Tulsa Street Stories

Hallie Green: A Good Person Helping Tulsa's Homeless

2009-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

By Jintae Hwang

Good people make the world go around. Hallie Green is one of them. She works at Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, located north of downtown. I met her to learn about her job and how she does it.

When I entered her office, I recognized one of her frames on the wall. It says, "There is no such thing as small change." That statement gave me an idea of what type of person she might be.

She explained things with smile. She wanted to be here for a good reason—for a positive influence. The Tulsa Day Center was a familiar place to her. As a native of Claremore, she volunteered for years at the Day Center.

“I volunteered with the Day Center when I was in high school,” she said.

She started her career in politics as a fundraiser in Chicago. She had some stops before coming to the Day Center.

“It took me a while to get here,” she said.

She came back to help people and make changes. Obviously, she enjoys her work.

“This is an organization that I have always liked so I knew I wanted to be here,” Green said.

Although her main task is to raise money, she does a lot of things to accomplish it- sending out grants, plan events, talk to corporations and foundations, and so on.

She does extra work too. She goes to New Orleans every summer to help construct houses that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Her office showed her personality with pictures and art. The bulletin board, especially, displayed her interests. I could sense the positive energy on that board.

One of her pictures was a pigeon sitting on top of an old man's head.

"His name is Homer," Green said.

She explained that Homer was a good friend for homeless people for three years. If Homer could be a friend to people who need help, we can all do something. Green is doing just that.

"I knew I would do something with helping," she said.

For more information about the Tulsa Day Center, click here.

Jintae Hwang is a senior communication student from Korea. Before moving to Tulsa, he lived in Los Angeles.

Doing Good in Tulsa: Reports on People Who Help

2009-10-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

By John Coward

Tulsa is justifiably proud of its good citizens and many service organizations that work every day to make this a better city. Helping our fellow citizens is certainly a higher calling.

With that in mind, Tulsa Street Stories is publishing profiles of some of the people and organizations who serve Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma every day.

Several of these stories are posted below. Please take a few minutes to read these stories, all of which were written by University of Tulsa students in the fall 2009 News Gathering course.

Prof. John Coward teaches communication at The University of Tulsa.

Tulsa's Madonna House, Where Karen Guzman Cares for Women and Their Babies

2009-10-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

By Katelin Montag

Catholic Charities has been a major resource for those in need in Tulsa for many years. One part of Catholic Charities, the Madonna House, is a refuge for pregnant women who don’t have anywhere else to turn.

Karen Guzman has been the coordinator for the Madonna House for about a year and said their main goal at the Madonna House is to take care of the babies.

The Madonna House is a free program that accepts residents through an application process. Once there the residents have to fulfill certain requirements. For example, they must either go to school or have a job, to keep living there.

Guzman said they try and give the residents as many skills as possible to better themselves and prepare for the future.

Guzman said that she did suffer a general disillusionment after her first few months at the Madonna House. She thought that with all the resources and donations that are given to the residents many of them would be able to turn their lives around. However she soon found out that while some do meet their goals, the majority of the residents do not.

“I expected much more of a transformation to occur,” Guzman said. “We can’t make everyone’s life better even though we want that for them.”

Guzman also went through a shocking experience her first month at the Madonna House when one of the residents was stabbed by another resident. It was not a serious injury, but the altercation was enough to make Guzman wonder what she had gotten herself into.

Guzman went to TCC as an adult and got an associates degree in counseling. After going through Virtus training at her church to learn about how to prevent and handle sexual abuse, she felt that God had called her to go back to school. She got a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to get her master’s in counseling psychology at Northeastern State University.

Now Guzman is focused on the Catholic Charities move to a new campus in December. The new facilities will be completely stocked with brand new furniture and supplies.

The new Madonna House will also allow them to take in more residents. Guzman hasn’t thought much about her future at the Madonna House since the move is coming up so soon, but says she always tries to be open for what God may call her to do next.

Learn more about the Madonna House at their website.

Katelin Montag is a communication student from Tulsa.

Frances Bevel: Working to End Hunger in the Tulsa Area

2009-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

By Danni Powell

One in five children will go hungry tonight in Eastern Oklahoma.

That's one of the “Hunger Facts” from a pamphlet published by the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

Special Events Manager Frances Bevel witnesses this sad fact every day in her dedication to fighting hunger. Working from north Tulsa, Bevel plans events to raise awareness of hunger in the Tulsa area.

After majoring in sociology and human service administration at Louisiana State University – Shreveport, Bevel said she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to help the community. She moved to Tulsa in 2008 to work for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, allowing her to fulfill this desire.

Bevel plans an annual event called “Empty Bowls,” a silent auction and dinner that raised over $200,000 in April 2009. The auction included a cymbal signed by Ringo Starr, a songbook autographed by Bruce Springsteen, an all-expenses paid wine-tasting trip to Napa Valley, and many handcrafted bowls donated by local artists.

“We ask artists to donate bowls to represent the hunger that so many families face daily in Oklahoma,” Bevel said.

Bevel said that working for a food bank is often difficult because there are so many non-profit organizations located in Tulsa. Fundraisers are only a small aspect of the budget they count on; monthly donors are necessary to be able to put on events and publicize them in the first place.

Bevel is married to a freelance photographer who also supports her work. He attends the food bank's monthly event called “Recipe to End Hunger” to shoot photos for their website.

She said he understands the value of her work, which helps her to get through difficult days when venues cancel and businesses are not quick to donate items to be auctioned at events.

Although she admitted her job is difficult on her emotions, she said it is worth it.

“[My work] is amazing because I know I'm directly helping people that could be just like me,” Bevel said. “You never know who goes home wondering where they'll get their food for the next day.”

More information about the Food Bank is available at their website.

Danni Powell is a TU communication student from Muldrow, Okla.

Saving the Urban Forest: April Woodul of Tulsa's Up with Trees

2009-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Kubik

After close to 80 years of growth and development in Tulsa, the city faced a serious problem. Tulsa’s urban forest was an estimated 200,000 trees short.

In 1976, Sid Patterson, then city street commissioner, organized Up With Trees to combat the growing issue.

Up With Tree is still devoted to the growth of Tulsa’s urban forest. Committed staff members, such as April Woodul, the organization’s outreach and volunteer coordinator, ensure Up With Tree’s continuing success and growth.

Tulsa native and TU graduate, Woodul is passionate about her role with Up With Trees. Her roles vary depending on seasonal needs, but her primary role is to coordinate civic, corporate and individual volunteers for planting projects and events.

“I also happen to be the accidental techie,” Woodul adds. “I manage the website and our social networking profiles.”

Up With Trees offers a variety of volunteer programs, but the Citizen Forester program is one of Woodul’s favorites. The program offers a curriculum for Tulsans interested in learning and enhancing their arboricultural knowledge.

Participants in the program receive 16 hours of training from arborists, and graduates join a large volunteer group that plants, maintains, prunes, and inventories trees around Tulsa.

“I coordinate curriculum logistics behind our Citizen Forester program by organizing meetings with our Education Committee, recruiting individuals and planning continuing education opportunities.” Woodul said.

“I really enjoy this program because it educates Tulsans about the need to expand the city’s urban forest, while also working to preserve and maintain what we have.”

The Up With Trees website is linked here. The organization also has a Facebook page, which you can find here.

Elizabeth Kubik is a TU communication student from the "Show Me" state of Missouri.

Jogging with Dogs: New SPCA Program Pairs Abused Pets with Tulsa Runners

2009-10-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

By Megan Stock

On the far north side of Tulsa you will find a building that houses lost, abused or abandoned dogs and cats. The SPCA takes in unwanted animals and rehabs them so that they can be placed in new loving homes.

The organization's new program to help these animals called “Jog the Dogs.” It was started by Elaine Palmquist.

“Jog the Dogs" brings together Tulsa SPCA dogs with area runners and walkers. The idea is to partner dogs who love to play with people who want to walk or jog dogs.

The program wants people of all ages and abilities. Some volunteers are trail runners, Leukemia Team in Training coaches & participants, & tri-athletes. The only requirements are that you be 18 years of age, attend a Jog the Dogs orientation for training, and love to spend time with dogs!” Palmquist said.

I recently saw first-hand just how beneficial the program is.

Since it was my first time I had to go the orientation program, learning the basics about dog handling. With tails wagging and loud barking in the background it was hard to not be excited.

If you not a serious runner, you can choose to take your chosen pup for a walk instead of a run, which for me was just as fun. You can see how happy it makes the dogs as soon as you walk into their kennels, and how they light up once they can get out of their pens.

"Last fall I began volunteering at the Tulsa SPCA," Palmquist said. "I was trying to find the right fit, and see how I might be most helpful to the organization. I thought about how my own two dogs love running with me. So I approached Rhonda Lang, a TSPCA staff member, about running the SPCA's dogs. She was very supportive and gave me the go ahead.”

Palmquist, who has always been an animal lover,m was inspired to start the program when she found herself wanting to do more for the dogs.

“On one of my runs, I began brainstorming about recruiting runners and walkers to the SPCA to do the same thing I was doing," she said. "That's how it all began! I approached the RunnersWorld Tulsa store owners, Brian and Kathy Hoover, about talking to their marathon/half marathon training groups to try to recruit.

"Kathy then added my little story to her e-newsletter, and word began to spread. I started having Jog the Dogs orientations in February for those interested runners and walkers who contacted me," she said.

The program is extremely rewarding.

“Just seeing the joy on everyone's faces—canine & human!—when they're out for a jog or walk," she said. "The dogs love the one-on-one attention and the sense of freedom and adventure of getting out on the road or meadow trails by the SPCA with their exercise pals. And it's so rewarding and fun for the volunteers.

"Two Jog the Dogs volunteers have actually adopted dogs they fell for while participating in the program,” Palmquist said.

The program has already shown growth since its beginning and most of the orientation classes are filling up. Palmquist hopes that in the future, the program will keep on growing and that more local shelters will pick up on it.

For more information, check out their website here, or contact Elaine Palmquist at lanypalm@hotmail.com or the SPCA at 918-428-SPCA (7722).

