ionok.com APRIL/MAY 2017 Legacy of an Oklahoma Oil Man: J. Steve Anderson, Co-founder of Anderson Prichard Oil Corporation
Creative Oklahoma honors 2017 Ambassadors
Star Spangled Air Show as Tinker celebrates 75th Anniversary
2017 Festival of the Arts OKC’s Rite of Spring
Leadership Oklahoma Annual Awards Ceremony Lifestyle … Culture … Entertainment
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publisher : Don Swift assistant : Joni Yeager editor : Tim Farley editiorial assistant : Darian Woolbright videographer : Jeremy Gossett director of photography : Michael Downes web site developer : Patrick Moore with Set Sail Media web site developer : Nina Jones, Data Design Inc. illustration : Rosemary Burke graphic design : Wendy Mills
Advertising Sales Tina Layman
Photographers Jeremy Gossett Hugh Scott, Jr. Tracy Reece Jerry Hymer
Advertising Consultants Peter Preksto
Contributors fashion : Linda Miller art : Joy Reed Belt people : Peggy Gandy entertainment : Heide Brandes social issues : Robbie Robertson community : Lauren Wright contributing writer : Greg Horton contributing writer : M.A. Smith contributing writer : Mindy Wood contributing writer : Julie York Arrive in style!
(405) 600-9111 12
COVER STORY 12 Legacy of an Oil Man: J Steve Anderson by Don Swift
ARTS 18 Arts! Arts! Arts! A celebration of the seasons of change by Anna Waggoner
35 Altered Barbie by Sandi Davis GIFT IDEAS 28 Scents for a Woman 42 2017 Festival of the Arts: OKC’s Rite of Spring by Linda Miller
FASHION COMMUNITY 30 Make a Splash: Swimwear beckons with 20 Star Spangled Salute Air Show: Tinker Base interesting details to celebrate 75th Anniversary by Linda Miller
PEOPLE 20 38 Just call him ‘H’: Harold Holden inducted into Hall of Great Westerners by M.J.Van Deventer
52 Ethics champion, Shannon Warren, promotes higher standard by Garland McWatters
64 Leadership Oklahoma Awards Ceremony by Allyson Carson
82 Director Will Breathe New Life Into Indian Museum
8 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 AWARDS 46 36 Honorees Star at Western Heritage Awards 68 Oklahoma Creativity: Ambassador Awards 2017
VETERANS 78 Just call him ‘H’: Harold Holden inducted into Hall of Great Westerners by Stephanie D. Moore
SPORTS 46 Fighting for success: Western Avenue Boxing Gym owners welcome everyone by Peter Preksto
58 DINING 58 Small Plates, Big Success:The Pritchard Wine Bar offers unique dining experience in The Plaza District by Sandi Davis
FUNDRAISER 61 Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma: Champions of Youth honorees by Sandi Davis
THEATRE SPEAKERS SERIES 55 City Rep: One-Man Star Wars Trilogy® 73 Thomas L. Friedman: Signature Lecture Series Speaker at OCCC by Sandi Davis
MUSIC 75 Former Governor Frank Keating scheduled 70 Saints in the Plaza District to speak at OCCC’s Public Affairs Forum
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 9 Publisher’s Note
Welcome to ion Oklahoma Magazine. We are all about Oklahoma’s quality lifestyle, culture, events, and community leaders. Are you one of those people who get much of their daily information and news over the internet? Have you identified many of your favorite websites and sources you enjoy as a loyal follower and visit on a regular basis? Ion Oklahoma www.ionok.com can become one of those favorite websites for you too, if you enjoy reading many wonderful success stories all involving the progress Oklahoma and its people are making as one of the leading states in the nation. Oklahoma like many other states are experiencing a variety of issues, but Oklahomans most often have found creative ways to resolve these issues especially during difficult economic down times. Also you must visit the “Photo Galleries” section and pages on the ion Oklahoma website that has become the most popular. Our photographers are invited to many different social events happening throughout the year and offer free digital download images for our subscribers to share on social media, email friends or download to digital photo albums on “Like” us on facebook their computers or mobile phones. facebook.com/pages/ At ion Okahoma Online we publish six printed editions annually and make them available IonOklahoma-Online for our subscribers to download each printed edition at no charge or purchase a printed copy on demand at our publishers hosting website. www.magcloud.com Ion Oklahoma Online is totality integrated into the world of social media (facebook, twitter, Instagram) which means our subscribers can easily share all our editorial content follow us on twitter with their facebook and twitter friends. We are very user friendly and want to hear from you. @IonOklahoma We are always open to your wonderful Oklahoma stories, so please let us know by emailing [email protected].
Sincerely, Don Swift Publisher ion Oklahoma Magazine
10 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017
COVER
Legacy of an Oklahoma Oil Man
Successful Wildcatter Discovered the Largest Pool of Oil in Oklahoma, Co-founded Anderson Prichard Oil Corporation
BY DON SWIFT
s many people know Oklahoma is where certain successful oil A producers and companies have flourished all through the years, men who have had the vision of oil riches deep below the state’s wheat fields and courage to invest millions of dollars to find it.
This is the story about one of Oklahoma’s most successful oil producers and oil companies, Anderson Prichard Oil Corporation. James Stephen Anderson was born on September 9, 1885 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Alexander and Jane Barron Anderson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. His father was a general contractor in Chicago. J. Steve Anderson as he preferred to be called was a graduate of Oak Park High School and then attained a law degree while in Chicago. In 1906, J. Steve Anderson, 21, read one of many news stories being published across the nation about the Oklahoma territory becoming a state. With the discovery of oil, thousands of individuals were lured J Steve Anderson, co-founder Anderson Prichard Oil Corporation
12 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Col-tex Refining Company, Colorado City Texas, 1930.
by promises of fame and fortune potential or excitement to the beyond their wildest dreams. regional oil business. In 1914, at the Anderson left Chicago and never age of 29, Anderson invested in a looked back, it was said that he was variety of wildcat and other oil and one of those instrumental in moving gas operations in Oklahoma and the state seal from Guthrie to west Texas. He met Lev H. Prichard, Oklahoma City. Bright, ambitious, resulting in the 1919 formation of and imaginative, he spent the next the Anderson-Prichard Oil fifty years building an oil company, Company, a partnership that became a fortune, a family, a community, and the Anderson-Prichard Oil a legacy. Corporation in 1922. The public Anderson first ventured into real came to know the brand as APCO. estate in 1906 at a boom time in APCO grew the firm to be one of Oklahoma. the top 500 oil companies in the In May, 1909, he married Maud nation, operating also in Canada Stone Nay of Chillicothe, Missouri, with two refineries and 787 miles of and two years later, the couple pipeline. welcomed their son, James Stephen Anderson directed very success- Lev H. Prichard, co-founder Anderson Prichard “Jack” Anderson , Jr. into the world. fully all land, lease, and production Oil Corporation Real estate didn’t compare in operations for the company, which
APRIL/MAY ionOklahoma 13 The Anderson-Prichard Company’s first offices were located in the Colcord building in downtown Oklahoma City (above). In 1942 they purchased along with CR Anthony the Ramsey tower at 200 Park Avenue. and renamed it the APCO Tower.
14 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Above: Cyril Refining Company, Cyril Oklahoma. Right: New and old signage of the Anderson-Prichard Company held land leases forover 100,000 sold in 1977. acres in Louisiana, Texas, and Anderson was a Scottish Rite Oklahoma. Mason, a Shriner, and a member of From their headquarters in the the Kiwanis Club, the Oklahoma Colcord Building in downtown City Golf and Country Club, Oklahoma City, which was the first Oklahoma City Chamber of office tower in the city boasting Commerce, and the American central air conditioning, APCO Petroleum Institute. He was a started acquiring other oil staunch supporter of the companies and other refineries. Boy Scouts of America, and The Cyril Refining Company an Eagle Scout. He was located in Cyril, Oklahoma was given a bronze statue of a Boy purchased by the partners who Scout in uniform that he formed the APCO Refining displayed on his desk in his Company, which later was acquired office as a reminder to himself by APCO. and friends of the importance of Also in 1925-1926 Anderson supporting the Boy Scouts of Prichard and its subsidiary Col-Tex America. Refining Company located in Anderson’s commitment to Colorado City, Texas partnered with Oklahoma lives on with an active John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil family, some of whom still live in of California. the “Big” house, as they call it, For more than 50 years APCO built during the depression 1929- played an important role in the 1932 by J. Steve Anderson located development of the Oklahoma oil on Drury Lane in Nichols Hills, industry before the company was Oklahoma. n From the left: Lev H. Prichard, Jr., Lev H. Prichard, Sr., J. Steve Anderson, Sr., J. Steve Anderson, Jr. (Jack) and R. Olsen. Anderson-Prichard purchased Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in 1939 and sold it in 1945.
The Anderson-Prichard station on North Walker Avenue. Today the same location is occupied by Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. The main entry of the original structure is easy to recognize.
16 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 The Anderson-Prichard station at 1201 North Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City, ca. 1950. ARTS
BY ANNA WAGGONER
18 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Emcee Shelby Hays (KOCO 5 News) and Madison Pugh.
The 26th Annual Arts! Arts! Arts! Gala was held Sunday, March 5, 2017 in the beautiful National Weather Center on the University of Oklahoma campus, in Norman, Oklahoma. The proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the creative activities of our students and faculty, driving forward their artistic projects while in college at the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. The event was titled “A Celebration of THE SEASONS OF CHANGE.”
