Basketball – both collegiate and professional – rules the January calendar. TU plays at home, Tulsa’s Reynolds Center, throughout the month, with games on Jan. 1, 11, 21, 26 and 29 for men and Jan. 4, 8, 15 and 25 for women. The Sooners have games at Norman’s Lloyd Noble Center on Jan. 2, 12, 16 and 26 for women and Jan. 8, 15 and 18 for men. Lastly, the Cowgirls play at the Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater on Jan. 4, 11, 22 and 29; Cowboys play Jan. 7, 18 and 21. Professional basketball remains a hot ticket item at OKC’s Paycom Center, with OKC Thunder games Jan. 2-3, 5, 16, 19 and 22-23, and OKC Blue games Jan. 2, 4, 13, 14, 27 and 30.
In Tulsa, sporting enthusiasts won’t want to miss the All-Star Team Roping finals, Jan. 4-5 at Expo Square. Stick around the venue for the Chili Bowl – one of the nation’s biggest motorsports events – on Jan. 8-18. You can also venture over to the BOK Center for Tulsa Oilers’ hockey matches Jan. 10-12, 14, 17-19 and 31, as well as the Professional Bullriders Jan. 24-25. In OKC, don’t miss the ESPN Gymnastics Invitational, Jan. 10-11 at the Paycom Center, as well as the Time Travel Half-Marathon, Jan. 26 starting at 1120 S. Western Ave.
Other events include the Claremore’s Championship Rodeo, Jan. 4 at the Claremore Expo Center, as well the International Finals Rodeo, Jan. 16-19, and the Kicker AMA Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross Show, Jan. 24, both at Guthrie’s Lazy E Arena.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, photo courtesy Aardman
Oh no, it’s January! Generally a month dedicated to quitting recently started New Year’s resolutions, January also serves as a dumping ground for garbage films destined to hopefully make a quick profit before disappearing from the public eye. From the rubble I’ve gathered a few that might rise above, but only time will tell!
First up is one of the only safe bets on the list – Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. A stop motion animated comedy within the greater Wallace and Gromit series, the film finds Wallace in trouble after his invention, the “smart gnome,” develops an evil mind of its own. Running at a beautifully brisk 79 minutes and already brimming with positive reviews, it’s a perfect way to spend an evening with the family at home when it releases to Netflix on Jan. 3.
If you want action, look no further than Levon’s Trade. Based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Chuck Dixon, the story revolves around Levon Cade (Jason Statham), an ex-Black Ops agent who now leads a peaceful life with his daughter. Things, of course, do not continue down that road when someone in his life goes missing. The plot will likely be full of clichés as the “one last job” style thriller moves through the story beats, and director David Ayer (Suicide Squad) is no stranger to these types of films. It will, presumably, have fun action sequences with a high body count. It’s also co-written by Sylvester Stallone, and although I’m unsure if that’s a plus or a negative, it’s likely to be a fun time-waster when it releases on Jan. 17.
For another easy win with the kids, check out Paddington in Peru. Based on the stories of Paddington Bear and the third installment in the film series, this story sees Paddington return to, you guessed it, Peru, to visit his Aunt Lucy. A wild and thrilling adventure awaits him, along with a cast that includes Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Emily Mortimer (The Newsroom), Olivia Coleman (The Favourite), Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro) and Ben Whishaw (My Brother Tom) as the voice of Paddington. The film released in early November in the UK and received high praise, so it should be a good choice for a family outing when it opens in the U.S. on Jan. 17.
For a bizarre psychological thriller, don’t miss Companion. The teaser trailer seems to indicate a romantic relationship gone extremely awry, coupled with some violent imagery – stabbings, bloody faces, a woman handcuffed to a chair at dinner, a hand on fire, and an off-putting smile from Jack Quaid (The Boys). The film also stars Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Rupert Friend (Homeland). It looks to be an extremely weird time when it releases on Jan. 31.
That’s mostly it for this dreary month, so I’d recommend catching up on the 2024 list of films you never got around to watching. Maybe look into the Oscar buzz and binge the ones you missed! Or just watch Dune: Part Two again, because that movie is excellent.
Main image credit: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, photo courtesy Aardman
Photo courtesy Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma
President and CEO of Goodwill Central Oklahoma, Will Lufburrow boasts over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit industry. Before taking the OKC helm in July 2024, Lufburrow served as chief operating officer at Goodwill South Texas.
