Entertainment

ioniookn.OcKom .com DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Steve and Jackie Green

Museum of the Bible Washington D.C .’s Newest Museum Oklahoma City’s Bachelors Club Ball — Vacation Day Oklahoma a 72 Year Tradition Travel Stops on Adventure Road Downtown OKC Young Entreprenuers Restore OKC Properties Opening Night 2018 Modern Touch by Omega and New Year’s Eve Events La Bella Event Center Li festyle … Culture … Entertainment

publisher : Don Swift assistant : Joni Yeager editor : Tim Farley editiorial assistant : Darian Woolbright videographer : Jeremy Gossett director of photography : Michael Downes web site developer : Patrick Moore with Set Sail Media web site developer : Nina Jones, Data Design Inc. illustration : Rosemary Burke graphic design : Wendy Mills

Advertising Sales

Tina Layman

Photographers

Jeremy Gossett Hugh Scott, Jr. Tracy Reece Jerry Hymer

Advertising Consultants

Peter Preksto

Contributors

fashion : Linda Miller art : Joy Reed Belt people : Peggy Gandy social issues : Robbie Robertson community : Lauren Wright contributing writer : Sandi Davis contributing writer : Greg Horton contributing writer : M.A. Smith contributing writer : M. J. Van Deventer contributing writer : Julie York

12 Contents

COVER STORY 12 Museum of the Bible by Don Swift

EVENTS 26 Cowboy Christmas Ball features Michael Martin Murphy by M. J. Van Deventer

74 The Bachelors Club 72 Year Tradition 63 Downtown OKC: Opening Night 2018

TRAVEL 20 Chickasaw Travel Stops: National Plan for Vacation Day by Linda Miller ART 24 National Cowboy & Western Heritage 68 Travel Adventures: a night in lock-up at DFW Museum Holiday Event by M. J. Van Deventer by M. J. Van Deventer MUSIC 28 28 Riders in the Sky Concert comes to OCCC by Bud Elder

FASHION 31 Holiday Sweaters by Linda Miller

8 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 43 SPORTS 38 OKC Thunder 2017-2018 Basketball Schedule 40 Thunder Commentary by A. Suave Francisco

44 Butting Heads: OU football by Addam Fransisco

MOVIE REVIEWS 46 New Movie Releases: Silver Screen at its finest by Sandi Davis 68 54 PEOPLE 54 Modern Touch by Omega Investments by Tim Farley

60 One of a KindYukon man flew top secret missions for Patton during WWI by Tim Farley

LEADERSHIP 34 Stephanie Cameron: Leading and the spirit of mentoring by Garland McWatters

70 Next Gen Leadership Ambassadors

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 9 Publisher’s Note

Welcome to the world of ion Oklahoma Online Magazine- we are all about people, places, events and travel. December is a favorite month of the year for many Oklahomans as the people living in our cities and towns across the state take time out to be thankful and celebrate the Christmas holiday season. As we all know Oklahoma has really struggled in 2017 with the slowdown of the energy sector in our economy and resulting budget shortfall. Many other states have been confronted with these same types of budget problems, but with strong leadership in their state governments found successful solutions. Oklahoma legislators need to step up and ﬁnd those budget solutions for Oklahoma and during the end of year special sessions. Oklahoma is a state that offers an affordable quality lifestyle and many opportunities for entrepreneurial young people. Increasing education funding in Oklahoma needs to be a priority in 2018. Oklahoma’s economy needs to become more diversiﬁed by attracting other industries. I would like to congratulate Oklahoma City and Tulsa for being recognized nationally again in 2017 and among two of the top cities in the nation for small business startups. “Like” us on facebook As another fall football season is ending in Oklahoma, there are many school, college, facebook.com/pages/ and university teams and talented players who have won championships. IonOklahoma-Online Are you one of those who get much of their daily information from the Internet and on your computer or smart phone? Ion Oklahoma Online www.ionok.com can be easily saved as one of your favorite news-entertainment websites. If you enjoy reading about many of Oklahoma’s success stories involving the progress Oklahoma and its people are making then you will want to bookmark ion Oklahoma. follow us on twitter @IonOklahoma Let us hear from you regarding any feature stories about Oklahoma you would like for our editors to review as we are always looking for the special stories to share with our ion subscribers.

Sincerely, Don Swift Publisher, ion Oklahoma Magazine

10 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Oklahoma City Community College Cultural Programs presents THE ILLUSIONISTS PRESENT THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT

Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 PM Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater 7777 South May Avenue Looking for the best holiday gift? Bring the Magic of the Holiday Season into the New Year with tickets to see Broadway magician Adam Trent performing at OCCC on February 13!

Tickets: $40 - $45 tickets.occc.edu • Box Office 682-7579 • www.occc.edu/pas

“ADAM TRENT IS BEST DESCRIBED AS Presenting sponsor: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE MEETS DAVID Download the New VPAC at COPPERFIELD” OCCC Mobile App – G P 4 T M a g a z i n e Now! “SO AMAZING, IT’S HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS. YOUR EYES WILL DECEIVE YOU, YOUR HEARTBEAT WILL RACE, AND YOUR MIND WILL BE BLOWN” – N Y T h e a t r e G u i d e COVER WASHINGTON D.C.’s NEWEST MUSEUM Museum of the Bible

BY DON SWIFT AND YVONNE HENSLEY

useums educate and inspire, nourish minds and spirits, M enrich lives and create healthy communities. And museums also return substantial economic value to their communities,” said American Alliance of Museums President and CEO Laura Lott.

Steve Green, founder and chairman of the board for the Museum of the Bible, understood exactly what Laura Lott meant by her statement. There is a value and economic impact museums and their attractions can bring to cities and communities across the nation. On May 16, 2011 Steve and Jackie Green, fol- lowed their passion and opened “Passages,” a traveling exhibit of rare historical biblical texts and artifacts — privately owned by them — at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art as the first stop of this traveling exhibit to other cities across the nation.

Steve and Jackie Green, founders of the Museum of the Bible

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 13 Entry way into the Museum of the Bible The lobby area

The glass gallery stairs

FOR STEVE AND JACKIE GREEN the “Passages” exhibit was only the beginning. It’s interesting when one looks at the definition of passage — the act or process of moving through, under, over, or past something on the way from one place to another — it is obvious what the Greens had in mind. They learned more about museums and found there were a total of 33,000 museums in America. They learned more than 850 million visits to american museums are reported per year — more than attendees of all major sporting events and theme parks combined. THEY found American Museums directly contribute more than $21 billion to the national economy. THEY discovered that 400,000 people were directly employed by American Museums And lastly THEY found American Museums invest more than $2 billion a year in education. After a review of these museum facts the vision and journey became more clearclearer to Steve and Jackie A top quality architect, general contractor, exhibit Green, a museum was on the horizon. designers, technology consultant, PR firm, ad agency, The decision was made to build the world’s largest financial consultant, lead content consultants and museum dedicated to the Bible. But where would be scholars. In addition, a museum director and staff were the best location passage? carefully selected to build this “world class” facility After extensive research, Washington, D.C. was capable of delivering a “world class” experience. selected. On November 17, 2017 The “Museum of the Bible” Next the founders were challenged with recruiting a celebrated its Grand opening. team of talented professionals: The collection of writings that we know as the Bible,

14 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 The Biblical Garden The world stage auditorium. or the Holy Scriptures, was Preservation Review Board. and elevator shafts. recorded over a period of more than (The Terminal Refrigerating and In February 2015 the major 1,600 years. (Watchtower) Warehousing Co. building was also construction began with the start of Steve and Jackie Green along with designated as a historical landmark demolition on 1980s-era addition to the board of directors are to be by D.C.’s Historic Preservation the historical former refrigeration commended for their leadership and Review Board) warehouse that becomes the vision in making this museum a In December 2014 crews began museum. reality in only a very few years. the interior demolition process, In August 2015 the museum of The timeline for the museum was creating a blank slate for new the Bible announces long-term SIMPLY AMAZING. exhibit build-out and working to alliance with Israel Antiquities WHY would I say this? lower the ground floor to Authority to fill gallery space in accommodate basement levels museum. THE TIMELINE In 2011 museum of the Bible made its public debut to a gathering of business, government, academic and religious leaders at the Vatican Embassy in Washington. In 2012 the Washington Design Center was purchased for $50 million as the site for forthcoming Bible museum. During the summer of 2014 the museum architectural concept submission was approved by the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, the local D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission and the D.C. Historic

MOTB theater

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 15 The Bible in America The Biblical garden

MOTB digital guide WORLD CLASS MUSEUM FACILITIES & FACTS • Museum total square footage: 430,000 Central main exhibit floors: 3 (History, Narrative, and Impact of the Bible) • Time it takes to read every placard, see every artifact and experience every activity in the museum: 9 days at 8 hours per day • There is a Biblical garden on the rooftop of the museum • There is a museum gathering roomballroom with dinner seating for 420 and lecture-style seating for 630 On November 17, 2017 the museum of the Bible • There is a museum performing arts hall that has seating officially opened and invite all people to engage with for 472 the Bible through their interactive museum exhibits • Construction and property costs: More than $500 million that are dedicated to the history, narrative and impact of the Bible. The museum is located at 400 4th St. SW, Washington IN PSALM 78:3-4 (ESV) it states “3 things that we DC, and only three blocks from the U.S. Capitol. have heard and known, that our fathers have told There is no fee to visit the museum but visitors can us.4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell make a $15 donation if they wish. to the coming generation the glorious deeds of There is an annual membership program for people to the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has join who wish to receive museum updates and a done.” calendar of events. Steve and Jackie Green understood this and wanted There are approximately 200 full-time people to share their passion of the Bible with the generations. employed by the museum and another 200 volunteers This museum will provides so much more than just offer their time to greet and tour visitors at the knowledge. museum. It will beginIt is the connection of our past to our future. Just as Job stated “ 9 For we are but of yesterday and

16 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Top, the Hebrew Bible exhibit

Right, the world of Jesus of Nazareth know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow. 10 Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?” Job 9-10. And that is the question Steve and Jackie Green are giving our country and the world. TheyMuseum of the Bible is are sharing theiris extensive collection Museum Collections for all to experiencesee— to see and understand for us today and for the shadows of the future. Our nation was founded on the belief of the Bible. We can see this through our past presidents’, politicians’ and President of the United States, Isaac Newton, English mathema- scientists’ words: 1858-1919: “A thorough tician and scientist, 1642-1727: President Ronald Reagan, 40th understanding of the Bible is better “We account the scriptures of God President of the United States: “Of than a college education.” to be the most sublime philosophy. I the many influences that have Horace Greeley, Editor and find more sure marks of authenticity shaped the United States into a Politician: “It is impossible to in the Bible than in any profane distinctive nation and people, none enslave mentally or socially a Bible- history whatsoever.” may be said to be more fundamental reading people. The principles of Our nation supports the acquisition and enduring than the Bible.” the Bible are the groundwork of of knowledge, creativity, and Theodore Roosevelt, 26th human freedom.” individualism. Through the

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 17 Crossing the Jordan display

