Understanding ADHD

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April 25, 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. A study by the National Survey of Children’s Health reported one in 11 school-aged children had a diagnosis of ADHD.

However, Courtney Sauls, D.O., a pediatrician with Ascension St. John Health System in Tulsa, says this doesn’t necessarily mean that ADHD is increasing – but rather that the health community has become better at diagnosing and treating children at an early age.

“ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects higher executive functioning, like memory, organization, attention, impulsivity and decision making,” says Sauls. “Children are typically diagnosed as early as five or six years of age, but can be diagnosed at age four and up by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.”

School-aged children, she says, are commonly diagnosed following a comprehensive evaluation with their pediatrician, parents and/or their school through a screening known as the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales.

“ADHD is characterized by three subsets: inattentive, hyperactive or a combination of the two,” says Sauls. “Children must meet a criteria of at least six characteristics of at least one of the subtypes, and it must affect them across multiple environments, like school and home life.”

When navigating an ADHD diagnosis, she says it’s important to know that ADHD is a disorder – a real disease that deserves medical treatment when needed.

“Untreated ADHD can cause distress at home, school and in social environments, can pair with anxiety or depression and prolong into adulthood,” she says.

Treatment Options

Research studies continue to try and determine what causes ADHD, but at this time there’s no known cause – although studies have shown genetics play an important role. Fortunately, there are many medications available now to help manage ADHD in children. While most people have heard of ‘stimulant’ medications such as Adderall or Ritalin, Sauls says there are once daily long acting variants of these medications that work well for children.

“There are also newer ‘non-stimulant’ medications available that may work well for some children,” she says. “Typically, the pairing of medication and therapy and working with the school for an IEP [individualized education program] or 504 plan is the best comprehensive approach for a child who has ADHD.”

Due to production issues and higher demand, partly from an increase in adult ADHD diagnoses, there’s been a shortage of branded and generic versions of Adderall that has put a strain on patients.

“This has posed a problem for many patients of mine, particularly older teens and college age students as they have transitioned to a short acting medication that may work better with a fluctuating schedule,” says Sauls.

She encourages parents or caregivers to discuss any concerns about ADHD with their pediatrician.

“Hyperactivity and impulsivity are common for young children and toddlers, but your doctor can help you tease out if it’s out of the ordinary,” she says. “Your pediatrician can also be a resource for connecting you to local psychiatric resources and testing, and help guide you and your child on the next steps.

Also, a great resource is CHADD.org, which is in the information website for the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.”

The Allure of Athens

By

Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

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April 25, 2023

This travel writer’s memories of former visits to Athens evoke graffiti, pollution, traffic and other details that major cities often include. However, a recent trip to Greece revealed details far more positive. Consider spending more time in Greece’s capital before connecting to islands and mainland cities. Immerse yourself in the enlivened metropolitan energy, which you’ll find to be contagious. Leave yourself time to absorb the museums while savoring the shopping and sumptuous cuisine of the enchanting Plaka – a popular Athenian neighborhood.

Lodging

Sofitel, the airport hotel, provides you with the ease of flying to other destinations quickly. When you return from the islands or the mainland, stay at Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square in the center of it all. You quite literally step out onto Syntagma Square into the realm of all things Athenian.

Footsteps away from the hotel is the Parliament building (and former palace) at the tomb of the unknown soldier, where the changing of the guard takes place hourly. The square is abuzz with people emerging from the subway stop.

Endless blocks of chic shops and cafés adorn the sidewalks through the Plaka. The toasty smell of freshly baked pretzels from the kiosks wafts through the air. The graffiti looks more artistic than ever before. The aromas of grilled meats and seafood fill the cafés. A fresh Greek “horiatiki,” or salad with feta cheese chunks and oregano, is a perfectly refreshing lunch.

Dining and Shopping

Achillion Leather Sandals and Bags does custom fittings for gladiator sandals; it’s a cultural excursion in and of itself to simply watch the staff work their magic. Kolonaki is another shopping area of sophistication.

Dine at Giouvetsakia Greek Tavern on 144 Adrianou St., also in Plaka. For dinner, eat at Milton’s on Adrianou 91. Find the Hermion Restaurant at Pandrosou 15.

Excursions

The National Gardens of Athens feature the palatial Zappeoin building. What Central Park is to New York, these gardens are to Athens. Duck ponds, trails and towering trees enhance this shady forest-feeling in the center of urbanity.

The National Archeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum are stupendous. Drive a distance away to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which many people find more breathtaking than even the Parthenon – probably due to its sublime seaside view.

