Issuu

THE PET ISSUE LITTLE PIGGY IN MAPLE RIDGE | SLOW DOWN WITH SLOTHS | HALLOWEEN EVENT CALENDAR

October 2026

A ‘tail’ of hope

CATCH UP WITH FERN THE OKLAHOMA ALLIANCE FOR ANIMALS RESCUE WHO WENT VIRAL FOR HER INCREDIBLE S U R V I VA L S T O R Y FERN AND HER OWNER, ASHLEY DWYER, OAA PROJECT MANAGER

Explore a Holland Hall education!

(539) 416-8294 hollandhall.org

Private tours are offered Monday through Friday. Tours are by appointments only, call (539) 416-8294 to schedule a tour.

100 years of Route 66. One unforgettable finish line. Williams is proud to be the title sponsor of the Route 66 Centennial Marathon—celebrating every runner, volunteer and neighbor who keeps Tulsa moving forward. Claim your spot or join the crew at Route66Marathon.com.

williams.com | NYSE: WMB

FIRST OKLAHOMA BANK PRESENTS

Leaders with Heart PURPOSEFUL. INTELLECTUALLY CURIOUS. IMPACTFUL. When Andrew Urich came to Stillwater in 1986 to begin teaching at Oklahoma State University, the state was unfamiliar territory. A New York native with degrees from Ohio and one year of corporate law behind him, he was ready to pursue his dream job as a college professor. More than 40 years later, Andrew is still doing what he loves – helping students figure out what they want to do in life and helping them develop the professional skills to pursue it. “I’m fascinated with how the world works and human nature, and I’ve always tried to figure out how to get what I want out of life and help my students achieve the skills and mindset they need.” His academic career includes 28 years teaching business law and 12 teaching management. Today, Andrew is an Associate Professor of Management in OSU’s Spears School of Business and holds the Eastin Chair for Career Readiness. He also serves as Faculty Director for the Eastin Center.

speak up and be heard, Andrew says. “Students today seem less willing to take chances because they haven’t had enough opportunities to fail. They haven’t had enough practice solving their own problems or getting out of their comfort zone. There is a lot of anxiety, and they are sometimes shocked by different points of view.” Through the Eastin Center, Andrew has broadened how OSU business students think about career readiness. Established with a gift from Joseph and Monica Eastin, the center encourages students to build professional skills from their first days on campus. For freshmen, that means looking beyond résumé building and developing confidence, communication skills and real-world judgement.

“I’ve always identified with college-age students. It’s the most exciting time of life…The road is probably as open as it ever is going to be. I really like to see people succeed,” Andrew says.

When former students tell him they didn’t always agree with him, but he made them think, Andrew considers it one of the highest compliments.

Many students assume that straight “A’s” guarantee a successful career, but they also need to be problem solvers, risk takers and have confidence to

“For any alumni who went through the business college at Oklahoma State, the common connection is Professor Andy Urich. Andy truly engages students and

causes them to challenge themselves… His approach develops young people in ways that live well beyond graduation and shape the next generation of leaders,” says Galen Martens, Chief Financial Officer for First Oklahoma Bank. Urich has taught more than 30,000 students during his career. He also has led corporate training and spoken to companies and organizations nationwide. His professional reach has involved teaching and travel experiences in Japan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai; London, Mexico and New York. Outside of work, Andrew savors time with his sons: Anson, Truman and Theo. When it comes to his banking relationship, Andrew says, “In this world where so many people have to talk to machines and get sent from number to number…Whenever I need help at First Oklahoma Bank, I call, get a person, and someone jumps on the problem, and it always gets resolved quickly.”

Midtown: 4110 S. Rockford Avenue | South: 100 S. Riverfront Drive, Jenks FirstOklahomaBank.com

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM. When OSU athletes need care, they trust OSU Medicine to answer the call. From working with coaches and trainers to help prevent injuries, to getting athletes back to top performance after surgery, OSU Medicine’s surgeons, primary care physicians, and sports medicine specialists go above and beyond for more than 500 student-athletes under their care. The same physicians trusted by OSU Athletics can care for your family.

Official Sports Medicine Provider of OSU Athletics

OSU Orthopedics & Sports Medicine | osumedicine.com

Contents OCTOBER 2026

VOLUME 40 ISSUE 12

CITY DESK Halloween event roundup. Nonproﬁt nurtures mastectomy patients. Dachshund defends sartorial title.

‘FERN THE FIGHTER’ Oklahoma Alliance for Animals gives hundreds of area animals like Fern, who was found in a dumpster, a chance at a better life. BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

SIT. STAY. FEEL AT HOME. Dogville brings a different approach to daycare and boarding services. BY MARY BETH SAWYER

HALF A CENTURY OF SERVICE Domestic Violence Intervention Services marks 50 years of providing transformational help to individuals in harmful situations. BY SHARON BISHOP-BALDWIN

LOCAL LEGENDS Meet Tulsa’s newest hall of famers. BY ROBERT EVATT

LIFESTYLE Binx the shop cat. Goat yoga in Kellyville. Connie Cronley talks books.

TABLE TALK Cat cafe boops and bites. Eye-catching bakery treats. A SoBo brewery homecoming.

SPECIAL SECTION

Meet Flash, the mayor of Dogville (9525 E. 47th Place). Learn more about the doggy daycare and boarding facility on p. 32. 4 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Holiday Party Guide

ON THE COVER Ashley Dwyer, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals project manager, with her rescue dog, Fern. PHOTO BY MICHELLE POLLARD

MICHELLE POLLARD

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA WELCOMES PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR

Jodi Kantor OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

Renowned for uncovering hidden truths about power, law, gender, technology and culture, Jodi Kantor’s New York Times reporting has driven real-world change, from workplace reforms to a global shift in how institutions address sexual misconduct and gender equity. Kantor is best known for co-breaking the Harvey Weinstein investigation that helped ignite the #MeToo movement and earned journalism’s highest honor, the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. Today, she continues to shape national conversations through groundbreaking reporting on the U.S. Supreme Court, revealing behind-the-scenes developments that have sparked debate about ethics, accountability and the future of American democracy.

OCTOBER

15 7:30 P.M.

PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Sponsored by The Darcy O’Brien Endowed Chair

Free and open to the public.

Lorton Performance Center Book signing to follow

The University of Tulsa is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action institution, including disability/veteran. For EEO/AA information, contact the Office of Human Resources, 918-631-2259; for disability accommodations, contact UTulsa’s 504 Coordinator at 918-631-2315. TU#26325

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

ntil five years ago, I never imagined that I would have a pit bull in my life. I grew up with German Shepherds and was pretty set on having one of my own when the time was right. Then, one day in early 2021, my little sister sent me an Instagram post from Puppy Haven — the local nonprofit that primarily rescues young dogs and litters of puppies along with their mothers (read about one of their alumni on p. 23). The post was promoting the Star Wars litter, and all the puppies were named after characters from the franchise. Having just moved into a house with a fenced-in yard, I did not have the willpower to say ‘no’ to any of the adorable faces on that Instagram carousel. I consulted with my then-boyfriend (now-husband), and we submitted an application to adopt one of the precious (what I thought were) Lab mixes. That’s how we got Maz, named after Maz Kanata from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Since then, she’s earned a few nicknames: Mazzio’s, Mazzle-Dazzle, Mazikeen. She’s also quadrupled in size and energy.

Stay connected at TulsaPeople.com. Visit for exclusive stories, giveaways, music and event listings, photo galleries and our weekly e-newsletter. 6 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Lauren Rogers

Volume XL, Number 12 ©2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, including created advertising in a proofed or printed stage. TulsaPeople Magazine is published monthly by

1603 South Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-4407 P: 918-585-9924 F: 918-585-9926

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COURTESY

Maz at a recent pumpkin patch visit.

To help make sure she gets all the playtime she needs, my husband and I take her to daycare at Dogville about twice per week. So, I’m delighted that writer Mary Beth Sawyer got a chance to go behindthe-scenes at the facility to see how the new owners are taking care of the business (p. 30). When my husband and I decided to invest in a DNA test to see where Maz gets her spunk, we figured it would confi rm our suspicions that she was half Labrador, half Border Collie. We were wrong. Our Lab mutt is actually roughly 60% American Staffordshire Terrier, with 20% Lab and 20% German Shepherd. So, I did come full circle on the Shepherd front, and I can’t imagine a better companion than my one-of-a-kind dog. This Pet Issue is full of stories about animals, from rescue sloths (p. 54) to therapy horses (p. 21). Even the feature about Domestic Violence Intervention Services’ 50th anniversary (p. 32) mentions their 12th annual Mutt Strut on Oct. 17. This dog walk and pet costume contest at the 41st Street Plaza on Riverside Drive is aimed at raising awareness and supplies for DVIS’ pet kennel, which allows survivors to bring their pets with them when they seek shelter. We have a few non-pet stories, too. The Tulsa Hall of Fame is welcoming six new inductees this year — learn about them from writer Robert Evatt on p. 34. Then, writer Jared S. Gleaton highlights a specialty bakery in Broken Arrow setting a high bar for trompe l’oeil pastries on p. 63. If there’s something you’d like to see (or write about) in a future issue, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at lauren@langdonpublishing.com. Thanks so much for reading. tp

City Desk NEWS

CAUSES

PASSIONS

DOG’S JOB Retired Tulsa Community College administrator Kelly Clark Fonkalsrud now spends her spare time traveling nationwide to compete in herding trials with her brilliant Border Collies. When the pups aren’t on the road, they help out at PK Ranch, which Clark Fonkalsrud shares with her husband.

GREG BOLLINGER

READ MORE ON P. 18.

TulsaPeople.com 7

CITY DESK

NOTEBOOK MEMORY LANE

HOWL-IDAY CELEBRATION

40 years of TulsaPeople

Meals on Wheels brings back annual PAWStober Fest Oct. 22.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of TulsaPeople Magazine, The Museum of Tulsa History (2445 S. Peoria Ave.) is hosting a temporary installation highlighting four decades of Langdon Publishing. Opening Oct. 26 and running through the month of November, the exhibition will include original artwork and imagery from former issues of TulsaPeople Magazine along with behind-the-scenes stories, and explorations of sister publications like The Tulsa Voice and Bartlesville Magazine. Find admission details at tulsahistory.org. Additionally, TulsaPeople Videographer Greg Bollinger will have his droneography on display in the next exhibition at Public Images Gallery (1507 E. 11th St.). The exhibit, which opens Oct. 2 to coincide with the Tulsa Arts District First Friday Art Crawl, will also include a collection from Tulsa photographer Western Doughty. Learn more at publicimagesart.com. —STAFF REPORTS

Two new offerings join 2027 Girl Scout Cookie lineup. Girl Scout Cookie season is still a few months away, but Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma has already announced two new and unique additions to the 2027 lineup. Patch Pals — the first Girl Scout Cookie created just for dogs — and Girl Scout Sparkables — the organization’s first intentionally allergy-friendly cookie — will roll out as online exclusive offerings. For four-legged family members, the Patch Pals are soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies that feature iconic patch designs representing aspects of the Girl Scout experience. They were created in partnership with BARK, the dog-focused brand behind the monthly subscription-based BarkBox. Developed with allergy inclusive snack maker Partake, Girl Scout Sparkables are produced in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens, including wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, sesame, soybean, crustacean shellfish and fish. The crunchy oatmeal cookie features chocolate chips and is dotted with colorful sprinkles, giving families navigating the most common food allergies a way to feel more included during Girl Scout Cookie season. “By introducing these new cookies, we’re making it easier for every member of the family to find something they can enjoy,” Celeste Franklin, Director of Product Programs and Retail at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, said in a press release. “Every purchase, whether of Patch Pals, Girl Scout Sparkables or any cookie in the Girl Scout Cookie lineup, helps support local Girl Scouts throughout eastern Oklahoma.” Patch Pals and Girl Scout Sparkables will be available exclusively online for direct shipping beginning January 2027, with the national launch of the 2027 cookie season. Visit girlscouts.org/cookienews to sign up for notifications when cookie season begins nationally. — STAFF REPORTS 8 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

A scene from “Ghost Dogs” In 2021, TulsaPeople had a chance to chat with Joe Cappa, a Denverbased animator who grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Jenks High School. The moviemaker was preparing to show his short horror film “Ghost Dogs” at Circle Cinema and Admiral Twin as part of the Sundance Film Festival, which was held in satellite locations due to COVID pandemic restrictions. See the full interview and learn about Cappa’s recent Adult Swim series renewed for two additional seasons at tulsapeople.com. WHAT GOT YOU INTO DOING ANIMATED FILMS? I worked for a couple ad agencies in Tulsa and Oklahoma City as a videographer. I was doing some motion graphic work for commercials here and there, so I was familiar with some animation programs at the time. I decided to move to Denver just to do my own thing. My first place had a basement, and I realized I could do stop motion animation down there. A year later I was asked to make a music video for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. I animated it all with construction paper. I spent an entire month in a dark basement to finish the video, but I loved how it came out and I was just excited to work on the next thing. That’s when I knew I had the animation bug. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE YOUR SHORT SHOWN ON THE LOCAL LEGENDARY DRIVE-IN IN FRONT OF A HOMETOWN CROWD? I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have “Ghost Dogs” screening at Admiral Twin. I have so many memories of watching shows with family and friends at the drive-in. This is a way for all of us to relive that magic when we were in high school ... It’s so fortunate that Tulsa has this drive-in treasure to guarantee everyone has a safe movie watching experience. tp

CAPPA: COURTESY; PATCH PALS: COURTESY; ROXY: GREG BOLLINGER

TULSAPEOPLE MAGA ZINE ON E XHIBIT

While Meals on Wheels is primarily known for providing nutritious meals, wellness checks and caring contact to elderly and homebound individuals in Tulsa and the surrounding area, the nonprofit also facilitates several other programs to support their clients in need. On Oct. 22, the nonprofit will host its annual PAWStober Fest fundraiser benefiting the PAWS (Pet Assisting Wellness in Seniors) initiative, which delivers supplemental pet food to the companion animals of homebound recipients. The effort also offers veterinary assistance, transportation and other support. The dog-friendly celebration for the whole family will include festive refreshments, a pet (and human) costume contest, a silent auction, vendor booths, music and more. Visit mealsonwheelstulsa.org to purchase tickets or learn more about volunteering and sponsorship options. —STAFF REPORTS

CITY DESK

BIZ WHIZ

$6 off PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE (BEFORE TAX) EXPIRES 11/30/2026

WITH CODE 102026 NOT VALID ON VET SERVICES. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. NO CASH VALUE. GOOD AT ALL SOUTHERN AGRICULTURE STORES AND ONLINE. CAN NOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER COUPONS OR DISCOUNTS.

Belgian Malinois Roxy is the chief mold detection officer with Courtesy Care Restoration alongside her handler Nick Silva. When she isn’t busy sniffing out pesky mold problems, she enjoys taking breaks to run off excess energy at the dog park just down the street from the Courtesy Care Restoration office.

SNIFFING SLEUTH Being a homeowner in Green Country comes with a lot of challenges. You have to battle severe heat, cold, sudden downpours, flash floods, humidity fluctuations, wildfires, the occasional earthquake — and that doesn’t even cover tornado season. But one of the most common problems is probably not what you’d expect. “Probably fifty percent of our calls are mold,” says Jason Birk, owner of Courtesy Care Restoration. In addition to remediating mold, Courtesy Care restores fire and water damage. Mold is an extremely hardy and widespread organism, so basically every building has mold to one degree or another. For some people, it’s presence is not a big deal, but for others, mold spores can have drastic health effects. Fortunately, Birk and his team have a new tool to help homeowners fight mold in their homes: Roxy the Mold-Detecting Dog. Roxy, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, is a graduate of Ironheart Dog Training in Pomona, Kansas. At Ironheart, pups can become experts in areas such as explosives detection, bed bug detection and mold detection. Joining the team earlier this year, Roxy serves as the chief mold detection officer with Courtesy Care Restoration — a position she holds along with her handler Nick Silva. So far, she’s been a superstar. “We’ve done a lot of demonstrations with Roxy,” says Keri Birk, head of marketing at Courtesy Care Restoration. “She tends to awe the crowd with her ability.” Roxy starts her day at the office’s morning meeting with the rest of the team. When Courtesy Care is presented with a case of mold that has an unknown cause, Roxy is the first step in locating the source. With a nose thousands of times more sensitive than a human’s, along with special training, she’s a natural restoration specialist. She pinpoints the location of mold — whether behind a wall or under the floor — and then the Courtesy Care team takes over, using specific air sampling techniques, videography and other tools to help minimize unnecessary damage to walls and floors. “She gets real excited when she’s ready to go (to a job),” Jason says. Courtesy Care services homes and businesses all across northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and northwest Arkansas. Learn more by calling 918-395-5721 or visit courtesycare.com. — FRASER KASTNER

TULSA 71st & Sheridan 26th & Harvard Tulsa Hills 78th & HWY 75

OWASSO 92nd ST N. & HWY 169 BROKEN ARROW 90th & Elm 71st & Lynn Lane

WWW.SOUTHERNAGRICULTURE.COM

JACK AND JILL

went up the hill to fetch their favorite groomers!