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 19 Stewart and Sandy Meyers, 2017 Honorary Chairs Dean Mary Margaret Holt, SHelby Hays and DEan Berrien Moore Mary Margaret Holt, Dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family EVENT CHAIRS College of Fine Arts has said many times, “ Our students’ Beverly Funke, Becky Heeney, Chuck Thompson educational journey would be far less rich and complete if it were not for so many wonderful and loyal patrons who attend GUEST EMCEE and support this event.” Shelby Hays, meteorologist for KOCO 5 News The event program included special greetings from the OU 2017 HONORARY CHAIRS Fine Arts Student Ambassadors Choir and one of kind Stewart and Sandy Meyers Performances by the School of Dance, Music, and Musical Theatre. Chancellor Glen Johnson, Melinda Johnson and friends.
20 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Stewart and Sandy Myers and friends
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 21 The Bestselling Book by Kent Frates Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases Six cases that remain the talk of the courtroom
Oklahoma has had more than its share of sensational legal battles with national ramifications, but for the first time in one volume, attorney/historian Kent Frates reveals the facts behind six cases that helped shape the history of the state—and the nation.
From bloody murders, to political scandal, to the horrific act of domestic terrorism known as the Oklahoma City Bombing, OKLAHOMA’S MOST NOTORIOUS CASES captures the stories, the times, and the import of these landmark trials. Only $24 Read the book that inspired the serial Includes 16 pages podcast We Will Always Remember of historic photos! available at (RealMysteries.us | weekly Feb. 12 to April 23) Full Circle Bookstore, OKC Best of Books, Edmond Order now by visiting The Bookseller, Ardmore The Book Place, Broken Arrow www.OkMostNotoriousCases.com or calling toll free 877.536.7634 and Barnes & Noble COMMUNITY
FOR THE PAST 75 YEARS, TINKER AIR FORCE BASE HAS BEEN PROVIDING COMBAT AIR POWER FOR AMERICA.
The public will have a front-row seat to see that power in action when the base opens its gates May 20-21 for the 2017 Star Spangled Salute Air Show. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining the show that not only celebrates the base’s 75th anniversary but also the U.S. Air Force’s 70th birthday. Gates will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The air show is a free event and is co-hosted by Team Tinker, the Eastern Oklahoma Tourism Council and the City of Midwest City. Event organizers have planned an exciting air show, but that wouldn’t be possible without financial support of the private sector and community partners.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ion Oklahoma 23 “Air shows aren’t cheap, so the Air Force welcomes the plane that can execute three storied acts that leave backing to make this a successful air show, especially in this spectators mesmerized. A Twin Beech 18 (C-45) will also be fiscally-challenged climate,” said Lt. Col. Scott Denny, Tinker’s one of the most unusual acts in the air show as it executes air show director and 72nd Operations Support Squadron moves it was never designed to do. commander. “We simply couldn’t pull off an air show without This year’s show will also feature a large collection of static the support of our community partners.” (ground) displays including the B-1B Lancer, B-52 The Thunderbirds are the official air demonstration team of Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster, E-6B, KC-135, H/MC-130J, the Air Force. Created in 1953, they are the third oldest formal T-6, T-38, GA-8, C-172, C-182 and many more. flying aerobatic team in the world. Consequently, the Those who have always wanted to experience the thrill of Thunderbirds squadron is one of the oldest squadrons in the flying a fighter jet will want to check out the Air Force Air Force, its origins dating to the organization of the 30th Performance Lab. The Lab includes an Oculus Rift flight Aero Squadron, formed at Kelly Field, Texas, on June 13, 1917. simulator, which will give participants a true Thunderbird Along with the Thunderbirds, this year’s air show is filled virtual reality experience using cutting edge technology to test with military flybys, formations and demonstrations from their skills in various challenges and learn what it takes to current and historical military aircraft like the E-3 Sentry, KC- become an Airman. 135 Stratotanker, E-6B Mercury, F-35A Lightning, P-51 For the young visitors, there will be a “kid zone” with several Heritage Flight, and F-18 Hornet. Wings of Blue, the Air Force activities and attractions from bouncy rides to games and jump team will kick off the show. As an extra bonus, on face painting. Parents will be able to purchase a wristband Saturday only, there will be a B-2 fly over. for a nominal fee that will be good all day. Organizers have Additional air acts include the DH-100 Vampire, A-26 Lady worked to ensure the Star Spangled Salute is a wonderful Liberty and a Vietnam reenactment and pyrotechnics show event for the entire family. featuring the largest collection of flying Vietnam era aircraft. Food and drink concessions will be available at various Children will enjoy seeing Jelly Belly, a jelly bean decorated locations throughout the show area. Free water will be
24 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 The air show is filled with military flybys, formations and demonstrations from current and historical military aircraft, plus a large collection of static (ground) displays.
available to the public at clearly marked stations. into the future. As a service with joint origins, the Air Force is Those planning to attend the air show can park at Bldg. the foundation for multi-service, interagency and coalition 9001 (the old General Motors Plant off of S.E. 74th Street) and operations. It provides the joint team the ability and freedom ride a shuttle to the event site. Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to to fight in the air, on the ground and at sea. 5 p.m. daily. On the east side of base, Hruskocy and Lancer However, prior to 1947, Tinker Field was already up and Gates will be open for public entry into parking lots north and running as a maintenance depot. The Oklahoma City Air Depot east of Bldg. 3001. was established in March 1942 and hiring new workers Authorized personnel can enter through the Tinker, Vance accelerated as the depot competed with the Douglas Aircraft and Gott Gates, park at the 72nd Medical Group, Bldg. 1094, Plant next to it. and take the free shuttle to the event area. During the war years, thousands of Oklahomans and More information can be found online at www.tinker.af.mil military personnel from across the U.S. laid the foundation of and on the Tinker AFB Facebook page. Tinker’s reputation for excellence in depot repair and It’s a celebration maintenance. At the employment high point in late 1943, 2017 is the year to celebrate. The Star Spangled Salute Air more than 13,000 people worked at the air depot, while Show is just one part of Tinker Air Force Base’s year-long 75th another 23,000 worked for Douglas Aircraft. anniversary celebration. The air show is also an official U.S. The Douglas plant produced 5,354 C-47s from March 1943 Air Force 70th birthday event. Two major mission partners are until August 1945. The plant built 13 plane per day during also celebrating anniversaries of their arrivals at Tinker: 40 peak performance and fabricated spare parts for 500 more years for the E-3 Sentry and 25 for Strategic Communications “Gooney Birds.” The plant also assembled parts for 400 C-54 Wing One. Skymaster Big Brother military transport planes and 900 A-26 Since 1947, courageous Airmen have refined the Air Force Invader “attack” bombers. mission to Fly Fight and Win through their blood and sacrifice, Throughout the Korean conflict, Tinker continued its output ensuring the unique contributions of Airpower will endure long — keeping planes flying and funneling supplies to the Far
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 25 Above, Vietnam reenactment with pyro – sponsored by OG&E. Right, USAF Cadets Wings of Blue Sky Diving Team.
East. The base also played an important role in the Berlin Airlift and the Cuban crises. During the Vietnam War, Tinker provided logistics and communications support to Air Force units in Southeast Asia. Tinker and OC-ALC began the decade of the 1990s providing front-line support to the forces engaged in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1999, Tinker was awarded the largest engine repair contract in the history of the Air Force valued at $10.2 billion Tinker Air Force Base, the 552nd Air Control Wing and the E-3 over 15 years. Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System. Forty years ago Tinker began work on the F135 engine in October 2012. The to that day, the first operational E-3A landed at here. This was F135 engine powers the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. the first combat-coded aircraft at Tinker AFB at that time, The Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail yard was acquired in operated by the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing, the February 2015 for conversion into the KC-46A maintenance only active-duty combat unit in Oklahoma. campus. On July 26, 2016, leaders officially broke ground on Today, the 552nd ACW continues to deploy around the world, the new campus. operating in support of U.S. and allied forces in and around March 23, 2017, marked a major milestone in the history of Syria, U.S. interests in the Middle East, as well as Counter-
26 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 USAF Thunderbirds.
Left, Matt Youkin performs aerobatics in a Twin Beech.
an administrative command, responsible to Commander Naval Air Forces for manning, training and equipping the Navy squadrons responsible for Nuclear Command and Control Communications to the nation’s nuclear triad. TF 124 is an operational command, responsible to Commander U.S. Strategic Command, to provide the airborne platform and aircrew for the U.S. Strategic Command Airborne Command Post, the Airborne Launch Control System, Drug Operations in South America. Affectionately called and the TACAMO EAM Relay missions. SCW-1/TF 124 “America’s Wing,” the 552nd ACW provides world-class has direct responsibility over Fleet Air Reconnaissance Command and Control and Battle Management to combatant Squadron 3, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4, Fleet Air commanders whenever and wherever needed, ensuring U.S. Reconnaissance Squadron 7, VQ-3 Detachment Travis AFB, air power dominates the sky and effectively supports friendly Calif., SCW-1 Detachment Offutt AFB, Neb., and VQ-4 ground forces. Detachment NAS Patuxent River, Md. Navy’s Strategic Communications Wing ONE celebrates 25 Tinker AFB has a long and fascinating history of providing years of partnership with Tinker Air Force Base on May 29. air combat power to protect America, and it is an honor SCW-1 provides a vital, secure communications link to the to bring a little of that history to life at the Star Spangled submerged fleet of ballistic missile submarines. Strategic Salute Air Show. Throughout the years, one thing remains the Communications Wing ONE is also Task Force 124. SCW-1 is same — everyone loves an air show! n
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 27 GIFT IDEAS SCENTS
for a WOMAN BY LINDA MILLER TS Photos provided Left: Miu Miu L’eau Bleue, $90, at Sephora. Lily of the valley is still undeniable, but it’s Mother’s Day is lighter than the original. fast approaching.
