside meatloaf catfish or smothered fried chicken. If you’re craving classic, old-school mac and cheese, this is the place. 3014 N. 74th E. Ave. • 918-861-4142 • wandajs.com

BAKERIES

You know what you deserve? A little sweet treat! Have a me-time moment at one of these local bakeries that were the winners of TulsaPeople’s annual A-List Readers’ Choice Awards.

MERRITT’S BAKERY

3202 E. 15th St., 918-747-2301 9521-G S. Delaware Ave., 918-296-9000 4930 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow, 918-250-1607

merrittsbakery.com

3 PLACES TO CURE THAT CHEESY CRAVING.

EXPANDED FOODIE FOOTPRINT

You don’t think of macaroni and cheese when you think of Sisserou’s, a downtown Caribbean restaurant, but their mac and cheese deserves spotlight. Baked until golden on top, this version incorporates milk and egg into the cheese mixture, making for a hearty and delicious side complement to any dish. Try it with the Caribbean jerk chicken — the spice and heat are balanced perfectly by all that rich, cheesy comfort. 107 N. Boulder Ave., Unit C • 918-576-6800 • sisserousrestaurant.com — NATALIE MIKLES

Doctor Kustom first burst onto Tulsa’s culinary scene from a food truck in 2019, wowing diners with authentic Brazilian fare like the crisp and deliciously customizable pastel. The popular eatery recently moved from inside Mother Road Market to just southwest of MRM, at 1102 S. Lewis Ave., Suite C.

“This is my dream place,” says longtime chef Alexandre Figueira, who received a James Beard nomination for Best Chef Southwest in 2024. “I’ve been dreaming about this place for a long time.”

Opening the doors to their new space in May, Figueira and his family are still serving up their same menu of high-caliber food creations, but two things have changed: daytime hours have been amended to 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday), and they now offer the option of booking a private chef’s table dining experience on certain evenings of the week.

Figueira explains the shortened hours allow for more quality time together as a family, whether that is outside of work or working together to put on the intimate chef’s table dinners.

“It’s different because it’s so personal,” Figueira says of the 5-course dining experiences with wine, the prep for which starts days before. “We talk a lot, we answer all the questions about our life and how we got in this place. It’s always a secret menu, and we change the menu every time we do a party.”

Figueira says the best way to join the chef’s table wait list is to message Doctor Kustom through Facebook, Instagram or email at doctorkustom@outlook.com. While the list is already booked into next June, he says don’t hesitate to ask if you have something special to celebrate — like a birthday or anniversary — because they may still be able to accommodate. — TIFFANY HOWARD

COUNTRY BIRD BAKERY 1644 E. Third St., unit B countrybirdbakery.com

PANCHO ANAYA

40 S. Garnett Road, 918-439-1010 11685 E. 21st St., 918-234-3000 2420 E. Admiral Blvd., 918-561-6735 panchoanaya.com

LUDGER’S BAVARIAN CAKERY 6527 E. 91st St., 918-622-2537 ludgersbavariancakery.com

ANTOINETTE BAKING CO.

207 N. Main St., 539-777-1674 antoinettebakingco.com

Anaya’s Mexican Cookies with a churro

Alex, Duda and Gi Figueira

Albert G’s mac and cheese

Pancho

Midcentury marvel

STORY AND COMPOSITE IMAGE

BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

First National Bank started as the Tulsa Banking Co. in the summer of 1895, more than two years before the city of Tulsa was officially incorporated. The bank was the fi rst in town and located in a small two-story wooden building on Main Street.

In honor of the bank’s 64th anniversary in July 1959, the newly expanded First National Autobank was dedicated. It was one of the fi rst banking centers in downtown specifically designed for automobiles. When it opened it was one of the largest drive-thru facilities in the nation. Employ-

ees handled more than 2,000 customers a day between six drive-up windows, a pedestrian walk-up window and five teller windows inside the main banking area.

The midcentury modern campus was designed by McCune, McCune and Associates and featured extensive landscaping to give it a park-like atmosphere. It was even colloquially known as “McClintock’s Park,” after R. Otis McClintock , a board chairman who conceived the idea of making the autobank like a “downtown park.”

The Tom-Tom room, located on the second floor, was a popular meeting spot for

local groups and organizations. In front of the main building was a unique, commissioned art piece by sculptor Harry Bertoia

The sculpture, named “The Tulsa Tree,” was over 20 feet tall with leaves that sprayed water high into the air. It is only one of a few fountain sculptures created by Bertoia with plumbing.

By the late 1990s the bank fi nally closed after operating as a drive-thru only bank. However, in 2012 restauranteur Libby Billings reopened the property as The Vault restaurant, and it remains a popular downtown eatery today. tp

The autobank teller window at First National Bank and Trust Co. opened July 1, 1959. In this photo from 1961, bank employee Mrs. Tennison is visible inside the bank. The property is now The Vault restaurant.

• The term “CREEK” originated from British traders over 300 years ago as the Muscogee Nation had various towns located along the river.

• The Muscogee Nation consists of 3 languages. Muscogee, Euchee, and English.