56th & Lewis • 918-749-5255

muddy-paws.org

TulsaPeople.com 9

CITY DESK

TULSA 10

OCTOBER COMPILED BY MARY A. SMITH

October 10 BE LIKE BLIPPI TOUR “Dino Dance” your heart out! Blippi is on the move, and he is making his way to Tulsa for a brand-new performance series alongside his best friend Meekah. mabeecenter.com October 10-11 CHEROKEE ART MARKET More than 160 Indigenous artists representing Canadian and North American tribes will display their work at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. This year’s event will highlight artist Chase Kahwinhut Earles of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. cherokeeartmarket.com October 16 "THE ROOM" AND "BIG SHARK" Circle Cinema will welcome Greg Sestero for a live commentary screening of Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room,” followed by the Tulsa premiere for the ﬁlmmaker’s newest movie “Big Shark.” circlecinema.org October 17 TULSA PRIDE FESTIVAL Tulsa’s 27th annual Pride Parade will kick off at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and run to East Sixth Street and South Frankfort Avenue. The festival will feature local vendors, live performers and more fun celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture. tulsapride.org October 19 THE GREEN BOOK EXPERIENCE Take an immersive and artistic tour telling the story of the Green Book, a guidebook for Black travelers navigating roads across the United States during the Jim Crow era. greenwoodrising.org October 22-25 ZEECO OKTOBERFEST TULSA The nationally recognized ﬁve-day event returns to River West Festival Park for a 47th year of bier, bites, entertainment and more. tulsaoktoberfest.org October 23 TULSA FOOTBALL VS ARMY — MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT The University of Tulsa will play the U.S. Army at H.A. Chapman Stadium. The game begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a Military Tribute Halftime Show. utulsa.edu

October 1-11 TULSA STATE FAIR The annual state fair is back again with festivities, fried food, beer and wine gardens and more! Enjoy live music from Waka Flocka Flame, Mingo Drive, Neal McCoy, LOCASH and others throughout the 11 Days of Awesome. tulsastatefair.com 10 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

October 31 TTCU TULSA RUN Begin your Halloween festivities on the right foot at the TTCU Tulsa run, which offers 2K, 5K and 15K routes. Participating runners are encouraged to dress in costume for the event and register in advance. tulsarun.com tp

TIM LANDES

Tulsa State Fair

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR TULSA 10 WEEKLY RUNDOWNS.

October 24 MARCUS ANDERSON This 21+ event at LowDown features renowned saxophonist Marcus Anderson, who once toured with Prince and has garnered past Grammy and Stella Award nominations. lowdowntulsa.com/shows

PARADISE NEVER SOUNDED So Good

Tickets On Sale Now!

FOREIGNER OCT 1 XFN 413 OCT 9 THE OAK RIDGE BOYS OCT 15 TRAVIS TRITT OCT 16 WYNONNA JUDD OCT 22 RIVER SPIRIT CASINO RESORT · Tulsa THERESA CAPUTO OCT 24

To Purchase Tickets Visit RIVERSPIRITTULSA.COM

or Call 888.748.3731

8 3 3 0 R I V E R S I D E P A R K W AY T U L S A , O K 74 13 7

SCAN TO SAVE YOUR SEATS

Entertainment schedule subject to change. Must be 21 to enter.

CITY DESK

CALENDAR

Select nights 1-31 BOOTANICAL: AUTUMN FESTIVAL AND PUMPKIN PATCH Each week Tuesday through Sunday, garden goers can explore the Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze and Scarecrow Row. tulsabotanic.org

28 “PSYCHO” AND “POLTERGEIST” Head to the Admiral Twin Drive-In for this pairing of two legendary horror ﬁlms. The double feature evening kicks off with “Psycho” followed by “Poltergeist.” admiraltwindrivein.com

Select nights 1-Nov. 1 PUMPKIN TOWN FARMS Roam the 20 acres of Pumpkin Town Farms and enjoy a host of activities and events — from a corn maze and petting zoo to a giant jumping pillow and camel rides. pumpkintownfarm.com

28 HALLOWEEN HOEDOWN Families can hang out in an entirely kid-friendly environment with live entertainment, food vendors, circus arts and more while enjoying a (not) haunted hayride, photo booth and petting zoo, among other fun activities. 181ranch.com

Select nights 2-31 HAUNTED CASTLE HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL Find activities for all ages including the Haunted Hayride, Ultimate Maze, Enchanted Boardwalk and plenty of others. okcastle.com 3 TULSA COMIC CON HALLOWEEN Taking over the Gateway Tulsa Event Center from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., join Tulsa Comic Con for a day full of events featuring more than 50 pop culture vendors. tulsacomiccon.com “THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” SPOOKTACULAR TOUR WITH PATRICIA QUINN The Tulsa Performing Arts Center will host a 4K showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with actress Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta in the ﬁlm. celebrityattractions.com 14 “PRACTICAL MAGIC” (1998) This beloved cult favorite about two sisters teaching themselves witchcraft is the Reel Crafts October pick. Circle Cinema keeps the lights half-raised, and attendees are welcome to bring a craft to work on during the ﬁlm. Community Craft will also have craft kits available for purchase beforehand. circlecinema.org/movies-events/ reel-crafts-oct-2026

12 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

VISIT TULSAPEOPLE.COM FOR MORE HALLOWEEN EVENTS.

Pumpkin Town Farms

SPOOKY FUN FOR EVERYONE! Discover Halloween events for all ages in Tulsa and the surrounding area. COMPILED BY MARY A. SMITH

16-17, 23-24, 30-31 HALLOWMARINE Make a splash with your costume at the 22nd annual HallowMarine! Kids of all ages can go on a trick-or-treating adventure while also enjoying the 10,000 aquatic creatures that call the Oklahoma Aquarium home. okaquarium.org/181/HallowMarine 22 “FRANKENSTEIN: A LIVING COMIC BOOK” With shows at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s Imagination Series presents the sci-ﬁ classic using comic book techniques. tulsapac.com/imagination-series 23, 24 “THE FLY” (1986) Circle Cinema’s Graveyard Shift presents two special 40th anniversary showings of David Cronenberg’s horror cult classic. circlecinema.org/movies-events/the-ﬂy

23-Nov. 1 “THE ADDAMS FAMILY” Broken Arrow Community Playhouse is set to run just over a week of live Broadway stage performances. bacptheatre.com 24 BROOKSIDE BOOHAHA This free event hosts Oklahoma’s largest Halloween parade, which will run down Peoria Avenue between 45th Street and 33rd Street. tulsaboohaha.com 24-25, 29-31 HALLOWZOOEEN All attendees are encouraged to dress up in costume for Tulsa Zoo’s annual Halloween-centered fundraiser, which boasts interactive activities like carnival games and haunted train rides. tulsazoo.org/hallowzooeen

30 HALLOWEENER FEST A full day of festivities and furry wiener dog friends! The event takes place at Spaded and Jaded Tattoo and includes a wiener dog costume competition and parade, tattoos and piercing discounts, a trunk-or-treat for kids and food vendors. Spaded and Jaded Tattoo FILMS ON THE LAWN: “CLUE” Beginning at 6:40 p.m., Philbrook will host a cozy showing of “Clue,” the classic ’80s whodunit. Guests can enjoy food for purchase or bring their own picnic. Costumes are encouraged. philbrook.org DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS — YOUTH JERSEY GIVEAWAY Living Arts of Tulsa is partnering with the Tulsa Oilers for a Día de los Muertos extravaganza! Starting at 5:30 p.m., the BOK Center lobby will be ﬁlled with fun activities like crafts, performances and special photo opportunities before the puck drops at 7:05 p.m. tulsaoilers.com POP PUNK NITE! Join VAN FULL OF NUNS and special guest Waiting 4 April at Cain’s Ballroom for this special Halloween-eve event featuring tarot readings and costume contests. cainsballroom.com EMO HALLOWEEN WITH THE DOM TELONGES Karaoke fans won’t want to miss this interactive night of nostalgia. Attendees pick their favorite songs by emo band faves like Blink-182, Green Day and My Chemical Romance, and the Dom Telonges will play the music while audience members take turns belting the words into the mic. A costume contest for prizes adds to the fun (ages 18+). thevanguardtulsa.com/shows tp

MICHELLE POLLARD

Select nights 1-Nov. 7 THE HEXHOUSE Long touted as one of the most frightening Halloween experiences in the region, HexHouse is back for 20 nights of terror. The spooky operation includes three different haunted attractions in one spot, offering fun for the whole family. hauntedplantationok.com

CHEROKEE NATION CITIZENS AND CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER USE THE CODE CITIZEN FOR A $10 DISCOUNT.

OCTOBER 9 & 10 • 7:30 PM TICKETS: 918.384.ROCK All ages welcome with adult supervision. No flash photography or recordings. No refunds or exchanges.

day&night

OCT. 24–25 & 29–31 ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AT

tulsazoo.org/boo

TulsaPeople.com 13

CITY DESK

ART SPOT

Local portrait artist Nick White has partnered with Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue to raise funds for the rescue via pet portraits for alumni of the organization.

Purr-fect portraits Local artist raises rescue funds and awareness with pet portraits. BY JANE ZEMEL 14 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

GREG BOLLINGER

very creative needs inspiration. Portrait artist Nick White’s muses are fourlegged. Canine, feline, even — on one occasion — equine. “Pets are more enjoyable to do than people,” he explains. Last year, the artist partnered with Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue to create a fundraiser via custom portraits of pets adopted from the organization. For owners looking to commemorate their four-legged family members on canvas, he gives $200 of his $800 fee back to SPACAR to support future rescues. “It’s overwhelming to see their struggles, and the number of animals they’re trying to support,” he says of the rescue group. Nick has painted his own pets — two pit bull mixes from SPACAR, plus a tabby cat. Other subjects include a dog owned by one of his favorite actors, Thomas Middleditch from HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” and a horse owned by a former coworker for 20 years. “It was a very emotional reveal,” he says, noting that the commission was to honor the horse, as it had just been put down. Beyond his work with furry friends, White is most proud of his collaboration with Cherokee artist Bryan Waytula on a portrait of Oklahoma-born, Academy Award-winning actor Wes Studi for the Native American Student Alliance at Tulsa Community College — where Studi is an alumnus. The piece is now permanently housed in the academic building on TCC’s Northeast Campus. He also participated in Tulsa Opera’s 20242025 “Art at the Opera” project, painting MajorGeneral Stanley from “The Pirates of Penzance,” and had a portrait of pop star Chappell Roan in the 2026 “MOREcolor” installation at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center that ran through most of the summer. Until 2019, White’s only connection to art had been high school ceramics. “I didn’t come from a formal background or training,” he says on his website. “Just a desire to learn, improve and keep making something with my hands.” During the pandemic, he found an artist, Blake Jamieson, online whose work spoke to him. He began to study that technique, a process that requires patience and painstaking handwork. White starts with an image, then digitally separates the colors before printing — similar to screen printing T-shirts, just by hand instead. Then he cuts a stencil for each color with a precision cutting tool. “The more layers, the more detail,” he explains. His portrait offer is still available to owners of SPACAR alums; he is also open to working with other animal rescues or individual clients. Find more of his work and commission information at nickwhiteartwork.com. tp

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A New Home May Be Closer Than You Think Green Country Habitat for Humanity helps qualified Tulsa-area homebuyers move from renting to owning. We have new three-bedroom, two-bath homes available now. If you— or someone you know—is ready to explore homeownership, we’re ready to help.

www.greencountryhabitat.org TulsaPeople.com 15

CITY DESK

EDUCATION

OSU Safety Manager Patty White with Hoss, Pete’s Pet Posse Program Coordinator Sarah Maxey with Annie, Administration Coordinator at OSU Center for Health Sciences Terri Tinkler with Tux, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Communications Monica Collington with Cookie, and OSU Psychology Professor Christina Duncan with Sydney.

Campus canines Pete’s Pet Posse soothes student and staff stress on the OSU Tulsa campus.

n college campuses across the nation, therapy animals are having a moment. Studies have shown that as little as 10 minutes of petting or interacting with animals can produce a significant drop in cortisol (a stress-related hormone), so it makes sense why a growing number of college campuses have incorporated pet therapy programs. Oklahoma State University was ahead of the curve with Pete’s Pet Posse, a pet therapy program that began in Stillwater in 2013. The program expanded to the Tulsa campus eight years ago and continues to grow. “Research has shown that animals have all sorts of wellness benefits, such as lowering blood pressure,” says Sarah Maxey, Pete’s Pet Posse program coordinator. “They can also help with feelings of loneliness, which is often very common on college campuses.”

16 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Pete’s Pet Posse started as an extension of OSU’s wellness program focused on emotional health. The program extends across campus and touches all areas of the population — students, faculty, staff and even visitors. “The dogs will work in various departments across campus,” Maxey says. “Each department determines the appropriate use of their pet therapy animal. Some may act as a greeter, and some may serve in a true therapeutic or counseling setting. The role of the dog is determined by the department and the owner/handler.” Looking sharp in their official OSU tartan vests with matching collars and leashes, OSU’s therapy pups are easily spotted on campus. Maxey says the Tulsa campus has around 30 active dogs right now. “While the dogs actually live at home with their owners, they are considered volunteers on behalf of OSU,” she says. “We

ask our OSU families to consider training their family pet to become a therapy dog on campus.” Given the benefits these dogs provide to the university, OSU has scholarship opportunities to cover the cost of training for Pete’s Pet Posse applicants. The training process requires dogs and their owners go through a roughly 10-week class that OSU typically facilitates once a year in January. Once they finish the training, pets must complete the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which involves trials like “accepting a friendly stranger” and “walking through a crowd.” Then they can be certified with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to become an official therapy pet. As of now, the program consists solely of dogs. However, Maxey states there have been some requests to expand the program. “We’ve had requests for cats, Komodo dragons and even a goat.” tp

GREG BOLLINGER

BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ

CITY DESK

CHANGEMAKERS

Baha Srour is the founder of The Giving Heart Foundation, which lends power lift recliners and more to women recovering from a mastectomy. She describes her husband, Fady Srour, as the nonproﬁt’s “biggest support system.” Inset, Srour and service recipient Kelsey Yandell.

Raising voices, lifting hearts A Tulsa nonprofit provides post-mastectomy resources and support. BY TIFFANY HOWARD

aha Srour, founder of The Giving Heart Foundation, has a powerful testimony when it comes to encouraging women to trust their own intuition and advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office. “Listen to your inner voice,” she says. “If I hadn’t listened to that whisper, I don’t think I’d be here.” In 2020, Srour — who moved to Tulsa from Nazareth in 1998 — felt a lump in her breast. But when she went in for a mammogram, the results were negative for breast cancer.

“‘It’s just dense breast tissue, come back in six months,’ the doctor said,” recalls the mother of four. “But I kept hearing this voice, warning me, like this is something worth pursuing.” After seeing a breast surgeon, Srour was again told everything looked clear, but still she insisted on a biopsy. Finally her voice was heard, and the nurse called with the results a week later: stage-three invasive lobular intermediate carcinoma, a hardto-detect form of cancer that had already spread into her lymph nodes. “I did 18 rounds of chemo, a double

mastectomy reconstruction and 28 rounds of radiation,” she says. “I think people sometimes thought I was crazy then, but if I hadn’t insisted, I don’t think I’d be alive.” Prior to her mastectomy, Srour discovered a power lift recliner chair could greatly assist in her recovery. Because patients are told not to use their arms to exert any force whatsoever during the 4-5-week healing process, Srour explains the chair became a vital resource — it could raise her into a standing position with the press of a button, and it could also recline without her having to pull a lever. But with a price tag of around $2,000, Srour realized these types of chairs were likely inaccessible to many women, and that’s when she felt like God was calling her to a mission beyond her own story. “I remember I shared with my oncologist that I wanted to pass the chair to the next woman when I was done,” Srour says, which is exactly what she did. Founded as an official nonprofit in 2021, The Giving Heart Foundation now has a total of 12 leather chairs in their lending fleet. Each is well sanitized between use, and Srour’s husband Fady delivers the chair directly to users’ homes before their surgery. “The chair is a necessity after mastectomy that a lot of women are not aware of,” Srour says. “It makes them more independent during recovery, and (also) shortens the recovery time.” In addition to a chair, The Giving Heart Foundation also provides items like electric compression boots that stimulate blood flow during long hours of sitting, a swiveling side table, a large water tumbler to limit trips to the kitchen, a cozy blanket, a pillow designed for mastectomy patients to rest their arms and more. “I honestly have said every day since surgery, I don’t know what I would have done without that chair,” says Kelsey Yandell, a Tulsa mother of two who underwent a double mastectomy in April. “They just provided me with a lot of support and items that were really helpful with recovery,” she says. So far, a total of 85 women (and counting) have been served by The Giving Heart Foundation. As the only service of its kind in the area, Srour says she has had people reach out from Stillwater and Oklahoma City, and even as far as Nashville. The Giving Heart Foundation is currently looking for volunteers to help deliver chairs, as well as financial partners to expand the nonprofit’s mission. Visit thegivingheartfoundation.org to learn more or to request a chair. tp TulsaPeople.com 17

CITY DESK

Kelly Clark Fonkalsrud with her Border Collies Bella, Millie, Grace and Maya

HERD AT WORK I A retired TCC administrator found a second wind raising Border Collies. BY MICHAEL SEARLES 18 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

t started with one. Then, another. Now, Kelly Clark Fonkalsrud has four beautiful Border Collies, all trained in their instinctive art of herding livestock animals like cattle, sheep, and even goats and ducks. Before becoming a dog handler, Clark Fonkalsrud was hired by Tulsa Community College in 1995 to open the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education, a 1,484-seat theater that houses the Signature Symphony at TCC. Her fiveyear plan turned into a 31-year career that

culminated as TCC’s Dean of Visual and Performing Arts. Two years after taking up running, a hobby she began in 2009 as a way to combat the job’s stress, she decided to seek out a companion. That’s when she met Bella the Border Collie. “We ran thousands of miles together,” says Clark Fonkalsrud. “But I’d noticed that when my running group would be together, she would try to herd the group.” It was clear that Bella needed a job. After connecting with a friend in Broken Arrow, Clark Fonkalsrud learned how to train Border Collies and soon found a vibrant community of herding dogs and local trials. Bella began dipping her paws into competition in 2015. When her husband Phil needed help wrangling cattle on their ranch, their second Border Collie, Millie, came to the rescue. In 2021, puppies Grace and Maya joined the family, and before long they were traveling to Arizona, Louisiana, Ohio and everywhere in between for regional and national competitions. “If I don’t work Maya three days a week, she gets kind of neurotic on me,” Clark Fonkalsrud says. When the dogs do get that outlet, however, they become “couch potatoes” for the rest of the week, she adds. The competitive spirit that pushed Clark Fonkalsrud through 12 marathons was revived through her pups. In June, she brought Maya, Millie and Grace to Afton, Wyoming, for the week-long Mountain States Stockdog Association Finals, where they placed third in combined intermediate sheep and cattle. Recently, Clark Fonkalsrud also became an American Kennel Club trial judge to give back to the sport that keeps her active post-retirement. “It’s a wonderful group of people and an amazing community, and I have been so blessed to be able to do this,” she says. When not working, Bella, Millie, Grace and Maya enjoy relaxing or running around the family’s 40-acre ranch. Despite her competitiveness, Clark Fonkalsrud’s passion comes from loving her pets rather than chasing fame or trophies. “Just as I know I will never win a marathon, I won’t win on the big fields. I’m never going to beat an Alasdair Macrae or a Scott Glenn,” she admits. “But if I can make improvements with my dog, and if I can continue to have fun — and let them do what they were bred to do — that’s all that matters.” tp

FONKALSRUD: GREG BOLLINGER; OKTOBERFEST COURTESY MITCHELL: HOGAN: KAYLIE SEQUIRA

PASSIONS

Layla the Dachshund competes for the fourth time at Oktoberfest’s doggy costume contest.