MOTB ballroom

The blue walkway The Museum of the Bible at night

18 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Two perspectives of the stairwell.

museum of the Bible participants may search out answers and interpret their knowledge. They can be inspired. This museum will shares knowledge and encourages critical thinking; the museum of the Bible hopes to engage all people with the Bible. A visitor of the museum can view The Book of And what child would not be thrilled to view the Revelation which has been probably the most debated reconstruction of the ancient place that was the book in the Bible. A visitor of the museum can view showdown between David and Goliath in the exhibit one of the rarest artifacts. “In the Valley of David and Goliath.” The 1524 Luther New Testament artifact, 1524 is an The Bible records the works of God in history. This extraordinarily rare and fabulously illustrated, painted can be done by comparing what the Scripture says to and gilded early edition of Martin Luther’s famous the known facts of history. We can learn about the September Testament. ancient world and get a picture of the culture. By The woodcuts series that accompany the Book of understanding this culture, we can get a better Revelation provide a vivid and literal perspective on understanding of the Bible and its meaning. This is the meaning of the text. The lavish copy was doubtless essential in confirming the truth of the Bible. Thus, the commissioned by a member of the nobility close to museum of the Bible enhances the experience of the Luther. participant. Another exhibit that could be inspirational is a FOR MORE INFORMATION and to reserve tickets special exhibit “Is Christmas Illuminated: Prestigious VISIT www.museumofthebible.org/tickets n Manuscripts from around the Fifteenth Century in the Bavarian State Library Collection” participants can explore the Christmas story as presented in rare and precious illuminated manuscripts.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 19 TRAVEL

777 Zipline in Davis Oklahoma National Plan for Vacation Day A FEW ATTRACTIONS TO PUT ON YOUR LIST

BY LINDA MILLER

t should be easy to take Shepherd, director of corporate development and tourism for time away from work. the Chickasaw Nation. “Studies have shown that workers who take a break and use their time off are happier, healthier, I more creative and more productive.” Yet for so many Oklahomans, it’s not. In 2016, some 69 percent of Oklahomans had unused vacation or PTO days, according to Project: Time Off. The national average is 54 Cait DeBaun, Project: Time Off’s director of communication, percent. The state’s ranking of ﬁfth worst in the nation said their research shows that those who plan are more likely translates to nearly 22 million vacation days left unchecked. to use all their time off compared to those who don’t plan. Forgoing time off can translate to stressed out, exhausted, “It’s a simple ﬁrst step that all Oklahomans can take to overworked and less productive workers. As National Plan for make sure their vacation days are put to good use to explore Vacation Day approaches on Jan. 30, Chickasaw Country has their own backyard, state and beyond.” partnered with Project: Time Off to encourage Oklahomans to Not only does unused time affect workers, it also costs step away from their work more often, even if it’s just for a day Oklahoma nearly $689 million in economic tourism activity. If or a long weekend. all workers nationwide used their vacation time it would “Employers offer vacation time to promote employee morale generate $128 billion in direct spending with an economic and prevent employee burnout,” said Paige Williams impact of $236 billion for the U.S. economy.

20 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur

When vacation time is used, it’s a Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur. 777 Zipline, Davis. Imagine zipping win-win for everyone. No need to go far The center shares and celebrates 1,444 feet while viewing the state’s or spend a lot of money either. Chickasaw history and culture through largest waterfall at 77 feet high. The “A vacation doesn’t have to be a trip demonstrations, interactive media launch point is a 13-foot tower on the to an expensive resort or amusement stations and exhibits. As the largest Arbuckle Mountains above Collings park, and vacation time doesn’t have to tribal cultural center in the U.S., Castle. Speeds of up 28 miles per hour be taken all at once,” Shepherd said. amenities include the exhibit center, are reached. It’s a great view of nature “Chickasaw Country has thousands of amphitheater, large-format theater, any time of the year. Turnerfallszip.com destinations that make for a great day research center, sky pavilion, art gallery, trip, extended weekend or a full week of garden village and café. It’s a must-see. Urban Air Adventure Park, Ardmore. exploring. Our goal is to encourage Chickasawculturalcenter.com More than 30,000 square feet of indoor people, including families and friends, fun awaits at the trampoline and to sit down together on Jan. 30 to make adventure park. Zones include wall-to- a plan for when and where they’ll use wall trampoline arenas, runway, their vacation time.” Dropzone, slam dunk track, trampoline With that in mind, here are a few dodgeball arenas, trampoline free-style suggestions. Some may be familiar; open jump areas, the Urban Warrior others maybe not so much. Start Course, the TUBES indoor playground, planning. the Warrior Battle Beam and climbing walls. urbanairtrampolinepark.com Urban Air Adventure Park, Ardmore

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 21 The Toy & Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley

Cross Bar Ranch, Davis The Toy & Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley. Recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Top 50 Most Authentic American Experience, the museum is the world’s first devoted to the art and sculpting of action figures. It’s here adults can reminisce about their favorite toys while children play and dress up in the interactive areas. Thousands of action figures are in the Collector’s Bedroom. The museum has had visitors from every state and more than 40 countries. Actionfiguremuseum.com

Cross Bar Ranch, Davis. Hold on and go. With 6,500 acres of Arbuckle mountain range and more than 100 miles of trails, the ranch offers the largest area in Oklahoma dedicated to ATV and motorcycle off-road riding. Some 3,000 acres are set aside for horse and mountain biking. Terrain includes steep rugged trails to those covered with water for a muddy adventure. Rentals and RV sites are available. Crossbarranchok.com

Get a jump start on planning your 2018 vacation days. Visit chickasawcountry.com for more travel attractions. For more information on Project: Time Off and the amount of vacation time left unused by Americans, visit ProjectTimeOff.com . n

22 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 We fight 1 in 4 ho for those w Oklahoma children voice. lives in need a POVERTY.

most critical ound our community’s We surr m. we can to address the , and find every dollar problems ral win this fight for Cent Help Central Oklahoma at Oklahoma. Give today om StandUnitedOKC.c ART

Entertainer Brings Western Flair to Museum’s Holiday Event

BY M. J. VAN DEVENTER

asking in the memorable success children to dance to western music with their parents, of several fall art events, the grandparents or siblings. The evening is definitely B National Cowboy & Western designed for family album photo ops. Yes, Santa Claus Heritage Museum is offering an has already made a reservation. enticing buffet of holiday activities this year. What family who loves the spirit of Christmas past could resist such a night? It’s a memory making Michael Martin Murphey will be presenting his 23rd evening for Oklahoma families. The noted performer family-oriented Christmas concert at the museum, Dec. weaves his music with the history of how the first 15 at 7 p.m. The evening is designed especially for Cowboy Christmas Ball began in Anson, Texas in 1885. families. There’s great food, no alcohol and Murphey’s M. G. Rhodes, owner of Anson’s Star Hotel, envisioned nostalgic pioneer family music, seasoned with frontier the ball as a way to attract cowboys and entertain the history. area’s cowhands and their families. He chose the It’s probably the only event in town that encourages weekend just before Christmas so the word would

A silver shot tray and glass by Scott Hardy of Longview, Alberta, Canada. “Expectations,” an oil painting by Martin Grelle, of Clifton, Texas. spread – far and wide – among cowhands in the West. guests from near and far have joined us to experience That’s how the tradition was born and Murphey has this holiday tradition. It is our hope to transform the brandished his unique style on the event. Now he event into an enchanting and traditional evening, a performs in Cowboy Christmas Balls all across the festive winter night spent in the company of family and country. M. G. Rhodes would be proud. friends enjoying the Western spirit.” Murphey is a multiple Grammy nominee with six gold The event is sponsored by Express Employment albums including “Cowboy Songs, “ the first album of Professionals. For information on reservations and cowboy music to reach gold status. He is well known prices for the concert, buffet dinner and time with for his iconic song, Wildfire, which is now in its 41st Santa, call the National Cowboy Museum at (405) 478- year of release. 2250, Ext. 219. Ticket prices vary for children and Gary Moore, the museum’s chief financial officer and adults, museum members and non-members. n interim president, says, “For more than two decades,

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 25 Christmas Ball Caps Successful Fall Events BY M. J. VAN DEVENTER

THE ANNUAL “COWBOY CHRISTMAS BALL,” slated December 15 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, comes right on the heels of two highly successful fall museum events. The museum traditionally launches its holiday season with its “Great Works, Small Wonders” art show, held November 10. The sale draws art enthusiasts and fine art collectors as well as those who are interested in starting an art collection for their home or business. Varying price points and small size paintings are also an enticing draw. It was a one-night stand for art lovers who get to take their purchases home with them that evening, unlike the annual June Prix de West show. At that popular museum event, buyers have to wait until the end of the show in August before claiming their prize purchases. With the ‘Great Works’ event, unsold art hangs for the next two weeks, giving another opportunity to purchase the art. More than 100 artists from across the country participated in this year’s show. The event is a fusion of traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures at affordable prices. Attendees find it a great venue for early Christmas shopping. Gary Moore, the museum’s chief financial officer and interim president, says of the ‘Small Wonders’ show: “From contemporary perspectives by emerging artists to traditional takes on various Western subject matter by Michael Martin Murphey will be some of the nation’s top painters and presenting his 23rd family-oriented sculptors, there was a feeling of energy in this Christmas concert at the museum, Dec. 15 year’s sale, providing something for everyone.”

26 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Cowboy Art Raises Big Bucks

ANOTHER HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL fall show, “Cowboy Crossings,” generated almost $1 million in sales during its opening weekend Oct. 5-7. A portion of those proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. The event merges the talents of members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) and the Cowboy Artists of America, (CAA). The CAA exhibit will be on display at the museum through January 7, 2018. The show provides an unusual opportunity to view the CAA members’ view of the American West – past or present – through paintings and sculpture. TCAA members tell their story through silversmithing, exquisite hand-tooled leather work and rawhide braiding. Saddles, bits and spurs are showcased, along with silver fashioned in a variety of western themes from belt buckles to a sterling silver shot glass set and tray by artist Scott Hardy, of Longview, Alberta, Canada. It sold for $31,000. Hardy won the top prize among the TCAA artists. Prix de West artist Martin Grelle snared the CAA top honor with an oil painting titled “Expectations,” which sold for $54,000. Christmas came early for these two distinguished cowboy artists. Two Oklahoma artists received Silver Medal Awards for their work: Mikel Donahue of Broken Arrow, for his painting, The Bronc Stomper. Paul Moore of Norman, for a bronze sculpture, When His Heart Is Down. Moore also received the CAA Stetson Award, which is selected by the active CAA members as the best compilation of individual works. He had six bronze sculptures in the show. The two cowboy artists groups merged their individual exhibitions several years ago and since then, the National Cowboy Museum has been their home for this joint exhibition. d d d A New Leader for the Cowboy Museum After a lengthy search for several years, the cowboy museum will begin 2018 with a new president and CEO ~ Natalie Shirley. While the museum has been on a national search, they chose a local Oklahoma City educator to fill the role. She assumes her new position January 15, 2018 and is the first woman to serve in this executive role. Shirley is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. Currently, she serves as president of the Oklahoma City campus of OSU. The museum’s current board chairman, Lynn Freiss, said, “ As a native Oklahoman with strong community ties and a storied history of prominent leadership roles, Natalie was a clear choice when selecting the most qualified candidate for the position.” “The opportunity to serve as President and CEO of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one that truly embodies everything I stand for,” Shirley said. “For me, this role is about engaging our community and sharing the story and values of the American West with the world. The Museum is a place for all generations to learn, explore, and gain a deeper understanding of our Western heritage. It is my honor to build upon the Museum’s established legacy.” n

