Loving Fido and Felix

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December 23, 2024

Our feline and canine companions do more than provide fellowship. In fact, multiple studies show that pets help lower stress, combat loneliness and provide a sense of purpose. The most common ways of acquiring said pets are through adoption agencies and reputable breeders.

The SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – almost always has animals to adopt, and the process isn’t overly complicated.

“People can either apply online, or they can just stop into our shelter or at one of our many adoption events in the community,” says Mindy Tiner, CEO of the SPCA’s Tulsa branch. “At that point, we just have a conversation. We will discuss the animal they’re interested in, their lifestyle and expectations for this new member of the family, and try to make the best connection possible. Other than cruelty situations, there isn’t really anything that will automatically make us deny an adoption. Once a match is made, we go over medical records and any other information we have on the animal, and they get to head home. We do follow up at regular intervals to see how things are going and offer assistance if needed.”

While adopting an animal is an exciting time, it requires plenty of dedication.

“If you want to open your heart and home to a dog or cat, we want to do what we can to make that happen,” says Miner. “We offer many resources – from access to affordable veterinary care to temporary assistance with essentials such as food and supplies to help facilitate those relationships.”

Whether adopting from a shelter or purchasing from a breeder, there are things to consider.

Whether adopting or purchasing an animal, always be sure to ask the breeder or rescuer relevant questions about health and socialization. Photos courtesy Tulsa SPCA

“When you adopt, you are saving two lives,” says Miner. “You’re saving the animal you adopt, but you are also making it possible for us to bring another animal into our program in their spot. Additionally, with adoption, you know you aren’t unintentionally contributing to pet overpopulation. When you purchase an animal from a responsible breeder, you do know more about the animal’s lineage. This can sometimes help you avoid medical or behavioral issues.”

Tiffany Epperly of Edmond Doodles is a vetted breeder and offers advice on how to proceed once you’ve chosen the specific breed of dog or cat you want to adopt or purchase.

“The next step is to research reputable breeders or rescue organizations that specialize in that breed,” she says. “It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the breeder or rescuer, including their reputation, breeding practices, and the health and temperament of their animals. Most reputable breeders have a website and social media presence to give families a window into their program. Some join the Better Business Bureau or go through the process of getting certified through reputable breeding organizations.”

When visiting a breeder or rescue, be sure to come prepared, advises Epperly. Have relevant questions and requests ready – which include asking to see the parents if possible, how the animals have been socialized, what kind of conditions have they been exposed to, and what health tests and vaccines have been given.

There are some red flags to be aware of, Tiner says, including lack of transparency, poor living conditions, or not offering any health guarantees. Over-breeding may be occurring if the breeder has multiple litters of different breeds available at the same time.

“One important aspect to consider is the ongoing support and resources the breeder provides to their puppy families,” says Epperly. “At Edmond Doodles, we answer any questions families may have, offer training tips and provide guidance throughout the puppy’s life.”

When it comes to adopting a new furry family member, “don’t be so focused on how an animal looks that you miss out on making a connection with the perfect new addition to your family,” says Miner. “Also, while we want everyone to have a great experience, bringing a new animal into your life can sometimes be challenging – don’t give up too quickly! If it just isn’t a fit, there is no shame in that – but this furry friend is going to love you forever and unconditionally, we hope you will do the same.”

Creating Community

By

Gretchen Eichenberg

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December 23, 2024

Oklahoma City Community Foundation

In 2022, nearly 60,000 Oklahomans were unemployed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Yet, there were 36,000 more job postings than people searching for work, according to the State Chamber Research Foundation. That didn’t add up, so the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) decided to dig in and solve the problem.

“We found Oklahoma is experiencing mass shortages in areas like nursing, truck driving, early education and software development – all of which require months, if not years of training and education,” says Trisha Finnegan, OCCF’s president and CEO.

In response, the foundation, in collaboration with other local organizations, developed a Workforce Development Scholarship Program which has now awarded just over $400,000 in grants for training opportunities for individuals, which is raising wages and filling critical gaps for local employers, Finnegan says.

Since 1969, the OCCF has been helping individuals, families and organizations make the greatest impact on the most pressing needs facing the community, with workforce and education being top priorities.

“I don’t believe there’s any other resource in a community that brings people together to contribute and create change more than a community foundation,” Finnegan says. “The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has worked to bring people together from across the community who want to invest in this place and the people who live here.”