Lufburrow, who is known for fostering a culture of innovation and driving sustainable business practices, brings a rounded knowledge of retail donation operations and complex market dynamics to the role. We caught up with Lufburrow and got his thoughts on …
… what drew him to the nonprofit sector.
Goodwill has been somewhat of a “family” calling for three generations. Both my father and grandfather served as president and CEO for Goodwill Houston, so it was a natural fit to continue that legacy in Oklahoma City. I spent a brief period in the private sector in 2018 but quickly found out that I wanted to return to the Goodwill community and continue the mission of changing lives through the power of work.
… fostering innovation and sustainable business practices.
The beauty of the social enterprise model that Goodwill operates is that it allows us the opportunity to address problems at the source with a multitude of approaches. I support a “yes, and” atmosphere in our offices. No idea is too out of the box, and its up to leadership to not stop what could be the solution to a problem by saying “that will never work,” but instead we must encourage open dialogue by saying “yes, and” to the idea.
Not every idea or plan becomes obtainable, but we can’t stop them before they are allowed to grow into an action plan. As more public needs begin to pull at the nonprofit community, we must take any available approach to accomplish our respective missions to see the change we desire.
… what makes him proudest about Goodwill.
I am a firm believer in Goodwill’s mission to provide job training and placement opportunities for anyone with a barrier to employment. The positive impact a job can make in someone’s life is insurmountable, with that job being the difference between personal growth and independence or desperation. As I often tell my team, I didn’t pursue a career in Goodwill because of my passion for thrift retail, but instead to see our communities transformed. I believe Goodwill can offer a much-needed solution to many of the challenges so many people are facing daily. Our goal is to see our clients gain employment and grow in their career journey, giving dignity and freedom back to many folks who may have thought these things were out of reach.
… his goals.
It is my belief that Goodwill Central Oklahoma should and can be one of the premier service organizations in the central Oklahoma territory. From an increased focus to continue to grow and improve our retail operations, to creating even more of a significant impact in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, I believe this Goodwill is prime to achieve that status. We have a wealth of opportunities for our mission advancement as well as our retail growth. We opened our store in Weatherford in July that not only provides a great shopping experience for the local community, but also houses a career center for individuals seeking our services. This month we also cut the ribbon on our brand-new mobile services unit, which will allow us to take our services on the road to many of the rural communities surrounding Oklahoma City.
… what people should know about Goodwill.
Goodwill is much more than just our stores. We provide job training and job placement opportunities to those who may be experiencing barriers to employment. When you shop at a Goodwill store, 90 cents of every dollar go to advancing our mission of changing lives through the power of work.
… how to get involved.
We’re always looking for ways to get the community involved. From donation drives, event sponsorships and volunteers, to local experts giving us their insight into a specific market, we need the support of our community to continue advancing our mission.
… where to find him outside work.
My family and I recently got settled into Edmond and have loved it. I am a father of three elementary school aged kids, so it’s a safe bet that you’ll find me at soccer, baseball or cheerleading. My wife Terrell and I have loved the art and food scene here in Edmond and OKC, so we have taken every opportunity to explore some of the great restaurants and venues Central Oklahoma has to offer. But more importantly, where there’s good coffee, it’s a guarantee you will find my wife and I there at some point.
A welding career opened up a world of opportunities for Chris Schuler.
Schuler attended the Central Tech welding program in Drumright, and his career has included becoming a pipe welder, business owner and consultant. He has also worked as an instructor, regional director of training and now campus president at the Tulsa Welding School.
Schuler shares these experiences with his students to show the many paths that a career in the trades can take them.
“I know how the skill trades have helped me,” he says. “There’s so much opportunity out there.”
And students are seeking out jobs in the trades at high levels.
Schuler and Michelle Keylon, superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, say they are seeing significant interest among students, who are enrolling in programs centered around welding, the automotive industry, manufacturing and carpentry.
“We’re always going to have a need for this kind of trained workforce,” Keylon says.
Francis Tuttle offers programs in trades fields including advanced manufacturing, automotives, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, programming and software development, practical nursing and pre-nursing programs. The center serves both high schoolers and adults, helping prepare students for continued education at colleges and universities, entering the workforce, career changes or additional training needs, Keylon says.