E Alli Mitchell’s Dachshund Layla dressed as “Doggy” Parton for a previous Dachshund Costume Parade at Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa.

The wiener takes it all

ver since Alli Mitchell adopted her adorable Dachshund Layla eight years ago, the pair has been inseparable. Raised by Mitchell since she was only eight weeks old, Layla has become a staple in the Zeeco Oktoberfest Dachshund Costume Parade, competing and placing in the competition for the past three years. Mitchell was fi rst inspired to enter Layla in the parade after several of her friends tagged her in a post about the event on social media. When she told her boyfriend Shane Fetty about the idea, he immediately jumped on board. “He’s an engineer, so he was all in for the idea. He builds all the custom wagons we have Layla ride in,” she says. Together, the duo has created showstopping costumes like “Doggy” Parton, Shrunken Head Bob from “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and even a Hulk Hogan tribute. The creativity of the competition is what makes this particular part of Zeeco Okotoberfest so special for festival director Tonja Carrigg, who admits that Layla’s Hulk Hogan costume is a personal favorite of hers. “Don’t they just make you smile even talking about it?” Carrigg says about the wiener dogs competing in both the parade and Dachshund Dash — the latter of which sees around 150 entrants all racing for the gold. As the trio prepares to enter the parade again, Layla and her creative team have their sights set on being top dog during this year’s competition. Oktoberfest will run from Oct. 21-25, culminating with the Dachshund Costume Parade and Dachshund Dash on the final day. For more information, head to tulsaoktoberfest.org. — MADISON WALTERS

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TulsaPeople.com 19

CITY DESK

COMMUNITY

Making a lifelong dream a reality, Taylor Hull brought Palmer the pig into her family — which also includes cats, dogs, chickens, bunnies and even a dove — in 2023.

This (not so) little piggy lives in midtown Palmer the pig lives high on the hog in Maple Ridge. BY MARNIE FERNANDEZ 20 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

GREG BOLLINGER

hen he is not sunbathing in his pool or giving piggyback rides to his chicken siblings, Palmer the pig can be found strolling the streets of Maple Ridge with his owner, Taylor Hull. “Having a pet pig has always been on my bucket list,” Hull says. “When I found Palmer as a piglet on Craigslist, I immediately knew he was supposed to be mine.” Weighing an estimated 200 pounds at only three years old, Palmer is a Juliana pig — a small, colorfully spotted breed. “He’s not even fully grown yet,” Hull says, having welcomed him to her family in 2023. “Even though he’s a mini pig, he’s a tank.” Palmer is also very social, which is a good thing, because he is surrounded by a menagerie of pet siblings. In addition to Palmer, Hull has three silkie chickens, three dogs, two cats, a dove and two bunnies. “I have always wanted to have lots of animals,” Hull explains. “It can get pretty noisy around here!” Hull says there are lots of misconceptions about pigs in general. “Pigs are actually very clean animals,” she says. “They get the reputation for being dirty because they roll in the mud to help keep themselves cool because they can’t sweat. And pigs are smart — they have the intelligence of a two- (or) three-year-old toddler.” Case and point, Palmer has figured out how to open the back gate and the garage door with his snout. Th is has led to several solo adventures and to his love of fine dining at Charleston’s. “On one of his ‘adventures’, he made it all the way to 31st Street. A couple coming home from Charleston’s pulled over and used their leftovers to get him to turn around and come home,” says Hull, noting the couple had recognized the pig and knew where to take him thanks to his local celebrity status. “So now, every time we go for a walk, he tries to go to 31st Street because he thinks he will get Charleston’s again,” she says. Besides going on walks, Palmer enjoys snuggling with his family, hanging out in his bedroom, swimming in his pool and helping Hull with the gardening. “It’s more rooting around and making a mess, but he keeps me company,” she explains. “He follows me everywhere — he’s my shadow.” tp

Dr. Carrie R.K. Duvall, DVM - Owner Jana K. Layton, DVM - Dr. Katie L. greenwell, DVM

American Therapeutic Riding Center provides equine-assisted services to individuals of all ages with cognitive, emotional and physical challenges. Here, Macie serves as the side walker for rider Paige, while Amanda leads the way.

Healing with horses Sand Springs equine therapy center helps clients succeed. BY FAITH HARL

efore Maggie the horse arrived at the American Therapeutic Riding Center in Sand Springs, she marched with a stagecoach in the Tulsa Christmas parade for years. A sturdy Haflinger, Maggie pulled an array of carriages with partner horse Doc until he passed away. Although she no longer appears in parades, Maggie keeps busy as one of ATRC’s therapy horses, all of which have been donated to the nonprofit. “Our horse donors have invested a lot of time, energy, money and all their love into them,” says Denise Ward, the executive director at ATRC. “They want to make sure that their horses go somewhere loving, and (that they are) cared for and their skills are utilized to help individuals in need.” A center member organization of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, ATRC was founded by Kenneth and Vickie Burkett in 2007. The nonprofit serves individuals of all ages with cognitive, physical and emotional challenges, helping them build their confidence and self-awareness through goal setting and horsemanship. Pediatric speech language pathologist Cathy Ross, MS, CCC-SLP, founder of Achieve Pediatric Therapy, is one of several therapists who partner with ATRC to integrate equineassisted services into her patients’ treatment plans. “Equine-assisted therapy helps kids stay active and engaged, so they don’t focus on ‘doing therapy,’” she says. “This allows therapy

to happen naturally, while keeping it fun and exciting.” Interacting with the horses gives the children she works with a non-threatening outlet to practice social communication, Ross explains. She also uses horseback riding as a tool to help her patients build core strength and breath control. EAS and equine-assisted learning can improve riders’ mental health as well — in 2023 and 2024, participants in the ATRC pilot project “TraumaInformed Small Group” reported 20% lower anxiety levels after 8-10 weeks of riding. Ward herself witnessed the transformative benefits of EAS when she first began volunteering for the organization 18 years ago, working with a 16-year-old girl who was relearning how to walk after surviving a car wreck. “She was riding out here, and she was the one that gave me hope,” Ward recalls. “She has determination. She would take five minutes or so just to walk up the four steps, holding the handrails to the mounting deck, when she could have utilized our elevator.” Now, Ward reports that client lives alone, which was once thought to be impossible. Currently, ATRC serves up to 85 weekly participants, who learn the skills they need to ride horses independently. To continue to support its mission, the center will hold its third annual ATRC Family Day fundraiser on Oct. 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visitors can watch horsemanship demonstrations, participate in farm games, and shop from vendors and concessions. For more information, visit atrcok.org. tp

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CITY DESK

MUSIC NOTES

After representing Tulsa at Nashville’s AMERICANAFEST in September, local musician Casii Stephan is preparing to release her new album “Let Her Have Her Flowers,” with a single out this month.

In full bloom Tulsa’s Casii Stephan is reaping bouquets of success.

22 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Stephan at a recent performance at The Shrine

fellow Tulsa songwriter Damion Shade) was a finalist in the Rock category for the International Songwriting Competition. “Meet me at Dawn” and “Like an Old Friend” — two of the unreleased tracks from the new album — were also finalists for the New Folk Songwriting Competition at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival this past April. Last month, Stephan was also invited to play at Nashville’s annual

AMERICANAFEST, which recognized Tulsa as the event’s 2026 “Spotlight City” for its vibrant music culture and influence in the Americana scene. As part of the Tulsa Showcase on Sept. 17, Stephan performed in a lineup coordinated by the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture that also included Tulsans Kalyn Fay, Ken Pomeroy, Johnny Mullenax and Ramsey Thornton. For Stephan, this is the year for going full in on her career as a musician. “At the end of the day, the question is, ‘do you want this?’” she says. “And I do want it, so let me just put both feet in and see what happens.” Stephan plans to release two more singles and some videos from “Let Her Have Her Flowers” before the full album is available on all streaming platforms in March. “I’m really excited and proud of these songs. It was really fun working with Chad to build this album out,” she says. “I feel like they’re more personal and more like me putting my cards on the table with my hopes and dreams.” Visit casiistephan.com to learn more. tp

PORTRAIT: TONY LI PHOTOGRAPHY; ON STAGE: PHIL CLARKIN PHOTOGRAPHY; BALOO: GREG BOLLINGER

ater this month, Tulsa singer songwriter Casii Stephan will release “Happy,” the fi rst single from her upcoming album, “Let Her Have Her Flowers.” Produced by Chad Copelin of Norman’s Blackwatch Studios, Stephan’s fi rst full-length record includes ten original songs she either wrote or co-wrote. The diverse tracks highlight her talent as a lyricist, as well as her powerful, beautiful vocals. They also represent a new approach to her music and her career. “I think a big mindset shift I’ve had is don’t be too precious about the art you’re creating. Just create it and put it out there,” she says. “What I’m working through is giving myself permission to fail and to try things. Go for it and do it.” Far from failing, Stephan’s had an extraordinary year so far. Several of her songs have earned impressive accolades both internationally and closer to home. In February, her October 2025 single “California Gold” won Best AAA/ Alternative Song in the International Acoustic Music Awards, and the following month “King in America” (co-written with

BY JULIE WENGER WATSON

Sam Bowling, bassist for local band Mingo Drive, with his dog Baloo. The two are modeling the group’s new shirts, which feature the rescue pup.

Band’s best friend Mingo Drive’s new single, “Strange Happenings,” is out on Oct. 2, just in time for the spooky season. The percussive, driving tune is the first release of a six-song project. Co-written by the trio — Sam Bowling (bass), Justin Scott (vocals, keys) and Jeremy Pelotte (drums) — the song takes inspiration from bands like Muse and KONGOS, as well as a 90-pound pup named Baloo. Bowling, along with his wife and band manager, Natalie, live with Baloo — a pup that Natalie rescued a year ago through local nonprofit Puppy Haven. Only ten pounds at the time, Baloo — whose DNA test revealed a lot of Great Pyrenees, along with a healthy dose of Australian Shepherd — has quickly grown to resemble his namesake, the lovable bear from the Disney movie adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” He’s also grown into his role as the band’s mascot. Baloo is a regular presence at rehearsals, writing sessions and on the band’s social media. This fall, you can find his likeness on the band’s new line of merch created by Tulsa graphic designer Andy Moore. The collection will soon be available at shows and via the band’s Instagram, @mingodrive_. “(Baloo has) very naturally been integrated into the artwork and the process because our home is where they write all of their songs,” Natalie says. “All of the guys are his besties, and he gets excited for band practice. He likes to just sit in the middle of them and listen.” Both Bowlings grew up with dogs, and band members Pelotte and Scott are also animal lovers. According to Sam, Baloo likes everyone he meets, and he’s particularly fond of Sam’s bandmates. “He goes to the front window and waits for them to walk through the door,” Sam says. “We have to plan on 15 minutes of Baloo time before we can get any real work done because he needs his attention. When we’re finally in the groove of it, he likes to be in the living room with us, just watching what we’re doing.” Natalie says Baloo is a big dog that is oblivious of his size. “He takes up a significant amount of space,” she says. “The guys will be jamming to this heavy Halloween bop song, and he’ll just be laying down, sleeping in the middle of it — on top of some cables, very close to whacking his tail on a pedal board — not spatially aware one bit.” Follow along on Instagram for more on Baloo and the band. Catch Mingo Drive at Fayetteville’s Falltoberfest Oct. 4, and at the Tulsa State Fair Oct. 5. — JULIE WENGER WATSON

Trinity welcomes Fr. Daniel Morrow as our new rector. Fr. Morrow comes to Trinity from The Church Of The Ascension in Munich, Germany, but is a native of Sand Springs. Join us for Eucharist at either 8:00 a.m. (spoken) or 10:30 a.m. (choral)

Trinity Episcopal Church 918-582-4128 | 501 S. Cincinnati Ave TrinityTulsa.org

TulsaPeople.com 23

CITY DESK

BENEFITS

OCTOBER CHARITABLE EVENTS COMPILED BY TIFFANY HOWARD

1-Dec. 15 Toys for Tots Benefits Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. toysfortots.org 1-31 BOOtanical: Autumn Festival and Pumpkin Patch Benefits Tulsa Botanic Garden. tulsabotanic.org 1 Hospitality Under the Stars Gala Benefits Hospitality House of Tulsa. hhtulsa.org OKCNP Members Meeting 2026: Rocking Nonprofit Success Benefits Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. okcnp.org 2 The 13th Annual Links to Independence Golf Classic Benefits Ability Resources. abilityresources.org

Poker Run Beneﬁts Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight. oklahomawarriors.org

Honoring Our North Tulsa Jewels Beneﬁts Black Wall Street Tours, Inc. blackwallstreettourstulsa.com

Mutt Strut Beneﬁts Domestic Violence Intervention Services’ kennel for dogs and cats. dvis.org/mutt-strut

24 Day of the Dead 5k Beneﬁts Mita’s Foundation. mitasfoundation.org

4 German-American Day Beneﬁts German-American Society of Tulsa. gastulsa.org

Silver Link Awards Beneﬁts Public Relations Society of America — Tulsa Chapter. prsatulsa.com/silverlink

Oklahoma Congenital Heart Walk Beneﬁts the Children’s Heart Foundation. OklahomaCHW

Murder Mystery Dinner and Silent Auction Beneﬁts Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com

Taste of Brookside Beneﬁts Youth Services of Tulsa. yst.org/taste-of-brookside

5 Drive FORE the House Golf Tournament Beneﬁts Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa. rmhctulsa.org

TFA Skyline Soiree Beneﬁts Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.com

Tulsa Hall of Fame Beneﬁts Museum of Tulsa History. tulsahistory.org/events/ tulsa-hall-of-fame

Top of the Town Beneﬁts Oklahoma Veterans United. tulsatopofthetown.com

4-10 Court to Community: Where Your Game Fuels Freedom Beneﬁts The Demand Project. thedemandproject.org

9 Bee’s Knees Gala Beneﬁts Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services. EODDS

Rock Paper Scissors! Beneﬁts The Pencil Box. thepencilbox.org

6 A Concert Under the Stars Beneﬁts Blessings to Share Foundation. blessingstoshare.org

3 CHAA Commando Cookoff and Class Reunions Beneﬁts Cascia Hall Preparatory School. casciahall.com

Bailey Medical Center Bunco for a Cause Beneﬁts Tulsa Area United Way and Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com

Family Day 2026 Beneﬁts American Therapeutic Riding Center. atrcok.org

7 Serving for Gold: Fighting Childhood Cancer Triples Tournament Beneﬁts Pierce Phillips Charity. piercephillipscharity.org

Good Samaritan Health Services Gala Beneﬁts Good Samaritan Health Services. goodsamaritanhealth.org Jared Shoemaker Veteran Remembrance Run 10K/5K Beneﬁts Folds of Honor and the Jared Shoemaker Academy. tulsarugbyclub

DIVAS 4 HOPE Benefits HOPE (Health Outreach Prevention Education). divas4hope.org MIX 2026 Benefits Philbrook Museum of Art. philbrook.org 12 19th Annual Golf Tournament Benefits Operation Hope Prison Ministry. ohpm.org

7-11 Spartan Trailer Rally Benefits Tulsa Air and Space Museum. tulsamuseum.org 8 Bunco for Boobies Benefits The Stonebrook Project. thestonebrookproject.org Global Vision Awards Gala Benefits Tulsa Global Alliance. tulsaglobalalliance.org/globalvision

Zoo Nights: On the Rocks (21+) Benefits Tulsa Zoo. tulsazoo.org/zoo-nights 17-18 Brush Creek Bazaar Benefits Adult and Teen Challenge of Oklahoma. brushcreekbazaar.com Skinnerfest Benefits Red Dirt Relief Fund. reddirtrelieffund.org/skinnerfest 18 Philbrook Harvest Dinner Benefits Philbrook Museum of Art. philbrook.org 20 Pearl House Gala Benefits The Pearl House Ghana. pearlhouse.org/events 22 Light the Night Benefits Blood Cancer United. lightthenight.org/events/tulsa Moonstruck Benefits Clarehouse. clarehouse.org

20th Annual Restore Hope Golf Tournament Beneﬁts Restore Hope Ministries. golf.restorehope.org

PAWStober Fest 2026 Beneﬁts Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa. mealsonwheelstulsa.org

Pink Ribbon Beneﬁts Oklahoma Project Woman. oklahomaprojectwoman.org

Stars of Tomorrow Beneﬁts Town and Country School. tandcschool.org/get-involved

16 Vintage Housing Welcome Home Beneﬁts LIFE Senior Services. lifeseniorservices.org

22-25 Zeeco Oktoberfest Beneﬁts River Parks. tulsaoktoberfest.org

17 Galaxy Ball Beneﬁts Tulsa Air and Space Museum. tulsamuseum.org/galaxy-ball

23 Harvest for Hope Beneﬁts The Spring. thespringok.org

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS SPONSORED BY TULSAPEOPLE.

