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December 2022 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer Here we are in the final month of 2022, a year that has seen our city returning to some semblance of normalcy following the pandemic. And through this experience, I have sensed that most people are taking greater care in looking after one another and being kind and respectful. Sure, you have jokers running stop signs, but this Halloween, I handed out tons of candy to trick-or-treaters, and nearly everyone–young and old–was pleasant and gracious. I take this as a very good sign. For all the doom and gloom I see and hear each day, human compassion and dignity seems to be winning out, despite all of that has happened to our world since early 2020. One amazing interview I conducted was of Carla Rabon, widow of Mike Rabon. They were married for nearly 43 years. He had been in a successful '60sera Oklahoma rock band called The Five Americans (here I am holding a framed photo of the band), which scored a Top 5 hit in 1967 called “Western Union.” Since Mike passed away in February, Carla has been willing to talk to folks about her husband's amazing career and depth of talent. It was an honor to be able to sit with her and learn more about him and his music and books. Our very own Peter Levinson, of Levinson Luxury Homes, writes about his daughter Tiara and her beautiful wedding in Tuscany, a gorgeous celebration 16th-century philosopher Machiavelli himself would have loved, since it took place at his historic villa. I also spoke with Christina Vescovo, a businesswoman and entrepreneur with Florida and California connections, who sees Oklahoma City as a great city in which to do business. You'll want to check out her destination store, RadioActive Threads. Those Cleary Bikes they sell are truly top of the line and are swell for kids! This is my last issue as editorial coordinator of OKC City Lifestyle. Wishing you and yours the happiest holiday season ever.

Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@citylifestyle.com 405.541.5650 EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Andrew Griffin MANAGING EDITOR

Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@citylifestyle.com ADMINISTR ATIVE ASSISTANT

Lindsey Nantze | lindsey.nantze@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Jerri Culpepper, Andrew Griffin CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Josh Bivens, Kennon Bryce, Christine Burk, Jana Carson, Facibeni Fotografia, Andrew Griffin, Peter Levinson

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in OKC City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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DECEMBER 2022

inside the issue The Holiday & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 OKC to Rolling Tuscany Hills

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Travel Journal

Curb Appeal

Must See

Back Stage

Local Limelight

Events

Realty Report

Giving Back

Machiavelli’s villa provides lovely setting for grand wedding

22 Stop. Pause. Listen.

New Urbanism Community Attracting Those Who Seek a Sense of Community

26 Oklahoma Music Legend Remembered Mike Rabon of The Five Americans Is Gone But Not Forgotten

28 “The Nutcracker” Provides Cozy Familiarity, Family Enjoyment Artistic Director Taking OKC Ballet in New Direction

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jana Carson Courtney Connor Jones, principal with the Oklahoma City Ballet, dances as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the company’s 2022 performance of “The Nutcracker.”

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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1: Isabella Rodriguez at Día de los Muertos at Scissortail Park in OKC. 2: Maya Abdo offers a dramatic Dia de los Muertos pose at Scissortail Park. 3: Lyla Meeks, Jolene Meeks, Krison Meeks, Jonathan Meeks, Vanessa Sanchez, and Nathaniel Sanchez. 4: A performance by Dia de los Muertos dancers at Scissortail Park. 5: Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday (Day of the Dead). 6: Gil Ayden Alvarado pauses for a moment with his guitar. 7: Careva (left) and Xitali pose at the Dia de los Muertos at OKC’s Scissortail Park. Photography by Christine Burk

CONTINUED >

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1: Kimberly, Nicole and Amber appear as The Sanderson Sisters, witches in the film “Hocus Pocus.” 2: Kayla appears as a Barbie doll at Spookypalooza, held on Oct. 6. 3: H-MD Medical Spa hosted Spookypalooza, the name for the annual patient-appreciation event held around Halloween. 4: Leslie and Taylor appear as Beetlejuice and Lydia. 5: A little more “Hocus Pocus” at H-MD Medical Spa’s Spookypalooza. 6: Brooke—as Wonder Woman—strikes a pose. 7: Shelby’s clever costume is a SkinBetter shopping bag. Photography by H-MD Medical Spa