Programs at Francis Tuttle Technology Center include practical nursing and pre-nursing programs, welding, 3D animation and more. Photos courtesy Francis Tuttle
At the Tulsa Welding School, students can enroll in programs outside of welding, including refrigeration technologies, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical programs. The school also offers an associate’s degree of occupational studies in welding technology.
Schuler says the enrollment includes a mix of students just out of high school or adults looking to increase their training or make a career switch. He believes the interest in trade jobs stems from the fact that there are always jobs available there. For example, there are steel and welding fabrication shops in Tulsa that need trained employees now. In addition, plumbers and electricians are always necessary, he says.
As more people retire from positions in the trades fields, new employees will be needed. Schuler and Keylon say that along with programs to train students, there are also initiatives to help them become job ready, such as with interviewing skills and networking.
Schuler says the Tulsa school works closely with employers about training needs and brings employers onsite to meet students and show them the training in place. He says the school also hires instructors with diverse skill sets and experience to help prepare students for jobs and tasks they’ll see in the workforce.
Students at Francis Tuttle have opportunities for instruction in personal leadership, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, creating a resume or participating in mock job interviews, Keylon says.
“We absolutely try to make sure that the students are very well-rounded in their knowledge and experience before they leave,” she says. “Our goal is to really have them both work and life ready by the time they complete our programs.”
Billy Vega is a student in the welding program at Francis Tuttle, and says he appreciates the knowledge he’s gaining from instructors – and the opportunities to practice the craft. Vega got interested in welding after working on farms and ranches and getting some experience on smaller projects.
“I wanted to take it to a further level and learn a little more, get more comfortable and get certified in it,” Vega says. His career plans include becoming a pipeline welder and having his own welding truck one day.
“I think [welding is] something different than going to college,” he says. “It’s more hands-on.”
Downtown in December is OKC’s holiday extravaganza, with ice skating, community events, festive treats and more.
Photo courtesy the Downtown OKC Partnership
The season of gathering and giving is here — and Oklahomans have myriad opportunities to celebrate and give back.
Decking the Halls
Bundle up and head to our major metros for two winter wonderlands that bring a bit of the North Pole to Oklahoma.
More than 600,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Oklahoma City as Downtown in December dazzles community members with ice skating, festive food, shopping, entertainment and more.
Tulsa’s Family and Children’s Services operates a Santa Shop annually that provides no-cost gifts for children, teens and adults.
Photo courtesy Family and Children’s Services
“Downtown Oklahoma City is the place to celebrate the holidays,” says Phi Nguyen, CEO of the Downtown OKC Partnership. “Downtown in December presented by Devon promises to delight locals and visitors with more than 30 festive events and attractions.”
The annual tree lighting in Bricktown is followed by Lights On Broadway in Automobile Alley on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Merry Midtown began on Nov. 30 – Small Business Saturday – and runs through Christmas Day, offering promotions and special holiday decor.
The Saints Santa Run takes off Dec. 7 from the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital campus with a competitive 5K and one-mile Kids’ Dash; costumes are encouraged.
Alongside spreading holiday cheer, keeping things affordable is important to Downtown in December’s organizers.
“We believe in maintaining a downtown for everyone,” Nguyen says. “Many of our events are offered to the community free or at a low cost through generous sponsorships and partnerships of corporations and businesses.”
Nguyen continues: “Whether it’s getting your annual pet photo with Santa at Merry Midtown’s Santa Paws Photo Op or strolling down Broadway Avenue to enjoy the holiday light displays in Automobile Alley, we are proud to offer accessible opportunities to experience downtown during the holiday season.”
For a schedule of events and more information, visit downtownindecember.com.
In Tulsa, the 17th annual Arvest Winterfest presented with Ascension St. John has two new attractions to get Tulsans into the spirit: An exhilarating 60-foot ice slide and festively decorated igloos that can be rented for gathering with family and friends.
On weekends throughout the month of December, enjoy free entertainment outside the BOK Center, hop on the Winterfest Express Train and get a photo taken with Santa. Additionally, a special ‘Breakfast With Santa’ event is set for Saturday, Dec. 21 and includes a warm meal, face-painting, inflatables and, of course, a chance to share last minute wishes with Saint Nick. You can also enjoy the ice rink outside the BOK Center, plus festive carriage rides, through Jan. 6.
For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit tulsawinterfest.com.
City Rescue Mission, based in OKC, helps those experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit currently assists 350 people each night, many of whom are children. Photo courtesy City Rescue Mission
Spreading the Cheer
Amid the joy of the holiday season, many Oklahomans struggle just to make ends meet, even more to provide toys and gifts for their families.