24 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

25 Royale Diamond Gala Benefits The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. jewishmuseumtulsa.org 26 BAPS Foundation Golf Tournament Benefits Broken Arrow Public Schools Foundation. bapsfoundation.org Cheers to Joy — Wine and Dine Fundraiser Benefits Joy in the Cause. joyinthecause.org 27 Bunco for a Cause Benefits Eagle Ops and Bailey Education Foundation. baileyeducationfoundation.com Hope Floats Benefits New Hope Oklahoma. newhopeokla 28 2nd Annual Tee It Up for Tim Memorial Golf Tournament Benefits Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance. oklahomapa.org/tulsagolf 29 Trivia 4 a Cause Benefits Pause4Paws. pause4pawsok.org 29, 30 Pirates and Princesses Dinner Benefits Tulsa Zoo. tulsazoo.org/feast 30 Movers and Shakers Gala Benefits Food on the Move. foodonthemoveok.com/fotm-events

one year later

‘Fern the Fighter’

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals gives hundreds of area animals like Fern, who was found in a dumpster, a chance at a better life. BY JULIE WENGER WATSON 28 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

n an ordinary Wednesday this past August, an extraordinary event took place that transformed the lives of over 100 Oklahoma dogs and cats. Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, a Tulsa-based animal welfare nonprofit, partnered with the global nonprofit Greater Good Charities to transport the group of homeless animals by chartered jet to Oregon and Seattle, where local shelters mobilized to help them find their new homes in the Pacific Northwest. “We got up at 1 a.m. to start loading them, and we got to the airport around 4 (a.m.),” says Ashley Dwyer, OAA’s project manager.

The animals came from a variety of shelters in the area, many of which were at capacity. “Some of the animals had been there for so long. They had just sat stagnant through no fault of their own. They’re amazing dogs,” she says. “They were adopted in less than a week, and they’re already in their forever homes. It was so wonderful to get to work with all the different rescues.” Dwyer explains that, due to many northern states having much stronger animal welfare laws and more consistent enforcement of spay/neuter practices, pet overpopulation is signiﬁcantly reduced. In Oklahoma, however, she says there are far more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are adopters.

MICHELLE POLLARD; FERN BEFORE: COURTESY

In summer 2025, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals Project Manager Ashley Dwyer’s life changed instantly when she responded to a call about a dog abandoned in a dumpster (above). Now having adopted Fern herself, “I cannot imagine my life without her,” Dwyer says. “I’m still so protective of her and I think I always will be.”

“According to Best Friends Animal Society, nationally the shelter save rate was 82% in 2025, while several northern states, including Vermont and New Hampshire, have achieved statewide no-kill status,” Dwyer says. “In 2024 alone, more than 11,000 dogs and cats in Oklahoma were euthanized simply because there was no space.” Fortunately, organizations like OAA are working tirelessly to turn things around. FINDING FERN Dwyer’s work with OAA over the last 3 years has placed her on the frontlines of the state’s animal welfare crisis, and in the case of one pup, that work has even come home with her. In July of 2025, Dwyer answered a call about a severely emaciated and dehydrated pit bull mix found abandoned in a dumpster in the summer heat. The dog was near death, unable to move anything except her eyes. “It was horrific. I’ve seen a lot of really bad things when it comes to animal rescue, but that was the one thing that honestly took my breath away when I saw her in the bottom of that trash can,” Dwyer recalls. “Rushing her to the vet, I just tried to talk to her to keep her awake and tried to reach behind me to keep petting her. At one point I thought she had stopped breathing and had died. I was crying so hard the whole way to the vet.” At the veterinary hospital, Dwyer would check on her every day. The dog would wag her tail, howling and barking in anticipation of Dwyer’s visit. Although Dwyer, who already had dogs of her own at home, didn’t initially plan to adopt Fern, that quickly changed. “I thought, ‘there’s no way I’m going to even chance her not having a perfect life,’” Dwyer says. “So, I knew pretty much right away she was going to be coming home with me ... I wanted to make sure she was the most spoiled dog in the world for the rest of her life.” Nicknaming her “Fern the Fighter,” Dwyer says taking Fern home from the hospital was like “bringing home a newborn baby.” Fern had to learn to walk again, as she slowly recovered and gained strength under the watchful eyes of Dwyer and her daughter. “That first month my whole life revolved around her and getting her healthy,” Dwyer says, noting her friend Mary Flaven would often stay with her during the day while Dwyer was at work. When Fern was first found, the vet estimated she was about 6 years old due to the decayed state of her teeth, but it turns out they were simply in poor condition due to the abandonment and malnutrition she’d suffered. Through Dwyer’s care, however — as well as extensive medical aid from Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, and support from people around the U.S. who were moved by Fern’s story — the two-year-old pup is now thriving. Weighing in at a healthy 75 pounds and with pearly white teeth, Dwyer says she’s “the sweetest dog in the world.” “She’s so wonderful with other dogs. She’s wonderful with children. She’s wonderful with adults. She’s even good with kittens,” Dwyer says.

Jamee Suarez-Howard, co-founder of Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, wearing a “Fern the Fighter” shirt. The tees are available for purchase at animalallianceok.org.

“She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. I cannot fathom how anybody could treat her that way, because she’s just so sweet. There was zero reason for them to do that.” TWO DECADES OF SERVICE AND COUNTING Although each animal’s story is unique, OAA has helped countless animals like Fern since sisters Jamee Suarez-Howard and Robin Suarez co-founded the organization in 2004, with the hope of reducing euthanasia by increasing adoptions, spays and neuters. “We just started so simple, but the need was so great that it just expanded and expanded,” SuarezHoward says. Today, OAA’s stated mission is to reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership and promote the humane treatment of animals. While OAA houses some animals, it isn’t a typical shelter. The organization approaches its goals collaboratively, working with other animal welfare organizations across the state to put on adoption events and promote smaller rescues that may not be as well known. OAA also provides funding for large rescue efforts, medical care for animals and more. Through working with larger groups like Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society of the United States), Best Friends Animal Society, Animal Wellness Action, Petco Love and Greater Good Charities, OAA is also helping to make a difference on a national scale. “Every month, we transport animals to trusted rescue partners in northern states where there is a much greater demand for adoptable animals,” Dwyer says. “However, through Greater Good we were able to send a signiﬁcantly larger number than what we are used to.”

“We try to be as flexible as an organization as we can to help people and their pets,” adds Suarez-Howard. OAA also facilitates several programs, such as FIX OK, which supports low cost spay and neuter services; a pet food pantry, which provides free dry dog and cat food for the pets of families experiencing a temporary financial hardship; and Unchain OK, which reduces the number of dogs living on chains by educating pet owners. As an OAA volunteer for several years before she became an employee in 2023, much of Dwyer’s early work with the organization focused on the statewide Unchain OK program. The initiative focuses on improving the welfare of outdoor pets and providing alternatives to chaining animals — a practice that is restricted in some areas but still allowed in Oklahoma. “We go out and help dogs that are left on chains 24/7,” she says. “We provide dog houses and straw in the wintertime, and then flea and tick meds, pools and things like that in the summertime.” Dwyer admires the way Suarez-Howard interacts with those pets and their owners. Rather than being angry with the owners, Suarez-Howard focuses on making life better for the animals. “I thought the Unchain program was so unique. There really isn’t another like it,” she says. “The way that Jamee approaches these people — it was so different than what I assumed it was going to be. (She teaches) us the importance of approaching these owners with compassion and without judgment, to build a relationship where they trust us to help take care of their dog.” Suarez-Howard believes that, until laws around chaining change in Oklahoma, education is the primary way to make life better for the dog at the end of the chain. “It’s just a hard fight, so the best thing we can do right now, until we figure out a solution, is educate people,” she says. “I don’t foresee any law changing soon because we’re an agricultural state ... (and) most farmers or people who live in rural Oklahoma don’t want anyone telling them what to do with their dogs, especially if they are working dogs.” In Dwyer’s experience, this strategy better allows OAA to provide support like mending fencing or providing outdoor shelter options. “When you work with people instead of against them, you ultimately can improve the life of a chained dog,” Dwyer explains, “even if it’s just them now having a dog house, or (being) a little bit warmer with some straw in the wintertime.” There are many ways animal lovers can support OAA’s work, both financially and with their time. OAA always welcomes monetary donations to cover vet bills and support spay and neuter clinics. Donations to the pet food pantry or purchases from OAA’s Amazon Wish List are also appreciated. OAA is always looking for volunteers to foster, drive transports, or walk and play with the dogs. For more information on OAA and their upcoming Fur Ball fundraiser on Nov. 7, visit animalallianceok.org. tp TulsaPeople.com 29

SIT. STAY. FEEL AT HOME. BY MARY BETH SAWYER

How Dogville brings a different approach to dog daycare and boarding.

Dogville welcomes dogs of all sizes. 30 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD

t is not uncommon for dogs to have jobs beyond guarding living room windows from delivery persons, finding mystery objects on the floor to eat or adding flair to our outfits with their shed hair. They can guard against real danger as police officers, sniff out and alert owners to food allergens or provide assistance as service animals. At Dogville Daycare and Boarding, a dog can even be mayor — a role that daycare regular Flash, the bowtie-wearing Corgi, takes seriously. Flash is a paws-on mayor. After arriving for a typical day of duty at 9525 E. 47th Place, Flash has a meeting with his best friend Goblin, Assistant General Manager April Smith’s dog. They discuss who is coming just for the day, who is staying for a

Flash, far right, is considered the Mayor of Dogville.

slumber party and who needs comfort care before scampering off to play with their friends. “Flash loves seeing all his dog friends and his human friends at Dogville,” says his owner Pam Rosser. “He loves all the room they have to run and play.” Flash is not alone — with over 600 5-star Google reviews, Dogville has built a strong reputation within the community for its many amenities and high quality of care. One thing that makes Dogville unique is it operates a mostly kennel-free facility. While it is sometimes necessary — for safety as well as preference — for some dogs to be boarded in a private space, most visitors to Dogville prefer the comfort and company of the shared suites.

Dogville staff member Rachel Cedar

Before being assigned a room for daycare or boarding, dogs must pass a temperament test, which allows the Dogville staff to evaluate where and with whom each dog will feel the most comfortable. As staff member Rachel Cedar puts it, “They’re basically little children that we coordinate, and we ﬁnd who they work with and help them make their best friends.” At Dogville, connecting best friends is just as much part of the overall mission as keeping dogs as close as possible to the same comfort level they feel at home with their families. For Jessica and Caleb McGuire, who purchased Dogville earlier this year from longtime owner and founder Delana Taylor McNac, D.V.M., continuing the tradition of keeping dogs in at-home-level comfort is nonnegotiable. DAY AND NIGHT On the daycare side of the business, dogs have the option of staying in individual rooms, shared lowoccupancy rooms or the larger party room. When dogs aren’t in their rooms, they are given ample time to explore the nearly 1-acre, fenced-in lot. This supervised yard time is perfect for stretching out in the grass, chasing bubbles, sailing the seven seas in a wooden pirate ship, bouncing on the trampoline or playing with the many, many toys available to pups. The backyard is also the perfect venue for daycare and boarded dogs to celebrate their birthdays with an ice cream social or pool party. Dog-safe cold treats are always available for purchase at drop-off or pick-up, and they can also be requested over the phone — as can baths, nail trims and more. Dogs staying overnight wag goodbye to their friends getting picked up from daycare before settling into one of the standard one to three dog boarding rooms or the larger slumber party room, which averages ﬁve to seven dogs depending on size and temperament (a “big dog” room can also accommodate up to 10 large dogs). The slumber party room is a sought-after option for dogs accustomed to sleeping in a bedroom or even on the bed with their owners. Dogs in the slumber party room are treated to a TV, dog beds

Dogville’s outdoor play area includes larger-than-life toys.

Caleb and Jessica McGuire

and even a human bed to curl up on. With 24/7 on-site staff, dogs are checked on every hour of the night. Cedar, who has worked in the pet boarding industry for almost five years and been with Dogville for just over two, often works overnights. “If everybody is asleep and comfortable, I’m off cleaning, checking on the other dogs, refilling waters — that sort of thing,” she says. “We do have staff that will go in there and take a 30-minute nap with them overnight.” HOME AWAY FROM HOME True to their mission, Dogville offers comfort care for those who need it. Comfort care is specialty care meant to offer whatever extra support or monitoring a dog might need while recovering from surgery, injury or other medical conditions such as diabetes. This can be especially helpful for senior dogs that struggle with mobility, incontinence or require near-constant monitoring. This level of specialized care, combined with the comfort of knowing staff are with the dogs 24/7, is why Dogville has multiple clients who opt to drive from Oklahoma City to Tulsa when they need to board their dogs. “Our team is the soul of Dogville, ensuring every dog receives the love and care they deserve,” Jessica says. While they are lifelong dog lovers, the McGuires were not specifically looking for a dog daycare and

Dogville operates a mostly kennel-free facility.

boarding house when they decided they wanted to own a small business. They were, however, searching for something with a history of success and a loyal customer base. The couple had no idea they would ﬁnd that and more with Dogville. During the mutual interview process with McNac, a veterinarian dedicated to raising awareness about the special needs of senior pets and improving the quality of all pets’ lives, they fell in love with the community and staff of Dogville. “It was very obvious that this was more than just a small business,” Jessica says. “This was a home away from home for these dogs, and it was very clear the staff loved the dogs as their own.” The McGuires are quick to credit Dogville’s staff with helping to bring McNac’s vision to life, and they are excited to continue building on the commitment to excellence established before they became the owners. “To truly honor Dr. McNac’s legacy, we decided to keep the wonderful team she had built,” Jessica adds. “Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine love for the dogs won us over and conﬁrmed that acquiring Dogville was the right decision.” Many of the staff members have been with Dogville since it opened in 2012, and a large number of families have been bringing their pets to the facility for nearly 15 years. During that time some dogs have of course grown into comfort care or passed on. The loss is felt most deeply by their families, but they are never forgotten by their Dogville family, either. A rose garden in front of the facility memorializes the dogs that once called Dogville their home away from home. Back inside, the staff and Mayor Flash are keeping things running. For some dogs, Dogville might be a place to play for the afternoon or to collect a fun few nights of stories to bark to their neighbors about when they get home. But for the people maintaining the dogs’ comfort, who know them by the sounds they make when they come in the front door, it is clear these dogs become a forever part of the Dogville family. Learn more about Dogville, including pricing and vaccine requirements, at dogville-daycare.com. tp

Dogville provides custom care based on each dog’s needs. TulsaPeople.com 31

t was 1976, and a group of Tulsa women were sitting around a kitchen table talking when the sister-in-law of one of the women showed up. She had experienced domestic violence, and she needed help. So the group — which included Cynthia Louy Descher Mueggenborg, one of the original founders of Domestic Violence Intervention Services — did what women throughout time, from suffragists to PTA members, have done: they linked arms; they organized; and they helped. By establishing the Tulsa Task Force for Battered Women, which operated a telephone crisis hotline, these women laid the groundwork for what would eventually become become DVIS. Now, the organization is marking 50 years of showing up for people — overwhelmingly women — who need support during one of the worst times of their lives. DVIS is the only nonproﬁt agency in the Tulsa metro area providing comprehensive intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence, human trafﬁcking and stalking. CEO Tracey Lyall speaks to the organization’s humble beginnings, and how the complete lack of resources available to domestic violence survivors at that time led to grassroots mobilization. “At the time that sister-in-law asked for help, domestic abuse was legally and socially treated as a private family matter,” Lyall says. “There were no hotlines, no services, no shelters and you couldn’t get a protective order against an abusive spouse. It was volunteer advocates answering the phone, opening their homes and mobilizing their community who began creating safety for survivors in Tulsa.”

Tracey Lyall has been the CEO of Domestic Violence Intervention Services since 2007.

Half a century of service Domestic Violence Intervention Services marks 50 years of providing transformational help to individuals in harmful situations. BY SHARON BISHOP-BALDWIN

32 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

50-YEAR HISTORY Originally, women who reached out to the Tulsa Task Force for Battered Women were housed individually in safe homes, and then later together in a three-bedroom house. The ﬁrst DVIS shelter for battered women was opened in May 1981, housing a varying number of women and children at any given time. Within just a few years, however, that facility couldn’t keep up with the need for emergency shelter services, so a capital campaign launched in 1985 to build an even bigger one. The 50-bed shelter opened in July 1986, Lyall says, and it served as many women and children as space allowed for more than a quarter of a century. By 2012, though, the need for a bigger shelter was again apparent, and another capital

IF YOU NEED HELP DVIS advocates are available by phone 24/7 on these lines: 918-7HELP-ME (918-743-5763) Toll free: 1-833-338-5763 Texting services are also available seven nights a week between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Text SAFE to 207-777 or 1-833-338-5763 to communicate with a DVIS advocate.

WAYS PETS AND PEOPLE CAN SUPPORT DVIS THIS MONTH

DVIS’ annual Mutt Strut fundraiser returns Oct. 17.

campaign began. That shelter — DVIS’ current shelter — opened in 2015 with 91 beds, as well as a 20-unit transitional living apartment complex, featuring units with one to three bedrooms. Unfortunately, even that doesn’t currently feel like enough, Lyall says. “Sometimes I think we could build a shelter with 200 beds and still need more,” she explains. But shelters and beds are only one measure of an organization’s impact on a community; what the organization actually provides to survivors is another story. SERVING TULSA AND BEYOND DVIS’ primary shelter welcomes anyone who needs it including women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with special needs, as well as documented and undocumented immigrants. The agency provides free outpatient counseling for adult and child domestic violence survivors, because issues remain even after an immediate crisis has subsided. “Even getting a divorce doesn’t make all the problems go away,” Lyall says, pointing to continued spousal acrimony and co-parenting issues. DVIS has a legal program that can provide an attorney to assist clients with filing for divorce and making custody arrangements. The nonprofit’s plethora of court advocates assist survivors not only at the courthouse during criminal cases but also with emergency and permanent protective orders. A 2005 merger with Call Rape meant DVIS could begin providing a 24/7 response for survivors of sexual assault, including sending an advocate to support individuals during forensic exams and other procedures. Besides the Tulsa metro area, DVIS also has a “pretty significant footprint” in rural parts of Creek County, Lyall says, including advocates who take survivors to the courthouse in Sapulpa to file for protective orders. The nonprofit also coordinates with others who work with law enforcement to follow up after a domestic violence incident has occurred, such as Victim Witness Advocates, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, legal and prosecutorial partners like the DA’s office and Special Victims Unit, Tribal partners and sister agencies like Housing Solutions.