Megan Stock studies communication at Tulsa University.

DaySpring Villa Helps Tulsa Women and Children

2009-10-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

By Carolyn Siegerist

I was searching for a Tulsa news when I came across a website for DaySpring Villa, a shelter for abused and endangered women and children.

I called. A friendly voice answered, "DaySpring Villa, can I help you?"

I was transferred to a nurturing and motherly voice, a person who identified herself as Sheila. I asked for an interview. She penciled me in for early the next morning.

Sheila Mitchell is the director of DaySpring Villa. I asked her how long she had been working at the shelter.

"Oh well, you see, I've been here on and off since 1980," she said. "I just can't seem to stay away!"

She explained that her passion for helping abused and endangered women and children came from her religious beliefs as well as her sociology degree and studying at a seminary.

"You see, DaySpring Villa is different than other shelters because we are faith-based," Mitchell said. "We have bible studies, attend church services together, among other spiritual needs. We help the whole person, that's the physical, emotional and spiritual sides of them."

I asked about the most difficult and most rewarding aspects of her work.

"It's very difficult to see a woman go back to an abuser because he's says he will change and so often they don't,' she said. "Then, the children get put back in danger.

"But it is also an amazing feeling to see a woman successfully leave a bad situation for good and set up a new life for herself and her family. After six months, they can even come back to volunteer."

After almost 30 years, Mitchell is still passionate about helping women and children find happier and safer lives.

"The key to helping these women is to build their confidence and teach the children that you don't have to live in fear," she said. "The cycle stops with the children."

I thanked and told her what great work it is she's doing. She said, "Thank you, and have a blessed day."

The website for DaySpring Villa is linked here.

Carolyn Siegerist is a TU communication student from Stillwater, Okla.

Tulsa's Christy Southard: A Calling to Educate Women

2009-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

By Caity Lincoln

All remarkable organizations need remarkable people behind the scenes inspiring social change in the community.

Christy Southard is executive director of the Tulsa affiliate of the Susan G. Komen organization, the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Many people have benefitted from Southard’s efforts to educate women about breast health and breast cancer through the Komen Tulsa organization. Her business background and her personal emotional investment in the cause help her to achieve the organization’s mission.

Southard started the position in April 2006, coming in with 26 years of professional work experience including jobs with international corporations in the areas of marketing and project management.

Southard’s goal was to retire early from corporate America and then begin a career with a non-profit organization. The opportunity to be involved in the Komen organization came along sooner than expected and proved too good to pass up. Southard feels that her corporate experience enables her to run the Tulsa affiliate as a business making decisions.

Southard takes the lead in compiling a community profile every two years to decide how to most effectively budget resources, time, and money to reach the most people in the community. The organization has almost doubled its revenue from $600,000 in 2006 to $1 million in 2009. Southard credits the steady increase every year to the passion of the amazing volunteers.

The mission of Komen Tulsa is very personal for Southard. She says it is a “passion God has given me.” It is her calling, a cause that hits close to home. She lost her grandfather and great aunt to breast cancer when she was young, and as an adult lost her mother.

She has also lost four friends to the disease, all of which combines to make her determined to create a stronger awareness among women and emphasize the importance of early detection. Southard’s determination to make a difference came in a promise to her dying friend when she recognized “I can’t fix you, but I can help your daughters.” Through community programs Tulsa Komen has increased awareness locally.

Despite the flailing economy, this year’s Race for the Cure, held Sept. 19, exceeded last year’s numbers, in both participants and dollars.

While the Susan G. Komen organization is well known the Race for the Cure every year, Southard also strengthens the Tulsa affiliate’s influence by supporting numerous community programs. The third annual Pink Sunday event will occur on October 25, which is an effort to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage early detection through faith programs associated with Tulsa area churches.

Southard is also involved in public policy and frequently makes trips to Oklahoma City and Washington, D.C. to push for research funding to ultimately find a cure for breast cancer.

The Tulsa affiliate of the Susan Komen Foundation has more information on its website.

Caity Lincoln is a TU student from Tulsa.

Homelessness in Tulsa: A Brief Portrait

2009-09-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

By Ben Eller

I recently spent a cloudy Tuesday afternoon on the streets of downtown Tulsa. My mission was to meet some people who roamed the streets every day.

It was past 5 p.m., so most of the 9-to-5 business people had left their offices. The sidewalks were pretty empty, but I managed to meet some interesting characters as well.

The most interesting person I met was an elderly man who seemed to be mentally unstable or on drugs. He approached me when he saw my camera, and began to ramble on about doing jail time and a stabbing he had seen. I was never able to ask any questions or get his name. He then began accusing me of crimes and mumbling profanity.

I decided to keep moving and see who else was on the streets.

I talked to four other homeless men downtown. Some said they stayed in different parts for the night or at the Day Center or the downtown YMCA when the weather was bad. None of the men would say much about what led them to lives on the street.

One man, riding a pink bicycle that looked like it belonged to a little girl, told me that it was just too difficult to find work in the city, but he still had hope that he would.

I wanted to help all of the people came across downtown, but I didn't know how I could. I feel that giving them the attention I did made them feel a little more important and a little less neglected.

Ben Eller is a Tulsa native and a huge sports fan. Besides TU, his favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals and the Oklahoma Thunder.

Tulsa's Lebanese Tradition: Cedar's Deli

2009-09-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

By Carolyn Siegerist

In a small shopping complex between 21st and 31st on Sheridan sits an indistinct looking Lebanese restaurant. A neon sign says "The Cedar's Deli," but you might miss it if you didn't know what you were looking for.

Though it may not look like it, Cedar's Deli has been selling homemade Lebanese cuisine to Tulsans in that spot for over 40 years. I decided to go in and have a gyro with some hummus on the side, a meal I often get at Lebanese restaurants.

I saw quite a different crowd than what I had expected. Cedar's Deli is primarily a lunch restaurant, made apparent by the long line at the counter. The entire eating area was packed with all sorts of people: businessmen, couples in their golden years, a group of younger women presumably at a "girl's luncheon," and so on.

Since my grandfather has been a client for the last 20 years, I asked the owner if I could ask him a little bit about the restaurant, mentioning the fact that my grandfather was such a fan.

Sam H. Farhood, the original and current owner, replied: "You grandfather is Jim? And your grandmother is Carol? Such lovely people. Your aunt Stacey too, why she was just in the other day!"

Maybe in a city the size of Tulsa I shouldn't be surprised that he would know customers so well, but it wasn't just my family he knew. As I watched patrons finish their meals, several took time to chat it up with Sam, who seemed to know them all.

Sam then took me to his office and handed me a fact sheet about Lebanon, which I realized later were made available in the front of the restaurant for all patrons. He explained his move to America as a child knowing no English whatsoever, how he grew up in Tulsa and became a teacher, and how he brought back a wife from Lebanon, Nuhad, and how they decided to open a restaurant together.

Nuhad, currently visiting family in Lebanon, does a great deal of the cooking and their son, Jason, also works at the restaurant.

The eclectic decor in Cedar's includes maps of Lebanon, flags for all the main universities in Oklahoma, and a collection of awards and newspaper clippings about the deli.

As I left, Sam gave me a big hug and told me to say hello to the family. I felt that just by coming in and asking him about his restaurant, which has been his life's work, I had ingratiated myself with him and that he will always recognize me.

I think this place is a perfect example of the mix of the strong cultural influence created by immigration, blended with the small town feeling hospitality of Oklahoma. I would encourage anyone to try out Cedar's, if not for the hospitality, at least to try the delicious authentic Lebanese cuisine.

Carolyn Siegerist recently returned from a semester in Spain. She is a TU communication major from Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The Friendly Man at the Fruit Stand

2009-09-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

By Megan Stock

Nestled in the busy intersection at 21st and Harvard lies a humble little striped tent filled with fresh produce.

I went to this little stand a few times this summer, but only to stop in and get some of the best peaches in town. When I stopped in this fall I was greeted with a smile and an enthusiastic “nice to see you again!”

This welcoming made me feel bad because I had no idea who the man behind the counter was. Before I began my search for the perfect peach that day, I asked the friendly fellow little bit about the stand.

I learned that all the fruits and vegetables were delivered fresh daily. That’s right, every morning the owner drives to local farms and gathers the best fruits and vegetables and brings them back.

When I asked about my beloved Georgia peaches, the man laughed and told me those too were hand delivered by the owner himself from Georgia back to Tulsa.

“Jeff, the owner, bought a truck at the end of May with 33,000 miles on it. He told me yesterday that it now had over 100,000 miles from all of his pickups," the man said.

All of the fruits and vegetables are freshly gown and, not counting the peaches, all from local farmers.

The man raved about how great it was to work there. Its one of the few jobs where the owners really cared about their employees.

“Sometimes they just drop by to gives us drinks or food if we are working an extra long shift, and the best part is we can eat whatever produce here we want for free… too bad I don’t like fruit."

This little produce stand may go unnoticed. But if its good fruit or vegetables and a friendly face you are looking for, then it’s worth the stop.

Megan Stock is a TU communication major from Springfield, Mo. A member of Delta Gamma sorority, she plays intramural basketball and flag football.

Weber's: Brookside's Burger and Root Beer Joint

2009-09-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

By Gretchen Schroer

It’s a sunny late summer afternoon and I find myself strolling through Tulsa's quaint Brookside area. People cruise the sidewalks with friends in tow, all about their own business.

As I approach the end of the action I know I should turn back around, but my instinct tells me that I should carry on a little longer. And I am glad I did.

There on the corner sits an orange shack that looks beaten by the years. Curiosity strikes and I walk towards it, seeing a crowd of diverse ages and waistband sizes.

Not knowing what this orange building holds I mosey towards it, skeptical of what is in store for me. As I walk in I get an overwhelming aroma of homemade burgers and onion rings, I think I just walked into heaven.

The feeling slowly diminishes as I realize that this is not a restaurant, but a hall with six stools at bar on the wall, with a kitchen attached.

