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OklahomaFAMILY GUIDE 2018

DIVE IN State’s 200+ lakes offer more than just traditional boating

INSIDE: ATTRACTIONS/ENTERTAINMENT DINING EDUCATION/TRAINING EVENTS FINANCE HEALTH CARE HOSPITALITY/TRAVEL HOUSING SHOPPING SPORTS/RECREATION TRANSPORTATION 14400 S.E. 29TH ST. Building Quality Homes since 1982 Reroofing, Some remodels & Commercial Construction WE WILL BUILD ON YOUR LAND OR OURS 733-1169 [email protected]

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www.swmbuilders.com OKContents INTRODUCTION Dive in ...... 2 21 State’s 200+ lakes offer more than just traditional boating

SECTIONS Attractions/Entertainment ...... 4 Dining ...... 12 Education/Training ...... 15 Events ...... 21 Finance ...... 26 34 Health Care ...... 29 Hospitality/Travel ...... 34 Housing ...... 38 Shopping ...... 41 Sports/Recreation ...... 43 Transportation ...... 46

SERVICE DIRECTORY ...... 48 MAP OF ...... 48

Living in Oklahoma is a publication of ABOUT THE COVER THE JOURNAL RECORD • 101 N. Robinson Ave., Ste. 101, OKC, OK To advertise in the Tinker Take Off, call 405-278-2830 • TinkerTakeOff.com Lake Murray Water Sports ADVERTISEMENT LIVING IN & Mini Golf, located Associate Publisher and Editor ...... Ted Streuli Advertising Director ...... Sarah Barrow FAMILY GUIDE 2018 approximately 10 minutes Advertising Account Managers ...... Oklahoma south of Ardmore in Wendy Duncan, Vicki Madden, southern Oklahoma. Photo Laura Watts, Leslie Mahan and Amber Ragland by Brent Fuchs Special Publications Editor ...... Jessica Mitchell Copy Editor/Web Editor ...... Ron Clay Writer ...... Heide Brandes DIVEState’s 200+ lakesIN offer more than just traditional boating Research Analyst ...... Dawn Darbon

D I N I N G E D U C A T I O N / T R A I N I N G ATTRACTIONS/ENTERTAINMENT H O U S I N G Graphic Designer ...... Robin Graves HOSPITALITY/TRAVEL INSIDE: HEALTH CARE E V E N T S F I N A N C E TRANSPORTATION S H O P P I N G SPORTS/RECREATION

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 1 OKIntroduction State’s 200+ lakes offer more than just traditional boating

In the heat of summer, people lined enthusiasm with underwater attractions, up along the shores of Lake Tenkiller in islands with dive sites with overhangs DIVE IN Oklahoma to find hidden treasures below that could pass for caves and even an old the clear waters at Tenkiller State Park. flooded town that still hides artifacts like Donning scuba gear, the participants buggies, farm equipment and personal were ready for a slew of special tasks. possessions. They competed as pairs in a Tired Diver Oklahoma not only has the most Tow, a 10-Meter Dash and “Lake Horse lakes created by dams of any state in the Race.” Scuba divers from Oklahoma and nation with more than 200, but also has surrounding states have long visited the more shoreline than the entire Eastern crystal-clear waters of Lake Tenkiller, Seaboard, said Keli Clark, marketing but a new Scuba Dive Park has boosted coordinator for the Oklahoma Tourism

2 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 and Recreation Department. “We are seeing a lot more people enjoy going out and getting out on the water, and lately, we’ve seen an increase in activities like kayaking and paddle boarding,” she said. “That’s what we like to see. It’s not just taking your boat out on the lakes – people are enjoying physi- cal activity, which is great to see. We also now have a vendor at a number of our lakes that rents out kayaks.” Oklahoma’s three biggest lakes – Lake Eufaula, Grand Lake and Lake Texoma – are the most popular, but Clark said the smaller lakes like Lake Murray near Ardmore and Lake Tenkiller in east- ern Oklahoma offer water-based recre- ation, relaxation and sporting as well. “Paddle EZ now has five locations at Oklahoma lakes for kayaking, so we’re seeing more and more people try out different things,” she said. “Of course, fishing has always been huge in Oklaho- ma. We’ve had some of the bigger tours like the Bassmaster at Grand Lake, but Lake Texoma is famous for its striper fish. There are great fishing guides at Texo- ma.” A new passion on Oklahoma lakes for fishing enthusiasts is the hunt for the state’s paddlefish and its caviar. Ac- Lake Texoma photo by James Pratt/Oklahoma Tourism cording to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, paddlefish were reintroduced in 1992 in several river and lake systems in the state. Kaw, Oologah, Texoma and Hugo lakes became paddlefish sites, and the state’s Paddlefish Research Center in the northeastern town of Miami allows fishermen to bring their catch to have the meat cleaned and packaged for free. In exchange, the state keeps the eggs and sells the caviar on the international market. “It’s a great thing for Oklahoma and for Oklahoma’s fishing community,” Clark said. “But even if you don’t have a boat, it’s such a great thing to just fish of the docks or the banks. It’s relaxing and a great recreational opportunity.” Boating and personal watercraft like jet skis are also popular activities on Oklahoma’s lakes, but Clark said summer isn’t the only time residents can enjoy the water. “You can find things to do at the lakes all year round,” she said. “At the lakes, you can also find camping, great places to eat and all kinds of activities. But, the summer is the most popular time to visit because lakes are just a great place to cool off and enjoy the sunshine.” Lake Murray photo by Brent Fuchs

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 3 OKAttractions/Entertainment Civic Center brings music to your ears, and more Deep in the heart of downtown , a grand dame of entertainment, shows, musical performances and architecture still steals the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Now, with new upgrades, the enjoyment of the numerous shows and special events at the Oklahoma City is even better. As a hub for rock concerts, Broadway shows, musical acts, events and plays, the center, built in 1937, needed an upgrade to continue to offer the quality fans expected. In 1997, the Civic Center began renovations un- der Oklahoma City’s MAPS I citizen-funded program, installing double-light and sound- lock doors, improvements to the acoustics system and a completed five-story open air atrium. In addition to the large renovations, a small tweak to the heating and air system at the center now makes hearing easier for those with hearing aids. The Civic Center Music Civic Center Music Hall. Photos by Brent Fuchs Hall installed a new hearing loop system in the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, allowing visitors with cochlear implants or aids to pick up sound from the loop system that was installed in the floor. Previously, patrons had to check out a neck loop prior to per- formances, but the new system allows those with hearing devices to enjoy performances as well as, if not better than, a person with no equipment, said Civic Center Manager John Siska. “It’s a loop system that works off a magnetic field, so those who are hearing-impaired can hear the performance without any interfer- ence or background noise,” he said. “They basically have the best seats in the house.” While the new technology has been available for some time and used in Europe at smaller venues, the hearing loop system is not com- mon in the U.S. In fact, the Civic Center is the first venue of its size in the Southwest to install the technology, Siska said. The nonprofit Civic Center Foundation took over managing con- trol of the center on July 1, and more improvements, including some additional age range offerings, are expected, Siska said. With more than 75 years of history in Oklahoma, the Civic Center continues to host performances and acclaimed shows from around the world. Through the end of the year, the Civic Center Music will feature performances of Les Miserables, from country music star Vince Gill, Septime Webre’s Alice (In Wonderland), Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies-The Phantom Returns, comedian Lewis Black, the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker and more. With three theaters, a grand reception hall, numerous suites and rental facilities, the Civic Center serves more than 1 million guests annually.

4 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKAttractions/Entertainment 45th Infantry Division Museum Armstrong Auditorium Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m. to Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 2145 NE 36th St., OKC 14400 S. Bryant Rd. 11 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 to 5 p.m. 405-424-5313 Edmond, OK 73034 12 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission costs: Free http://45thdivisionmuseum.com 405-285-1010 Celebration Station’s game room Located 4 miles north of Interstate 40 Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; www.ArmstrongAuditorium.org features more than 100 video and off of Exit 136 (Garth Brooks Boulevard) Sat., 10 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.; Sun., 1 to Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. redemption games. Our game selection in Yukon, the Express Clydesdales Barn is 4:15 p.m. offers something for everyone, including located only 20 minutes from Will Rogers (park closes at 5 p.m.) Bass Pro Shops air hockey, pool tables, driving games, World Airport in Oklahoma City. alley rollers, interactive games, prize The barn is home to 8 beautiful gentle Admission costs: Free 200 Bass Pro Dr., OKC cranes and more. Batting cages, bumper giants living in style in a renovated 1936 In the 1937 Lincoln Park Armory 405-218-5200 boats, go-karts and miniature golf are barn. These unique black and white building, you’ll find the Jordan B. Reaves www.basspro.com also part of the fun! Clydesdales are simply a must-see. American Military Weapons Collection Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to Each weighs in at more than 1,700 and Bill Mauldin’s personal collection of 9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. pounds, twice what a regular horse would his World War II cartoons. The 15-acre Located a short walk from Bricktown, Chisholm Trail Heritage Center weigh, and they pull one traveling hitch landscaped outdoor military park is Bass Pro is the nation’s leading retailer 1000 Chisholm Trail Pkwy. at functions throughout the year. Their home to about 20 military vehicles, of outdoor gear. It is complete with a Duncan, OK 73533 historic barn was restored by a group tanks, aircraft and big guns. They also tank of different freshwater fish, shooting 580-252-6692 have several original staff cars, even gallery, boats of every make and size and onthechisholmtrail.com of Amish barn specialists from Indiana those of long-past generals. a service department. It doesn’t matter Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to especially for them. Inside the barn is what outdoor sport you’re into, they’ve 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. a loft with historical exhibits and a gift 99s Museum of Women Pilots probably got the gear, the outfit or the shop. 4300 Amelia Earhart Dr., Suite. A, OKC book to go with it. It’s a major outdoor Chisholm Trail Museum 405-685-7969 goodie store! 605 Zellers Ave., Kingfisher Farmers Public Market www.ninety-nines.org 405-375-5176 311 S. Klein Ave., OKC, Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Broadway Tonight www.ctokmuseum.org South of the I-40 and Western exit Housed on the second floor of the Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 405-232-6506 International Headquarters building at Mitchell Hall Theater Admission costs: Adult, $5; seniors, $4; www.okcfarmersmarket.com Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma 100 N. University (University & children, $3; children under 5, free Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. City, the museum is dedicated to the Main St.), Edmond The museum houses more than In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables history of women in aviation. The library 405-974-3375 30,000 artifacts from the historic and flowers, the historical Farmers Public and exhibit areas, including an extensive www.uco.edu/Cfad/broadway/index.asp Chisholm Cattle Trail, American Indian Market offers a great variety of shops Amelia Earhart collection, will give new Hours: Mon.-Fri., Noon. to culture, and indigenous wildlife, early specializing in antiques, books, dolls, insights into the role women pilots played 6 p.m.; closed Sat. and Sun. farming and ranching, and much more. furniture, glassware and flea market in the development of aviation and our Broadway Tonight is an entertainment Walk the rustic wooden sidewalk to visit items. Most of the shops are in the two- nation. series presented by the University the old schoolhouse, bank, Dalton boys story building and covered mall. of Central Oklahoma. Each year, the cabin – not replicas – but real buildings The historic Oklahoma City Farmers Broadway Tonight series presents five Amateur Softball Association moved to the museum site. See firsthand Public Market is Oklahoma’s oldest to six shows that are either national early-day items and their significance in continuously operated farmers market. National Softball Hall of Fame & Broadway tours or concerts performed by Kingfisher’s history. Learn old-time crafts Located on 6 acres near the heart Museum legendary entertainers. Most of its shows and dances in the classes! of downtown at 311 S. Klein Ave., it 2801 NE 50th St., OKC take place at UCO’s Mitchell Hall, but due provides a unique opportunity to shop 405-424-5266 to space conflicts shows occasionally are Oklahoma Contemporary for fresh fruits, vegetables, bedding www.asasoftball.com held at Rose State College Performing 3000 Gen. Pershing Blvd., OKC plants, firewood, antiques, collectibles (click on National Softball Hall of Fame) Arts Theatre or one of the Edmond high 405-951-0000 and seasonal items. The market has Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; school auditoriums. Check website for oklahomacontemporary.org restored the original auditorium, adding Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., show and ticket information. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m. to an elevator, central heat and air, 1 to 4 p.m. (The Hall of Fame is closed 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. sprinkler system and new bathrooms. on weekends, Sept.-April) Canterbury Choral Society Admission costs: Exhibits are free; class This 14,000-square-foot venue is Admission costs: Free 424 Colcord Dr., Suite. D, OKC 73102 and camp prices vary now available for concerts, weddings, Traces the history of softball from 405-232-7465 Oklahoma Contemporary provides banquets, conventions, trade shows, its beginning to the present. Colorful canterburyokc.com art exhibits, art classes for all ages and parties and sporting events. displays honor the more than 360 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. children’s art camps. members. Canterbury Choral Society was Firehouse Art Center founded in May 1969 at All Souls Civic Center Music Hall 444 S. Flood Ave., Norman Arbuckle Wilderness Episcopal Church with 60 singers and 201 N. Walker Ave., OKC 405-329-4523 6132 Kay Starr Trail, Davis 73030 now performs in Oklahoma City’s premier 405-297-2264 or www.normanfirehouse.com www.arbucklewildernesspark.com performance venue, Civic Center Music 1-800-364-7111 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m. to 580-369-3383 Hall. The 125-member adult chorus is www.okcciviccenter.com 5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the flagship program of the organization This impressive facility is the home Since 1971, the Norman Firehouse Art Admission costs: Adults (Ages 12-54), and the largest of its kind in the state of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Center has served Norman and surrounding $16.99; Children (Ages 4-11) and of Oklahoma. All singers are auditioned Oklahoma City Ballet, Canterbury Choral communities with visual arts classes in Seniors (Ages 55+), $14.99 volunteers, most with extensive musical Society, Lyric Theatre, Black Liberated well-equipped classrooms and gallery More than 200 acres in the beautiful and stage experience from all over Arts, Synchronicity and Broadway show exhibitions of high quality. Instruction is Arbuckle Mountains with hundreds of Oklahoma. performances. provided in ceramics, drawing, painting, exotic animals roaming free! Walk- jewelry, sculpting, fused glass and fiber arts. thru has go-carts, rides and bouncers Celebration Station Express Clydesdales Barn The Firehouse Art Center also produces (weather permitting). Also House of 509 Westline Dr., OKC 12701 W. Wilshire Blvd., Yukon annual events in Norman such as the Reptiles Petting Zoo and more! Rides 405-942-7888 405-350-6404 Chocolate Festival, Midsummer Nights’ Fair and walk-thru closed in winter. www.celebrationstation.com www.expressclydesdales.com and the Luncheon on the Grass.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 5 OKAttractions/Entertainment

Myriad Botanical Gardens. Courtesy Photo

Chesapeake Energy Arena Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - seniors and guests less than 48 inches Gilcrease Museum houses one of 100 W. Reno Ave., OKC University of Oklahoma tall; $27.99, military w/valid ID; 2 and the world’s largest, most comprehensive under free collections of art and artifacts of the 405-602-8700 555 Elm Ave., Norman Frontier City is Oklahoma’s largest American West. The museum also offers www.chesapeakearena.com 405-325-3272 theme park, covering more than 40 an unparalleled collection of Native www.ou.edu/fjjma Home to the thrilling acres. Frontier City offers more American art and artifacts, as well as Hours: Tues.-Wed., 10 a.m. to (NBA), the Chesapeake Energy Arena than 50 sensational rides, live shows and historical manuscripts, documents and 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri., also plays host to major concerts, captivating adventures for all ages and maps. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 family events, ice shows, sporting interests. p.m.; Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. events and the latest in show-stopping Families will enjoy playing and Admission costs: Free splashing in Wild West Water Works. Governor’s Mansion entertainment. 820 NE 23rd St. One of the nation’s finest university Frontier City’s Wild West Water Works museums and features works from is an interactive play structure that 405-528-2020 Chickasaw National Recreation Area Edward Hopper to Vincent Van Gogh. The helps keep you cool on a hot day. This www.ok.gov Weitzenhoffer Collection is housed in Hours: Tours every Wednesday from noon www.nps.gov/chic exciting water feature is five stories tall the Mary and Howard Lester Wing. Other to 3 p.m. 901 W. First St., Sulphur (52 feet), with 198 ways to get wet, strengths of the permanent collection eight colorful slides, a 1,000-gallon Admission costs: Free 580-622-7234 include 20th-century American paintings, tipping bucket, spacious lounging deck, This stately mansion has been the As Oklahoma’s oldest national park Southwestern art, American Indian art, changing facilities, showers and more. residence of Oklahoma’s governor area, the Chickasaw National Recreation ceramics, photography, Asian art, Persian Wild West Water Works is included with since 1928. Reflecting the same Dutch Area has been a refuge for outdoor miniatures, modern contemporary art park admission. Colonial style as the state Capitol traditions for over a century. Visitors to and more. The museum also offers building, the mansion is something Chickasaw get two parks in one – the educational programs, concerts, lectures Gilcrease Museum beautiful in the prairie. and films. Platt Historic District and the Lake of 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd., Tulsa the Arbuckles. This area offers a variety 918-596-2700 Grand Casino Hotel & Resort of activities all year. Its mineral waters, Frontier City www.gilcrease.org 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee 11501 N. I-35 Service Rd., OKC Casino: 405-964-7263 streams and lakes cater to boaters, Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 405-478-2140 Admission costs: $8 general admission; Hotel: 405-964-7777 swimmers and fishermen, while its forests www.frontiercity.com $6 for seniors, active military and per http://grandresortok.com and prairies reward hikers, equestrians, Hours: Hours and dates vary, see website person for groups of 10 or more, $5 Located a short drive east of wildlife photographers, for actual days and times students with college ID, children 18 Oklahoma City on Interstate 40, the fall foliage viewers and campers. Admission costs: $39.99, adult; $29.99, and under and museum members, free casino features over 125,000 square

6 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKAttractions/Entertainment feet of gaming space filled with over events include “Hootenanny at the Harn Jasmine Moran can watch 25 different championship 2,000 of the newest, Vegas-style slots as Homestead” in September, featuring live Children’s Museum events annually such as the National well as Oklahoma’s only keno lounge. The Roping Championships and Bullnanza. music for local red dirt bands; “Haunt 1714 Hwy. 9 West, Seminole Grand also features a luxury, 14-story There’s a whole lot of real cowboy the Harn” featuring fall crafts and safe 405-382-0950 hotel tower and several dining choices. fun going on at the Lazy E Arena. It’s trick-or-treating; the “Territorial Christmas www.jasminemoran.com completely climate-controlled and offers Celebration” featuring guided tours of Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to an opportunity to see rodeo in a modern, Guthrie the decorate buildings and grounds; 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. first-class facility. 405-282-2589 the “Fondue Fandango” auction and Admission costs: $10, ages 3-59; www.guthrieok.com fundraiser; and the annual Land Run re- seniors, $7; free for kids under 2 with Location: North of Oklahoma City off enactment where children claim a piece parent Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse Interstate 35 of Oklahoma history and learn about life Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum & Adventure Quest Let Guthrie take you back in time with on the trail. is a hands-on, award-winning museum 200 E. Maple, Enid professional Wild West and territorial- that is in part an imaginary town where 580-233-ARTS (2787) style entertainment, cozy carriage tours, HeyDay Family Fun Center children can role-play in a variety of www.leonardos.org replica trolley cars, an original drugstore 3201 Market Place, Norman career opportunities. Another part of Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to and soda fountain and charming 405-310-3500 the museum is dedicated to self- 5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. overnight accommodations. This quiet www.heydayfun.com discovery in the world of health care Admission costs: $9; $7 per person for little city, the state’s first capital, even Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m..; and science exhibitions. See the surgical groups of 16 or more; children under has several special events throughout the Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun., 11 suite, complete with actual footage of 2 free year, including the Territorial Christmas a.m. to 11 p.m. surgery. The outside play area holds a Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse Celebration and the International 12,000-square-foot Castle Maze and a This family fun center offers laser is a hands-on arts and sciences Bluegrass Festival. train, the SuperSONIC Express! tag, bowling, mini-golf and arcade museum located in downtown Enid. entertainment whether it’s for a day It’s fun for children of all ages! Build in the Carpentry Shop, create your own Harn Homestead Museum outing, your child’s birthday party or a Lazy E Arena masterpiece in the Art Studio, observe 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC team-building exercise for work. 9600 Lazy E Dr., Guthrie 405-235-4058 From I-35, 30 miles north of Oklahoma the snakes, chinchillas and ferrets in www.harnhomestead.com City, exit 151. the Animal Area and so much more Hours: Regular hours - Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. HeyDay Bricktown 405-282-RIDE inside the converted warehouse. Learn to 4 p.m.; Summer hours – Mon.-Fri., 200 S. Oklahoma Ave., Ste. HD www.lazye.com while you play at Adventure Quest, the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oklahoma City Hours: Open for tours from 8 a.m. to 5 outdoor science park that’s also one of Admission costs: $5 per person; $4 for 405-233-8769 p.m. or special events the largest playgrounds of its kind in the seniors and military; children under 3 www.heydayfun.com The Lazy E Arena is located minutes world! are free Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; north of Oklahoma City on the beautiful The Harn Homestead, located on Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun., 11 960-acre Lazy E Ranch, one of the most Lyric Theatre authentic Land Run property, is a living a.m. to 10 p.m. progressive horse breeding and sales 1727 NW 16th St., OKC history museum encompassing 10 acres This family fun center offers laser prep facilities in the nation. 405-524-9312, and nine Victorian and Pioneer buildings. tag, bowling, mini-golf and arcade Built in 1984, the arena is the largest 1-800-364-7111 The museum offers hands-on educational entertainment whether it’s for a day indoor rodeo arena in the country. The www.lyrictheatreokc.com programming about territorial Oklahoma, outing, your child’s birthday party or a arena floor measures 160 by 440 feet Founded in 1963, Lyric Theatre is guided tours and special events. Special team-building exercise for work. with seating for 7,400 people where you Oklahoma’s only professional year-