Decisions, decisions. What should you give this year? If you’ve gone the flower route too many times, think about one of this year’s new fragrances or a universal best-seller.
There’s no shortage of wonderful scents from romantic to fresh and floral to sexy. The downfall is you’ve got to head to the fragrance counter and that can be an overwhelming place. Save yourself some time and try to learn what kind
Left: Escada Fiesta Carioca, $62, at Kohl’s. It’s like an island vacation in a bottle with passion fruit, red raspberry, violet leaf, orange blossom, jasmine and musk.
Right: Chloe Love Story Eau Sensuelle, $75, at Ulta. Floral, fresh and sexy.
28 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Bond No. 9 Queens, $220, at The MakeUp Bar and Balliets. Named after the borough of Queens in New York, known as the most ethnically diverse place on Earth.
Trish McEvoy Sexy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk, $98.50, at Balliets. Combines blackberry buds, rich vanilla and velvet musk with patchouli and sandalwood.
of fragrance she enjoys. Sneak in and check out her vanity or ask one of her friends. If she favors a clean smell, a bold Oriental might not be the best choice. If she has a stash of several different perfume bottles, she may be adventurous and up for anything new. To help, we’ve rounded up a few new scents as well as perennial favorites. n
Creed Royal Princess Oud, $280, at Balliets. Features notes of floral iris and oud, a historical ingredient that’s expensive and rare. A combination that’s captivating.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 29 FASHION
MAKE A SPLASH Swimwear beckons with interesting details
BY LINDA MILLER Photos provided
Can you hear it?
The beach, the lake and the pool are calling – or at least they will be soon.
And that means it’s time to think about a new swimsuit. Or two. That’s how
Vitamin A olive bikini with wrap-top and sleeves from LA Sun & Sport.
30 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 MICHAEL Michael Kors Angelina plunge neck, lace-up paisley suit from Dillard’s.
tempting this season’s choices are. Gianni Bini off-the-shoulder floral top with bikini bottom from Dillard’s. Tassels and side cut-outs. High-neck halters and plunging necklines. Straps, side lacing and strings. One shoulder and off the shoulder. Stark white. Pretty ruffles and lingerie details. High-cut bottoms. Nude colors. Bold prints. Sheer accents.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 31 A.Ché black stretchy crochet string bikini from LA Sun & Sport.
32 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 A.Ché white high-neck bikini from LA Sun & Sport.
More coverage or less, you decide.
If you’re not ready to face the glaring lights of a dressing room just yet, sit back in the comfort of your living room and picture yourself in one of these suits. On the beach. At the lake. By the pool. n
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 33
Altered Barbie
BY SANDI DAVIS
MOST GIRLS GREW UP owning at least one Barbie doll with the clothes and the funky high heels only she could pull off with a tennis outfit or a bathing suit. Many of those girls grew up to be artists, and found their childhood dolls could serve a higher purpose — as part of a Barbie art exhibit. That’s exactly what patrons saw in “Altered Barbie: Nobody’s Fool,” April fool’s Day (April 1) at Kasum Contemporary Fine Art in the Plaza District. The event was both an invited artist exhibit and a fundraiser organized by, and supporting Women Lead Oklahoma. The ticketed event featured a bar and hor d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more than 30 female artists living and working in Oklahoma. Each woman will offer her interpenetration of Barbie. All proceeds from this event benefitted Women Lead Oklahoma. n
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 35 AWARDS
Honorees Star at Western Heritage Awards
BY M. J. VAN DEVENTER
ovie stars and western notables were abundant when the National Cowboy M & Western Heritage Museum hosted its annual Western Heritage Awards program during the weekend of April 21-22. Bruce Boxleitner, a notable actor and writer, who is no stranger to the Museum stage, served as master of ceremonies this year. The event celebrates the legacy of those whose works in film, music, television and literature reflect the significant stories of the Western genre. The black tie ceremony takes its celebratory cues from the annual Oscar Awards in Hollywood. The event is often called “The Oscars of the West.” The winners of five different categories represent the highest echelon for Western songwriters, authors, entertainers, artists and promoters. Gary Moore, the Museum’s chief financial officer and interim president/CEO said, “Each honoree embraces elements that embody the Western character, helping to make the region vastly dynamic and part of our national and, in fact, continental character.” Each award winner receives The Wrangler, an impressive bronze sculpture of a cowboy on horseback. That notable work of art was created by Harold T. Holden who was among the Susan Hallsten McGarry 2017 winners, with his induction into the Hall of Great Westerners. (See related story in this issue.) Film & Television Awards Theatrical Motion Picture — Hell or High Water, produced by Award Recipients Film, 44, OddLot Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Hall of Great Westerners Inductees — Harold T. Holden and Entertainment. the late Raymond E. Adams Jr. Fictional Drama — Chrysalis, Longmore, produced by Two Hall of Great Western Performers — Patrick Wayne and the Boomerang, The Shephard/Robin Company and Warner Horizon late Alan Ladd. Television. Chester A Reynolds Award — Johnny Trotter. The award Documentary — What Was Ours, produced by Alpheus Media, honors the Museum’s founder. Inc.
36 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Western Lifestyle Program — Red Steagall is Somewhere The Pure Quill book award was particularly special for West of Wall Street, produced by West of Wall Street Company Barbara Van Cleve. “My father would be proud,” she said. Literary Awards Her father, Paul “Spike” Van Cleve won a Wrangler Award Magazine Article — “Warriors to Ride the River With” — by and a video documentary award for his book, 40 Years Gabriella Schiavino, published by American Cowboy Magazine. Gatherin’s in the mid 1970s. Poetry Book — The Woman Who Married A Bear: Poems by She and her co-author, McGarry, have another reason to be Tiffany Midge, published by the University of New Mexico Press. proud of this beautiful coffee table book. In addition to the Western Novel — Robert B. Parker’s Blackjack by Robert Wrangler Award, it was named Best Adult Book and Best Art Knott, published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Book in November 2016 by the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards program. In April, the Independent Book Publishers gave Pure Quill the Bronze Medal in the Photography Book category.
Music Awards New Horizons — Trinity Seely. Original Western Composition — “Keeper of the West” by Ryan Fritz, produced by Eli Barsi and John Cunningham. Traditional Western Album — “The Cowboy Way” produced by Mariam Funke.
New this year was the Western Heritage Awards Workshop featuring Amy Shepherd, vice president of John Wayne Enterprises and executive director of the John R. Hamilton Archives and Laurie Kratochvil, photograph dealer and appraiser. Sponsors for the event were Ann Nonfiction Book — American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals and David Brown, Wrangler, Museum Partners and the of the Great Plains by Dan Flores, published by the University Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. n Press of Kansas. Art/Photography Book — Pure Quill: Photography by Barbara Van Cleve by Susan Hallsten McGarry, published by SF Design, LLC/Fresco Books. Juvenile Book — The Green Colt by S. J. Dahlstrom, published by Paul Dry Books.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 37 PEOPLE
Just call him ‘H’ Cowboy Artist Inducted Into Hall of Great Westerners
BY M.J. VAN DEVENTER
ou might call Harold Holden “The Quiet Man” of Western art. He Y doesn’t talk much, although when he does, folks listen. He’s just never been a chatty type of guy. That’s probably because he’s a great listener and an astute observer of life ~ especially the western way of life. Those observations and experiences involving the cowboy lifestyle have been the foundation for an impressive art career that now spans half a century. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum honored Holden for his legendary achievements April 22 during its annual Western Heritage Awards program. The event is a glitzy, glamorous gala that draws a wide spectrum of western enthusiasts, celebrities and movie stars, like Bruce Boxleitner, who was this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Holden was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners, along with the late Raymond E. Adams Jr. This is the highest honor the Museum bestows on an individual whose life reflects the best of western American values. Typically, Holden’s acceptance speech was marked with brevity, just as his speech was when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in
38 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 H working on Will Rogers.
2014, sharing the stage with such notables as Blake Shelton and Wanda Jackson. Chuck Schroeder, former president of the National Cowboy Museum and a good friend of Holden’s, presented the prestigious Hall of Fame medallion to Holden. Holden delivered his acceptance speech with his slow, Oklahoma drawl, laced with his gentle wit. Holden, or “H” as he is affectionately known to his family and close friends, graduated from Enid High School and attended Oklahoma State University for a while, then moved to Texas, graduating from the Texas Academy of Art in Houston. He served with the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Rainier, then began his art career in the commercial art field, eventually serving as the art director for Horseman Magazine. After six years, he tired of “the rat race,” packed up and went home to Enid. Honoring a child-hood dream to be an artist, he began to devote his life to painting western art themes. “There weren’t many people making a living painting cowboys then,” Holden recalled in a western publication article. “I was pretty poor there for a while. I got one Edna Mae’s office is also a public art “I had horses growing up and that monument done and then I started gallery, filled with Holden’s was kind of why I became an artist. getting some commission work and paintings and sculptures. The bulk of my work is cowboy; some bigger artwork and finally had Holden’s inspiration has always that’s what I know,” he says. some money coming in.” been the historical and He credits his father, a horseman, contemporary west. for his love of the West and his great THE DIMES TURNED TO “All I ever wanted to do was grandfather, George E. Failing, DOLLARS. cowboy art,” Holden says. inventor of the bottle cap, for Today “H” and his wife, Edna Even in elementary school, he was encouraging his fine art career. He Mae, an attorney, live on a ranch in sketching horses and cowboys in his also was inspired by his grandfather, Kremlin, eight miles north of Enid. textbooks. oil pioneer George Failing, who
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 39 H working on Will Rogers. invented the first portable drilling rig, and also urged the essence of an early day western lawman on him to become an artist. horseback. His work reflects his attention to detail and Holden’s artistic inspiration has always been the his vast knowledge of western lifestyles and traditions. historical and contemporary west. His paintings and sculptures also reflect his personal “All I ever wanted to do was cowboy art,” Holden says. knowledge of his experiences as a roper and an astute He surpassed his childhood dream, several decades observer of the ever-changing American West. ago. His art is noted for its authenticity, whether he’s VISITORS TO THE OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL painting the Gloss Mountains of Oklahoma or capturing enjoy studying his oil painting of western Oklahoma. Additional works are featured at the Will Rogers World Airport, University of Central Oklahoma, United States Postal Service, the Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and the Oklahoma History Center. A total of 22 monumental Holden sculptures are on view in public places throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Arkansas. His life-size sculptures now embellish prominent venues on college campuses and main streets in those four states. His art also has been commissioned to serve as a memorial to tragic events, such as the emotionally moving sculpture at OSU, “We Will Remember,”
Rope for Hire.