However, right there in the center of Athens is the Benaki Museum, and to call it a must-see is an understatement. This multi-level museum is housed in a former mansion. Several floors of cultural artifacts are mesmerizing with their life-sized replicas. Ascending each level of this ornate building elevates your comprehension of the culture.

The Hotel Grande Bretagne is not just a hotel – it’s an experience. You can dine there without being a guest. The hotel’s famous Alexander Bar is perfect for having champagne in the atrium to celebrate your arrival. This bar has been featured in Forbes for its historic tapestry of Alexander the Great; it’s a masterpiece of grandeur. The special touches of the hotel include a bedside treat of amaretto and truffles. Spend time in the cigar bar courtyard or the rooftop swimming pool. Enjoy an evening cocktail on the rooftop bar, or dine at the breakfast buffet. The rooftop view of the Parthenon at breakfast or at night is unforgettable.

Nearby Islands

Consider a day trip or extended time at the nearby Saronic islands of Hydra, Aegina, Poros or Spetses.

An express train to the limestone cliff top monasteries of stunning Meteora is also accessible from Athens – but Athens alone is a destination!

Women in Business

By

Kimberly Burk

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April 25, 2023

Resources for Female Entrepreneurs

Melanie Anthony can offer plenty of reasons why women should launch their own businesses.

“A woman who goes into business for herself has the opportunity to earn more,” says Anthony, who is the senior director of marketing and development for the nonprofit REI Oklahoma – an economic development agency.

“A woman who owns her own business has more flexibility,” Anthony continues. “She can adapt her schedule.”

And female business owners are more likely to put time and money back into their communities, says Jennifer Edwards, manager of REI’s Women’s Business Center.

“They invest in keeping business local, especially with other women in business,” she says.

But entrepreneurship is seldom an easy path. The Women’s Business Center, established in 2002, addresses the particular challenges women face – including less access to capital as opposed to male business owners. There’s no membership fee at the WBC, and most workshops are free. Last year, 2,400 women were served.

When women come together for the workshops, Edwards says, “it’s a safe place to dig a little deeper and bounce ideas around.”

REI, based in Durant, provides services designed to stimulate economic growth in Oklahoma’s 77 counties.

Business consultant Audrey Hathorn has volunteered since 2015 with SCORE Oklahoma City, which offers educational services to entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

“Most of my mentees have questions about finances and about overhead – which is employees,” says Hathorn. “They want to know how to get employees to stay, and how to boost morale.”

SCORE’S Women’s Entrepreneur Resource Hub focuses on empowering women by offering mentorship, education and networking opportunities.

“Women, more than ever, are leading the charge,” says Hathorn. “We are being vocal about our careers and our development.”

Oklahoma women are starting their own businesses in areas including financial services, internet technology and real estate, says Hathorn. Bookkeeping, event planning and environmental services are also growth areas for women entrepreneurs, says Edwards.

“Service-based industries are where women are starting businesses,” says Edwards. “We are seeing a lot of professionals transition out of traditional workplaces and go into business for themselves.”

Edwards loves helping women with their business plans. Lenders like to see the business concept explained, and to see that potential business owners have put in the time to research their industries.

“It’s one of my favorite purposes behind writing a business plan – getting that passion laid out on paper,” she says. “It ensures that I get to know where they want to go with the business.”

Recruiting Female Leadership

Hathorn doesn’t mind admitting there were some scary moments when she left her corporate job to launch Amplifly, a business consulting firm. But she also knew she had done certain things right. She paid her dues by working more than 20 years in human resources. She knew that small businesses, especially, could benefit from her expertise, having worked with many as a volunteer for SCORE. And she started her business as a side gig in 2018 before taking it full-time in December 2022.

Women are under-represented at the executive level in some of Oklahoma’s most important industries, and casting aside self-doubt can be one key to moving forward, business leaders say. That applies to moving up the corporate career ladder, as well as striking out on one’s own to help other women break the glass ceiling, just as Hathorn is doing.

“Women, by our nature, are a little bit more risk-averse,” says Edwards. “We like having all our ducks in a row. We like to have the money in order, all the pieces in place, the business plan perfect. But things don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes you have to take that next step, to take that leap.”

When women aren’t present in management roles in industries such as energy, it makes it difficult for companies to attract a diverse workforce, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental organization that provides policy recommendations for the energy sector.

“If women are not advancing in the energy sector, there will be fewer role models and mentors to attract more women,” according to the IEA. “Furthermore, if women working in the energy sector are unable to advance in their careers, they will be motivated to change sectors.”