Tulsa Philbrook Museum. Courtesy Photo

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 7 OKAttractions/Entertainment round musical theater company. For 50 quality educational opportunities and Victorian firearms, frontier military and The are years, Lyric Theatre’s focus has been to allows school groups and the public to Western performers. Outside, beautifully the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles produce excellent professional musical explore the form and function of the landscaped gardens flank the Children’s Dodgers. theater, nurture artistic talent, promote skeletal system. Cowboy Corral, an interactive children’s collaboration among the arts and enrich From comparative anatomy to space. Oklahoma City Energy FC the quality of life for Oklahomans. classification to adaptation and The Museum Store offers handmade 615 N. Hudson Ave., Ste. 100, OKC The theater produces classic and locomotion, the Museum of Osteology furniture, Native American jewelry by 405-235-KICK contemporary musicals featuring both has been designed with learning in the best artists, limited-edition prints, www.energyfc.com nationally known Broadway stars and mind. With nearly 300 skeletons from bronzes, pottery and much more. The Energy is a United Soccer League local favorites. Check out its website for all corners of the world, visitors have team. show and ticket information. a unique opportunity to compare and Oklahoma Aquarium contrast many rare species normally not 300 Aquarium Dr., Jenks seen in museum exhibits. In addition, Oklahoma City Museum of Art Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 918-296-FISH (3474) 415 Couch Dr., OKC 1900 W. MacArthur Dr., Shawnee the museum features a variety of North www.okaquarium.org American specimens ranging from tiny 405-236-3100 405-878-5300 Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily (last paid www.okcmoa.com www.mgmoa.org mice and shrew skeletons to a 40-foot admission 5 p.m.); Tuesday humpback whale. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (last paid admission 8 5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun., Sun., 1 to 4 p.m. p.m.); Closed Christmas Day. noon to 5 p.m.; closed Admission costs: $5, adults; $4 for Myriad Botanical Gardens and Admission costs: $15.95 for adults, Mondays and major holidays seniors 65 and over and military; $3 for Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory $13.95 for seniors and military (I.D. Admission costs: Adults, $12; students with valid ID and children ages 301 W. Reno Ave., OKC required) and $11.95 for youth (ages seniors and students, $10; military with 6-17; free for children age 5 and under 405-445-7080 3-12). Children under 2 are admitted ID, $5; museum members and children free. Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer www.myriadgardens.org under 5 are admitted free. With eight exhibit galleries, the Museum of Art is one of the oldest Hours: Outdoor grounds open daily, 6 A three-story facility in the downtown Oklahoma Aquarium features thousands museums in the state of Oklahoma. a.m.-11 p.m. and water features open arts district offering 110,000 square of saltwater and freshwater fish and Father Gregory Gerrer, for whom the 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; feet of floor exhibits, events and animals. See the largest bull sharks museum is named, was a Benedictine Crystal Bridge - 9 a.m.-5 p.m., activities including a Museum School in captivity through a one-of-a-kind monk of considerable artistic talent. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sun. where children learn drawing, painting, walk-through tunnel, plus thousands During Father Gerrer’s travels to Europe, Admission costs: Outdoor grounds free. sculpture and collage or mixed media, of other fascinating creatures including Africa and South America, he collected Crystal Bridge - Children under 4, free; printmaking and photography. The first- seahorses, jellyfish and eels. Feed and objects of artistic and ethnological value. Ages 4-12, $5; Students 13-19 or with floor special exhibition gallery offers even touch stingrays and small sharks! The museum’s permanent collections valid college ID), $7; Seniors (62+) and world-class traveling exhibitions, while You’ll be charmed by playful river otters, include Egyptian, Greek and Roman active military, $7; Adults, $8; Myriad the permanent collection includes more beavers and raccoons. objects; art from the Renaissance Gardens Foundation members, free; than 3,000 works featuring European, through the early 20th century; and large Groups (10+) $6 adults, $4 children Asian and American art. holdings of Native American, African/ (4-12) Oklahoma City’s In addition to the galleries, you’ll find Oceanic and Eastern cultural artifacts. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is a One Remington Pl., OKC the Noble Theatre, which seats 252. In addition, the museum offers exciting 17-acre oasis in downtown Oklahoma 405-290-PLAY But don’t miss the museum store, cafe, special exhibitions throughout the year. City and includes a children’s garden, off- www.okcadventure.com library/resource center and a state-of- leash dog park, restaurant space, splash From treehouses to zoo animals and the-art education center. Martin Park Nature Center fountains, as well as walking and jogging Western art to quarter horse racing, 5000 W. Memorial Rd., OKC paths. The Crystal Bridge, 224 feet long the Adventure District has it all. The Oklahoma City National and 70 feet in diameter, has a 35-foot Adventure District’s seven attractions 405-755-0676 Memorial and Museum https://www.okc.gov/departments/ waterfall and more than 2,000 varieties present a diverse array of entertainment 620 N. Harvey Ave. (Fifth Street between parks-recreation of exotic plants. opportunities. Within a 2-mile area, find Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma Robinson and Harvey avenues), OKC Hours: April 1-Sept. 30, 5 a.m. to City Zoo and Botanical Garden, 405-235-3313 or 1-888-542-4673 9 p.m.; Oct. 1-March 31, 5 a.m. to 6 National Cowboy and Remington Park Racing Casino, National www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org p.m. Western Heritage Museum Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Hours: Outdoor Symbolic Memorial open Admission costs: Free 1700 NE 63rd St., OKC ASA National Softball Hall of Fame, 24 hours/seven days per week; Memorial This 144-acre wildlife refuge, nature 405-478-2250 Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum and Museum open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 preserve and environmental education nationalcowboymuseum.org Cinemark Tinseltown USA. p.m., and Sun. noon to 6 p.m. Last ticket center should be a must-see. It’s home Hours: Daily, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 sales/entry is at 5 p.m. daily to dozens of indigenous mammals p.m.; Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Oklahoma City Ballet Admission costs: Adults, $15; and 180 species of birds. You’ll want Admission costs: $12.50, adults; $9.75 seniors, military and students, to experience the unspoiled beauty of 7421 N. Classen Blvd., OKC seniors and students with valid ID; www.okcballet.com $12; children 5 and under, free native grasses, shrubs and trees as you $5.75 children 6-12; free for children One of life’s tragedies turned into a stroll the foot trails. 405-843-9898 5 and under. Closed Thanksgiving, Performances held from October hope for tomorrow on the former site of Christmas and New Year’s Day. through April at the Civic Center Music the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Museum of Osteology The National Cowboy & Western Hall. . On April 19, 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd., OKC Heritage Museum features a superb 1995, a terrorist act brought most of the 405-814-0006 collection of classic and contemporary building down and took the lives of 168 www.museumofosteology.org Western art, including works by Frederic Oklahoma City Dodgers people – men, women and children. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., Remington and Charles M. Russell, as 2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr., OKC The 3-acre site includes remnants 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s 405-218-1000 of the original building used to Admission costs: Ages 13 and up are magnificent work, The End of the Trail. www.milb.com/oklahoma-city communicate the impact of the terrorist $10; Children 3 through 12 are $8; The exhibition wing houses a turn-of- Hours: Season runs April-Sept., dates and act, lest we ever forget. As you step up to call for group rates; military discount the-century town and interactive history times vary - most start times are 4:05 either of the brass entrance gates, your available galleries that focus on the American and 7:05 p.m. eyes will be drawn up. Etched at the top The Museum of Osteology provides cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Admission costs: $7-$22 of the large monolithic gates are words

8 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKAttractions/Entertainment you’ll soon find imprinted on your heart. “We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.” Once inside the gate, you’ll see a 400-foot reflecting pool stretching to the other gate. Beside the reflecting pool are 168 bronze, stone and glass chairs, one tree and a multitude of silent voices. The chairs stand in nine rows, representing the building’s nine floors, and come in two sizes – adult and children’s. By day, the chairs seem to float above their translucent bases, but by night the glass bases illuminate and become beacons of hope. The Survivor Tree, an American elm that did, in fact, survive the tragedy, bears witness to the violence and stands as a profound symbol of resilience. The story is told through exhibits and recorded narratives from victims’ family Wondertorium. Courtesy photo members, survivors, rescue workers and others. Included in the center is the the 11 distinct life zones unique to biographies of famous Oklahomans. Call Within its 215,000-square-foot Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, Oklahoma. for more information. learning center are five extraordinary, a public-policy research center devoted The Great EscApe offers yet another state-of-the-art galleries housing more to the study of terrorism and political wonder as you journey through a tropical Oklahoma Historical Society than 200 hands-on audio, video and violence and a “living legacy” of the rain forest and view the great gorillas, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC computer activities exploring Oklahoma’s memorial. chimpanzees and orangutans. 405-521-2491 unique history of geology, transportation, Located in the southeast area of www.okhistory.org commerce, culture, aviation, heritage Oklahoma City Thunder the zoo by Great EscApe, the elephant Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and more. Outside the museum, the Red 208 Thunder Dr., OKC habitat covers more than 9.5 acres, is Admission costs: Adults, $7; senior 62 River Journey offers visitors a walking 405-208-4800 a state-of-the-art exhibit and includes and over, $5; students $4; children tour of the Red River Valley featuring www.thunder.nba.com three spacious outdoor yards, pools, a under 5, free land forms, vegetation and important Hours: Check www.thunder.nba.com for waterfall, shade structures and barn with The Oklahoma Historical Society has historical locations. The grounds also specific times amenities including views into the barn been collecting, preserving, and sharing include an outdoor oil-field exhibit with Admission costs: Admission fees starting from a raised boardwalk. the history of Oklahoma and its people drilling derricks, a portable derrick and at $10 Big game and not-so-big game as since before statehood. OHS started by machinery associated with Oklahoma oil The home court of Oklahoma City well as the creepy-crawlies of the reptile creating, collecting, and disseminating explorations. Thunder, the state’s only NBA basketball world are yours to see as you wander newspapers throughout the Oklahoma team, is at the Chesapeake Energy Arena the beautifully landscaped zoo. Take a Territory. Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra in downtown OKC. spin on the endangered species carousel Now, OHS has grown from a handful of 428 W. California Ave., Suite. 210, OKC as you hold on to hand-carved bass people with this same desire to collect, 405-232-7575 wood figures. And the zoo is also host Oklahoma City Zoological Park preserve and share the history of the http://www.okcphil.org/ to concerts for the whole family every area now known as Oklahoma to several The Philharmonic was founded in 2101 NE 50th St., OKC summer in the Zoo Amphitheatre. For 405-424-3344 departments, museums and historical 1988 and celebrates years of beautiful concert information, call 405-602-0683 sites from across the state and the music in Oklahoma City. Under the www.okczoo.org or visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com. Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to Southwest. direction of Joel Levine, the orchestra 5 p.m. Closed only on Thanksgiving, performs Classics, orchestral Pops, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of Oklahoma History Center and Discovery Family concerts, as well Admission costs: $11 for adults; the Oklahoma Hall of Fame NE 23rd Street and Lincoln Boulevard, a variety of community engagements. $8, children 3-11 and seniors; 2 and 1400 Classen, OKC OKC Check website for show and ticket under, free 405-235-4458 405-522-5248 information. Take a walk on the wilder side of life www.oklahomahof.com www.okhistory.org/historycenter and see more than 1,500 of the world’s Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to Oklahoma River Cruises most exotic animals, including more than 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4:45 p.m.; closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, 300 SW Seventh St., OKC 50 endangered or threatened species. Admission costs: $7 for adults; Christmas and New Year’s Day 405-702-7755 As you walk the 110 acres of shaded, $5, children 6-17 and seniors; 5 and Admission costs: Adults, $7; www.okrivercruises.com winding paths, you’ll see the Cat Forest/ under, free seniors, $5; students, $4; kids 5 and Hours: Public cruises: Month and times Lion Overlook, a 2.5-acre naturalistic The former residence of Judge under, free; Family pass, $18 vary; visit website for time. Private cruises habitat for lions, tigers, leopards and Robert A. Hefner and his family, this An architectural masterpiece, a - year-round, by appointment other exotic felines. elegant 1917 mansion contains Louis decade in the making, the Oklahoma Admission costs: $6, adults; Explore 8 acres of the state’s natural XVI furnishings as well as collections of History Center is located on 18 acres $3, kids, seniors and disabled - per beauty as you experience Oklahoma bells, canes, Meissen china and fine art across from the Capitol building. landing; Maximum charge per day $15; Trails. This naturalistic habitat showcases and tapestries. The original third-floor The History Center is a beautifully under 6 free more than 800 animals native to the ballroom now houses Oklahoma Hall of designed, self-guided exploration of Ferry service on the Oklahoma River state while allowing visitors to enjoy Fame galleries, including portraits and Oklahoma, past to present. between Regata Park Landing and

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 9 OKAttractions/Entertainment Meridian Landing. Theme cruises (Sunday Admission costs: Adults, $6; shopping district north of downtown Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum Sensation Live, Sunset cruises, History seniors, 55 and over, $5; children, $3; Oklahoma City. This little Spanish of Natural History Comes Alive and Saturday Morning children under 6, free village and its stucco buildings and 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman Classic Cartoon cruises) and private The Oklahoma State Firefighters clay tile roofs are home to some of the 405-325-4712 cruises for business meetings, holiday Museum offers fire prevention, education city’s best artists. Walk the tree-lined www.samnoblemuseum.ou.edu parties, family reunions, birthdays, and awareness for all ages. Inside the street and you’ll find painters, potters, Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to museum, you’ll find out why firefighters anniversaries and other special events photographers, writers and actors. 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. (closed are some of America’s true heroes. A in climate-controlled river cruisers. Christmas, New Year’s Day and remarkable collection of antique fire Catering is available, free parking at each Philbrook Museum of Art Thanksgiving) landing. Cruisers accommodate up to 35 apparatus, tools and machinery used to 2727 S. Rockford Rd., Tulsa Admission costs: Adults, $8; put out fires since 1736 can be seen. passengers. seniors 65 and up, $6; ages 4-17, $5; Outside the museum is the Wonderful 918-748-5321 children 3 and under and University Fallen & Living Firefighters Memorial – a www.philbrook.org Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Various forms of ethnic art, sculptures, of Oklahoma students, free; military P.O. Box 1437, OKC 73101-1437 monument to these heroes that will bring discounts available tears to your eyes. modern and contemporary art and 405-235-3700 paintings. With more than 5 million objects www.oklahomashakespeare.com belonging to the people of Oklahoma, Admission costs: $20, adults, Oklahoma Wondertorium this museum is worth seeing. In addition $15, students, seniors, military and 308 West Franklin Lane, Stillwater Pollard Theatre Company to the artifacts, you’ll want to catch the groups 405-533-3333 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie many traveling shows. The museum’s Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park www.okwondertorium.org 405-282-2800 numerous exhibits include the Siegfried was founded in 1985 by current artistic Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to www.thepollard.org Family Hall of Ancient Life, Brown Native director Kathryn McGill and the late Jack 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Closed New Admission costs: Adults, $25-30; military American Art and Special Exhibitions O’Meara. For more than two decades, Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, and seniors, $20-27; and students, $15 Gallery and the Andree Family Discovery the summer seasons had been staged Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, The Pollard Theatre Company Room, just to name a few. in Edmond. In 2007, it moved to the Christmas Day produces a wide variety of quality heart of downtown Oklahoma City at the Admission costs: Daily admission is $7 theatrical experiences for the residents Science Museum Oklahoma and tourists of central Oklahoma. With Myriad Gardens Water Stage. Oklahoma per person (including tax); Under 12 2100 NE 52nd St., OKC Shakespeare in the Park mounts a months, free; Summer passes available, an emphasis on creative storytelling 405-602-6664 or 1-800-532-7652 summer season consisting of three plays call 405-533-3333, stop by or visit that illuminates the shared human www.sciencemuseumok.org and a winter season of one play, which is website for more information. experience, the Pollard produces six Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., 9 traditionally performed at Stage Center in Designed primarily for children or more plays and musicals annually, a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. downtown Oklahoma City. ages 12 and younger, the Oklahoma enlisting the talents of skilled artists from Admission costs: Adults, $15.95; children WONDERtorium is recognized regionally all across the country. and seniors, $12.95 Oklahoma State as a cultural and educational institution Science Museum Oklahoma houses serving children and families on-site Capitol State Park Red Earth Museum more than 8 acres of hands-on science and through outreach programs. The experiences, with thousands of space, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC 6 Santa Fe Plaza., OKC museum’s exhibits and innovative aviation and cultural artifacts in the mix. 405-521-2946 405-427-5228 educational programs emphasize hands- With brand-new exhibits, the excitement The State Capitol State Park offers the www.redearth.org on engagement and learning through of live entertainment shows, one-of- Veterans Memorial, the Indian Plaza and Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. experience, employing play as a tool to a-kind IMAX film experiences and a more. Enjoy the state Capitol tours and Native Americans played an important spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, newly renovated Science Floor, Science learn from the state Library for the Blind. part in Oklahoma’s past and continue to and imagination of children. Exhibits Museum Oklahoma rocks. As the state’s The land for the Capitol building was be a significant role model for its future. explore science, math, creativity, history, only physical science museum and a chosen in 1913 and the building was The ever-changing exhibits make this culture, health and wellness, dramatic Smithsonian affiliate, Science Museum dedicated June 30, 1917. Back then, museum a fine learning center for the play and problem-solving. Oklahoma reveals the wonder and the Capitol cost a whopping $1.5 million whole family. Some of the activities teach relevance of science in our everyday lives. to build. Oklahoma’s Capitol, however, third-graders and above the ideals of From traveling beyond the Milky Way in beauty, honor, courtesy and generosity as was unique in that it didn’t have a dome. 405 NW 15th St., OKC the Planetarium Theater to witnessing live they learn to play a unique board game This omission was fixed in 2002 with the 405-528-8485 explosions in Science Live, the museum in which students find themselves acting special dedication of a dome and the www.overholsermansion.org provides a safe environment for letting as tribal members. Visitors will also learn Native American statue that graces it. Hours: Tues.-Sat., tours conducted 10 your inner-child run wild. The Capitol building encompasses a.m. to 2 p.m. the different ways buffalo were hunted 650 rooms and 11 acres of floor and how Native Americans used them for Admission costs: $10 for adults; $7, Stafford Air & Space Museum space. Above the south doorway at the seniors, $5 ages 6-18; free for children food, clothing and shelter – nothing going bottom of a grand, second-story, marble to waste. 3000 E. Logan Rd., Weatherford 6 and under. 580-772-5871 staircase is a mural of a World War I The first mansion ever built in soldier preparing to meet his troops. The www.staffordspacecenter.com Oklahoma City was the Overholser Remington Park Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., mural was painted in Paris, France, by Mansion in the late 19th century. It One Remington Pl., OKC Gilbert White in 1921. A second mural 1 to 5 p.m. offers original furnishings, hand-painted, 405-424-1000 hangs above it with the Latin words Pro Admission costs: Adults, $7; seniors canvas-covered walls and a totally www.remingtonpark.com Patria – Fatherland. (55+) active military with ID, $5; historical experience in elegance. Hours: Doors open 10:30 a.m. daily students, $3; 5 and under, free Admission costs: Free Located in Weatherford, birthplace of Oklahoma State This state-of-the-art racetrack astronaut and flight pioneer Gen. Thomas Firefighters Museum 3022 Paseo, OKC features world-class racing including P. Stafford, the Stafford Air & Space 2716 NE 50th St., OKC 405-525-2688 the Oklahoma Derby in October and the Museum houses an amazing collection 405-424-1452 or 1-800-308-5336 www.thepaseo.org Remington Park Futurity, the Breeders’ of air and space exhibits, an interactive www.osfa.info Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cup World Thoroughbred Championship aviation gallery that spans the history Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to Admission costs: None and many more. Quarter horse racing of flight, more than 20 historic aircraft, 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 4:30 p.m. Paseo was the first commercial season runs March through May. unique space flight artifacts and more!

10 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKAttractions/Entertainment Hours: Mon..-Sun., 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Water Taxi Admission costs: Adults, $12; 115 E. California Ave., Suite. 300, OKC children $10; free for members and 405-234-8263 children under 2; military discount www.bricktownwatertaxi.com available. Hours: May-Sept., 10 a.m. to Guided tour allows visitors to meet 10 p.m.; Call for season hours and feed exotic animals such as tigers Admission costs: Regular all-day pass, and bears; petting zoo; overnight $11; youth (6-12), $8.50; disabled accommodations available, camping all-day pass and age 65 and over & allowed. Check out website for hours and active-duty military, $9.50; 5 and admission prices. under, $3.50 Take a narrated, 40-minute leisurely Tinker Air Force Base and the boat tour through Bricktown on the Air Force Sustainment Center Bricktown Canal. www.tinker.af.mil The Greater Oklahoma City White Water Bay metropolitan area is home to more than 3908 W. Reno Ave., OKC 27,000 military members, civilians 405-943-9687 or 478-2412 and contractors who work for America’s www.whitewaterbay.com warfighters. Tinker is the largest single- Hours: Hours and operating days vary, see site employer in the state of Oklahoma. website for days of operation and times The Air Force Sustainment Center covers Admission costs: $39.99, general numerous buildings, including the admission; $29.99, junior and senior historic Building 3001. At almost a mile admission, up to 48 inches tall; 2 and long, Building 3001 is a city unto itself under free with traffic, stop signs, street sweepers, You can definitely get wet while in pedestrian walkways and all manner of the 25-acre park with more than 30 aircraft and engine work. water rides, slides, pools and activities for the young and the young at heart. Cannonball Falls offers a high-speed Tulsa Animal Adventures courtesy of Tulsa Zoo. Tulsa Air and Space Museum riding climb to the top of the slide, where & Planetarium you’ll just have time for a breath before The Stafford Air & Space Museum 1915, Morris, Wilson and Armour had 3624 N. 74th East Ave., Tulsa an exhilarating eight-foot drop through also houses one of the most all established huge packing facilities 918-834-9900 water takes it away. You’ll race down comprehensive exhibits in the world to slaughter cattle, hogs and sheep www.tulsaairandspacemuseum.com the monster Acapulco Cliff Dive at high displaying the history of rocketry. From transported first by cattle drives and later Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. speeds over the 65-foot free fall or the the giant F-1 Saturn engine, powerhouse by railroad and truck. Today, even though Closed Sunday, Monday and seven-story Bermuda Triangle’s three of the Apollo missions, down through the the packing plants have closed, the major holidays slides, or maybe you want to race down Gemini and Mercury space programs, Oklahoma City Stockyards is the largest Planetarium Hours: Mon.-Fri., the awesome, one-passenger flume slide Explorer, Sputnik and on to the earliest stocker/feeder cattle market in the world. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 called Swashbuckler Flumes Tube. Check known man-made rockets, the Stafford This is where you can still see Oklahoma p.m. out the Big Kahuna, a giant family raft Air & Space Museum will leave you in cowboys working the livestock. Cowtown Admission costs: Adults, $15; ride or Pirate’s Plunge. There’s even a awe! offers a variety of shops from old-time $12, seniors 62 and over and military; place for the wee ones at White Water general stores and tack shops to Western children 5-17, $10; children 4 and Bay. State Fair Park duds, jewelry and a 24-hour beef under, free 3001 General Pershing Blvd., OKC restaurant. You can even have a special- The museum chronicles the incredible Will Rogers Park and 405-948-6700 made cowboy hat for him or her. aerospace heritage of Tulsa, which Horticultural Gardens Since its founding, this small city includes early Tulsa aviators, the rise of www.statefairparkokc.com 3400 NW 36th St., OKC has been the place for cattlemen, the Tulsa Municipal Airport, the work done State Fair Park is one of the largest www.okc.gov/departments/parks- horsemen, farmers, ranchers and real and busiest event facilities in the country at Douglas Tulsa, American Airlines, North recreation/will-rogers-gardens cowboys and girls to come for apparel, and is the center of Oklahoma City’s American, Rockwell, McDonnell Douglas Hours: April-Sept., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Oct.- equipment, supplies, a good meal and status as “Horse Show Capital of the and Boeing. March, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. an opportunity to catch up on what’s World.” Other events include home and For the nature enthusiast, the 130- going on over a cold sarsaparilla. Visitors garden shows, rodeos, dog shows, arts Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum acre park offers one of the Southwest’s to this Western mecca can also enjoy a and crafts shows, the Oklahoma Youth 6421 E. 36th St. North, Tulsa outstanding rose gardens, grassy slopes Longhorn Cattle Drive each December, Expo and the annual Oklahoma State 918-669-6600 and freshwater ponds. There’s also an Fair, held in September. sidewalk sales from Thanksgiving to www.tulsazoo.org exquisite with a living tree Christmas, a Cowboy Christmas, and the Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed and plant museum with more than 600 Stockyards City Stockyards Stampede the first weekend third Friday in June and Christmas Day species. When you’re done soaking 405-235-7267 every June. Admission costs: Adults, $12; in nature, you can take your chances www.stockyardscity.org seniors 65 and up, $10; ages 3-11, $8; on the lighted Oklahoma City Tennis Hours: Six days a week Tiger Safari free for members and children Center or do a few laps in an Olympic- Admission costs: Free 963 County St. 2930, Tuttle 2 and under sized swimming pool, throw a few discs Stockyards City was built in 1910 405-381-WILD (9453) or More than 2,800 animals are on around the 18-hole disc golf course, to serve the nation as a primary source 405-414-9365 exhibit at the zoo, which is located on 84 picnic, or enjoy a show in the outdoor for meat processing and packing. By www.tigersafariorg.com acres and is open 363 days a year. amphitheater.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 11 OK Dining Brewing up business

Bricktown Brewery. Courtesy photo In 2017, The Bricktown Brewery Oklahoma,” said Buck Warfield, CEO of burgers, but also unique dishes like Big celebrated its 25 years in Oklahoma, and Bricktown Brewery Restaurants LLC. Mike’s meatloaf sandwich, the Hatch the simple little brewery in Bricktown The Bricktown Brewery opened in green chile sandwich and sea salt cara- continues to grow. Oklahoma City in 1992, but changed mel fries. The effort paid off. In 2011, Now offering “twisted comfort hands numerous times during the 1990s Bricktown Brewery made $1.95 million; foods” like the Bricktown Brewery avo- into the 2000s. In 2011, the brewery in 2017, it made $3.4 million. cado fries, the bacon mushroom burger, began the process of remodeling its Since its second location opened Bricktown double burger with Watonga aging facility, redoing the menu to offer at Remington Park, the restaurant has cheese curds and green chiles as well as new foods and improving brewing tech- a presence in Midwest City, Tulsa and chicken mac and cheese to its normal niques. Owasso and a location planned in Ed- offerings, the restaurant and brewery has “For 20 years, Bricktown operated as mond. Outside of the state, Bricktown fans now at 13 locations in four states. the hottest place in Oklahoma City, but it Brewery locations are in Fort Smith, Bricktown Brewery, whose original lost its way,” Warfield said. “I signed on Arkansas; Wichita, Kansas; Wichita Falls location is at 1 N. Oklahoma Ave. in in 2011, and by then, it was in dire need and El Paso, Texas. Another location is Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district, is of attention and love. So, we had the planned for Springfield, Missouri. famous for beer like Old King Kolsch, brilliant thought of ‘Why don’t we make “We are a 26-year overnight success the Single String Stout and the Brick- the beer and the food better? Why don’t story,” Warfield said. “We expect to town Brown. we train people better?’ And that’s what continue growing and have the possibili- “We were the first in the state to we did.” ty for three more locations in the Greater offer up craft beer, and were really in the Today, the restaurant serves up tra- Oklahoma City area, two more in Tulsa forefront of the craft beer movement in ditional bar fare like Buffalo wings and and maybe more in Arkansas.”