40 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Edna Mae and H Holden with Mike and Martha Larsen at the 2015 Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
honoring the 10 deceased members of its basketball team who were killed in a tragic plane crash in Colorado. Equally as poignant is the life-size sculpture of a cowboy thanking God for the gift of extended life. That sculpture, located at the entrances to Emanuel Baptist Church in Enid and the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Center in Oklahoma City, was Holden’s public thank you for the gift of a new lung from a deceased 48-year-old man. The transplant, performed
seven years ago, was a life-saving procedure for this prolific artist. Presenting Holden’s Hall of Great Westerners Award were Wyatt McCrea and R. W. Hampton. Gary Moore, interim president of the National Cowboy Museum, said, “It’s an honor to recognize such a remarkable Oklahoman and pioneer of the West at the Western Heritage Awards. Harold’s tremendous contributions to our Western heritage will leave a legacy for generations to come.” The symbol of this award is quite meaningful to Holden. It is an iconic bronze sculpture of an authentic cowboy on horseback — a sculpture he designed. Named “The Wrangler,” this award went home that night with all 18 recipients of various top honors at this year’s version of the Western Heritage Awards. The memories of the 2017 gala might fade. Those heavy Wranglers — the “Oscar” of the Western lifestyle — will continue to grace many mantles across the West. n
Swallowing His Head.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 41 ARTS
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2017 Oklahoma City’s Annual “Rite of Spring”! April 25-April 30th in Bicentennial Park
42 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS returns to Oklahoma City April 25 to 30 with more than 140 of the nation’s finest artists, an expanded children’s art field, returning food favorites, culinary demonstrations and three performing arts stages featuring over 250 performances.
The 2017 festival in Bicentennial Park marks the 51st annual event for the Oklahoma City Arts Council. Event co- chairs for this year’s festival are Debbie Forshee and Steve Bolton. Festival of the Arts is made possible with the support of MidFirst Bank, Devon Energy Corporation, OGE Energy Corporation, Ozarka Water & Coffee Service, Sonic - America’s Drive-in, ICG, The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com, Toucan Production and Tyler Media.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 43 Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Festival of the Arts 2017 is produced by Arts Council Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and Oklahoma City. Co-chairs are Debbie Forshee and Steve the festival is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors. Bolton. More than 500 artists submitted visual art for the Festival Arts Council Oklahoma City is a non-profit 501 ©(3) jury process and 144 were selected with media including oils, organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the water, drawing and printmaking, photography, ceramics, community together through free or low-cost cultural events glass, sculpture, fiber, jewelry, wood and two and three- and a variety of arts outreach activities that impact dimensional works. underserved populations. Each year, Arts Council events, Continuing its celebration of the culinary arts, the Festival programs and services reach nearly one million Oklahoma City will feature 31 vendors in International Food Row with residents and visitors. Arts Council Oklahoma City is proceeds benefitting local nonprofit organizations. sponsored by MidFirst Bank, Devon Energy Corporation, OGE This year’s event features an expanded children’s art field Energy Corporation, Ozarka Water & Coffee Service, Sonic - where participants can complete three art projects – America’s Drive-in, ICG, The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com, handprint butterflies, Oklahoma sky pomp and a sun catcher Toucan Production and Tyler Media. Arts Council Oklahoma for $3. The face painting area also will include more extensive City receives funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council and options in addition to the traditional $1 designs. National Endowment for the Arts, and is an Allied Arts All proceeds from Festival of the Arts support Arts Council member agency. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or Oklahoma City’s year-round, free and low-cost programming. visit www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com. n
44 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017
SPORTS Fighting for success Western Avenue Boxing Gym owners welcome everyone
BY PETER PREKSTO
eporting on the growth of interest in boxing, a national R news outlet recently wrote that the motivation to learn includes increased aerobic and anaerobic capacity and an overall strengthening of the athlete, both mental and physical. Most who join a boxing gym have no intention of ever entering the ring, facing a punch to the head of 1,420 pounds, 53 times the force of gravity. They’re seeking a tough workout, agreeable company and being a part of a tradition dating back to the first Olympic Games in 688 B.C. Boxing classes are always packed at the Western Avenue Boxing Gym and Systema, a large, rambling two-story facility located within the Ketch Design Centre at 4408 North Western Avenue, a block from the Will Rogers Theatre. The experience is a sweaty blend of physical conditioning and violent blows to the sides of heavy bags, all experienced under the direction of owners
Owners Travis and Rebecca Hoffman with visiting Venezuelan amateur boxer, Gustavo Potenza.
46 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Boxing conditioning students develop increased mental and physical strength in the gym’s intense workouts.
Rebecca and Travis Hoffman. The Hoffmans are airy gym knows, Rebecca must struggle to out-shout her professional boxers, who are retired from the sport and husband, Travis, who has the build and the voice of a devoting themselves full-time to growing their gym. classic drill sergeant. His booming voice and laughter is Rebecca, a transplant from London, regards each new his trademark—along with his shaved head—and so student with patient, focused personal attention, never much so that he has his own side business, with a web mind that she has demonstrated postures and techniques site called iwillshoutatyou.com for “Motivational Yelling thousands of times before. Tough and with a ready Services.” Profane, insulting, hilarious by turns, he laugh—and with hair that changes its style and bright whips up the intensity of their classes, striding up and color often—she joins Travis in shouting instructions down the rows, encouraging the best from the students. and motivation to the class members. A boxing gym is not a yoga class. No fancy outfits, no As anyone who has spent a few minutes at their clean, green smoothies, very little chit-chat. Students show up,
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 47 Professional boxer, Cande Rochin, with son, Diego.
content to lose weight and build stamina from the training, one or two may want to go further. Travis and Rebecca act as talent spotters, suggesting that a person with potential might want to show up in the evening at the first-floor gym and watch Billy Smith’s serious amateur and professional boxers work out and spar, maybe learn the ropes and get involved in learning how it’s done.
A boxing gym is not a yoga class. Students show up, line up and get their heart beating and sweat flowing, then leave.
Billy Smith, 75, was born in Elk City, OK, and as a teenager moved to California with his family. He trained as a boxer in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, but that career was halted by an injury. He became a professional coach and spent decades training amateurs and professionals, traveling around the world as coach and cut-man, the individual who stops the blood during a fight. He and his wife raised a family in California, line up and get their heart beating and sweat flowing, including two sons, Beau and Casey, who also became then leave. Gym members may train as often as they fighters, and one daughter. like, and many show up daily. Casey had a promising boxing career that was ended The traditional boxing exercise classes are held in a abruptly owing to his generous spirit. Stopping as a Good large gymnasium upstairs. While most individuals are Samaritan to help the victims of a car accident on the
48 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 notorious I-10 in Los Angeles decided to move back to Oklahoma Rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma County, he was struck by a car. so Casey, who miraculously City. Casey lost a leg and was in a coma recovered from the coma, could be Now, Billy and Casey spend each for months. Billy and his wife treated at the INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe evening at the Hoffman’s boxing gym. Billy is a soft-spoken man who is infinitely patient with those who listen and learn. Drawing them close he whispers instructions to his boxers, who pay close attention and obviously have the highest respect for him. His specialty is training fighters in the art of defensive boxing, a strategy that serves professionals well, one that is intended to help a boxer survive and end a fight as fast as possible. This style contrasts with today’s amateur boxing methodology, a rule-based activity more interested in accumulating points than knock- outs. Billy encourages his serious boxers to take some amateur fights before going professional so they have experience in the ring. But he discourages them from taking on the bad habits of today’s amateur boxing, which will not help them win as pros. Boxing is the oldest sport. It is elemental. It is not a team sport, even though a team may back an individual fighter. Essentially, two men or two women get into a ring— and then it’s all about one of them winning and one losing. The sport is highly technical, despite what would appear to be a brawl to a casual observer. Even while suffering 53-g- force punches, a boxer is constantly evaluating his or her opponent, looking for weaknesses, repetition, and technical flaws that can be exploited to deliver a blow. Fights,
Casey C. Smith, Scarlett Hoffman, and Austin Lee Goodwin.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 49 Serious amateur and professional boxers train each evening. Among them, from left, Cande Rochin, Raquel Vidal, Austin Lee Goodwin, coach Billy Smith and his son, Casey C. Smith, Moragen Ferrell, Josh Porcher, and Mistery D. Neal.