Saadia Zahidi, head of the World Economic Forum’s Center for the New Economy and Society, says industries with a poor track record of hiring and promoting women can acquire skills held by other companies that do better. Corporate training on unconscious gender bias is one example. Companies can also provide scholarships and mentoring for female STEM students.

“Businesses and governments need to take a much more customized approach to ensuring that the right talent is being developed for these industries,” says Zahidi.

Some Oklahoma companies have women’s groups, where female workers mentor one another and share ideas, says Hathorn.

“A lot of great things are said in those meetings,” she says, “but sometimes they are more aspirational. We need to get those ideas outside of those groups and make them policy.”

Not every woman wants to move into management, Hathorn says, “but they need to see that there is an opportunity for it, that there is room for development at that company.”

A Look at the Facts

In Oklahoma and across the business world, gender gaps in leadership persist. But some of the news is good as it pertains to female executive level representation; a recent analysis by Equilar, which provides corporate leadership data, determined that the growth of women in leadership roles accelerated to an average pace of 6.9% between 2016 and 2021. That’s up from a 3.8% growth rate in the prior five years. Women now hold about 14% of executive positions worldwide, up from 8% in 2010, according to a CNBC report.

But progress is not equal across industries, as in the energy sector, where women hold just 9% of executive officer roles.

That would suggest Oklahoma is short-changing itself, because firms with more women at the senior executive level outperform those with lower representation, according to Bank of America Global Research.

When an industry lags in gender diversity, it’s “damaging to economic growth, income equality and social inclusion,” says the IEA.

The outlook seems better for millennials, the IEA reports, with women in the 30-40 age group taking on leadership roles at a much higher rate than previous generations. That’s especially true for the natural gas utilities and renewable energy sectors.

Some countries also do better than others, with Russia, Australia and the United Kingdom reporting the highest representation of women in energy.

Women do dominate in representation and leadership roles in Oklahoma and elsewhere in industries such as education, healthcare, nutrition, the arts and social services. But the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University notes that those tend to be lower-paying occupations, and Oklahoma already has a gender earnings gap that’s about 5% higher than the national average.

If equal pay were a reality in Oklahoma, the Spears school reports, women’s earnings would increase by about $5.4 billion annually, and the poverty rate for working women would be reduced by nearly 50%.

One bright spot is that the percentage of women-owned businesses in Oklahoma grew by nearly 10 percent between 2015 and 2019, the Spears school reports.

Women-Owned Businesses

Women own a diverse set of businesses in Oklahoma. For those thinking of creating their own companies and are looking for inspiration, check out “women-owned certified businesses” on the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website – okcommerce.gov.

Women who obtain the certification make the selection process easier for companies and state agencies seeking diversity in their hiring of contractors, vendors and suppliers, according to the Commerce department website.

Listed in alphabetical order, the certified businesses range from A-1 Staffing and Recruiting, owned by Gale Parker of Oklahoma City, to Zyzer LLC, an asphalt contractor owned by Starla Wittrock of Kingfisher.

There’s also Carrell Trucking in Ardmore, owned by Brenda Carrell, and Rosie Lowe’s Micro Machine in Tulsa, which, since 1982, has machined small parts for the aerospace, geophysical, firearms and electrical industries.

Based in Edmond, Watkins-Conti Products is owned by Allison Conti and develops solutions for life-altering healthcare difficulties.

With a slogan of “Because Chatter Matters,” Chatter Marketing of Tulsa is owned by Heather Berryhill and specializes in advertising, marketing, branding and digital services. Clients there have included Merry Maids, Andy’s Frozen Custard, ONE Gas and the city of Sapulpa.

If your goal is to open a women-owned business in Oklahoma, resources exist to help you, and the sky’s the limit.

Understanding Film Noir

By

John Wooley

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April 25, 2023

For eight years now, I’ve been writing, co-producing and co-hosting a television show called Film Noir Theatre. From the beginning, it’s aired on RSU TV, Channel 35 – northeastern Oklahoma’s public-television station, headquartered on the Rogers State University campus in Claremore. For the first two seasons, RSU TV’s then-program manager, Jennifer Sterling, was on the air with me. When she left for another state, I was afraid the show might be over. But Royal Aills, the station’s general manager, had other ideas.

As it turned out, he also had a new co-host in mind.