12 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Dining Ann’s Chicken Fry House 4106 NW 39th St., OKC 405-943-8915 www.theroadwanderer.net/ 66Oklahoma/annschickenfry.htm For fried green tomatoes, fried olives with cheese, and of course an amazing chicken-fried steak, you have got to stop by Ann’s Chicken Fry House.

Bellini’s Ristorante & Grill 6305 Waterford Blvd., OKC 405-848-1065 www.bellinisokc.com Cuisine specialty: Italian Amenities: Reservations welcome, great view and atmosphere, fabulous patio

Boulevard Steakhouse 505 S. Boulevard, Edmond 405-715-2333 www.boulevardsteakhouse.com Cuisine specialty: USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood Average cost of meal: $50 Seating capacity: 200 Amenities: Private rooms, wine cellar, lounge, live music on weekends

Bricktown Brewery 1 N. Oklahoma Ave., OKC 405-232-2739 www.bricktownbrewery.com Open daily serving a variety of foods, including local favorites chopped and chipped nachos, pork on pork sandwich, Big Mike’s meatloaf sandwich and, of course, chicken fried steak. In addition to its signature beers, Bricktown Brewery’s full-service bar stocks many local and micro brews. All ages are welcome at the Bricktown Brewery.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse Inc. 1309 S. Agnew Ave., OKC 73108 405-236-0416 www.cattlemensrestaurant.com Oldest restaurant in Oklahoma; serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ken Mills, owner of the Cajun restaurant C’est Si Bon. Photo by Brent Fuchs C’est Si Bon Charleston’s Restaurant Chelino’s Cheever’s Café www.cajuncatfishandpoboys.com Interstate 240 and SW 74th Street, OKC www.chelinos.net 2409 N. Hudson Ave., OKC 101 N. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, 405-681-0055 14 metro locations – 405-525-7007 405-610-2555; 5501 Main St., Del City, www.charlestons.com 15 E. California Ave. (Bricktown); 1605 www.cheeverscafe.com Sooner & I-40, 405-601-8822; 308 W. Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat N. Meridian Ave., 6509 Northwest Cuisine specialty: Cheever’s chicken-fried Expressway, 8966 S. Western Ave., 2113 Edmond Rd., Edmond, 405-285-1800 restaurant with a modestly priced menu steak; contemporary comfort food Riverwalk Dr., Moore, 6728 N. Olie Ave., Cuisine specialty: Cajun food Amenities: Art deco flower shop built in featuring traditional American items 427 SW 36th St., 4221 S. Robinson Ave. 1907 provides a wonderful atmosphere Follow C’est Si Bon’s food truck prepared from scratch daily. Every menu and 10904 N. May Ave. in OKC; 1331 locations on Twitter (@CESTSIBON3), item that Charleston’s creates is a specialty. Alameda in Norman; 115 S. Sooner Rd., Instagram (@CESTSIBON_1) or Facebook The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and inviting, Del City; 1612 S. Boulevard, Edmond; Cimarron Steak House (@CAJUNCATFISH) and find the latest utilizing dark woods and gas lighting to and 1227 S. Garth Brooks Blvd., Yukon, 201 N. Meridian Ave., OKC spot create a handsome, understated décor. 1637 Oklahoma 66, El Reno. 405-948-7778

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 13 OK Dining www.cimarronsteakhouse.com Oklahoma’s oldest pizzeria was wine list, private events and cocktails on pub food favorites. The contemporary pub Enjoy a great steak and some mighty founded in Stillwater in 1957. Eight the skyline also has 100 unique beers drawn from fine country music and dancing. The locations in OKC metro area and another custom taps, close to 250 hand-selected dance floor is one of the largest in the seven in the Tulsa metro area. Check Old Germany Restaurant bottles from around the world, a zippy metro and allows plenty of elbow room website for additional locations. 15920 SE 29th St., Choctaw wine list, and unique cocktails. for your dancing pleasure. 405-390-8647 Java Dave’s Coffee www.oldgermany.com Royal Bavaria Cocina de Mino Mexican Restaurante 6239 E. 15th St., Tulsa Cuisine specialty: German 3401 S. Sooner Rd., Moore 6022 S. Western Ave., OKC www.javadavescoffee.com Amenities: Private room (The Wine Cellar) 405-799-7666 405-632-0600 918-836-5570 for up to 46, full-service menu, buffet www.royal-bavaria.com www.cocinademino.com For questions and orders, email info@ available Cuisine: German Daily lunch specials, online ordering, javadavescoffeeokc.com. Check website catering, banquet room for more locations. Panera Bread Sushi Neko 7199 SE 29th St., Midwest City www.sushineko.com Cock-O-The Walk Bar & Grill La Greek Restaurant 405-869-0550 4318 N. Western Ave., OKC 3705 N. Western Ave., OKC 2839 S. Douglas Blvd., Ste. 102 Midwest www.panerabread.com 405-528-8862 405-524-0304 City Over twenty bakery-cafes in Oklahoma, Cuisine specialty: Japanese 405-733-4444 including nine in OKC metro area. Cafes Amenities: Fresh air, fresh fish and a fresh Don’s Alley Restaurant Cuisine specialty: Greek offer patrons free Wi-Fi. approach to quality and service on the Amenities: The eclectic, authentic menu patio. 4601 SE 29th St., OKC includes classic Greek fare – gyros, 405-677-9049 moussaka and souvlakia – as well as Paseo Grill In business for 50 years! Open for 2909 S. Paseo Dr., Ste. A, OKC Ted’s Café Escondido many other international specialty items breakfast, lunch and dinner. Specializing 405-601-1079 5301 Main St., Ste. 117, Del City such as Korean Bulgogis, Mexican tortas in Southern cooking including stew, www.paseogrill.com 405-813-8337 and Persian cuisine. cornbread, chicken-fried steak and Cuisine specialty: American cuisine tedscafe.com homemade pies. Amenities: Private booths, patio, personal Cuisine specialty: Mexican James E. McNellie’s wine program, catering, banquet rooms, Seven Oklahoma City metro locations; 1100 Classen Dr., OKC reservations available banquet, catering available Eischen’s Bar 405-601-7468 108 S. Second St., Okarche 121 E. Main St., Norman 405-263-9939 Toby Keith’s – 405-928-5801 PF Chang’s China Bistro www.eischensbar.com www.mcnellies.com www.pfchangs.com I Love This Bar & Grill Bar and restaurant famous for its fried 405-231-0254 The Tulsa metro area is also home 13700 N. Pennsylvania Ave., OKC chicken. 310 Johnny Bench Dr., OKC to two McNellie’s locations. Check the 405-748-4003 www.tobykeithsbar.com website for locations. The pubs feature Cuisine specialty: Exotic Asian cuisine that With 12,000 square feet and Hefner Grill menus with fresh, reasonably priced you can eat there or take home. seating for 450 guests, the restaurant’s 9201 Lake Hefner Pkwy., OKC food and an atmosphere that is ideal for emphasis is on great home-style food. 405-748-6113 everyone - including families with young POPS From Toby’s very own chicken-fried steak Hefnergrill.com children. In addition, the pubs have a 6447 Avondale Dr., OKC and country gravy recipe to a 20-ounce Hefner Grill is a culinary melting pot great selection of draught and bottled 405-446-8767 bone in ribeye, the restaurant offers a of well-executed dishes combining a beers, plus an impressive collection of www.pops66.com variety of menu items, including rotisserie broad range of the classic urban tavern, Irish and Scotch whiskey. Located in Arcadia just a few miles chicken, meatloaf, Cowboy Caviar (black- neighborhood bistro, corner bar and grill northeast of Oklahoma City, POPS is eyed peas), tasty “freedom fries” and a and home-style favorites. Museum Café easily identifiable by the 66-foot soda variety of sandwiches. 415 Couch Dr., OKC pop bottle along Historic Route 66. POPS includes an ultra-modern gas Hideaway Pizza 405-235-6262 Upper Crust Food-Fired Pizza 6616 N. Western Ave., OKC station, restaurant, shake shop, gift shop, www.okcmoa.com/cafe 5860 N. Classen Blvd., OKC 405-840-4777 convenience store and event venue. Cuisine specialty: French fusion 405-842-7743 www.hideawaypizza.com Tourists can choose from a selection Amenities: Dining al fresco, full bar, large 1205 NW 178th St., Edmond, of more than 600 ice-cold sodas and 405-285-8887 beverages, including more than 60 ucpizza.com varieties of root beer and 40 kinds of Upper Crust is an uptown pizzeria and cream soda. wine bar specializing in wood-fired, thin- crust New York style pies complemented Qdoba by a full menu and wine list that is 7191 SE 29th St., Midwest City synonymous with quality and also a 405-455-5151 reasonable price. www.qdoba.com Cuisine specialty: Mexican Vast Check out the website for more OKC 333 W. Sheridan Ave., metro locations. 49th & 50th Floors, OKC www.vastokc.com Republic Gastropub 405-702-7262 5830 N. Classen Boulevard, OKC Enjoy a fantastic view from more than 405-286-4577 700 feet above Oklahoma City; nine www.republicgastropub.com private dining rooms, a restaurant that Located in Classen Curve, Republic seats up to 110 as well as a bar area offers modern American takes on classic with 42 seats. Photo by Brent Fuchs

14 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKEducation/Training Veterans find new careers in Troops to Teachers program

Thanks to the national Troops to Teachers program, Oklahoma’s military veterans are sharing their passions and skills with students in Oklahoma’s public schools in new careers as schoolteachers. A $1.2 million federal grant was awarded in May to the Troops to Teachers program at the Oklahoma State Department of Educa- tion, allowing former military members an easier path to become schoolteachers. The goal is to place 70 military veterans in Oklahoma classrooms by this fall, and so far, veterans are lining up. “We currently have 275 to 300 Troops to Teachers participants teaching in Oklahoma classrooms now,” said Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent. “Our goal is to have 70 more by this next year. Those coming out of mili- tary service already have the skills and expe- rience our students so desperately need.” Under the program, anyone with a mili- tary background who wants a second career in K-12 public education can be eligible for certification testing fee waivers, flexibility in achieving professional development re- quirements and reduced filing fees for certi- fication. The program is designed to recruit military personnel to fill positions in Oklaho- ma’s teacher shortages. Richard Boone, who retired as senior master sergeant after serving 26 years in the Air Force, now teaches real-life “Becoming a teacher is a perfect match skills to 13-year-olds at Choctaw Middle School through the Troops to Teachers programs. Courtesy photo for those who are not yet finished serving,” in as a team player? Employers aren’t looking with study guides, practice tests and relevant Hofmeister said. “They can fill a very import- for the brightest, most educated individual to college-level textbooks for multiple subject ant need for teachers in Oklahoma with the be on their team. They want someone who’s areas. skills they have already developed in the mil- itary.… This is a new way for them to give going to fit in, who’s going to participate, Along with the new grant to the Okla- back, and for veterans who want to continue who’s going to be a productive member.” homa Troops to Teachers, the Oklahoma State to make a difference, there is no greater joy Hofmeister said the Troops to Teachers Department of Education will also partner than being in a classroom.” program provides a more secure pathway with the University of Central Oklahoma Richard Boone, a 26-year Air Force into the classroom for veterans like Boone. next year to host a Professional Development veteran who used to train young airmen on The grant will broaden Troops to Teachers’ Summer Institute just for Troops to Teach- handling emergencies both in the air and partnerships with several state agencies. The ers participants. Designed as a teacher boot on the ground, now teaches real-life skills Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs camp, the weeklong seminar will cover top- to 13-year-olds at Choctaw Middle School will continue to help identify future educators ics like the Oklahoma Academic Standards, through the Troops to Teachers program. in the state. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s Office assessments, collaboration and curriculum “I stress to them how education is import- of Educational Quality and Accountability, development, among other topics. ant, but being able to work together is more which is responsible for the development and For more information on Troops to important,” Boone said. “When you go out implementation of educator certification tests, Teachers, visit www.sde.ok.gov/sde/troops- into the real world, it’s all about: Can you fit will help provide a resource library filled to-teachers.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 15 OK Education/Training COLLEGES/ Southern Nazarene University music, nursing, pre-education, general 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., OKC 6729 NW 39th St., OKC studies. The partnership between RSC UNIVERSITIES 405-521-5000 405-491-6332 and UCO allows students to stay on www.okcu.edu www.snu.edu the RSC campus and work toward Embry-Riddle Type of institution: Private, affiliated with Type of institution: 4-year program a transfer associate degree that will United Methodist Church Areas of business concentration: be applied toward the baccalaureate Aeronautical University Accounting, aviation - business, business degree. Students can take lower-division 8001 Mid America Blvd., OKC Areas of business concentration: Accounting, Business Administration, administration, business administration/ coursework at RSC, and then transfer to 405-739-0397 UCO to complete upper-level coursework Economics, Finance, Marketing, Software pre-law, finance, management, marketing, worldwide.erau.edu/locations/ while staying on the RSC campus. engineering international business oklahoma-city Areas of business concentration: University of Oklahoma Park University – Tinker AFB Campus Southwestern College Economics, management of aeronautical 1401 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City 600 Parrington Oval, Norman science, business statistics and Center 405-733-3301/Toll-free; 405-325-3916 accounting, business marketing and 72 FSS/FSDT, Bldg. 201 SE, 7751 First (866) 342-3301 www.ou.edu management, human resources, finance St., Ste. 105, Tinker AFB www.southwesterncollege.org Type of institution: 4-year program 405-739-7275 Southwestern College is a private Areas of business concentration: Langston University-OKC www.park.edu/TINK institution granting undergraduate and Accounting, entrepreneurship and 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC Park University offers career choices graduate degrees and is affiliated with economic development, finance, management and international business, 405-962-1620 in information and computer the United Methodist Church. More management information systems, www.langston.edu science, management and business than 1,900 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at five marketing and supply chain Type of institution: 4-year program administration. Check out the website for Professional Studies sites in Kansas and Areas of business concentration: more information. Oklahoma, or online around the world. Webster University - Tinker AFB Accountancy, economics, finance, As a comprehensive college, Professional financial economics, management, Platt College 7751 First St., Building 201SE Studies delivers programs for adult Tinker AFB, OK management information systems, Plattcolleges.edu learners with three or more years of full- 405-739-3518 computer and information systems, Locations in OKC, Moore, Tulsa, Lawton time work experience. www.webster.edu/tinker financial planning, business Platt College offers a wide range of administration exciting new career choices in allied Saint Paul School of Theology – health and nursing, culinary arts, and TECHNOLOGY CENTERS Oklahoma City University Mid-America Christian University information technology. Check out the website for more information. 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., OKC 3500 SW 119th St., OKC 405-208-5757 Eastern Oklahoma County 405-691-3800 www.spst.edu/ok Technology Center www.macu.edu Oklahoma State University - Type of institution: 4-year program 4601 N. Choctaw Rd., OKC Mid-America Christian University equips Aerospace Education (private) 405-390-9591 students to impact their world for Christ Tom Steed Building, Room 204 Areas of business concentration: www.eoctech.org through achieving Bible-based academic Rose State College Accounting, computer science, finance, Career programs: Architecture and excellence in a Christian environment, so 405-733-7940 international business, management, construction; arts and communications; that students professionally serve in their www.flyosu.okstate.edu marketing, social entrepreneurship business management and technology; chosen vocation/ministry. Degrees offered: Bachelor’s in Aerospace finance; health science; human services; Administration and Operations degree University of Central Oklahoma information technology; law and public program offers the following five options: 100 N. University Dr., Edmond safety; manufacturing and trades; Newman University science; engineering and mathematics; professional pilot, aviation management, 405-974-2000 transportation; safety training Archdiocesan Pastoral Center technical services management, www.uco.edu 7501 Northwest Expressway, OKC aerospace security and aerospace Type of institution: 4-year program 405-721-4208, ext. 118 logistics Areas of business concentration: Francis Tuttle Technology Center Accounting, economics, energy Oklahoma City 405-717-7799 Oklahoma Baptist University Randall University economics, finance, human resource 500 W. University, Shawnee management, insurance and risk www.francistuttle.edu 3701 S. Frontage Rd., Moore Career programs: Agriculture, food 405-878-2033 or (800) 654-3285 management, legal studies, management, 405-912-9000 management information systems, and natural resources; architecture www.okbu.edu www.ru.edu marketing, operations and supply chain and construction; arts, audio/video Type of institution: 4-year program management, PGA golf management, technology and communication; business (private) Rose State College professional selling management and administration; health Areas of business concentration: 6420 SE 15th St., Midwest City science; hospitality and tourism; human Accounting, computer science, finance, 405-733-7673 services; information technology; law, international business, management, University of Central Oklahoma - www.rose.edu public safety and security; manufacturing; marketing, social entrepreneurship Rose State College Office marketing, sales and services; science, Type of institution: 2-year program 6420 SE 15th St., Midwest City Areas of business concentration: technology, engineering and math; 405-733-7455 transportation, distribution and logistics Oklahoma City Community College Accounting, business administration, 405-974-2325 7777 S. May Ave., OKC computer information technology, www.rose.edu/uco-degrees 405-682-7580 cybersecurity/digital forensics, Students can earn a UCO bachelor’s Gordon Cooper www.occc.edu emergency management, FabLab, degree at Rose State College in Technology Center Type of institution: 2-year program hospitality and event management, the following programs – business Hwy. 18 and Interstate 40, Shawnee Areas of business concentration: multimedia digital design, paralegal administration, criminal justice, English, 405-273-7493 Economics, accounting, statistics, studies, technical supervision and family services, kinesiology – exercise www.gctech.org business communication, management management management, physical education, Career programs: Agricultural, food and

16 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKEducation/Training natural resources; architecture and PROFESSIONAL/ baseball, softball, track, cheerleading, construction; arts, A/V technology student council, art, drama, music and Oklahoma Christian School and communications; business TRADE SCHOOLS band 4680 E. Second St., Edmond management and administration; 405-341-2265 finance; health science; human services; American Broadcasting School EDMOND information technology; manufacturing; 4511 SE 29th St., OKC www.ocssaints.org science, technology, engineering and 405-672-6511 Enrollment: 958 mathematics; transportation, distribution www.radioschool.com Edmond Christian Academy Grade range: Pre-K-12 and logistics American Broadcasting School provides 21477 N. Western Ave., Edmond Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 405-359-7335 in-depth training in the field of radio Sports/extracurricular activities: Football, broadcasting, specializing in such areas as www.edmondchristianacademy.com Grade range: Pre-K–12 basketball, tennis, cheerleading, Oklahoma City radio announcing, writing and production baseball, track, volleyball, golf, swimming of commercials, writing and delivering of 405-424-8324 Holy Trinity Lutheran School www.metrotech.org newscasts and sportscasts, FCC rules and regulations, digital production, computer- 308 NW 164th St., Edmond Career programs: Accounting; automotive St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic based broadcast technology, and “hands- 405-844-4000 service and repair; aviation maintenance School on” control room operation. holytrinityedmond.org and electronics; biomedical sciences; Grade range: Pre-K to 8 925 S. Boulevard, Edmond HVAC; computer repair and CADD; 405-348-5364 construction; cosmetology; culinary Integrated Massage www.stelizabethedmond.org arts; cybersecurity programs; dental Therapy College Oklahoma Christian Academy 1101 E. Ninth St., Edmond Enrollment: 400 assisting; early care education; 14909 N. Kelly Ave, Edmond 405-844-6478 Grade range: Pre-K-8 electrical; entrepreneurship; graphic 405-880-8697 www.ocacademy.org Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 design; video and web; health careers; www.imtcollege.com Enrollment: 458 horticulture; hotel management; law Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Grade range: Pre-K (3 years) -12 volleyball, basketball, track, band, enforcement; legal office; medical office Student-teacher ratio: Varies science fair, history fair, speech festival, and administrative assisting; practical PRIVATE SCHOOLS Sports/extracurricular activities: Sixth- nursing; pre-engineering; radiologic tech; 12th grades: Cross-country, football (7th- geography bee, study trips, choir, surgical tech; welding CHOCTAW 12th), cheer, softball, basketball, golf, inter-generational programs, football baseball, track, drama, chorus, Academic (seventh and eighth grades) with Bishop Mid-Del Technology Center Life Christian Academy Meets, robotics, debate McGuinness 1621 Maple Dr., Midwest City 3254 N. Choctaw Rd., Choctaw 405-739-1707 405-390-5081 www.mid-del.tec.ok.us www.lifechristianacademy.com Career programs: Agriculture; food and Grade range: Pre-K-12 natural resources; architecture and Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 construction; arts; A/V technology and Sports/extracurricular activities: Football, communications; business management volleyball, basketball, track and administration; health science; Enrollment date: March-August hospitality and tourism; human services; To apply: Contact school information technology; manufacturing; transportation; distribution and logistics; finance; science; technology; engineering DEL CITY and mathematics; computer repair and networking Christian Heritage Academy 4400 SE 27th St., Del City Moore Norman 405-672-1787 www.cha.org Technology Center Enrollment: 600 4701 12th Ave. NW, Norman Grade range: Pre-K-12 405-364-5763 Student-teacher ratio: Elementary 18:1, www.mntechnology.com Secondary 22:1 OKC: Career programs: Accounting services; air Sports/extracurricular activities: Band, conditioning and refrigeration; automotive choir, volleyball, football, basketball, collision technology; automotive service baseball, golf, tennis, math club, Stuco, Come on out and let’s have some fun. Oklahoma City makes it technology; biotechnology; carpentry; National Honor Society, Salt and Light easy: easy to grow, easy to prosper, easy to be yourself, easy to computer-aided drafting and design; Enrollment date: Rolling enrollment become part of our community and just easy to live. That’s why cosmetology; database administration; To apply: Call for an enrollment dental assisting; diagnostic medical application we say in OKC, it’s truly a better living and a better life. sonography; digital video production; Get the 411 on the 405 at our blog just for new residents: electrical and automated industrial Destiny Christian School systems; entrepreneurship; graphic 3801 SE 29th St., Del City design; legal office services; medical 405-677-6000 www.abetterlifeokc.com/blog assisting; networking and computer www.destinywildcats.com repair; nurse aide; pre-engineering; Enrollment: 600 pre-nursing; precision machining; Grade range: Pre-K (3 years)-12 programming and software development; Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 service careers; surgical technician; Sports/extracurricular activities: Football, www.abetterlifeokc.com therapeutic services; web design; welding volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf,