Though the size was miniscule, I didn’t let that ruin the experience. I walk to the order window and for a single burger with catsup only. Then they asked, "Would you like some fresh-brewed root beer with that.”

“Yes!” I exclaimed.

While sitting and waiting for my food I look at my surroundings. The walls are littered with signed one dollar bills, framed newspaper articles, original menus and a list of coupons available online.

Soon my name is called and I sink my teeth into a greasy burger and a smile comes over my face. Maybe old-fashioned shouldn’t stay a thing of the past.

Gretchen Schroer is a senior communication major from Overland Park, Kansas. After graduation, she is palling to embark on a year-long round the world trip.

All about Invitations: The Inviting Place is for Girls

2009-09-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Kubik

The mostly female customers who stroll through the welcoming doors of the oblong, girly, stationary shop at 61st Street and Yale Avenue, expect a great set of invitations, superior service and, most often, some energetic girl-talk.

A paper and gifts store, The Inviting Place specializes in adorable and affordable invitations for every occasion: weddings, birthdays, births, anniversaries or just a backyard barbecue.

I found the eye-catching store, currently decorated for fall with an OSU tailgate window-display and ghostly Halloween invitations strategically placed next to a bright, colorful, candy corn bowl, to be a lively environment, full of frills and enthusiasm.

Invitations line the walls. From invitations for a little princess’ palace birthday party to the eloquent, gorgeous wedding invitations of her dreams, the store, and the passionate employees, seek to please every taste, every occasion and every customer.

"We really try to have a wide variety of gifts and invitations so that all our customers can find exactly what they are looking for," Sara, store owner, OSU graduate and long-time Tulsan, says.

While the choices of invitations seem endless, I was far more impressed by the people who create the energy and mood in the store.

Hard-working, busy women carefully tie satin bows to complete the finishing touches on an upcoming wedding program and add the last rhinestone to a 50th surprise birthday invitation to give it an appropriate glitz, all while chatting away, offering knowledgeable assistance and advice to customers.

The enjoyment these women seem to get out of being in the store and helping customers ultimately breathes life into The Inviting Place.

Elizabeth Kubik is a TU senior from St. Louis. She is majoring in English and completing a certificate in journalism studies. She is also a passionate runner.

The Friendly Folks at FedEx Kinko's

2009-09-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

By Danni Powell

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. To some, this place might actually be FedEx Kinko's (formerly Kinko's). On occasion, some very interesting people do business there.

With that in mind, I spent my Wednesday lunch hour observing the customers and employees at Kinko's.

As I approached the building on 11th Street just across from the TU campus, I was surprised to see that the parking lot that FedEx Kinko's shares with Subway was packed. I counted eight people waiting in line, with more people browsing the store. Most looked between 24-45, but there was one gray-haired older woman. It was obvious everyone was in a hurry, but no one was rude or pushy.

These questions in my mind were interrupted by a shout of “Leann!”

I looked to the door, expecting to see an employee walk in. Instead, it was another customer. One of the employees was hollering at the customer like she was a good friend.

Leann's friend is Greg, an employee of FedEx Kinko's for the past four years. Greg said that he had only met Leann in the store, and over the last few years they developed a rapport through casual conversation.

When asked if that is common, Greg said, “A lot of the time we see the same faces. You figure out how much family they have and where they work and stuff.” This is how he came to consider Leann a friend.

I asked him if he ever had any unusual people come in to shop. “You get the occasional crazy. But hey, that's Tulsa,” he said.

Danni Powell is a TU junior majoring in communication. She is a native of Muldrow, Okla., where she finished at the top of her high school graduation class.

Sights, Sounds and Smells from Tulsa's Cherry Street Farmers' Market

2009-09-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Jintae Hwang

Cool grey sky welcomed me that morning as I stepped out of my apartment. I headed to 15th and Peoria in midtown Tulsa, now known as Lincoln Plaza.

The full parking lot showed how popular the place was. After getting out of my car, I could smell the freshness and the excitement of welcoming people. I arrived at the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market.

The small parking lot was full of numbers of booths all around. Local farmers stood inside selling their products. The foggy day brought cool breeze for people to enjoy Saturday morning shopping.

Fresh vegetables were the main products—tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and many more. The market had a lot to offer and the hoppers seemed happy. The atmosphere was kind of sophisticated, since the shoppers seemed to be educated or well-off people.

Disneyland has its Mickey Mouse dollar. Cherry Street Farmers’ Market has its own currency as well. They have tokens for people without cash. All you need to do is swipe your card with a dollar service fee.

The ‘trustworthy system’ still exists there. I brought some grapes without paying, but was told to pay on my next visit. That surprised me the most after all.

I headed back with full of shopping bags in my hands. Next week, I just have to remember to bring $7 to the grape booth.

Jintae Hwang is a senior at TU. A native of South Korea, he lived in California for four years before coming to Tulsa. After graduation, he plans a career in sports media in Korea.

Tulsans and Their Dogs: A Visit to Joe Station Bark Park

2009-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

By Katelin Montag

In cities like Tulsa, it is not always easy to find wide open spaces to let your dogs run around in. Tulsa’s two off-leash dog parks are giving city dwellers a solution to that problem while having a highly welcoming atmosphere.

The day I visited Joe Station Bark Park in West Tulsa, I found it to be a perfect example of friendliness and courtesy. Everyone was following the posted rules and even the dogs seemed to be in a cheerful mood.

Dogs are the center of attention at Joe Station Bark Park. They are celebrated in the design of the park with images of bones and separate areas for large and small dogs to play in. Bleachers are also provided outside of the fence for those who want to watch the dogs play from a distance.

My favorite part of the park was seeing the interactions between the dog owners. The dogs are encouraged to roam around and play with the other dogs at the park and whenever a pair of dogs would become friendly with one another, so would the owners.

Conversations were borne out of discussing the traits and personalities of each dog and what could easily turn into a competition usually developed into friendly chats. I couldn’t help thinking of the Midwestern charm I always hear about being a part of Tulsa, but rarely notice after so many years of living here.

The dog parks not only provide a service for Tulsa’s pets, but also showcase the ability of people to work together to create a pleasant environment for everyone.

Katelin Montag is a TU senior majoring in communication, minoring in English. An international baccalaureate graduate of Tulsa's Booker T. Washington High School, she plans to work as a news writer.

A Mom and Pop Burger Joint in Tulsa: Wranglers BBQ

2009-09-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

By Caity Lincoln

A strong craving for one of Tulsa’s best burgers sent me on a cross town trek to Wranglers BBQ at 71st and Memorial last week. I’ve been patronizing Wranglers for years, and being a self-proclaimed “burger guru,” I can honestly say that they make one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

Wranglers is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Joe and Cindy. Customer service is very important to Joe and Cindy and so at this drive-up burger joint, Cindy can always be found cheerfully filling orders and chatting with her regular customers.

Cindy almost always recognizes her loyal customers by their orders even before they pull up to her window.

“Hi there doll! I was just thinking about you!” are often the first words out of her mouth. Her bright red hair and English-by-way-of-South Africa accent characterize her sunny disposition.

Joe can rarely be seen, but can often be heard around closing time when he’s arguing with Cindy for allowing customers to order more burgers when he’s ready to shut down the grill for the night.

A long line of cars can always be found snaked around this popular lunch time spot, but the delicious food is well worth the wait. Thick juicy steak burgers, BBQ specialties, and warm reception always ensures for repeat customers.

Next time you’re in the area and need a break from the mall mayhem, head on over to Wranglers for a little mom and pop dining experience that’s sure to make your day.

Caity Lincoln is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa and a TU sophomore. She plans to go to law school.

2007 Ice Storm: The Story of A Pizza Delivery Driver

2008-12-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

by Kelli Kickham

Last year’s ice storm was a shock and an inconvenience to everyone, but while most were stuck home without power, there were still the few businesses that did whatever possible to stay open, and the employees that worked through the cold.

Chris is a delivery driver at a Tulsa area pizza restaurant.

While most businesses were closing their doors, their store was busy hooking up generators and bringing in more business.

“I worked every day of the ice storm,” Chris said. He was busy at work driving the roads that locals were warned to stay off of, and walking sometimes ten pound orders to the door on the icy sidewalks.

It wasn’t just outside that things were crazy, though. The delivery and carry-out only store was full of customers.

“We had a full staff, the customer area packed, and there was even a line outside. There was somewhere around 60 people waiting for their orders that first night, before we got the generator,” he said.

When their power finally did go out that night, the oven was full and there were around 30 or 40 angry people who had been waiting on their food over an hour.

“We ran close to an 80-order hour more than once during the ice storm. A normal busy hour on a Friday night is only around 50,” Chris said.

There were a number of people who ordered every day while their power was out.

“Everything about the ice storm was frustrating. Probably the worst of it, though, was that we couldn’t always get people their food even within an hour and a half, and they were often angry by the time we got there,” he said.

Chris also said that a lot of people didn’t tip, and some even thought they should have their orders free.

The customers were warned when they ordered that there was no guarantee how long it would be before their orders arrived, and many probably didn’t realize what the drivers were going through before they got their pizzas.

“You had to really watch out. There would be branches falling as you were driving down the road, branches falling as you were carrying the orders to their homes, and branches falling everywhere in-between,” Chris said. There were also so many branches already fallen that they “simply couldn’t get through some of the roads.”

He said that there wasn’t anything that anyone could do to make it better.

“It was horrible for everyone, nobody had any power, and they couldn’t cook,” Chris said.

His store was one of the few restaurants that stayed open while everyone was out of power, and he said a lot of people were “really thankful, they knew how bad it was out there for us, and they would have had trouble getting a meal if we didn’t come out.”

When Chris was asked whether there was any compensation for working that horrible week, he laughed and said, “Usually when you work in bad weather, you either get a bonus, or free food, but this time all we got was a t-shirt that said ‘I Survived the 2007 Ice Storm.’”

One year after the storm, Tulsans remember the chaos

2008-12-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

By: Liza Mata

Jerry Holloway and his family did not anticipate the events of the Oklahoma Grand Ice Storm of 2007. A beautiful vision of “winter wonderland” ended up chaotically in a matter of days. His house was severely damaged, but he and his family made the best out of the situation.