In Tulsa, Family and Children’s Services (FCS) works with people in crisis, supporting them through the compassionate care of caseworkers and a slew of comprehensive programs.
“Family and Children’s Services has seen a combined 19% increase in the number of clients that we serve since last year in both our children programs and our adult programs,” says Tom A. Taylor, chief development officer with FCS. “Most of our client needs are basic needs versus what most people think of as traditional for holiday gifts.”
Those looking for holiday cheer in abundance can visit downtown Tulsa for Arvest Winterfest.
Photo by Phil Clarkin
FCS operates a Santa Shop that is stocked with gifts for children, teens and adults. Caseworkers can shop for their families and, hopefully, bring a smile to the faces of people who are experiencing a difficult time.
Donations of toys, books and games for kids of all ages; gifts for teens; clothing, coats, pajamas and HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks); small household items and toiletries; and grocery gift cards can be dropped off through Dec. 11 at the FCS Lapidus Children’s Center at 650 S. Peoria Ave. in Tulsa.
“We rely heavily on the generous support from the community in helping us meet our client’s needs during the holiday season, as well as year-round,” Taylor says.
In Oklahoma City, more families than ever are facing homelessness, and City Rescue Mission (CRM) acts as a place of refuge.
“It’s not just single individuals anymore,” says Erin Goodin, president and CEO of CRM. “Entire families are struggling to find stable housing because of rising costs, job insecurity and unexpected life events. Many of the families coming to City Rescue Mission are parents with young kids, often facing homelessness for the first time.”
Currently, CRM serves around 350 people each night, including more than 50 families, 120+ children and 200 single adults, Goodin says.
CRM’s ‘Wish Workshop’ offers parents of children experiencing homelessness an opportunity to shop at no charge for their kids. The greatest need is toys for kids of all ages, as well as stocking stuffers of personal items like toiletries, socks and underwear. The Wish Workshop opens Dec. 16, so organizers are looking for donations beginning Dec. 1 all the way to Christmas Eve.
Photo courtesy the Downtown OKC Partnership
As winter weather arrives, the need for warming agents also increases.
“Cold nights make it dangerous for anyone without a warm place to stay, and as temperatures drop, more families and individuals will look for somewhere safe,” Goodin says. “For parents with kids, the stakes are even higher; they need a place where their children can be warm and secure through the freezing months.”
Donations of coats and winter clothing are accepted all year long and can be dropped off at 800 W. California Ave. in OKC.
“A simple donation to City Rescue Mission can truly change lives,” Goodin says. “We couldn’t do this work without the support of people who care and want to make a difference.”
Photos by Dan’niel McKnight courtesy American Firearm Training
Firearms safety is paramount for responsible gun ownership. To ensure it, individuals must adopt specific practices in handling, storing and using firearms, as well as obtain training and continuing education from certified professionals.
Safe Storage
Proper storage is important in preventing unauthorized access and accidents. Firearms should always be stored unloaded in a secure location, such as a locked safe or cabinet. It’s advisable to use a gun lock for additional security.
Ammunition should be stored separately, and both firearms and ammunition should be kept out of reach of children and unauthorized users.
Handling Firearms Safely
When it comes to handling a firearm, most experts point to what they call the four golden rules:
1. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded;
2. Point the firearm in a safe direction;
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire;
4. Identify the target and what is around it.
“Anytime you’re going to handle a firearm, you have to check it for yourself and make sure it’s unloaded,” says Dan’niel McKnight, owner and lead instructor for American Firearm Training in Broken Arrow. “If a person doesn’t properly know how to do that, I recommend they never touch [the firearm]. Keep it in the box or a safe and have someone help them.”
These fundamental rules underscore the importance of maintaining a safety first mindset. In addition, when transporting a firearm, use a case to prevent accidental discharge, and always ensure the gun is unloaded.
At American Firearm Training in Broken Arrow, gun owners and those interested in gun safety can take educational courses with hands-on training.
Photos by Dan’niel McKnight courtesy American Firearm Training
Education is Key
Instructors can provide essential safety information, such as the importance of firearm maintenance and understanding how different types of guns operate.
“Get professional training,” McKnight urges. “A lot of people in Oklahoma have been raised around guns and are under the impression that they don’t need training, but everyone needs training – at every level.”