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 27 ENTERTAINMENT

Riders in the Sky Concert comes to OCCC

BY BUD ELDER

olidays will come early for Oklahoma City music lovers as H Riders in the Sky, keepers of the flame for all things “cowboy” and “music,” will visit the Oklahoma City Community College Auditorium 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12 as they perform their “Christmas the Cowboy Way” concert. Celebrating their 40th year in show business, the Grammy award winning Riders in the Sky keeps alive the essential music made famous by the likes of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Jimmy Wakely. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own

28 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Riders is comprised of Ranger Doug Green, known with a wink as the “Idol of American Youth,” along with National Fiddler Hall of Fame member Woody Paul, Joey “The Cow Polka” King and Too Slim, the resident sidekick on the “bull fiddle.” Ranger Doug, by the way, is perhaps America’s foremost authority on 20th Century Riders in the Sky offers entertainment for the Western culture, having published several entire family, while adults will treasure their books that serve as primers on the subject. He remarkable version of “Back in the Saddle hosts “Ranger Doug’s Cowboy Corral” on the Again,” the children will remember their Sirius XM channel Willie’s Place and leads participation in Disney’s “Toy Story 2,” “The Time Jumpers,” a group of Nashville performing “Woody’s Roundup.” n studio musicians which carries on the tradition of western swing.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 29 Oklahoma City Community College Cultural Programs Presents

Christmas the Cowboy Way

For more than thirty years, Grammy- and award-winning Riders In The Sky have branded the Western genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!” Tuesday, December 12 • 7:30 pm

Download the New VPAC at Tickets: $25–$30 OCCC Mobile App Now! tickets.occc.edu • Box Ofﬁce 405-682-7579 • www.occc.edu/pas

ONE Oklahoma City Community College YR Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater 7777 South May Avenue FASHION Sweater Weather

Too often, sweaters tend to be more functional than stylish.

Not so much this winter. Choices stretch beyond turtlenecks, cashmere crewnecks and ribbed tunics in oh-so predictable shades of gray, black and camel. Not that there’s anything wrong with those. They’re wardrobe mainstays when temperatures drop.

A New Day bomber style sweater at Target. Calvin Klein striped knit long cardigan at Dillard’s.

GB “Amour” sweater at Dillard’s.

But the latest crop of sweaters is more playful, bold and colorful. Think oversize styles, bright hues and stripes. A cardigan, often stretching to mid-thigh, is the new jacket. Sweaters with slogans are fun and unexpected. Chunky knits blend cozy with style. Worth plaid turtleneck sweater, Cindi Shelby, 333 W Wilshire, Suite F.

Worth dot sweater, Cindi Shelby, 333 W Wilshire, Suite F.

So go ahead. Shake up your sweater stash.

Worth tigress intarsia sweater from Cindi Shelby, 333 W Wilshire, Suite F, [email protected].

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 33 LEADERSHIP STEPHANIE CAMERON: Leading and the spirit of mentoring BY GARLAND MCWATTERS

Stephanie Cameron is not one to call S attention to herself, but she is never lost for words when talking about her passion.

Cameron is at her best when she’s encouraging Oklahoma’s youth to seriously consider a future in manufacturing and to begin their preparations now. Cameron moved to Tulsa in 2008 from Georgia to work with a local non-profit, and it didn’t take long for her to become fully immersed in Tulsa’s young professional scene.

Above: Stephanie (right) with winning team from Tulsa Memorial High School for best business idea at Entrepreneurship Workshop

Left: Stephanie Cameron in front of CNC.

to APSCO, a local auto parts manufacturer, as community affairs director under the tutelage of its then CEO, Larry Mocha. Mocha, with his long-time friends, Lynda Wingo and Jerry Holder, had recently started a foundation, By 2017 she has risen to become chair of the Tulsa OK2Grow, to encourage business and education to seek Young Professionals. TYPROS is the largest young ways to improve math, science, and reading skills for professionals organization of its kind in the United children so they would be better prepared for States. It is considered so important to Tulsa’s success opportunities in business and manufacturing. Cameron that the TYPROS board chair has an ex officio position was tapped to assume the duties as executive director on the Tulsa Community Foundation’s board of trustees. of the foundation in addition to her duties at APSCO. Four years after moving to Tulsa, Cameron was lured

34 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 without hesitation. “We know a lot of students have issues with having a vision after high school; so, we feel like if we can provide them with a career path, a ladder, to get where they need to go, and if they know what’s accessible to them, they’re more likely to finish.” Cameron is an avid believer in mentoring. Not only does she credit Mocha with her success, she also touts the value of mentoring for APSCO employees. “When employees mentor others they see themselves in a different way,” she explains. “More senior people on the production floor or in management start to say, ‘Hey, I matter. I can help someone else.’” She said she has seen how mentoring adds value to their position and makes them a higher performing employee.

The value of early work experience Above: Cameron congratulates David Patterson, 2015 Union High School Cameron grew up knowing the world of senior, upon signing with APSCO as a Certified Production Technician manufacturing intern.

Right: Receiving donation from Port of Catoosa for OK2Grow Foundation. The value of mentoring Reflecting on her time with Mocha, who died suddenly in 2016, Cameron said, “People come into your life for a reason, and then it’s up to you to explore that and to be able to use that. My thought having known Larry was that I received a gift. Now, what do you go out and do with that?” Cameron didn’t break stride following Mocha’s death. Her schedule is packed with events speaking on behalf of OK2Grow’s programs, setting up career awareness events, promoting entrepreneurship among high school students, and mentoring the high school seniors she regularly has as interns at APSCO. One of the facets of OK2Grow that Cameron touts often is the Scholarships 2 Success youth entrepreneurship program. High school seniors who own their own business as a young entrepreneur may apply for up to a $1,000 scholarship to use toward tuition at a post secondary school. The Dream It Do It Oklahoma initiative under the OK2Grow umbrella provides classroom visits, internships, job shadowing opportunities and other activities that seek to connect students and manufacturers across Oklahoma. The source of Cameron’s passion? “Helping student find their way,” Cameron says

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 35 manufacturing. She often speaks of her mother, who A Millennial herself, Cameron’s advice to other had a staffing agency back in Georgia. Millennials, “Be willing to learn and accept feedback. “During the summers I would tag along with her, and Look for opportunities to contribute, and go the extra we would tour different businesses,” something mile.” She also encourages them to be out in the Cameron regards as a highlight of her middle school community and to volunteer in something they believe years. When she was old enough, Cameron’s mother in. placed her with industries where she picked up work Cameron leads by example, as she finds time to skills that she is now able to use. volunteer in other ways beyond her service to the Tulsa “When I was in college I worked for a plastics Young Professionals, which is the largest young company. I did shipping and receiving, document professionals organization in the United States. She control, anything that they needed help with. I really serves on the board of directors for Global Alliance and enjoyed the chemistry of plastics. I did some recruiting volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma. for Kubota Industrial Equipment. Then, I moved to Cameron’s service has not gone unnoticed. She Tulsa and eventually met Larry Mocha, and here I am.” received a 2018 YWCA Pinnacle Women of the Year award. She was named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 under 40 list for 2017. She is a member of Leadership Oklahoma class XXIX. In 2016 the National Manufacturing Institute presented her a Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award. Cameron recently accepted a new position with AAON, Inc. of Tulsa. AAON has been a steadfast supporter of OK2Grow and will become the new headquarters for OK2Grow and Dream It Do It Oklahoma. Listen to The Spirit of Leading Podcast featuring Stephanie Cameron at http://www.inpoweredtolead.com/024-stephanie- cameron-encourages-young-talent-try-manufacturing- podcast/ . n

Stephanie speaking to a group at Tulsa Tech

36 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018

Home Games in boldface

2017-2018 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER BASKETBALL SEASON Fri Dec 1 7:00pm Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Sun Dec 3 6:00pm San Antonio Spurs Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Tue Dec 5 7:00pm Utah Jazz Oklahoma City Thu Dec 7 9:00pm Brooklyn Nets Mexico City Sat Dec 9 8:00pm Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Mon Dec 11 7:00pm Charlotte Hornets Oklahoma City Wed Dec 13 6:00pm Indiana Pacers Indianapolis Watch the game on ESPN Fri Dec 15 6:00pm Philadelphia 76ers Philadelphia Watch the game on ESPN Sat Dec 16 6:30pm New York Knicks New York City Mon Dec 18 7:00pm Denver Nuggets Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Wed Dec 20 7:00pm Utah Jazz Oklahoma City Fri Dec 22 7:00pm Atlanta Hawks Oklahoma City Sat Dec 23 7:00pm Utah Jazz Salt Lake City Mon Dec 25 7:00pm Houston Rocket Oklahoma City Watch the game on ABC Wed Dec 27 7:00pm Toronto Raptors Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Fri Dec 29 7:00pm Milwaukee Bucks Oklahoma City Sun Dec 31 6:00pm Dallas Mavericks Oklahoma City Wed Jan 3 9:30pm Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Watch the game on ESPN Thu Jan 4 9:30pm LA Clippers Los Angeles Watch the game on TNT Sun Jan 7 7:00pm Phoenix Suns Phoenix Tue Jan 9 7:00pm Portland Trail Blazers Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Wed Jan 10 7:00pm Minnesota Timberwolves Minneapolis Watch the game on ESPN