fans. In many cases, they gain a new family comprised of the other athletes, coaches, and staff who find the life in a boxing gym to be warm, supportive and judgmental only when it comes to a boxer’s self- discipline and steadily improving technique. A visitor to the gym will be astonished, in this casual age, that as every fighter arrives at the gym, he or she shakes the hand or embraces every other person there, fighter or not. The same ritual happens upon departure. even sparring, which is an exercise discipline to his life and was Rebecca and Travis recognize this fight held in a gym where the boxer changed forever. Despite his impos- family aspect of a boxing gym. They wears a certain amount of protective ing physique and deafening shout, have opened their doors to students gear, are two or three minutes of Travis is known for his kindness and from Positive Tomorrows, extreme exertion and concentration, unassuming generosity to those who Oklahoma’s only elementary school with 30-second breaks. Even the walk through the gym doors. for homeless children. There, they toughest fighters are glazed at the In some cases, boxing has been the join other visiting children, end of a session. In a fight, sport of those seeking to escape including sons and daughters of the practically naked and unprotected, poverty, abuse, discrimination, and boxers and, especially, young there is a lot at stake, including the hopelessness, turning their innate Scarlett Hoffman, “a girl being real threat of serious injury or death. intelligence and physical prowess raised in a boxing gym,” as Rebecca Travis Hoffman ended his boxing into a sport where they would be puts it. The gym has a swing, lots of career with a brain injury. admired for their achievements as punching bags, a roomful of toys, “If I get hit now, I could die,” he individuals. and a safe, friendly atmosphere said. The financial success of fighters where the children make friends After his career ended, he such as Floyd Mayweather has with adults from all walks of life. n discovered and took up the Russian inspired thousands of youth to pull martial arts discipline called themselves out of lives where they Systema, which is a method of may have in the past made mistakes overcoming an opponent in a spirit and start to achieve the sincere of great calm. He applied this respect of their trainers, peers, and
50 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017
PEOPLE
Ethics champion, Shannon Warren, promotes higher standard
BY GARLAND MCWATTERS
wice a month you passionate about it… (my professor) will find the petite said, ‘you ought to get together with T Shannon Warren some other people who are interested darting among the in that.’ And I said, ‘Oh, that sounds tables crowded into packed good. Do we have something in ballrooms in either Oklahoma Oklahoma City?’ And he goes, ‘No, I City or Tulsa, greeting and think there’s one in Texas.’ Well that chatting with members of the was all I needed to know.” Oklahoma Business Ethics That conversation led to a small Consortium at their monthly meeting with six other interested meetings. friends including the professor. The A giant in the ethics movement, word spread and the audiences Warren agrees that current events in Shannon Warren, founder/CEO OK Ethics ballooned to 75. Warren contacted national politics have ramped up the Lynn Flinn, a friend in Tulsa, who resolution on the boundaries of ethical practices. The discussion invited her up to speak. over truth, facts, alternate truth, fake news, and the ethical “So the next thing I know, we’re up in Tulsa–standing room boundaries surrounding public service and conflicts of interest only–front page of the Tulsa World. I had no idea this would seem murkier than ever. catch on with so many people,” Warren said. The business ethics failures of the Enron and Worldcom Soon after, in 2003, Warren and Flinn decided to form a scandals piqued Warren’s interest while a student at statewide association. Today, it boasts more than 200 Oklahoma City University. Enron cost shareholders $74 billion. corporate members and an individual membership hovering Tens of thousands of investors lost their retirement accounts. around 800. Flinn leads the Tulsa chapter. They meet monthly At Worldcom, CEO Bernie Ebbers cooked the books. The result, in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to shed light on ethical practices 30,000 lost their jobs and investors lost $180 billion. Warren and to hear experts on the topic. was dumbfounded about how all that could happen, and she “It shows what our values are in Oklahoma. We had no wrote a college ethics paper about the scandals. national group to go to for guidance at all; so, this was all Warren recalls. “I submitted my paper. I was very seat of our pants,” she said.
52 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Lisle Todd, OK Ethics board chair Lynn Flinn, Tulsa ethics chapter leader Colin Schoonover, SEED Foundation co-president
Left: OK Ethics award winners 2016
own YouTube channel now.” Viewers can see programs that date back to 2015. Warren says ethics rises above what’s legal. She said that which is legal is the core or the foundation, the least of what you can get away with. Ethical behavior holds individuals and organizations to higher standards and speaks to their character. She explained that no one is going to pat you on the back when you stand alone and raise ethical questions, but in the long run that’s what really counts. Warren says an effort like the programs,” she said. Warren cautions young people, who Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium Warren believes people are surprised are building their personal and needs a lot of champions to keep it to learn OK Ethics does it all without professional reputations, to avoid, what going. either permanent facilities or a paid she calls, relativistic thinking. She “We thrive on volunteers. Every staff. challenges them to get outside their meeting you see about 20 or 25 “Our purpose is to inspire and to usual groups and comfort zones to test volunteers who are running those provide practical advice. We have our their ideas against others who are not
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 53 DOVE Science academy ethics team.
like them, but who are of other age of Central Oklahoma represented the groups, ethnicities or faith. state at the 2017 national collegiate Annually, OK Ethics recognizes ethics bowl in Dallas, Texas. The business for their ethical practices and Oklahoma City DOVE Science Academy for supporting ethics initiatives in ethics bowl team won the first high Oklahoma and in their respective school competition in Oklahoma and industries. The community impact represented the state at the national awards attract nominations throughout completion in Chapel Hill, North the state. Carolina. The Student Education and Ethics Listen to Warren’s full interview on Development Foundation (SEED), is a The Spirit of Leading podcast at companion organization. It promotes Shannon Hiebert, SEED Foundation co-president http://www.inpoweredtolead.com/036- ethical practices and integrity in shannon-warren-podcast/ decision making in high schools, six individuals in that original Oklahoma Garland McWatters is an author, colleges, and universities. Collin City meeting. podcaster, and founder of INPowered2 Schoonover and Shannon Hiebert serve SEED puts on student ethics bowls for Lead. as co-presidents. Hiebert was one of the high school and colleges. The University
54 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 THEATRE
ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY®
written and performed by Charles Ross CityRep presents the return of the funny-guy-Jedi Charles Ross in the smash hit show, ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY®. In honor of this year's 40th anniversary of the release of the original STAR WARS (on May 25, 1977), CityRep, Oklahoma's award-winning professional theatre, is bringing back an audience family fun favorite from a long, long time ago.... Charles Ross will amaze you with his fun energetic and extremely entertaining performance of ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY®. Officially endorsed by Lucasfilm, ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY® has been performed for over 1 million Star Wars fans around the globe, including London's West End, Off-Broadway, Dubai and the Sydney Opera House! The unique result of Charles Ross’s “misspent” youth is the creation of his hilarious ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY® show, where Ross single-handedly plays all the characters with spot on voice impressions, sings the music, fly's the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots of the three of the most beloved films of all time into one 60 minute hilarious production. One Man. 3 Movies. 60 minutes. May the FARCE be with you!
Suitable for Star Wars fans from ages ten to Yoda! ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY® presented in the Freede Little Theatre at The Civic Center Music Hall located at 201 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
56 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY® CityRep, The Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Donald Jordan, is TICKETS: Oklahoma's award winning Equity small professional theatre. $8 for Students, Teachers CityRep is the first theatre in Oklahoma City history to earn and Military Personnel (with ID), membership in the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national association of leading professional regional theatres. $25 (groups of eight or more), CityRep has been recognized for artistic excellence, leadership $35 (matinees) and and community service by the American Theatre Wing, Actors' $40 (evening performances), Equity Association, The Oklahoma State Arts Council, Governor Mary Fallin and Mayor Mick Cornett. and may be purchased by calling the Civic Center Box Office at (405) 297-2264 CityRep's mission is to serve Oklahoma's diverse artistic, educational and civic needs by providing dynamic or online at www.cityrep.com. professional theatre. CityRep Season Sponsors include the Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, We entertain, enlighten and inspire! the Richard P. Dulaney Foundation, the Chickasaw Nation, For more information please visit cityrep.com The Grandison Inn, The Oklahoman, Cox Media, KWTV or call (405) 848-3761. NEWS9 and The City Sentinel. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Wednesday June 14 at 7:30pm Opening Night Performance Thursday June 15 at 7:30pm Friday June 16 at 7:30pm Saturday June 17 at 1:30pm & 7:30pm Sunday June 18 at 1:30pm & 7:00pm* Closing Performance *Special Early Twilight Curtain
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 57 DINING
THE PRITCHARD WINE BAR OFFERS UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE IN THE PLAZA DISTRICT
BY SANDI DAVIS
ight in the middle of the art galleries, All the wines, cocktails and dishes may change some with boutique stores, and Lyric Theatre that the seasons, but Magers and Seig want The Pritchard Wine R make up The Plaza District on NW Bar to be a locally relaxed place that fits into the vibe of the 16th sits The Pritchard Wine Bar, Plaza District. They encourage table sharing, and selecting which specializes in a wide variety of wines from small plates to try during a meal. around the world, specially made cocktails and The duo each has Oklahoma ties and came together with an small plates of delicious food, made with as idea for a different kind of wine bar. many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. Magers, originally from Oklahoma, traveled the United The shared brainchild of General Manager Mindy Magers States. She came back to Oklahoma for a visit and stayed. and Executive Chef Shelby Seig, the pair brings together just Seig’s parents are from Oklahoma, and were an Air Force the right wine with just the right food, made in smaller sizes Family, which Seig did a lot of traveling too. She went to the so a patron can order more than one plate or glass of wine University of Oklahoma and worked at The George, where she and not find their pockets empty at the end of the evening. served as pastry chef and then jumped into what she calls the Though everything on the menu is made from scratch, from “savory side.” as many local products as available, each small plate is one Magers was the manager at The George when Seig arrived. Seig wanted to do. They discovered their interests meshed and decided to open a And though there is a 450 bottle wine cellar, there also are wine bar. six wines on tap at the bar. If wine isn’t your thing, try a “I made out a chart graph of all the great wine regions with bartender-crafted cocktail. Magers will be happy to come to correct varietals – grapes from specific regions,” Magers your table and discuss wine selections with visitors. explained. “We use the smaller vineries.”