The foundation serves people and organizations in central Oklahoma and beyond, and OCCF is the largest independent provider of scholarships in the state. This past year, the foundation awarded more than $4.5 million to more than 1,000 students, Finnegan adds.

“We love being part of this growing community, working with public and private partners to move OKC forward,” Finnegan says. “OCCF is proud to be a place where individuals, families and organizations come together to improve the quality of life for our community.”

OCCF scholarship recipients pose at Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s annual scholarship luncheon. Photo courtesy OCCF

George Kaiser Family Foundation

Creating equal opportunity for the children of Tulsa and the surrounding area is at the heart of everything local businessman George B. Kaiser stands for in life. His Tulsa-based charitable organization, the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing the greatest opportunity for everyone to succeed through investments in early childhood development and education; community wellbeing and justice; civic enhancement; and social services.

“Since we began our work in 1999, GKFF has been guided by a commitment to making Tulsa a place where every person and family can flourish, no matter their background,” says executive director Ken Levit.

A key GKFF initiative, the Birth through Eight Strategy for Tulsa (BEST), targets families with young children, intervening in some of the most formative years with the hope of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. The strategy aims to ensure families have the tools to increase the percentage of children: born healthy, on a positive development trajectory by age three, ready to enter kindergarten and achieving success by third grade.

Through collaborations with public and private partners and community-based organizations, GKFF pursues efforts that create lasting, positive change in nearly every aspect of a Tulsan’s life, Levit says.

“From support at birth to fostering economic opportunity through education, job training, entrepreneurship and vibrant public spaces, our approach is comprehensive and community-focused,” he says. “By working with local partners to adapt proven national programs and using evidence-based practices, GKFF tackles our community’s most pressing challenges through initiatives which work to reverse the generational cycle of poverty, especially for very young children and their families, and create long-term opportunities that empower communities, foster sustainable economic growth and ensure lasting social impact.”

The George Kaiser Family Foundation is aimed at breaking cycles of poverty and provides job training, education and entrepreneurial opportunities. Photos by Shane Bevel

An Oklahoma Reading List

By

Bonnie Rucker

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December 23, 2024

Check out our list of books set in Oklahoma or by Oklahoma authors. There’s a wide range of suggestions, whether you like fiction, nonfiction, poetry or young adult novels. And you just might learn a thing or two about this great state.

The Outsiders

By S.E. Hinton

1967

Set in Tulsa and written by Tulsa-born author S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders changed the landscape of young adult fiction. Readers can learn more about being a teenager in 1960s Tulsa from the realistic story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggle to find his place in a society that largely rejects him.

Where the Red Fern Grows

By Wilson Rawls

1961

The nature imagery and simple but beautiful storytelling in this classic will ring familiar to anyone who has experienced rural northeastern Oklahoma. Oklahoma author Wilson Rawls draws on his experiences in this story of a boy and his two pups roaming the Ozark Hills in the early part of the 20th century.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

By David Grann

2017

This nonfiction work brings to light what the Osage Nation’s people knew as the Reign of Terror. This work by New
York Times bestselling author David Grann should be on every Oklahoman’s book list. (The 2023 Martin Scorsese film of the same name can be a bonus treat after finishing the book!)

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

By John Grisham

2006

In this prolific novelist’s first nonfiction work, readers learn about a small-town Oklahoma murder and the following investigation. A local Ada baseball player, and major league wash-out, is put on death row, … but is he really guilty?

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline

2011

This futuristic thriller is set in Oklahoma City, but the real action takes place in a virtual utopia called OASIS. The main character is avoiding his unpleasant reality by escaping it entirely. But when his attempts to solve virtual puzzles lead him into a much darker, and more real, element he finds his virtual world may not be all he had hoped.

Boom Town: The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding, Its Apocalyptic Weather, Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis

By Sam Anderson

2018

For the nonfiction lovers, this exciting history of Oklahoma City tells the whole story about our fascinating capital.

Paradise

By Toni Morrison

1997

Toni Morrison, recipient for the Nobel Prize for Literature, writes beautiful, if difficult, epic prose about a fictional all-Black town in Oklahoma where a brutal crime occurs early one morning in 1976.

Grapes of Wrath

By John Steinbeck

1939

This classic is a staple of every Oklahoma book list. Steinbeck’s compelling depiction of the Great Depression is illustrated through the Joad family who must leave their Oklahoma farm to head to California for redemption.