38 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 2018 Sat Jan 13 4:00pm Charlotte Hornets Charlotte Mon Jan 15 2:00pm Sacramento Kings Oklahoma City Wed Jan 17 7:00pm Los Angeles Lakers Oklahoma City Watch the game on ESPN Sat Jan 20 2:30pm Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Watch the game on ABC Tue Jan 23 7:00pm Brooklyn Nets Oklahoma City Thu Jan 25 7:00pm Washington Wizards Oklahoma City Watch the game on TNT Sat Jan 27 6:00pm Detroit Pistons Detroit Sun Jan 28 5:00pm Philadelphia 76ers Oklahoma City Watch the game on ESPN Tue Jan 30 6:00pm Washington Wizards Washington DC Thu Feb 1 9:30pm Denver Nuggets Denver Watch the game on TNT Fri Feb 2 8:00pm New Orleans Pelicans Oklahoma City Sun Feb 4 1:00pm Los Angeles Lakers Oklahoma City Watch the game on ABC Tue Feb 6 9:30pm Golden State Warriors Oakland Watch the game on TNT Thu Feb 8 9:30pm Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Watch the game on TNT Sun Feb 11 6:00pm Memphis Grizzlies Oklahoma City Tue Feb 13 7:00pm Cleveland Cavaliers Oklahoma City Watch the game on TNT Wed Feb 14 7:00pm Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Thu Feb 22 9:00pm Sacramento Kings Sacramento Sat Feb 24 7:30pm Golden State Warriors Oakland Watch the game on ABC Mon Feb 26 7:00pm Orlando Magic Oklahoma City Wed Feb 28 7:30pm Dallas Mavericks Dallas, TX Fri March 2 8:00pm Phoenix Suns Phoenix Sat March 3 9:00pm Portland Trail Blazers Portland Tue March 6 7:00pm Houston Rockets Oklahoma City Watch the game on TNT Thu March 8 7:00pm Phoenix Suns Oklahoma City Sat March 10 7:30pm San Antonio Spurs Oklahoma City Watch the game on ABC Mon March 12 7:00pm Sacramento Kings Oklahoma City Tue March 13 6:30pm Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Fri March 16 7:00pm LA Clippers Oklahoma City Watch the game on NBATV Sun March 18 12:00pm Toronto Raptors Toronto Tue March 20 7:00pm Boston Celtics Boston Watch the game on TNT Fri March 23 7:00pm Miami Heat Oklahoma City Sun March 25 6:00pm Portland Trail Blazers Oklahoma City Thu March 29 7:00pm San Antonio Spurs San Antonio Watch the game on TNT Fri March 30 7:00pm Denver Nugget Oklahoma City Sun April 1 5:00pm New Orleans Pelicans New Orleans Tue April 3 7:00pm Golden State Warriors Oklahoma City Watch the game on TNT Sat April 7 7:30pm Houston Rockets Houston Watch the game on ABC Mon April 9 6:30pm Miami Heat Miami Wed April 11 7:00pm Memphis Grizzlies Oklahoma City

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 39 SPORTS

COMMENTARY Thunder’s second unit has to improve if OKC has shot at NBA title

BY A. SUAVE FRANCISCO

hen thinking of a championship team, typically there are a couple W star players, sometimes three. Looking through time, every championship team had an elite bench as well. The question is, does Oklahoma City have the bench it takes to be one of those teams? Many believe that OKC doesn’t have a satisfactory bench, let alone an elite one and that’s the reason they won’t hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy at the season’s end. It’s true, the Thunder don’t have the deepest bench in the NBA and are very top-heavy talent-wise. But who’s to says they can’t use their weakness as their strength and succeed opted to leave at least one of the big three: Russell Westbrook, while doing it? Although it’s a bit unorthodox, Billy Donovan Paul George, or Carmelo Anthony, in the game at all times, has evaluated his team’s deficiencies and that’s why he’s even with the second team. That way, there will be at least one elite scorer playing with the bench and sometimes two, depending on the lineup. The bench may not be extremely deep on paper, like the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets, but there are a few Thunder bench players that can be very beneficial if utilized correctly. To be specific, guys like Alex Abrines, Jerami Grant, and Josh Heustis can really be effective pieces on a bench that already features an accomplished veteran in Raymond Felton. Patrick Patterson is a beneficial piece as well and continues to improve game-after-game, following an offseason injury. As mentioned, those bench players can be effective pieces on this Thunder team if used correctly and if they’re willing to learn from a very accomplished starting five, those chances

40 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 will increase. When thinking of the most dominant team currently in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors, you can’t help but think about their deep and productive bench play that mostly consists of Andre Iguodala, who averages 5.5 points per game this season, but serves as the hard-nosed old-timer this team needs. Shaun Livingston, another old-timer that only scores 5.1 points per game, but produces a ton off the bench for the Warriors while sustaining the offense while Stephen Curry gets a breather. David West, the eldest player on the Warriors who’s in his 15th season still averages 6.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game off the bench. The new addition of Nick Young adds another tier to their shooting repertoire off the bench, averaging 6.4 points per game this season on 41.3 percent shooting from long distance. JaVale McGee also adds depth in the paint off the bench and notches 4.1 points per game. Individually, none of these player’s statistics are necessarily impressive but collectively, these ﬁve average 27.9 off the bench and that doesn’t include the combined 10 points from Jordan Bell, Patrick McCaw, and Kevon Looney who have 3 years combined experience. That’s 37.9 points generated from their bench alone.

“Just staying with it. Remaining discipline and remaining consistent. We are still piecing things together but games like these show us what our full potential is. We still have a long way to go, though, mate.” — Steven Adams on the process of getting everyone on the same accord.

IN OKC’S CASE, there’s 12-year veteran Raymond Felton, who’s averaging 7.4 points per game and Patrick Patterson, in his eighth NBA season, averaging 3.1 points per game. Jerami Grant is much-improved from last year, averaging a career-high 9.1 points in his fourth season and has provided spectacular play defensively. Especially against Kevin Durant Wednesday night. Alex Abrines is another young guy who’s in his sophomore NBA season, averaging 4.6 points per game and possibly could develop into an elite scorer off the bench for OKC. After those four players, things get dicey and inconsistent. Dakari Johnson has shown signs of promise but how ready is he right now to compete with championship-contending teams? He averages 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds they just don’t maintain the same intensity that the starting five started the game with. Also, collectively, they need to step up as a unit. One or two players may have a big game and the remaining won’t contribute much. Each player has to find their niche and find a way to make a positive mark more consistently in games, whether that’s offensively, defensively, or simply providing energy that the team needs to get past their opponents. Believe it or not, basketball isn’t all points. There’s an emotional aspect to it that’s vital in a team’s success. per game and shows signs of Nevertheless, Wednesday night being an elite defender in the They are a team that you can't the Thunder defeated the Golden paint. Josh Heustis, in his second State Warriors convincingly, 108- year, has also shown a lot of allow to get comfortable. They 91 and their bench only scored 12 promise, but the sample size is are so good at player movement, points, but defensively, they did a so small that no one knows his spectacular job holding Golden true potential. He is averaging cutting and ball movement that State’s bench below their season 2.3 points per game. you can't just allow them to be average, as well as holding Kevin Collectively, Oklahoma City’s comfortable and relax. We tried Durant, Draymond Green, Klay bench averages 30.1 points per Thompson and Stephen Curry to game and that’s not including to bring that and it paid off.” just 54 points. guys that don’t receive much — Paul George on how to defend playing time in Nick Collison and THE SEASON IS YOUNG , still less the Warriors offense. rookie Terrance Ferguson. than 20 games in and the Thunder are showing signs that they have OFFENSIVELY, OKC’S BENCH turns what it takes to be among the best out to be acceptable, but still lacking in the league at everything they do. a tad bit offensively. Someone needs The win against Golden State was to be that X-factor and step up their beneficial in that the bench production, whether that’s Jerami learned what’s it’s like to play Grant improving his already against one of the NBA’s best improved point total or Alex Abrines teams of all-time and persevere. fully becoming what everyone seems There are still questions about to expect of him. whether they’ll be able to It’s also the defensive intensity continually play like they did that seems to leave them slightly Wednesday night but it was behind, as well as inconsistency. definitely a start. n The defense isn’t necessarily bad,

42 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Ê"> >Ê >}>âiÊNÊÓÓäÊ7iÃÌÊ7Ã ÀiÊ-ÌiÊÓÊNÊÊ"> >Ê ÌÞ]Ê"ÊÇÎ££ÈÊÊNÊ{äx°ÈäÇ°äÎäÊ SPORTS

COMMENTARY BUTTING HEADS OU’s mighty offense takes on strong Georgia defense

BY ADDAM FRANCISCO

inally, the College Football Playoffs are set and amidst all the controversy F between Alabama, Ohio State and the fourth and final spot, the Oklahoma Sooners are at No. 2. Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield and his daunting offense will face the Georgia Bulldogs and their ferocious running backs, along with their elite secondary in the Rose Bowl, to be played on Jan. 2. This is a compelling matchup for many reasons. First and foremost, Mayfield, is a show by himself. But Georgia’s two running backs may be too much for OU’s defense to endure. Georgia has a great defense, specifically the secondary led by OU - ANDERSON their relentless safety, Dominick Sanders. Will the Sooners’ nation-leading offensive attack outweigh that? There are major mismatches on both sides, so the question is, which one is more significant? Oklahoma should leave the Rose Bowl, down Rose Bowl Drive victorious, with a pretty decisive victory over the Bulldogs. However, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Georgia found a way to slow down OU and impose their will via their defense. Just like last year against Auburn, Oklahoma will face an elite defense. Georgia’s sits in the top 10 in passing yards allowed and yards per pass attempt. On the contrary, Oklahoma’s passing attack ranks in the top five in yards, yards per attempt, completion percentage and touchdowns. Mayfield can beat almost any team with his Russell Wilson- like fleeing ability but he’ll have to throw the ball more times

OU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield than none, something he’s very good at. His favorite target is

44 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 OU - Anderson

OU’s Mayfield

Mark Andrews, but it won’t be an easy task for him to get open against Georgia’s experienced duo at safety and nation-leading linebacking unit. Oklahoma’s defense is average at best. Nationally, they rank 81st in yards allowed and are the definition of a bend-don’t- break defense. They hold teams to an acceptable 25 points per OU’s Flowers game, which exemplifies the type of defense they are. The talking point leading into the Rose Bowl will be how poor OU’s defense is in relation to the three other playoff teams, but ironically they’ve held ranked teams to 20 or fewer points three- of-four times this season. You could say they play up and down to their competition. If that narrative fits this matchup, the Sooners will come out victorious. Roquan Smith is the reigning Butkus Award winner and leads the Georgia in tackles, sacks and quarterback hurries. The Bulldogs defense is loaded with experienced NFL-caliber talent and will cause Oklahoma to make adjustments throughout the OU’s Anderson game. This matchup will feature Oklahoma’s fourth-ranked offense that averages 45.2 points per game versus Georgia’s fifth- ranked defense that only gives up 13.7 points per game. Oklahoma’s passing attack averages 377.7 points per game, yet Georgia’s secondary only gives up 159.5. The matchup is set and if both teams play up to their full potential on Jan. 2, the Sooners will walk away victorious and head to the National Championship game. But the smallest detail may make the difference in favor of Georgia. Oklahoma will have to play near-perfect ball (which they’ve done for a month straight), to defeat Georgia and that’s what they are OU’s Mayfield and Anderson expected to do. n

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 45 REVIEWS

SILVER SCREEN AT ITS FINEST Quick look at December January movie releases

BY SANDI DAVIS

hanksgiving weekend is the traditional Los Angeles by Dec. 31 of the year it is eligible. opening of movie award season. It’s That should explain why so many movies aren’t opened in T when most movie studios begin releasing the Oklahoma City metro until January or February or movies they think will win critics’ praise, occasionally, not until after the award season ends with the make money from ticket sales, or better yet, win Oscar broadcast. Awards won mean more money in the bank awards like an Academy Award, aka an Oscar. for movie studios. To qualify for an Academy Award, a movie must be shown in Here’s a quick rundown of movies set for release in a movie theater open to the public in either New York City or December and January.