Educational sessions should include practical exercises on safe handling and the use of safety mechanisms. Awareness of the legal responsibilities of gun ownership, including laws pertaining to concealed carry licenses and transport are also critical.
“Training is not a one day, eight-hour class,” says Matthew Moulton, co-owner of OKC Tactical, a firearms academy in Yukon. “When our clients train with us, they do it for an hour a week and for months at a time. So they get a lot of repetitions and a lot of real world scenario training. It’s not just about shooting the pistol. It’s about how to maneuver the pistol, understanding how it works, and keeping it functioning properly [to] keep yourself effective and safe.”
Behaviors to Avoid
Certain behaviors can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
“When it comes to pointing the firearm in a safe direction, I try to get my students to visualize something like a lightsaber,” McKnight says. “So I tell them, ‘Every time you handle a firearm, in your mind you need to pretend and visualize that long lightsaber coming out the end of the gun.’ This is especially important for handguns because they are so short and easy to point in the wrong direction.”
Never engage in horseplay around a firearm. Do not use alcohol or drugs before or while handling guns. Additionally, avoid altering or bypassing safety features on firearms, which can lead to dangerous situations.
Responsible firearm ownership involves a commitment to safety through proper storage, careful handling and ongoing education. By adhering to these guidelines and fostering a culture of safety, gun owners can ensure their own protection and that of others.
At the Stuart Ranch in Waurika, horses are bred to be “versatile, athletic ... and capable of doing their jobs,” says manager Terry Stuart Forst.
Photos courtesy the Stuart Ranch
Of the fifty states, Oklahoma ranks No. 2 for the economic impact/gross domestic product of the horse industry – sitting at 0.64% with 252,700 horses, right behind Kentucky.
Within the sector, horse breeding – a science-focused effort on producing genetically superior horses – requires a large financial investment with, typically, a strong ROI. Foals are raised for racing, competition, riding and other business endeavors.
Oklahoma’s oldest ranch under continuous family ownership, 7S Ranch or the Stuart Ranch, was founded in 1868 in Caddo, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory. Now located in Waurika, the ranch is managed by its fifth generation of family leadership, Terry Stuart Forst, who assumed the role from her father in 1992.
“I think to start in the horse business, you go to work for someone you respect and want to train under,” says Stuart Forst. “This is a business full of hard work, long hours and dedication.”
An acclaimed 2007 Oklahoma Cattleman of the Year, Stuart Forst runs the 7S Quarter Horse Breeding Program, and has produced winning horses in many disciplines. The equine program produces and raises 30+ foals every year.
At the Stuart Ranch in Waurika, horses are bred to be “versatile, athletic … and capable of doing their jobs,” says manager Terry Stuart Forst.
Photos courtesy the Stuart Ranch
With an eye on the future, Stuart Forst and her sons have diversified and expanded the 7S Ranch for maximum longevity.
“Horses are raised in Oklahoma for ranch work, for show purposes in many disciplines, and for racing. Some are also raised for pulling feed wagons and other equipment,” she says. “Our horses primarily are used for ranch and show purposes. Our outfit uses horses everyday in ranch work, but those same horses have won numerous awards in the show pen.”
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater has a prestigious equine breeding and foaling program, with a state-of-the-art equine teaching facility.
A January 2020 OSU white paper, excerpted from the American Youth Council’s Horse Industry Handbook, says a successful horse breeder is “able to select superior horses for mating, and manages the environmental effects, such as nutrition, healthcare, training and injuries, to maximize the horse’s genetic potential. Since breeding for quality horses is not a simple matter, breeders must understand basic genetic principles and their applications to the horse business.”
Within the industry, it is understood that the most important aspects of a good breeding program target genetics and pedigree. They involve selecting outstanding breeding stock, with identification of individual records, pedigree records and progeny (offspring) information. In order to get desired physical characteristics and temperament, breeders consider an array of traits, characteristics and lineage.
“Our goal is to raise a versatile, athletic horse that is capable of doing his job,” Stuart Forst says. “Our broodmare band is generational, with sixth and seventh generations competing today in several disciplines.”
The OSU white paper says that breeder progress depends on four things: “consistent goal, heritability, selection intensity and generation interval. The plan should be to produce three to four foals out of each mare and then replace the mare with her best filly.”