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DECEMBER 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Babble Coffee & Boba Tea Bar

The Study: Brainchild of Nerds

Locally owned by Tuan and Lisa Le, Babble Coffee & Boba Tea Bar, 6909 W. Hefner Road, Suite B12, opened about five years ago. Babble offers smoothies, slushies, teas, lemonades, coffees and so much more. There are many different toppings you can get with each drink or optout and just get the drink by itself. While the food menu is limited, Babble's Taiwanese-style popcorn and sweet dipping sauce is a favorite among regulars.

The Study, on Film Row in downtown Oklahoma City, is the brainchild of four nerds who wanted a place to hang out so they built a 64-tap wine bar with beer, games, spirits and a healthy portion of unpretentiousness to make all feel welcome regardless of wine knowledge. Drink, eat, play what you like with no judgment or snooty sneers from “pinkies out” onlookers. Photography: Andrew Griffin

Sailor and The Dock Sailor and The Dock, at 617 W. Sheridan Ave. in OKC's historic Film Row, is the place where local creators, entrepreneurs, artists and promoters of the community can see and/or display their artistic vision. And there is still time to catch Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at Sailor and The Dock, through Dec. 4. Photography: Andrew Griffin

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Photography: Tuan Le

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DECEMBER 2022

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Experience the tastes, sounds and sights of what our area has to offer this season. We curated a list of ways to celebrate the holidays and usher in the new year in our city. Enjoy!

Winter Celebrations CHICKASAW BR ICKTOWN BALLPAR K: Ride down the gigantic snow tubing slope at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark! Enjoy the festive winter atmosphere and hot cocoa during WinterFest and Snow Tubing. 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, Oklahoma City MITCH PAR K: Edmond Electric's Luminance is Edmond's premier walkthrough holiday display. It will conclude on Jan. 1, 2023. W. Covell Rd., Edmond MYR IAD GAR DENS FOUNDATION: Guests can build gingerbread houses on Dec. 17 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens' Mango Room. 301 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City AUTOMOBILE ALLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and experience its stunning light display during the seventh annual Lights On Broadway event! 211 N. Robinson Ave., Ste. 225, Oklahoma City HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOPS: Visit more than 30 Oklahoma-owned businesses at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops, which supports local businesses while bringing shoppers to a centralized hub in OKC. 399 N.W. 10th Street, Oklahoma City

Scan for more photos and the full list. Myriad Gardens Foundation

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

G R A N D

O KC T O RO L L I NG TUSCA NY HILLS 18

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | L IFE + CULTURE

Peter and Tara Levinson, with daughter Tiara, on their wedding day in the early '90s.

Niccolo Machiavelli's Tuscan home, where Peter Levinson's daughter was married.

MACHIAVELLI’S VILLA PROVIDES LOVELY SETTING FOR GRAND WEDDING ARTICLE BY PETER LEVINSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER LEVINSON AND FACIBENI FOTOGRAFIA

From my backyard wedding in Oklahoma City almost 31 years ago, we now fast forward to my daughter’s backyard wedding in Niccolo Machiavelli’s Tuscan home. My wife and I met in high school, and before our high school graduation, we had our first daughter. Three weeks after our graduation, we were married. Our daughter was 1 at the time and was a flower girl at our wedding. At the time, I thought nothing of it. It seemed natural for two 17-year-olds to get married after high school with their kid in the wedding in a family member’s backyard. Let me take you further if you’ve read it this far. We received the wedding video a couple of weeks after my daughter’s wedding. As my wife and I watched it, I remarked to her, “We were there.” It seemed unbelievable. How could we, two people who met at 15, give this incredible gift to our daughter? As parents, one of our roles is to lift our kids to a higher place than ourselves. To give them more of a foundation to rise from than where we, as parents, had. Another role is to raise our children in a way to make the world a better place and go further than we, as parents, have gone. My wedding was everything it was supposed to be. At age 46, I have spent more than half my life on earth with this person. My daughters watched us rise from living in a trailer park, when I served in the Marines, to where we live now. More than financial success, I hope my kids have learned it’s never where you start; it’s where you are going. We taught our kids to be givers by giving to them. Not in a spoiling way but to show them that working hard CONTINUED >