DECEMBER 1 Padmavati Wonder Wheel Set in medieval Rajasthan, this fact- Woody Allen’s latest movie, “Wonder based film is the story the beautiful Wheel” stars Jim Belushi, Juno Temple, Rajput Rani (Queen) Padmavati. Though Justin Timberlake and Kate Winslet, in happily married to the Rana (King) Rawal the story of a Coney Island carousel Ratan Singh, leader of Mewar, her world operator and long-suffering wife in the changes when the bloodthirsty Allauddin 1950s. Khilji of the Khilji dynasty sees her and wants her himself. He has killed and The Tribes of Palos Verdes destroyed entire states to possess a Maika Monroe, Cody Fern and Jennifer beautiful woman. Garner star in this tale of the Mason family. When the Masons move to Palos Verdes, Calif., the men in the family fit right in. Sandy (Jennifer Garner) feels out of place, and her daughter Medina tries to find a place for herself with the surfers.

46 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 DECEMBER 8 Just Getting Started Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones star as men in witness protection who must learn, at least, to tolerate each other as they try to dodge a mob hit. Co-stars include Rene Russo, Glenne Headly and Alma Sisneros. Ron Shelton directed.

DECEMBER 15 The Disaster Artist “The Disaster Artist” is the story of two aspiring film actors who form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true. Directed by James Franco, the movie stars Zoey Beyond Skyline Deutch, Alison Brie, Kristen Bell and Director and writer Liam O’Donnell’s Tommy Wiseau, as himself. “Beyond Skyline,” tells the story of a hard-bitten detective relentlessly following the group who took his son to an alien war ship. Stars include Frank Grillo, Bojana Novakovic, Iko Uwais and Star Wars: The Last Jedi Callan Mulvey. Easily the most anticipated movie of 2017 is the eighth, and next to last of the expected nine movies, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Starting where “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ended, Rey The Shape of Water (Daisy Ridley) joins Luke Skywalker Director Guillermo del Toro spins an (Mark Hamill) on an adventure with other-worldly tale set during the Cold General Leia (Carrie Fisher’s final role), War in the early 1960s. Michael Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Shannon, Octavia Spencer and Sally Isaac). Rey, Finn and Poe begin their Hawkins star as employees at a top- steps into the Jedi world also unlocking secret laboratory who discover a mysteries of the Force and secrets from Ferdinand classified experiment. the past. The voices of Kate McKinnon, David I, Tonya Tennant and Bobby Carnivale are The story of disgraced Olympic figure featured in the animated version of the skater Tonya Harding, whose ex- fairy tale “Ferdinand,” the story of a husband assaulted fellow Olympian gentle bull who would rather sit in a Nancy Kerrigan, is told in this biography, field smelling flowers than become a directed by Craig Gillespie. Stars include star in the bull ring. Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Á Sebastian Stan and Caitlin Carver.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 47 Gotti “Gotti” is the biography of gangster John Gotti Sr. and his son. While Gotti Sr. was a mob boss who loved and died by the Maﬁa code, his son turned his back on a life of crime, and after serving three sep-arate jail sentences. John Travolta stars in the title role. Co-stars are Spencer Rocco LoFranco, Kelly Preston and Stacy Keach. Gotti The Ballad of Lefty Brown Bill Pullman and Peter Fonda star in the revisionist western “The Ballad of Lefty Brown.” Pullman plays the title charac-ter, a bumbling cowboy who must take over his boss’s ranch when he (Peter Fonda) is elected senator from Montana and must go to Washington, D.C.

DECEMBER 20 The Ballad of Lefty Brown The Greatest Showman Hugh Jackman brings his song and dance skills to the silver screen as P.T. Barnum in “The Great Showman.” Zac Efron leaves a thankless job to become Ringmaster Phillip Carlyle. The movie is populated by stars like Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Michelle Williams and a large group of others who populate Barnum’s original circus. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle The last time we saw this dangerous game, it had washed up The Greatest Showman on a beach and picked up by two French children. In “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” four teenagers get sucked into the video version of the game, becoming the adult avatars they had chosen. They learn the hard lesson – to win, you must survive, or be stuck in the game. The avatars now include Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.

DECEMBER 22 Happy End Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle “Happy End” stars Isabella Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintingnant and Mathieu Kassovitz . Set in Calais, this ﬁlm shows the collapse of a wealthy family where at least one member is a sociopath. All the Money in the World The story of the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, grandson of Jean Paul Getty, is told in “All the Money in the World.” The elder Getty is the richest man in the world and a miser. Played by Christopher Plummer, he is not ready to part with any money for his grandson’s return, despite the pleas of the young man’s Happy End mother, played by Michelle Williams.

48 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Downsizing “Downsizing” is the perfect answer to the planet’s overpop- ulation problem. If people are shrunk down to say, 5 inches tall, they will use less of the world’s resources and be able to make a little money in the full size world become a fortune when you’re small. Matt Damon stars, along with the ever- urbane Christoph Waltz, Kristen Wiig and directed by Alexander Payne. Pitch Perfect 3 All the Money in the World The Bellas a capella singing group is back for one more gig in “Pitch Perfect 3.” After discovering there are no real jobs for them after graduation, the Bellas grab a chance to tour with the USO. Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson reprise their roles with other Bellas as they try to compete against a group using musical instruments. Crooked House “Crooked House” is based on the Agatha Christie’s novel, features Max Irons as Charles Hayward, sent to solve a murder in a house where his former lover, and now suspect, lives. Downsizing Other suspects are played by Christina Hendricks, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close and Stefanie Martini. Father Figures Owen Wilson, J.K. Simmons and Christopher Walken star in “Father Figure.” When two brothers find out their mother had lied about their father’s death, they set out to find him. Hangman When a serial killer uses the spelling game Hangman to kill, Karl Urban and Al Pacino’s characters team up to find and Pitch Perfect 3 stop him in “Hangman.”

Crooked House

Hangman Father Figures

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 49 DECEMBER 25 Phantom Thread Daniel Day-Lewis stars as fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock. He is well known in 1950s post-war London along with his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville). He also is known as a playboy, happily being a bachelor until he meets Alma (Vicky Krieps), a young, strong-willed woman.

DECEMBER 27 In the Fade “In the Fade” a woman loses her husband and son in a bomb attack. Katja (Diane Kruger) goes though all stages of mourning, then she starts planning revenge.

JANUARY 5 Molly’s Game Jessica Chastain plays the title role in “Molly’s Game” a fact- based story about a high stakes poker game run by Molly Bloom. Formerly an Olympic-class skier, Molly ran her exclusive game for 10 years before being arrested by the FBI. She discovers her only friend is her criminal defense attorney Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba). Insidious: The Last Key “Insidious: The Last Key” is the story of how parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) must face a fearsome creature in her home and protect her family at the same time. Day of the Dead: Bloodline “Day of the Dead: Bloodline” A small group of military personnel and survivalists live in an underground bunker as they try to create a cure for the zombies who now overrun the planet. Stratton “Stratton” is an action movie about a British Special Boat Service commando (Dominic Cooper) who must track down an international terrorist cell. Co-stars include Austin Stowell, Gemma Chan and Connie Nielsen.

JANUARY 12 Paddington 2 The cuddly bear in a red hat and blue jacket returns in “Paddington 2.” Now happily settled in with the Brown family, Paddington takes on a few odd jobs to get enough to buy the perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. When the gift is stolen, he and the Browns must ﬁnd it. Features voices of Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Hugo Bonneville, Sally Hawkins,

50 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Pa ddington 2 The Post Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton. The Post The Commuter Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Sarah Paulson star in a Steven Spielberg ﬁlm, “The Post.” Streep plays Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, who stands by editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks) as they play catch-up with the New York Times to expose what would be called “The Pentagon Papers” which spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The Commuter Sam Neil and Liam Neesom star in the action thriller “The Commuter.” Neesom is an insurance salesman who gets involved in a criminal conspiracy on his way home. Proud Mary Taraji P. Henson plays a hit woman for a Boston crime family in “Proud Mary.” Her world shifts when a hit goes wrong and she meets a young boy. Neal McDonough and Danny Glover also star. That Demon Within Based on events from the 1870s with a modern twist, “The Demon Within” is the story of a mother and daughter who move into Crestwick for a new start. They are unaware a demon called Proud Mary Nefas feeds on the souls of young girls and dinner has just moved in. The town’s doctor is skep-tical, but does what he can to save the girl. Stars Charlene Amoia, Patricia Ashley, Clinton 12 Strong Hummel and Michael Ehlers .

JANUARY 16 12 Strong Chris Hemsworth divests himself of his “Thor” regalia to star in “12 Strong,” the ﬁrst Special Forces deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. Their mission is to work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban. Also stars Taylor Sheridan, Michael Shannon, and Michael Pena.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 51 Mom and Dad Mom and Dad JANUARY 26 Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair, as Brent Maze Runner: The Death Cure and Kendall Ryan, get to hunt their “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” In the children in “Mom and Dad.” Something finale of the Maze Runner Saga, Thomas has caused mass hysteria in adults. It (Dylan O’Brien) and his friends must compels them to hurt their own children find a cure for a deadly disease called in the most violent way, causing “The Flare.” They must break into a teenager Carly Ryan (Anne Winters) and well-fortified city to get the vaccine. Forever My Girl her brother Josh Ryan (Zackary Arthur) Death House to hide until the hysteria passes. Adrienne Barbeau, Lindsay Hartley and Forever My Girl Kane Hodder star in “Death House.” Two Alex Roe stars as Liam Page, a country agents are on a routine tour of a prison music star who returns home after 10 called Death House when the power years to see the woman he left behind in breaks down. The agents must elude “Forever My Girl.” That special girl is dangerous prisoners and discover Josie (Jessica Rothe.) something. Den of Thieves Den of Thieves White Boy Rick “Den of Thieves” stars Gerard Butler, “White Boy Rick” is the story of teenager Pablo Schreiber and Sonya Balmores. In Richard Wershe Jr. (Matthew it, one thief planning a bank robbery gets McConaughey), who became an FBI in caught between two sets of criminals. the 1980s. He finally was arrested for The Leisure Seeker drug trafficking and sentenced to life in “The Leisure Seeker” is the name of an prison. The movie also stars Jennifer RV owned by John (Donald Southerland) Jason Lee and Eddie Marsan. and Ella (Helen Mirren) Spencer. The couple take a trip from Boston to Ernest This is not a complete list. Studios add Hemingway’s Key West Home. or pull movies with little or notice. Also, Death House some of the movies may “roll out” JANUARY 25 meaning they start on the East or West 2.0 coast and each week they open in more Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Mayur markets. n Bansiwal star in the sci-fi film “2.0.” In it, Dr. Vaseegaran is forces to reassemble Chitti to stop a deadly winged monster.