58 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 The two women got investors for their wine bar and started and its very popular Crispy Fingerlings with raclette and work. They knew they didn’t want the place to be snobby, they house pickle, all ranging in price in $7 to $9. wanted to complement their neighbors in the Plaza District, Charcuterie includes Pheasant Pate with candied pecans, with a relaxed, light, feel. Prosciutto with fig caramel or Salame Toscano with house In January, the staff at Eater.com ranked The Pritchard Wine pickle, priced from $6 to $8. Bar as fifth in its top 15 eateries to open in Oklahoma City in Proteins range from Grilled Skirt Steak, Chicken Breast, 2016. Basted Scallop, Seared Duck, Roasted Marrow Bones and General Manager Mindy Magers and Executive Chef Shelby Seig Fried Chicken Thighs, all with delectable sides and ranging in welcome you to The Pritchard Wine Bar in The Plaza District. t price from $9 to $16. Indulge in a lovely selection of cheeses, each paired with fruit or nuts for either $6 or $7. Dessert is Lemon Crème with rhubarb compote and elderflower meringue, Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème with passionfruit and cocoa nib, the restaurant favorite Homemade Doughnuts with salted caramel ganache or a selected of Housemade Cookies, prices from $5 to $6. Photo by Sandi Davis
Its review suggested Seig’s dishes worked as tapas, entrees and side dishes, but the star is the wine, which offers new discoveries on each trip back. With the coming of spring and summer, expect new, lighter food and wine on the menu, with a few dishes staying on the Photo by Sandi Davis menu year-round. s The Pritchard Wine Bar use small plates for their food, making it easier to order several different selections for the price of one regular entrée. Though the small plate idea isn’t a new one, Magers and Seig hope, that instead of people coming in to order dinner, The restaurant is also open for a luscious brunch, all with then leaving, they will try something different. moderate prices. Each season features picks available by the glass, bottle Happy Hour is Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. and carafe. They serve beer, ranging from $3-7. Their “Long with half-priced small plate Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower and Hard Day Combo Packs” are custom made cocktails like “The Beets. The plates can be paired with wine, and Magers will be Princess” for $10, “The Bartender” also for $10, “The happy to talk about what goes best or what you might like. Pedestrian” for $8 and “The Sunbather” for $10. There also An original idea is $20 Twosday. Magers will select a wine are Pritchard Favorites from $8 to $10. from her list and that bottle will sell for $22 until they run out. The Pritchard’s kitchen bring out small plates full of big “I think the idea is unique but approachable,” Magers said. flavors. Bar snacks run from $3 for Cerignola Olives; a The Pritchard Wine Bar Hours are Tuesdays through Homemade Cracker for $4; Candied, Salted Pecans for $5; Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. until midnight, Pickled Okra for $5; Toasted Crostini for $3; Pritchard Pickles Saturdays 10 a.m. until midnight and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 for $4, or Baked Gruyere Dip with caramelized onion and p.m. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. They are pancetta for $9. closed Sundays. Small plates range from salad to Brussels Sprouts with For more information, contact The Pritchard Wine Bar at Spanish chorizo to Asparagus with snap peas, ramps, lemon (405) 601-4067. The street address is 1749 NW 16th Street. and slow cook egg, to roasted beets with chevre and walnut Visit their website is www.pritchardokc.com. n
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 59 FUNDRAISER
60 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 CHAMPIONS OF YOUTH HONOREES
he family of the late Aubrey K. McClendon, known for his philanthropy, business acumen T and involvement and investment in the city, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Presented during the annual Champions of Youth Celebration, the award is being renamed to honor McClendon, an avid and longtime Boys & Girls Clubs supporter. His association with the organization began as a mentor while attending Duke University. With his wife, they made the most significant contribution to the
Top: Rick Nagel, BGCOKC Board Member and 1991 National Youth of the Year Runner Up with Alexis Smith, BGCOKC 2017 Youth of the Year.
Left: Event Signage, Aubrey K. McClendon (center).
APRIL/MAY 2017 ion Oklahoma 61 Left: Jack McClendon holds the award honoring his father. Center : Teena Belcik, BGCOKC CFO and Collin Miller-Nasalroad (Lowe’s). Right: Collin and Tanner Miller-Nasalroad (Lowe’s) 2017 Champion of Youth. Bottom left: Jane Sulter, president and CEO of BGCOKC, Debby Hampton, and Teresa Rose. Bottom Right: James Pickel, emcee. construction of the Boys & Girls Clubs Memorial Park location keeping his passion and generosity alive through this award.” near NW 36th and Western. Other honorees were Lowe’s home improvement stores and “Aubrey, his family and Chesapeake supported numerous high school student Alexis Smith. nonprofits in the community all doing great work, so we were Lowe’s received the 2017 Corporate Champion of Youth very touched and honored when the family named the Boys & Award for its significant contribution to Memorial Park. Girls Clubs to receive memorial gifts,” said Jane Sutter, Improvements were recently unveiled as part of Lowe’s president and chief executive officer. “We are dedicated to Renovation Across the Nation initiative, which awards
62 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Above: Kelsi Georgia, BGCOKC choir / singing and signing. Right: the BGCOKC Youth Choir.
$50,000 grants for critical refurbishments and necessary flagship teen group. updates to one club in each state. Smith will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall. The Memorial Park Club was the grant recipient for 2016. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County help youth of all Volunteers from Lowe’s stores across the metro completed the backgrounds, especially those from disadvantaged work. circumstances, develop the qualities they need to become Smith, a senior at Harding Fine Arts Academy, was honored responsible citizens and leaders. About 800 young people are as the 2017 Youth of the Year for her outstanding academic served daily. achievements and exemplary leadership. A member of the For more information about the Boys & Girls Club or to Boys & Girls Clubs for 12 years, she serves as a junior staff volunteer, go to bgcokc.org. member and treasurer to the Keystone Club, the organization’s
Champions of Youth 2017 Celebration, Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 63 PEOPLE
Tom McDaniel, Danny Morgan, Russell Perry, and Steve Turnbo LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA
BY ALLYSON CARSON
LEADERSHIP OKLAHOMA “Each year, Leadership Oklahoma recognizes the outstanding contributions of Oklahoma corporate and individual leaders for honored two individuals, a their commitment and service to elevating the quality of life and empowering our state for greater prosperity,” said Marion Paden, leading state business and a President and CEO of Leadership Oklahoma. “This year’s Excellence in Leadership award recipients are truly statewide energy organization deserving based upon the remarkable and meaningful differences they have made in Oklahoma. It is our privilege to honor them.” at its annual Excellence in There are four awards designed to honor state leaders and entities that make a meaningful difference in Oklahoma. Leadership Gala at Southern The honorees for the night were Tom J. McDaniel, Lifetime Achievement; Steve Turnbo, Distinguished Graduate; Perry Hills Country Club in Tulsa Publishing and Broadcasting Company, Business Leadership, and Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, Statewide Community. on April 1, 2017. Over 230 Leadership Oklahoma members and guests from across the state attended the event. Co-chairs of the gala were Rita and Sam Combs of Tulsa and Chery and Tom Evans of Tonkawa. Leadershipoklahoma.com n
64 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Above: Danny Morgan,OERB honoree; Mindy Stitt, Executive Director of OERB, and Tim Munson presenter.
Below: Gala Co-chairs Tom Evans, Cheryl Evans, Rita Combs, and Sam Combs. AWARDS CEREMONY
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 65 THE AWARDS are inspired by the philosophy of taking young and talented leaders, recognizing them and training them to become more effective and powerful as leaders. The upright shapes represent the individuals reaching out and up ro benefit neighborhoods, cities, state and nation. The background with flowing horizontal lines represents the many different levels of society that can benefit. Each award is slightly different, each individual, and yet, all a part of the greater whole.
Right: The three stages receiving their awards.
66 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Steve Turnbo, honoree, and Becky J Frank, presenter. Tom McDaniel, honoree and Lee Allan Smith, presenter. The purpose of the Leadership Oklahoma Distinguished The purpose of the Leadership Oklahoma Lifetime Graduate Award is to recognize a Leadership Oklahoma Achievement Award is to recognize an individual who has graduate whose recent leadership activities have exemplified used his or her leadership abilities over a lifetime to improve the highest standards of Leadership Oklahoma and whose the quality of life for Oklahoma’s citizens and its future activities achieved results or set an example of statewide generations. significance.