Bound for Glory

By Woody Guthrie

1943

This autobiography by one of Oklahoma’s favorite sons also gives a good depiction of the Great Depression era. Get insight into Guthrie’s personality and discover what made him a legend in his own time and since.

A Dog Called Kitty

By Bill Wallace

1992

Bill Wallace was born and raised in Oklahoma and became a teacher and principal at the same school he had attended as a child. He became an author when the stories he made up for his students were a big hit with the children. A Dog Called Kitty is about a boy who must overcome his fear of dogs to help rescue a special pup.

All photos courtesy their respective authors/publishers

Writing New Relationships

By

Carol Mowdy Bond

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December 22, 2024

463623043_927768706045384_1278665862683322707_n — The Peaceful Pen Pals Project is helmed by Kids for Peace, which aims to create a global community of kind, compassionate and empowered young people who are uplifting the world through love and action. All photos courtesy Kids for Peace

The idea of pen pals has been around for generations. In the past, people exchanged letters using snail mail, either with those who lived in other parts of their cities, other states, across the nation, or even around the world. Pen pals sometimes exchanged small gifts, trinkets and newspaper clippings from their hometowns, and postage stamps on the envelopes provided other prizes to treasure.

In the process, the “pals” learned about those who lived in other areas, and the culture and ideas that were unique to them. When writing their letters, they practiced grammar skills, spelling and vocabulary, and boosted cognitive abilities, while having fun, positive and educational experiences – and uplifting one another’s self-esteem.

The Peaceful Pen Pals Project is helmed by Kids for Peace, which aims to create a global community of kind, compassionate and empowered young people who are uplifting the world through love and action. All photos courtesy Kids for Peace

AutismOklahoma’s pen pal project emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when much-needed scheduled structure was disrupted. The nonprofit’s program remains popular and is directed towards children with autism, their siblings and their parents, as well as adults with autism.

“Autism can be isolating,” says Stacey Weddington, AutismOklahoma’s community impact director. “People with autism thrive on structure and the support that is built into their day at school, job, or wherever that may be. Everything on the schedule was removed during COVID. So, we developed our BLAST program – Building Life Along The Spectrum Together – which is our pen pal program. This became a way to keep people engaged with other people. We replaced schedules with connecting to others, to reduce the feeling of isolation.”

AutismOklahoma is one of Life.Church’s (LC) mission partners. Pen pal program participants complete a questionnaire that provides information about their favorite topics of conversation, general interests and more. Then LC members sign up for their pen pal based on those common interests.

“LC vets all of their volunteer leaders, and all LC pen pals sign AutismOklahoma’s volunteer release and codes of conduct,” says Weddington.

Their program has forged relationships, introduced people to AutismOklahoma, and helped them engage with monthly programs that benefit the autism community. For information and to sign up, those interested may go to autismoklahoma.org.

The Peaceful Pen Pals Project has launched over 400 chapters in over 25 countries. The one-on-one pen pals project connects youth with matches that are close in age and in gender, and the nonprofit’s class-to-class option connects student classrooms to each other.

According to their website, kidsforpeaceglobal.org, “we are building a global community of kind, compassionate and empowered young people who are uplifting the world through love and action. Our vision is a safe and peaceful world where all people respect and care for each other and our planet. Kids for Peace serves as a model and inspiration for creating this reality with children leading the way, not only for today, but for generations to come.”

Pen Pal Safety

Pen pal relationships may be a bit different these days due to internet communication and other high-tech complications. But pen pal organizations often exist to allow the pen pal experience, but with guidelines and boundaries that address the array of safety issues. If you don’t want to go the ‘stranger’ route, possible good options for finding pen pals include extended family or friends who live out of state, or connecting children to pen pals through teachers.

Due to the internet and complicated ‘stranger danger’ issues, pen pal safety precautions are more serious than they were for previous generations. There are risks to consider, and responsible adults should be proactive to keep minors safe. The following are a few suggestions:

• Parents, teachers or other adults in charge should monitor all pen pal communications. All unacceptable messages should immediately be given to an adult. Additionally, pen pals should never arrange to meet one another barring unique circumstances.

• Before beginning, research the pen pal to ensure the person is who he or she claims to be. This may mean checking social media accounts, searching for someone’s information online, or asking for references from the pen pal club or organization. A club or organization may be a good way to create a legitimate pen pal experience to begin with.