The Leisure Seeker White Boy Rick Maze Runner: The Death Cure

52 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Tuesday, January 23 • 7:30 PM

Presenting Tickets: $29 Sponsor:

Thursday, February 22 • 7:30 PM Presenting Sponsor: Tickets: $39

Download the New VPAC at OCCC Mobile OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater App Now! tickets.occc.edu • Box Ofﬁce 405-682-7579 • www.occc.edu/pas Oklahoma City Community College • 7777 S. May Avenue Cultural Programs

www.kgou.org PEOPLE

Young visionary entreprenuers restore historic Oklahoma City properties Modern Touch by Omega & La Bella Event Center

BY TIM FARLEY

athan and Scarlet Le-Cao are a busy Since 2008, the company has acquired and renovated more couple with their rehabilitation of than 350 properties. In the past ﬁve years, Omega has been N residential and commercial property in involved with extensive historical rehabilitations. Oklahoma City. “We have transformed and redeveloped hundreds of homes. The Caos own Omega Investments, which acquires and We are proud to say that we were the pioneers in revitalizing renovates distressed residential properties for long-term Oklahoma City urbancore neighborhoods,” Scarlet Le-Cao said. rental. Another company owned by the Caos, Modern Touch by Some of those neighborhoods include Mesta Park, Omega, handles the renovations. Gatewood, Crestwood, Putnam Heights, Jefferson Park,

Nathan and Scarlet Le-Cao

54 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 La Belle Event Center

Classen Ten Penn and Military Park. purchased a former fitness and racquetball center at 6701 W. “Our approach is to restore the elements that define the Wilshire Boulevard in Oklahoma City. The building, which is character of a historical home while adding modern touch 17,702 square feet and was also a church at one time, has sensibilities,” Scarlet said. “Many meticulous preservation been transformed into an event center. efforts can be seen in the details of front doors, crown Now called La Bella Event Center, the venue can accommo- molding, windows, door knobs, stair cases and mores.” date wedding ceremonies and receptions, anniversary parties, Their properties provide an open floor plan with luxurious, family reunions, Sweet 16s, corporate luncheons and Quin- yet functional, finishes like modern kitchens and bathrooms, ceaneras. updated flooring and sophisticated plumbing and light Omega Investments occupies the front office with the fixtures. remaining space dedicated to the event center. “We deliver homes that enhance customers’ busy, modern “We offer a large bar, beautifully appointed dressing rooms lifestyle,” Scarlet said. and a modern catering kitchen to completely fulfill your Homes are not their only passion. In 2016, the couple event’s every need,” Scarlet said. “Whether the event is bold

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 55 and dramatic or romantic and If the Cao couple weren’t busy intimate, La Bella Event Center enough, they’re also renovating the delivers a beautiful, stylish canvas Martin John Reinhart mansion, 515 for your imagination.” NW 13th in Midtown. The property However, there were other ideas was built in 1910 and was the for the building before the Caos original home of Martin John settled on the event center. Meeting Reinhart and his family. Oscar Hernandez, king of the The house has 3,775 square feet quinceaneras in Oklahoma City’s with an unfinished attic and Hispanic community, solidified the basement space. The house features thought that an event center would six bedrooms, three and a half be a success. bathrooms, two dining rooms and a The Caos are Vietnamese and covered porch. The master suite has Hernandez is Hispanic, but the a balcony, wet bar and a stylish different cultures didn’t take away master bath. from the event center move. “Our vision for this building is to “Both cultures share the same “Our approach is to restore be flagship AirBnb or flexible space common foundation, which is family in Midtown and downtown,” Scarlet values,” Scarlet said. “Our mission the elements that define said. “The streetcar, book store, is to provide a beautiful venue for the character of a historical coffee shops, restaurants and bars customers to make memories. It is a are just a block away. place to celebrate important events home while We want to bring more in their lives.” adding modern people to this The event center idea also worked touch building. We love the for the partners because of a opportunity to add shortage of space for those types of sensibilities.” more pedestrian gatherings in northwest Oklahoma — Scarlet Le-Cao traffic to arguably the City. most walkable block “After we learned about the in Oklahoma City.” underserved market for nice event Reinhart’s former venues on this side of town, we home will fully decided to turn the building into furnished for small an event center,” Scarlet said. weddings, bachelor and Scarlet came to the U.S. 10 bachelorette parties or executive years ago as an international retreats. student and her first job was in Reinhart was one of Oklahoma catering. City’s first premier builders. Some La Bella is also equipped to of his work included the Biltmore handle other events such as Hotel, Osler Building (now the business luncheons, training and Ambassador Hotel) and the fundraising gatherings without Midtown Plaza Court building. n the typical parking hassles. Modern Touch by Omega Office at 6701 W. Wilshire Blvd

56 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Remodeled historic Mesta Park mansion ready for new owner Home filled with exquisite beauty of the past, modern touches of the present

A MESTA PARK MANSION that The home is listed with historic home was Halo Homes Renovation. received a year’s worth of renovations expert realtor Carla Splaingard from “It takes team work, resources, has new life. Re/Max Preferred for $1,298,500 which discipline, vision and passion to have Built circa 1910 and designed by is at $227.87 /SF. this splendor like today. I still remember architects Hawk & Parr, the house at “We haven’t had any type of product the day that Raj, the owner of R&J and 900 NW 19 has new life after major like this complete high quality Associates, came to us and persuaded renovations by Omega Investments LLC. remodeled historic home at this price us to restore this property. It has been This grand 5,705 SF Spanish colonial range for a long time. This is one-of-a- 18 months ago,” Cao said. Mesta Mansion has five bedrooms kind,” Splaingard said. including a garage apartment, three full “It is an honor for us to take on this “WHEN WE TOOK THE PROPERTY , it was baths, two half baths, two car garage very special project,” said Nathan Cao, in such a bad shape with so many and a finished Speakeasy underground founder/owner of Omega Investments. things collected from so many decades. bar in the basement. The Guthrie The project was restored and We used total 28 dumpsters to clean Scottish Rite Temple, Hales Mansion developed by Modern Touch by Omega, a out,” said Hunter Meiki, owner of Halo (1521 N. Hudson), the Linwood Workman renovation department of Omega Homes Renovation. “We had to work Home (3205 NW 19) and City Center Investments. The construction from the ground up to reinforce the building are also projects of Hawk & management partner is R&J and foundation from the basement. We Parr. Associates and the general contractor restored the original clay tile roof and salvaged the bricks to rebuild north and south of the property. Every single detail of the doors, windows and hardware took lots of time to restore.” The second floor has beautiful original wood floor with detailed design of mix maple and pine wood. The property has new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 57 THE MESTA PARK MANSION was remodeled thoughtfully. Much of the historic details have been able retained throughout the property. “Our strength of design and renovation is to add some modern touch to historic homes to ﬁt the modern lifestyle while keeping the historic values of the properties. All of the selection of design was thoughtful and planned with great details,” said Scarlet Le-Cao, co-owner & general manager of Omega Investments.

and splashes of paint colors on the brick columns were painted by musicians and artists in the 1960s when the owner at the time opened the house as a commune for the artists to stay, according to a longtime Mesta Park neighbor. The wet bar was built with reclaimed wood from the house. “We also put our magic to turn an old black and white console TV we found in the basement into a working TV with LED screen,” said Meiki.

THE OLD FLOOR PLAN was cut up with small rooms. Several walls were removed to get the open concept. Most of the whole second floor is designated for the master suite with the seating area leading to the beautiful balcony. The unique architectural stamp of a stone “H” identifies Hawk’s mark on the balcony. An old grand pocket door was turned into a barn door to separate the bedroom with a walk- in boutique closet. “The master closet is every woman’s dream. It is a fun and glamorous place to hang out with gold details, lots of mirrors, The garage apartment was the first one to be built in the original claw foot tub, vintage double vanity and a walk-in neighborhood back in the day. It was completely re-built with shower,” Scarlet Cao said. a modern country kitchen and bathroom after collapsing during renovation. The home’s beauty has been enhanced THE GORGEOUS KITCHEN has lot of “wow” factors such as the by kiln formed glass art pieces and painting from premiere custom-made venthood and open shelves with metal straps, glass artist Suzanne Mears. nuts and bolts. Herringbone glass tile backsplash, leather granite, beautiful natural stone for the island and a farm sink TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE showing, please contact Realtor works wonders combining the simple life with elegance. Carla Splaingard 405.740.8980. 900 NW 19 evokes people’s curiosity and imagination when “We expect to find the perfect owner who will treasure this walking down to the basement with the Speakeasy rare gem,” Splaingard said. n underground bar. The original Speakeasy mural on the wall

58 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 THE RINEHART MANSION located at 515 NW 13st Street While it embraces the practicality and progress offered by was one of the early Heritage Hills mansions modern life, it continues to battle against certain forces that owned by one of Oklahoma City’s pioneer would dissolve its character. builders of commercial property in the midtown Developers such as G.A. Nichols began buying the farmland area nearby the downtown area of Oklahoma City around the stately mansions and built blocks of homes for the in the early 1900’s. city’s elite during waves of economic boom. Today, Heritage Hills is still home to many city leaders and The Mid Continent Life Insurance Building located at 13th young families alike – just as it was 100 years ago. and Classen Drive borders Heritage Hills and has been The tree-lined sidewalks and irreplaceable historic spaces restored to its original grandeur and now is the new home for offer a quality of life that only comes with age and history. the Gaylord Pickens Museum and Oklahoma Hall of Fame. n The pioneer spirit is alive and well - with an active social community and strong alliances beyond its borders.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 59 PEOPLE ONE OF A KIND Yukon man ﬂew top secret missions for Patton during WWII

BY TIM FARLEY News Editor

arroll Norman flew top-secret missions during World War II C that only he and five other pilots had been trained to pull off. Norman, 93, of Yukon, took orders from Gen. George Patton, who knew the advantages of conducting low-level, night bombings against specific German targets. Armed with intelligence reports, Norman would hit German military assets such as trains armed with war goods. “I chased a lot of those. I would hit anything the (U.S.) Army needed support on. I was the only one (U.S. pilot) flying those types of missions at the time,” the longtime said. “I also flew missions over the (English) Channel and I did that until D-Day when I was reassigned to the 3rd Army in France.” Norman didn’t become Patton’s top pilot without a lot of training, which can be traced back to his teenage years. Norman grew up as a farm boy and started taking flying lessons as a teen. He obtained his

Carroll Norman looks at a pictures of the men he served with in World War II.