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and being generous does not keep one from being financially “safe.” This article is coming out during Christmas holidays, and a story that annoyed me in my 20s will soon begin playing on TV: A Christmas Carol. I used to want to be Scrooge. You know, be a jerk for most of your life so I could be super rich, then be nice the last years after you’ve earned your millions. But then, what type of parent would I be? What kind of people would my kids be when they grow up? At my daughter’s wedding in Italy, surrounded by family and friends, everyone gathered to see her marry a fantastic man. I realized no other accomplishment mattered more than this moment, to be able to provide her with the wedding of her dreams. Soon, I plan to tell the tale of my younger daughter’s wedding in 2015 and the life lessons I learned then. But first, let me reiterate that the backyard where my daughter’s wedding took place once belonged to Niccolo Machiavelli, author of The Prince. As a retired Italian politician, Machiavelli wrote that book to the new ruler of Florence on how to be a good ruler to the Italian people. The book’s theme is that the greatest gift you will ever give in life is what you give of yourself to your kids and the type of people they will be in the world. If you still need to read it, you should! If you have the opportunity to travel to Florence, visit Villa Machiavelli. This family home is a piece of history, believed to be designed by Michelangelo in the 15th century. It is nestled among Tuscany’s rolling hills, surrounded by vineyards and expansive English-style gardens, and full of unforgettable experiences.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | L IFE + CULTURE

R O M A N T I C

Tiara and Nathan Bollman kiss following their wedding on the spectatular grounds of Machiavelli’s Tuscan villa.

Stop. Pause.

Listen.

New Urbanism Community attracting those who seek a sense of community and a place to get back to their roots 22

C UR B A P P E A L | R EA L ESTATE

Just off the beaten path, down an unassuming country road just 10 miles south of Norman, lies a hidden gem that is, quite honestly, difficult to fully comprehend … difficult, that is, until you take the surprisingly easy and short drive to an area oft-overlooked for the familiarity of OKC’s downtown adventures. Ditching the traditional neighborhood development model, Selah is a colossal, 540-acre New Urbanism Community attracting those who seek a sense of community and a place to get back to their roots. Literally meaning “Stop. Pause. Listen.,” Selah’s name reflects the tranquility and connection woven throughout this unique community. When completed (Selah is currently in Phase 1 of development), this agrihood will be composed of multiple villages, each with its own specific aesthetic. From arts and agriculture to wellbeing, dining and education, each district serves to enrich its residents’ lives as well as the greater community. From 750-square-foot cottages to lavish estate homes, there is no minimum square footage requirement and a lot size to fit every need. With an on-site Realty team, hassle-free tours are offered seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Built around the ideals of healthy living and a connected community, Selah is intentionally crafted to encourage its residents to live a more fulfilled life by connecting not only with each other, but the land itself. And residents will find no shortage of awesome activities in which to partake! It will have an impressive 25-acre organic working farm; vineyards; a walking trail system; parks throughout; several lakes, including one larger for activities; livestock lookouts already showcasing Ankole-Watusi (a modern American breed of domestic cattle); an equine center; a seasonal farmer’s market; and year-round community-inspired events, just to name a few. It’s truly a Wellness Community that creates a connected experience for its residents and the community at large. With 100,000 square feet of commercial space planned, the developers and staff work closely with potential business owners to assist

Selah: all lit up for the holidays! (Photo by Josh Bivens)

ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER

CONTINUED >

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENNON BRYCE AND JOSH BIVENS D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

During this era of national and global unrest, Selah is designed to offer a simpler, safer, more ethical way of life.