First, a little backstory: In the late ’90s, director Leo Evans and I did a movie called Cafe Purgatory, signing up a number of top-drawer Tulsa-area actors for the project. Based on a one-act play I’d written, the picture was set in a greasy-spoon diner, which turned out to be a way station in the afterlife where recently deceased people waited to see where they might be going next. Among them was Elvis (played wonderfully by Presley tribute artist Darwin Warner), and our script called for him to befriend a teenage girl who was also marking time in the cafe.

Leo and I knew whom we wanted for just about every role, but we were stumped when it came to casting the teen. Then, Milton Berry, who played a cold hearted criminal in the film, suggested his barely teenage daughter, Ana.

I believe it was the first film Ana Berry ever did, and Leo and I immediately saw that she was a natural.

Despite our best efforts, some good reviews and publicity, and its being given the Crowd Pleaser Award at the 1999 Fort Worth Film Festival, Cafe Purgatory never received a major-label home-video release. Ana, however, went on from that debut to a career in television, movies and internet programming on both coasts, ultimately returning to Tulsa, where her continuing media work came to include hosting original shows for RSU TV. She, as you probably have surmised, was the person Royal Aills had in mind for my new co-host. Of course, in the nearly 20 years since I’d seen her, she’d grown up, but she continued to radiate the kind of talent and presence that had made her such a Cafe Purgatory standout.

Our reunion happened back in 2017, and Ana and I have been doing Film Noir Theatre together ever since. Not only has she brought beauty, energy and humor to our commentaries – she’s also the only one of the two of us who can pronounce “film noir” without a trace of what a college instructor once called my “Okie French.”

Which leads us to a question: Just exactly what is this film noir we’re presenting?

The literal translation is “dark movie.” That appellation was coined by French critics in the late 1940s to describe a certain style of feature film that was being made in Hollywood following World War II. During that time, these pictures wouldn’t have been known as films noir – the term didn’t really catch on in America until some time later. Instead, they would’ve been called melodramas, or thrillers, or maybe crime stories. It was their dark, or noir, elements that caused the French critics to begin gathering them under one umbrella.

Nearly 80 years later, students and aficionados of the genre still don’t entirely agree on what qualifies as a film noir. Some, for instance, feel that the look of the film is the most important thing – that there must be lots of shadows and darkness (preferably with rain) and neon-lit urban streets. However, it seems to me that if noirs share a common theme, it’s that the unpredictability of life, the vagaries of fate, trump everything else in a person’s life, and if fate chooses to throw you for a loop, through little or no fault of your own, there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.

One of the great examples of this approach is a wonderful low-budget picture called Detour, which was released by the tiny Hollywood company PRC in 1945. In it, B-picture leading man Tom Neal plays Al Roberts, a New York club pianist who decides to hitchhike to the West Coast to see his vocalist girlfriend, who’s gone out to try her luck in the movies. From the very first of the picture, the scenes are imbued with a sense of hopelessness; it’s not giving away anything to say that you’ll know, very early on, his quest is not going to end with a joyous reunion.

Getting a ride with a garrulous bookie who’s driving all the way to L.A., Al thinks that maybe things are finally going to break his way. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t be more wrong. When his benefactor dies suddenly on the road, Al decides to appropriate his car and money and drive on toward the Pacific, setting into motion a sequence of events that includes an ill-advised relationship with a fellow hitchhiker, memorably played by another B-movie star, Ann Savage.

At the conclusion of the picture, in a voiceover, Al sums up what I think is the driving force behind all true films noir. “Fate,” he muses, “or some mysterious force, can put the finger on you or me for no reason at all.”

Some have said that this emphasis on fate was a part of the American mindset following World War II, when a lot of military personnel returned home from combat weary, disillusioned and questioning why the things they thought they’d been fighting for and the realities of their post-war lives just didn’t mesh. It’s an idea that would help account for the fatalism in these pictures, as well as for the liberal doses of fatalism’s first cousin, cynicism. Many if not most film noir protagonists, Neal’s Al Roberts included, are wrapped in a shroud of world-weariness that comes out not only in their encounters with others, but also in the actions they choose to take.

Detour also highlights several other noir touches, including the element of alienation, of a gulf between people that can never be successfully bridged. Al never really connects meaningfully with anyone in the film; even his girlfriend, whom he plans to marry, leaves only a few days before they’re to wed, leaving him with a less-than-passionate kiss.

Then, there’s the femme fatale character, a staple of many of these features – and, indeed, of literature in general for a good long time. Essentially, she’s a symbol for bad choices, a mysterious woman who gets involved with the male protagonist and ends up doing him no good whatsoever. In Detour, it’s perhaps fated for Al to make the mistake of picking up a snappish female hitchhiker. Ann Savage is brilliantly creepy in the part; her character of Vera is recognized by a lot of noir fans as one of the greatest of the noir femme fatales.