The Holloways were out of electricity for eight days.

The first night of the storm was uneventful. Holloway said he and his family stayed at the house and heard branches falling outside.

Holloway said that the next morning, “We heard a limb fall and hit our house and walked outside.”

He said they started hearing “some really large cracks.” Holloway said that they noticed quite a few tree branches around their driveway, but “nothing that we couldn’t easily work around.”

The Holloways have very large trees around their driveway. Some of them are almost four feet wide and have limbs that are about the size of some trees, Holloway said.

Holloway was standing on his driveway seeing what was going to happen with some of those trees. He said they had a tree limb fall exactly in the center of their driveway “that was absolutely huge.”

Tree limbs continued to fall during the rest of the day. One fell on the house and pierced the roof all the way into the attic, but didn’t go all the way through, Holloway said.

“There were so many limbs down you couldn’t drive in and out of our house,” Holloway said.
However, they tried to make the best out of the situation.

Holloway said they were very fortunate to have a gas stove and battery-run water heaters in their house. They had plenty of wood in their fireplace and groceries.

He said they camped out by the fireplace with candles the first night without power.

Unique things happen at times when things appear to be bad, Holloway said.

Holloway went out to his garage and found an old generator that used to belong to his dad, who passed away in 2005.

That generator appeared to not have been used for over 30 years, he said. Holloway cleaned it and put gas in it and “the first time I pulled it, it started,” he said.

They were able to turn on some lights and the TV for a few days.

Like most people in Tulsa, they made it through “just on our camping skills,” Holloway said.

Holloway said that his worst experience was the fear of major damage to their home, from the trees that surround it. They could have lost their home.

When the electricity came back on, he said, everyone was elated. It was a great celebration.

His best experience was making fried pies in the fireplace with camping tools. His mother-in-law also stayed in his house. Holloway said it was a nice family time.

During the storm, they started to work with the help of some family friends to remove all the debris from his property.

Holloway said that they worked on repairs and removal of tree branches all the way into the spring.

Ice storm anniversary evokes memories

2008-12-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

By: Ashlee Lubniewski

In December of 2007, there was an ice storm so memorable that many say this December is the one year anniversary of the event that wreaked so much havoc on the city of Tulsa. This ice storm resulted in areas all over the city to be layered with thick ice. It also resulted in many residents who had no power for days, or even weeks, depending on their location in the city.

The ice storm left Tulsa citizens feeling helpless and wondering when they would once again have power and life would return to normal. The amount of damage done by the ice storm allowed it to be crowned with the name of the Great Tulsa Ice Storm of 2007, and the title of being one of the worst natural disasters that has ever struck the state of Oklahoma.

Ronnie-Rashaud Brown remembers the devastating effects that the ice storm took on his household at 5615 E. 23rd Street.

"I walked outside one morning to drive to school, and the huge tree in my front yard had fallen and blocked my entire driveway," said the University of Tulsa junior.

Trees such as the one that fell on Brown’s driveway not only kept people from getting to work and school, but also knocked out power all around the city, including Brown’s power.

"It was a long week with a tree blocking my driveway and no heat or power. Thankfully I had just gone shopping and had a lot of food in the house!" Brown said.

Brown recalls the difficulties of keeping up with classes and getting to work on time. After his power went out, it was only a matter of hours until his computer, cell-phone, and other electronics ran out of power and couldn’t be recharged.

Luckily Brown had friends who lived on campus at TU, where most residents had power thanks to backup generators. Brown, as well as many other commuting students, would visit friends on campus when they could to take showers and do laundry.

"I called friends on campus as soon as I could to arrange rides to campus for classes and work," Brown said. "I would always try and bring my phone and computer with me so that I could recharge them while I was there."

Brown slept at his house during the storm, attempting to keep rooms lit up with candles until he was ready to go to sleep, and remembers being bored without the luxuries of television and internet.

"I don’t think I spend too much time watching television or on the internet. But when I didn’t have those things for an extended period of time, I realized that I took for granted how occupied those things kept me when I wanted something to do," Brown said.

Brown is not alone when he expresses his gratitude that this December, Tulsa has not experienced anything near the ice storm that hit the city last year. As the rest of winter progresses, citizens hope that this winter will pass through with nothing more than some cold weather and the necessity of a heavy jacket or two.

Tulsa Ice Storm: One year later

2008-12-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

Orien Landis looks at bare shelves at local grocery store during the 2007 ice storm.

By Kevin Genske

Last December Northeast Oklahoma was hit by one of the worst storms in state history. It wasn’t a tornado or a flood but instead an ice storm. The storm which left many areas covered in several inches of ice knocked out power to 640,000 residents making it one of the worst natural disasters in state history.

Oklahoma residents lived without power for days and even weeks until utility companies could remove all the downed trees and power lines. Without heat or power residents scrambled to find warm places to weather the storm. For Matt Spencer that place was the home a friend.

“I had an apartment on the other side of the Arkansas river, across from downtown. I lost power for a little more than a week. After the first two days I decided I needed to go stay somewhere else,” Spencer said.

Spencer wasn’t the only person looking for a place to stay. Hotels with power were booked solid almost immediately leaving residents to call family and friends hoping someone would have power.

“My family was living in Edmond and I wasn’t about to try and drive there in the ice so I started calling all my friends. My friend Orien didn’t have power but he had a wood furnace so I stayed with him and a couple of other people,” Spencer said.

Not only did the ice storm knock out power to thousands of residents and businesses it also led to a rush on grocery stores and gas stations. People were buying every perishable food item they could because they didn’t know how long the power would be out. Gas stations were running out of gasoline with people buying gas to run their generators.

“After I got to Orien’s house we decided we should go pick up some milk and bread. I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life! The shelves were all bare. It was like something you saw in pictures from the great depression or from a war zone. It was really weird. Needless to say we didn’t get any milk or bread,” Spencer said.

Spencer said he spent a week with his friend in Bixby until the power in his apartment was back on. While he’s grateful that he had a warm place to stay he doesn’t want to experience anything like that again.

“It was horrible. I’ve never felt so powerless in my life, and I’m not just talking about not having power. I hope I never have to go through anything like ever again.

Ice Storm Stories: The Great Ice Storm of 2007

2008-12-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

By John Cope

Brenda Manasco remembers the sound of branches breaking during the Monday morning after the largest ice storm in recent memory hit Tulsa last year.

“It sounded like a ship breaking in half,” Manasco said.

The ice storm that hit Tulsa and the surrounding area in December of 2007 was one of the most adverse weather events that has occurred in the Tulsa area in a long time. A large wintry mix of precipitation hit in the overnight hours between Saturday, December 8^th and Sunday, December 9^th.

The ice that covered trees and power lines across the city resulted in the most massive power outage in Tulsa in recent memory. Most people in the city experienced an outage for some amount of time, and some residents were out of power for weeks.

Due to the power outages and terrible conditions, very few schools, restaurants, and other businesses were open during the storm. The freezing temperatures, icy roads, and lack of electricity to help heat most people’s homes combined to create a very perilous situation.

Manasco, who lives near 11^th and Harvard, was out of power for over a week. Manasco and her family used a gas stove to heat the house. When there was no ice to cool their food, Manasco simply went outside and put ice pellets that had fallen off trees into her cooler.

Manasco also used scented candles to help heat her home. She said that the entire scented candle aisles at Walmart and at the local Bass Pro Shop were cleared out.

Raquel Garcia, who lives in east Tulsa near 31^st and Garnett, lost her power for four days.

Garcia recounts that two of her next door neighbors tried to keep their house warm with a charcoal grill. After a time, the neighbors came to Garcia’s house, where she found that they had apparently inhaled carbon monoxide.

Garcia called 911 to get the neighbors medical attention. The paramedics took the neighbors to the hospital.

Carmen Lau, a resident of Broken Arrow, had to have her scheduled back surgery postponed for two days because of the ice storm. Her family was without power for two days.

Lau and her family found refuge at her brother’s house.

“Sometimes nature calls the shots,” Lau said.

Cheryl Taylor, who lives in the neighborhood northwest of 61^st and Lewis, also had vivid memories of the ice storm.

“There were tree limbs in my driveway and up and down the street,” Taylor said. “It was a war zone.”

Taylor had an offer for a free two-night stay at a hotel, but she didn’t take it because she was worried her dogs would freeze in the house. Her house was only about 25 degrees without heat, so she stayed by the fireplace through the cold nights.

Alicia Grass, a PTA board member for Eliot Elementary school, was out of power for ten days because of the storm. Her family tried to get a hotel room once they realized the severity of the storm, but to no avail.

Grass, like many others, ended up seeking solace at a house that had power. Grass went to her grandmother’s house south of Norman. However, her husband was forced to stay and tough out the conditions because he owns a framing company.

Grass said that she and her family played lots of board and card games to cope with the situation.

“If it happens again,” Grass said, “I’m so moving further south.”

Many trees had branches collapse under the weight of ice during the
December 2007 ice storm that hit Tulsa, leaving many roads partially
blocked or even totally impassable. Photo by Brenda Manasco.

Ice Storms in Tulsa

2008-12-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

How to Deal: Oklahoma Disaster

By: Ty Page

State-wide weather emergency alerts could not prepare residents of Oklahoma for the ice storm claimed as a natural disaster during the month of December last year, which caused many to lose power in their homes and work. The storm was one to be reckoned with along with the extreme amounts of damage that took place.

Many were faced with making the decision to cope with the power outage while staying at home or seek shelter elsewhere depending on their family and financial situations.

Not only were Oklahoma residents living in rural areas faced with this problem, many bigger city dwellers were forced to deal without electricity and power as well.

“It definitely brought our family closer together because during this time, we were all each other had,” Keith Blalock stated.

Blalock looked back at the situation and explained the tough times his family faced, but tried to point out the positive aspects of the experience. His family consists of his wife and three children who all decided to remain in their home.

The Blalocks lost power for a duration of five days, which was relatively mild compared to other families.