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 17 OK Education/Training St. Mary’s Episcopal School MOORE volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball, Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 505 E. Covell Rd., Edmond soccer, cheerleading, golf Tuition cost: Varies by division Sports/extracurricular activities: Athletics, 405-341-9541 St. John’s Lutheran School www.smesedmond.org Cum Laude Society, Science Olympiad, 1032 NW 12th St., Moore OKC service learning, theater, orchestra, Enrollment: 150 405-794-8686 Grade range: Preschool-Grade 5 choir, band winds, improve, debate, www.sj-ls.org Math Counts, JCL, STEM, language clubs, Student-teacher ratio: 10.1 The Academy of Classical Christian Grade range: Pre-K (3 years)-8 honor and discipline committee, Student Sports/extracurricular activities: Before Sports/Extracurricular activities: Music Studies 1120 E. Hefner Rd., OKC* Council, Peer Academic Support Society, and after-school care; enrichment Twister Yearbook, The Crier student classes; nurturing atmosphere 405-478-2077- Hefner; MUSTANG 405-850-5309 - S. Pennsylvania; 405- publication, Logos literary publication, 575-7275 - NE 27th Street additional clubs and activities EL RENO Christ Lutheran School www.theacademyok.org 501 N. Clear Springs Rd., Mustang [email protected] Catholic School of St. Eugene Sacred Heart Catholic School 405-376-3116 Grade range: PK3-5 (Grammar Schools); 2400 W. Hefner Rd., OKC 405-751-0067 210 S. Evans, El Reno www.christlutheranmustang.com 6-12 (Upper School) Student-teacher ratio: Average of 12:1 www.steugeneschool.org 405-262-2284 Grade range: Preschool-K * North School (pre-K3-8) location; Grade range: Pre-K to 8 www.elrenosacredheart.com South Grammar School location is at Student-teacher ratio: 12.5:1 Enrollment: 160 NORMAN The Rock Church, 12500 S. Pennsylvania Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Grade range: Preschool - 8 Ave.; Central Campus (9-12) location is volleyball, basketball, track, baseball, Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 The Academy of Classical Christian at OCPA Event Center, 1401 N. Lincoln softball, T-Ball, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Sports/Extracurricular activities: Blvd. in Oklahoma City; Norman campus Academic Bowl, Girl Scouts, choir, band Basketball and archery Studies - Norman th 621 24th Ave. SW (Pre-K3-8) location at 621 24 Ave. SW, Norman, OK 73069 Norman Christ the King Catholic School GUTHRIE 405-850-0633 1905 Elmhurst Ave., OKC www.theacademyok.org American Academy 405-843-3909 www.ckschool.com St. Mary Catholic School [email protected] 5350 S. Western Ave., Ste. 318 Enrollment: 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73109 Enrollment: 525 502 E. Warner Ave., Guthrie Grade Range: PK3-8 405-634-7777 Grade range: Preschool 3-8 405-282-2071 Student-Teacher Ratio: Average of 12:1 Fax: 405-632-4301 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 www.stmaryguthrie.org Sports/extracurricular activities: Music/ www.nationalhomeschool.com Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Grade range: Pre-K (3 years) through choir, art, drama, debate, orchestra, [email protected] volleyball, basketball, track eighth grade cross-country, track, basketball Enrollment: 525 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Grade Range: Preschool-12 Crossings Christian School Sports/extracurricular activities: Student-Teacher Ratio: Home school 14400 N. Portland Ave., OKC Basketball, track and field, cross-country, All Saints Catholic School 4001 36th Ave. NW, Norman Sports/extracurricular activities: Local 405-842-8495 choir, band, Grandfriends, Mad Science, 405-447-4600 home-school groups www.crossingsschool.org Lego League www.allsaintsnorman.org Enrollment: 1,095 Enrollment: 405 Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School Grade range: Preschool to 12 HARRAH Grade range: Pre-K-8 1100 NW 32nd St., OKC Student-teacher ratio: Target 8:1 in Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 405-525-0956 Preschool Target 16-18:1 in Lower School Sports/extracurricular activities: Math, www.bjcs.org and Target 18-20:1 in Middle and Upper Oklahoma Academy science, language arts, social studies, Grade range: Pre-K - 8 School 6100 Academy Ln., Harrah art, music, technology, physical education Sports/extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Sports/extracurricular activities: 405-454-6211 and math and Spanish courses basketball, soccer, choir, track, football Academic and debate teams, chess www.oklahomaacademy.org and robotic clubs, speech and drama, Grade range: 9-12 band, orchestra, vocal music, football, Blue Eagle Christian Academy Bishop McGuinness basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, 2404 Classen, Norman Catholic High School cheerleading, pom, cross-country, track, 405-364-7200 MIDWEST CITY 801 NW 50th St., OKC tennis, golf, wrestling, archery Grade range: Pre-K (4) -8 405-842-6638 Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Good Shepherd www.bmchs.org Heritage Hall Lutheran School Enrollment: 708 1800 NW 122nd St., OKC Children’s House Grade range: 9-12 700 N. Air Depot, Midwest City 405-749-3001 Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 405-732-0070 Montessori School www.heritagehall.com 606 S. Santa Fe, Norman Sports/extracurricular activities: Cross- Gslschool.com Enrollment: 884 405-321-1275 country, football, swimming, cheer, Grade range: Preschool-12 Grade range: Preschool-8 www.cmsnorman.org softball, volleyball, bowling, basketball, Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Grade range: Preschool (3 years) - K wrestling, baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, Sports/extracurricular activities: All OSSAA track, academic team, various clubs and athletics and extracurricular activities, St. Philip Neri School Community Christian School organizations performing arts, debate, international 1121 Felix Pl., Midwest City 3002 Broce Dr., Norman student program 405-737-4496 405-329-2500 Casady School www.stphilipnerischool.com www.communitychristianschool.com 9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave., OKC King’s Gate Christian School Grade range: Pre-K (3 years)-8 Enrollment: 865 405-749-3100 11400 N. Portland Ave., Hefner Pointe Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Grade range: K-12 www.casady.org Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Sports/extracurricular activities: Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Enrollment: 901 405-752-2111 Basketball, soccer, volleyball, track Sports/extracurricular activities: Football, Grade range: Pre-K-12 www.kingsgateschool.com

18 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKEducation/Training [email protected] St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Westminster School Basketball, soccer, volleyball, academic Grade range: 6 months to 6th grade School 600 NW 44th St. teams Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 5000 N. Grove Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Oklahoma City, OK 73122 405-524-0631 YUKON Messiah Lutheran School 405-789-0224 Fax: 405-528-4412 3600 Northwest Expressway Fax: 405-789-3583 www.westminsterschool.org [email protected] Harvest Hills Baptist Church and Oklahoma City, OK 73112 www.stcharlesokc.org Enrollment: 565 405-946-0462 [email protected] School Grade range: Pre-K-8 Fax: 405-946-0682 Enrollment: 193 9713 N. County Line Rd. Sports/extracurricular activities: Math Grade range: Pre-K-8 Yukon, OK 73099 www.messiahlutheranschool.com Counts, basketball, volleyball, track, Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 405-721-1920 [email protected] soccer, tennis Enrollment: 152 Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, harvesthillsbaptist.org/school Grade range: Preschool (3 years)-8 band, student council, volleyball, Grade Range: Pre-K to 12 Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 basketball, softball and baseball, football Young Achiever’s Christian Academy Sports/extracurricular activities: Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, (seventh and eighth) 1025 NE 15th St. Volleyball, basketball Oklahoma City, OK 73117 band, after school clubs 405-424-4701 St. James the Greater Catholic youngachievers.biz Southwest Covenant Schools Mount St. Mary High School School [email protected] 2300 S. Yukon Pkwy. 2801 S. Shartel Ave., OKC 1224 SW 41st St. Grade range: Pre-K to Sixth Yukon, OK 73099 405-631-8865 Oklahoma City, OK 73109 405-354-0772 www.mountstmary.org 405-636-6810 Fax: 405-350-2670 Enrollment: 412 Fax: 405-636-6818 SHAWNEE www.southwestcovenant.com Grade range: 9-12 www.stjames-catholic.org [email protected] Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 [email protected] Liberty Academy Enrollment: 397 Sports/extracurricular activities: Softball, Enrollment: 210 711 E. Federal St., Shawnee Grade Range: Pre-K-12 volleyball, football, cheerleading, Grade range: Pre-K (3 years)-8 405-273-3022 Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1 cross-country, basketball, swim, soccer, Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 www.libertyshawnee.com Sports/extracurricular activities: Art, baseball, tennis, track, golf Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Grade range: K-12 drama, home economics, band, choir, basketball, volleyball, junior high football Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 physical education, football, basketball, Sports/extracurricular activities: baseball, volleyball, golf, robotic science Parkview Adventist Academy and baseball (through Mount St. Mary High School), Choir, Rosary Club, Green 4201 Martin Luther King Ave. Club, Junior League Robotics Oklahoma City, OK 73111 405-427-6525 www.parkviewadventistacademy.org St. John Christian Heritage Academy Grade range: Pre-K-12 5700 N. Kelley Ave. Sports/extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 cross-country, basketball, soccer, golf 405-478-8607 Fax: 405-478-3648 www.stjohnokc.org Rosary School [email protected] 1919 NW 18th St. Grade range: Pre-K-5 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Educational Focus: Teaching of basic skills, 405-525-9272 Christian character building Fax: 405-525-5643 Sports/extracurricular activities: Computer www.rosaryschool.com classes, media education, Spanish, [email protected] physical education, Student Leadership Grade range: Pre-K-8 Council, spelling bees, science fairs, Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 talent shows, choir, Boy Scouts, Girl Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Scouts basketball, volleyball, football, track, cross-country Trinity School 321 NW 36th St. Sacred Heart Catholic School Oklahoma City, OK 73118 2700 S. Shartel Ave. 405-525-5600 Oklahoma City, OK 73109 Fax: 405-525-5602 405-634-5673 www.trinityschoolokc.org Fax: 405-634-7011 Grade range: K-12 www.sacredheartokc.org Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 [email protected] Grade range: Pre-K (4 years)-8th Grade Village Montessori School Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 2812 W. Britton Rd. Sports/extracurricular activities: Soccer, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 volleyball, basketball, track, football, 405-751-9448 scouting, altar services, choir, yearbook, Fax: 405-751-3904 archery, BETA Club for Middle School, www.villagemontessoriokc.com Altar Servers, Geography Bee, Spelling [email protected] Bee Grade range: 18 months- 4 years

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 19 OK Education/Training St. John Nepomuk Catholic School Epic Blended Charter High School KIPP Reach College Preparatory Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy 600 Garth Brooks Blvd. 4101 NW 122nd St., Ste. B 1901 NE 13th St., OKC 1160 S Douglas Blvd., Midwest City Yukon, OK 73099 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-425-4622 73130 405-354-2509 405-749-4550 www.kippreach.org 866-467-0848 Fax: 405-354-8192 epiccharterschools.org Grade range: 5-8 ovca.k12start.com sjnok.org/school Grade range: 9-12 Educational Focus: College preparatory Grade range: K-12 [email protected] Educational Focus: Online charter school Grade Range: Pre-K (3 years) - 8 Epic Blended Charter Middle School Santa Fe South High School using an individualized approach to Student-Teacher Ratio: 17-24:1 4101 NW 122nd St., Ste. B 6921 Plaza Mayor Blvd., OKC learning following the K12 curriculum Sports/extracurricular activities: Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-631-6100 Soccer, volleyball, basketball, track 405-749-4550 www.santafesouth.org OKLAHOMA CITY epiccharterschools.org Grade range: 9-12 CHARTER SCHOOLS Grade range: 6-8 Educational Focus: College preparatory Able Charter School 4500 N. Classen Blvd., Ste. 205 OKLAHOMA CITY Harding Charter Santa Fe South Hills 405-990-2282 Preparatory High School 301 SE 38th St., OKC www.ablecharterschool.com Advanced Science 3333 N. Shartel Ave., OKC 405-606-3916 Grade range: 6-12 www.santafesouth.org and Technology 405-606-8742 Educational Focus: A virtual charter school www.hardingcharterprep.org Grade range: Pre-K-5 open to students throughout Oklahoma Education Charter (ASTEC) High Grade range: 9-12 Educational Focus: College preparatory offering a student-centered learning School Educational Focus: College preparatory/ environment where students can apply 2401 NW 23rd St., Ste. 39A, OKC advanced placement co-ed Santa Fe South Middle School what they learn to prepare them to be 405-947-6273 4712 S. Santa Fe Ave., OKC 21st-century learners. www.asteccharterschools.com Harding Fine Arts Academy 405-635-1053 Sports/extracurricular activities: Programs Grade range: 9-12 3333 N. Shartel Ave., OKC www.santafesouth.org coordinated through YMCA Educational Focus: College preparatory, 405-702-4322 Grade range: 6-8 math, science and technology integrated www.hardingfinearts.org Educational Focus: College preparatory Epic One on One Charter Schools into a liberal arts format Grade range: 9-12 4101 NW 122nd St., Ste. B, OKC Educational Focus: College preparatory Santa Fe South Penn Elementary 405-749-4550 Advanced Science high school program with an arts School epiccharterschools.org and Technology Education Charter focus with a small, supportive school 5325 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Grade range: K-12 (ASTEC) Middle School atmosphere Oklahoma City, OK 73119 2401 NW 23rd St., OKC 405-681-7480 ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL 405-947-6272 Independence Charter www.santafesouth.org www.asteccharterschools.com Middle School Grade range: 2-5 OPPORTUNITIES Grade range: 6-8 3232 NW 65th St., OKC Educational Focus: College preparatory Girl Scouts- Educational Focus: College preparatory, 405-841-3130 Western Oklahoma math, science and technology integrated www.icmsokc.com Santa Fe South Spero Elementary into a liberal arts format www.gswestok.org Grade range: 6-8 School 121 NE 50th St., OKC Educational Focus: Rigorous and 4906 S. Santa Fe Ave. 405-528-3535, (800) 698-0022 Dove Science Academy demanding curriculum with fine arts, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 Girl Scouts-Western Oklahoma Inc. 919 NW 23rd St., OKC foreign language, health and physical 405-600-7038 offers leadership, self-esteem, outdoor 405-524-9762 education, strong personal parental www.santafesouth.org education and other opportunities to Fax: 405-524-9471 involvement, and a focus on being Grade range: Pre-K-6 girls in its service area of 39 counties www.doveschools.org successful in high school and college Educational Focus: College preparatory in western Oklahoma, including the OKC Grade range: 6-12 metro area. Educational Focus: By meeting its objectives, DSA will provide children John Rex Elementary School Hupfeld Academy at Western Village with a positive education and social 500 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC 1508 NW 106th St., OKC Metro Library experience in a structured, challenging 405-606-6862 405-751-1774 www.metrolibrary.org yet nurturing environment. www.johnrexschool.com www.wvacademy.com The Metropolitan Library System is Grade range: Pre-K to 4 Grade range: Pre-K-5 composed of 14 large, full-service Educational Focus: Science, technology, Educational Focus: Success for all reading libraries located conveniently throughout Dove Science Academy (Elementary) engineering, math, arts 4901 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC and arts integration Oklahoma County, and five smaller 405-605-5566 extension libraries, four of which are www.doveschools.org Justice Alma Wilson VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS located in the eastern part of the county Grade range: K-5 SeeWorth Academy in the cities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Educational Focus: Reading, math, 12600 Kelley Ave., OKC Nicoma Park. science, technology 405-475-6400 NICOMA PARK www.seeworthacademy.org Sylvan Learning Centers Epic Blended Charter Elementary Grade range: 3-12 Insight School of Oklahoma OKC/Edmond, 405-896-5470 4101 NW 122nd St., Ste. B Educational Focus: Self-paced accelerated P.O. Box 490, Nicoma Park, 73066 South OKC, 405-631-0700 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 curriculum for at-promise students – 405-835-2133 Offers personalized teaching to build 405-749-4550 providing a safe place for students who ok.insightschools.net the skills needed for writing sections epiccharterschools.org need another chance in receiving an Grade range: Middle school, 7-8; High of school exams and standardized Grade range: Pre-K-5 education. school, 9-12 assessments – including SAT and ACT.

20 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Events Affair of the Heart takes homemade art to new level

and it grew by word of mouth. Now, we are seeing generations of women – grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters – shopping together and enjoying the experience.” Johannsson said vendors from more than 20 different states were at the Tulsa show in the River Spirit Expo building in Expo Square. The booths featured handmade boutique and gourmet food items, including everything from jewelry and up-cycled furniture to clothing, home décor, handcrafted lotions and soaps and much more. “To find that selection of vendors and prod- ucts is pretty astounding,” she said. “You can’t find that kind of variety anywhere else.” The Oklahoma City show is set for Oct. 18 to 21 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. The 2018 An Affair of the Heart shows Affair of the Heart Courtesy Photos debut a new logo and tagline of “Find Some- Since debuting in Oklahoma City in 1985 thing You Love.” A floating heart in the logo as a unique grassroots craft and art show, An will become the iconic image of all An Affair Affair of the Heart has grown into one of the of the Heart shows. Founding partner Eleanor most popular events featuring artisans, craft- Blakeman said the new branding emphasizes ers and retailers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and the family togetherness aspect of the event. Springfield, Mo. For more information, visit heartoftulsa.com Starting with 60 booths and 800 attendees, or www.facebook.com/heartofokc. the franchise now offers more than 1,000 ven- dors for the 50,000-plus visitors who attend the Oklahoma shows each year. An Affair of the Heart showcases hand- made, boutique and gourmet items from arti- sans and crafters nationwide. The largest and longest-running show in the state, An Affair of the Heart features unique items that organizers say can be found only at the shows. An Affair of the Heart was also voted the No. 1 contem- porary craft show in the country by vendor ballots cast through Sunshine Artist magazine. What makes the Affair of the Heart so unique is the variety of vendors and items offered, said Lisa Johannsson, co-founder of Kazoo Marketing and Communications in Tulsa who represents Affair of the Heart. “When this started 30 years ago, the found- ers developed a unique formula that has made the event such a success,” Johannsson said. “No one else has the variety and quality An Affair of the Heart has. It’s the premier show of its type,

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 21 OKEvents these movies are completely free. Come early to get a great seat. Bring a picnic or enjoy a sandwich or ice cream from Pitch- fork in the Park. Blankets on one side, chairs on the other.

Aug. 2-11 AQHYA World Youth Championship Quarter Horse Show State Fair Arena, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., OKC 405-948-6704 Description/Activities: Witness as more than 1,200 horses from all 50 states and half a dozen countries compete in several equestrian events including cutting, reining, jumping and much more. The American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship event also boasts a free trade show complete with more than 60 vendors including equestrian products, home decor and the latest in fashion.

Aug. 9-11 Rush Springs Watermelon Festival www.rushspringswatermelon festival.com 580-476-3103 Description/Activities: More than 50,000 pounds of watermelons are purchased from area melon growers and served to festival visitors during the day. Activities for the annual festival, which started in the 1940s, include watermelon exhibits, stage shows, tiny tots contest, free watermelon feed, carnival, and arts and crafts fair.

Aug. 9-Aug. 25 Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park 405-235-3700 www.oklahomashakespeare.com Sense & Sensibility – Shakespeare on Paseo, 2920 Paseo Dr., OKC

Aug. 11 & 12 Eskimo Joe’s. Courtesy Photo PBR Express Employment Professional Classic JULY July 24-29 early to get a great seat. Bring a picnic or BOK Center, Tulsa enjoy a sandwich or ice cream from Pitch- http://rodeosusa.com/rodeos/express- Lyric Theatre fork in the Park. Blankets on one side, 405-524-9312 employment-professionals-classic July 16-21 chairs on the other. www.lyrictheatreokc.com Description/Activities: Professional Eskimo Joe’s 43rd Mamma Mia! – Civic Center Music Hall bull-riding competition Anniversary Celebration AUGUST 405-372-8896 July 25 Aug. 24 & 25 Aug. 1 Blanchard Bluegrass Festival https://eskimojoes.com/ Sonic Summer Movie Nights - The Lions Park, SW Seventh Street, events?d=2018-07 Muppet Movie Sonic Summer Movie Nights - Blanchard Description/Activities: Come to oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com Oklahoma! Sing-A-Long 405-485-9392, 405-802-1334 Stillwater’s “Jumpin’ Little Juke Joint” for 301 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com www.cityofblanchard.us (Located at Reno and Robinson avenues a week filled with great food and drink 301 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City Description/Activities: Family fun in downtown Oklahoma City) (Located at Reno and Robinson avenues as Oklahoma bluegrass bands in specials, costume contests, special 405-445-7080 in downtown Oklahoma City) Oklahoma perform in Blanchard’s events, concerts and fun for the whole Thanks to Sonic, America’s Drive-In, 405-445-7080 Lions Park. The event kicks off at 6 family. these movies are completely free. Come Thanks to Sonic, America’s Drive-In, p.m. Friday night with gospel music,

22 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Events while Saturday features a full day of days of fun in the outdoors. again on Saturday. Enjoy dancing all Oct. 19-21 bluegrass music, workshops and jam day long at the Czech Hall. An Affair of the Heart sessions. Bring a lawn chair and listen Sept. 26-Oct. 14 State Fair Park, OKC to great bands play the day away. Food Lyric Theatre 405-632-2652 vendors will also be on-hand during this Oct. 12 & 13 405-524-9312 www.aaoth.com/heartofoklahomacity free event. Watonga Cheese & Wine www.lyrictheatreokc.com Hours: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to When We’re Gone – Civic Center Music Festival 6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. SEPTEMBER Hall Downtown Watonga Sponsoring Organization: An Affair of 580-623-5452 the Heart Sept. 8 Sept. 28-30 https://thewatongacheesefestival. Description/Activities: Arts and crafts Septemberfest International Festival wordpress.com show, a unique marketplace Elmer Thomas Park, Oklahoma History Center Sponsoring Organization: Watonga Third & NW Ferris, Lawton 405-522-0765 Chamber of Commerce www.okhistorycenter.org www.cityof.lawton.ok.us/lahc/IF.htm NOVEMBER Hours: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Description/Activities: Come to the Description/Activities: Cheese food Sponsoring Organization: Oklahoma International Festival for free concerts, contest; art show; 5k, 10k or 1-mile parades, plenty of food vendors, Nov. 1-17 History Center fun run Lucas Oil AQHA World Description/Activities: This annual children’s games and activities, demonstration artists, over 70 vendors Championship Quarter event is designed to provide free Horse Show entertainment and education to and nonstop multicultural entertainment. Oct. 18-21 State Fair Arena, 3001 General families on our state’s history, heritage, This free festival is a family-oriented Linde Oktoberfest resources and traditions. It is a great extravaganza full of fun. Visitors to this River West Festival Park, Tulsa Pershing Blvd., OKC year’s International Festival will enjoy a 405-948-6704 way for your museum to reach the 918-744-9700 variety of acoustic performances and www.aqha.com/worldshow citizens of Oklahoma. www.tulsaoktoberfest.org cultural dance demonstrations. Description/Activities: From halter to Sponsoring Organization: Tulsa Sept. 13-23 reining and jumping to trail, the AQHA Oklahoma State Fair Sept. 27-Oct. 7 Oktoberfest World Championship show is an event State Fair Park (NW 10th Street and May Tulsa State Fair Description/Activities: Tulsa’s for those who love and appreciate Avenue), Oklahoma City Expo Square (Tulsa Fairgrounds), Tulsa Oktoberfest offers fun for the whole family: the athletic ability and beauty of the 405-948-6700 918-744-1113 food, arts, crafts, carnival and music. American quarter horse. www.okstatefair.com www.tulsastatefair.com Hours: Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Sponsoring Organization: Tulsa State Sponsoring Organization: Oklahoma Fair Inc. State Fair Inc. Description/Activities: Annual event Description/Activities: Along with a featuring fun-filled family entertainment large carnival Midway of rides and games, including rides, attractions, concerts, six exhibit buildings, unique shopping creative arts, great food, livestock shows opportunities and great State Fair food, and more. the fair is home to such attractions as Disney On Ice and PRCA Xtreme Bulls OCTOBER Tour & Concerts, as well as free concert performances and countless livestock, Oct. 4-Oct. 6 horse and creative arts competitions and Oklahoma International demonstrations. Bluegrass Festival Cottonwood Flats Recreation Area, Sept. 13-28 Guthrie Oklahoma Shakespeare 405-282-4446 in the Park Toll Free: 877-203-1206 405-235-3700 www.oibf.com www.oklahomashakespeare.com Description/Activities: Annual three- Richard III – Shakespeare on Myriad day festival featuring international and Gardens Water Stage, 301 W. Reno national bluegrass bands, children’s Ave., OKC activities and workshops