PREVENTION AND EDUCATION For the past 40 years, DVIS has also offered an intervention program for abusive partners. “We know that most people who harm others were harmed themselves, and we cannot truly break cycles of abuse without helping them as well,” says Lyall. Following the old adage from Benjamin Franklin that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” DVIS even educates middle and high school students about domestic and sexual violence. Through its education and outreach program, advocates go into schools to give interactive presentations on topics like healthy relationships and dating violence. “We are always looking for teachers or other educators to invite us,” Lyall says. Despite all of these efforts, domestic violence is a problem with no end in sight. According to a February report from the state Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, domestic violence-related homicides in Oklahoma dropped by nearly 30 percent in 2024. Based on the Violence Policy Center’s most recent When Men Murder Women analysis, however, Oklahoma has ranked in the top 10 for the number of women who have been murdered by a male intimate partner for 15 of the past 25 years. Lyall says local authorities note that the total number of reported domestic violence incidents and overall prevalence continues to trend upward across the state, and she adds that Tulsa County often ranks ﬁrst in the state for the number of domestic violence incidents. “It deﬁnitely feels like nonstop work,” Lyall admits, “but I wouldn’t say it’s insurmountable.” Lyall says what keeps her going is “knowing that we can be there for somebody in their time of need, when they’re experiencing the worst, and can provide someone who believes them, someone who walks with them through the next steps and then ultimately gives them hope that they can be free from the violence they have experienced.” While Oklahoma’s domestic violence statistics can be daunting, Lyall keeps the results of DVIS’ work front of mind. “What we don’t often talk about,” she says, “are the thousands of people we’re helping every day who are taking those next steps, who are still alive and who are thriving.” tp

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Intervention Services has a number of activities and events planned to help promote visibility of the work the agency does to confront domestic violence. A multitude of barriers exist that can keep a person deeply entrenched in a dangerous situation. For nearly 40 years of DVIS’ existence, one such barrier involved family pets. DVIS’ shelters were not previously set up to properly accommodate these animals, and clients feared leaving them behind because abusers might harm the pets or threaten to do so as a way of manipulating their victims, explains DVIS Chief Development Officer Cathy Wilkie. “There is a strong link between animal cruelty and domestic violence,” she says. So, when DVIS opened its current shelter in 2015, the new facility included a kennel for clients’ pets. It was the first such shelter in the state to accommodate the animals of those fleeing violent situations, eliminating one more barrier between survivors and the help they need. A kennel tech cares for the animals, which Wilkie says are split pretty evenly between cats and dogs most years. In 2025, the kennel, which had been expanded a year earlier, hosted 29 dogs and 14 cats. The kennel has a small dog park-type area where owners can play with their dogs, and indoor spaces allow relaxing interaction between cat owners and their pets. While kennel operations are funded through a combination of grants and donations, the annual Mutt Strut awareness event allows Tulsans and their pets to have a hand — or paw — in helping to care for the furry friends of DVIS’ clients. The 12th annual Mutt Strut is set for 11 a.m. Oct. 17 at River Parks’ 41st Street Plaza. Admission is free, but participants are encouraged to bring a donation of pet supplies. The event includes an awareness walk (less than half a mile) and a pet costume contest in which contestants compete to be declared King or Queen of Mutt Strut. A separate award is given to the best owner-pet duo. Tabatha “Tab” Grammer of radio station 92.9 The River will be the DJ for the event, which will feature door prizes, pet-related vendor booths and organizations with adoptable pets. Wilkie says anyone is welcome at Mutt Strut, costumes or not. “It’s just a fun morning, and we end up acquiring quite a bit of supplies for the kennel’s pets,” she says. To see the kennel’s wish list, visit: dvis.org/donate/ wish-list/kennel-wish-list. Later this month, an Oct. 29 open house invites the general public into DVIS’ Administrative and Counseling Office, 3124 E. Apache St., for a come-and-go gathering between 9 and 11 a.m. to learn about its programs, meet the staff and tour the facility. To see what other events and activities are planned, and to learn more about volunteer options, go to the DVIS website at dvis.org. TulsaPeople.com 33

From left to right: Elliot Nelson, Rodger Randle, Judy Randle, Mary Joe Sartain and Ken Busby. Inset, left: Reuben Gant. Inset, right: Gailard Sartain

Local legends MEET TULSA’S NEWEST HALL OF FAMERS. BY ROBERT EVATT

isionaries from all walks of life have built Tulsa into the city we experience today — from politicians and business professionals to artists and cultural leaders. Now, six additional figures will be honored for their contributions by being named to the 40th class of the Tulsa Hall of Fame. This year’s group includes Ken Busby, CEO of the Route 66 Alliance and a nonprofit leader; Reuben Gant, a former football star and co-founder of the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park; Elliot Nelson, creator of an array of restaurants and real estate developments; Rodger Randle, former mayor and senator; Judy Randle, a promoter of reading and literacy; and Gailard Sartain, the late actor who appeared in TV shows and movies such as “Hee Haw” and “Mississippi Burning.” Cumulatively, the ongoing nominations list is close to 300 individuals. A different anonymous committee — often including MOTH board members, past hall of fame inductees, and museum members and staff — meets annually to choose the upcoming year’s nominees based on the full list. The Tulsa Hall of Fame induction ceremony, slated for Oct. 5 at Southern Hills Country Club, is the museum’s flagship yearly fundraising event.

34 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

ELLIOT NELSON

It all started with an old-style neighborhood Irish pub that became a beloved Tulsa tradition. Opened in 2004, James E. McNellie’s Public House set the tone for the many subsequent restaurants and establishments that would follow by the McNellie’s Group. With a quirky diner, a hidden speakeasy, a sports-themed brewery, an upscale Utica Square staple, an unpretentious burger joint and too many more to mention, it’s almost easier to describe types of restaurants the McNellie’s Group doesn’t run. Known for their signature combination of quality, hospitality and charm, the 20 current McNellie’s Group concepts are all the brainchild of Elliot Nelson, who is going on 22 years of creating fun and memorable culinary experiences. He says his personal motivation, and the common thread among all his endeavors, is the desire to build up his hometown. “It’s a sense of purpose,” he says. “This is what I’m supposed to do. I spend time making Tulsa a better place to be.” When Nelson started McNellie’s — which still serves crowd-pleasing food and a dizzying selection of beer downtown on East First Street — the area was almost completely empty, but Nelson says he was attracted to the industrial building’s “old soul.” The project was a success, and he began opening new concepts at a steady pace. “We try to figure out what doesn’t exist in the market, if there’s a hole we need to fill, and if there’s a building that fits,” he says. For example, The Tavern came about because he realized the Tulsa Arts District needed more upscale fare, and a cavernous warehouse in the Blue Dome District inspired him to create the German-style Fassler Hall. Then there’s Santa Fe Square, his latest achievement. This massive mixed-use development covers nearly two full blocks next to the original McNellie’s, and includes a hotel, apartments, restaurants, and retail and office space. Though it was recently completed, its development took decades — Nelson says his first drawings for the concept were made shortly after McNellie’s opened. “I joked that if we built up some neighborhood pubs, we needed to build a neighborhood,” he says. Currently, Nelson says he’s working on ideas within specific buildings both in the downtown core and beyond. These efforts are also part of why he has been named to the Tulsa Hall of Fame at a relatively young age — which came to him as a surprise. “It’s a great honor,” he says. “I’m humbled by it. Part of me wishes that I didn’t feel like I have so much left to do.”

GAILARD SARTAIN

Many Tulsans remember Gailard Sartain from the broad belly laughs he delivered as Tulsa’s late-night semiwizard Dr. Mazeppa Pompazoidi, or as a key player on “Hee Haw” for two decades. But viewers across the United States saw the full range of his talents throughout his television and movie career, with roles in “The Outsiders,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Big Easy,” “Elizabethtown,” and both “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill,” just to name a few. “He was an embarrassment of riches,” says his wife, Mary Jo Sartain. “He was so smart and so talented in his work.” Sartain, who passed away last year, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Tulsa, and worked locally as an illustrator and cameraman at KOTV Channel 6. His bizarre but beloved local show, “The Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting,” quickly got the attention of Roy Clark’s agent, Jim Halsey, which opened the door to “Hee Haw” and his overall Hollywood career.

MICHELLE POLLARD; SARTAIN, COURTESY

T U L SA H A L L OF FA M E

Gailard was friends with principals in the advertising agency that employed Mary Jo, and she gradually fell for the artist he was, not the roles he played. “He wasn’t the person he played on ‘Hee Haw,’” she says. “He was erudite, generous, well-read and very clever-funny.” Two of the most memorable movies to Mary Jo are “Fried Green Tomatoes,” where Gailard performed opposite Kathy Bates, and “The Jerk,” in a cut scene (available on YouTube) where he ad-libs about cracked leather airplane seats. “His interaction with Steve Martin was incredible, and if you look, Martin had to turn away because he was laughing,” she says. Gailard was also a talented visual artist. His work ranged from hyperrealism to abstract, and he created the ofﬁcial posters for Mayfest in 2001 and 2007. Though his career took him across the country, there was just one place he called home. “Tulsa was very important to him, and it would have meant a lot to him to be included with the other hall of fame honorees,” Mary Jo says.

RODGER and JUDY RANDLE

He led a reinvention of Tulsa’s city government. She oversaw the expansion and enhancement of the Tulsa City-County Library. Together, the Randles helped Tulsa modernize with the times. Rodger says a childhood visit to a polling place helped spark a lifetime interest in politics. But when he first ran for a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, he didn’t have money or a famous family name. Instead, he went to the election board and started researching. “I’d go through the records by hand to identify regular voters. My campaign was focused on just those high-probability voters,” he says. Rodger’s strategy worked, as he made it to the runoffs, earning the attention and funding needed to seal the deal. After serving in both the Oklahoma House and Senate — the latter for 16 years — he was elected mayor in 1988. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment as mayor was helping to establish the Tulsa City Council after three previous attempts to move away from a mayorcommissioner system failed. “The people voted to do this,” he explains. “I led the campaign with support from all the City Commissioners, but it was the people’s decision.” Though Rodger worked hard to pass the measure, he said everyone involved felt a sense of urgency due to nationwide lawsuits accusing at-large elections of being discriminatory. After leaving office, he became the head of the University Center at Tulsa, which — after briefly housing Rogers University — transitioned to Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. An opportunity to teach human relations at the Graduate College at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa kept Rodger in the city, and he serves there to this day as an emeritus professor. Rodger’s advice to younger people with political ambitions is to never lose sight of the people they’ll serve. “I worked on connecting with people in my district outside of the political seasons,” he says. “Then when it was election time, it was easy.” Judy Randle started her career as the only woman beat writer for the Tulsa World, covering social news. After ten years of that, she became a general assignment reporter. Eventually, Judy rose to oversee a new portion of the paper called “Modern Living,” making her the first woman to hold a section editor role at the Tulsa World. While with the newspaper, Judy took on a volunteer board position with the Tulsa City-County Library. She served the library for 26 years, including two terms as

T U L S A H A L L O F FA M E

“The nominees are individuals who have, and continue to be, visionaries here in Tulsa. They are accomplished in many different fields. Their commonality is they see the best the city can be and work tirelessly toward making Tulsa a place where we can all live, work and grow as a community.” — DAVID GOLDENBERG Museum of Tulsa History’s CEO

chairwoman. During that time, she oversaw the digital transformation of the library, moving from on-site card catalogs to a web-based system that allows users to explore the collection online at anytime, anywhere in the world. She also helped manage the modernizations of numerous library facilities, including a $55 million renovation of the Central Library that addressed lingering issues, while also making it a welcoming, modern gathering place for meetings, hands-on activities and learning.

REUBEN GANT

Local sports fanatics know all about Gant’s football career. He helped Booker T. Washington High School win the state championship three times. He was a celebrated tight end for Oklahoma State University and the Buffalo Bills, where he averaged 15 yards per reception. But that’s not the only thing Gant prefers to be remembered for. He served the community for 15 years as president of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, then co-founded the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation — where he is now executive director — as well as the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park. Gant says that his travels with the Bills across the nation became the inspiration for what he wanted to bring back to his hometown. “I always kept in the back of my mind that when I saw things that were progressive and forward-looking, this should happen in Tulsa,” he says. Gant received an invitation to help revive the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s. It was only then that he learned of the full extent of the Tulsa Race Massacre, an event that decimated Greenwood but was nearly forgotten at that time. “Revitalizing the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce was a collective effort of individuals who felt that the story of Greenwood should be ingrained in our history,” he says. Much of the work to establish what would become the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park centered on

creating a memorial to the event, but he was surprised at the amount of resistance they received — including the state of Oklahoma pulling promised funds. Undeterred, Gant and others adjusted their strategy to reﬂect more inclusivity and emphasize the reconciliation of societal differences while also focusing on the memorial to the Race Massacre. Through forming the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation in 2007 and completing the park in 2010, the Center’s board of directors established the vision of transforming the bitterness and mistrust caused by years of racial division into a hopeful future of reconciliation and cooperation for all. “We can respect other cultures and people who don’t look like us, and still coalesce,” he says. “It’s not conformity, but understanding that our way isn’t the only way.” Since its establishment, the center has continued to spread the message of reconciliation through numerous initiatives, including a national symposium and a yearly dinner, which brings together people from all walks of life to change attitudes through experience, not hearsay, Gant says. To encourage conversation, these dinners are served family-style. “If you don’t ask for the potatoes, you don’t get any,” Gant says.

KEN BUSBY

Busby is fairly easy to summarize in one sentence — he’s a tireless servant of the Tulsa community. The problem comes with getting more specific. Over his career, he’s held leadership positions in a wide variety of organizations, including the Arts Commission of the City of Tulsa, Tulsa International Mayfest, Tulsa Symphony, the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust and many more. “When I do about everything I can do for an organization, I need a new challenge,” he says. Busby’s journey into community service began when he took a corporate office job and quickly realized he didn’t want to do that for the next 40 years. Then, in 1993, he found out Gilcrease Museum needed a membership director. Though he wasn’t familiar with the nuts and bolts of the job, he leapt at the opportunity to work with the arts. “I finally realized that I was going to be happiest where I could see I was making a difference,” he says. The position gave him the opportunity to interact with Gilcrease’s board of directors, enabling him to network and discover new ways to get involved in boosting Tulsa’s culture. For the last 11 years, Busby’s main work has been as executive director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance. Historian and author Michael Wallis — another contact from Busby’s Gilcrease days — invited him to the organization. “At the time, Tulsa had not fully embraced (Route 66),” he says. Busby helped change that, and the 28 miles of the historic road in the Tulsa area now draws in nostalgic cruisers from all over the world with its numerous new enhancements, including 94 neon signs thanks to the City of Tulsa’s successful Route 66 Neon Sign Grant program. Throughout his varied work, Busby has held a single philosophy — Tulsa shouldn’t be more like Chicago, or Austin or any other city. Instead, Tulsa should be the best version of Tulsa it can be. “The best strategy to boost Tulsa is to believe in it,” he says. Busby considers being inducted to the Tulsa Hall of Fame an honor, especially due to the company. “The one thing that really hit me was when they told me who else I was going to be honored with, and I was extremely honored to be with Mayor Rodger Randle and Gailard Sartain,” he says. “It’s a terrific class this year.” tp TulsaPeople.com 35

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Host the Holidays Without the Financial Stress

hether you are hosting a small dinner or a massive neighborhood bash, the best hosts share one secret: they plan their spending just as carefully as their menu. If you are looking for ways to keep costs under control during the holiday season, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 YouGov survey on holiday spending, 36% of Americans said they cut back on holiday grocery spending, and 65% said they capped their food and beverage budgets. The fastest way to blow an event budget is trying to make everything top-tier. To host without the financial hangover,

consider a new strategy. Ditch the typical spreadsheet and build a “Party Portfolio” that lets you splurge where it counts.

BEVERAGES Splurge: Hiring a local mixologist to craft a menu for the party.

SPLURGE VS SAVE MIX The YouGov survey revealed Americans refused to compromise on the core holiday staples like turkey and pie, but they planned to save on extras like beverages and premade snacks. Here’s how you can apply that mindset to your next holiday party budget. Choose two from the “splurge” category to pair with the “save strategy.”

Save: Batch it or skip it. Lean into the trend with a mocktail station or one signature batch drink. FOOD Splurge: Bring in a favorite Tulsa caterer for a multi-course dinner. Save: Try a massive, visually stunning DIY grazing table using fresh, whole ingredients.

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

ENTERTAINMENT Splurge: Renting a local musician or DJ for live ambiance. Save: Curate a playlist to set the right mood. DECOR Splurge: Elaborate, ceiling-hanging installations and yard decor. Save: Forage winter greenery and pinecones, pairing them with simple lighting. MAP YOUR EVENT STRATEGY Before you buy a single item, run your numbers. Start with your overall budget, divide it into the four different categories (beverages, food, entertainment and decor). As you add to one category, take from the other. If you choose two categories to splurge, know you’ll have to make concessions in the other areas. Don’t forget to count for unexpected expenses or lastminute runs. Consider subtracting 15% to help manage those.

Pro tip: If you haven’t yet used AI tools to help you with planning or budgeting for a specific event, give it a shot. Always be sure to double check the work. AI can make mistakes, and its output is only as good as the information you provide! POST-PARTY REVIEW When you’ve recovered from the festivities, take 10 minutes to review what you actually spent versus what you planned. Keep these notes and your receipts so next year’s budget is rooted in reality, not guesswork. PLAN AHEAD FOR NEXT YEAR The best way to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for the holiday season is to start saving for next year now. Consider opening a savings account for special events to help you save all year round and help you avoid relying too much on high-interest credit cards. Set up an automatic transfer into the account each paycheck to help you stay on track.