While most films noir came out in the waning years of Hollywood’s Golden Era, they usually weren’t big-budget productions. Instead, they were crafted by the major studios’ B-picture units or, as is the case with Detour, filmed and released by smaller outfits. With Detour, as with many others of its kind, the lack of production money actually enhances the look of the picture, giving it a threadbare quality that works perfectly with the down-and-out lead character. (One of the touches that characterized director Edgar G. Ulmer was his use of fog machines in his low-budget epics – not only to provide atmosphere, but also to help cover up the cheapness of his sets.)

In addition to Detour – which clocks in at a little over an hour’s running time – this year’s edition of Film Noir Theater includes five other vintage movies, any of which should give you a pretty good idea of what noir is all about. The series airs every Sunday at 7 p.m. over RSU TV, Channel 35.

Support Local, Eat Local

By

Chloé Zoellner

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April 25, 2023

Farmers’ markets provide an excellent chance to get to know producers in your area. Photos courtesy Edmond Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ markets, along with allowing patrons to support local makers, are a great alternative to chain grocery stores. Popular items include everything from seasonal produce and dairy products to meat and flowers. Many vendors sell prepared food like breads and jams, along with household/garden plants and homemade crafts.

In addition to the more traditional products, each of Oklahoma’s farmers’ markets boasts a bevy of unique vendors, offering not just products but some services, too – including Edmond’s knife sharpeners and Tulsa’s ceramics creators.

April to October is prime farmers’ market season in Oklahoma, although some markets held indoors are open all year long.

Emily Young, Edmond’s farmers’ market manager, encourages visitors to ask questions and get to know the vendors and their stories.

“Understand what they’re doing,” she says. “It helps to build more confidence and trust.”

Young elaborates that it’s that positive relationship between a vendor and a customer that farmers’ markets strive to cultivate. Those relationships are powerful, ultimately separating a visitor’s experience from that at a chain grocery store.

“When you shop at a farmers’ market, you are meeting the people who have dealt with your food,” she says.

Farmers’ markets benefit the local economy and community. When visitors spend money on domestic goods, it keeps the demand high and money local. Markets’ dairy, meat, produce and baked goods are fresh and have little to zero preservatives, promoting healthy eating habits as well.

Young says guests should visit as often as they like, and stay as long as possible.

“Every purchase you make, every post on social media and every shared experience promotes and advocates for small businesses,” she says.

Oklahoma government program Shape Your Future – shapeyourfutureok.com – has devoted an entire page to helping visitors plan their first or next visit to a local farmers’ market. One of the most valuable tools is a link to an online directory of all the farmers’ markets in the state, answering frequently asked questions and making it easier for people to find their closest market.

Programs of Note

If you’re interested in delving further into Oklahoma-created food, check out OK Grown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in conjunction with Double Up OK (DUO), and the Seniors Nutrition Farmers Market Program (SNFMP).

According to Oklahoma’s official government website, markets that qualify as “OK Grown” must sell “100% Oklahoma grown products,” or “in counties adjacent to a bordering state, the farmers market is allowed to have 20% of their products be grown in that bordering state.” Most Oklahoma farmers’ markets are designated as OK Grown.

SNAP is a program designed to help low-income families purchase nutritious foods, promoting healthy eating. SNAP partnered with DUO so that SNAP benefits can be used at farmers’ markets. According to doubleupoklahoma.org, people just need to “go to the information booth at a participating market, use your EBT card to purchase SNAP-eligible items or SNAP tokens, and receive $1 in Double Up OK tokens for every $1 spent in SNAP.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services, the main goal for the Seniors Nutrition Farmers Market Program (SNFMP) is to “provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.” Arriving early to get a prime selection of produce, bringing recycled grocery bags, totes and cash, and trying new and healthy foods to promote better eating are just some of the tips on the website; it also includes recipes and a free, family-friendly farmers’ market scavenger hunt.

A Cultural Touchstone Evolves

By

Bonnie Rucker

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April 25, 2023

Gilcrease Museum Aerial 2022 — An aerial rendering depicts the revamped Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, set to open – should all go according to plan – by mid-2026. Photo courtesy Gilcrease Museum

Gilcrease Museum – or more formally, the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art – is an integral part of many memories for those who have lived in the Tulsa area in decades past. Whether it was middle school trips, weekend jaunts or visits as an adult to fully appreciate the massive collection, Gilcrease has been a consistent part of the artistic culture in Oklahoma since its Tulsa opening in 1949. But the future for Gilcrease holds even more promise, as it’s currently closed for a complete overhaul in the form of a new construction.