Breeding requirements include maintaining the appropriate facilities and having the right people on hand. Those include facilities for mating and foaling with spacious turnout areas, safe breeding stalls and proper veterinary care. Also, breeders need to be aware of market demands and potential returns on investment.
Artist Jeanie Gooden, who lives between Tulsa and Mexico, recently released a new book. You can also find some of her works – like the one behind her in this photo – at Tulsa's M. A. Doran Gallery. Photos by Stephanie Phillips
Finding beauty in the details of ordinary things: that is the theme of Tulsa artist Jeanie Gooden’s new book Findings: Translations, released in November.
“I love the small things,” Gooden says. “I love to encourage people to look around them. Somebody might be looking at a waterfall and I might be looking at a rock in the other direction because I like the pattern on it. I’m very attuned to details.”
Gooden has been living and working between Tulsa and the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, for the past 20 years. She says it’s the vibrant people, music, colors, food and culture – but also the earthy, even gritty imperfection – that have made the Mexican city a place of inspiration for her work.
“I love the vibrancy of Mexico,” Gooden says, “and the simple things about it. It’s a very innovative country, but juxtaposed to that is the very simple, basic idea that everything’s useful. Take care of it. Patch it up. Use it again. Mexico is so rich in the old ways of re-purposing and salvaging. That’s what you’ll see in my work, examples of these inspirations.”
Old mops leaning against a wall and rusted trash cans sitting in an alley are transferred by Gooden’s hand to canvases in art galleries. Patches of metal, stitching and layering canvases and textiles are all things that influenced the artist, but her often large scale mixed media works actually started stateside.
“Years ago, I sold a painting called Torn to a designer in Tulsa,” Gooden says. “It fell off the wall at a party in her home and tore the canvas. I was already living down here [in Mexico] at the time, and I started remembering markets and how they sometimes crudely sew things together. So I just pulled [the painting] together with a bunch of cotton thread and stitched it up, and I’ve never stopped stitching.”
Gooden says the piece even became an analogy for healing and repair.
“There’s always some reason for the things I do,” she says.
Delving into new forms of art requires a bravery that Gooden says she tries to embody and impart to others.
“As long as you’re fearful, you’re going to stay safe in anything,” Gooden says. “I happen to be a painter. But you’ve got to be willing to fail in art or anything. I think you have to be willing for it to be rotten. You can’t get good at anything unless you are bad at it first. I’ve taken a lot of risks in my life, so I guess that’s just the way I look at things.”
While her 240-page book of full color images and photographs reflects her own creative process, Gooden says she hopes to inspire others to find their passion.
“Look around you,” she says. “Your inspiration is waiting just beside you. It’s the simplest message in the world. I just happen to have a visual story that unfolded over 20 something years that makes it easier to see. You may cook or make music or you may be a computer programmer – but you’re making connections no matter what.”
Commercial airports are a part of people’s lives on a regular basis. One of the fastest ways to travel, these hubs of transport are also generally crowded and overbooked. Smaller airports, as well as the luxury of flying private, are alternative for those looking for something a bit more upscale – and convenient.
“Private airports offer exclusive amenities and a more personalized experience,” says Darrah Callen, regional vice president for Jet Linx, a private flight membership/aircraft rental company. “Our members gain access to our private terminals and executive lounges, allowing for a relaxed and seamless transition from ground to air – without the crowds and long lines of commercial terminals,” she says.
When flying private, everything is tailored to the customer, with heightened security, quick boarding, ground transportation, restaurant and hotel reversions, and even preferred snacks and beverages at the ready, says Callen.
“We know our clients by name and their travel patterns,” she says.
If, instead, you already own an aircraft and are looking for an easier way to fly without the hassle of big airlines, Sundance Airport in Oklahoma City is a go-to, hidden gem destination. While not considered private, Sundance is categorized as general aviation, meaning it does not cater to the general population with commercial flights.
Jet Linx, which provides a private flight membership as well as aircraft rentals, has offices around the U.S., including in Tulsa. Photo courtesy Jet Linx
“Sundance is an anomaly in terms of general aviation airports; it is the only public-use airport in Oklahoma that is not funded by taxpayer dollars,” says CEO Jerry Hunter. “It is owned by a single individual and makes its money by selling aircraft fuel, renting hangars, renting a fleet of small aircraft to individuals and students, and from its flight school,” he says. The airport also provides maintenance, a weather information system and no security checks for those flying.
“In general aviation, there’s no TSA,” says Hunter. “No security. No delays before takeoffs. No long lines.”
