Tulsa, OK June 2024

Fathers

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?”

Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!

Personally I believe in the term “Father Power.” This is one of the most impactful forces on earth, or one of the most destructive. The impact made as a father, or by fathers ripples throughout time!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father can demonstrate strength-emotionally and physically carrying responsibility and his children on his shoulders

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• A Father's hug can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad are almost always exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

CHRIS KING, PUBLISHER @TULSACITYLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Chris King

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

C.L. Harmon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Cindy Alvarez

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

LifeStyle Medicine Concierge Open House

Meet Dr. Renae Mayer MD and Staff. Discover a new standard of personalized health care where our unique approach includes traditional medical training, and functional medicine testing with options for integrative therapies. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate medical care tailored to unique lifestyle needs! You're invited to stop by Lifestyle Medicine Inc. on Thursday, June 13th 2024, between 4pm and 7pm.  Call to RSVP – 918-488-9874.

The Present And The Past A Luxurious Stay Between

THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF TULSA’S AMBASSADOR HOTEL

The word timeless is a unique word that implies worth, history, and nostalgia. It’s a title that is earned, one might say like the wisdom of the old. To be in its presence is to be taken back to a different era where the past was the present. People spoke differently, dressed in long-ago fashions, and listened to music that has long since left the airwaves. It was a time when a man named Patrick Hurley had an idea to provide a needed service for an evolving city. When he authorized cornerstones to be laid for what would become the Ambassador Hotel in Tulsa, President Herbert Hoover’s words echoed on the radio, foam rubber and the game Bingo were just invented, milk was 39 cents per gallon, the words “eyeliner and penicillin” were first used in print, the Hoover Dam was signed into legislation and the Great Depression threw the world into turmoil. Almost a century later, those foundational cornerstones Hurley commissioned have become a wise old historic property amid a city that is itself a historical icon among cities.

“The history of this hotel is what makes this hotel special,” General Manager Delane McCoy said. He explained that its unique history sets it apart from other luxury hotels in Tulsa. This hotel has a rich history and has been part of the community for 95 years, McCoy explained. The Ambassador is a four-diamond luxury hotel which equates to exemplary service. In establishments with this rating, potential guests know its level of service is just as important, if not more, than its amenities. The Ambassador’s unparalleled service is evident by their classification as the number one hotel in Tulsa by Trip Advisor. Not to mention one with a reputation that entices celebrity guests to sign the registry. No names were provided, but to the employees, all guests are celebrities once they enter the Ambassador.

CONTINUED >

Patrick Hurley, a lawyer born in Indian Territory who would later serve on President Hoover’s cabinet, saw a need created by the influx of businessmen flocking to Tulsa in pursuit of oil wealth. They needed a place to stay while their homes were built. So, he had the idea to provide a luxury extended-stay residence for these men and their families. At this time, Tulsa was the oil capital of the United States, McCoy said, then quipping if he remembered his history correctly. Hurley’s idea was on target and his extended stay concept brought in customers and provided the burgeoning new hotel a great start toward success.

Interestingly, Hurley never stayed in the hotel he built or even saw it after completion. In its final year of construction, President Hoover chose him to be Secretary of War. Off to Washington, D.C., and his new post, he moved never to return to Tulsa. He continued ownership, however, until the late 1950s, maybe early 1960s, McCoy said. It was then purchased by a development company and converted to commercial apartments for retired seniors. At some point later, it became a property of Catholic Charities, but eventually closed its doors in 1987. The elegant rooms and bustling halls, once filled with the chatter of hope-to-be oil barons and seniors reminiscing about the adventures of their lives, would become only whispers of the past in empty and decaying rooms.

“ ...those foundational cornerstones Hurley commissioned have become a wise old historic property amid a city that is itself a historical icon ...”

Vacant for nearly twelve years and in “pretty rough shape,” new life would once again find its way into those historical bones when Paul Coury and a group of investors bought the building, gave it a multi-million dollar renovation resurrecting it back to its former glory. It opened its doors once again in 1999 as a boutique luxury hotel. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that reopening. Coury has retained ownership and used it as a cornerstone to build his vision in much the same way Hurley had done in 1929. Like Hurley, Coury seems to be building a legacy as well with multiple unique hotels, restaurants, and bars under his banner Coury Hospitality.