This large undertaking has dual purposes, says Susan Neal, the museum’s executive director. The first is to offer a totally new visitor experience to its loyal patrons. The second is for the new building to keep this valuable collection safe for centuries of posterity. Neal mentions that within the museum walls are over 12,000 years of history; the new construction will allow Gilcrease, an art and history museum, to have the look, feel and experience of a 21st century cultural attraction.

The construction is going well, with three of its six stories complete, says Neal. The finished product will be 93,000 square feet, with two subterranean floors. To support the project, Gilcrease has raised almost $40 million from private sources.

“[This] lets us know that we have the support of the community behind this effort, and we’re excited that we can see the finish line in sight,” says Neal.

But she also reports that the museum still needs to raise an additional $20 million by the end of the year to stay on track. This money will be used to finish the exhibits, including the media, exhibit furniture fabrication, and complete reinstall of the collection.

As long as funds are raised, enthusiasts can expect to plan their next visit by the middle of 2026.

“I hope what people will find, when they come to visit Gilcrease, is that they’ll find themselves,” says Neal. “Because the stories that this collection can tell are so relevant to not just our history, but to our current day and our future. I think people will enjoy learning, and I think that the environment that we will create is going to be beautiful.”

Outdoor Amenities

In discussions with the community about concepts for the new Gilcrease, many mentioned the idea of incorporating the grounds into the museum itself – so that’s now part of the plan. The new facility will include an outdoor amphitheater and two outdoor terraces with views of Osage Hills, Stuart Park and downtown Tulsa. There will also be 14 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that will connect to the Tulsa trail system.

“We’ve done this with the idea that that’s what the visitors want – to see the grounds incorporated into the museum experience,” says Neal. “To be in a beautiful outdoor setting on 460 acres just a few minutes from [Tulsa’s] urban center is really extraordinary.”

Wrangling Some Wins

By

Debi Turley

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April 25, 2023

American football player in helmet holding rugby ball — football

Devout fans have a new team on Oklahoma soil to help satisfy their football enthusiasm – the OKC Wranglers.

The former site of Crossroads Mall in Oklahoma City will eventually transform from fashion to football and house the Wranglers for the majority of its season.

Part of the United Football League (UFL), the OKC Wranglers are led by head coach and Oklahoma native J.D. Runnels. Runnels, a 2002 graduate of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, set records during his high school career and went on to play for the University of Oklahoma, in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers, and in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Many believe it was high time Oklahoma got a professional football team.

“Oklahoma City has a strong and passionate sports fanbase, with a rich tradition of supporting football at all levels, from high school to college,” says Joe McClendon III, commissioner of the UFL. “The city’s love for football [will] translate to a solid support for a pro football team.”

McClendon says the city’s central location in the U.S. makes it easily accessible to fans from across the country and could help build a large, dedicated fan base.

“The city has experienced significant growth and development in recent years, making it an attractive location for businesses and individuals,” says McClendon. “A pro football team could help boost the city’s economy and profile further.”

Players on the 2023 roster includes a mix of familiar names from Oklahoma colleges and universities, as well as a lengthy list of players from other states – you can see the whole line-up at okcwranglers.com.

“The star players will begin to make themselves known during training camp,” which started on April 26, says McClendon. “We have several players with some impressive football backgrounds, and we look forward to seeing what they can do.”

In the meantime, team officials are inviting local high school bands to submit requests to play during the team’s home games – at halftime, and pre- and post-game. Interested schools can email
[email protected] for more information.

“With a new team comes new rivalries,” says McClendon. “The team will likely have a roster of fresh, young talent, eager to make their marks in the league. This can be an exciting time for fans, as you get to watch these players develop and grow into their roles on the team. In addition, the Wranglers will be active in the community, organizing events and initiatives to give back to the fans who support them.”

Tickets are available starting at $25 per seat. Season ticketholders can purchase different levels of packages that include free parking, meal deal tickets and post-game meet-and-greets. Games begin in May; the Wranglers play in OKC on May 13, June 10 and 24, and July 1, 15 and 22. Check the website for exact locations.

“Oklahoma City has shown tremendous support, and we look forward to some exciting action this spring,” says McClendon.