1990 Deborah Murphy Watson, Class II, Drumwright 1999 Ed Malzahn, Perry 1991 Howard G. Barnett, Jr., Class II, Tulsa 2000 Hannah Diggs Atkins, Oklahoma City 1992 Joe Williams, Class III, Edmond 2001 Ray Ackerman, Oklahoma City 1993 Nance Diamond, Class I, Shawnee 2002 H.E. (Gene) Rainbolt, Oklahoma City 1995 James Miller, Class IV, Tulsa 2003 Robert L. McCormick, Jr., Stillwater 1996 James K. Howard, Class II, Tahlequah 2004 Edward C. Joullian, III, Oklahoma City 1997 Robert D. James, Class IV, Tulsa 2005 George A. Singer, Tulsa 1999 Drew Edmondson, Class IV, Oklahoma City 2006 Nancy Leonard, Oklahoma City 2000 Larry Brummett, Class II, Tulsa 2007 David L. Boren, Norman 2001 Lindy Ritz, Class I, Norman 2008 Boone Pickens, Dallas, TX (Holdenville, OK) 2002 Jess Nelson, Class X, Oklahoma 2009 Henry Zarrow, Tulsa 2003 Brad Henry, Class IX, Shawnee 2010 John Massey, Durant 2004 Sue Hale, Class III, Oklahoma City 2011 Barry Switzer, Norman 2005 J. Clifford Hudson, Class III, Oklahoma City 2012 Melvin Moran, Seminole 2006 Robert Butkin, Class IV, Tulsa 2013 Charles Hollar, Ponca City 2007 Sharon King Davis, Class XV, Tulsa 2014 George Nigh, Oklahoma City 2008 Jari Askins, Class VI, Duncan 2015 Robert H. Henry, Oklahoma City 2009 Bill Anoatubby, Class III, Ada 2016 Burns Hargis, Stillwater 2010 Anne Roberts, Class XII, Norman 2011 Randy Foutch, Class XV, Tulsa 2012 Bill Burgess, Jr., Class IX, Lawton 2013 Mike Neal, Class XXI, Tulsa 2014 Stan Clark, Class IX, Stillwater 2015 Ken Busby, Class XVII, Tulsa 2016 Don Betz, Class III, Edmond
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 67 AWARDS OKLAHOMA CREATIVITY Ambassador Awards 2017
April 3, 2017 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City
CREATIVE OKLAHOMA WAS FORMED IN 2006 The mission of Creative Oklahoma is to develop, promote as the first non-profit organization in the United States and celebrate Oklahoma’s creativity and innovation. with a statewide strategy to advance Oklahoma’s Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors have been recognized by economy through creativity and innovation based the Governor of Oklahoma as Oklahomans who have initiatives in education, commerce, and culture. made a significant national and international contributions The organization exists to empower individuals and during their careers. institutions to be more innovative.
The 2017 Inductees from left: Susan McCalmont, Sam Presti, Rick Bayless, Blake Shelton, Governor Mary Fallon, Annie Funke, Harvey Pratt, Chris Harrison, Robert Hefner III, Mary Pointer Blankenship, and Chief Gary Batton.
68 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 2017 Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador Inductees
Annie Funke Broadway and Televison Actress Chris Harrison Television Host Chief Gary Batton Chief of the Choctaw Nation Sam Presti General Manager NBA Thunder Robert Hefner III Petroleum Geologist, Author, & Blake Shelton Country Music Singer Philanthropist Master of Ceremonies Alex Cameron News Anchor KWTV Harvey Pratt Forensic Artist Presenter Governor Mary Fallin Rick Bayless Restaurateur & Author
Clockwise from left: Chief Gary Burton and family. Chris Harrison and family with Alex Cameron. Annie Funke and family. Blake Shelton
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 69 MUSIC SAINTS in the Plaza District
he Plaza District is flourishing due to an world. The Session is relatively new – it started in January of influx of great art and business, this year – but has grown immensely in the past four months. T attracting some of the city’s top talent. When some people think of jazz, they think Michael Buble, or The ambition and energy emanating gentle background music, but there are as many genres of from Saints Pub permeates the streets of the jazz as there are of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and a rock concert could be Plaza District every first Thursday. anything from Fleetwood Mac to Metallica. The jazz at Saints Saints Session is the newest hotspot for professional is a continuation of the jazz tradition born in America’s musicians and up-and-comers trying to take their art to the streets, bars, and clubs. It’s energetic, raw, highly-improvis- next level. It’s an OKC jazz session with an NYC influence, ational, but with a very modern edge. It is an art form that driven by Oklahoma musicians who have played all over the rewards hours of study and honors risk taking, and most the
70 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Saints Pub features Saints Session every Thursday, the newest hotspot for professional musicians and up-and-comers trying to take their art to the next level.
music played is spontaneously created. The format of Saints Session is, much like the music itself, structured, despite the organic and seemingly impromptu presentation. Each session highlights a highly accomplished Featured Artist. The most recent featured artist was Dr. Jay Wilkinson, who runs the jazz department at the University of it’s as entertaining to watch the newcomers shake off their Oklahoma, performs with the OKC Philharmonic, and has a nerves and risk failure as it is to watch the veterans show off PhD from University of North Texas, one of the premier jazz their decades of effort. schools in the nation. Grant Goldstein, the Featured Artist in Saints Session is a concert, but it’s more a community. January, just returned to Oklahoma after getting a Master’s Seating is tight, and groups of people often share tables Degree at the highly competitive Manhattan School of Music; European-style. For promotion, Saints Session depends heavily Grant has played at Carnegie Hall and the legendary Small’s on Social Media (namely Instagram and Facebook). Noticeably, Jazz Club in Lower Manhattan. Saint is a small room. The photographers and videographers are present at every intimacy creates a unique connection between the artist and session; less noticeably, so are web developers, business the audience, and the Featured Artists are encouraged to people, lawyers, and graphic designers. All these people are perform their original compositions and arrangements. collaborating, sharing their skills to make OKC’s music scene OKC has long had a strong core group of accomplished bigger and better. musicians. Among this community, word has traveled quickly Saints Session has great momentum, it’s new, fresh, and Saints Session has become a hub for the best players in growing, and changing each month, and the diverse minds town. As the night progresses, the Featured Artist moves from behind Saints Session have many plans for the next few years. his originals to standards, and the emcee calls to the stage The promoters want to bring in big names from outside the individuals who dropped in unannounced to play a few Oklahoma to make Saints Session relevant in the jazz tunes. Later in the night, the 20-somethings with instrument community on a National and International level. With an idea cases slung over their shoulders keep an eye on the stage for of the effort it takes to build a dynamic, captivating a good chance to approach and call the tune they’ve been experience with a dedicated team and community, the practicing for the past month. This is how jazz has individuals involved in the session is looking into launching traditionally been passed down: the young hungry cats other sessions in the city with different venues, different listening to and absorbing the ideas of their mentors, and genres, different vibes – but for now, Saints Session is the then preparing the courage (and the practicing the tune) that place to be, and the people are hungry for it. n they want to take to the bandstand. As an audience member,
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 71 SPEAKERS SERIES
Thomas L. Friedman Signature Lecture Series Speaker at OCCC
BY SANDI DAVIS
he Paul Sechrist Signature Lecture Series at Oklahoma City T Community College welcomes three-time Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at the school’s Visual and Performing Arts Center, 7777 S. May. Friedman, an expert in Middle East relations, globalization, and climate change is currently the foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times. He is author of seven books, the most recent, “Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Acceleration,” was published in December, 2016. He will speak about trends shaping the world today, global forces guiding change in the Middle East as well as his latest book. OCCC Performing Arts Center Thomas L. Friedman
“We are thrilled to have such a terrorist threat. three (Friedman’s current golf handicap renowned author and journalist join the He has appeared in numerous is a 5.9), he did write the afterward for lecture series,” said OCCC President documentaries on a number of subjects, “Classic Shots” a collection of Jerry Steward. “Having decades of including “Straddling the Fence,” photographs published by the United experience, particularly in the Middle “Searching for the Roots of 9/11.” “The States Golf Association, published by East, Mr. Friedman offers a unique Other Side of Outsourcing,” “Does National Geographic Society. perspective on the world and its affairs, Europe Hate Us?” “Addicted to Oil,” and Currently, Friedman and his wife Ann and we look forward to the opportunity “Green: The New Red, White and Blue.” live in Bethesda, Md. to learn from him.” Friedman is from St. Louis Park, a Friedman’s lecture is free and open to Known for his reporting style and suburb of Minneapolis, MN, and while he the public. sophisticated analysis of complex discovered his love for writing and for For more information, visit issues, Friedman won Pulitzer Prizes in the Middle East in the late 1960s and www.occc.edu/friedman. 1983 for his coverage of the Israeli early 1970s, his father tried to make To read his columns, visit his website, invasion of Beirut; in 1988 for continued him a professional golfer by taking him thomasfriedman.com or The New York coverage on Israel, and in 2002 for his to play golf. Times at www.nytimescom. n views of the worldwide impact of the Since he did succeed at two out of 74 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 SPEAKERS SERIES
Former Governor Frank Keating scheduled to speak at OCCC’s Public Affairs Forum
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) hosted former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating in the return of its Public Affairs Forum March 29, 2017, at 1 p.m. in the Sarkeys Foundation Atrium located in the college’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. Previous Public Affairs Forums have included former Oklahoma Governors David Hall and George Nigh. Keating is the third governor to speak at the event. The forum is free and open to the public. Discussing current legislative issues and increasing voter engagement is a dynamic facet of OCCC, and with the Public Affairs Forum series, students and community members both gain insight into past and present Oklahoma politics each semester. Born in St. Louis, Keating grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. His 30-year career in law enforcement and public service included service as an FBI agent; U.S. Attorney and state prosecutor; and Oklahoma House and Senate member, including service as a Republican senate leader. He served Presidents Ronald Reagan and George
Former Governor Frank Keating
APRIL/MAY 2017 ion Oklahoma 75 Students and community members attending the forum both gain insight into past and Keating has a question and answer session with present Oklahoma politics. audience members.
H.W. Bush in the Treasury, Justice and Housing departments. agencies such as the Secret Service, U.S. Customs, the His Justice and Treasury service gave him responsibility for all Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Marshals, the federal criminal prosecutions in the nation and oversight over Bureau of Prisons, and the Immigration and Naturalization
Keating with OCCC President Dr. Steward and ion Oklahoma publisher Don Swift. Keating speaking with an unidentified student.
76 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Increasing voter engagement is a dynamic facet of OCCC’s Public Affairs Forum.