“We decided to keep a fire going in our fireplace and camp out in the living room together,” Blalock said.

As for food, Blalock said they ate most of their meals out of the home since they could not use their kitchen. They also took showers at a relative’s house who maintained power through a generator.

Not all people had the choice of remaining in their homes during this troubling storm.

“All I could remember was a sea of white outside and the trees looked fake with ice covering every inch of them,” Carrie Smith explained.

Smith, a single resident in Tulsa, lived by herself in a home in Tulsa with no family.

When the storm happened, she decided there was no way she could stay at her house by herself.

“I made the decision to stay at a hotel for two weeks with a friend,” Smith said, “I felt like there was no way I would survive this on my own, emotionally or physically.”

Smith was not alone with these feelings. Many Oklahoma residents felt great amounts of stress during and after the ice storm.

After the ice melted and most people regained electricity in their homes, there was still a huge amount of damage to be dealt with.

“I decided to help out my local neighborhood by clearing out branches from driveways and helping elder residents with damage to their homes,” Smith said.

Smith along with many other Tulsa residents participated in similar activities to help reclaim a normal life subsequent to the storm.

“The storm was destructive no doubt, but I think it showed how we Oklahoma residents could pull together and weather such a disaster,” Blalock said.

All in all, most Oklahoma residents can look back at the ice storm in the winter of 2007 and be thankful the situation is over. As for similar events in the future, residents seem to have a better grasp at how to handle such a devastating circumstance.

NPR Reporter John Burnett Speaks at TU

2008-11-17T21:16:00.001-08:00

John Burnett, a national correspondent for National Public Radio, spoke at The University of Tulsa in October. Based in Austin, Texas, Burnett covers the Southwest for NPR, but has also covered stories from Iraq and Afghanistan to Guatemala and Mexico. After his public lecture, Burnett signed copies of his book, Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions, published in Rodale in 2006. A link to the book on Amazon is here.

Burnett spoke to TU journalism students about his life as a reporter in Iraq and other dangerous places. Burnett was an embedded reporter with the First Marine Division in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

TU Campus Works to Reduce Crime Rate

2008-11-06T23:11:00.000-08:00

By Ty Page

While college institutions located in Tulsa are safer than other college institutions in the state of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa totals a significantly higher number of criminal offenses in comparison with its neighboring institutions.

In the past three years, the University of Tulsa has recorded 89 on-campus criminal offenses, according to the Office of Postsecondary Education. This totals 75 more criminal offenses than Rogers State University and 51 more than Oral Roberts University.

A similar enrollment size of between 3,000 and 4,000 students is shared among the three college institutions, but TU proves to be a more risky environment.

The majority of the criminal offenses on TU’s campus included burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Specifically 40.4 percent of the criminal offenses were related to burglary and 44.9 percent were related to motor vehicle theft.

In contrast, none of the criminal offenses that took place at Rogers State were related to motor vehicle theft, along with only 2 occurrences at Oral Roberts.

TU officials have made additional efforts to reduce the rate of motor vehicle theft. There is now only one entrance to most parking lots on campus and an iron fence borders the perimeter of the school.

More information on crime rates for the University of Tulsa and other campuses can be found here.

Crime: How the University of Tulsa matches up to its city.

2008-11-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

By Kelli Kickham

The University of Tulsa population is known for personalized challenges, achievements, and routinely winning prestigious awards.

The University of Tulsa stands out in more than just student ranking; crime statistics show major differences between trends at the University of Tulsa and the city itself.

Statistics show that the University of Tulsa likes to stand out from the rest of the Tulsan population in regards to crime, as well.

In regard to forcible sex offenses, when the city of Tulsa’s rate increased 3.5 percent from 2006 to 2007, the University of Tulsa’s went down from three offenses to zero.

The University of Tulsa also had a massive decrease in burglaries of 41.2 percent, from 17 to 10 offenses. The city of Tulsa fell behind in this category as well, increasing 8.4 percent.

The city did outshine the University in one area specifically: motor vehicle theft. While the city’s rate increased 15.9 percent, the University fared much worse, as the occurrences more than doubled from six offenses to 15.

From 2006 to 2007, the Tulsa population stayed around 385,00 and the University of Tulsa population stayed around 4,000.

Oklahoma Economy Stable Despite National Troubles

2008-11-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

By John Cope

While the U.S. economy continues to struggle with stock prices plummeting and a weak housing market, the Oklahoma economy is not experiencing the same difficulty in the short-term.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce's October 2008 Employment Briefing reports that the Oklahoma economy has actually gained more than 12,000 jobs over the past year, despite the national economy losing over half a million jobs in the same time span.

The briefing can be found here. (For best results in viewing the link, use Firefox.)

The numbers presented by this briefing suggest that the Oklahoma job market is not being adversely affected by the problems experienced by the national economy. Whether this holds true in the coming months is uncertain, but for now the Oklahoma job market appears relatively solid despite the turmoil in the national economy.

Oklahoma has the sixth-lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the nation at 3.8 percent, according to the briefing. The unemployment rate has actually decreased since September 2007 despite troubles in the national economy. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 6.1 percent.

Other states surrounding Oklahoma have also not been as affected by the downturn in the national economy. The region as a whole has experienced an increase in jobs over the past year.

College graduates a minority in the U.S.

2008-11-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

By Ashlee Lubniewski

College students often do not realize what an accomplishment they have achieved when they walk down the aisle to receive their diploma.

But graduating college with a bachelor's degree is something that isn't very common in the United States. It is something that students should be proud to say that they have accomplished.

So when sending your child off to college, remind them that when they walk down that aisle four years later to receive their diploma, they are receiving something that holds a lot of value.

After all, they are becoming part of a group that consists of barely a quarter of our nation.

While 84.4 percent of Tulsans and 80.6 percent of Oklahomans are high school graduates, the numbers drop drastically when looking at statistics for college graduates.

In Tulsa, only 28.3 percent of the population have a bachelor's degree or higher. In Oklahoma, it is only 20.3 percent of the population.

Tulsa has a population of 382,872. This means that only 108,352 people have their bachelor's degree.

With Oklahoma's population of 3,579,212, only 726,580 adults have a bachelor's degree.

In the coming years, we can only hope that this is a statistic where the numbers will be on the rise.

More information on Tulsa statistics can be found by clicking here.

Tulsa job market lures college grads

2008-11-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

By Kevin Genske

College graduates from Oklahoma may need to look no further than Tulsa when it comes to finding a job.

According Forbes magazine, Tulsa is becoming a great place for recent college graduates to find work.

Tulsa’s recent growth in jobs and low unemployment rate make it a good choice for graduates entering the job market for the first time.

In 2006 Tulsa was ranked the 48^th best city to find a job due to its poor potential job growth rate and income growth rate. Tulsa’s growth rate improved over the last two years moving Tulsa to 22^nd on the Forbes 2008 list.

Twenty-eight percent of Tulsa’s workforce has a bachelors degree or higher and that number has been rising with Tulsa’s recent economic growth.

Young adults are moving to Tulsa in increasing numbers according to U.S Census information with the hopes of landing good jobs.

Tulsa had a population of 393,049 in the 2000 U.S. Census, with 31,286 people being between the ages of 20-24 as listed here by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

During the recent economic turmoil in the U.S., Tulsa’s growth in jobs and low unemployment rates makes it an appealing choice for college graduates.

TU campus hopeful that alcohol violations will decrease with new rule

2008-11-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

By Liza Mata

A report by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education shows a substantial decrease in liquor law violations at the University of Tulsa campus since 2005.

One of the most common disciplinary actions issued by the Security Department at TU in recent years has been related to liquor law violations.

In 2005, 83 people were referred to disciplinary action on campus as a result of such violations. None of these people were arrested.

Under the alcohol policy at TU only students over 21 were allowed to consume liquor on campus. They could only have a six-pack of 3.2 percent beer.

TU's alcohol policy changed earlier this year. Students over 21 are now allowed to keep any amount of alcoholic beverages of their choice in their dorm rooms and apartments.

The number of liquor law violations diminished around 5 percent in 2006 with only 79 reports and it dropped to 51 reports in 2007.

Conversely, drug law violations have increased significantly over the past three years. In 2005 only two drug law violations were reported, going up to seven in 2006 and to 15 in 2007.

Three of the drug law violations in 2007 took place in residence halls, and three people were arrested.

Further information on these cases and other campus security data can be found by clicking here.

Coming Soon: Numbers that Tell Oklahoma Stories

2008-11-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

By John Coward

New Street Story reports are in the works.

This week, I asked the TU News Gathering students to find statistics that describe various aspects of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma. I gave them free reign—they could look at numbers on topics ranging from entertainment and recreation to crime and business statistics.

The assignments are due later today, when the class will be uploading and editing their reports. If all goes according to plan, we'll have useful and interesting Oklahoma numbers on this site soon.

UPDATE: Several student stories are posted above. Check 'em out.

Tulsa's Circle Cinema Brings Art to the Screen

2008-10-23T15:31:00.001-07:00

The Circle Cinema is Tulsa's only non-profit, community-oriented movie theater.

Story and photos by Kelli Kickham

I strolled into the Circle Cinema in hopes of finding a story on a Wednesday night. As I walked through the door, I saw employee Chuck Foxen.

Foxen told me that the Circle is the only running historic theater in Tulsa. The non-profit theater is also know for being community-oriented.

Foxen showed me the gallery in the Circle, which was displaying paintings by students at the Tulsa Girls Art School. The painting were for sale, a fund-raiser for the school.

The Circle opened in 1928 and and been an important landmark in Whittier Square every since. Today it shows films that rarely make it to the mall theaters, mostly independent and foreign films and documentaries.

I was exploring the paintings and old movie posters that decorate the lobby when customers started arriving for an 8 p.m. showing of Encounters at the End of the World.

I talked to Cindy and Lori Wood. The mother and daughter are Tulsans, but didn't start going to the Circle until one of Lori's college professors recommended it. Now they are frequent moviegoers who live the Circle not simply for entertainment but for its educational value.

"[I saw] The Rape of Europa here. It was really good," Lori said.