In 2014 the Ambassador Hotel joined the elite Marriott Autograph Collection, making it one of 148 Autograph Collection hotels in that Marriott series within North America. These are hotels that all have an individual identity and leave a mark with a unique point of distinction and a singular story to tell, according to Marriott. It’s interesting to note that several of the hotels under the Coury Hospitality umbrella are Autograph Collection Hotels. McCoy, who has only been at the Ambassador for a short time, is no stranger to the industry with 25 years in the hotel business. And his years of experience have taught him that service is about people, but great service is because of great people. When asked what he likes most about the Ambassador, he replied,

“In 2014 the Ambassador Hotel joined the elite Marriott Autograph Collection, making it one of 148 Autograph Collection hotels within North America.”

“The people who work in the hotel are my favorite aspect. And more so, how ingrained in the community they are. We have long-time employees and we have return guests because of the people who work in this building. This company feels like family.”

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for a touch of 1920s Tulsa, The Ambassador is worth a night or two. There is much this quaint corner of history offers, including unique state-of-the-art meeting rooms and even a library with history about Patrick Hurley. But above all, maybe the best amenity offered is just the opportunity to walk between the past and the present, in an atmosphere where everyone there makes you feel as though you are the newest member of a family that has come and gone for almost a century.

About the Author

C.L. Harmon is an award-winning journalist, author, native Oklahoman, and member of the Osage tribe.

He is the owner and publisher of Uniquelahoma online magazine and a contributing writer to Tulsa City Lifestyle.

Severe weather devastated trees and plants at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City. Over 100 trees, primarily River Birch and Cypress and weighing between 9,000 and 12,000 lbs, were replaced. This involved using two methods: spading with an 84” rootball for oversized trees, and conventional planting for those too large for spading.

Additionally, Jonesplan revitalized the planting beds around the clubhouse where hundreds of ornamental plants were destroyed by the storm.

Unmasking Sleep Apnea

THE IMPACT ON MEN’S OVERALL HEALTH

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) represents a multifaceted and significant problem in men’s health. The condition develops when throat muscles relax, and the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep.  Several studies, including the Sleep Heart Health Study, have shown that a man’s neck circumference of 17 inches or greater (16 inches for women) to be the strongest predictor of OSA compared with other factors such as age, gender, snoring, or body mass index (BMI).

It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of OSA with other health problems and the impact of untreated OSA on overall health. Below are key points to highlight the magnitude of this problem:

1. Cardiovascular Health Risks: Untreated OSA can have profound effects on cardiovascular health including an increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.

2. Impact on Testosterone Levels:  OSA has been associated with lower testosterone levels in men. Disrupted sleep patterns, decreased oxygen saturation, and increased sympathetic nervous system activity may all contribute to hormone imbalances.  Lower testosterone levels in men have been linked to increased body fat, reduced muscle mass and strength, and a higher risk of metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

3. Increased Risk of Accidents, Daytime Symptoms and Quality of Life: Disrupted sleep patterns associated with OSA often lead to fatigue, poor concentration, delayed reaction times and excessive daytime sleepiness.  It is not surprising that there is a higher incidence of accidents, including motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries,

associated with untreated OSA. Workplace performance and social interactions may also be impaired. Treating OSA is crucial for improving daytime functioning.

4. Mental Health and Cognitive Function:  Mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and mood disturbances have been linked to untreated OSA.  Over time, cognitive function can be significantly impaired due to Interrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation.  Ultimately, decision-making abilities, attention and memory are at risk.  UCLA Health reports that treating OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for just 12 months can almost entirely reverse the damage done to white matter in the brain.

5. Relationship with Other Health Conditions: OSA exacerbates existing health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and respiratory disorders. Treating OSA is crucial for optimizing the management of these comorbidities and reducing the impact on men's health outcomes.