The only public-use airport in Oklahoma not funded by taxpayer dollars, Sundance offers hangar rentals, aircraft fueling and a flight academy. Photo courtesy Sundance Airport
Gaining access to these places requires different things. For Jet Linx, the only thing you need is the financial means to become a member.
“Owning a jet is not necessary,” says Callen. “As a Jet Linx Jet Card member, you enjoy exclusive access to private airports and our Members-only terminals across the country, as well as 5,000 domestic airports.”
As for Sundance, the ownership of any aircraft is enough to gain you access.
“Whether you own a small propeller aircraft or a large corporate family jet, it doesn’t matter,” says Hunter. “You can rent hangar space for your aircraft and keep it at Sundance. Even if you’re based at a different airport, you can land, refuel and continue your journey,” he says.
Sundance also offers a flight academy.
“There are also active chapters of EAA [the Experimental Aircraft Association], offering airplane rides for kids, and CAP [Civil Air Patrol],” says Hunter.
Alesund, a port city in Norway, offers stunning Art Nouveau architecture, along with stunning views and fresh seafood.
Millennia ago, huge glaciers carved deep, narrow ruts into the wild Atlantic coast of Norway, leaving behind placid, U-shaped fjords hemmed by steep cliffs. Right in the middle of all this natural splendor is Alesund, a port city of 44,000, exquisitely located on seven islands near the mouth of the 68-mile-long Stor Fjord.
The town is actually an archipelago, so it is not so much on the ocean as it is in the ocean, with docks, canals, bridges and buildings constructed right along the water – not unlike a certain city in Italy.
After a devastating fire in 1904, Alesund was rebuilt using native stone in the popular architectural style of the time, Art Nouveau, with towers, arches and elaborate ornamentation. In the dense central core, more than 300 Art Nouveau structures were erected by artisans between 1904 and 1907 using grand urban plans following the Viennese model.
Town park statues pay tribute to two notable men: German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who stepped in to assist after the 1904 fire, and a Viking named Gange-Rolf, also known as Rollo, founder of Normandy and forefather of William the Conqueror.
Alesund is definitely walkable – in fact, the Art Nouveau district is best seen up close and on foot. This way, you’re also free to slip into a glass art gallery or one of the little shops that sell wool sweaters, liquorice and troll figurines.
It’s great fun to sea kayak down the Brosundet canal through the center of Alesund for special views of this stylish city. Then head right out into the tranquil inner harbor and nearby fjords, like the fairytale-like Geiranger with its abundant waterfalls and wildlife or the less-visited but equally charming Hjorund.
When your restaurant is sitting right on top of the water, you know the seafood is fresh, and when you’re in Alesund, that means cod, crab, Norwegian lobster and crayfish. Complement it with farikal, a local dish made of boiled mutton, potatoes and cabbage. Drink like a Norwegian and add a glass of aquavit, the country’s national spirit, made from potatoes and flavored with caraway or dill.
Art Nouveau is so predominant in Alesund, the national Art Nouveau Center is located there in the spired Swan Pharmacy building (built in 1907). The KUBE art museum is in an adjacent bank. The big fire is chronicled along with the resulting birth and development of the city’s trademark art and architecture.
Just outside Alesund, down by the swim beach, is one of the largest saltwater aquariums in Scandinavia. The Atlantic Sea-Park (Atlanterhavsparken) was founded in 1951 and is full of playful seals, otters and Humboldt penguins. The daily feedings featuring divers in the water are a big hit.
Hikers and skiers will be glad to know the Sunnmore Alps are right outside of town with some peaks stretching 5,600 feet straight up from the fjords. Just for fun, head to the town park and take the 418 stone steps to Mount Aksla, Alesund’s very own town mountain. Up top, there’s a restaurant and some impressive big sky views of the islands and the Alps.
Book early and you can overnight out at the end of the jetty in Norway’s oldest lighthouse, the Molja, whose automated beacons still warn mariners approaching the harbor. Inside, there’s a two-story suite with a custom-fitted circular bed. Breakfast is delivered the next morning, courtesy the nearby Hotel Brosundet.
Several airlines fly into Alesund and there’s a ferry that comes in from Geiranger, a picturesque town at the head of the Geiranger fjord. The 90-minute boat ride offers hard-to-catch angles and unique perspectives of these sublime rock-bound bodies of water.