The Circle Cinema on Lewis near I-244, not far from TU, so it's perfect for students who want to combine entertainment, art and popcorn with an "educational" evening out.

Try the Circle. It'll impress your parents—and your professors. For more information, check out the Circle's website here.

Lori, left, and Cindy Wood, a mother and daughter who appreciate the Circle Cinema.

The Circle Cinema's gallery features art by local artists.

Gourmet popcorn and other goodies are available at the concession stand.

Kelli Kickham is a TU student from Tulsa who works part-time as a model.

A Visit to Downtown Tulsa and the Day Center for the Homeless

2008-09-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Day Center for the Homeless attracts a crowd of visitors every day in downtown Tulsa.
A toddler was running and having fun at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless in downtown Tulsa. (Photos by Ashton Elder.)

By Ashton Elder

Drive downtown, down past Denver Avenue and at the north end of Denver, turn left. You will see a different world there, a world of old and abandoned buildings, lone men resting on filthy sidewalks, deterioration everywhere you look.

This is not some Third World country. This is a part of the United States. This is a city slum. This is Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I walked in the rain toward the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. Ahead, I saw several groups of clustered outside, smoking, talking, or simply staying dry.

A group of African-American women was sitting on a bench with cigarettes. They laughed as a younger woman's toddler skipped around them, joyful, unaware of where she was and what that might mean for her future.

A man named Juan, an older Hispanic gentleman with faded tattoos and scars, offered to help me carry my boxes of donations. I thanked him, but he quickly relied, "No, thank you."

As I observed the groups of people gathered in the courtyard, what struck me the most was the lone man leaning against the corner, tattered clothes, thin, with rough skin.

The expression on his face was something beyond sadness, even hopelessness. His face revealed a blank stare at nothing, as if he was sleeping with his eyes open. It was an expression that was marked by years of struggling to survive.

Ashton Elder is a TU communication student from Tulsa. She loves to read.

The Collective: TU Neighborhood's New Coffee House

2008-09-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Inside The Collective, the new coffee house on 11th Street across from TU.

The Collective:
It's Not Just
Another Coffee Shop

By Ty Page

A cozy environment, soft music, aromas of coffee and a diverse menu are all qualities of The Collective, a new coffee house on 11th Street across from the TU campus.

As I strolled through the main entrance, I was comforted by the atmosphere of the brick walls, leather-clad booths and chairs, and the sound of a Postal Service song playing in the background.

Although I rarely venture to coffee houses, I lucked out at The Collective on this Tuesday afternoon.

I decided to lay back in one of the booths and observe the people around me. One couple seemed to be discussing an accounting class problem on one side of the room, while a college-aged student was surfing the Internet on the other side.

The place struck me as a great retreat from my apartment, especially because it is so close by.

A young guy dressed casually in jeans and a maroon t-short approached me. He happened to be the co-owner, Rusty Rowe. I complimented his idea of hanging Tulsa t-shirts from the ceiling, one of which said "Don't Hate the 918," a reference to the Tulsa area code.

Rowe told me that there was a live DJ over the weekend and 200 customers came through the place. I also learned that The Collective has a fully loaded bar and serves drinks during special events, including TU football games, when they sell beer and snacks on the patio.

For me, The Collective was a real find, a place in the TU neighborhood that's both unique and convenient.

Ty Page is a TU senior from Dallas. He is majoring in communication and minoring in coaching. After graduation, he wants to work in advertising.

Nordaggio's: South Tulsa's Caffeine Haven

2008-09-25T11:19:00.001-07:00

The sidewalk tables at Nordaggio's, not far from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. (Photos by Liza Mata)
The entrance to Nordaggio's Coffee near the ORU campus.

By Liza Mata

If there is a perfect place in Tulsa to hang out with friends and meet new people, it is Nordaggio’s.

With its diverse customers, Nordaggio’s invites coffee fans to enjoy its extraordinary variety of products.

This place is ideal for college students. It offers a modern yet comfortable setting, free Wi-Fi, the best coffee in town, great music, and a fantastic staff.

As I walked in, I was rapidly absorbed by the artistic touch of the place.

I was amazed by the amount of art in display. I became particularly fascinated by a Mona Lisa portrait painted in cocoa, which hung over the chimney and presented the famous lady holding a mug of coffee in one of her hands, thus called Mona Latte.

Leather couches sit by the beautiful stone chimney, tall bar tables, computers, and two environments separated by a semi-wall constitute the setting.

The music is wonderful too. It varies depending on the time of the day, said Janette Branca, store clerk. The store iPod contains music by Enya for the morning, jazz and Latin music during the afternoon, and music by artists such as Coldplay at night. (For music links to free online playlists, click here.)

Nordaggio’s also promotes local artists. Every Saturday night, bands from the Tulsa area are welcome to play at this wonderful coffee place.

Nordaggio’s is great because of its coffee and its closeness to campus, said Nikki and Wade, two college students who visit it frequently and enjoy its pleasant environment.
Window signs at this popular coffee shop in Tulsa.

Liza Mata is a junior at TU. She is a native of Maturin, Venezuela, and moved to Oklahoma when she was 16. She is a graduate of Jenks High School. She is majoring in communication and has minors in political science and French.

Karaoke Night at Tulsa's 'The Buck'

2008-09-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

The mural on the wall of Tulsa's Buckaneer bar, on Harvard near 11th Street.

By Paul Lischwe

I am by no means a bar connoisseur or a prize-winning karaoke singer. Bit I am a 21-year-old who enjoys the company of good friends and singing the occasional "Mary Jane's Last Dance" when the time is right.

That disclaimer brings me to the beginning of my adventure at The Buckaneer, a bar just a stone's throw from the TU campus.

The time was about 11:15 on a Thursday night. I walked through the door of the Buck. To my left a portly man was on a small six-by-five foot stage belting out a western song that was lost on me. At this point, I could tell it was going to be a good night.

I walked over to the bar to meet a few of my buddies for a drink. As I passed by two female patrons of the bar, I could not help but overhear them intently discussing which karaoke ballad they wanted to sing. I caught the song "I Would Do Anything for Love" by Meat Loaf.

I hoped they would make a better selection.

Joining the circle that my friends had formed, I became aware that I was the only one without a drink in my hand. That needed fixing, so I worked my way through a wall of other thirsty customers and ordered the Thursday night special, which is a bucket of Natural Light bottles for $5.

After enjoying a few karaoke performances and taking down a few beers from the bucket, I decided to try my hand at karaoke. After recruiting my buddy John, we made our way to the man running the laptop that held all of the karaoke songs. We inquired about the song "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

About 20 minutes later, the two of us found ourselves on stage with about 100 patrons looking up at us, Maybe this wasn't such a solid idea.

We sang. For the most part, we were better than I had expected. We butchered a few of the later verses, but there seemed to be no booing except from my less adventuresome friends.

Off the stage and out of the limelight, I waked back through the billiard tables to my groupies. We settled our tab with the Buckaneer's manager, P.J., and made our way to Taco Bell for a nightcap.

Paul Lischwe is a junior finance major and a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity at TU.

New Coffee Bar Opens Across from TU

2008-09-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Collective, a new student-oriented coffee bar, recently opened on 11th Street—Route 66—across from Chapman Stadium in Tulsa. (Photos by Kate Kramer)

The rich color of liquid caffeine at Tulsa's newest coffee spot.

The green t-shirt says it best: "I Speak Okie."

By Kate Kramer

As I entered the new cafe called The Collective, the scene of freshly baked pastries and breads awakened my appetite.

My eyes went first to the front counter, which was smothered in trays of baked goods that gave the place its tempting aroma.

Hanging behind the counter was a huge black chalkboard covered in drink titles. The names and ingredients were written haphazardly with colored chalk, revealing the cafe's playful spirit.

I noted the relaxed murmur of conversation that filled the room. The Collective's comfortable wooden booths and high-top tables were occupied by groups of busily chatting college students.

The carefree atmosphere of the cafe extended to the baristas, who were shooting the breeze behind the counter. They talked with me while I decided which drink to order.

When I asked for permission to take photographs of the place, the baristas were enthusiastic and encouraged me to snap a shot of them making a customer's drink.

"Our espresso is a beautiful golden brown color," said the second barista. "We're very proud of it."

Menu items all bear the names of various Tulsa landmarks. T-shirts hang from the ceiling, adding to the cafe's Tulsa spirit.

Even the bathrooms exhibit an original flair. The walls and stalls were slathered with inspirational quotes and drawings in bright shades.

As I sipped my latte, I overheard students gossiping and discussing upcoming parties and concerts. Their voices blended with the general hum of the coffeehouse.

Kate Kramer is a TU sophomore majoring in English with a certificate in journalism. She is from Elk River, Minn., and is the news editor of the campus weekly, The Collegian.

Weekend at Texoma: Softball Team Forges New Bonds

2008-09-18T14:04:00.001-07:00

The TU softball team at Lake Texoma.

By Ashlee Lubniewski

Fifteen TU girls and three coaches took turns barbecuing, tubing and riding jet skis on a weekend trip to Lake Texoma on September 8.

Getting the softball team together for a recreational trip at the beginning of the year is tradition, team captain Brooke Smart said.

This year the trip took the team to first basemen Vanessa Vice's lake house on the sandy beaches of Lake Texoma. The goal was a team activity outside of practice that builds a level of chemistry, comfort, and trust between the girls.

"It's a great way to get to know each other and for the freshman to start to feel comfortable around the rest of the team," Kailey Yarmer said.

After spending the day on the lake, the team came back to the house and ate dinner around a campfire, getting to know each other better.

The girls played games such as Twister, Guitar Hero, and also made shirts to wear to the TU's home football games. They asked each other questions and discussed the upcoming softball season.

The 13 returning players and the two freshman said they feel much more bonded as a team.

Ashlee Lubniewski is a junior communication major at TU. She was raised in Stockton, California, and plays catcher on the TU women's softball team.

Tulsa Chess Club Members Test Their Skills

2008-09-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Young Tulsa chess players playing "blitz" chess, where each player has only five minutes to make all their moves.