60 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 pilot’s license by the time he reached 16. As the war began heating up in Europe, the Royal Air Force came calling in the U.S. in search of top pilots and they found several including Norman. “I went through every training the course the RAF had at an accelerated pace,” he said. “I started with the Beaufighter and then flew the Mosquito which was used for night training and low-level exercises.” When those exercises turned into real-life missions against the German military machine, Norman used the aircraft’s eight, 5-inch rockets and the four, 20-mm cannons to hit the targets. The ground-controlled missions typically lasted anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. “I would be given a time when I’d hit the target and intelligence was usually right,” Norman recalled. “I did that for 42 missions before I was shot down.” After crashing in German-occupied territory, Norman spent 10 days in the woods walking back toward American-held positions. “One of the train cars I had shot blew up next to me,” he recalled. Almost instantly after crashing, Norman thought to himself, “What am I doing here?” “I always carried plenty of rations so I wasn’t going to be hungry,” he said. “But I did kill a deer, cut off a quarter of it, roasted that and carried it with me.” Fortunately for Norman, he did not encounter German troops during his 10 days in the woods. Finally, the young pilot saw an American tank scouting for Germans. At last, he was rescued. “Keeping warm and staying out of sight were my biggest Carroll Norman getting into a fighter jet. obstacles,” he said. “I wasn’t in a mountain region. Most of it (terrain) was pretty level.” Norman talked about his tenure with Patton and the lavish rescued quickly. The rescue was deemed critical because of way he was treated by Patton, also known as Old Blood and the specific expertise and knowledge Norman had acquired. Guts. “I had a lot of privileges because of that,” he said. “I was “I was considered a tool of Patton’s. He always wanted me one of a kind. Every mission I flew and everywhere I went was to have the best of everything. I had fresh eggs every morning, classified. I had one of the highest security clearances I could which is something most people didn’t have. I lived alone in a get. I could go anywhere I wanted to in my airplane as long as four-person test and they eventually put me in a French I didn’t have any missions.” hotel,” Norman said. “I was doing something nobody else was After WW II ended, Norman remained in fighter units and doing by flying those low-level, nighttime missions.” bounced from unit to unit depending on the needs of the U.S. Norman was shot down earlier in his military career outside Air Force. of Paris, France, when he was flying a P-70, but he was “I had gone through classified schools for radar and

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 61 In 1947, Norman was assigned to escort the bodies of dead soldiers back to their homes. “It was rewarding, but I didn’t like it,” he said. “Every family welcomed me with open arms. Some of them would want me to stay for the services.” Later in his career, Norman worked as a judge advocate for the Air Force and tried several smaller cases. He also helped organize the military’s first air- to-air defense school, which taught fighter pilots how to fire their unguided rockets at enemy planes. Finally, Norman ended his military career language. I had every job (in after almost 30 years in the Air Force. the Air Force) you can think But he and his wife, Dorothy, didn’t sit of,” he said. on the couch and retire. Instead, they One of the assignments was bought an airport in Kingsland, Texas, filtration missions flown in B-50 where they rented hangar space to aircraft over Bikini Atoll, which is part aircraft owners. They also restored World of the Marshall Islands. The War II planes and flew them to air shows for filtration missions were needed years. to detect the level of “Dorothy was a pilot, too. She radioactivity from nuclear loved to fly. We would restore those explosions that occurred from planes, fly them and sell them,” nuclear devices detonated by the Norman said. “We had a pretty good U.S. between 1946 and 1958 at seven business going there.” test sites on the reef itself, on the sea, in But then the diagnosis came in the mid-1990s. the air and underwater. Doctors told the couple Dorothy had Parkinson’s disease. Given “We were finding out the damage it would do to people and only a short time to live, Dorothy outlasted the prognosis by places,” Norman said. “Those islands still have a lot of living an extra 10 years. radiation today.” Sometimes, the military and personal memories are tough to Norman said large tanks placed on the wings of his aircraft recall for the aging Norman, but the medals, photographs and collected the air from around the detonation points and commendations are proof this living legend and war hero provided U.S. officials with information about the radiation contributed in significant ways to America’s success in World that still existed. War II. “Those were 30-hour missions, and they were boring to me,” n he recalled.

62 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 EVENTS

OPENING NIGHT December 31 7:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Bicentennial Park 500 Couch Dr. Downtown Oklahoma City

OPENING NIGHT 2018

Ring in the new year in style! Since 1987, Opening Night has been the place for families and friends to enjoy the performing arts and “open” the New Year in the spirit of community. Downtown Oklahoma City is the setting for a variety bands, ﬁreworks, and an unforgettable children’s craft and performance area. The day begins with the festive Finale 5k and all the excitement concludes with a ﬁreworks extravaganza at midnight. Á

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ion Oklahoma 63 OPENING NIGHT THINGS TO KNOW Wristbands Wristbands are available for purchase on December 1. Find at MidFirst Bank locations, 7-Eleven stores, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and Plenty Mercantile. On the night of the event, you may purchase wristbands at sales locations across the event .

Wristbands are $8 in advance, $10 the night of the event.

Children’s Area The Children’s Area in the Hall of Mirrors in Civic Center Music Hall means family-friendly fun! Enjoy face painting, an interactive art project, and lively musical performances – The Wise Guys perfect to ring in the New Year 2018 Performers Food Trucks in Finale Alley The Wise Guys, Civic Center Music Hall, 9-11:30PM Find hot drinks, snacks, and other delicious options in Finale OKC Improv, Oklahoma City Museum of Art Auditorium, Alley any time before midnight! 7 - 11:30PM Adam and Kizzie and Bricktown Clowns, Bicentennial Park Bacon N Cakin: Pancake sandwiches and bacon infused Finale Stage, 7 - 11:30PM angus beef sliders made fresh to order Edgar Cruz, Ron Norrick Downtown Library 4th floor, Eddie’s Wings on Wheels: Crispy, juicy and oh-so wonderful 7 - 11:30PM wings Steelwind Duo, Bicentennial Park Finale Stage, 7 - 11:30PM Hijo’s Taqueria: Authentic street tacos, quesadillas, and other Brisa Sur, Ron Norrick Downtown Library Atrium, 7 - 11:30PM tasty Mexican fare The House Session, Oklahoma City Museum of Art Founder’s Junction Coffee: Fresh coffee, espresso drinks, and other hot Hall, 7 - 11:30PM beverages Michael King’s One Man Circus , City Hall Lobby, 7 - 11:30PM Let’s Do Greek: Greek and Mediterranean food including gyros, rice bowls, and more MacTastic: Creamy mac & cheese bowls with delicious add- Fireworks Finale! ins The Wise Guys take the Opening Night Finale Pitchfork: Homemade farmhouse favorites including Stage in Bicentennial Park at 9:00 and play until sandwiches, baked goods and coffee midnight. Playing coverts from vintage rock Sizzle N Spice: Tandoori style, Pakistani and Indian food n’roll to contemporary pop, The Wise Guys will Snow S’more: Hand crafted s’mores and coffee beverages delight audience members of all ages. Dance in Taste of Soul Chicken and Waffles: Delicious chicken and waffle sandwiches, and more the New Year to everything from The Beach Boys Tasty Beats: Delightful selection of concession favorites. to The Cars to Maroon 5, and more. The Wise Wicked Hangry: Gourmet burgers, sliders and grown-up Guys count us down to midnight, when a grilled cheese fireworks extravaganza rings in 2018! n

64 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Adam and Kizzie Edgar Cruz Steelwind Duo

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 65

TRAVEL

Tulsa to Dallas to Santa Fe Saga TRAVEL ADVENTURES – A Night in Lock-Up At DFW

BY M. J. VAN DEVENTER

o mimic Vincent Van Gogh, “It was a dark and by the time we were in the clouds, leaving stormy night” at the DFW Airport in Dallas/Fort Tulsa. I was scheduled to arrive at the T Worth, America. Santa Fe airport about 7:30 p.m., get my rental car, arrive at the condo 28 minutes The storm didn’t come from later and meet two Dallas friends who lightning, rain or thunder. Rather the were my house-guests for the week. rumble was the frustration/angst of Instead, I wound up in lock-up in a 100 passengers who were about six secluded office at DFW’s Terminal 3! hours late leaving Tulsa on a flight to Likewise, my baggage – filled with Santa Dallas on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Fe style apparel – was held hostage None of the passengers – even the somewhere in the bowels of Terminal 3. most seasoned of travelers – could Since July 2005, I’ve been a heart have predicted the outcome of that patient, with a lovely pacemaker that scheduled mid-afternoon flight that frustrations with late leaving planes means I can never wear a strapless dress didn’t take to the skies until evening. from Tulsa’s International Airport. again. A savvy Triple AAA travel agent To the Tulsa International Airport’s I was headed for Santa Fe, New suggested I always have a wheel chair credit, the crew at our boarding gate Mexico. I’ve been so pleased in the past waiting for me at DFW. Passengers never provided the welcome diversion of few years that American Eagle now know, until arrival, how far the trek might abundant snacks and bottled water to flies directly into Santa Fe. I visit there be from one gate, one terminal to another. appease the growing frustration of as often as I can to stay at a condo on This has saved my heartbeat on many travelers. Everyone at the gate knew Canyon Road, owned by family members. occasions. their plans had gone askew while Canyon Road is an artists’ mecca and The DFW airport has never failed to have a waiting for a plane to fly us to Dallas. the best place to see the diversity of art wheelchair and a pleasant attendant waiting Mechanical problems were cited as the in America. If you can’t visit abroad, for me. I’m a big tipper for this service and reason for the plane’s very late arrival. Santa Fe is the next best thing. because I’ve been an inquisitive journalist Passengers so weary of waiting From Tulsa to Dallas, it’s a quick for half a century, I always find out cheered the plane’ eventual arrival. flight – less than an hour, but of something interesting about my “pusher.” This was not the first time a plane I course, there’s usually some waiting Finally landing at DFW, all of the was booked on from Tulsa to Dallas time at the gate. Many of the passengers who had missed connecting was tardy. Actually, it was the sixth passengers – myself included – had flights were diverted to “Customer Care” – time in three years I experienced already missed their connecting flights many steps away from our arrival gate. I’m

68 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 possibility of a cup of coffee. The attendant said, “It’s way too strong. You couldn’t drink it.” I wanted to say, “Try me.” So coffee was out. So was leaving early. That wasn’t allowed. “We can’t let you leave until 30 minutes before your plane boards,” an attendant said. I felt compelled to ask the pivotal question. Just what kind of place is this? I learned it’s a security facility for the elderly (I qualified) who are traveling sitting in my comfy wheelchair by the Dallas friends who were waiting for my alone, might have memory problems and gate attendant’s desk and my fellow arrival in Santa Fe. The only reason I need supervision. It’s also for children passengers are scurrying to Customer could use the phone was because their who are traveling solo. “That’s why Care. I’m the last one to arrive. The line cell phone had a Dallas area code. security is so tight,” an attendant said. is long as passengers snake their way I was shown “my room” for the night. All I wanted was coffee, breakfast , toward a bank of Customer Care em- It was small and cold. The bed was freedom, an unlocked door and a ployees. It’s good I’m a patient person. really a low budget leather sofa with the wheelchair ride to my gate. An attendant My pusher is an attentive young DFW semblance of a mattress. I was given finally let me out of lock-up. employee from India and I’m finally eight thin American Airlines passenger I didn’t quite get to my favorite motioned forward to an assistant at the blankets. A large floor to ceiling window Episcopal church that Sunday morning Customer Care Desk. I am the last – no draperies or shades – faced the in Santa Fe on time as I had hoped, even woman sitting to be helped that night. bed. There was a TV, three office-style though the American Eagle flight arrived She says, regretfully, “We don’t have chairs and one small ottoman. I don’t a bit early. My luggage was the last to any more hotel vouchers left.” I am recall any art on the walls. arrive at the baggage carousel in the tired. I’m hungry. I’m given dinner There was a bathroom directly across Santa Fe airport. vouchers to restaurants about to close from my room but since I didn’t have In spite of all the inconvenience and a in other DFW terminals. I feel my any “priority status” I couldn’t use it. mild case of fright, I’m grateful for an pacemaker going into action. This is not Facilities for “guests” were “down the American Airlines Customer Care pleasant news. hall to the left, turn right, cross the attendant in Terminal 3 who went beyond “But we do have a room in an office in office threshold, walk across the wide the call of duty to find the semblance of Terminal C where you can spend the hall, outside of this office complex,” an a bed and plenty of blankets for me that night!” She gave me a breakfast attendant directed. She had suggested I evening. Travel after all, must always be voucher. My pusher took me on a use that bathroom before the office door seen as an adventure . n whirlwind ride to a private area behind was locked for the night. locked doors I never knew existed in I really couldn’t sleep much amid the Writer’s Bio: M. J. Van Deventer is an Terminal C. I saw the signs that this office staff’s late night activity, but I award-winning journalist and book area was off limits to the public. I made it through the cold, restless night. author who has traveled the globe for frighten easily. I did miss my comfy pillow from home. newspapers and magazines in the The office was busy even at 10 p.m. The next morning I wanted to leave, southwestern region of the United States. The staff was cordial. Regrettably, I did have a little breakfast on the free voucher She is a retired university journalism not have a cell phone with me and the before catching my 9:15 Sunday morning professor who continues to write about staff let me make one phone call to my plane to Santa Fe. I inquired about the interesting people, places and things.