Entrance to Selah, a 540-acre New Urban Community just south of Norman (Photo by Kennon Bryce)

Aerial view (Photo by Kennon Bryce)

Selah means "Stop. Pause. Listen." And there are many spaces dotted throughout to help one do so. (Photo by Kennon Bryce)

and support their efforts to bring their dream to Selah. In doing so, these locally owned businesses will become a large portion of the amenities Selah has to offer, keeping yearly fees and dues of the homeowner and taxpayers at a minimum. During this era of national and global unrest, Selah is designed to offer a simpler, safer, more ethical way of life. The national average green space that is “protected” by any given developer is only 15%. But what happens when a local family who cares about the land becomes the developer? An astounding 50% of the land is preserved in this community, while homesites and commercial space are created around the existing topography. Not only is this out of respect to our Earth, but

also to the local community whose residents chose the area for its miles of rolling hills and wildflowers. Oklahoma is experiencing a population explosion as those on the East and West coasts seek the more relaxed lifestyle of the Midwest. Selah fulfills the call for more homes, yes, but as a 540-acre mixed-use community, it also provides space for local business owners, creative learning culture, farmland and acres of natural, wide-open space. Selah is proudly developed by Brett and Tina Adkins and Brett’s parents, Scott and Libby Adkins, of Adkins & Adkins Land Development. Brett and Tina Adkins are the visionaries behind, and creators of, the nationally recognized Southwind Hills

Event Venue in Goldsby. Scott and Libby are successful local business leaders and farmers as well as the owners of Libby’s Café. Hailing from a long local lineage of farmers and entrepreneurs, the Adkins are also proud members of the Choctaw tribe. In fact, the land has a storied past that dates back to their ancestor, Pryor Adkins, the first unofficial mayor of Norman and a pioneer who paved the way for businesses to thrive in Cleveland County (including the University of Oklahoma) during the turn of the last century. Visitors to Selah will find more of the Adkins’ rich history in Cleveland and McClain counties’ storied past by stepping into Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen, a unique, coalfired pizza restaurant balancing great food

C UR B A P P E A L | R EA L ESTATE

You can now visit Selah on weekend evenings for an experience straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

The inviting bar area of Pryor's Pizza Kitchen

SIP coffee boutique boasts a bright, sleek art deco aesthetic.

These festive igloos are available for rental at Pryor's Pizza Kitchen. (Photo by Josh Bivens)

and a lively ambiance. Quickly growing in popularity as the area’s weekend meeting spot, the pizza kitchen’s fully bricked walls and unique design create an industrial, steampunk chic vibe that makes this restaurant trendy and Instagrammable at every turn! Additionally, Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen guests can enjoy live music, reserve pickle ball courts, play cornhole or ping pong, and sit in style around fire pits while the little ones play in a fenced-in playground. Other amenities include a full bar inside and a Silo bar outside, craft beer and an impressive wine list, and seasonal cocktails. Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen is open Thursday through Sunday. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated opening of The Reserve, situated

just behind Pryor’s. The dinner club and cocktail lounge will boast vintage glam, fine dining and eye-candy cocktails. The Reserve will soon be available to reserve private events for up to 75 guests, or the entire building for a greater capacity. For a calmer, quieter vibe, go across the road to SIP, a coffee boutique with a bright, sleek art deco aesthetic. Serving up caffeinated goodness and a rotating pastry and small bites menu, locals have made SIP their go-to morning java stop. It is also quickly gaining attention as the cutest space for small private events such as bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, and study group or book club gatherings. In 2023, SIP plans to open its doors in the evenings to include a wine

boutique to further offer the perfect place for girl’s night outs, bachelorette parties and date nights. Having already kicked off their holiday season, you can now visit Selah on weekend evenings for an experience straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Igloos are available to rent for a festive night out and holiday movies are shown on big screens behind the restaurant, synchronized to over 250,000 Christmas lights—and it’s all lit by a glorious 50’ live Christmas tree! To learn more about life at Selah, grab a smiling face to share the complete vision. Visit there, Live there, Work there … but whatever you do, just GO there! Visit SelahOK.com for more information, including directions.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

Oklahoma Music Legend Remembered ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW GRIFFIN

Mike Rabon of The Five Americans is gone but not forgotten

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

Mike Rabon with his guitar in his later years.