By John Cope

On Friday night, the Borders bookstore in south Tulsa is a bustling place. The bookstore is home to a local chess club. When I visited this chess club, I found a relaxed atmosphere that was also filled with latent energy.

This chess club resists the stereotypes that have developed about chess in popular media. While one might imagine a chess club being populated by mostly older gentlemen, kids and teenagers make up about half of the players in Tulsa.

The younger kids give the club much of its energy, as the excitable children roam around looking for people to play or competing against each other in matches of speed chess. With about 20 players at the club on this particular Friday, it was not difficult for anyone to find a game.

I talked with many of the chess players. Ed Boyle is a strong player who has been attending this club since it moved to Borders. Boyle talked about how well the kids in the club play.

“Some adults come in thinking because they have played for so long and can beat everyone in their family, beating kids should be easy,” Boyle said. “Twenty minutes later they are often walking off with their tails between their legs.”

I decided to give this evaluation my own test by playing one of the highly touted young players. We played a speed game in which each of us had only three minutes to make all of our moves. I fashion myself a reasonably good chess player, but in this game I was soundly thrashed.

The club members were not the only ones who had good things to say about the club. Katrina, a Borders employee, said that Friday night is the most interesting night of the week.

“Getting to know the chess players has been enjoyable,” Katrina said.

I found the club to be relaxing and an interesting place to test one’s skills against some good chess players. As much as I enjoy a good bookstore, at this store the chess club gives the place a different level of interest and variety.

I get thrashed by a young chess whiz in a "blitz" match. (Photo by Matthew Griffin.)

John Cope is a TU junior from Tulsa. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, he is studying history and working on a certificate in journalism studies.

2008-08-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

Rethinking Online News: New Ideas, More Content for Tulsa Street Stories

By John Coward
Faculty of Communication

Tulsa Street Stories was started two years ago as an online journalism project of the News Gathering class at The University of Tulsa. The idea for the site was to give TU communication and journalism students a chance to report on a variety of Tulsa topics and to practice some online journalism.

The project got off to a fair start the first year, largely due to my own efforts as the class instructor and on-line guru. I made the story assignments, prodded the students, edited the copy and posted the stories. The result was that the class learned something about the online media world, though our stories and postings were fairly tame (some were too boring) and definitely low tech.

Last fall, the Street Stories project lagged. I wasn't able (or willing) to do all the Internet work, so the postings slowed and then ceased altogether. It wasn't really the students' fault, since I focused on other classwork and let the blog assignments wither away.

This year, however, I'm optimistic that the News Gathering class can reinvigorate the Street Stories site. I have in mind more original stories and some true multimedia content. That means I'm going to work with the students to cover and develop new stories ideas and see if we can't generate more photos, some soundbites and audio content, and even some video.

Also, we will look for ways to link the site to Facebook or MySpace, two sites popular with students. Surely, there are ways to create interesting news and feature stories that other students would like to see.

I want students this year to develop their own stories ideas and supply photos, audio and video. One of them can be the editor as well, giving them good experience and, not incidentally, relieving me of this task.

That's not out of the question for a beginning journalism class, even one taught by a relic of the print age (Yes, I'm that old. I used to write on a manual typewriter. You can see that very machine in my office in Oliphant Room 128. Knock first, please.)

Check back at this site in a few weeks for some new (and exciting) content from Tulsa. Until then, check out the Oklahoma Prison Project, an online journalism project produced earlier this year by the Documentary Workshop class. A link to that site can be found by clicking here.

2007-10-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Tulsa Scenes: The Coffee House on Cherry Street

By Michael Williams

As I walked through the door, I was overwhelmed by the fragrant aroma of coffee. Coffee drinkers were scattered around the room in ones and twos on the couches and chairs provided for them.

A small wall separated conversation nooks from each other. Cabinets filled to overflowing with books, board games, and records provided entertainment for the customers. The shop reminded me of a home that had been refitted as a place of business.

People, old and young, chatted with their friends as soft music filled the air. To my right, a pair of older gentlemen discussed Tulsa’s building projects, while behind me, a group of college students talked about the activities on their campus. Other people browsed through books or worked on computers.

Although I was in a business, I felt like I was passing time at an old friend’s home. The modern art on the wall highlighted the unusual nature of this business in a city filled with chain coffee shops.

Although I do not even drink coffee (my request for hot chocolate drew surprised murmurs from the staff), I found the Coffee House on Cherry Street to be relaxing and friendly in a way that Starbucks could never match.

Above: Coffee House customer Jack Alexander

2007-09-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Doing Laundry Means Having Fun at University Wash

By Bridgette Gonzales

Let's face it: a college student’s priority isn’t cleanliness. That being the case, we often end up with a load of laundry that will take hours to take care of in a single load machine.

Taking our dirty clothes to a Laundromat sounds so tedious and boring. Who wants to sit and wait hours while your clothes are in the wash? I don’t.

I would rather be out somewhere having fun or attempting to be productive. But what if there was a way to take care of laundry and take care of something most of us find as a priority: Having fun.

There is.

University Wash Laundromat on 15th St. isn’t your typical laundromat. They have pool tables and video games to help pass the time. More to the point, it's a place where you can have a beer. I’m not encouraging alcoholism, but enjoying a nice cold beer is almost always nice. And University Wash gives you this option with their beer-only bar.

At University Wash, you’ll find a few TU students doing laundry, having a beer, and enjoying time with their friends. It’s a great way to socialize and be productive.

The people are friendly. It's close to campus. It’s fun. And most of all one can truly be productive so long as they don’t forgot to turn on the wash or place the clothes in the dryer as I did. Also, the pool table can be quite the distraction.

University Wash Laundromat, 3132 E. 15th St., is the perfect place for a student to have fun with friends and get clean at the same time.

2007-09-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Tulsa Scenes: Kilkinney's Offers Irish Charm

By Emily Gibson

Location
Since I came to the University of Tulsa from out of state, I have had to discover the local hot spots for myself. One of my favorites is Kilkenny’s Irish Pub on 15th St just east of Peoria. The moment I step into the pub, I am transported “across the pond” to Ireland. The music overwhelms me, I have to stop myself from doing a little jig for fear I’d embarrass myself.
All of the decor is straight from Ireland, even down to the signs on the bathroom doors which read Lasses and Lads.

Drinks
Kilkenny’s serves 16 types of beer, ranging from your typical Guinness to specialty wheat ales. They also have an abundance of Irish whiskey and scotch. Like most pubs in Ireland, Kilkenny’s offers more than just beer. They have a full lunch and dinner menu, and offer brunch on the weekends.

Food
The food is moderately priced for the average person, although for the typical college student it is a bit on the pricey side. It is perfect for a date night, birthday, or “I just got paid today, let’s go out” meal. I have to recommend the Chatsworth Boxy, and the Ballybunion Beef Tenderloin Kebabs, which is my personal favorite.

Dessert
The dessert menu is top notch. My mouth waters in anticipation for their well known Irish Balloons; fried pastry balls dusted with powdered sugar and served with sweet Irish whiskey butter sauce.

Irish hospitality
I always leave Kilkenny’s in a better mood than when I arrived. Maybe it has something to do with the wonderful service I received, or my full tummy. I don’t think that’s it though. Kilkenny’s is the type of place where you can leave all of your worries behind and enjoy in the magic that is the true Irish pub.

Linguistic Sidebar
• Boxy: A traditional Irish dish common to rural Ireland consisting of a grilled potato pancake stuffed with different fillings

Link
• You can find the menu, directions to, and more information by clicking here.

2007-09-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Tulsa Scenes: Kilkenny's as a Family Tradition

By Ryan McKinzie

It’s a beautiful end-of-summer day outside when I decide that some thirst quenching is order. Walking up and down Cherry Street with my parents, hitting every little shop and boutique along the way, made me particularly parched.

We enter Kilkenny’s Pub and are instantly whisked away into a place that seems to be a thousand miles away from the shops that we were browsing in just minutes earlier.The floor is dark, almost chocolate-colored maple that creaked with every step. The walls are dark mahogany.

I had a mission when we walked in: beer! But the smell of pub fries and the sight of delicious-looking salmon got my stomach involved in the conversation. At that moment I decide that I need to eat.

The host sits us in a corner booth which gives a vantage point of nearly the entire bar. I begin to notice the other customers. There is an elderly couple eating lunch, a group of raucous businessmen sit in the center, and the bar is nearly with people enjoying their favorite pint.

After ordering and receiving our food and drinks I sit back and bask in the glory that is Kilkenny’s and decide right then and there that this will be a family tradition. Food and drink at Kilkenny’s.

2007-09-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

More Tulsa Stories Coming to Street Stories Soon

The fall 2007 TU News Gathering class is hard at work on a new batch of Tulsa Street Stories. I'll be posting news stories and photos soon, so check back regularly to see what TU students are writing about Tulsa and Tulsans.

The first three stories below are part of an assignment for students to use their powers of observation to describe a public place. I asked them to use their senses to describe the place and the people in it, to create a verbal "snapshot" of some interesting place in Tulsa.

If you like what they've done, please comment and tell them so. If not, you can tell them that too. Meanwhile, they'll keep writing. I hope to post more photos on the site soon as well.

--John Coward, Faculty of Communication

2007-09-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Tulsa Scenes: A Battle over Trees in Woodward Park

By Stephanie Smith

I was 5 years old and already hugging trees.

I loved going to the park to climb up their knots, and my parents never let me leave without a million pictures being taken.

Something about their size and age amused me, and ever since then, my appreciation for these creatures has grown deep.

Woodward Park is home to some of Tulsa’s oldest and most beautiful trees. Until recently, the city was allowing them to be destroyed. Park officials said it was cheaper to remove the problematic trees and replace them with newer, smaller ones than to trim the sprawling branches of the older trees.

I wonder how they think this is a solution. I would like to challenge those in charge to explain why no budgets have been cut, no workers were lost, no diseases have struck, and yet there are trees still falling at the hands of those with chainsaws.