Rebecca Lewis EVP and sales manager for Arvest Bank - Tulsa Region Member FDIC

H O L I D A Y

P A R T Y

G U I D E

Holiday Venue and Catering Guide A HELPFUL RESOURCE FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND ENTERTAINING Visit TULSAPEOPLE.COM/DIRECTORIES for this and other informative directories. ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH

2952 S. Peoria Ave. 918-743-2363 • allsoulschurch.org Event rental contact: Jerry Burleson, JBurleson@AllSoulsChurch.org Capacity: Sanctuary: 400, Chapel: 70, Garden: flexible

CIRCLE CINEMA

10 S. Lewis Ave. 918-585-3456 circlecinema.org Event rental contact: david@circlecinema.org Capacity: Up to 200

HERMAN & KATE KAISER YMCA

5400 S. Olympia Ave. 918-446-1424 • ymcatulsa.org/hkeventplanning Event rental contact: Camille Burke, cburke@ymcatulsa.org

8316 E. 73rd St. 918-600-0051 Event rental contact: events@c3eventcenter.com Capacity: Ideal for meetings, classes and gatherings up to 70

GLENPOOL CONFERENCE CENTER

12205 S. Yukon Ave., Glenpool 918-209-4629 • glenpoolconferencecenter.com Event rental contact: Katlyn Yarbrough, kyarbrough@cityofglenpool.com Capacity: Flexible, up to 500 J. POTTER COLLECTIVE 3 Historical Venues 918-810-6765 • jpottercollective.com Event rental contact: Jackie Potter, jackie@jpottercollective.com Capacity: Unique venues for small gatherings of 10, to large events of 500.

LAFORTUNE STUDIO AT THE TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

LIVING ARTS OF TULSA

110 E. 2nd St. · 918-596-7111 tulsapac.com/lafortune-studio Event rental contact: info@tulsapac.com Capacity: 200 Available for rehearsal dinners, receptions and parties.

307 E. Reconciliation Way 918-585-1234 livingarts.org Event rental contact: Gallery Manager, info@livingarts.org Capacity: 280

MOTHER ROAD MARKET

ONEOK FIELD - HOME OF THE TULSA DRILLERS

1124 S. Lewis Ave. motherroadmarket.com Event rental contact: events@motherroadmarket.com Capacity: Mother Road Market has dedicated space for intimate small gatherings to large festive parties.

PHILBROOK ART & GARDENS

201 N. Elgin Ave. 918-744-5998 tulsadrillers.com Event rental contact: events@tulsadrillers.com Capacity: 10-8,000+

PRHYME DOWNTOWN STEAKHOUSE

2727 S. Rockford Rd. 918-748-5399 • philbrook.org/host-an-event Event rental contact: events@philbrook.org Capacity: 200+

111 N. Main St. 918-794-7700 prhymetulsa.com Event rental contact: dine@prhymetulsa.com Capacity: 70

TULSA BOTANIC GARDEN

WESTREET ICE CENTER

3900 Tulsa Botanic Drive 918-289-0330 tulsabotanic.org Event rental contact: events@tulsabotanic.org Capacity: Call for information. 38 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

C3 EVENT CENTER

4143 S. Yale Ave. 918-252-0011 • westreeticecenter.com Event rental contact: bookings@tulsaicecenters.com Capacity: Dedicated space for small gatherings of 10 to large festive parties of 2,500.

MCNELLIE’S GROUP CATERING 608 E. 3rd St. • 918-442-2993 catering@mcnellies.com Catering capacity: Unlimited Additional information: McNellie’s Group Catering is Tulsa’s go-to catering service that offers full-service catering and event planning that specializes in weddings, corporate events, special events and non-profits.

RIBCRIB 9 Tulsa Metro Locations 918-712-7427 ribcrib.com/catering Catering capacity: 5-5,000+ Additional information: Slow-smoked BBQ and plenty of it. All packages are buffet style and include setup. Free delivery on all caters over $100.

JUSTIN THOMPSON CATERING 1115 S. Lewis Ave., Suite A (918) 779-6333 tulsacatering.com Catering capacity: We can cater any sized party! Additional information: Featuring elevated cuisine and beverages inspired by concepts within the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group.

CATERING BY PARTYSERVE™ 3902 E. 15th St. 918-748-0111 x2108 partyserve.com Catering capacity: Unlimited Additional information: Best-In-Class, budget minded, bespoke, and creative award winning catering and event services.

PRIVATE DINING NOW AVAILABLE PLAID ROOM

Seats 20 | AV Capabilities 48-Hour Notice Required RESTAURANT

Half or Whole Restaurant 2-Week Notice Required LET US TAILOR YOUR EVENING AND MENU WITH Executive Chef Justin Donaldson BARONSON1ST.COM

TulsaPeople.com 39

H O L I D A Y

WHERE TULSA COMES TO CELEBRATE

P A R T Y

G U I D E

Bring on the whimsy

Kelsey and Jeremy Philo, founders of Inspyral Circus

For a holiday celebration that goes beyond the usual DJ or photo booth, Inspyral Circus brings live performers, elaborate costumes, a little wonder and a whole lot of inspiration. Founded in 2015 by Jeremy and Kelsey Philo, Inspyral Circus grew from the couple’s shared passion for circus arts. Jeremy taught himself to unicycle at 15 after finding one in a friend’s garage and later learned to juggle. As for Kelsey, hula hooping became a vital part of her recovery process following a tragic accident. During her sophomore year of college at the University of Oklahoma, she was nearly killed in a collision with a firetruck that broke her spine and left her paralyzed. Doctors told her she would never walk again, but she slowly recovered and began to hula hoop as a way to exercise and combat residual PTSD. After the pair met through Jeremy’s circus community meet-up and fell in love, they began performing together and interacting with crowds. The couple performed at library programs and live music events in Norman while also teaching circus skills — such as juggling and hula hooping — to children and adults. They saw an opportunity to use circus arts not only to entertain but also to inspire and empower people of all ages. “We saw how much more fun events are when it includes an interactive component,” Kelsey says. “It’s all about spreading joy and wonder.” After moving to the Tulsa area in 2017, the couple and their troupe now offer everything from jugglers, hula hoopers, stilt walkers, fire dancers, acrobats and aerialists to face painters, bubble artists, living tables and champagne skirts. Inspyral performers work at community festivals, holiday celebrations, corporate and nonprofit events, birthday parties and other private gatherings. Whatever the occasion, each performance is customized to the event. Inspyral works with organizers to understand their vision and recommends entertainment based on the event, budget and timeframe. “It’s a way to bring a theme to life,” Kelsey says. “It’s something unexpected and over the top.” The Snow King and Queen characters are especially popular during the holiday season, Kelsey says, along with the juggling elves, Candy Cane Majorettes and Nutcrackers — all of which are outfitted in colorful LED costumes. Holiday living tables and winter aerialists add even more festive fun, bringing a little extra magic to events. For Kelsey, the most rewarding moments are those first few seconds when guests encounter a performer and can’t believe their eyes. “We’re creating memories for people,” she says. “We hope that they leave with joy and feel inspired.” – ANNA HOLTON-DEAN 40 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

GREG BOLLINGER

Inspyral Circus turns celebrations and events into immersive experiences.

119 S DETROIT AVE FANTASTICMRKIMS.COM

H O L I D A Y

Founder of Sun Road, Jesse McDaniel

Here comes the Sun Road

G U I D E

Tulsa Remote transplant Jesse McDaniel had an unconventional upbringing. Splitting his childhood between Tokyo and Seattle, McDaniel says he’s always struggled with his sense of belonging. However, one place that felt like home is Kichijoji Sun Road — a small but vibrant shopping district nestled in downtown Tokyo. Growing up next to the bustling district later inspired him to create Sun Road — a digital creative directory where people can discover local artists in their area. He first launched the concept in 2016 while he was living in Seattle. “It’s a search platform at heart, but we’re trying to be more than that,” McDaniel explains. “We’re also trying to be (artists’) road to opportunity.” By creating a profile on Sun Road, artists and businesses can share samples of their work and network with other creatives. As a jazz pianist, songwriter and producer himself, McDaniel considers himself lucky to have found work in the music industry while living in Seattle, from supporting tours to studio production. However, he knows that isn’t the case for everyone in every market. “I knew artists needed to be found,” he says. “It didn’t matter how talented they are if they can’t be discovered.” He put Sun Road on pause when he moved to Tulsa in 2022. However, after seeing how his platform could benefit Tulsa creatives, McDaniel

re-launched Sun Road this past March. The database now hosts over 570 users. In May and June, McDaniel held the inaugural Sun Road Contest, partnering with local organizations including Mother Road Market and The Church Studio to award Tulsa artists for their unique talents. They selected five winners in unique categories: graphic designer Sara Anais in Design; midwestern cabaret band The Grabblers in Music; multi-media artist Kally in Fine Arts; photographer Michael Boyink in Photography; and Nell and Rith Designs in Makers. Visual artist Skye Hazel earned an honorable mention as the runner-up in Fine Arts. Last month, McDaniel launched the “Exploring the Artland” social media series, where he bikes around town highlighting the creators behind community art installations. He hopes to continue hosting more events and adding more features to the platform. “(Sun Road) feels like more of a community to me than I’ve ever had,” he shares. “My own platform has connected me to the people who are here, and it actually makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.” With the holidays right around the corner, Tulsans can even search the platform for event planners to help bring their holiday celebration to life or find handmade gifts. You can discover Sun Road’s community of creative talent and create your own service listing at sunroad.io. — FAITH HARL

GREG BOLLINGER

New database aims to connect Tulsa party planners with talent

P A R T Y

42 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Oklahoma Woman Quartet

Your Next Night Out Starts Here

OCTOBER 3

OCTOBER 17

NOVEMBER 8

NOVEMBER 21–22

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast Spooktacular

Verdi Requiem

Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE

Little Women

ATG LIVE

OCTOBER 22

FRANKENSTEIN: A Living Comic Book

NOVEMBER 13–15

TPAC

OKLAHOMA MOVEMENT

DECEMBER 5–20

OCTOBER 22–25

NOVEMBER 13

The Nutcracker

Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band

TULSA BALLET

OCTOBER 24–25

ATG LIVE

Keys to My Heart

NOVEMBER 18–29

FILMS FROM WITHIN

Phantom of the Opera

Brown Bag It: Tulsa Festival Ringers with The Tulsa Carolers*

Come from Away

CELEBRITY ATTRACTIONS

TPAC

THEATRE TULSA

NOVEMBER 21

*FREE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND WILL OPEN ON DECEMBER 1, 2026

OCTOBER 3

Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s TPAC

OCTOBER 4

Israeli Chamber Project CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

OCTOBER 7

Brown Bag It: Oklahoma Woman Quartet TPAC

OCTOBER 8–25

Anne of Green Gables PEMBROKE PLAYERS

OCTOBER 16

Dr. Laurie Santos TULSA TOWN HALL

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Swan Lake TULSA BALLET

NOVEMBER 5–8

NOVEMBER 6

Lynsey Addario

TULSA OPERA

DECEMBER 4–23

A Christmas Carol AMERICAN THEATRE COMPANY

Universal Theory

Viano String Quartet

DECEMBER 9

CHAMBER MUSIC TULSA

TULSA TOWN HALL

NOVEMBER 7

GET TICKETS

Celebrating Route 66

tulsapac.com 918.596.7111

TULSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

SCAN TO VISIT

H O L I D A Y

Wonder Wild Events owner Lauren Guajardo

A host of opportunities Event company owner offers stunning experiential services and hosting advice.

P A R T Y

G U I D E

For Lauren Guajardo, owner of Wonder Wild Events, her passion for creating memorable experiences started long before she realized it could become a career. Growing up, her parents hosted parties almost every Saturday night, always with a fun theme that brought people together. “That’s where I first understood the impact of gathering,” Guajardo says. Three years ago, that love of creating experiences became Wonder Wild, a creative and experiential agency that designs everything from corporate and brand events to product launches and intimate dinner parties. At the center of Wonder Wild’s design philosophy is a focus on the five senses. Guajardo and her team consider what guests will see, taste, hear, touch and smell throughout an event. “It’s not simply about beautiful flowers or a great tablescape,” she says. “Every detail should work together to tell the story of the event or the brand.” Holiday party season keeps her team busy, and bookings typically begin as early as September. This year, Guajardo is seeing design move toward richer, moodier color palettes: burgundy and oxblood (instead of bright red) paired with deep greens, chocolate brown and navy, along with elevated incorporations of plaid and velvet. The bigger shift, though, is toward experience. Guests want interactive food and drink moments (think champagne towers, make-your-own espresso martini stations and chef-led tastings), live entertainment and personalized details. For businesses planning a client or employee party, Guajardo recommends starting with purpose, people and budget rather than Pinterest. Party planners should ask questions like, “Why are we having this event? Who is going to be in the room? How do we make each guest feel intentionally known in the room (by doing things like name cards, personalizations, etc.) How do we want them to feel when they leave?” From there, she suggests locking in the venue, catering and entertainment early. For anyone hosting at home without a planning team behind them, Guajardo says restraint is key. “Choose two or three areas that will make the biggest impact,” she says, pointing to things like a beautiful table, a signature drink, great food, a thoughtful playlist or warm, atmospheric lighting. “You don’t need to decorate every corner of your home for it to feel special.” Her best advice applies to any kind of party, whether corporate or personal: “Focus on who’s in the room, not what’s in the room. Everything else creatively will flow from that. Do your guests feel welcomed, thought of, comfortable, connected and taken care of? If you get that right, you’ve created a successful gathering.” – GRACE WOOD

Make the Season Bright at C3 Event Center

We offer a flexible space to host your next meeting, holiday party or year-end celebration.

918.600.0051

8316 E 73rd St. | Tulsa, OK 74133 44 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

GREG BOLLINGER

Book Today |

Party Pro Party Pro ents Rents

Chairs China Dance Floors Furniture Linens Tables Tents Photos By: Laura Eddy 6511 E 44th St, Tulsa, OK 74145 918.622.8102 | partyprorents.com | @partyprorents

TulsaPeople.com 47

McGraw Realtors

LUXURY PROPERTY GROUP

TIM HAYES 918 -231-5637 thayes@mcgrawok.com

SHERRI SANDERS 918- 724-5008 ssanders@mcgrawok.com

GORDON SHELTON 918- 697-2742 gshelton@mcgrawok.com

DIANA RILEY PATTERSON 918- 629-3717 dpatterson@mcgrawok.com

Call any of the Luxury Property Group Realtors about one of these homes, or any property that you have an interest in. We will provide you with superior personal service with the highest integrity.

BIXBY This single-level full brick home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage situated on a scenic, fully fenced 3-acre corner lot in Bixby. The carpet-free interior offers a spacious living room and an island kitchen, seamlessly connecting to large front and back covered porches perfect for outdoor living. Zoned AG with no HOA, the property boasts extensive 2024 updates—including a new AC/heating unit, water heater, and electrical panel—making it a rare find located at 4899 E 191st St S, Bixby, OK 74008 for $300,000.

MOUNDS Located in Tulsa County, this prime 78-acre parcel of vacant land is situated at the southeast corner of 201st Street and Harvard Road. The property features three existing ponds and offers convenient access to Rural Water District 6 (RWD 6), making it a versatile opportunity for agricultural use or future development. 201 S Harvard Road, Mounds.$1,700,000

48 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

GRAND LAKE Situated in Ketchum Cove between Langley and Ketchum, this lakeview lodgestyle home features beautiful vaulted wood ceilings, a large great room with a fireplace, and a walkout basement. The spacious layout includes three bedrooms, three full baths, a sleeping loft, and a kitchen equipped with a granite island and its own fireplace. The main bedroom boasts two cedar walk-in closets and direct access to a wrap-around deck. 207 Gary Drive, Vinita, OK $649,000. MIDTOWN This updated 1939 Maple Ridge classic features three living areas, an office, a granite kitchen, three bedrooms, and extensive 2025 updates throughout. Nestled blocks from The Gathering Place with a private deck and separate AC workshop. 1218 E 30th Pl, Tulsa. $609,000.

SAND SPRINGS Built by Concept Homes in 2004. Vaulted living room looking north. All one level with kitchen open to dining nook and living area. All appliances remain with home, including the refrigerator, washer, and dryer. 9279 Black Oak Ln, Sand Springs. $365,000.

McGraw Realtors

LauraBryant 918.693.2961

lbryant@mcgrawok.com

918.808.4780

mkeys@mcgrawok.com Scan here to view more listings!

2106 S Saint Louis Ave | $999,000 4 Beds | 4 Baths |3,488 sq.ft.

1029 E 38th Pl, Tulsa | $939,000 5 Beds | 6 Baths |3,925 sq.ft.

2773 E 28th St, Tulsa | $775,000 4 Beds | 3 Baths |3,084 sq.ft.

3631 S Gary Pl, Tulsa | $499,000 4 Beds | 3 Baths |2,384 sq.ft.

4331 S Norfolk Ave, Tulsa | $368,900 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 1,945 sq.ft.

4655 S Trenton Ave, Tulsa| $233,900 3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,345 sq.ft

Scan here to view more listings!

405 N Main St #7E, Tulsa | $1,500,000 2 Bed | 2 Baths |2,265 sq.ft.

12011 S Vandalia Ave, Tulsa|$735,000 4 Bed | 3 Baths | 2,970 sq.ft.

7785 Forest Ln, Tulsa |$1,389,000 5 Bed | 5 Baths |4,692 sq.ft.

4211 S Cincinnati Ave, Tulsa |$835,000 5 Bed | 4.5 Baths |3,494 sq.ft.

405 N Main Street #6B|$699,000 2 Bed | 2 Baths |1,593 sq.ft.

1535 N Boston Ave, Tulsa | $225,000 3 Bed | 2 Baths | 1,185 sq.ft.

BEAUTIFUL LISTINGS FOR SALE in Midtown and Jenks

2217 S Troost Avenue | $635,000 This stunning Spanish Colonial near Utica Square blends historic charm with $60,000 in recent updates, including a remodeled mainlevel primary suite, new windows, and fresh exterior paint. The home features hardwood floors, exposed beams, a updated granite kitchen, an upstairs balcony, and a private yard with a detached twocar garage. It offers an exceptional Midtown location just minutes from top shopping, dining, and entertainment.

11206 S. Birch St. | $320,000 Beautiful 2-story home in a sought-after Jenks Schools neighborhood featuring a main-level primary suite, rich hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, and a versatile upstairs game room with 3 additional bedrooms. Enjoy a covered patio and fully fenced backyard with easy highway access.