Sept. 22 & 23 Oct. 6 Oklahoma Department Oklahoma Czech Festival of Wildlife Expo 205 N. Czech Hall Rd., Yukon Events will be held at Lazy E Arena, 405-206-8142 9600 Lazy East Dr., Guthrie www.czechfestivaloklahoma.com (located just south of Guthrie) Description/Activities: Enjoy one of www.wildlifedepartmentexpo.com Oklahoma’s largest ethnic festivals Sponsoring Organization: Oklahoma promoting Czech heritage with a Department of Wildlife Conservation carnival, parade, craft booths and Description/Activities: From camping boutiques, music, dancing, singing, and outdoor skills to shooting sports games, royalty crowning, food, and and fishing, from bird watching to much more. The parade begins along kayaking, expo visitors have an Route 66 at 10 a.m., while the carnival opportunity to try their hands at two starts on Friday evening at 5 p.m. and

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 23 OKEvents

Sonic Summer Movie Nights. Courtesy photo Nov. 16-18 Downtown in December guides available by reservation. City Arts Council An Affair of the Heart - Tulsa Downtown OKC Open nightly and free to the public. Description/Activities: A New Year’s QuikTrip Center at Expo Square, Tulsa 405-235-3500 Donations are welcome. Eve celebration in downtown Oklahoma 405-632-2652 www.downtownokc.com City and Bricktown. Features a variety www.heartoftulsa.com Sponsoring Organization: Downtown Holiday Lights Spectacular of performances, music, magic, comedy Hours: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to Midwest City Oklahoma City Inc. and a fireworks finale 6 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Description/Activities: Experience 405-739-1293 Sponsoring Organization: An Affair of outdoor ice skating, picturesque water Dates/Times: (Friday before the Heart taxi excursions, exhilarating snow- Thanksgiving and through Dec. 30) JANUARY 2019 Description/Activities: Arts and crafts tubing rides, a magical botanical Admission: Free show, a unique marketplace garden, twinkling lights and more as Description/Activities: 1.5-mile drive downtown Oklahoma City transforms through the winding park road, enjoy Jan. 18-20 into a spectacular wintry paradise. an animated light show like you’ve International Finals Rodeo DECEMBER never seen before. A 118-foot-tall State Fair Arena, OKC Festival of Light Christmas tree is typically the focal 405-235-6540 Christmas in the Park point, but is by no means the only Yukon City Park, Freedom Trail Park and Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha www.iprarodeo.com place your eyes will fall. You don’t have Chisholm Trail Park, Yukon 405-224-9627 Sponsoring Organization: International to brave the elements except through 405-350-8937; 405-354-8442 Sponsoring Organization: Festival of Pro Rodeo Association the windows of your vehicle. Description/Activities: Yukon’s Light Description/Activities: The annual Christmas in the Park offers a Description/Activities: One of championship rodeo is for the beautiful lighted drive through three Oklahoma’s best-known holiday light Dec. 31 International Pro Rodeo Association, shows, featuring 3.5 million lights on interconnecting parks. Yukon’s Chisholm Opening Night & New Year’s Eve headquartered in Oklahoma City. Trail, Freedom Trail and city parks make a 43-acre park. Enjoy a ride-through Celebration Only the top 15 cowboys and cowgirls up more than 100 acres that include or walk-through experience offering 400 W. California Ave., OKC more than 425 displays and 5 million 100 lighted displays, 16-story- 405-270-4848 compete in seven events for World lights. Catch the Santa Express Train tall Christmas tree, carriage rides, www.artscouncilokc.com Championship titles. Other events are ride through this illuminated winter entertainment and pictures with Daily Hours: 7 p.m. to midnight scheduled throughout the weekend for wonderland. Santa. Group tours welcome; tour Sponsoring Organization: Oklahoma rodeo attendees and participants.

24 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Events FEBRUARY 2018 Broadway and Second Street, Edmond TBA 405-249-9391 An Affair of the Heart www.downtownedmondok.com State Fair Park, OKC Sponsoring Organization: Downtown 405-632-2652 Edmond Business Association www.anaffairoftheheart.com Description/Activities: Fine arts Hours: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to displayed by more than 100 artists with 6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. music, food, children’s activities and a Sponsoring Organization: An Affair of silent auction the Heart Description/Activities: Arts and crafts Tulsa International MayFest show, a unique marketplace Downtown Tulsa 918-582-6435 APRIL 2018 www.tulsamayfest.org Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; April 5-7 Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Medieval Fair Sponsoring Organization: Arts and 2501 Jenkins Ave.., Norman Humanities Council of Tulsa and 405-288-2536 Downtown Tulsa Unlimited www.medievalfair.org Description/Activities: Outdoor, family- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. oriented tribute to music and arts along Sponsoring Organization: University Main Street of Oklahoma Outreach in the College of Continuing Education Paseo Arts Festival Description/Activities: Journey to 28th Street and N. Walker Avenue, OKC an age of kings, queens, knights in 405-525-2688 shining armor at this living history event www.thepaseo.com featuring art, crafts, food, games and a Hours: Sat.-Mon., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. vast array of entertainment for all ages. Sponsoring Organization: Paseo Artist Highlights include knights jousting on Association horseback and human chess games Description/Activities: Fine Arts Festival that features Oklahoma and regional artists, live music and TBA entertainment Oklahoma 89er Celebration Downtown Guthrie 405-282-2589 JUNE 2018 www.89erdays.com Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to midnight TBA Tulsa State Fair. Courtesy photo Admission: Free Red Earth Native American Description/Activities: This celebration Cultural Festival JULY 2018 is held in April of each year to Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic Cox Convention Center, OKC July 4 commemorate the Land Run of 1889 and 405-427-5228 Criterium the birth of Guthrie. Festival includes a www.redearth.org okcpac.com Liberty Fest ParkFest parade, carnival, chuck wagon feed and Sponsoring Organization: Red Earth Inc. The three-day racing event is held in & Fireworks rodeo at the Lazy E Arena. Description/Activities: World’s largest Oklahoma City’s historic districts of University of Central Oklahoma, Native American Cultural Event of its Midtown, Film Row and Automobile Alley. 100 N. University, Edmond Festival of the Arts kind with juried art market, dance The Pro-Am Classic is for both amateurs 405-340-2527 500 Couch Dr. competition, performance stages, 5K and elite cyclists. www.libertyfest.org Oklahoma City run, parade, youth activities Sponsoring Organization: Liberty Fest 405-270-4848 May 30-June 5, 2019 Description/Activities: Celebrate www.artscouncilokc.com deadCENTER Film Festival NCAA Division I Women’s with games, activities, food, music, Sponsoring Organization: Arts Council entertainment and fantastic fireworks. 726 W. Sheridan Ave., College World Series of Oklahoma City Ste. 170, OKC Don E. Porter ASA Hall of Fame Bring blankets and lawn chairs. No ice Description/Activities: The Festival of 405-246-9233 Stadium, OKC chests or pets. the Arts features fine artists, food, four www.deadcenterfilm.org 405-236-5000 stages of entertainment, a children’s Description/Activities: The www.okcallsports.org Oneok FreedomFest area and interactive art exhibits. deadCENTER Film Festival has been Admission: $85-$100 www.riverparks.org/freedomfest around for more than a decade Sponsoring Organization: Oklahoma Sponsoring Organization: Oneok MAY 2018 and provides a platform for great City All Sports Association Description/Activities: July 4 fireworks independent film in the heart of Description/Activities: NCAA Division display TBA Oklahoma. Over the years, the festival I Women’s College World Series Downtown Edmond has grown from a one-night screening featuring eight top teams in the country Check www.travelok.com for more event Arts Festival to a five-day, world-renowned festival. competing to be No. 1 listings and information.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 25 OKFinance Estate planning is not just for the wealthy

“Estate planning is a need for everyone from young adults to the elderly,” she said. “Typically, some think estate planning is only for those that have a large estate. While this is true, there is also a need for those with small estates. Even those with minimal assets should have a plan since their final expenses could have a negative financial impact for their loved ones.” Seagraves said most people can start the process of estate planning with three steps: • Start now. No matter how old you are or how little assets you think you have, having a will and starting the process is as important as saving for retirement. • To help avoid costly mistakes, seek advice from a professional like an attorney who spe- cializes in estate planning. Estate planning isn’t just for people with • Review the plan annually. As your life high net worth. Anyone with assets they want changes, so does the estate plan. to pass on to heirs should consider how those “The best way to get started is taking a assets – no matter how big or small – will be full inventory of your assets,” Seagraves said. distributed when the time comes. “From there, decide on goals for your assets, Without an estate plan, courts often decide become educated about different estate plan- how the assets are distributed, and the process ning strategies, design your plan and review it can be ugly and painful sometimes. However, periodically.” with a little foresight and planning, creating an Professional financial advisers can help estate plan is as easy as talking to a local bank individuals get started with a financial plan or attorney. that can help clarify life insurance and estate “Simply put, estate planning is the process planning needs. of determining and documenting how your “One of the best ways you can help your assets will be distributed upon your death. family and loved ones is by having a proper However, this process can also include docu- written plan to distribute your estate and docu- mentation on how you want your family and ment how you want to be cared for in the event loved ones to care for you in the event you you can’t take care of yourself,” Seagraves become incapacitated,” said Mindy Seagraves, said. “By planning ahead, you can save your office manager, RJFS, at Tinker Federal Credit family from costly estate processes and avoid Union. some of the difficult decisions that they may have to make for you.” OKFinance Sponsored by

26 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 You give it all for them. We give back to you.

We know your life isn’t about balances and budgets. It’s about enjoying sunny days with your family, watching them grow and guiding them along the way. Tinker Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that gives back to you, so you can focus on those moments that go by a little too fast.

Helping TAFB families achieve their goals and realize their dreams since 1946. TinkerFCU.org

Federally insured 2018by NCUA • Living in Oklahoma • 27 OKFinance DEPOSITORY NSTITUTIONS Midwest City 405-235-3030 NorthWestern Mutual Financial 405-732-4571 www.weokie.org Network www.fnbmwc.com Branches: 9 statewide 6301 Waterford Blvd., OKC Advantage Bank Branches: Eight statewide 405-419-1000 FINANCIAL PLANNING 405-843-8391 www.advantagebank.biz MidFirst Bank COMPANIES Oklahomacity.nm.com Advantage Bank has been serving the 201 N. Midwest Blvd., Midwest City TFCU Financial Advisors banking needs of eastern Oklahoma 405-943-8002 AXA Advisors LLC County for more than 100 years, with 6501 Tinker Diagonal, Midwest City www.midfirst.com 4801 Gaillardia Pkwy., locations at 8001 NE 23rd St. and 405-737-0006 or 1-800-456-4828 Branches: 55 statewide Ste. 202, OKC 10100 SE 15th St. in Midwest City. ext. 2575 405-942-4200 tfcufinancialadvisors.org Tinker Federal Credit Union www.oklahoma.axa-advisors.com Area A, Bldg. 420 BancFirst 6501 Tinker Diagonal, Midwest City 101 N. Broadway Ave., OKC Area C-1 North, Bldg. 3001 Post Y-92 405-732-0324 H&R Block Inc. Area C-1 South, Bldg. 3001 Post Y-32 405-270-1086 www.tinkerfcu.org 4330 SE 29th St., Ste. 3014, TAC, Bldg. 9001 Post A-45 www.bancfirst.com Branches: 31 statewide Del City Tinker AFB 405-732-0324 Branches: 105 statewide 405-672-8014 Prosperity Bank www.hrblock.com Bank of Oklahoma 3333 Northwest Expressway, OKC OTHER SERVICES 201 Robert S. Kerr Ave., OKC 405-942-2265 Heritage Trust Co. 405-272-2000 Branches: 18 statewide 621 N. Robinson Ave., Ste. 100., OKC Americash Loans 4324 SE 44th St., Del City 405-848-8899 249 N. Douglas Blvd., OKC 405-272-2104 USAA Federal Savings Bank www.heritagetrust.com 405-737-2900 www.bokf.com 1-800-531-USAA (8722) 4720 SE 29th St., Del City Branches: 56 statewide www.usaa.com InvesTrust 405-672-5155 Along with its two main subsidiaries, 5100 N. Classen Blvd., 330 W. MacArthur, Shawnee First Fidelity Bank USAA Savings Bank and USAA Ste. 620, OKC 405-273-5400 5101 N. Classen, OKC Relocation Services Inc., USAA FSB 405-843-7177 405-416-2222 provides a full range of financial products www.investrust.com Consumer Credit www.first-fidelity.com and services to members of the U.S. Counseling Service Branches: 24 statewide military and their families. Merrill Lynch Wealth 3230 N. Rockwell, Bethany 211 N. Robinson Ave. OKC 405-789-CCCS (2227) FNB Community Bank Weokie Credit Union 405-270-1800 Toll free 1-800-364-2227 2911 S. Air Depot Blvd, 8100 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City, www.ml.com www.cccsok.org

We help put you on the right path to financial success.

Get the most out of your money today while saving for tomorrow’s dreams. We get it. That’s why the team at TFCU Financial Advisors offers investment, retirement and insurance planning services.

Call 405-737-0006 to schedule your complimentary financial plan.

6501 Tinker Diagonal Midwest City, OK 73110 TFCUFinancialAdvisors.org

Securities are offered through RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by NCUA or insured by any other government agency. Funds are NOT GUARANTEED nor are they deposits or obligations of the credit union or any affiliated entity of the credit union, and are subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tinker Federal Credit Union, Tinker Financial Services, LLC and TFCU Financial Advisors* are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc., a non-affiliated third party provider to Tinker Financial Services, LLC and Tinker Federal Credit Union. All investments and information are intended for U.S. residents only. * TFCU Financial Advisors is a registered trademark and ‘dba’ of Tinker Financial Services, LLC. 28 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKHealth Care

AllianceHealth Midwest launches new bariatric surgery program and surgical residency training at OU’s College of Medicine. Makipour was honored with the Oklahoma Surgical Society award as the top surgery student in his class – an award only given to one student in the state per medical school class – and then became certified by the American Board of Medicine. Makipour sought further training in weight-loss surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Following his train- ing, he founded the EASTAR Bariatrics Program at the regional health center in Muskogee, where he became the direc- tor of bariatrics and the chairman of the Department of Surgery. “Watching his weight-loss pa- tients’ transformation is what prompted Makipour to seek further fellowship Dr. John Makipour, who performs the bariatric surgery at training in the field of cosmetic surgery,” AllianceHealth in Midwest City. Photo by Brent Fuchs In March, AllianceHealth Midwest began offering bariatric weight-loss Kezbers said. “During his fellowship surgery at its center in Midwest City, spe- training at one of the largest cosmetic cializing in the sleeve gastrectomy that surgery practices in the Midwest, Dr. can be performed laparoscopically. Makipour performed over 1,000 face, A sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure breast and body cosmetic surgeries. His that involves reducing the size of the training with OU staff members, who stomach to allow for weight loss and focus solely on facial plastic surgery, led treatment of obesity. The procedure is to a second board certification in cosmet- usually done through a small incision in ic surgery.” which a thin, vertical sleeve of the stom- For patients undergoing weight-loss ach is built using a stapling device. The surgery, Makipour helps to continue the rest of the stomach is removed, which transformation with contouring cosmetic limits the amount of food patients can eat surgery, fixing issues like loose skin that because they feel fuller faster. could occur after rapid weight loss. In addition, the hormone created by “The sleeve is about the size of a the stomach that encourages appetite is banana. This procedure limits the amount reduced because the portion of the stom- of food the patient can eat and helps them ach is taken out. feel full sooner. Because food does not For those with 100 pounds or more to bypass any of the intestines, there is no lose, the surgery can be life-changing and malabsorption,” said Makipour. lifesaving, said Emily Kezbers, network “We offer an encompassing program director of planning and marketing. that’s more than just surgery. Patients Dr. John Makipour, who performs the receive education on nutrition, exercise, procedure, received his undergraduate and instructions for before and after sur- degree at the University of Oklahoma gery. They are also committing to making and completed both his medical training a lifestyle change and do their part.”

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 29 OKHealth Care HOSPITALS MIDWEST CITY The Children’s Hospital at OU infusion therapy, intensive care, pediatrics, level III emergency services, Medical Center pain management, enterostomal 1200 Everett Dr. Alliance Health Midwest therapy, diabetes program, acute CHICKASHA Oklahoma City, OK 73104 2825 Parklawn Dr. inpatient care, Mercy Clinic, convenient www.oumedicine.com Midwest City, OK 73110 care/retail Grady Memorial Hospital www.alliancehealthmidwest.com 405-271-4700 2220 Iowa Ave. Owner: University of Oklahoma 405-610-4411 Oklahoma City Chickasha, OK 73018 Owner: Health Management Associates Administrator: John T. Hayes, CEO www.gradymem.org Inc. Special Services: Emergency Department of Veterans 405-224-2300 Accreditations: Joint Commission department, Oklahoma Children’s Heart Affairs Medical Center Owner: Grady Memorial Hospital Special Services: Provides physician Center, outpatient surgery, pediatric 921 NE 13th St. Authority offices and other medical facilities surgical services, pediatric medical Oklahoma City, OK 73104 services unit, pediatric intensive care Administrator: Warren K. with the following Services: test www.oklahoma.va.gov unit, women’s and newborn services, Spellman, CEO availability (on-site testing including 405-456-1000 microbiology, chemistry, urinalysis, children’s cancer care, trauma I center, Owner: Federal government Accreditations: Medicare-certified sleep disorders, pastoral care, MediFlight, Special Services: Acute inpatient care, coagulation, transfusion service, Administrator: Kristotopher Wade Vlosich laboratory Accreditations: CARF outpatient care, general and vascular pathology and cytology testing), test Special Services: Inpatient and surgery, orthopedic surgery, physical requisitions, collection supplies and processing of specimens, computer- AllianceHealth Deaconess outpatient rehabilitation with focus on therapy, speech pathology service, generated test reports 5501 N. Portland Ave. stroke, spinal cord injury and disease, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, advanced Oklahoma City, OK 73112 post-concussion syndrome, amputee radiology, dietetic consulting, sleep www.myalliancehealth.com/ care and prevention of amputation, study laboratory, 24-hour physician NORMAN alliancehealth-deaconess orthopedic rehabilitation staffed emergency center 405-604-6000 Owner: Community Health Systems Oklahoma Heart Hospital J.D. McCarty Center for children Administrator: Clay Franklin 4050 W. Memorial Rd., OKC EDMOND with developmental disabilities Accreditations: Joint Commission, CARF 405-608-3200 Special Services: Chest Pain Center, 2002 E. Robinson St. SOUTH CAMPUS ER, Birth Center, Level II NICU, Integris Health Edmond Norman, OK 73071 5200 E. Interstate 240, OKC www.jdmc.org Cardiovascular Services, Cancer Center, 4801 Integris Pkwy. 405-628-6000 405-307-2800 Inpatient Rehab, Critical Care Unit Edmond, OK 73034 www.okheart.com Owner: State of Oklahoma Owner: OCA/Mercy Health System of www.integrisok.com/integris-health- Administrator: Vicki Kuestersteffen Integris Baptist Medical Center Oklahoma edmond-ok Accreditations: Medicaid 3300 Northwest Expressway Administrator: John Harvey 405-657-3000 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Accreditations: JCAHO Owner: Integris Health Norman Regional Hospital www.integrisok.com Special Services: Cardiology Administrator: Avilla T. Williams 405-949-6011 901 N. Porter Owner: Integris Health (president) Norman, OK 73072 OU Medical Center Administrator: Tim Johnsen Special Services: Emergency services, www.normanregional.com 700 NE 13th St. Accreditations: Joint Commission, medical staff services, endoscopy 405-307-1700 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Cancer/ACS, ANCC - Magnet suites, pharmacy, intensive care unit, Owner: Norman Regional Health System www.oumedcenter.com rehabilitation services, inpatient unit, designation, American College of 405-271-4700 Administrator: Richie Splitt Surgeons Level III Bariatrics radiology services, labor and delivery, Owner: University of Oklahoma Accreditations: Joint Commission Special Services: Cardiovascular, surgery services Administrator: Charles L. Spicer Jr., CEO Special Services: Chest Pain Center ED, emergency, neurosciences, oncology, EMSSTAT, heart care, joint replacement, Accreditations: Joint Commission, orthopedic services, wound care, ACSCP, Council of Teaching Hospitals OU Medical Center - Edmond labor and delivery, Norman Birth Center, neonatal intensive care, weight loss, orthopedic services, procedures, robotic Special Services: Full-service hospital 1 S. Bryant Ave. Medicare-certified organ transplant, surgery, surgical services, The Chest Pain Edmond, OK 73034 Integris Heart Hospital Center www.oumedicine.com/edmond St. Anthony Hospital 405-341-6100 1000 N. Lee Ave. Mercy Health Center Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Owner: HCA - The Healthcare Co. OKLAHOMA CITY 4300 W. Memorial Dr. www.ssmhealth.com/saints Administrator: Lisa Wilson Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-272-7000 Accreditations: Joint Commission Bone & Joint Hospital www.mercyok.net Owner: SSM Health Care of Special Services: Medical/surgical 405-752-3754 Oklahoma services, outpatient surgery, emergency at St. Anthony Owner: Sisters of Mercy Health Administrator: Tammy Powell services, Autumn Life Center for 1111 N. Dewey Ave. System Accreditations: Joint Commission Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Geriatric Behavioral Health, Intensive Administrator: Jim Gebhart Special Services: Alcohol and drug www.boneandjoint.com Care Unit, My Birth Center, daVinci Accreditations: Joint Commission, abuse, audiology services, behavioral 405-272-9671 surgical services, diagnostic imaging Magnet, CARF medicine, breast center, Frank C. Love Owner: SSM Health Care of Special Services: Stroke and neuro services, diagnostic laboratory services, Cancer Institute, diabetes, diagnostic Oklahoma services, pulmonary medicine, sleep institute, emergency care, epilepsy cardiopulmonary services, cardiac Administrator: Terry Lawrence studies, wound care, robotic surgery, monitoring unit, Saints Heart & Vascular cath lab, Edmond Physical Therapy Accreditations: Joint Commission palliative care, home health/hospice, Institute, home care, interventional (outpatient rehab), inpatient physical Special Services: Joint replacement, rehab services, mother/baby, ante radiology, Joyful Beginnings Childbirth therapy, occupational therapy, speech MAKOplasty, spine surgery, sports partum, labor and delivery and Center, kidney transplant, neuroscience therapy, endobronchial ultrasounds medicine, Midtown Outpatient Surgery postpartum care, NICU, breast health/ and spine center, occupational (EBUS), nutritional counseling Center, research, patient education radiology, radiation therapy, oncology, medicine, Bone & Joint Hospital at