At LifeStyle Medicine Inc., we are keenly aware of the effects of OSA on overall health for both men and women.  Sleep history evaluations are offered to our patients. If OSA is suspected, testing options including home sleep tests are provided.  Treatment options include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or surgical interventions.  Treating OSA not only improves quality of life but mitigates the risk of associated health concerns.

LifeStyle Medicine, Inc. in Tulsa is an Internal Medicine Concierge Practice that takes evidence-based training, functional medicine approaches and integrative medicine treatment options empowering patients to achieve their health goals.

"OSA has been associated with lower testosterone levels in men. Disrupted sleep patterns, decreased oxygen saturation, and increased sympathetic nervous system activity may all contribute to hormone imbalances."

TULSA Depot TOY

2 3 4 5

1. EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH & TOP SHELF CANDIES : Parents, Don't forget to treat yourself! Tulsa Toy Depot's selection of Edible cookie dough is phenomenal!

2. ULTIMATE AT HOME ICEE! : Nothing beats the summer heat quite like a good ol' fashioned Icee- from your very own at-home slushie machine and kit!

3. SLIP 'N SLIDE : Slide into fun with the retro Slip 'n Slide

4. SKY DREAMCATCHER SWING : Relax outside in your very own Sky Dreamcatcher Swing, perfect for the kids' summer reading in nature.

5. SMELLY CHALK : You are reading that right, Smelly Chalk! Only good smells for the best artwork here!

Summer Fun

6. UBER DISC:

The Uber Disc, like a frisbee only better!

7. KIDAMENTO CAMERA :

Save your phone's battery life and get your kiddo the  Kidamento Camera, This is a must-have for vacation time! A real working camera for your kids to be their own director.

8. PREMIER KITES:

Fly high this summer, with the classic choice of a Premier Kite.

9. POWERUP TOYS:

Powerup Toys, this will truly turn your kids' paper airplane into a homemade drone you can control via app, I need two so I can race my kids!

10. TO GO MAGNETIC GAMES :

One of the best low, or no tech toys. Perfect for the car rides when batteries have died, or screen time is up. Everything from making a magnetic pizza, brakes and ladders, and my favorite, Road Trip Bingo.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.

02.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

03.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads: Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

Practice your short game every day.

04.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first.

Position the ball in the back of your stance, just inside your back ankle. This will help avoid hitting it thin. That ball position will also help you hit the ball with a descending blow, and as Dave Pelz says, “hit the little ball (golf ball) before the big ball (the earth).”

Turn your feet 30 degrees toward the target and have 70% of your weight on your front foot which also promotes the descending blow.

Use a putting stroke to hit the ball. That’s right—do not use your hands or wrists for power. Using a putting stroke just off the green will create consistency and clean contact.

Don’t take the club back very far (depending on the length of the shot) and make sure your follow-through is 20% further than your backswing. This will ensure accelerating through the ball.

Use the right club. I use anything from a 9 iron to 60-degree wedge for this shot. Use a 9 iron or wedge when you need the ball to roll further once it hits the green, and use a more lofted club for less roll. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

If you perfect this shot, you’ll be chipping in and getting up and down much more often.

Backyard Whimsy

Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard Space

This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids

to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.

For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary  supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so  there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes

CONTINUED >

18 inches down to put the  footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated  post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x  10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s  for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level.  Once the decking is  finished, now it is time for the fun!

For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree  angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left  three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug  and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.

The bluegrass state of Kentucky with the Appalachian Mountains is indisputably known as the Mecca of bourbon and the location of America’s only Bourbon Trail.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries scattered throughout the regions of Louisville, Western Kentucky, Bardstown, Lexington and North Kentucky.

For bourbon aficionados and road trip lovers alike, the trail promises scenic country drives, historic architecture, and an abundance of restaurants and tasting rooms with some distilleries spanning more than 100 miles apart.

The most popular bourbon distillery locations one might expect to see along the trail are: Angles Envy, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Old Forester, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Bulleit, and Jim Beam.