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 69 LEADERSHIP

2018 NextGen Leadership expands statewide Ambassador Network First quarter Orientation Luncheon January 13, 2018 oklahoma Oklahoma History Center

he mission of the NextGen Oklahoma education, government, accounting, non-profit organizations, Leadership program is to inspire and energy, agriculture, manufacturing, marketing, media, sports T encourage the next generation of and public relation careers fields. Oklahoma leaders to best utilize their NextGen Ambassadors will meet four times annually and talents and creative energy to improve provide direction, creation and event planning with NextGen Oklahoma’s workplaces, families and organizers, the most relevant quality program content that communities. will help young people advance their leadership knowledge Oklahoma is very fortunate to have many very talented and provide them with the tools to grow in their careers and young people living in our state. The ultimate goal of our personal lives. movement is to make Oklahoma the state of choice for NextGen Ambassadors can be the conduit between Millennials across the nation and more specifically those communities across the Oklahoma and encourage worthwhile young people now living in Oklahoma networking between rural and urban cities. This connection of Don Swift, NextGen founder and publisher of ion Oklahoma talented young people can have an important impact on Online Magazine, challenged NextGen Ambassadors to lead a growth in our state. movement that will encourage young Oklahomans between the The 2018 NextGen Oklahoma Leadership Networking ages of 20-39 to step up in leadership roles in their Program will include four regional one-day networking communities across the state. The cross section of young workshops across Oklahoma in addition to the annual NextGen Oklahomans are involved in banking, law, insurance, under 30 Award Ceremony and Day at the State Capitol to meet the governor and lieutenant governor.

Visit www.nextgenunder30.com and click on the Ambassador menu name. You can read more about the Ambassador program and then complete the NextGen Ambassador application if you are interested. I welcome all young people to check it out on our website. In 2017 our ﬁrst year of the Ambassador program we had 27 young people from nine different cities in Oklahoma participate. n

70 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 NextGen Oklahoma Leaders AMBASSADOR’S ORIENTORIENTATAATION Oklahoma History CenterCenter,r,, January 13, 2018

NextGen Oklahoma Leaders Ambassadors help plan how to engage their generation in building the future of Oklahoma fromom a Millennial’s per - spective. Ambassadors are selected from NextGen Under 30 alumni and from intereestedsted supporters who attend Next Gen Okalahoma LLeaderseaders workshops and retreats. Ambassadors also have key DDanan Provo, Directoorr of the Oklahoma Museum of Historyy,, welcomes roolesles in workshopsworkshops andand the the annual annual awar award ceremony. the NeexxtGen Oklahoma Ambassadors.

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MISSION dŽŝŶƐƉŝƌĞĂŶĚƚŽĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞƚŚĞŶĞǆƚŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶŽĨůĞĂĚĞƌƐƚŽďĞƐƚddŽŽŝŶƐƉŝƌĞ ĂŶĚƚŽ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞƚŚĞ ŶĞǆƚ ŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶŽŽĨĨ ůĞĂĚĞƌƌƐƐ ƚŽ ďĞƐƚ NEXTGEN ƵƟůŝǌĞƚŚĞŝƌƚĂůĞŶƚƐĂŶĚĐƌĞĂƟǀĞĞŶĞƌŐǇƚŽŝŵƉƌŽǀĞKŬůĂŚŽŵĂ͛ƐƵƟůŝŝǌǌĞƚŚĞŝƌ ƚĂůĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞ ĞŶĞƌŐǇƚŽ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞKŬůĂŚŽŵĂ͛͛ƐƐ OKLAHOMA ĨĂŵŝůŝĞƐ͕ǁŽƌŬƉůĂĐĞƐ͕ĂŶĚĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ͘ĨĨĂĂŵŝůŝĞƐƐ͕͕ǁŽƌŬƉůĂĐĞƐƐ͕͕ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ͘ LEADERS LeadershipLeadership Networking Workshop

DURANT,DURANTT,,OK CHOCTTAAW CASINO & RESORTT,, 4617 S HwHwy 69/75, Durant, OK. ~CEDAR ROOM~ >Õ>ÀÞ£n] Óä£n U 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Re gular pric COMING TOGETHER e $99 BUILDING COLLABORAATIVETTIVE COMMUNITIES R EGISTE A day of networking and professional development for R NOW Oklahoma’’ss NextGen LeLeaders ages 20-40. o nextg nly enunde $4 r30.com 9 CCommunicatingommunicating your world and understanding theirs, to unleash the cre- LUNCH /work INCL shops ativeative energy in your home, your workplaces, and your communityy.. UDED Ȉ CONNECTCONNECT with young community and professional leaders in your area Ȉ DEVELOP your leadership talents in an interactive leadership session Ȉ INTERACTINTERACT with local decision makers during the Leader Circles WHO SHOULD AATTEND?TTTENTEND? All are welcome – the focus is on young leaders (20-40 years old). Local host Space is limited. Advanced registration is required.

AGENDA

9:009:00 a.m. CheckCheck in and informal networking ~ CEDAR RROOMOOM

99:30:30 a.m. Networking activity Lt.Lt. Gov. TToddodd Lamb KEYNOTE SPEAKER 110:000:00 a.m. LLEADEREADER CIRCLES: casual roundtable conversations withwith prominentprominenent areaarea business and community leaders. Ȉ Chief Chief Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation Ȉ Greg Massey,Masseyy,, CEO 1st United Bank Ȉ LizLiz McCraw,McCraw, Ȉ Jon Hazell, Science Teacher,Teeacher,acher, Durant High School, 2017 OklahomaOklahoma TeacherTeacher of thethe YearYear Ȉ Shaun Banner,Bannerr,, Plant Manager, Cardinal FG LUNCHEONLUNCHEON & Keynote: Lt.Lt. Gov.Gov. ToddTodd Lamb

1:001:00 p.m. LLEADERSHIPEADERSHIP SESSION: Perspectives, Blindspots, Collaboration, and the Dynamics of Change Making. 4:00 p.m. Dismiss

CContact:ontact: Garland McWatters, 972-762-3955,955, [email protected] NextGenNextGen Oklahoma Leaders workshops are produced by INPoweowered2 LEAD

EVENTS

Oklahoma City Bachelors Club members celebrate a 72 year tradition on Thanksgiving Day delivering invitations to the annual Bachelors Club Christmas Holiday Debutante Ball on December 22, 2017. The Bachelors Club Tradition: Every year it all begins early on Thanksgiving Morning

BACHELORS CLUB 201 7

wenty ﬁve college women were invited to become debutantes and be T presented at the annual Bachelor Club Christmas Holiday Ball scheduled on December 22, 2017 at the Oklahoma City Golf & County Club. These invitations were uniquely delivered as a surprise visit to each of the debutantes’ homes on Thursday, November 23rd Thanksgiving morning by Bachelors Club members dressed in tuxedo formal attire and who traveled via limousines. Four teams of Bachelors Club members present the young women and their parents with a formal invitation, a rose, etched champagne glasses and bottle of champagne between 9:00am and 12:00 on Thanksgiving Day. The annual Bachelors Club Christmas Ball is typically attended by over 600 people and has been recognized as one of Oklahoma City’s most enjoyable events for friends and families over the holiday season. Each year all proceeds from this event are donated to a worthy local charitable organization selected by the Bachelors Club members. The 2017 charity is “Hearts for Hearing”. Over the years the Oklahoma City Bachelors Club members have donated thousands of dollars to local Bachelors Club members Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2017. charities.

74 ion Oklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Bachelors Club members delivering invitations

2017 DEBUTANTES ARE: Claire Bizzell Abbott Sydney Rachel Dye Vivian Brooks Armitage Grace Holly Grifﬁn Olivia Ashton Beall Lauren Kathryn Hardberger Heidi Glee Brown Aubrey Jean Hermen Abigail Elise Cain Mackenzie Ann Kenny Claire Judith Cameron Amanda Elise Lewis Karen Amelia Cottrell Morgan Danielle Meacham Katherine Jane Cox Ann Marie Nordin Hannah Elaine Cunningham Hanna Beth Northcutt Sally Nicole Denner Isabelle Marguerite Ostrowe Dylan Sierra Dobson Megan Hope Trachtenberg Lauren Taylor Dobson Tillie Rist Allen Isabella Slayden Dunning

Marie Nordin receives her invitation Grace Griffin’s parents watch as she receives her invitation Dylan Dodson receives her invitation. Claire Cameron receives her invitation.

2017 BACHELOR CLUB MEMBERS ARE: Mr. Samuel Adam McDonald (President) Mr. Kleron Raj Mr. Cole Patrick Terlip (Vice President) Mr. Vijay Raj Mr. John Alexander Merrill (Secretary) Mr. Kyle Christian Cummings Mr. Stuart Henry Krous (Treasurer) Mr. John Ditmars Mr. Jennings Grayson Hammock Mr. Richard Bascum Pippin Mr. James Finley Bennett Mr. Marshall Lucas Mr. Chase Michael Skelton Mr. Jack Livingston

Tillie Allen receives her invitation. Family gathers with Morgan Meacham when she receives her invitation.

76 ionOklahoma DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 Isabelle Ostrowe receives her invitation. Megan Trachtenberg receives her invitation.

Mr. Warren Robert Hoover Mr. Matthew Storm Rund Mr. Stephen Bartlett Amalong Mr. Jennings Patterson Jarman Mr. Saxon Douglas Allton Mr. Marcelo Lucas Puiggari Mr. Coleman McHugh Moody Mr. William Thomas Milam III Mr. Cort Preston Hagan Mr. Jacob Patrick Rainbolt Mr. Emory John Hood Mr. Stephen Bartlett Amalong Mr. Joseph Gregory Wheeler

Lauren Hardberger receives her invitation. Bachelor Club members deliver invitations

DECEMBER 2017/ JANUARY 2018 ionOklahoma 77 2016 BACHELOR CLUB BALL SAMPLE ABLUM

2016OK LBAHOMaAc ChITeY lGoOLrFs & CCOUNlTuRYb C LBUB all

BACHELORS CLUB 2016

405.495.4423 [email protected]

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