30 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKHealth Care St. Anthony, palliative care, physical Specialty areas: Fellowship trained- Services: Eyelid surgery, laser cataract Integris Medical Group therapy, rehabilitation center, sleep cornea, cataract and specialty surgery, contact lenses, diabetic eye 5300 N. Independence, Ste. 280/290 center, St. Anthony North, surgery, intraocular lenses, refractive surgery care, dropless cataract surgery, dry eye, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 surgical weight loss, vein center, Year established locally: 1989 eyeglasses, Glaucoma, LASIK, macular 405-951-2337 wellness, wound care center Hospital affiliations: Mercy, Logan degeneration, stye and chalazion Type of Clinic/Medical Group: County, Integris Yukon, Kingfisher, treatment Primary care, family medicine, internal EYE CENTERS Purcell, Oklahoma Surgicare, Surgery medicine, OB/GYN, pediatrics, Center of Midwest City cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, CLINICS/ bariatrics, urogynecology, ENT Advanced Laser Central Oklahoma Eye Owner: Integris Health Center of Oklahoma MEDICAL GROUPS Administrator: Angela Cosby, 11308 N. Pennsylvania Ave., OKC Associates PC Jeff Cruzan 405-755-7700; 1-866-751-4774 5701 N. Portland Ave., Ste. 105 The Broadway Clinic Clinic Services: Routine family www.alcok.com Oklahoma City, OK 73132 1801 N. Broadway Ave., Ste. A care, obstetrics, gynecology, urgent Most performed procedure: LASIK 405-949-6401 Oklahoma City, OK 73103 care, cosmetic health, lab and X-ray, Specialty areas: LASIK, PRK, cataract www.edwardjonesmd.com 405-528-1936 treadmill-stress testing, bone density surgery, ICL, INTACS, blepharoplasty, Most performed procedure: LASIK and Owner: Sean Jones measurement, sports physicals, cataract general eye exams, glaucoma, Administrator: Jennifer O’Hern community education, medical practice Specialty areas: Laser surgery, laser management clearlensectomy, bladeless LASIK with Clinic Services: Weight loss and vision correction, PRK, LASIK Intralase, ReSTOR, TECNIS Multifocal bioidentical hormone replacement Head physician: Edward D. Jones MD Head physician: John P. Belardo therapy, on-site pharmacy and lab Oklahoma Allergy & Year established locally: 2003 Year established locally: 1995 Hospital affiliations: Deaconess, services Asthma Clinic Hospital affiliations: Integris Baptist 750 NE 13th St., OKC 73104 Surgery Center of Midwest City, Medical Center 405-235-0040 Oklahoma Surgicare HealthCare Express www.oklahomaallergy.com BVA Advanced Eye Care 1701 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City Owner: Physician group 14701 N. Santa Fe Ave. Precision Vision 405-302-8999 Administrator: Scott Dennis Edmond, OK 73013 1455 S. Douglas Blvd., Ste. D Clinic Services: Acute illness, allergy Clinic Services: Evaluation and 405-752-2733 Midwest City 73130 testing, fractures, occupational management of allergies, asthma and www.bva20-20.com 405-679-3785 medicine, sports injuries, vaccinations, disease, education of patients from a Most performed procedure: LASIK www.precisionvisionok.com wound care, X-ray, labs certified asthma educator

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME, VISIT IMMEDIATECAREOK.COM AND PICK A TIME TO ARRIVE THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

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2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 31 OKHealth Care Oklahoma Breast Care Center 405-384-4681 rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, 405-769-2551 Northwest OKC 1024 SW 104th St. meniscal repair, total hip and total www.careplusathome.com 405-582-0999 knee replacement, reconstructions, Services: In-home care to seniors, 135401 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 108, unicompartmental knee replacement, ranging from companion services to OKC Edmond utilizing the Oxford system, shoulder assistance with personal care 405-755-CARE (2273) 100 W. 15th St. 405-330-2123 and knee joint surfacing, along with the South OKC prevention and treatment of sports injuries 2601 SW 119th St., Ste. A, OKC Midwest City Carter Healthcare 3105 S. Meridian Ave. 405-814-CARE (2273) 5691 Tinker Diagonal 405-737-5123 Oklahoma City, OK 73119 Edmond REHABILITATIOn 405-947-7700 2601 Kelley Pointe Pkwy., Edmond Moore CENTERS www.carterhealthcare.net 405-844-2601 2709 S. I-35 Frontage Rd., Ste. B Services: Nursing, therapy, hospice, 405-237-4979 Integris Jim Thorpe IV, DME Central Check the website for additional 825 NE 10th St., Suite 3E, OKC Rehabilitation Center locations. 405-271-4514 4219 S. Western Ave. Services: Checkups, cleanings, fillings, AllianceHealth Midwest Home Health www.okbreastcare.com Oklahoma City, OK 73109 extractions, root canals, crowns, Services Type of Clinic/Medical Group: 405-644-5200 bridges, dentures, partials, dental 2904 Parklawn Dr., Midwest City Women’s imaging Owner: Integris Health implants, cosmetic bonding, teeth 405-736-6925 Special Services: Statewide mobile Administrator: Chris Hammes whitening, gum treatment Services: Infusion nursing, skilled mammography program, high-risk Accreditations: Joint Commission, CARF nurses, physical therapy, occupational screening program Staff: 500 Oklahoma Dental Rehabilitation Services: Physical, therapy, speech therapy, medical social www.oklahomadental.com occupational and speech therapy; services, home health aide OU Physicians 2128 SW 74th St., OKC recreational; music; aquatics; psychology; 825 NE 10th St., OKC 405-682-9988 case management; nursing and 405-271-3932 5225 SE 15th St., Del City horticulture therapy; patient and family SPORTS MEDICINE Type of Clinic/Medical Group: 405-670-2461 support groups for stroke; amputee and FACILITIES Multispecialty group practice LVAD, patients with brain, multiple trauma Special Services: Stephenson Cancer and spinal cord injuries Center; Harold Hamm Diabetes Professional Dental Services McBride Orthopedic Hospital Center, Women’s Health Center. 9822 NE 23rd St., Midwest City 9600 Broadway Extension Encompasses nearly every adult and 405-769-4445 AllianceHealth Midwest Rehab Oklahoma City, OK 73114 child specialty; many doctors have www.drrobertlphillips.com Services 405-486-2100 expertise unavailable elsewhere in the Services: Full dental services, cosmetic 1201 S. Douglas Blvd., Ste. I Owner: Physician-owned state, region – or sometimes even in the and family dentistry, Invisalign - invisible/ Midwest City, OK 73130 Staff: 750 nation. Satellite office locations across removable braces, tooth whitening 405-610-8090 Sports medicine Services: Physician the state system, call for availability for walk-ins Owner: Health Management Associates team coverage, orthopedic and primary and emergency service. Inc. care sports medicine physicians, St. Anthony Physicians Accreditations: Joint Commission orthopedic and arthroscopic surgery, Rehabilitation Services: Pain control, athletic trainers, physical therapy, MRI, Heritage Family Medicine OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH sports injury rehabilitation, hand radiology, Saturday morning injury clinic 6908 E. Reno Ave. therapy, performance enhancement, (seasonal), orthopedic hospital with Midwest City, OK 73110 CENTERS strengthening, Kinesio taping, aquatics, 24/7 emergency room, arthritis and 405-737-7000 AmeriWorks Occupational massage, E-stim, ultrasound, postural occupational medicine departments Type of Clinic/Medical Group: Family Health Center assessment, incontinence treatment, medicine/internal medicine 4330 SE 29th St., Ste. 3018 lymphedema treatment, speech Clinic Services: Bone density, Olsen Orthopedics Del City, OK 73115 3400 S. Douglas Blvd., Ste. 302 2-D echos, in-house lab/X-ray, 405-670-8100 colonoscopy, EGDs/osteoporosis clinic, Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Oklahoma City, OK 73150 www.ameriworksokc.com 405-733-8000 diabetic training, women’s health, Owner: AmeriWorks Medical Center cardiovascular, GI problems 921 NE 13th St. Owner: Todd Olsen, DO Administrator: Paula Fiorazo, V. Joseph Sports medicine Services: Innovative Fiorazo Oklahoma City, OK 73104 405-456-1000 orthopedic care specializing in Women’s Health Center Staff: 7 minimally invasive procedures including 3440 R.C. Luttrell Dr. Services: Work injuries, employment Owner: Federal government Administrator: Kristotopher Wade Vlosich arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, ACL Norman, OK 73072 physicals, drug and alcohol testing, reconstruction, meniscal repair, total 405-360-1264 return-to-work exams, audiograms, Accreditations: CARF Rehabilitation Services: Inpatient and hip and total knee replacement, www.whcnorman.com X-rays, immunizations, OSHA respirator reconstructions, unicompartmental knee Dianne Chambers, MD, PC exams, fire and police pension outpatient rehabilitation with focus on stroke, spinal cord injury and disease, replacement, utilizing the Oxford system, Obstetrics and gynecological surgery exams, asbestos surveillance exams, shoulder and knee joint surfacing, along consultation, impairment rating exams post-concussion syndrome, amputee care and prevention of amputation, with the prevention and treatment of DENTISTS sports injuries Olsen Orthopedics orthopedic rehabilitation Dental Depot 3400 S. Douglas Blvd., Ste. 302 www.dentaldepot.net Oklahoma City, OK 73150 HOME HEALTH HEALTH & FITNESS CENTERS OKC 405-733-8000 3104 NW 23rd St. www.olsenorthopedics.com AGENCIES YMCA Healthy Living Center Integris 405-949-0123 Owner: Todd Olsen DO 5520 Independence Ave. 7130 W. Hefner Rd. Services: Innovative orthopedic care Care Plus Home Health Oklahoma City, OK 73112 405-595-0585 specializing in minimally invasive 9828 NE 23rd St. 405-942-9622 14440 N. Pennsylvania Ave. procedures including arthroscopic Oklahoma City, OK 73141 http://ymcaokc.org/locations/hlc

32 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKHealth Care Monthly rate: Individual, $50; Family, $86 Director: Kelly Kay 8827 E. Reno, Ste. 201, HealthSource of Midwest City Owner: Integris Health Number of members: 100,910 Midwest City 73110 2013 S. Air Depot Blvd., Facilities and programs: Yoga, cycling, Monthly rate: Individual, $38.75; 405-732-7700 Midwest City, OK 73110 BodyPump, Zumba, personal trainers, Family, $58.25 Services: Auto accidents, chiropractic, 405-757-2520 cardiac rehab Facilities and programs: Group pain management exercise classes and water fitness, www.healthsourceofmidwestcity.com swim lessons, youth and adult sports, Chiropractic Physicians Center Services: Pain treatment: - arm and leg, University Health Club sailing, summer day camp, resident foot and ankle, knee, neck pain, shoulder 1000 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC 2905 S. Harr Dr., #101, camp, Camp Classen, strength and pain, back pain, headaches and migraines, 405-271-1650 Midwest City cardio equipment, camp, child care, low back pain, numbness, tingling and pain www.ouhsc.edu/uhc 405-517-0121 health and wellness education and Owner: University of Oklahoma Health www.chiropracticphysicianscenter.com leadership, sports and recreation and Sciences Center Services: Multiple therapies: international social responsibility, teen Director: Kelley Spelman chiropractic treatments, chiropractic OTHER SERVICES Facilities and programs: Aquatic leadership adjusting tool, chiropractic neck center, two aerobic studios, café, adjustment, diversified, gonstead, Mental Health Association of gymnasium, racquetball and squash These are just a few of the excellent upper cervical (HIO), Thompson, courts, locker rooms, WiFi, personal fitness centers in the metro area offering myofascial release, SOT (sacro occipital Central Oklahoma training a wide range of fitness programs and technic), meric recoil, activator 2800 NW 36th St., Ste. 104, OKC 73112 activities just right for you. Staying instrument, hylo and drop tables, 405-943-3700 | mhaok.org healthy or getting healthy shouldn’t be a cervical traction, lumbar traction, The mission of the Mental Health YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City problem in the metro. intersegmental traction, HiVolt, 500 N. Broadway Ave., Ste. 500 EMS (electrical stimulation), micro Association of Central Oklahoma is to Oklahoma City, OK 73102 current, interferential current, Russian promote mental health through education, 405-297-7777 CHIROPRACTORS stimulation, shortwave diathermy, DOT advocacy, prevention and treatment www.ymcaokc.org Abel Chiropractic Care exams services.

FIVE Convenient Metro Locations Call TODAY for an Appointment

See one of our Board-Certified Allergists SSM Health St. Anthony welcomes at our Midwest City Clinic Dr. Paul Louis Preslar!

Trusted Midwest City physician of more than 20 years, Paul Preslar, DO, is now part of the SSM Health family. Longtime and new patients alike can count on quality Family Medicine care from Dr. Preslar at his new location, SSM Health St. Anthony Healthplex.

At SSM Health St. Anthony, we’re honored to have Dr. Preslar join our family of physicians. Dr. Bret Haymore Dr. Greg Metz Call 405-272-2850 or visit Midwest City Location - 8121 National Avenue, Suite 309 SSMHealth.com/Preslar for scheduling. Oklahoma Health Center 750 N.E. 13th • Oklahoma City Most insurance plans accepted. 13321 N. Meridian, Suite 100 • Oklahoma City SSM Health Medical Group is a department of St Anthony Hospital. 3580 R.C. Luttrell Drive • Norman 3560 S. Boulevard • Edmond SSM Health St. Anthony Healthplex 3400 S. Douglas Blvd., Suite 200 (405) 235-0040 Oklahoma City, OK 73150 ©2018 SSM Health. All rights reserved. (I40 E, across from Tinker AFB) www.oklahomaallergy.com

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 33

OAAC LIO guide 2018.indd 1 6/12/2018 12:10:34 PM OKHospitality/Travel Grand Casino and Resort offers Vegas-style entertainment Adventurers in Oklahoma yearning for that Las Vegas experience don’t have to go farther than Shawnee to enjoy gaming, entertainment, top-notch food or luxury accommodations. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, which is east of Oklahoma City on Inter- state 40, features more than 125,000 square feet of casino action with 2,000-plus Ve- gas-style slots and the state’s only Keno lounge. But beyond the flashing of the slots, the Grand Casino and Resort is a 14-story hotel tower filled with restaurants, bars and lounges, an outdoor pool and nightclub and Ve- gas-style shows. “The Grand Casino and Resort is a Midwestern desti- day. The new event nation that attracts people from all over,” said center this summer General Manager Joe Garcia. “You can have hosts acts including the full Vegas experience right here, especial- Kelly Pickler, Mickey ly when ball and dice games come through.” Gilley, Don Felder of The resort and casino offers an outdoor the Eagles and more. pool that turns into the Liquid Lounge water “We are also nightclub after hours, complete with a full- doing something that scale bar and live DJs. The Fire and Ice Bar is also located on the top floor of the resort, and most other resorts visitors have a wide range of dining choices are not doing, which to explore, Garcia said. is something we call Other eateries include the Flame Bra- ‘Play It Loud,’” said zilian Steakhouse, Soto Sushi, Grandstand Garcia. “We are go- Sports Bar, the Grand Buffet and the Grand ing after mogul acts Cafe. and Vegas acts.” The Grand Spa offers a full range of Play It Loud fea- services as well as a fitness center, and the tures award-winning independent filmmaker Grand Casino has package deals for the Fire- Adam Hampton’s look at Oklahoma’s music Lake Golf Course, which completed a full scene with a lineup of the state’s rising artists renovation and overhaul last summer. and musicians as he travels the state looking “The golf course is located 12 miles from for unique voices and stories about Oklaho- here, and it looks beautiful,” Garcia said. ma’s musical heritage. Entertainment is a big part of the Grand For more information on the Grand Casi- Casino and Resort’s attraction. The original no Hotel and Resort, visit www.grandresor- event center hosts free live acts every Satur- tok.com.

34 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Hospitality/Travel

Colcord Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. Photo by Brent Fuchs HOTELS rooms with new bedding hot tub and locker room WinStar World Casino Hotel The Artesian Hotel Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the 777 Casino Ave. 1-855-455-5255 Tinker Air Force Base Reed Conference Center Thackerville, OK 73459 1001 W. First St., Sulphur 5701 Tinker Diagonal, MWC 5750 Will Rogers Rd., MWC 1-800-622-6317 405-737-7777 artesianhotel.com 405-455-1800 www.winstarworldcasino.com The new Artesian restores one of the www.hawthorn.com www.sheratonmidwestcity.com Free high-speed internet access, WinStar’s three-tower hotel is connected region’s most beloved hotels to its former Full-service group hotel connected to the to the casino and features 1,399 pristine glory. This four-star hotel offers guests indoor heated pool, complimentary hot 30,000-square-foot Reed Conference guest rooms and suites appointed world-class spa facilities and shopping breakfast buffet, meeting facilities Center, newer hotel with well-appointed with state-of-the-art amenities and as well as a bustling casino, among other contemporary guest rooms, wall-mounted amenities and activities. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort flat-screen televisions, Sheraton Sweet contemporary comforts. From gourmet 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee Sleeper beds, executive-level floor with eateries and charming gift shops to posh Casino: 405-964-7263 concierge lounge; indoor pool, well- bar and lounge areas, guests can enjoy 15 N. Robinson Ave., OKC Hotel: 405-964-7777 equipped exercise facility with cardio, a myriad of entertainment opportunities 405-601-4300 http://grandresortok.com weights, parking, Wi-Fi in all guest rooms all in one place. Just steps away from www.colcordhotel.com Located a short drive east of Oklahoma and public areas, full-service Emerald the deluxe hotel suites are two exclusive Complimentary Wi-Fi, 47-inch flat City on Interstate 40, our casino features Restaurant and Pub lounge, room resort-style pools glistening with private screen television in rooms, mini fridge, over 125,000 square feet of gaming service, guest laundry. cabanas, lavish spas, lush landscapes, space filled with over 2,000 of the complimentary bottle water, on-site waterfall features and a vibrant pool bar. business center, 24-hour fitness center, newest, Vegas-style slots as well as Oklahoma’s only Keno lounge. The Grand Marriott Conference Center at NCED shuttle service available between 8 2801 E. State Hwy. 9, Norman also features a luxury, 14-story hotel a.m.-11 p.m. to explore downtown OKC, 405-447-9000 BED & BREAKFASTS tower and several dining choices. freshly brewed coffee delivered to room cc.nced.com each morning, Flint Restaurant, valet On-site recreational amenities include Arcadian Getaways parking, bathrobes and slippers in rooms Renaissance Oklahoma City our 60,000-square-foot fitness center 326 E. First St.; 2600 E. Camp Dr. Convention Center Hotel with group exercise classes and hands- Guthrie 73044 on group activities; outdoor trails, indoor Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City 10 N. Broadway Ave., OKC 405-348-6347 2945 Northwest Expressway, OKC 405-228-8000 track, saline outdoor swimming pool, www.arcadiangetaways.com 405-848-4811 www.marriott.com/okcbr tennis, volleyball and racquetball courts, www.crowneplaza.com Private access club lounge; The Spa softball field, whirlpool & sauna, billiards Your choice of several different getaways Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking; at 10 North; Caffeina’s Marketplace room, spa services and a ropes course; such as Parrot’s Cove – Exotic Island Enigma Restaurant and Bar, exercise & Gifts; 10 North Grille; The Bar at 10 more than 60,000 square feet flexible Cottage, Meadowlark Barn – European room, hot tub, outdoor heated pool, North; valet; on-site, full-service business meeting space and offer unique outdoor Country Charm and The French Hen – Sleep Advantage Kit, newly renovated center; fitness center with indoor pool, venue options. Parissience Elegance

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 35 OKHospitality/Travel

WinStar. Photo by Brent Fuchs Cedar Rock Inn Private bathroom and two-person jacuzzi of trails, as well as some of the longest, Lake Eufaula 4501 W. 41st St., Tulsa tub, wrap-around porch with private in central Oklahoma. But no facilities are Hwy 69 & Hwy 150, Checotah 918-447-4493 entrance, delightful breakfast, wireless available, so bring your own water. It’s 918-689-5311 Toll-free: (877) 446-4493 internet, cable television. also a great lake to go fishing! Lake Eufaula State Park is surrounded on www.cedarrockinn.com three sides by the largest manmade lake Cedar Rock Inn, located on Redberry Visit www.bbonline.com/ok for more bed J.T. Nickel Family Nature and in Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula. Visitors can and breakfasts in Oklahoma. Farm, is a unique bed and breakfast Wildlife Preserve enjoy RV and tent camping, an 18-hole golf course with putting green and pro nestled among 55 acres in the foothills, Northeast of Tahlequah shop, indoor and outdoor fishing dock, just west of Tulsa. The inn’s five suites LAKES/STATE PARKS nature.org/oklahoma picnic areas, group facilities, swimming include antique furnishings, full The J. T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife bathrooms and expansive views of the Alabaster Caverns State Park beaches, playgrounds, kid’s fishing 217036 State Hwy. 50A Preserve is the largest privately protected property. Combining rustic luxury with pond, hiking trails, nature trails, nature 580-621-3381 conservation area in the Ozarks. The modern amenities such as high-speed center, watersports, naturalist activities, The 200-acre Alabaster Caverns State preserve was formed in 2000 as the wireless internet access makes this and naturalist programs. They also offer Park features a cavern formed of result of a land gift from the John Nickel property the perfect escape from reality. special events at Halloween, Christmas, alabaster, a rare form of gypsum, making Family. This 17,000-acre landscape rests Guests can roam the property and enjoy and Labor Day. This park was previously it the largest natural gypsum cave in the in eastern Oklahoma’s rolling Cookson the hiking trail, sitting by the pond and known as Fountainhead State Park. world that is open to the public and the Hills and overlooks the Illinois River. the many features of Cedar Rock Inn. only gypsum show cave in the United Spring-fed creeks meander amid a States. rugged topography of steep slopes and Lake Hefner The Grandison Inn narrow valleys harboring a mosaic of www.okc.gov/lakes/hefner.html oak-hickory forest, lofty pine woodland, Closer to Oklahoma City, Hefner covers 1200 N. Shartel Ave., OKC Arbuckle Mountain Region 405-232-8778 or (888) 799-4667 and a diverse mix of savanna, shrubland, 2,580 surface acres and is about 29 feet www.grandisoninn.com and Wilderness and prairie. deep. Its primary purpose is to supply water, 405-369-3580 but it’s also a great recreation area. The lake www.arbucklewilderness.com Keystone State Park has three boat ramps, one picnic area, one Montford Inn Located near the town of Davis, this area boat storage area, two covered fishing docks, 322 W. Tonhawa St., Norman 1926 State Hwy. 151, Sand Springs offers caves, the 77-foot fall of Turner 918-865-4991 one pier and two boat slip areas. It offers 405-321-2200 Falls and creek, camping, a scenic drive, great fishing for walleye, crappie, white bass www.montfordinn.com Toll Free: (800) 654-8240 youth camp, Price Falls, the Cedarvale [email protected] and channel catfish – but no swimming. The Inn, built in 1994, was custom- Botanic Garden and Arbuckle Wilderness. Located on beautiful Keystone Lake, this You can, however, use your sailboard. Hefner designed to create a unique quality and In addition, the Arbuckle Historical state park offers 22 lake-view cabins is also one of the best sailing lakes in the personalized atmosphere, achieving Museum is housed in the Santa Fe Depot with fireplaces, community center with country. Almost circumventing Hefner is 10.5 a distinctive ambiance through a in downtown Davis. kitchen, picnic areas, group picnic miles of paved roadway that’s specifically combination of elegance and country shelters, 72 RV sites with full hookups, for joggers, walkers, skaters, bikers – but tradition. Draper Lake 82 tent campsites, comfort stations with not cars. www.lakedraper.com showers, lighted boat ramps, a children’s Stardust Inn Medicine Park Draper Lake is a great place to ride your fishing pond, playgrounds, hiking trail, Lake Thunderbird State Park 580-529-3270 dirt bike, horse, four-wheeler or mountain fitness trail, and more. 405-360-3572 www.stardustinn.com bike. The lake offers the greatest variety www.travelok.com/State_Parks