This Christmas will be the first one Carla Rabon will be spending without her husband of over 40 years, Mike Rabon, a native of Hugo, Oklahoma, and one-time lead singer and lead guitarist of The Five Americans, a pop-rock band that had a major hit in 1967—“Western Union.” Standing in the sunny backyard of Carla’s welcoming home on Oklahoma City’s southeast side, you see a sign from the Western Union company—the cable and telegram firm that inspired her late husband’s radio hit that was on the charts that year ahead of songs by the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Carla and Mike moved to central Oklahoma from Hugo a few years before his death at age 78, this past February. It was here in Oklahoma City where the retired teacher and school administrator who—in his younger years—toured with his band alongside everyone from The Beach Boys and The Byrds to Paul Revere & The Raiders and Buffalo Springfield. Mike wrote in the foreword to his 2018 book Rock Catapult that, “We will not see a decade like the Sixties in our lifetime again, but hopefully our kids and grandkids will bring something like it back to life for those to enjoy in the future.” Carla concurs, saying his love of music and literature were pursuits that brought him success early in his life. “He had the best vocabulary of anyone I’ve ever known,” Carla said as she dug through a box of memorabilia from Mike’s days with The Five Americans and afterward, through his years teaching and writing fiction writing and raising two sons: Kye and Lee. Recorded later in life, Mike’s song “Boys of ’44,” is a moving song that Carla is particularly passionate about and

hopes will get renewed attention in the wake of his passing. With the 80th anniversary of D-Day in less than two years, she hopes it can happen. “It’s a very moving song,” Carla said. Mike, she said, was deeply passionate about music all of his life. “He admired someone that could play tastefully,” she said. “Mike always enjoyed anybody who was true to themselves and didn’t try to be something they are not.” Carla is 12 years younger than Mike and was in fifth grade when her future husband’s band was riding high on the charts. She was vaguely aware of the band and “Western Union.” A chance meeting took place at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where The Five Americans had gotten their start before settling in Dallas. And while Mike and The Five Americans have received sporadic accolades from their home state, the band is not in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee, something Carla would like to see remedied. Perhaps this first Christmas without Mike will bring a holiday surprise—renewed interest in Mike Rabon’s music—both solo and with The Five Americans—and his numerous books as well, including one about his time in the band High Strung. “I want to get people to recognize his talent and also make his kids a little more proud of him and his accomplishments,” she said. Her sons, Kye and Lee, meanwhile, told this reporter that their dad was a huge influence and inspiration on their lives and in their creative visions.

LEFT PAGE, TOP: "Rock Catapult" features Mike and The Five Americans on the cover. He also wrote the foreword and is interviewed for the book. LEFT PAGE, BOTTOM: Carla Rabon poses by a Western Union sign in her OKC backyard, while holding a photo of The Five Americans, which included her late husband Mike Rabon. D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

“The Nutcracker” Provides Cozy Familiarity, Family Enjoyment ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TAKING OKC BALLET IN NEW DIRECTION

ARTICLE BY ANDREW GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW GRIFFIN AND JANA CARSON

In a brightly lit building in north OKC, many dozens of ballet dancers practice, some of whom will perform in this Christmas season’s performance of The Nutcracker, which will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall Dec. 10-18. Lestari Kusumawardani, the marketing manager for OKC Ballet, led us on a tour of the bustling facility. “Around 140 dancers will perform for The Nutcracker,” she said. “(T)his includes professional dancers, OKCB II, and students from the Yvonne Chouteau School of OKC Ballet.”

Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye is the new artistic director at the Oklahoma City Ballet.

B ACK STAGE | A RTS + CULTURE

The OKC Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker" in 2021.