Service and all 94 U.S. Attorneys. As assistant secretary of cabinet members, elected officials and key stakeholders of Treasury and general counsel and acting deputy secretary of both parties that recommended a series of tough measures to HUD, Keating worked on banking issues that are demanding address the nation’s fiscal challenges. He also served on the attention today—including housing finance, lending BPC’s Housing Commission. He was previously chairman of practices, securitization and Bank Secrecy Act issues. the Advisory Board of Mount Vernon and president of the In 1993, Keating returned to Oklahoma to run for governor. Federal City Council. He also served on the boards of the He won a three-way race by a landslide and was easily re- National Archives, the Jamestown Foundation and as chair of elected in 1998, becoming only the second governor in the National Catholic Review Board. Oklahoma history to serve two consecutive terms. He and his wife Cathy live in Oklahoma City. They have three As the governor of Oklahoma, Keating won national acclaim children and 10 grandchildren. in 1995 for his compassionate and professional handling of OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in 90,000 participants in its various community programs Oklahoma City. In the aftermath of the tragedy, he raised more annually. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree than 6 million dollars to fund scholarships for the nearly 200 programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate children left with only one or no parents. His accomplishments institutions while other degree and certificate programs as governor include winning a successful public vote on right- prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, to-work, tort reform, tax cuts, and major road building and students receive a quality education with small class sizes, education reform. dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students Keating is the chairman of the Board of the Washington- can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and based Bipartisan Policy Center and recently served on the participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force, a group of former more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu. n
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 77 VETERANS
The Strongest Among Us An Evening of Honor & Distinction for Local Heroes
BY STEPHANIE D. MOORE
evyn Denton slows to show off a pair of uniquely created Bizy D Kickz tennis shoes, complete with red sparkly words of encouragement, especially designed for the leading lady of the evening by local artist, William Charles Johnson. “I need these for tonight,” she whispers pointing at the tennis shoes before smiling widely and greeting the first honoree to arrive, Retired Oklahoma City Police Officer, Lt. Bruce Davis. Devyn, a fast-thinking national first responder, RN and founder of Operation Nurses Helping Nurses, Inc. can’t wait to begin. This was an evening she has spent the latter half of 2016 planning. From sifting through excellent and heart- warming nominations with her board members to finding talented artists that could create auction items live during the event to offering an evening of guilt free gambling to most importantly, giving homage to Oklahoma City’s Frontline Heroes, Devyn was excited to share all her hard work with the community. On the evening of March 10th, inside the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall, guests are filing in. They are conversing among each other, eyeing their
Devyn Denton, RN and Founder of Operation Nurses Helping Nurses, Inc.
78 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 Left to right: Clancy Upshaw, Captain Andy Willrath, Devyn Denton, Lt. Bruce Davis, Ron Herendeen
Bombing. While many were running from the building, he was running into it. Finally, we honor a local community leader.... a retired Veteran that dresses up each year as Santa to encourage local children to have hope. We are here standing with the strongest among us.” Operation Nurses Helping Nurses, Inc.’s mission is to provide a global nurse-to-nurse support system in times of disasters, traumas or crises by delivering both material and emotional succor. Founder, Devyn Denton, RN shares, “There is a unique experience every first responder has with traumatic events. Our goal is to meet their need, whatever that is or however that is defined in a way that is supportive and transformative. These heroes sacrifice a piece of themselves they never get back every time they save a life. They may have to block a bullet, give a child CPR, run into a burning building or simply console the surviving friend, partner or loved one of someone that has just been lost. We are here to support those that mend together the brokenness of our communities in times of emergency.”
desired winnings at the silent auction table, grabbing additional door prize tickets, taking selfies, going live on social media, anticipating the night of guilt-free gambling and congratulating all of the first responders that will be honored during the event. The 2 AM Band takes center stage and prepares to share a collection of great hits with the audience. “Honoring a Hero,” Devyn states through a voice that seems to fight tears, “doesn’t reflect the power or the strength these individuals have exhibited. My organization really had a tough time choosing this group of honorees, but I know we made the correct choices. We have selected an Air EVAC Paramedic that has fought breast cancer WHILE saving lives. A Mustang Fire Captain and Paramedic that has served for years in excellence, leading his crew with honor. A retired police Lieutenant that saved lives during the Oklahoma City
Clancy Upshaw humbly accepts her award as a Frontline Hero.
APRIL/MAY 2017 ionOklahoma 79 people, who later committed suicide. “I still have yet to Lt. Bruce Davis serenades the guests visit the Oklahoma City Memorial because there is so much pain in the memory of that day,” he stated. Captain Andy Willrath of the Mustang Fire Department spoke of the humility and strength his job requires and that he is honored to serve in such a way. Community leader and retired Veteran, Ron Herendeen found it ironic that this honor would be bestowed on his father’s special day, as if it were a sign that his father was proud. After the awards were given, the 2 AM rocked the night away with a collection of rock and roll hits. In a special treat, Lt. Bruce Davis took the stage and serenaded the audience winning many hearts. The guests gambled at the guilt-free Blackjack, Roulette and Poker tables all night with small breaks to take up a dance or two when their favorite song came on. With more than 100 guests in attendance, the event was a striking success. Several local artist and companies donated outstanding As each of the honorees were introduced to collect raffle and auction items including a special edition JL their awards, they shared a little of their story. Clancy Woodworkx Warrior Shield, I-35 Flags (a veteran owned Upshaw, a feisty and beautiful woman that survived company) offered a 4 x 5 Hand Carved Firefighter Flag, breast cancer stood with spiked hair and a rock star Bizy Kickz created a special pair of Heroes Edition smile as she spoke bravely of one of her toughest battles Shoes and so many more. A beautiful cupcake tower in life: the will to live during breast cancer. “I survived stood at the end of the buffet table provided by GiGi’s each day knowing that even if I couldn’t save my life, I cupcakes along with a special certificate for each Hero. could help save someone else,” she shares. Retired Local companies, Heroes Vodka, NVED Consulting, Police Officer and Lieutenant Bruce Davis dedicated his Dream Push Music Group and The Bizy Show will award to a fellow officer and first responder at the sponsor. Oklahoma City Bombing, Terrance Yeakey, an officer All in all, it was an outstanding evening to celebrate expected to receive the Medal of Valor for saving four the strongest among us. n
Guests gather around the game tables for Guilt-Free Gambling.
80 ionOklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 RECOGNITION = RETENTION
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Nominate a young professional you know that is deserving recognition. Just go to nextgenunder30.com DOO YOUU A state-wide event, with talented, high-achieving Millennials nominated in 15 categories ories as Oklahoma’’ss KNOW best and brightest hope for the future OVER-ACHIEVERS/UNDER 30 These high achievers are nominated by members of doing amazing things in Oklahoma. their communities. The next generation of leaders in Oklahoma Distinguished judges select 15 winners in each will be recognized at the Sixth Annual NextGen categoryoryy,, one Gold Award, one Silver ver r,, and 13 Bronze Under 30 Oklahoma awards. Nominate winners innovative, creative-thinking and inspiring ng young individuals who push the boundaries a beyond their years. ars. TToo nominate a candidate,candi d go to nextgenunder30.com onOKO magazinei PEOPLE
DIRECTOR WILL BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO INDIAN MUSEUM
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -Spring is a time of rebirth and the Summer season in Indian Country aligns with renewal ceremonies, so it is fitting that James Pepper Henry will become the Museum Director of The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum on June 19, 2017, breathing new life into this world- class vision at this special time of year. Pepper Henry is an enrolled citizen of the Kaw Nation and also Muscogee (Creek).
82 ion Oklahoma APRIL/MAY 2017 80,000-square-foot expansion. His wealth of experience will greatly benefit the American Indian Center as construction resumes in the fall In 2010, Pepper Henry oversaw development of The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, establishing a long-term loan of materials similar to what will be accomplished between The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum and The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, including working with Ralph Appelbaum Associates on both projects. Bill Anoatubby, Chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority says, “Today is an exciting day for Pepper Henry has been involved in The American Indian the future of The American Indian Cultural Center and Center’s development since 2004 when he helped inform the Museum. Bringing James Pepper Henry on board at this conceptual design. In 2007, as associate director of the critical stage of development is a key step in ensuring the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American successful completion of this very important project.” Gregg Indian, he signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Wadley, President of the American Indian Cultural Center the two institutions, which created the possibility of a long- Foundation says, “As an American Indian, James Pepper Henry term loan, as well as collaborative programming recognizes and appreciates the complexities of presenting a opportunities. “I’m honored and excited to lead this newly collective story and experience comprised of so many established institution that will serve Indian Country and distinctive Nations. His extensive professional background enlighten the citizens of Oklahoma and our great nation about matches the vision to create a world-class museum the diverse heritages and cultural life-ways of America’s first destination and new cultural institution with long lasting peoples. When open, the Center will be a vital part of impacts into the future.” Oklahoma’s burgeoning tourism economy, attracting visitors Pepper Henry is a graduate of the University of Oregon and a from around the world,” says James Pepper Henry. graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently. Pepper Henry served as Executive Director of He is a board member of the American Alliance of Museums, a the Gilcrease Museum, where he helped lead the successful national organization overseeing museum accreditation, and $65 million Vision Tax extension campaign for the museum a board member of the Western Museums Association. He expansion and helped raise $27 million in additional support serves on the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Oversight through the museum’s partnership with The University of Committee and serves as a commissioner on the Greater Tulsa Tulsa. Prior to the Gilcrease Museum he served as Director and Area Indian Affairs Commission. Pepper Henry is also a board CEO of the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, increasing museum member for the Mvskoke Arts Association, a nonprofit attendance by 58 percent and memberships by 150 percent. organization that advocates for Mvskoke Arts Pepper Henry served as Executive Director/CEO for a six-year and Artists. n tenure at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Alaska’s premier art, history and science institution, where he oversaw the completion of the museum’s $110 million,
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