36 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Hospitality/Travel Also located near Oklahoma City is the recreational opportunities abound at Eastern Oklahoma County Tourism Midwest City Chamber 6,000-acre Lake Thunderbird. The lake Tenkiller, including all water sports, offers a marina with rentals and a gift hiking, a swimming pool, scuba dive park, Council of Commerce shop; 450 campsites with electric and kids’ fishing pond, nature center, paved P.O. Box 55 5905 Trosper Rd., MWC water hookups; tent sites; eight lake hiking trail and fishing. Tenkiller also has Spencer, OK 405-733-3801 huts; restrooms/showers; dump stations; cabins and an RV and tent campsite. In 405-308-1928 www.midwestcityok.com picnic areas; group shelters; horse addition, Greenleaf State Park is located www.eoctc.com stables; a nature center; a restaurant; nearby. From this park, you can take in Moore Chamber of Commerce and hiking, biking and nature trails. It’s a Sequoyah’s Home, the Cherokee Nation Edmond Convention & 305 W. Main, Moore great place to play. and Murrell Home in Tahlequah, float 405-794-3400 down the Illinois River, or take in the Blue Visitors Bureau www.moorechamber.com Ribbon Downs racetrack in Sallisaw. Little Sahara Desert State Park 1030 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond Ponca City Tourism 580-824-1471 405-341-4344 420 E. Grand Ave., Ponca City Located four miles south of Waynoka on The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park www.visitedmondok.com 1-866-763-8092 U.S. Hwy. 281, northwest of Oklahoma 918-772-2545, (800) 368-1486 www.visitponcacity.com City – toward the Panhandle, this little [email protected] park offers a challenge of a different sort. Located in eastern Oklahoma on the Central Oklahoma Frontier Country Take a spin in the sand dunes with your shores of Fort Gibson Lake, the guest 309 W. Main St. Norman Shawnee Convention own ride, rent one locally or take a spin ranch sits in the rolling foothills of www.oktourism.com & Visitors Bureau with a park ranger. Little Sahara offers Sequoyah State Park and offers visitors 131 N. Bell, Shawnee camping and the ever-changing sand fishing, an 18-hole golf course with Greater Oklahoma City Chamber 405-275-9780 or dunes. rentals, tennis, horseback riding, boat 123 Park Ave., OKC (888) 404-9633 rentals, paddle boats, mountain bike and 405-297-8900 www.visitshawnee.com Quartz Mountain Arts and hiking trails and a lot more. From this www.okcchamber.com Conference Center and Nature Park park, you can visit the Five Civilized Tribes www.quartzmountainresort.com Museum, the scenic Illinois River or the South Oklahoma City Located 17 miles north of Altus in the Cherokee Heritage Center. Guthrie Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Wichita Mountains of southwestern 212 W. Oklahoma, Guthrie 701 SW 74th St., OKC Oklahoma, Quartz Mountain Arts and Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 405-282-1947 405-634-1436 Conference Center and Nature Park is 580-429-3222 www.offbeatoklahoma.com www.southokc.com a great location for corporate retreats, www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains national conferences, workshops, family Located 25 miles northwest of Lawton, reunions, destination weddings and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge quiet escapes. Hike in the mountains, go is home to a herd of American bison, boating on the lake, play a round of golf, elk and deer. The prairie grasslands, explore the Arts Institute, or just relax at rocky outcrops and oak forest provide the lodge! a healthy environment for the critters and even draw a herd of Texas longhorn Talimena Scenic Byway cattle all the way up to Oklahoma. You 918-567-3434 can also bird-watch, hike, practice a little www.TalimenaScenicDrive.com photography, sightsee or just plain relax. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the byway gives 54 miles of CHAMBERS OF road built expressly for its view. As you wind through the Winding Stair, Rich COMMERCE/ and Ouachita mountains, you’ll see fall colors the likes of which you may never CONVENTION & VISITOR have seen before. It’s a photo moment ORGANIZATIONS for everyone in the family as you ride the ridgeline and swear you’re at the top of the world as you look down on treetops Bartlesville Regional Chamber of of gold, green, brown, yellow and red. The Commerce end of the trail is actually in Arkansas, 201 S. Keeler Ave., Bartlesville where you’ll find the Queen Wilhelamina 918-336-8708 Lodge – a great place to enjoy lunch or www.bartlesville.com plan an overnight stay before heading back home. If you choose not to go back Broken Arrow the way you came, you can loop down to your right from the lodge and drive Convention & Visitors Bureau right by Heavener Runestone Park, where 210 N. Main St., Broken Arrow you can see a rune stone from days of 918-251-1518 Viking lore. www.brokenarrowchamber.com

Tenkiller State Park Claremore Convention & Visitors 918-489-5643, Bureau (800) 654-8240 400 Veterans Pkwy., Claremore [email protected] 918-341-8688 Located east of Oklahoma City off I-40, visitclaremore.org

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 37 OKHousing AARP: Communities need to prepare to meet housing needs of aging society For many, retirement and comfort- by 2030 and exceed the population of “The great news is that many of able living is a top goal, but finding the children ages 18 and younger by 2035. the characteristics that we know old- right retirement community goes beyond AARP research indicates that people er adults seek are the same ones that cozy living or downsizing. want to stay in their homes and commu- attract younger adults and that make Planning for health changes decades nities as they age. communities more economically vibrant in the future and choosing a community “Roughly 90 percent of adults 65 and successful,” said Voskuhl. “Both based on livability is an important step in and older want to ‘age in place’ in their baby boomers and millennials alike finding the right home. Access to ameni- homes and in their communities,” Vo- share an affinity for places that offer a ties and health care at an affordable price skuhl said. is becoming harder and harder to find, “Most people want to re- according to the American Association of main in the homes and com- Retired Persons. munities where they have lived Typically, older and elderly adults their adult lives because they essentially had the choice of staying in like their community. They like their own house despite whether it was and know their doctors, and still the right fit, moving in with other their doctors know them. They family members, relocating to a retire- like to see their friends. They ment community or being placed in a want to be close to kids and long-term care facility. grandkids, and friends.” But as the U.S. population ages, Those connections are not AARP found that many communities just nice to have – they actually aren’t prepared for an aging society. With contribute to the health and that problem in mind, AARP embarked well-being of older adults. So- on a livability study designed to help cial isolation has been identified communities become places where resi- as one of the social determi- dent can easily live as they age. nants of health, posing the same A livable community makes transpor- risk to one’s health as smoking tation, affordable housing and access to up to 15 cigarettes a day. services easier for all residents, not just “To the degree that we have the elderly. The AARP Livability Index created places that inhibit, measures housing, environment, health, discourage or outright prevent engagement, transportation and oppor- older adults from interacting tunity using certain indicators. Based with others as they age – due on the measurements, the organization to loss of mobility or home can encourage communities and policy- design – we contribute to the pandemic shorter commute, proximity to shops makers to consider policies that enhance of social isolation rather than solving for and services, a mix of homes, a mix of livability over time. it,” he said. incomes and robust public transportation Sean Voskuhl, AARP OK state To allow older adults to live inde- options.” director, said the population of older pendently and to age in place, Voskuhl For more information on AARP’s adults ages 65 and older is expected to said, communities must be created to livability index, visit https://livabilityin- reach over 20 percent of the population respond to their needs. dex.aarp.org. OKHousing Sponsored by

38 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKHousing REAL ESTATE AGENCIES D.R. Horton America’s Builder Rausch Coleman Homes Services Offered: Escrow, title 5724 NW 132nd St., OKC P.O. Box 890835, OKC insurance, abstracting, ownership 405-720-8344 405-602-6686 reports Century 21 Goodyear Green www.rauschcolemanhomes.com Insurance Underwriters: First 7121 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City www.drhorton.com Subdivisions: Brookstone Ridge, Average price: $130,000 American Title Insurance Co. 405-736-0127 Price range: $98,900-$175,000 www.c21goodyeargreen.com Lawson Farms, Summerhill, The Homestead at Horn Valley, Falling Subdivisions: Bradford Place, Brighton The Oklahoma City Abstract & Title Springs, Hidden Prairie, Wynchase, The Pointe, Bryant Place, Fieldstone, Colony Pointe, Crossing at the Village, Hunter’s Co. Churchill-Brown Brook Spring, Meadow Lakes, Rose Rock 405-348-8605 405-755-4422 Concentration: Mustang, Oklahoma Estates, Oakwood Landing, Redstone www.okcabstract.com www.churchillbrown.com City, Yukon, Edmond, Choctaw Services: Relocation assistance, Ranch, Wilshire Ranch, Settlers Services Offered: Abstracting, title insurance, real estate closings property management and a full-service Crossing, Silver Leaf, Springs at Settlers Insurance Underwriters: American marketing department. Heartland Homes Ridge Security Title Insurance Co., Common- Concentration: Metro OKC 405-840-0434 Concentration: Edmond, Oklahoma www.heartlandhomes.com City, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, wealth Land Title Insurance Co., Fidelity Piedmont, Yukon, El Reno, Noble National Title Insurance Co. Crossland Real Estate Subdivisions: Chisholm Crossing, The Gardens at Kelly Lakes, Falls at Vista 8901 S Santa Fe Ave, Ste. C, OKC Lane SWM & Sons Inc. Old Republic National Title Insurance 405-604-6800 Concentration: Edmond, Yukon, 14400 SE 29th St., Choctaw www.gocrossland.com Co. Choctaw and the Greater Oklahoma 405-733-1169 Services: Corporate relocation, 405-942-4848 City area. swmbuilders.com residential and commercial listing www.oldrepublictitle.com/oknational/ Subdivisions: Castle Gate, Deer Run, index.asp and selling services, buyer brokerage, Eastwood, Ashton Cove, Chandler Insurance Underwriters: property management, asset Home Creations Crossing, Forest Glen, Fox Hollow, Les Old Republic Title management, real estate owned 2240 N. Broadway, Moore Chateaux, Huntington, Mystic Ridge, Services Offered: Commercial and properties and foreclosures, new homes 405-692-2222 Quail Hollow, Stone Gate Crossing, residential real estate closing and sales, land and acreage www.homecreations.com Tuscany Ridge, Woodlands Concentration: Metropolitan OKC and Subdivisions: Sleepy Hollow, Concentration: Eastern Oklahoma escrow services, abstracting, title surrounding areas. Castleberry, Ironstone, Lone Oak East, County, Midwest City, Choctaw, Harrah, insurance Montague, The Grove, Turtlewood, Shawnee The Dillard Group Farmington, Bellatona, Eagle Cliff Stewart Title of Oklahoma Inc. 405-232-6764 405-366-7707 South, Crystal Hill Estates, Palermo Vintage Custom Homes LLC www.stewartokc.com www.dillardgroup.com Place, Deer Spring, Brookstone Villas, P.O. Box 7427, Moore 73153 Services Offered: Abstracting, title Services: Residential, commercial, Summerhill Meadows, The Sycamores, 405-912-5261 insurance, title reports, ownership lists, farms, ranches and relocation Castleberry Villas www.vintageokc.com residential and commercial closings assistance. Concentration: Edmond, Midwest Subdivisions: Riverview Estates, Insurance Underwriters: Stewart Title Co. Concentration: Metropolitan OKC, City, Newcastle, Norman, Piedmont, Kingsridge West Norman, Moore, Purcell, Lexington, Oklahoma City, Yukon Concentration: Moore, south OKC Blanchard, Noble, Newcastle APARTMENTS Ideal Homes MORTGAGE COMPANIES Keller Williams Realty 1320 N. Porter, Norman Avana Midwest www.kw.com 405-364-1152 BancFirst 777 N. Air Depot Blvd., Midwest City Services: Relocation assistance, www.ideal-homes.com 405-270-1086 888-960-6822 property management and a full-service Subdivisions: Northbrooke, The Reserve www.bancfirst.com marketing department. at Valencia, Valencia, Buffalo Grove at Types of loans: FHA/VA, conventional Boulevard at Lakeside Concentration: Metropolitan OKC Village Verde, Sundance, Featherstone, single family, commercial industrial, 11300 SE 15th St., Midwest City Native Plains, Green Leaf Trails, Little multifamily residential, in-bank 888-960-6822 The Planer Team, River Trails, Red Canyon Ranch, Trail residential, equity Woods, Castlewood Trails, Skyline Case & Associates Properties Re/Max Cobblestone Trails, Somers Pointe, Wildflower BOK Mortgage www.caseusa.com 2301 S. Douglas Blvd.., Midwest City Concentration: Edmond/Deer Creek, 405-879-8700 Case & Associates manages 19 405-202-7928 Piedmont, Choctaw, Moore, Norman, http://bok.mortgagewebcenter.com apartment complexes in the Oklahoma www.homes4uok.com Mustang/Yukon, Stillwater Types of loans: FHA/VA, conventional Sarah Planer, Broker, CRS single family City area, including Copperfield, Susan Planer Phillips, Realtor, CRS Woodscape, Prairie Springs I & II, Villas Theresa Canup Mashburn Faires Homes at Stonebridge I & II. 8510 S. Pennsylvania Ave., OKC First Mortgage Co. 405-793-8122 405-302-0009 www.firstmortgageco.com Cedar Hills Apartments HOMEBUILDERS www.mfhomes.com Types of loans: FHA/VA, conventional 4625 Tinker Diagonal, Del City Typical size: 1,800-3,200 single family (just off I-40 and SE 15th exit) Avalon Homes Subdivisions: Chapel Creek, Cherokee 405-672-0541 2514 Red Oak Dr., Choctaw Crossing, Covell Valley,, Mustang Ridge, Amenities: Courtyards, swimming 405-769-6500 | www. Riverview Estates, Sendera Lakes, TITLE COMPANIES pool, large walk-in closets, 24-hour avalonsignaturehomes.com Siena Ridge, Talavera, Thunder Canyon emergency maintenance, ceiling fans Concentration: Midwest City, Choctaw, Concentration: Southwest OKC, First American Title and mini-blinds, full-size washer/dryer Shawnee, Edmond and eastern northwest OKC, Mustang, Moore, 405-262-3093 hookups in all townhouses, on-site Oklahoma County Edmond, Newcastle www.firstam.com laundry facility, full equipped kitchens

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 39 OKHousing Woodside Village United Van Lines Bekins Relocation game room, storm shelter, pet-friendly, OG&E 8517 E. Reno Ave. Services Inc. laundry, fitness center General Customer Service: Midwest City 405-842-7492 Toll-free: (800) 272-9741 405-737-4828 Bekins Van Lines OKC locals: 405-272-9741 www.woodsidevillageapartments.com FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bill information, payment RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Furniture 4 Less arrangements, start/stop/transfer service MOVING COMPANIES 5825 W. Reno Ave., OKC (N. MacArthur Boulevard and W. Reno 2 Fellas & A Big Vehicle Moving Chateau on the Green Avenue, just off I-40) Pleasant Pools and Spas 1511 SE Fourth St., Moore 73160 Company 405-942-9111 www.pleasantpools.com 405-793-4200 405-799-9133, Moore 15500 S. Meridian Ave., OKC www.chateauonthegreen.com 405-751-3105, Edmond 405-814-1013 Gated entry to one- and two-bedroom OTHER SERVICES www.2fellasok.com 405-376-0033, Mustang cottages with home security systems, 405-624-8833, Stillwater emergency pull cords, private patios, Affordable In-ground concrete and vinyl pools A-1 Freeman Moving washer/dryers and more. Grounds as well as aboveground pools and spas. include a clubhouse with a library, Construction Co. & Storage 230 E. Tonhawa, Norman Service and repair available. Pool toys activity room, main office, wrap-around 405-751-7561 405-366-7113 and accessories. porch, all of which are continually www.a-1freeman.com www.affordableok.com accessible to residents. Prestige Property Management North American Van Lines Ace Decorative Rock & Stone Touchmark at Coffee Creek 1801 NE 135th St. Unit B, OKC Transfer and Storage Co. 305 Tinker Diagonal St., OKC 405-384-8353 2801 Shortgrass Rd. 405-672-4425 405-672-2564 [email protected] 405-340-1975 www.aceatlas.com www.rockingokc.com www.touchmarkedmond.com Various dining options, chapel, library, ServiceMaster Clean Atlas Van lines beauty and barber shop, private-use Metro Roofing P. O . Box 271353, OKC 73137 Armstrong Relocation Co. dining room, activities/wellness program, 8090 Glade Ave., OKC 405-947-1214 405-947-8001 scheduled transportation, housekeeping, 405-722-7900 Services: Water and mold restoration, www.armstrongrelocation.com entertainment, security, maintenance, www.metroroofing.com carpet and air duct cleaning.

FACT: Social and emotional intelligence may be the most important determinant of a child’s future success.

For all there is to see and do in and around Edmond, go to VisitEdmondOK.com

Here for the Day? Sip. Shop. Eat. Play! BALANCED LEARNING® WAY:

Being school-ready is just the beginning. Downtown Edmond is a great place to spend your free time! CALL FOR A TOUR! • 30+ local shops • Beer craft house Infants – Private Pre-K and After School • Trendy restaurants • Art galleries, & coffee shops sculptures, murals Primrose School of Southwest Oklahoma City 1520 SW 119th | Oklahoma City, OK 73170 • Gaming venue • Year-round events 405.793.6000 | PrimroseSWOklahomaCity.com Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail. DowntownEdmondOK.com c d f

40 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKShopping Retail traffic on rise along I-35 in Edmond

of population that lives east of I-35,” Yowell said. “Our Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center will also generate a lot of new businesses north of the area, and the opening of Show Biz Cinema is set for later this year on the northwest corner of Covell. It’s a theater, bowling alley, arcade, restaurant and bar, so we’ll see a lot of interest around that when it opens.” The Interstate 35 corridor south of Second Street is also a hot spot for medi- cal services with both Integris and Mercy Health Systems opening new facilities and undergoing expansions. Medical offices dot the available land in between. “We’re now looking at the space we have left. I think we are going to have Businesses in the retail development along Interstate 35 between Second and 15th streets in Edmond. to have a big jump to the north to the Nearly a decade ago, travelers and It’s incredible how loyal people are to space available there,” Yowell said. “It’s residents along Interstate 35 between their favorite restaurants.” definitely a growing area for retail.” Second and 15th streets in Edmond In addition to restaurants, the area Overall, Edmond is booming with boasted only a Braum’s and a Shell gas also has retail like Great Clips, Venus new retail and commercial development. station. Today, retail choices and medical Nail Spa and Summit Nutrition. Because In 2017, Yowell said the city added choices line the busy interstate. of the growth in the area, Edmond is now 620,000 square feet of new commercial “That area really started developing looking north for future expansion. valued a $109 million. Of that, the retail about 10 years ago when the Walmart “We have a growing percentage space totaled 106,000 square feet. came in,” said Janet Yowell, execu- tive director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority. “That property eventually sold to Jim Tapp of Tapp De- velopment, and he put in the Sam’s Club and began developing those outparcels and strip spaces in back.” Since then, the area now includes numerous restaurants like Whataburger, Taco Bell, Subway and Chick-Fil-A, but also eateries like Foo Chow Bistro and Buffalo Wild Wings. “Anytime you put a Chick-Fil-A in, people are going to flock to it,” said Yowell. “But, we started to see a lot of increased traffic with the Whataburger.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 41 Shopping

OK 400,000-square-foot retail development SHOPPING DISTRICTS includes stores such as T.J. Maxx and Ulta. Bethany Development Authority 405-789-5005 Location: Bethany on the west side Stockyards City of the OKC metro on Northwest 39th www.stockyardscity.org Street or State Hwy. 66. Location: Agnew Exit, South of I-40 to Visit downtown Bethany for its Exchange Avenue. charming shops, including many antiques The place for Western apparel. Wander stores, home decor, restaurants, Native from Western store to Western store in American gifts, salons and much more! search of those perfect boots, a great blouse, shirt, or that special Western accent. Perhaps you’d like a one-of-a- Guthrie kind cowboy hat – check out Shorty’s. Location: North of Oklahoma City off Even your horses can get a special gift I-35. from Stockyards City in the tack stores. If the malls don’t do it for you, but you still like to shop, Guthrie allows you to make your way from one store to another Tulsa braving the outside elements. This little Down the Turner Turnpike, Tulsa offers historic town used to be the capital of a variety of shopping experiences. From Oklahoma and still puts a historic foot the historic Cherry Street and Brookside forward with numerous great antique Districts to our many boutiques in and shops, variety stores and one-of-a-kind around the downtown area, including the shops including an original drugstore and Deco and Brady Arts Districts. In south soda fountain. Tulsa, Woodland Hills Mall boasts of more than 165 stores, 80 of which are exclusive to Tulsa. Interstate 240 Utica Square, in midtown Tulsa, offers The shopping along Interstate 240, retail therapy in an elegant outdoor which bisects the city at SW 78th Street, setting with over 60 stores, featuring offers options ranging from high-end specialty boutiques and full-service retail giants to mom-and-pop shops with upscale department stores. one-of-a-kind options. In the past several years, the north side of Interstate 240 between Western MALLS and Pennsylvania avenues built up with the I-240 Penn Center, a shopping area Northpark Mall Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City, I-40 and Council Road. that includes such retailers as Ross, Old http://northparkokc.com Navy, Half-Price Books, GNC Nutrition, Location: Corner of NW 122nd Street decker surprise including a great food (between SE 15th Street and Reno Michael’s and Sally’s Beauty Supply, and N. May Avenue, in the northern part court where you can enjoy Sonic, Avenue) as well as other service shops like of Oklahoma City. Chick-fil-A, Chinese food and more. Enjoy Indoor flea market with more than salons and specialty retail. A block west, Offers B.C. Clark Jewelers, Geno’s your meal while sitting in any number of 125,000 square feet of shopping under between Pennsylvania and May Avenue Furs, Kokopelli, Women’s Health Boutique replica ‘50s cars, adding a little fun to one roof. Open every Saturday and the Walnut Creek Shopping Center is and others. And when you’ve exhausted your meal. And speaking of adding fun Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. home to craft giant Hobby Lobby. the shopping experience, you can enjoy to your meal, a gaming room with the On the south side of the interstate, dinner at Shogun Steak House of Japan. latest in computer games is on the same Sheplers more locally owned shops and franchises floor as the food court. You can also take Location: Exit I-40 on Meridian and are open to shoppers. From fabric stores in the latest movie at the AMC Quail 24 head south about one quarter of a mile. to office supply to spy-gear to a horse Theaters. www.simon.com/mall/penn-square-mall Known as one of the premier Western and tackle shop, the variety in south Location: Intersection of Northwest Oklahoma City is expanding. wear outfitters, you can find just what Expressway and Pennsylvania Avenue, Sooner Mall you’re looking for to wear to that country close to Interstate 44. www.soonermall.com dance, the rodeo, or just hanging out. The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City Enjoy Dillard’s, Macy’s and JCPenney Location: Main and Interstate 35, http://www. plus more than 100 other stores, all Norman. theoutletshoppesatoklahomacity.com/ waiting to help you find that perfect A wonderful shopping experience Super Cao Nguyen Location: Interstate 40 and Council Rd. something. Game rooms for the young offering Sears, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and 2668 N. Military Ave., OKC Retailers include The Gap, Guess, and young at heart and a great food Old Navy among a variety of other great 405-525-7650 Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia, Kenneth court provide entertainment and stores. Oklahoma’s international gourmet Cole, Kitchen Collection, Lucky Brand nourishment. Penn Square Mall even has market with products from over 50 and dozens more. a connected covered parking area for different countries. inclement weather. STORES Shawnee Tener’s Location: East of OKC off I-40. Quail Springs Mall Brigadoon Military Surplus Location: Just north on Meridian and Shawnee Mall, just off Interstate 40, www.quailspringsmall.com brigadoonarmysurplus.com around the corner on Reno. is home to Dillard’s, JCPenney, Ross, Jo- Location: Intersection of Memorial 1805 S. Sunnylane, Del City Another great Western shopping Ann’s Fabrics, Kohl’s as well as dozens of Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. 405-732-4444 experience. Check them out for boots, others stores. Just across the interstate Another monster mall with Dillard’s, skirts, belts, Wranglers, Rockies and a from the mall is the new Shawnee JCPenney and more than 130 other Old Paris Flea Market gazillion other items including some Marketplace. The first phase of this shops chock full of gifts. It’s a triple- 1111 S. Eastern Ave., OKC household decorative items!