SCOTT COFFMAN | 918-640-1073 SCOFFMAN@MCGRAWOK.COM TulsaPeople.com 49

McGraw Realtors

MOVE-IN READY LIVING IN THE HEART OF TULSA! 4303 S Lakewood Ave, Tulsa 4 beds | 2 baths | 1,821 sq.ft. | $259,500

Come see this one if you want true move-in ready living in the heart of Tulsa. Fresh paint, updated fixtures, beautiful flooring, and refreshed kitchen and baths make the home feel clean, current, and instantly comfortable. The layout is wonderfully functional, featuring a walk-in pantry, walk-in closets, and smart storage throughout. Outside, you’ll find the largest yard on the block, complete with an extended patio and a roomy storage shed. And yes—the shed grill and playset stay. A unique front courtyard creates a charming, private welcome the moment you arrive.

RESIDENTIAL | LAND | FARM | INVESTMENT

Beautiful Tul;sa Homes For Sale! Pending!

4739 S Lakewood Ave $316,000

Fantastic opportunities await in Park Plaza V! This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a beautiful corner lot and features a cozy den with a fireplace, refinished spaces, and a kitchen equipped with updated appliances and a pot filler. Plus, enjoy a bonus backyard ADU with its own room, bath, and kitchenette—ideal for guests, extended family, or a private home office.

3922 E 34th St $269,999 Charming Midtown living! Located in the Eisenhower 2nd Addition near Patrick Henry Elementary, this 4bedroom, 2-bath home boasts exceptional curb appeal and gleaming, newly refinished hardwood floors. Features a light-filled living combo, functional kitchen, and a spacious primary suite.

JOE LAND 918-232-1306 JLAND@MCGRAWOK.COM 50 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

3915 E 34th Street | $239,999 Move in ready! 3 BR, 2 Bath Ranch home in the Eisenhower Second Addition!! Come right in to see the beautifully redone wood floors! Two living areas, one including a dining area combo. Super cute kitchen! Beautiful light fixtures & ceiling fans. Spacious primary bedroom! Well maintained. Nice garage plus a carport. All appliances included. Nice big fenced in backyard!

Lifestyle HOME

HEALTH

TRENDS

MICHELLE POLLARD

COWABUNGA In addition to goat yoga, High on a Hill Dairy Goats also offers “cow cuddling,” which gives visitors a chance to brush, pet and interact with miniature cows. Other options for a fun outing at High On a Hill include kids’ summer camps, homeschool courses and painting classes. READ MORE ON P. 53. TulsaPeople.com 51

LIFESTYLE

Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel (above) is home to two cat mascots, Jasper and Ozzy (inset). The spooky spot offers a variety of ghost tour experiences.

SPIRITS, SPRITES AND SPRINGS Head to Eureka Springs for haunted vibes and pet-friendly happenings. BY FAITH HARL

52 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

laimed to be one of the most haunted towns in the U.S., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is all about spooks and spells. The Victorian resort village, which is just under a threehour car drive from Tulsa, is known for its natural springs and vibrant fall foliage. The city also prides itself on its pet-friendliness, so bring your four-legged friend along for the fun.

Welcoming both people and pets (for an additional fee), the Crescent Hotel and Spa was built in 1886 and has become one of the city’s most iconic haunted landmarks. The hotel sits atop Crescent Mountain — one of the highest peaks in the area — and offers onsite amenities like Skybar Gourmet Pizza, a full-service spa, a pool and an elegant Crystal Ballroom venue. It’s also home to two hotel cats (Jasper and Ozzy) and is a short stroll from the Eureka Springs Bark Park. For seasonal festivities, head to Eureka Springs’ historic downtown. On Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the city will be brimming with brews and brats during its annual Oktoberfest. Tickets run $31.72 after fees, and include a take-home tasting mug. One week later, the undead will flood the streets during the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl on Oct. 24. The frightening festival kicks off a variety of macabre activities at 12 p.m. and culminates in the Zombie Crawl Parade at 6 p.m. Wellbehaved, leashed pets are welcome to participate. If paranormal activities aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do downtown. From eclectic retail — including specialty shops for clocks and kites — to wineries, the streets are lined with dozens of kitschy boutiques and art galleries. Don’t forget to treat your pet to a shopping spree at Bowsir’s and Blackie’s Backyard, which offer a selection of unique pet gifts, food and toys. Plenty of cafes and restaurants in Eureka Springs welcome dogs, too. Located inside of a record store, B-Side Café is a local favorite that serves sandwiches, soups and — for Fido — Pup-Cutery Bowls. For an unbeatable view of Basin Spring Park, check out the Balcony Restaurant and Bar inside of the Basin Park Hotel, which features a dog-friendly, open-air balcony. To learn about the history of the region, stop by the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Replete with gardens, walking trails and a collection of historical artifacts, the center is built around the famous Blue Spring, a landmark that has been considered sacred ground since pre-Columbian times. For architecture fans, consider going to see two of the most recognizable landmarks in the area: the Thorncrown Chapel, a stunning cathedral made of glass, and the Christ of the Ozarks, a seven-story statue that overlooks the picturesque village below. tp

HOTEL: RIGHTMIND ADVERTISING, COURTESY 1886 CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA BASIN PARK HOTEL; GOATS: MICHELLE POLLARD

BEYOND CITY LIMITS

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

Led by owner Leah Chatron (inset) High on a Hill Dairy Goats offers weekly goat yoga March through November.

KIDDING AROUND Get your goat yoga on.

Just 23 miles southwest of downtown Tulsa, on a 25-acre farm located in Kellyville, High On a Hill Dairy Goats is where owner Leah Chatron primarily raises dairy goats, along with miniature cows, Kunekune pigs and chickens. But this is not your typical farm — these animals are known for their “pet therapy” skills, thanks to Chatron’s Goat Yoga classes. Imagine going through all the normal yoga stretches and poses, but with a bevy of furry little friends bounding about. The classes — which occur every Saturday from March through November — are taught by certiﬁed yoga instructor Daisy Haro. “It is a basic, normal, beginner’s-type yoga class, so the goats go in there, and they wander around and interact with everyone,” says Chatron, who started the program in 2022. “Sometimes they’ll jump on people while they are down on the ground in their yoga poses,” she explains. “Sometimes, they’re more cuddly and calmer, so they’ll lay down on the mats next to people. It really kind of depends on the day and what kind of mood the goats are in.” Either way, the presence of the goats makes it a unique experience. “It’s really just more fun, interacting with animals,” Chatron says. “And it is very calming. I would say it’s almost like a form of animal therapy, with the animals, combined with being outside and doing basic yoga and stretching.” Classes are capped at 25 people with an average of 15 attending each class. According to Chatron, classes typically have a 1:1 person-to-goat ratio. “Usually, there’s about 15 goats (per class),” she says. “In the spring, they will all be little baby goats, because most of the goats are born in the spring. And then, as the year goes on, it will transition to older goats, as the babies get older.” For all activities, visitors need to pre-register at highonahilldairygoats.com. — JOHN TRANCHINA

'LVFRYǳ

ROUTE 66

INTERACTIVE ART like NOWHERE ELSE Along Joplin’s Mother Road are 29 Route 66-Themed Interactive 3D Street Paintings

World’s Largest Collection in Three Galleries

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

visitjoplinmo.com

TulsaPeople.com 53

LIFESTYLE

At Anchored in Hope, founder and therapist Ashley Wale-Beers offers clients the unique chance to interact with resident sloths Shiloh and Simon, a mother-son pair. “Shiloh is a soul reader,” Beers says. “The interaction with them, the connection with them and the slowing down is truly effective.”

SLOWING DOWN FOR SELF-CARE Local therapy office offers soothing sloth encounters to facilitate mental health. BY MACY GOODNIGHT

hen therapist Ashley Wale-Beers, MHR, LPC-S, founded Anchored in Hope in 2016, the mission was clear: provide innovative, exceptional mental health therapy for adults and children in a soothing, comfortable environment. In 2023, Beers brought in a pair of two-toed sloths named Shiloh and Simon to complement the healing journeys of clients. “I saw the doors open with clients being provided animal-assisted therapy, and I fell in love with that modality,” Beers says,

54 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

adding that she retired her therapy dog in 2022 due to age and arthritis. “Research shows that animals can decrease our cortisol levels and increase our dopamine, and they can slow heart rates. What I love about animal-assisted therapy is I feel like the pressure comes off in session.” Estimated to be 8-10 years old, Shiloh and her 3 1/2-year-old baby Simon were confiscated from a non-permitted breeder. Beers — who has long been involved in volunteering with and rescuing both domestic and exotic animals — applied and was approved to care for them, also securing the

proper state licensing and USDA permitting requirements. In the fi rst months she spent with them at her home, Beers says she was able to learn their personalities, behaviors, preferences and boundaries. Most importantly, she adds, it also gave Shiloh the consistency and time she needed to understand that she was safe. “Their slow movements and quiet presence invite you to slow down, become present and simply be,” she says. “I began to see how naturally that complemented so much of the work we already do at Anchored in Hope around emotional regulation, mindfulness, connection and creating a sense of safety.” Interactions with Shiloh and Simon look different for every client, Beers explains. Some may spend time in the enclosure with them in the last half of their session, while others may start there to facilitate regulation and engagement before moving into traditional therapy. “An encounter with Shiloh or Simon is about entering their space and interacting with them on their terms — not expecting them to perform, cuddle or tolerate handling for our benefit,” Beers says. “If Simon chooses to climb into someone’s lap, we coach that person through how to safely respond and allow the interaction to happen naturally. However, we are also very clear beforehand that this should never be expected.” The pair are very comfortable in their home, and their connection with therapy clients has proven to be effective. “One of the things I hope people learn from spending time with Shiloh and Simon is that meaningful connection with an animal doesn’t require holding or touching it,” Beers says. “Sometimes respecting an animal means allowing it to say ‘no.’ In many ways, that becomes a beautiful parallel to the therapeutic work we do with people — learning about trust, consent, boundaries, safety and allowing relationships to develop without forcing connection.” Shiloh and Simon also help raise awareness for Beers’ nonprofit, Enduring Hope, which raises funds to grant mental health service scholarships to those needing financial assistance. “I like to call them mental health ambassadors because I feel they help us help others, even in the community,” Beers says. Visit anchoredinhopetherapy.com for more information, and follow Shiloh and Simon’s adventures on Instagram at @anchored.in.hope.therapy. Visit hopecollaboration.com to learn more about Enduring Hope. tp

MICHELLE POLLARD

WELLNESS

LIFESTYLE

STOREFRONT

A safe space with a spooky side This Owasso metaphysical shop offers everything from crystals and tarot cards to antiques and an apothecary. BY ABIGAIL SINGREY

Shop owner Ashley Moore keeps a wide array of curios stocked at Enchantments and Oddities (8571 N. Owasso Expressway, Suite C, Owasso) with the help of store mascot, Binx.

S H O P FAV O R I T E S

Fluorite root crystal tower, $150. This gorgeous tower can be the centerpiece of a crystal collection.

Worker Bee Tealight, $2. Set an intention when lighting this candle to bring movement, focus and resolution to whatever stands in your way.

New Beginnings bath salts, $18.95. Reset and renew with this blend of rosemary, lavender and rose spring rain scented salts.

t Enchantments and Oddities in Owasso, the fi rst welcome often comes from Binx, a black cat who serves as the shop’s unofficial ambassador. He can usually be found curled up on a mat near the door, but when a favorite customer walks in, he may tag along through the store or even hitch a ride on their shoulders. Owner Ashley Moore knew a black kitten would fit the shop’s delightfully eerie atmosphere when she opened the business, and Binx has since grown into its beloved mascot. Moore’s fascination with the spooky and supernatural began long before she opened the shop. As a child, she was captivated by Alvin Schwartz’s collection of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” sparking an interest that never faded. Today, that love of the unusual fi lls Enchantments and Oddities in the form of tarot cards, bath salts, antiques, herbs to assist in spellwork, a variety of crystals and more. The shop also sells herbal teas made in-house and features a full apothecary, plus a resale clothing boutique, along with a reportedly haunted painting that is decidedly not for sale. For Moore, the most meaningful part of running the store is helping people move forward in their lives — whether they’re seeking clarity, healing or simply a place to feel understood. Barstools line the apothecary counter, inviting customers to linger, talk and connect. “It was really important to me to create a safe space for people to hang out,” Moore says. “I’ve helped people out of some really bad relationships and helped them respect themselves and set boundaries.” tp TulsaPeople.com 55

LIFESTYLE

That’s how they roll The UV Okies are redefining what it looks like to grow older. BY MADISON WALTERS

The UV Okies at their weekly virtual bowling practice, where they cheer for one another as they prepare to take on other teams in their league.

hen stepping into the practice room of the UV Okies, a virtual bowling team at University Village, it’s not uncommon to hear players gobbling at one another, signifying that a teammate has gotten a turkey (three strikes in a row). Ranging from “kids” at 85 to active centenarians, this squad of 32 full-time and three part-time bowlers is redefining what growing older looks like, one strike at a time. The team features an eclectic mix of characters like Sheri Yeabower (who is nearly 92), Pat Winkle (87), Marcia Ness (85), Irmgard Toschik (88) and Ron Demaree (turning 84 this month).

56 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

For many, this league has helped to create a thriving and supportive community. Yeabower — a former ICU nurse — got involved to add more excitement to her retired life. “I was always working and wasn’t able to do a lot of stuff until I moved here,” Yeabower says. “I’ve finally learned how to have a good time.” Ness, meanwhile, joined the team after her husband passed away. She now considers the group her “second family.” “With this team, we’ve built some good, fun, healthy relationships,” Demaree says. “You don’t find better people than what you find here.”

Rather than dwelling on health struggles, the bowlers instead focus on staying social and active. Winkle thinks people should look to them as an example of what seniors are capable of. “Sometimes people our age just sit there and think, ‘Oh, I’m so old. I can’t do all this stuff,’ she says. “To that, I say ‘Bull!” Wayne Wall, team organizer and life enrichment coordinator of University Village, says that this whole experience has been an inspiration to him. “It makes me look forward to getting older,” he says. “80 or 90 years-old, that doesn’t look so bad anymore.” The sport also provides numerous health benefits. “There’s a lot of physical exercises involved with this,” Demaree explains, mentioning the constant movement, balancing and throwing involved. Wall adds that the game helps sharpen hand-eye coordination. The UV Okies recently caught national attention as they were the focus of multiple news stories and articles, namely a New York Times piece that has since gone viral. Members of the team have become local celebrities, getting recognized at doctor’s appointments and bragged on by their children and grandchildren. When Nintendo America read in the New York Times that the UV Okies would need to replace their aging Wii systems, the company decided to ship new Switch consoles to the retirement community — as well as all the other facilities who participate in the Tulsa Senior Inter-League. When it comes to knocking down pins, it’s normal to see team members score well into the 200s — with some, like Demaree, playing perfect games. For the past six seasons, the UV Okies have remained undefeated in the local league. Recently, the squad even took on ORU Women’s Basketball Team for a fun matchup and still took home the win. Th is year, the group is the only contingent representing the state of Oklahoma in the National Senior League. The UV Okies will have eight teams competing for the championship against 120 other teams across 23 states. The NSL is comprised of five different divisions, and the UV Okies will have teams in at least three categories. Last year, one of University Village’s teams finished second in the NSL. To follow along with the team as they undertake the NSL this fall, head to @university.village.sl on Instagram. tp

MICHELLE POLLARD

AGING WELL

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Admissions Team — Renee Wright, Seanna Hamilton, and Mary Brown

Saint Simeon’s Senior Community

aint Simeon’s Senior Community was established in 1958 and welcomed its first residents to its campus a few short years later. Today, Saint Simeon’s provides residential care to those ages 62 and older with assisted living, long-term care for Veterans, memory care, long-term care, Parkinson’s care, and skilled nursing and rehab. “What really sets Saint Simeon’s apart from other communities is our four levels of assisted living,” says Director of Marketing Kelli James. “All levels of care — assisted living through all kinds of long-term care — are under one roof with a highly skilled staff all trained in dementia care, along with our beautiful and secure location set on a wildlife refuge that boasts peacocks, turtles, deer, ring-necked pigeons and more.” There’s no buy-in required at Saint Simeon’s, encouraging Tulsans to think about assisted living before it’s a necessity. Saint Simeon’s residents enjoy “chore-free” living with activities and a robust social calendar. Safety and security are paramount across the campus, and family members can visit without the pressure of caretaking, housekeeping and other stresses. The community’s core values — patience, dedication, humility, respect, accountability and compassion — are evident. With the continuous support of the Episcopal Church, Saint Simeon’s has grown and evolved over the past six and a half decades to accommodate the best in senior care practices, technology-enhanced therapies, cutting-edge training and exceptional hospitality. “We are dedicated to preserving the emotional, social and physical well-being of each resident and to advance the standards of care for seniors in an atmosphere of compassion and comfort for all residents, staff and family members alike,” James says.