And leading this annual holiday event will be the Oklahoma City Ballet’s new artistic director, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. “He’s young, brilliant and always looking forward,” Kusumawardani said. For instance, standing outside of one of the dance practice rooms, she said “we are very diverse. We try to train to the best of their abilities. We want to open ballet for everybody.” Jolicoeur-Nye comes on board with an exceedingly strong resume, including experiences as a choreographer, arts advocate and teacher. He recently expressed his excitement about this year’s performance. “The Nutcracker represents the essence of tradition for families all over the United States. I will

take a fresh breath into this cherished production, while holding true to the classic retelling and narrative. It is my goal to offer families exactly what they are expecting to see when they enter the theatre,” Jolicoeur-Nye said. “A thrilling, timeless, mix of classical choreography, the most beautiful music played by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and a heartwarming story.” With an inclusive direction under Jolicoeur-Nye, OKC Ballet is committed to community engagement and “providing experiences that increase the understanding and appreciation of ballet, as well as a lifelong interest in the arts.” At the core is the OKC Ballet’s commitment to “increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the world of ballet.”

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW GRIFFIN

A child tests out a Cleary Meerkat.

DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT: RADIOACTIVE THREADS BIKES ARE A BLAST!

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | SHOPPI NG

Opening in September by Oklahoma City-byway-of-Florida businesswoman, RadioActive Threads started small, offering conservative, political merchandise. But in the short time it has been open at 6909 W. Hefner Road, the space has expanded

Amanda Walters displays seasonal and astrological clothing options.

Cleary Bikes are becoming more popular with young people, and are available at RadioActive Threads in OKC.

D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

R ADIOACTIVE THRE ADS

its offerings, as store manager Amanda Walters noted on a recent afternoon. Not only does it include cool, distinctive clothing of all shapes and sizes, and other unique goods from home decor to wacky socks—they are big into fun and safe offerings for children—but they have taken a keen interest in particularly sturdy bicycles. “They are the highest-rated safety bikes for kids and across the market in pretty much every age range,” Amanda said, as she talked about the children’s-sized Cleary bicycle in the front window. “They focus on not using training wheels so they can balance correctly at a young age and so that they learn actual, proper balance and how to use the bike correctly,” Amanda said, adding that there is a handle on the back of the bicycle seat so an adult can help the child balance better and more quickly. The bikes come with or without brakes. Cleary, Amanda said, is operated by people who are enthusiastic about the outdoors and making the most of those outdoor experiences—including biking— from city biking to mountain biking. They also are designed with family biking in mind. Also, Amanda said, the company is very involved in charity organizations and making certain that bikes are made available for charitable events. “They designed these bikes so that children can enjoy the same things (outdoors) as well,” she said. “They not only made standard bikes, they also make older bikes for those in older age ranges.” Amanda and owner Vescovo had several calls with the folks at Californiabased Cleary and learned great things about the company, which ultimately led RadioActive Threads to become a licensed dealer of Cleary Bikes—the only one in the Oklahoma City metro. “It was a really good company with really good values,” added Walters. “(The company) is USA based, which is important to us.” Not only can interested folks come into the store on Hefner, Walters said, but Cleary Bikes also are available for order through the RadioActive Threads website at RadioActiveThreads.com.

DECEMBER 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. D EC E M BE R 2 N D

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"

1721 N W 16TH ST. | 7:00 PM Charles Dickens' classic story of a London miser getting a second chance at life will inspire audiences at the Lyric Theatre once again this holiday season.

D EC E M BE R 4 T H

JD McPherson SOCKS: A Rock N' Roll Christmas Tour

BEER CITY MUS IC HALL / 1141 NW 2ND I N O KC | 7 :0 0 P M Tulsa-based rock n' roller JD McPherson takes his SOCKS: A Rock N' Roll Christmas Tour to OKC's Beer City Music Hall. McPherson's love of early rock n' roll and rockabilly has led to him achieving cult status in rock and classic country circles with songs like "Mother of Lies," "Fire Bug," "Jubilee" and "You Must Have Met Little Caroline."