• Establish rules for pen pal communication. This may include how often and what type of communications are exchanged, as well as what information will be exchanged. Examples of information not to share may include one’s full name, address, phone number, information about family and friends, computer and internet passwords, and school information. Youth should fully understand what constitutes personal information, and the safety issues involved. Establishing a P.O. Box, creating a pseudonym or only revealing your first name are excellent ways to avoid oversharing.

• Pen pals should never respond to any messages that make them uncomfortable.

• Be cautious of pen pals who are significantly older.

• It’s unwise to exchange any personal or family photographs.

The Heartbeat of Music

By

Drew Joseph Allen

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December 22, 2024

468153262_1112875650845426_1567473200680046923_n — Photos courtesy Good Life Music & Media Lessons

Learning to play an instrument is, arguably, one of the most rewarding hobbies to take part in. Studying and perfecting a new skill over time, especially one that produces music, is a popular pastime for a reason. Drums, often considered the backbone of music, require a completely different skill set to something like the guitar or piano.

“Drumming is a great combination of both mental and physical performance,” says Scott Rouse, owner of Tulsa Drum Lessons.

Although the skill for drumming is partly innate, Rouse believes anyone can learn to play.

“Establishing the necessary coordination and listening skill to be a ‘musical’ drummer takes a lot of repetition,” he says. “This is where an inherent sense of timing and coordination could help, though the discipline of regular practice and playing remains more important. Ultimately, the skills needed to play drums are similar to learning any instrument; patience and persistence.”

Lessons are another obvious key element for learning to play drums. Plenty of people are self-taught or use online videos, but there’s often a ceiling with that method – which is when in-person lessons come into play.

“Working with a teacher versus online tutorials is good for accountability and making sure that you’re not establishing bad habits,” says Rouse. Fundamentals and making sure injuries aren’t going to occur are especially important.

Good Life Music & Media Lessons in Tulsa offers an array of instruction, from music to animation, game design and coding. Photos courtesy Good Life Music & Media Lessons

“Like any instrument, the goal is independence between two hands,” says Jim Korakis, owner of Good Life Music & Media Lessons in Tulsa. “For the drum set, coordination is required between both hands and both feet, and then between hands and feet separately.”

Rouse agrees, and says he prefers his lessons be tailored to the individual.

“My goal as a teacher is to bring out my students’ personality on the instrument. That means the path of learning will always be unique,” he says. “While I focus on fundamentals and building a strong foundation, I always want my lessons to reinforce my students’ love of music first. I will also work to teach them skills to be part of the music, as a performer, on a deeper level. Playing to music, especially with other live musicians, is really where the magic is.”

Imagining a tune without a certain instrument makes it feel incomplete in a way that seems glaring. This is often most noticeable with the drums.

“When music requires drums, I think the drums often set the tone and can really make the piece,” says Rouse. “Look at the way most recording studios, when tracking traditional bands, start with the drums. This is the foundation. Rhythm is movement. Music can be lifted by this movement and drummers are the cohesive element of the band leading that movement,” he continues.

Korakis agrees wholeheartedly.

“Drums are the heartbeat of music,” he says. “At his Skywalker Sound studio, the great George Lucas has a saying: ‘Sound and music are 50% of the cinematic experience.’ Drums and rhythm play a massive part in that.”

For a Winter Sojourn

By

Bonnie Rucker

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December 22, 2024

Martin Park Nature Center hiking (4) - sized — OKC Parks offers a variety of guided hikes for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike. Photos courtesy OKC Parks

January might not seem like the most conducive time to get into the great outdoors, but here in Oklahoma, this month can provide plenty of mild weather days to off-set the chill. And many of us find ourselves looking for opportunities to stay active and get some sunshine to chase away the winter doldrums.

So, taking the chance to explore some of our state’s wilderness areas on a pleasant hike can be just the ticket. But there are some things to keep in mind, including preparations that hikers should take, before they set off on that winter journey.

While walking in the woods doesn’t require an expensive trip to the outdoor store, a few essentials are needed for a safe and comfortable hike. Footwear tops the list for the potential hiker. William Hagenbuck, III, who serves as head naturalist and park manager for the OKC Parks Natural Resources Division, emphasizes the importance of hiking shoes or boots that provide necessary traction and minimize the risk of injury. Slip-on style shoes should be avoided, he says.

A hiker’s backpack should include water, sunscreen at any time of year, insect repellant, and a first aid kit. Staying hydrated should also be a concern regardless of the temperature.

“Water and electrolyte-based drinks will replenish lost fluids and minimize the risk of muscle cramps and heat-related illness,” says Hagenbuck. “Hiking during the cold also requires proper hydration.”