42 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Sports/Recreation Lazy E Arena draws contestants from near and far Located northeast of Edmond in rural Guthrie, the Lazy E Arena is nestled inside 1,100 acres of rolling hills, lakes, trees and native wildlife. The Lazy E opened in December 1984 and is the original home of Bullnanza, which was the first event to put the best bulls against the best cowboys for a bull-riders-only event. That event evolved into the world-famous Profes- sional Bull Riders tour today. In addition, the Lazy E created the world-renowned Timed Event Championship and has produced and managed that event in Guthrie for more than three decades. “We routinely draw tens of thousands of spectators from around the world,” said Dan Wall, vice president and general manager. “Just two years ago, we created the new Junior Ironman competition for young riders to create each year in September. a pipeline for future Timed Event cowboys.” “That is an educational “We are very unique. We are a privately event that will attract be- owned venue that runs in cooperation with the tween 45,000 to 50,000 peo- largest breeding farm in the country for racing ple to the E over three days,” American quarter horses,” he said. he said. “In prior years, the Wall said Lazy E’s diversity is a huge ODWC would construct a strength. 4-foot-deep and 200-foot- The arena brings in thousands to witness long pond in the arena to the spectacles and competitions like The Lazy allow kids to kayak. Don’t E Red Dirt Team Roping Classic, International know of any other facility in Courtesy photos of Lazy E Arena Miniature Bullriders Association World Finals, the world that can offer that experience.” Rising Stars Calf Roping and Ultimate Calf The Lazy E also is home to events like Roping, United States Team Roping Champi- the Vintage CountrE Market antique and junk onships, Guthrie Shoot Outs and more. show and the Midwest Cheer and Dance Cow- Two years ago, Lazy E hosted its first boy Christmas Classic Championships. Fans of National Little Britches Rodeo Association Na- the arena can also rent out the Roper’s Cantina, tional Finals. More than 1,200 unique contes- a newly remodeled center that can handle 275 tants, approximately 1,900 horses and a total guests. of 7,000 people traveled to Oklahoma for the nine-day event. “When first built, the Lazy E Arena stood “An event of that magnitude will generate alone in the industry as a unique wonder of roughly $33 million in economic impact,” Wall the equine and rodeo world. As times have said. “That’s huge for the Edmond/Guthrie changed, ownership and management have area and for the entire state.” evolved to continue to add the amenities neces- In addition to rodeo and equestrian events, sary to provide that unique, park-like, fami- the Lazy E also hosts the Oklahoma Depart- ly-friendly atmosphere,” Wall said. “We are ment of Wildlife Conservation Outdoor Expo getting bigger and better every day.”

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 43 OKSports/Recreation SPORTING ATTRACTIONS

Amateur Softball Association National Softball Hall of Fame & Museum 2801 NE 50th St., OKC 405-424-5266 www.asasoftball.com (click on National Softball Hall of Fame) Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 4 p.m. (The Hall of Fame is closed on weekends, Sept.-April) Admission costs: None Traces the history of softball from its beginning to the present. Colorful displays honor the more than 360 members.

Chesapeake Energy Arena 100 W. Reno Ave., OKC 405-602-8700 www.chesapeakearena.com Home to the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), the Chesapeake Energy Arena also plays host to major concerts, family events, ice shows, sporting Boater on Lake Thunderbird. Photo by Brent Fuchs events and the latest in show-stopping entertainment. Oklahoma City Energy FC STATE PARKS, Area has been a refuge for outdoor 615 N. Hudson Ave., Ste. 100, OKC traditions for over a century. Visitors to MISC. SPORTING Chickasaw get two parks in one – the 405-235-KICK Lazy E Arena Platt Historic District and the Lake of 9600 Lazy E Dr., Guthrie www.energyfc.com FACILITIES the Arbuckles. This area offers a variety From I-35, 30 miles north of Oklahoma The Energy is a United Soccer League of activities all year. Its mineral waters, City, exit 151. team. Arctic Edge Ice Arena streams and lakes cater to boaters, 405-282-RIDE 14613 N. Kelly, Edmond swimmers and fishermen, while its forests www.lazye.com 405-748-5454 and prairies reward hikers, equestrians, Hours: Open for tours from 8 a.m. to 5 Oklahoma City Thunder arctic-edge.com wildlife photographers, fall foliage viewers p.m. or special events 211 N. Robinson Ave., State-of-the-art facility including and campers. The Lazy E Arena is located minutes Ste. 300 South, OKC an incredible sound system and a north of Oklahoma City on the beautiful 405-208-4800 big-screen projector. It is equipped with 960-acre Lazy E Ranch, one of the most Celebration Station bleacher-style seating under radiant heat 509 Westline Dr., OKC progressive horse breeding and sales www.thunder.nba.com with a capacity of 450. Call to find out 405-942-7888 prep facilities in the nation. Hours: Check www.thunder.nba.com for about figure skating programs, hockey, www.celebrationstation.com Built in 1984, the arena is the largest specific times learn-to-skate classes, and birthday Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; indoor rodeo arena in the country. The Admission costs: Admission fees starting parties. Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. arena floor measures 160 by 440 feet at $10 Celebration Station’s game room with seating for 7,400 people where you The home court of Oklahoma City features more than 100 video and can watch 25 different championship Blazers Ice Center Thunder, the state’s only NBA basketball redemption games. Our game selection events annually such as the National 8000 S. Interstate 35, OKC team, is at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 405-631-3307 offers something for everyone, including Roping Championships and Bullnanza. air hockey, pool tables, driving games, There’s a whole lot of real cowboy in downtown OKC. www.blazers-icecentre.com Home of the OU men’s ice hockey alley rollers, interactive games, prize fun going on at the Lazy E Arena. It’s cranes and more. Batting cages, bumper completely climate-controlled and offers teams, the facility is equipped with Remington Park bleacher-style seating with a capacity boats, go-karts and miniature golf are an opportunity to see rodeo in a modern, also part of the fun! first-class facility. One Remington Pl., OKC of 300, along with aluminum bleachers 405-424-1000 to seat an additional 450 more. Call to www.remingtonpark.com find out about figure skating programs, HeyDay Family Fun Center Oklahoma City Dodgers hockey, learn-to-skate classes, and 3201 Market Place, Norman Hours: Doors open 10:30 a.m. daily 2 S. Mickey Mantle Dr., OKC birthday parties. 405-310-3500 405-218-1000 Admission costs: Free 200 S. Oklahoma Ave., Ste. HD www.milb.com This state-of-the-art racetrack Chickasaw National www.heydayfamilyfun.com Hours: Season runs April-Sept., dates and features world-class racing including Hours: Sun., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Mon.- times vary - most start times are 4:05 the Oklahoma Derby in October and the Recreation Area Thurs, 10 a.m. to midnight; Fri.-Sat., 10 and 7:05 p.m. www.nps.gov/chic a.m. to 2 a.m.. Remington Park Futurity, the Breeders’ Admission costs: $7-$22 South of Sulphur This family fun center offers laser tag, The Oklahoma City Dodgers are Cup World Thoroughbred Championship 580-622-7234 mini-golf and arcade entertainment whether the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles and many more. Quarter horse racing As Oklahoma’s oldest national park it’s for a day outing, your child’s birthday Dodgers. season runs March through May. area, the Chickasaw National Recreation party or a team-building exercise for work.

44 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OK Sports/Recreation Lake Hefner Oklahoma City Skate, bicycle, jog, sail, sailboard, picnic or just take a walk. You can even fly a kite in a special area just for you. The road all the way around the lake is strictly for sports enthusiasts of one type or another. The only thing you can’t do at Lake Hefner is swim – no swimming allowed, but the sunsets over the water are well worth the drive!

Tenkiller State Park 918-489-5643, (800) 654-8240 Swimming, scuba dive park, volleyball, basketball courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, paved hiking trail, amphitheater, playgrounds, kid’s fishing pond, a lake full of fish, cabins, RV and tent campsites, Pine Cove Marina offering fuel, gifts, sportswear, snacks, repairs, boat slip rentals and a lot more. This park is an outdoor recreation wonderland with magnificent limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and abundant water sports.

Little Sahara State Park Waynoka People sailing on Lake Hefner. Photo by Brent Fuchs 580-824-1471 Public or private course: Private Little Sahara State Park boasts over Lake Stanley Draper GOLF COURSES Off-roading of all kinds, equestrian Course characteristics/Amenities: 1,600 acres of sand with heights ranging trails, hiking trails; A great place to fish, Jimmie Austin University of Traditional design, prestigious history, from 25 to 75 feet, RV and tent camping boat, jet ski, water ski, bird-watch, and narrow tree-lined fairways/Private country plus a day-use area; dune buggies, jeeps, it even has a radio-controlled aircraft Oklahoma Golf Course club amenities, locker room, pool, four-wheelers and motorcycles. flying field! Norman restaurant. 405-325-6716 Lake Murray Resort Lake Thunderbird www.ougolfcourse.com Tinker Air Force Base Golf Course Norman Slope/Par: 142 and a par of 72 Park Ardmore Public or private course: Public 6441 Arnold St., Bldg. 6601, Tinker A.F.B. 580-223-4044 This is a 95-percent single track that 405-734-2909 climbs about 1,250 feet. There is also Course characteristics/Amenities: ATV riders, jeeps and four-wheelers; Tinkerliving.com/golf a campground, picnic area, restrooms, Championship tees, boasting 18 holes new comfort stations with restrooms of scenic splendor and a challenging Slope/Par: 121 and a par of 72 boating, fishing, swimming and a great Public or private course: Public and warm-water pay showers, primitive test for golfers of all skill levels. Set on restaurant on the lake. Course characteristics/Amenities: Practice tent camping plus the larger amenities the eastern edge of the OU campus and putting and chipping green, pitching at Lake Murray Resort Park – 52-room located 4 miles east of I-35; the course Oklahoma River Trails underwent a redesign in 1996. green and sand traps, driving range, lodge with a full-service restaurant, 81 13 miles of paved surface for hiking, clubhouse, golf shop, grill park cabins, 468 RV and tent campsites rollerblading, bicycling; trails on both in nine camping areas, swimming, riding sides of the North Canadian River with Oak Tree National 1515 W. Oak Tree Dr., Edmond stables, swimming pool, the lake, fishing, river crossings and a playground. SPORTING GOODS 405-340-1010 and an 18-hole golf course, tennis Slope/Par: 155 with a par of 71 Academy Sports + Outdoors courts, hiking trails. Martin Park Nature Center Public or private course: Private Oklahoma City 7700 S. Walker Ave. (at I-240), OKC Course characteristics/Amenities: Tree- 405-755-0676 405-440-6660 lined fairways, slightly rolling hills, many Lake Overholser Trail www.okc.gov/departments/parks- creeks and ponds, undulating/practice Oklahoma City recreation/martin-park-nature-center facility (bunkers, two putting clocks, one Dick’s Sporting Goods www.okc.gov/departments/parks- Hours: April 1 to Sept. 30 - 5 a.m. to 9 chipping green, driving range), restaurant, Town Center Plaza recreation/trails p.m. daily; Oct. 1 to March 31 - 5 a.m. to 7095 SE 29th St., Midwest City 6 p.m. daily; Check website for hours of workout facility 2.5 miles of paved surface for hiking, 405-732-0820 visitor center. rollerblading, bicycling; picnic area This recreational area and wildlife Twin Hills Golf & Country Club and playground after you’ve enjoyed sanctuary is open year-round with 3.5 3401 NE 36th St., OKC Red Coyote Running & Fitness the scenic route along the tree-shaded miles in hiking and walking trails that 405-427-3947 www.redcoyoterunning.com shores of Oklahoma City’s oldest curl through woods and grasslands. One www.twin-hills.com 5720 N. Classen Blvd., OKC reservoir. graveled trail is wheelchair-accessible. Slope/Par: 132 and a par of 73 405-840-0033

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 45 OKTransportation Travelers face new screening procedures at airports

Airport. “In the past, passengers knew to take their laptop out, but they kept their e-readers and tablets in the carry-on. Now, they will have to remove those items, too. It’s not a dramatic change, but you should be aware of it.” Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck are not subject to the new rules, although all passengers may be subject to addi- tional screening at any time. The new screenings became official in January, said TSA Regional Public Affairs Manager Carrie Harmon. “These new procedures allow TSA to stay ahead of evolving threats,” she said. “TSA started rolling out new screening procedures for electronics larger than a cellphone last summer, and fully im- plemented the new rules for passengers in standard lanes at OKC and Tulsa in February.” Carney warned that passengers who are unfamiliar with the new screening process could face delays if they are not prepared to put items like electric Travelers go through TSA screenings at Travelers flying out of Oklahoma toothbrushes or tablets in a separate bin. Will Rogers World Airport. Photo by Brent Fuchs City’s Will Rogers World Airport and While not required, the TSA also strong- the Tulsa International Airport may be ly recommends removing food from used to taking out their laptop computers the carry-on luggage as well, allowing during TSA screenings, but now they officers to have a clearer view of the will have to take out their tablets, hair contents in the bag. As always, firearms dryers, cameras and e-readers as well. and weapons are not allowed through the A new change to TSA screening checkpoint; firearms can only be placed went into effect this year, and travelers in checked luggage. are now required to remove personal “The bad guys are figuring out a lot electronic items bigger than a cellphone of different ways to disguise bad stuff in from their carry-on luggage. The stron- electronics, and by helping the TSA offi- ger screening procedures are designed to cers by having those items out makes the make detection of tampered electronics screening process easier for everyone,” easier for TSA screeners. Carney said. “This new screening was phased Passengers traveling through Okla- in by the TSA over the past couple of homa airports should be prepared to months, but it went into full effect in remove not only electronics from their the first quarter,” said Karen Carney, bags, but their clear baggies of liquids spokesperson for Will Rogers World and creams, shoes and jackets as well.

46 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 OKTransportation AIR

Clarence E. Page Airport 405-789-4061 Clarence E. Page Airport serves Oklahoma City and Canadian County and is owned by the city of Oklahoma City. The airport located about 15 miles from Oklahoma City might be little, but it’s mighty. Its longest runway is paved and extends 6,014 feet.

Will Rogers World Airport 405-680-3200 www.flyokc.com Will Rogers World Airport services flights by American, Frontier, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, United and some smaller hoppers that take you to places like Las Vegas. If you’d rather not hassle with the on- airport parking, several shuttle services are just down the road on Meridian Avenue offering covered and uncovered parking with security.

Wiley Post Airport 405-680-3256 Hudiburg Auto Group Discount Tire www.wileypostairport.com MAIN ROADWAYS 6000 Tinker Diagonal, Midwest City 5500 Main St., Del City Wiley Post is a little reliever airport If you’re heading north or south, Interstate (800) 917-6007 405-200-0281 for Will Rogers, serving business and 35 is the road for you. If you’re heading www.discounttire.com corporate air travelers. Its longest runway www.hudiburg.com east or west, then you’ll want Interstate is paved and extends 7,199 feet. 40 or in some cases you’ll want to use Hibdon Tires Plus Interstate 44, which heads off southwest Reynolds Auto Group 5720 Tinker Diagonal, MWC RAIL and northeast, but don’t get confused. http://reynoldsautos.com 405-622-3176 There are highways, byways and even www.tiresplus.com Heartland Flyer faster-moving turnpikes that’ll ease your RECREATIONAL VEHICLES www.amtrak.com travel to wherever you’re heading. With Oklahoma Turnpike The Heartland Flyer flies down the more than 24,000 miles of modern, Authority Floyd’s Recreational Vehicles 1-800-PIKEPASS tracks offering you convenient, affordable, multilane roadways, your trip is bound to 912 N. Adkins Hill Rd., Norman www.pikepass.com daily service between Oklahoma City and be speedy or relaxing – just the way you Your life just got easier! Pikepass Fort Worth, Texas. There are stops along the (Three miles south of Norman on want it. is the electronic toll collection system way and connections available to Dallas, I-35, Goldsby Exit) 800-464-6755 developed and implemented by the Chicago and San Antonio via the Texas AUTO DEALERS Oklahoma Turnpike System. It provides Eagle and even to Los Angeles via the www.floydsrvs.com totally automated, free-flow travel on all Sunset Limited. Automax Hyundai Oklahoma turnpikes at highway speeds. The Flyer serves Oklahoma City, I-40 and Sunnylane, Del City Jones Offroad No more stopping at the tollbooths. Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, (888) 974-8848 12555 E. Britton Rd., Keeping track of your business just got Gainesville and Fort Worth daily. On board www.automaxhyundai.net Jones OK 73049 easier! Monthly itemized statements make you can get sandwiches, snacks and record keeping easy. If traveling Oklahoma 405-399-9005 drinks in the Café Car. Bicycle racks are Bob Howard Auto Group for business or pleasure, make it a safe, also available for those who want to do a www.jonesoffroad.com comfortable and convenient trip! www.bobhoward.com little cycling at their destination. SERVICES Tinker Tag Agency BUS Bob Moore Auto Group 2839 S. Douglas Blvd., www.bobmoore.com AAA Oklahoma Ste 112, OKC 405-732-2200 Embark 101 N. Douglas Blvd. www.tinkertag.com 405-297-2484 David Stanley Auto Group North of Reno in Midwest City 7609 SE 29th, Midwest City Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to www.gometro.org 405-670-1474 5:30 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m. to noon 877-853-3755 Offers fixed and commuter routes as www.AAA.com/TakeTheWheel well as demand response services in the http://www.davidstanleydodge.com VIP Limo central Oklahoma City area. More than 4 NE 10th St., Ste. 404, OKC 30 years of transport service ensures Fenton Nissan East Collision Works (800) 438-3336 | www.viplimo.net Metro Transit stands on safely taking 5108 SE 15th St., Del City 3224 SE 29th St., Del City Limo renting operation with more folks from point A to point B with no 405-600-7900 www.collisionworksokc.com than 36 vehicles and offices in Tulsa, hassle. http://www.fentonnissaneast.com 405-670-2500 Oklahoma City and Norman.

2018 • Living in Oklahoma • 47 OKMap

OKService Directory

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Contact your account executive at 405-278-2830 for information 14400 SE 29th St. on upcoming service directory opportunities . Choctaw, OK 73020 (405) 733-1169 • www.swmbuilders.com

48 • Living in Oklahoma • 2018 We can help you reach your target audience in person, in print, or online.

Vol. 75, No. 26

Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. AFSC/CC Message INSIDE Happy IndependenceFriday, Day June 30, 2017 Lee K. Levy II Lieutenant General, USAF Commander as free. While the Declaration of Independence AFSC Airmen, always retains special meaning for Americans, Two-hundred and forty-one years ago on its legacy extends even beyond our country this 4th of July, our Founding Fathers officially with its universal principles of democracy and declared independence from Great Britain, freedom. It has been a constant beacon for all NATO and U.S. proclaiming that all of us are created equal, who yearn for the natural blessings of liberty. work together endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Freedom is certainly worth celebrating. In Washington D.C. the day is marked with in BALTOPS rights including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration readings of the Declaration of Independence, a 2017 included a list of grievances of actions carried National Parade, fireworks, and a concert at the Page 6-7 out by Great Britain that suppressed these Capitol Mall along with other local traditions rights they believed inherent to our existence. and activities. For many of us, it will mean With their resolve at signing the Declaration of family, friends, and fireworks, with hot dogs, Independence, colonies became states, colonists hamburgers, and apple pie. 38th CEIG became Americans and all were acknowledged Approaching another Independence Day welcomes Schug as new See Independence page 10 commander Hill AFB hosts Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II Page 8 AFSC CLP conference Malec assumes Darren D. Heusel command of 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs DLA Aviation Participants in the Air Force Sustainment OKC Center’s Community Liaison Program Page 8 broadened their view of the command last week when they visited Hill Air Force Base and the Ogden Air Logistics Complex for Members of the Air Force Sustainment Center Community Liaison Program pose for a photograph June 20 outside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at Hill Air Force Base,Air Force Utah, photo as part by Darren of their D. annual Heusel their annual conference. conference. Pictured are: left to right, Brian Garrett, Kevin Ireland, Rob Brooks, Angie Osguthorpe, Judy Your Drinking Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II’s CLP members Hatfield, Robin Roberts-Krieger, Lisa Fruge, Marian Fraley, Mike Kloiber and Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Water is Safe! visited the base June 19-20 to learn about AFSC commander. how Hill AFB contributes to the overall Page 9 AFSC mission of providing combat power for “We could not do what we do without the America. support of our community partners,” Levy said. “The AFSC CLP members are the cream The Air Force Sustainment Center of the crop.” Community Liaison Program is the AFSC

See AFSC CLP page 11. AFSC CLP page 11.

Visit us online at 72nd Mission Support Group www.tinker.af.mil welcomes new commander Jillian Coleman Staff Writer him to anticipate challenges before their arrival. Col. Mark Vitantonio took the “For this specific location and Like us on Facebook helm of the 72nd Mission Support time,” Bell said, “you were the right www.facebook.com/ Group, as outgoing commander man at the right time. You have led tinkerairforcebase Col. Michael Green relinquished well and earned the right to pass duties in a formal ceremony at the this flag on, as we welcome another Tinker Club June 14. 72nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. KenyonAir ForceBell presided photo by Kellyover Whitethe 72nd great Airman.” Mission Support Group change of command ceremony June 14, in which Presiding over the ceremony was Noting some of his most Col. Mark Vitantonio assumed command from outgoing commander Col. 72nd Air Base Wing commander Michael Green. 72nd MSG Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Erne prominent accomplishments during served as guidon bearer. Col. Vitantonio will lead nearly 1,500 military, Col. Kenyon Bell. Green, with a his two-year tour with the 72nd civilian and contract personnel who provide customer service and sup- strong security forces background, Follow us on Twitter MSG, Colonel Bell spoke to the port including base security and law enforcement, logistics, supply, trans- demonstrated multifaceted abilities magnitude of Green’s involvement @Team_Tinker portation, readiness planning, education and training, family support and that contributed to success in professional military education for 82,500 family members and retirees. as a mentor with the Company leading the MSG. Most present wasGrade Officers. In the last two his ability to see problems beyond years, the CGOC has seen an the force protection lens allowing See Mission page 10. Mission page 10.

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