DE C E M BE R 9 T H

Luke Combs World Tour

PAYCOM CEN TER / 100 W. RENO AV E . | 7 :0 0 P M Wildly popular country-music star Luke Combs is bringing his World Tour to the Paycom Center for two nights - Dec. 9 and 10 - along with supporting acts Flatland Cavalry, Riley Green, Brent Cobb and Lainey Wilson. This is also in support of Combs' new record "Growin' Up."

DE C EMBE R 1 2 T H

LifeShare WinterFest

CHICKASAW BRICKTOW N BALL PA R K 2 S O UT H MI C K E Y MA NT L E DR . | 1 2:0 0 P M LifeShare WinterFest is holiday fun for all thanks to two snow tubing slides! The larger slide has three lanes that are each 145 feet in length for a larger thrill and the small slide is 75 feet long perfect for children. It will be open all of December, but check times and availability before going. Space goes fast.

D EC E M BE R 1 6T H

Read Southall Band

TOWER THEATR E | 7:00 PM Oklahoma's very own Read Southall Band will be performing for two nights at the Tower Theatre in Uptown OKC on Dec. 16 and 17. The tour is in support of the Red Dirt rockers new LP "For The Birds."

DE C EM BE R 1 7 T H

Claude Hall's Original OKC Gun Show

O K LAHOMA STATE FAIR PAR K | 1 1 :0 0 A M For a high-quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit Claude Hall's Original OKC Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Hosted at Oklahoma State Fair Park, this gun show will feature antique, collectible, vintage and modern firearms, as well as ammunition, knives, hunting supplies, survival gear and much more. over 500 of the best firearm exhibitors in Oklahoma will attend.

EVE N TS

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only the funds put in during the marriage should be divided through the divorce. The reality, however, is that the separate funds need to be traced out from the account. This often requires a forensic accountant reviewing statements and doing an analysis to determine the amount that was in these accounts during the marriage. At a minimum, parties may need to subpoena the statements from the date of the marriage to try to determine the amount that was in there. However, it can often be hard to obtain statements at the exact date of the marriage. In addition to 401ks or IRAs, tracing can be important for other assets like bank accounts, investment accounts, whole life insurance policies,

and other assets where a party might have built up cash value before marriage. In some instances, a party might consider having a prenuptial agreement drafted before getting married. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law, estate planning and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-8050595.

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D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

D E CE MBE R 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in OKC. N E I G H BO RH O O D

OR IGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Gaillardia The Manors

$2,250,000

$2,065,000

92%

4.2

Penningtons Nichols Hills

$1,299,000

$1,225,000

94%

3.1

Unpltd Pt Sec 19 12n 4w

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

104%

140

11.2

Quail Creek X

$1,200,000

$1,030,000

86%

4.1

LAKE ALUMA CLUB

$995,000

$900,000

90%

4.1

Douglas Place Add

$950,000

100%

3.1

Old Tuscany #23

$875,000

100%

4.1

Cobblestone Park III Sec 2

$874,900

$860,500

98%

4.1

Olde Tuscany

$850,000

$835,000

98%

3.1

University Add

$849,777

$861,000

101%

2.1

Edgemere Park Add

$825,000

$805,000

98%

3.1

Quail Creek 8th

$800,000

$700,000

88%

3.1

Fountaingate Of Ql Crk Blk 30

$799,000

100%

3.1

Crown Heights Add

$765,000

100%

Gaillardia

$749,000

$675,000

90%

2.1

Waverly Sec/Nichols Hills

$725,000

$700,000

97%

2.1

Oakmont 2nd

$705,000

$715,000

101%

3.1

Crown Heights Add

$695,000

$637,500

92%

2.1

Lakehurst

$688,000

$680,000

99%

3.1

Burke Northridge Manor

$675,000

$617,500

91%

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does. To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.) Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amounts up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.” Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue. “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.” City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

W here ha s t he c a mpa ig n g i f t e d?

Scan Code to

Nominate between Dec. 1 – 15, 2022

Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. D ECEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / O KC

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