OKC Parks offers a variety of guided hikes for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike. Photos courtesy OKC Parks

He recommends wearing layers when hiking this time of year, as the body tends to warm up from physical exertion. And, he says, don’t forget gloves and some insulated headwear.

It is also essential to familiarize yourself with the area before starting your hike. Hagenbuck reminds hikers to always be aware of forecasted weather conditions and never to hike in inclement weather. Because hiking locations can be in remote areas, another suggestion Hagenbuck has for the hiker’s backpack is a paper or downloaded map in case you run into an area with no cell coverage.

Going with friends is one way to stay safe and make your hikes more enjoyable. If you are looking to connect with others who want to explore Oklahoma’s trails, Hagenbuck recommends online options, Facebook, Meetup or AllTrails, and checking your local library, community center, or coffee shop for posted flyers on hiking groups. Interested parties can also contact the local parks department, where staff may offer guided hikes and information on community organizations around hiking enthusiasts.

Where To Hike in OK

If you’re ready to try hiking and simply looking for a place to go, Hagenbuck has several recommendations to fit a hiker’s interests and abilities.

“Urban locations, such as Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City or Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa, are great for youth and families looking for beginner-level hiking,” he says. “The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Lawton is a favorite among hikers, along with trails located within Oklahoma State Parks sites across the state, and the Chickasaw National
Recreation Area in Sulphur.”

Efforts Worth a Dam

By

Rocco Geppi

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December 22, 2024

Lee Buchsbaum/LMB Photography — Photos courtesy GRDA

In Oklahoma, dams are not only crucial for managing water resources, but they also play a vital role in keeping residents safe and powering the state.

With over 4,700 dams, the state of Oklahoma has the fifth most dams of any state in the United States. These structures serve multiple purposes, including flood control – preventing damage to communities in low-lying areas – water supply for agricultural needs, and electricity generation. Among these thousands, four dams, Denison, Eufaula, Fort Gibson and Pensacola, are hydroelectric power producers, helping to generate renewable energy.

These functions are managed by various state and federal agencies, including the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA).

Non-Electric Dams

The OWRB is tasked with overseeing the safety of Oklahoma’s dams, primarily handling the non-hydroelectric structures.

“The OWRB regulates jurisdictional-sized, non-federal dams in Oklahoma, overseeing over 4,660 dams owned by both public and private entities,” says Julie Cunningham, the board’s executive director. “The purpose of the program is to ensure these dams are constructed and maintained in a way that will prevent a dam failure and harm to downstream lives and property.”

Employees of the OWRB conduct regular inspections, assess dam conditions and develop emergency action plans. Their work also involves coordinating with local governments and other agencies to address any safety concerns.

“Typical maintenance activities include routine inspections, monitoring water levels to prevent overtopping, clearing debris from spillways, repairing any cracks or surface damage on concrete structures, operating and testing gates and valves, and managing unwanted vegetation,” says Yohanes Sugeng, OWRB’s chief engineer. “These tasks help maintain the dam’s safety, functionality and long-term performance.”

Staff members are skilled in engineering, hydrology and water resource management, using their expertise to ensure dams continue to protect Oklahomans from the risks of flooding and infrastructure damage.

Oklahoma is home to four hydroelectic dams, including the Pesacola. Contructed in 1940 (above), this dam creates Grand Lake (main image. Photos courtesy GRDA

Hydroelectric Dams

Conversely, the management and operation of the state’s hydroelectric dams fall under the purview of the GRDA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The GRDA, a state agency, is responsible for operating the hydroelectric plants at Denison, Eufaula, Fort Gibson and Pensacola, the last of which was Oklahoma’s first hydroelectricity facility built in 1940.

These dams produce electricity and regulate water flow along the Grand River system, benefiting local ecosystems, recreational areas and municipal water supplies. Employees at the GRDA monitor the dams’ electrical output, maintain the machinery, and ensure that the hydroelectric plants are operating efficiently and safely.

“When rains of significant magnitude affect northeastern Oklahoma, GRDA works closely with the USACE to control the heavy flows of water along the Grand River system,” says Justin Alberty, GRDA’s communications director. “The Corps orders release rates that are consistent with downstream conditions and projected river crests. All the lakes along the Grand River, in the Arkansas River system, are operated to minimize downstream flooding, including Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. When water levels exceed or are anticipated to exceed 745 feet on Grand Lake, the Corps of Engineers takes control and determines how much water is released through the floodgates. Once [the water level] drops to 745 feet, the GRDA once again assumes control over releases.”