Within each distillery and on its grounds, bourbon lovers can expect to find a variety of bourbon price points, flavor profiles, distilling and aging techniques, and historical points of interest. Each location offers a variety of tour options: some focusing on the chemistry of bourbon distillation, the art of tasting, the barrel charring process, or the rich (and checkered) history of bourbon’s origins.

A TOUR OF AMERICA'S ONLY BOURBON TRAIL

TOASTING

THE

The name

“bourbon” hails from the original

Bourbon County,

which

was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries.

One constant seems to remain—most Kentucky distilleries cannot broach the topic of their favorite drink without also offering a glimpse of its history. The name “bourbon” hails from the original Bourbon County, which was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785. The county, which belonged to the then-brand-new state of Kentucky, was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon to show gratitude to King Louis XVI for his vital assistance during the American Revolutionary War.

Prior to its exodus from the region, loads of white oak barrels cut from the forests of Arkansas were first branded with the Bourbon County label. The county logo branded on the barrels soon gave way to its shorthand references: Bourbon. The rest is, quit literally, history.

The oldest operational distillery in Kentucky is Maker’s Mark, which began distilling in 1805 and has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared bourbon to be an indigenous product of the United States. This distinction renders bourbon as the official American Spirit. To be recognized as a bourbon, a spirit must meet specific and strict requirements set forth by law. In fact, bourbon distillation marks one of America’s very first examples of a consumer protection law with the establishment of the “Bottled-in-Bond” Act in 1897 (The Bottled-in-Bond designation has bourbon standards which supersede those of single-malt Scotch).

All bourbon starts as what distillers refer to as White Lightning—an uncolored, unaged, and unflavored whiskey. Whiskey functions as the stem cell of bourbon—it’s the bare bones and the foundation. This whiskey must be made with mash consisting of at least 51% corn. As long as that ratio is met, the mash may also include other grains such as rye and barley. During the distillation process, the liquid must not supersede a proof of 160, and must not supersede a proof of 125 at the time it’s poured into barrels to begin the aging process. All bourbon must be aged in new, charred, white oak barrels for a minimum of two years before it is finally bottled at 80 proof or higher. No other dyes or flavors may be introduced into the distilling or aging process if a bourbon is to retain its namesake.

Even though 95% of bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, bourbon does not need to be distilled in the state to be considered authentic. Most bourbon was historically

made in Kentucky due to its geography. The rich source of limestone in Kentucky earth acts as a natural aquifer, purifying the water and removing the more peaty flavors one would find in spirits distilled with earthier water quality, such as Scotch. The varied temperatures, humidity levels, and weather patterns in the Kentucky region cause the white oak barrels to contract and swell. This unique aging process gives bourbon its signature amber hue as well as its sweet and dynamic flavor.

While the tour itinerary is flexible enough to have many starting points, the official “start” of the trail can be found at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center located at the Frazier Museum on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The destinations along the trail can be planned a number of ways: by distillery, by region, or by organized tour itinerary. Some distillery locations are packed as tightly as an 8-mile radius, with the average tour lasting about 90 minutes.

Guests who schedule an official KBT tour receive a Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport at the beginning of their journey and have the pleasure of watching stamps fill their pages as they makes their way through the Kentucky countryside. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passports do not expire, so travelers may rest assured that they can complete any unfinished portions of their tours at a later date if the tastings become too rigorous. Each distillery along the trail has its own admission fee for tours but offer more than one tour option at each location. Some Distilleries, such as Four Roses and Jim Beam, offer two distillery tour locations. Guests are welcome to visit both locations if they desire but will receive only one stamp in their Bourbon Trail passports.

For those who want to travel off the beaten path, several famous distilleries in the area do not appear on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail list. One of the more famous of these is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, responsible for distilling bourbon of that name as well as the more rare and sought-after bottles of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor. The Buffalo Trace distillery is located on a national landmark and offers free tastings, as well as Ghost tours for those who are interested in a different kind of spirit.

For a complete list of distilleries, tour schedules, tour booking details, and frequently asked questions, visit KYBourbonTrail.com

The Perfect Steak

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.