Hiking Highlights

By

Alaina Stevens

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April 25, 2023

Gloss Mountains State Park for Oklahoma Tourism Department

Hiking is a great way to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy nature, and many may not realize the state has some great trails to explore, from our northernmost corners to the Texas border. Here are some popular hiking destinations in Oklahoma:

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Lawton

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this refuge offers hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, taking hikers through rugged terrain – including the famous Mount Scott, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains/visit-us/trails

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

Tulsa

If you’re looking for a lush canopy of native Oklahoma trees, a good spot for birdwatching, winding trails, serene ponds and ancient boulders, Turkey Mountain is the place to be. The 600-acre park is in the Osage Hills near the Arkansas River. Some trails may be closed due to an improvement project, so be sure to check out the website for maps, safety tips and park rules.

riverparks.org/experience/turkey-mountain

George M. Sutton Wilderness Park

Norman

In need of an easy trail? George M. Sutton Wilderness Park has just what you need. Visitors can enjoy the 1.4-mile loop trail with a small lake, gazebo and paved walking/jogging path. You can also fish and bird watch.

normanok.gov/residents-visitors/parks-recreation/parks/george-m-sutton-wilderness-park

Beavers Bend State Park

Broken Bow

Whether you’re looking for a 1- or 12-mile hike, Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma has a variety of paths for you to explore. Named in honor of a former Oklahoma governor, the David Boren Trail includes seven smaller trails that can be mixed and matched to suit your time limit and skill level. The trails offer vantage points of the park’s lakes and wildlife.

visitmccurtaincounty.com/activities/outdoor-adventure/hiking

Gloss Mountain State Park

Fairview

Gloss Mountain State Park, known for its Cathedral Mountain Trail, provides hikers with panoramic views of prehistoric mesas and buttes. It’s about 1.5 miles round trip with a slight elevation, and if you’re looking to capture the scenic view, the best time to go is during sunrise or sunset.

stateparks.com/gloss_mountain_state_park_in_oklahoma.html

Elk Mountain Trail – Charons Garden Wilderness Area

Indiahoma

This 2.3 mile hike concludes with vistas of the Wichita Mountains and Charon Garden Wilderness. There are many boulder scrambling opportunities at the top and lots of wildlife present throughout – including the colorful boomer lizard.

alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/elk-mountain-trail–2

Turner Falls Park Trails

Davis

The Turner Falls area has a bevy of trails that all lead to the pièce de résistance: a 77-foot waterfall with numerous caves. Stick around for castle ruins and plenty of beautiful spots to sit and take it all in.

turnerfallspark.com

Travertine Creek Trail – Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Sulphur

Connecting the Travertine Nature Center and Pavilion Spring, the Travertine Creek Trail is a fairly easy trek for beginners, offering a mostly level pathway with gentle slopes. This is also a pet-friendly area.

nps.gov/chic/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Remember to check the weather and trail conditions before setting out on any hike, and always bring plenty of water and snacks. If you’re looking for more trails to explore, visit alltrails.com to find locations, maps, difficulty levels and more.

The Horse Show Capital of the World

By

Gina Dabney

-

April 25, 2023

Rendering - New Coliseum Approach Dusk 8-23-21 (4) — Set to open in the spring of 2025, the Fairgrounds Coliseum is a product of OKC’s city-funded MAPS 3 and MAPS 4 projects. Rendering courtesy Visit OKC/OKC Fairgrounds

There’s a new kid on the block at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds: a state-of-the-art event center, the Fairgrounds Coliseum, which broke ground earlier this year. While the 216,164 square-foot coliseum is being built, the Jim Norick Arena will continue to host events; estimated time of coliseum completion is April 2025.

Spearheading the vision for this new coliseum are a variety of experts, including J. Scott Munz, OKC Fairgrounds executive vice president of marketing, and Zac Craig, president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Amenities

The Coliseum will have first-class patron amenities. Topping that list are the concourse and suites, along with a full-service restaurant and ample seating.

The Coliseum will have an open concourse – a large open area at the front – Munz says, so that when you leave your seat, you will still have a view of the arena floor.

“It will have an open design,” Munz says. “[The building] is a new and modern design.”

There will be seating for more than 7,000 people, which includes arena seating, a lounge and suites along with retractable seating options.

“The Coliseum will seat about 4,700 in its 21-inch padded seats for horse shows,” says Craig.

The retractable seating will allow flexibility for different event configurations – from bull riding to concerts to basketball.

Other amenities include upscale concession areas, an A/V suite and a sophisticated catwalk system.