Day-to-day operations at the GRDA include managing the release of water to meet power generation needs while balancing flood control and environmental considerations. Engineers, technicians and water resource specialists work together to ensure the dams operate smoothly, providing power to thousands of Oklahomans while maintaining the integrity of the state’s water resources.

An Exercise in Global Empathy

By

Gretchen Eichenberg

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December 22, 2024

In a time of global unrest and uncertainty, perhaps no educational endeavor is more relevant than one where students represent different countries and come together to solve world problems. That’s exactly what Model United Nations (MUN), a competitive collegiate program, is all about: an exercise in global empathy.

“Model United Nations is just the absolute perfect [way] to cultivate empathy,” says Helen Fullerton, a 2024 graduate of Oklahoma State University and former participant. “It completely allows you to shift your mindset away from what you know – what we’re raised in – and see the world from a different perspective.”

MUN is a simulation of the United Nations where students take on the roles of diplomats representing different countries, says Cheryl Van Den Handel, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and MUN faculty adviser at Northwestern State University.

“The goal is to debate and negotiate solutions to world issues,” she says. “So they deal with things like climate change, humanitarian disasters, migration flows, refugees, internally displaced persons, drought and the environment, starvation, war and other kinds of conflicts.”

Participants attend conferences, where they go head to head with students from other schools. They research the country they are representing and take part in a general assembly, as well as economic, social and security council committees.

“They become delegates of that country,” Van Den Handel says. “So they have to put aside their own positions on issues, which can sometimes be difficult, and become a diplomat on those issues for that country.”

Students write position papers that demonstrate their position on different topics, give speeches, debate and negotiate with delegates from other countries – all while staying in character and working toward solutions.

Prior to each conference, participants get to choose three countries they would like to represent. But sometimes they end up advocating for a country with issues that are completely unknown to them.

Alongside learning about global conflicts, Model United Nations programs help students gain insight into different countries, their governments and their policies. Photos courtesy OSU MUN

“You may absolutely disagree with most of their policies and how they would actually vote,” Fullerton says. “But that allows you to take a deep dive in and see where they’re coming from and really understand how different countries across the world feel and how they’re experiencing global policy.”

While students work diligently to critically assess what is going on in the world and how to come up with solutions, they don’t always succeed.

“They find out just how difficult it is to achieve any kind of consensus among a group of people,” Van Den Handel says. “Everyone has their their own issues and their own positions that they bring to the table. And you know, the more people you have – MUN is 203 countries – the more difficult it is to to develop any kind of consensus.”

In addition to attending conferences, colleges and universities with MUN programs work to cultivate a sense of global awareness for everyone on campus.

“At Oklahoma State, we’re making sure there’s a space to discuss some of the more touchy global issues that, sometimes, people have seen a lot about in the media but don’t have a full awareness and understanding of,” Fullerton says. “We might have a guest speaker or, for instance, when the Palestinian Hamas conflict began, we had what we called a ‘think tank’ where students could come together and discuss what was going on and make sure that we’re getting all of our facts straight, and just see it from a non-biased and educational perspective.”

Communicating & Connecting

By

Sharla Bardin

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December 22, 2024

Storytelling #4 — Mike Pahsetopah, of Sapulpa, is a cultural educator, language consultant and renowned Fancy Dancer who performs dances and traditional storytelling for a variety of audiences. Photo courtesy Mike Pahsetopah

Stories captivate us, whether it’s sharing legends and limericks, tall tales and true accounts, or folklore and fancy dances. Stories unite, delight, educate and inspire.

“Whether fiction or nonfiction, printed or imparted, stories help us find meaning and transmit customs, culture, knowledge and morals,” says Kimberly Roblin, director of communications with Oklahoma Humanities.

Preserving and promoting Oklahoman’s stories helps guide the work of Roblin and other supporters in the state. The efforts include grant projects that fund research or events, oral interviews to capture the experiences of residents, and native dances and storytelling to educate audiences about tribal customs and traditions.

Roblin says the programs offered by Oklahoma Humanities and grants awarded by the nonprofit organization are rooted in stories.

The organization is the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and annually awards federal grants to cultural organizations at the local level, such as tribal nations, county historical societies, museums and libraries. Another effort is “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution that sends traveling exhibitions to communities.