AMENITIES • 50-acre campus in the Osage Hills near downtown Tulsa • Indoor and outdoor walking paths • Courtyards with gardens, patios, a koi pond and a gazebo • Chapel of Saint Anna and a Common Room that welcomes all faiths and denominations • Ice cream parlor • Resident library with more than 2,500 volumes • Utilities (except telephone and cable) • Wellness Center with heated saline pool, specialized exercise equipment, personalized exercise classes and wellness programs • Bistro with fireplace, hosting weekly happy hours • Carla’s Corner coffee spot and cooking demonstration kitchen • William S. Smith Therapy Gym offering physical, occupational and speech therapy • Billiards tables

SAINT SIMEON’S SENIOR COMMUNITY 3701 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 918-425-3583 saintsimeons.org

LIFESTYLE

AGING WELL

Cameron Gruenberg, divisional director of sales and marketing for Aberdeen Heights, with long-time resident Carol

Retirement revamp

lready enjoying a great sense of community and place in their home at 7220 S. Yale Ave., the residents at Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living were recently treated to a major campus-wide renovation. “We try to be the best at what we do,” says Cameron Gruenberg, divisional director of sales and marketing for Aberdeen Heights. The facility’s overhaul included upgrades to many of the apartments that were designed to enhance independence, and campus common areas received new furniture and updates as well, improving the overall resident experience and keeping up with the competition. The spacious apartments already had plenty of closet space and storage, but the updated units now also feature new flooring, fresh paint and lower thresholds that make showers safer with easier ins and outs. Kitchenettes were extended by five feet to accommodate additional cabinets, more counterspace (enough to fit a microwave oven) and full-size refrigerators. “Even though we provide the meals, residents like to have snacks or small meals in their apartments,” Gruenberg says. “Now they have a place to keep their ice cream.” Outside, siding, parking lots, sidewalks and

gathering spaces were refurbished. New patio furniture, raised beds for gardening and a water feature updated the facility’s two courtyards. Inside, the main hallways received new paint and LED lighting, “making it brighter and more welcoming,” Gruenberg says. The dining room also got a makeover, as did other community spaces like the chapel, salon, library area and game room. The to-do list of updates came from feedback provided by residents and their families. Upgrades were designed to make residents feel more independent in their own apartments. Long-time resident Carol took a moment to chat about her experience living at Aberdeen Heights between her morning card game and exercise. She applauds the changes to what’s been her home for the last 17 years. “I knew the minute I walked in,” she says about choosing to live at the facility. Newer resident Bill is already president of the resident’s association. The group meets monthly to talk about upcoming programs, ﬁeld trips (shopping, lunch, casino, baseball games, etc.) and community activities. “Their home was completely renovated,” Gruenberg says. “They love showing if off to friends and families.” — JANE ZEMEL

magine a room full of people over 50 swapping questions about ChatGPT, artificial intelligence and the ways new technology can make everyday life easier. At LIFE Senior Services, topics once associated with younger generations are finding an eager new audience. LIFE Senior Services connects older adults across Northeastern Oklahoma with programs and resources that promote healthy aging, independence and connection. Its classes have long covered practical topics such as Medicare and cell phone use, but two recent additions have generated especially strong interest: artificial intelligence and online dating for seniors. Both have drawn enthusiastic participation, with the online dating class attracting one of the largest enrollments of any class the organization has offered. “There’s a misconception that seniors don’t know how to use computers and are afraid of technology,” says Lauren Zeligson, communications specialist at LIFE Senior Services. The first online dating class for seniors was offered in conjunction with Valentine’s Day, but it’s proven so popular it’s won a regular place in the lineup. Many of the class participants were widowed

58 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Attorney Brittany Littleton taught a previous LIFE EDU class covering Powers of Attorney.

and entering the dating pool for the ﬁrst time in decades. They wanted to know all the facts about how online dating works before they dive in. The class introduced seniors to the range of online dating platforms available, noting that paid sites may offer an added layer of protection against scammers. Continuing on the topic of tech, instructor Brooke Sconyers recently led a class that took a

deep dive into artiﬁcial intelligence. “AI can feel mysterious,” she explains, sharing that her class is aimed to help students “demystify what it is, how they’re already interacting with it (perhaps unknowingly) and how they can use it for everyday tasks.” Sconyers notes that while AI can have many uses in the workplace, people can also use it to improve their own personal processes, like creating a meal plan or organizing a mahjong night with friends. Of course, she also has safety tips for folks to keep in mind, like making sure your privacy settings are up to date and keeping in mind that AI can hallucinate nonfactual answers. “You should always assume anything you put into AI could become public, so never share passwords or private data,” she warns, adding, “you can’t trust blindly what you get out of AI. You have to verify it through your own independent research. Treat AI as an assistant, let it help draft or brainstorm, but always remember to be the ﬁnal say on what you use or believe from AI.” Those interested in taking a LIFE EDU course can enroll by phone at 918-664-1000 or by visiting lifeseniorservices.org. They are open to any senior in the community. — ABIGAIL SINGREY

MICHELLE POLLARD

Seniors embrace the digital age with LIFE EDU classes

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Trinity Woods

70 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG

ituated in the heart of Tulsa, Trinity Woods began humbly — a single building with just 25 residents in 1956. Since then, it has blossomed into a 40-acre scenic campus offering a full continuum of care and a variety of independent living home styles, including villas, patio homes, lakeside homes and apartments. Celebrating our 70th anniversary this year didn’t happen by accident. It took a commitment — a willingness to learn, adapt, expand, and change — to honor our obligation to provide residents with the independence and dignity they deserve, through compassion and genuine care. At Trinity Woods, retirement living isn’t about starting over. It’s about maintaining the life you’ve built, with fewer worries and more freedom to enjoy it. Whether you’re joining a social club, sharing a delicious meal with neighbors, or staying active in our state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool, there’s always something happening — and the choice of how to spend your day is always yours. That’s what experience brings: an understanding that a true neighborhood is more than just a place to live. It’s the people who make it feel like home — people who feel welcome, accepted, and empowered to live retirement on their own terms. None of us knows what the next 70 years will bring, but we know we’ll remain true to the promise of helping every resident live fully, on their terms, surrounded by people who feel like family. We invite you to learn more about our history, what’s taking shape for the future and how we can support your retirement journey. Visit TrinityWoodsTulsa.com to learn more or call 918-317-4785.

AMENITIES • Beautifully landscaped 40-acre campus • Ten walking paths with water features • State-of-the-art fitness center with heated indoor pool • Indoor walking track • Outdoor pickleball court • Putting green & indoor golf simulator • Fitness classes • Tranquility Wellness Spa (services include hair, manicure, pedicure and massage) • Monthly events and wellness programs • Three dining venues • Dog park • Concierge service • Weekly housekeeping services • Interior/exterior maintenance • Utilities included (excluding telephone)

TRINITY WOODS 4134 E. 31st Street 918-317-4785 trinitywoodstulsa.com

LIFESTYLE

MUSINGS

So, what are you reading? BY CONNIE CRONLEY

• “The Ant and the Dove” from Aesop’s Fables • “Dreams” by Langston Hughes (you may recall the line, “Hold fast to dreams ... ”) • “The Story of King Arthur and his Knights” by Howard Pyle, Chapters 1 and 2 • “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson • “Brave Irene,” a picture book by William Steig about a little girl in a snowstorm And then — • “The Necessity of Humility (Luke 14:7-11)” from the New Testament, as in, “When you are invited to a wedding feast do not sit in the seat of honor.” Nice advice for all of us, but the Bible as required school reading? I blurted out “What the hell!” There went all the good mojo nurtured by my haiku. Future required Bible passages for Texas students are the parting of the Red Sea for fifth grade, the “Parable of the Prodigal 60 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

Son” for ninth grade and “The Definition of Love” from 1 Corinthians for 12th grade. “That’s Texas for you,” I told the cat, who just shrugged at the news. It made me wonder, though, about the required reading list for Oklahoma fourth graders. Finding the answer was more difficult than I imagined. The answer is: Oklahoma doesn’t have a statewide reading list. Oklahoma favors local control, so each district decides curriculum, books and instructional materials. About the same time, I read a cover story in The Atlantic Magazine titled “The Age of Reading is Over.” Someone writes a version of this doomsday story every couple of years, but this time it seems more critical. Among the surveys and statistics cited, only 16% of Americans read for pleasure, fewer than half of all adults read books of any kind and, nowadays, best sellers have sentences one-third shorter than they were a century ago. This is a literary crisis, experts conclude, that affects our attention span, comprehension and the ability to think deeply. The article told me that the older children grow, the less they like to read and the less they are required to read in school. Middle school and high school teachers now assign zero to four books a year. I did a personal survey with the first Tulsa Public Schools student to cross my path, a seventh grader last year. “What books were you required to read for school last year?” I asked him. “Just one. ‘The Hunger Games.’” “Did you like it?” “It was okay.” “Did you like reading it?” “Not really.” “Do you not like reading?” “No.” Houston, we have a problem. Hannibal B. Johnson is a thoughtful author I admire who happens to live in Tulsa. Recently he posted this: “Remember when you wanted what you currently have.” A sentence so simple and yet so profound that I have thought about it ever since. That’s what good writing does. It helps us think. tp

ILLUSTRATION: ALLYSSA REEDER; TABLE TALK: MICHELLE POLLARD

friend starts her day reading prayers and passages in her Bible. I begin my day reading a haiku poem to get me attuned to the natural world. My sister reads the advice column “Asking Eric” in her local paper. Well, whatever it takes to get our brain juicing and our soul stirring. Reading does that for me. I move swiftly to reading newspapers for the news of the day. If the current news doesn’t depress me so much I have to lie down to recover, I move on to the personal news friends post online. The older I get, the more my circle of friends shrinks. Geographical distance has separated some of us. We keep in touch by email or Facebook. A frequent question among some of us is, “What are you reading?” What people read and what they think about it tells you a lot about a person. And so it was, in one morning’s reading marathon I came across an article in The New York Times about required books for K-12 students in Texas. I remember smiling as I read the fourth-grade list that included:

Table Talk DINING

FOOD

DRINKS

Pretty pastries Quickly becoming known for her stunning trompe-l’œil pastries, chef-owner of Melody Bakes Nagam “Melody” Hanoun is preparing to introduce halawet el jibn to the menu. The dessert consists of sweet cheese-and-semolina rolls filled with ashta cream, a delightful treat from her home country of Jordan. READ MORE ABOUT MELODY BAKES ON P. 63.

TulsaPeople.com 61

TA B L E TA L K

WHAT’S COOKING?

Sabre, one of the adoptable cats at don’t stress meowt Cat Cafe. Inset: The cafe’s menu includes several flavors of Taiyaki, a shaped cake with a crispy, waffle-like exterior and a sweet filling.

KITTY CORNER Cuddle cats at this Farm Shopping Center cafe. BY KAMRON WILLIAMS 62 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

CAT CAFE, MELODY BAKES: MICHELLE POLLARD; AMERICAN SOLERA: TOM GILBERT

f you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to grab a coffee, unwind and hang out with some furry friends, don’t stress meowt Cat Cafe is the purr-fect place to be. As Tulsa’s fi rst cat cafe, don’t stress meowt (5203 S. Sheridan Road) opened in 2025 with the goal of providing a space for the community to enjoy coffee, good eats and visit adoptable cats — all in the same place. At the heart of the cafe is a cozy, contained cat lounge that is brimming with 30-40 available cats. The cats live in a comfortable, spacious environment created to help them thrive while they wait for their forever homes. The cafe partners with Skiatook Paws and Claws to foster cats at the cafe — supporting animal rescue and helping the felines gain exposure and increase their likelihood of adoption. “Since opening, we have helped 182 kitties find their furrever home,” says the cafe’s Location Operator Madison Diedrich. “Th is helps get many cats adopted because, a lot of the time, people do not plan to adopt, but then a cat will fall in love with them and cuddle with them the whole time, and it is super sweet.” While the four-legged friends are the main attraction, the cafe offers cat-pun named beverages like the Americato, Clawtte (standard latte), Espurrso, Catpuccino and Frappawccino. For non-coffee options, the menu also includes Meowtcha, Chai Clawtte, hot cocoa, juice and refreshers. The cat puns don’t stop there. For food options, the cafe serves “Pawnini” sandwiches ranging from pesto chicken, pepperoni pizza and bacon turkey grilled cheese. For something sweet, try the taiyaki ranging in flavors of Nutella, custard, Oreo and sweet red bean. The cafe also provides grooming and boarding for furry companions. Two certified master feline groomers offer a variety of services including baths, blow drying, deshedding comb-outs and much more. “Getting to have a cat-only business also helps ensure our grooming cats have a more calming and positive experience,” Diedrich notes. For boarding services, owners can choose from a selection of spacious rooms and have the option to add live web cam access or a heated bed to help make their cats’ stay more relaxing and comfortable. “I love this business because of all the amazing things we are able to help with,” Diedrich says. “Not only with getting more cats adopted, but also when it comes to people trusting us to take care of their kitties while they go on vacation or other needed reasons.” Reservations are required to visit the cat lounge; the $15 per person entry includes a one-hour time slot to visit and play with the cats. Visit dontstressmeowt-catcafe.com for more information. tp

TA B L E TA L K

WHAT THE ALE

Nagam “Melody” Hanoun, chef-owner of Melody Bakes, with a selection of her intricate trompe-l’œil pastries.

Trick of a treat

fter trying a trompe-l’œil pastry from L’Arc Pâtisserie in Oklahoma City, Nagam “Melody” Hanoun — chef-owner of Melody Bakes — was inspired to take on the art of crafting these intricate pastries for herself. The challenge ultimately helped shape her Broken Arrow bakery, where Hanoun creates trompe-l’œil pastries shaped like strawberries, mangoes and peanuts. Trompe-l’œil means “deceive the eye,” but the pastries offer more than visual appeal. A chilled chocolate shell cracks to reveal cake and airy ganache montée, a whipped mixture of white chocolate and cream surrounding centers of fruit confit, chocolate, peanut butter or caramel. Hanoun grew up in Mafraq, Jordan, and went to study French at Yarmouk University before enrolling at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts in Amman, which is an affiliate of Les Roches in Switzerland. She graduated in 2019, interned six months at Four Seasons Hotel Amman and became assistant chef to Prince Hamzah bin Al Hussein. Hanoun and her husband Ammar “AJ” Jebreen decided to come to Tulsa in December 2019. “We left everything in Jordan,” Hanoun says. “We loved it here, and then we had kids.” She launched Melody Bakes from home in 2021, producing wedding cakes and custom pastries. The couple operated Laffeh, a Mediterranean food truck, from late 2023 until September 2024, closing after Hanoun became pregnant. Melody Bakes opened this past June at 800 S. Ninth St., Suite C. Crafting each trompe-l’œil pastry can take up to three days. Hanoun cooks and freezes fruit confit, rests the ganache montée overnight, then whips and pipes it around the center. After adding the fruit to the center, she freezes, unmolds and dips the pastry in chocolate. Hanoun says the challenge is avoiding air pockets, smoothing the ganache and tempering the chocolate. Flavors include strawberry, mango, chocolate, pistachio and seasonal combinations. Priced from $10-$12, pastries are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until they sell out — which they typically do) on Fridays and Saturdays. Preorders are currently paused due to demand. Hanoun plans to introduce halawet el jibn, a dessert from her life in Jordan: sweet cheese-and-semolina rolls filled with ashta cream. “For me, cooking food and making pastries is kind of my love language,” she says. “I wanted to have a space that describes me.” — JARED S. GLEATON

As American Solera prepares to return to the SoBo District with a larger footprint than their previous spot, co-owner Chase Healey — pictured here with wife and co-owner, Erica Healey — lives nearby and notes there is one key advantage to this satellite location.

GUESS WHO’S BACK Popular Tulsa brewery is returning to its SoBo roots.

merican Solera is reopening in its old neighborhood. The brewery is rehabbing a new satellite location at the former Super 11 convenience store at 129 E. 18th St., just down the street from its previous SoBo location near East 18th Street and South Boston Avenue. Chase Healey and his wife, Erica, celebrated American Solera’s 10th anniversary in August and are excited to bring a taproom back to the bustling area. “It’s just always been on our radar to get back into the neighborhood,” Chase says. “It’s just the right place at the right time.” American Solera’s first brewery was near Chandler Park in an industrial area of town. But when Oklahoma’s law changed to allow breweries to sell directly to the public, Chase knew they needed to be closer to downtown for more sales and more community. Chase says they always knew the location wasn’t permanent, however, and American Solera eventually left the area for their much larger space near Mashall Brewing Co. and Cabin Boys, which opened in 2019 at 1702 E. Sixth Street. “I think to me, a lot of the growth in our brand and what we’re doing really has to do with just being near people, being part of the community and being a little closer to it,” he says, adding that the neighborhood’s momentum seems bigger than it’s ever been. The brewery will feature a more functional production area with equipment for piloting brews. This opens the door for small-batch beers formulated specifically for SoBo. “Really batches for the neighborhood,” Chase says. “Beers that we’ll be brewing that you may only find there.” Healey is even considering turning some brewing decisions over to the neighbors. “Let’s brew something,” Chase says. “Come on by. This day we’ll be brewing a batch of beer and let’s all decide what it is, because we can make anything.”— TOM GILBERT TulsaPeople.com 63

LAST LOOK

TULSA TIME WARP

Lance the German Shepherd at the Harvey Young Airport in 1961. Lance parachuted from an airplane as a publicity stunt to promote the Tulsa-shot ﬁlm “Just Between Us.”

A very brave boy

n 1941, the Harvey Young Airport opened for business on the east side of town between 11th and 21st Streets along 135th East Avenue. It was Tulsa’s third airport. The privately owned, public use airport was under the control of a man named Harvey Young, who held a Civilian Pilot Training Contract with the federal government that trained an estimated 5,000 men during the onset of World War II. Young eventually built a home on the 92-acre property, adjacent to the hangars and runway. He entertained guests who would frequent the airport and played loud classical music through massive speakers attached to his roof. A publicity stunt on July 25, 1961, brought spectators to the airport to see for themselves what was considered the fi rst

64 TulsaPeople OCTOBER 2026

civilian parachute jump made by a dog. The goal was to advertise the premiere of the Tulsa-made movie “Just Between Us,” which starred the famous German Shepherd, London. London’s owner and trainer Chuck Eisenmann, a former professional baseball player and Tulsa Oilers baseball pitcher, wrote and directed the movie. It was fi lmed throughout the Tulsa area, including a scene at Vandever’s department store, and features notable shots of downtown Tulsa during the 1960 Christmas parade. To promote the fi lm, Lance, a German Shepherd sired by London, made the parachute jump on his behalf. Johnny Dunkle, Oklahoma’s only professional parachute jumper at the time, designed a custom-made parachute backpack specifically for the occasion.

At an altitude of 2,000 feet, Lance exited the airplane and drifted slowly into the field below. Despite being slightly off course, the dog landed safely on his own and awaited the ground crew’s arrival — which included a veterinarian for good measure. The movie premiered at the Premiere Theater and the Airview Drive-in in Tulsa on July 26, 1961. London and Eisenmann made special appearances at the theaters to further promote the fi lm in Tulsa and across the country. Eisenmann would reach peak success with his dogs in the TV series “The Littlest Hobo,” which aired in the 1960s and was revived in the 1980s with six additional seasons. The parachuting feat from Tulsa was replicated for the very fi rst episode of the show that aired Sept. 24, 1963. tp

MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY

BY PATRICK MCNICHOLAS

SUNDAY EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 18-29 | TULSA PAC | CELEBRITYATTRACTIONS.COM

A CAMERON MACKINTOSH & LW ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION

SCULPTED CABLE ON EIZA GONZÁLEZ