Economic Impact

In 2018, Crossroads Consulting, based in St. Petersburg, Fla., conducted a strategic assessment for a potential new fairgrounds coliseum.

“Among many detailed findings,” says Munz, “they determined that the proposed new Fairgrounds Coliseum is estimated to generate $233.1 million in direct spending – which would produce $408.1 million in total output.”

The findings – which Munz reminds are from five years ago – also showed 3,990 total jobs annually in a stabilized year. And, it was estimated that during the coliseum’s construction period, there would be one-time economic impacts to the local economy with the purchase of materials, supplies, labor and professional fees.

Meanwhile …

The Fairgrounds Coliseum will be built to the south of the Jim Norick Arena, and Craig says “events will be taking place at Jim Norick until the new coliseum is completed.”

The Jim Norick Arena, constructed in 1965, will maintain its scheduled roster of events, such as the AQHA World Championship Show, the OKC Barrel Futurity, and the Arabian Horse Association Youth Nationals. Other non-equine events include the Shrine Circus, Disney On Ice and numerous graduation ceremonies, as well as youth basketball games and other sporting events.

“The Norick is very busy,” says Munz. “It is critical we keep the building open.”

Over the past 20 years, improvements have been made to upgrade the equine facilities on the property.

The Fairgrounds Coliseum, a $126-million project, is funded through MAPS 3, MAPS 4, hotel tax revenue, along with other funding sources.

“We plan to remain the horse show capital of the world and book national and international equine events,” says Craig. “This new arena will only help.”

Celebrating a Golden Anniversary

By

Mary Willa Allen

-

April 25, 2023

Smith Stephen — Stephen Smith joins Mayfest 2023 as a juried artist from Tulsa. His paintings are created using thickly textured paint, applied with spatulas and painting knives. Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

The future of Tulsa’s beloved arts festival, Mayfest, is in good hands.

Ahha Tulsa, which took control of the event in 2020, ceased operations late last year. The unexpected closure left the continued existence of Mayfest uncertain – but the University of Tulsa swooped in to save the day. TU, led by president Brad Carson, purchased what was then the Hardesty Arts Center at 101 E. Archer St. and took charge of operations for the festival almost immediately after the nonprofit announced its closure. Despite a rapid acquisition, there were only about 100 days to plan the event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“Brad Carson charged his team with ensuring the dedicated volunteers behind the annual arts festival had what they needed to create a Mayfest befitting a golden anniversary, while upholding the traditions that thousands of attendees have come to expect,” says Mona Chamberlin, the university’s director of marketing and communications.

Mayfest began five decades ago as “Jubilee ‘73” to celebrate the Junior League of Tulsa’s 50th anniversary. Mayfest volunteers and leadership have worked diligently to honor those roots and “inject history into this year’s Mayfest wherever possible,” says Chamberlin. “Junior League of Tulsa will return and have a presence to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Area businesses and volunteers have collected posters from former Mayfest events, which will be on display in the galleries at 101 E. Archer Street.

“Also at 101 E. Archer, the Invitational Artists Gallery, sponsored in part by the Gelvin Foundation, returns to feature the work of past Mayfest artists and celebrate their commitment to the festival.”

Mayfest’s general schedule and offerings will remain the same as in years past, with activities running throughout the Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District. The university is partnering with several area businesses to offer four performing arts stages in 2023, where guests can enjoy everything from dance to theatre to live music. Visitors can also expect a variety of food and drink options. Admission remains free to the public.

Of course, art is the jewel in the Mayfest crown. Visual artists from around the globe – and across the city – will be selling their original works throughout the festival’s three day span. Expect an array of mediums, including clay, digital media, pastels, glass, prints, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography and wood.

While circumstances surrounding the planning time weren’t ideal, Chamberlin says Tulsans’ passionate dedication to the cause has helped exponentially.

“Mayfest volunteers have made all the difference,” she says. “The University of Tulsa staff and faculty are working hand-in-glove with the incredible cadre of volunteers who have made Mayfest such an amazing festival for half a century.”

Mayfest 101

When:
May 12-13, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
May 14, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where:
The Tulsa Arts District and the Historic Greenwood District, downtown Tulsa

Things to know:
Mayfest is a pet-friendly festival for well-behaved, leashed pets that are current on their vaccinations.
No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed at Mayfest.

Learn more:
tulsamayfest.org

Art credit:
Stephen Smith joins Mayfest 2023 as a juried artist from Tulsa. His paintings are created using thickly textured paint, applied with spatulas and painting knives. Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

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