Sarah Milligan has the opportunity to listen to numerous stories through her work with Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program.

“We interview people around the state about the history and culture of Oklahoma and OSU,” says Milligan, a professor and head of the program at the OSU library. “It’s a way to capture these experiences and these places and people for the future.”

Listening to the stories of others creates connections between tellers and listeners, she says.

Storytelling also can be shared in other forms. Sapulpa’s Mike Pahsetopah, for example, is a cultural educator, language consultant and a renowned Fancy Dancer.

“I enjoy telling a variety of intertribal stories, as well as my tribal stories,” says Pahsetopah, who is Osage-Cherokee and Muscogee Creek-Yuchi.

Pahsetopah has learned more about this art form from native storytellers through the years, including how tribes have used dance and instruments to share their culture. He says that sharing stories and dances with audiences is a way to educate others about legacies, traditions and history.

Sarah Milligan has the opportunity to listen to stories, experiences and accounts of individuals in the state through her work with Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program. Photo courtesy Oklahoma State University

Taking Time to Listen

Inspired to support storytelling in your community or even in your own family? Milligan and Roblin have ideas on how to get started.

The Oklahoma Oral History Research Program’s website (library.okstate.edu/oralhistory) features a video on how to start your own oral history project. Milligan says a key when it comes to talking with others about their experiences is to make time to ask questions and be “intentional to listen when people are willing to talk to you,” she says.

Roblin encourages individuals to “think about the stories that have resonated with you, where you heard them, and consider how you might be able to more directly support them. Maybe it was a local museum or library, a nonprofit, in a magazine or on the air. By becoming a member, subscribing, donating money or time as a volunteer, or even just sharing the work they do with family and friends, not only do you help the story survive, but you also become a part of it.”

Is there a giant octopus lurking in an Oklahoma lake? How did the state help contribute to the Chicken Dance craze? You can get insight into these unique bits of folklore by tuning into the “How Curious” podcast on station KGOU. The podcast is a way of spotlighting “lesser known aspects of Oklahoma people, places and events,” says host Rachel Hopkin. “It’s really fun to track down stories that are not so well known and really should be known.” To check out the podcast, visit kgou.org/podcast/how-curious.

Main image cutline: Mike Pahsetopah, of Sapulpa, is a cultural educator, language consultant and renowned Fancy Dancer who performs dances and traditional storytelling for a variety of audiences.
Photo courtesy Mike Pahsetopah

A Hee-Hawing Good Time

By

John Wooley

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December 22, 2024

HiRes_Barry_JJ_Energy_Stage — Kornfield Friends, a country music outfit founded by Jana Jae, is composed of former members of the long-running Hee Haw TV show. Photos courtesy the John Wooley Collection

As northeastern Oklahoma resident Jana Jae recalls it, the whole thing began back in early 2017. That’s when she and several other alumni of the long-running Hee Haw TV show gathered for a meal in a Nashville restaurant, following a memorial celebration for the program’s recently deceased producer, Sam Lovullo.

“There was a house band, and they asked me, ‘Where’s your fiddle?’” she says. “Well, it was packed up, in the bottom of my trunk, so I said, ‘Oh, it’s all put away.’

“A little more time went by, and then Misty Rowe said, ‘Well, Jana, if you’ll go get your fiddle, I’ll dance.’”

Jae laughs. “Long story short, that’s what happened. I went out and got my fiddle, we went up there with the band, Misty danced, and we brought the house down. Then, as we were eating our dinner, I said, ‘You know, this is so much fun. I have a bus. We ought to take this show on the road.’”

It didn’t happen immediately. In fact, it didn’t happen for a year or so. But, notes Jae, during that stretch, she was busy “asking people about it,” getting a booking agent, and forming a company, Kornfield Friends LLC.

“I lost about $19,000 getting things going,” she says, “because we took my bus, and I also bought plane tickets for the band when we played a couple of casino dates up in the northwest, which was too far for the bus. I was paying for all sorts of things until I woke up and realized this was going to run me into bankruptcy!”

Still, she persevered, putting together a quartet of well-known former Hee Haw cast members that included actress-entertainer Rowe, multi-instrumentalist Buck Trent, and comedian-singer Lulu Roman, backed by Jae’s band.

“At the time, I thought, ‘This is kind of like the Oak Ridge Boys – four of us, and we’re a unit,’” she recalls. “We were so darned good, and we just had so much fun. We had lots of bookings going then, multi-multi-thousands of dollars worth of signed contracts for 2020.”

Then, like so many other things across the country, it was all, she notes, “wiped out” by the pandemic.

It’s taken nearly four years for her to relaunch the project, with a Jan. 25 show set for the Grove Performing Arts Center, and there’ve been some changes in the interim.

Trent passed away last year, and Roman is no longer able to travel. However, says Jae, “Misty and I are going pretty strong,” and she’s been able to add three other acts to the show. One, Irlene Mandrell, actually did some dates with the pre-COVID Kornfield Friends; her Hee Haw stint began after she’d co-starred on the NBC-TV show Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters, along with her sisters, Barbara and Louise. Like Misty Rowe, Mandrell was one of the “Hee Haw Honeys,” a group of highly attractive women dressed in scanty backwoods-style clothing who enlivened both the music and comedy portions of the show.

Then there’s Rex Allen Jr., a country-music hitmaker of the ’70s and ’80s, when Hee Haw was at its peak. During the show’s run, he was a guest performer on several episodes.

“I knew he’d been on Hee Haw; he was part of the 50-year celebration we did in Nashville [in 2019] with the Kornfield Friends,” Jae says. “I knew him, and I thought, well, ‘I’ll just ask him.’ He said yes and was real tickled to do it. He’s a great guy and he’s got a great voice, too. [Country-music impresario] Jim Halsey told me he’s got the best voice in the business.”

Completing the roster is Buddy Alan Owens, who scored his own hit country singles in the ’60s and ’70s. More important, as far as Hee Haw goes, is his pedigree. He’s the son of Buck Owens, who co-hosted the program with Roy Clark for most of its long run.

“I called Buddy, because he had just been with us at the National Fiddler Hall of Fame [in Tulsa] to induct [Buck Owens’ longtime band member] Don Rich,” says Jae. “He was so gracious and so good there, and he did four or five songs really well. I knew he was probably way too busy, but I asked him to join us and he said yes immediately. He was happy to do it and excited to do it.”

Jae, who was briefly married to Buck Owens in the ‘70s, was a featured member of his band, the Buckaroos. She estimates that she did five seasons of Hee Haw.

“It was, I guess, 26 shows a year, so you can figure that up,” she says. “It was a wonderful, wonderful experience that brought me to a new career pinnacle. Everyone who was on Hee Haw had a career advancement.

“It really was a phenomenal show. It brought families to the TV screen. People would tell me, ‘Oh, yeah, I watch you every Saturday night.’ Then, a few years went by, and it was, ‘Oh, yeah, my folks watched you every Saturday night.’ Now, it’s ‘My grandparents watched you every Saturday night.’”

She laughs again, but there’s plenty of truth in that observation. Hee Haw, which ran from 1969 through 1993 and is still around in reruns, was one of the early syndicated-show successes. Dropped by CBS after a couple of years, it went into syndication and ended up running for a quarter of a century, which means that at least three generations of viewers were exposed to its combination of cornpone wit, fast-moving blackout-style sketches and lots of country music, all unfolding in a mythical setting known as Kornfield Kounty. There were singalongs, jokes told by cast members and guests rising up out of a cornfield, and the famed “pickin’ and grinnin’” segments featuring Clark and Owens.

“It was a mix of humor and good music and jokes and silliness and fun and laughing – I mean, what could be sillier than some of those singalongs, like ‘I’ve searched the world over and thought I’d found true love; you met another and pfft you were gone.’” She chuckles. “In fact, that’s what everybody wants – those old singalongs. So we do those in the show. We do pickin’ and grinnin’. We pop out of the cornfield with jokes. It’s really just a fun show filled with good music.”

The five principals will be joined at the Grove performance by a four-man band, all from Oklahoma: drummer Steve Short and bassist Richard Sharp (who are also members of Oklahoma Swing, the band profiled in my November column); keyboardist Richard Kennedy, a former linchpin of Roy Clark’s band; and longtime Tulsa guitarist Pat Savage. According to Jae, “They’re all top-notch guys, and they know the show.”

With this new beginning, she adds, “We all want to carry on the Hee Haw spirit. It’s the spirit of fun, the spirit of a family get-together, and having Buddy there is nice, because it’s kind of like a blessing from Buck. When we started off last time, we had Roy’s wife and sister-in-law come out and give us their blessing, and that was really special. The country music industry is an extended family, but that’s especially true of Hee Haw. All of us in the cast had such a great time, and we still feel like we’re family.”

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