People around Tulsa are rallying together in hope to prevent further damage. Petitions are being signed, fliers are being posted and planted all over mid-town, even a Facebook group has been created by an Oklahoma State student—all in an effort to stop the chop.

Our pleas have caught the attention of some officials. City Hall has discussed tree removal, and progress has been made.

Stopthechop.net reports that a large part of the battle has been won. The writers for the site say that before any tree can be removed, the Park Department has to retrieve approval from either the Tree Advisory Committee, or the mayor herself.

I assume this makes things more difficult, but it doesn’t stop things from happening.

I love that picture I took as a little girl. Me hugging a tree that must have been at least 100 years old. I look at it now, and know that majestic tower of bark and branches has seen more in its lifetime than any of us could ever hope to even learn about.

It would be a disaster to lose a piece of history, and the city always seems to find new ways of chopping down a lot of it.

There is still a war to be won, and citizens are not giving up the fight to save the beauty and life of the foliage at Woodward.

Try hugging a tree someday, as a child it made me smile. It may just convince you to join in on the drive to stop the chop.

2007-09-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Tulsa Scenes: My Impressions of Impressions, a Restaurant

By Jacob Niebergall

Impressions sits on the southeast corner of 5th and Main, downtown. It's an eatery that feeds the workplace lunch rush.

The restaurant is long and narrow, with a kitchen in the back. Separating the kitchen from the dining area is a tall counter where you tell the crew what you’d like to eat.

I walked in around 12:30 p.m. to find the place packed. Nearly every table was occupied, and the line was almost to the door. Half of the people in line chatted amongst themselves, while the other half gazed wide-eyed at the large chalk-board menu above the counter.

I already knew what I wanted. Of all the specialty sandwiches on the menu, the Sirloin Dip on French bread was calling my name. As the line drew nearer to the counter, I could hear conversations between the customers and the owner Tom Butcher. Tom greeted many of the customers by their first name.

When it was my turn to order, I was greeted with a hearty hello and a smile. I asked for the Sirloin dip, hot, on French bread, which comes with a cup of Au Jus sauce.

Minutes later I received my plate and slid my tray down the line past the pies and cakes towards the register. Despite how busy and crowded the place was, I was greeted with another smile.

After filling myself up a soda I weaved through the crowd and found myself a table. Just half of the plus-sized sandwich would have filled me up, but I inhaled the other as well.

2007-07-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

A view of the Tulsa Rose Garden in Midtown Tulsa

COMING THIS FALL: NEW TULSA STREET STORIES

More Tulsa Street Stories will be coming soon to a computer near you. Starting in September 2007, TU News Gathering students will be writing a new batch of stories to the Tulsa Street Stories site.

Check this site later for stories, photos and more from Prof. John Coward's TU class site. Thanks for your interest in Tulsa Street Stories.

2006-11-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

FINDING COMMUNITY AT UMBERTO'S PIZZA

I am not from Tulsa.

I need to say that because it conditions my response to this assignment. I am from St. Louis, where there are over 50 neighborhoods and I have a vague idea where about half of them are.

But drop me in T-Town and tell me to find a neighborhood, and I will stare at you wide-eyed and terrified. So when I found out I had to write about a local community, I went to a friend of mine who was raised here.

He told me to go to Umberto’s Pizzeria, on 21st Street just west of Harvard. He promised that I would find a full cast of interesting characters.

I initially found this statement to be flagrantly false. My friends and I were the only people in the restaurant.

So there I was, alone in a pizzeria and in serious need of some sort of community environment. After just a few minutes, though, it became obvious that there is a strong community in Umberto’s. But it isn’t in the restaurant proper—it’s in the large, open kitchen.

The workers of Umberto’s are a neighborhood unto themselves. While I was there, they were speaking Spanish to each other, their cheerful dialogue punctuated with bursts of uproarious laughter.

When Juan, the manager, tells me his favorite part of his job, he pitches his voice to be heard by the rest of the employees and says, “Telling them what to do.”

The other workers all laugh and call out flippant responses, and Juan laughs as though he had orchestrated the whole exchange. There’s something very familial in the way they all seem to know exactly what to say to get a rise out of the others, and the way they grin a little when they’ve finished saying something they know will get a laugh.

Umberto’s Pizzeria is not exactly what I was looking for when I set out to write this story. I was thinking more along the lines of a “where everybody knows your name” place.

But, really, a neighborhood feeling has nothing to do with how crowded a place is. It comes from the interactions of the people, the “cast of characters,” as my friend would say. And Umberto’s has characters that are truly worthy of applause.

--Laura Hermann

2006-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

LIFE ON TULSA'S INDIANAPOLIS STREET

As I stepped out of my car and into a big pile of yellow and orange leaves, two kids greeted me.

“Would you like to buy some beef jerky, or a candy bar?” one of them asked.

I didn't.

After my visit with the kids, I began my walk down the long sidewalk. Indianapolis Street is located near Harvard and Eleventh Street. I picked this quiet neighborhood because it looked so diverse and interesting.

I drew in a deep breath of the crisp cold air; it smelled of fall leaves and acorns. The homes along Indianapolis Street are small and meticulous, some nicer than others.

One house in particular stood out to me. The house, which sits inside an iron fence, is a dark, algae-green color and decorated with numerous yard decorations. Two large trees and several bird feeders sit in the yard.

The four steps leading from the sidewalk onto the property guide you to patchy grass. The house has six big windows, in where I saw a gray cat sitting on the inside window ledge.

Directly across from the "algae" house is a white house with a burgundy cement porch. Four college boys live there. Luckily, one was stepping out of his car while I was around.

“How long have you lived in this house?” I asked him. The tall young man with curly blond hair replied, “About three months. We all moved in at the beginning of the semester.”

I asked him why they chose to live here. “It’s less that five minutes from campus which is nice, and this was one of the few four bedroom homes we could find,” he explained.

I thanked him and continued to walk down the street. As I came to the end of the sidewalk, I noticed a couple homes had decorative lights complimenting the trees and various aspects of the houses.

This end of the neighborhood was more chic and “homey.” The two kids I met earlier lived here. They were playing in the yard on their bicycles.

“We like our neighborhood because there’s lots of kids to play with,” the little girl said. She hopped back on her bicycle and peddled up to the other end of the neighborhood, the boy following closely behind.

--Lindsey Naylor

2006-11-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

FIRST LUTHERAN SERVES MIDTOWN TULSA

The babble of children’s voices fills the parking lot play area of First Lutheran Church, 1244 South Utica Ave. It’s not Sunday, but ministry is a daily occurrence here.

Across the street, a sign in front of one building reads “Luther Place on Troost: A Senior Living Center with Assistance.” This refurbished apartment building is one of the many ministries of this church, located near Hillcrest Hospital.

Sharolyn is at the information desk as I enter. She had to “buzz” me in. Monitoring who comes and goes is all part of the service and the security associated with providing services for the very young and senior citizens.

“My job is to take messages, answer questions about various programs, monitor who comes and goes, and take Angel Food orders. I’m also in charge of Trinity Ministries. We have a Senior Nutrition Site here, a Senior Exercise Group, Senior Computer Classes, all kinds of programs,” Sharolyn said.

While I have been talking with her several other people have come and gone and the smell of lunch is in the air.

Melissa Shell is the First Lutheran Early Learning Center director. “The ELC has been in existence off and on for quite some time. One lady said her grandchildren came here 30 years ago,” she said.

“We’re currently a two-star facility and have four staff members who have their Child Development Associate certification and two more with Mastery certification. The rest are in school to obtain either an associate’s degree or their CDA,” Shell said.

“We’re here to serve our community, we service children who are blind, have kidney problems, and motor skill disabilities,” Shell said.

“Our classrooms build on each other. The infants get a lot of love and care. There’s a monthly curriculum for development that includes stories and songs, and by the time the children are in the Pre-K classes there are writing centers and they are learning colors and shapes,” she said.

The Early Learning Center is licensed to serve 52 infant through Pre-Kindergarten children and currently has 43 enrolled. The facility hopes to be fully accredited by next year.

Shell had to dash. She was headed to the store to buy milk for break time in the ELC.

First Lutheran also has programs that provide sack lunches for the homeless, a meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous, and a meeting place for a Senior Deaf Group.

The ministry will hold a Jazz Festival Fundraiser on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007.

--Karen Groff

2006-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

STEVE'S SUNDRIES: THE CHARMS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD SHOP

Steve’s Books and Magazines—also known as Steve's Sundries—is nestled in the middle of a shopping center right where the Broken Arrow Expressway crosses over Harvard. It's the type of place that’s going out of style.

Corporate chains like Barnes & Noble—spacious, bright, and predictable—have taken a big place in our consumer consciousness. But there's a certain comforting charm in this little neighborhood shop that I’ve never found in a sterile chain store.

Under the same ownership for 59 years, Steve’s offers what seems like every magazine imaginable, along with paperbacks, candy, puzzles, posters, and other knickknacks. Cramped aisles are packed with goodies, the merchandise seeming to spill out, overwhelming the senses.

During my first visit, the air smelled heavily of dill pickles.

A soda fountain in the back, serving sandwiches, breakfast, sodas and shakes, attracts young and old alike, and allows for Steve’s catch phrase: “Whether you’re looking for shakes or Shakespeare, Steve’s is your place!”

I met the owner, Steve, by chance on my first trip, and he was more than eager to talk, shuffling to a corner to set down his cup of coffee and have a chat. He was quite proud of the fact that his store was the first of its kind to sell both books and magazines under the same roof.

Surprisingly, his relationship with bigger stores like Barnes & Noble is amicable, and he feels like more of a teacher than anything.

“I used to joke that we taught Barnes & Noble how to run a store,” he said with a chuckle.

Steve’s daughter-in-law, Joanie, currently owns half the store, and attributes its good business to regular customers.

“We have a very, very loyal clientele,” she remarked, telling me about the many women who come in daily to see what’s new. “It’s like Cheers without alcohol.”

Steve’s isn’t strong on designer atmosphere, but it has an old-fashioned feel that makes you feel good about supporting a local business. As long as they keep carrying The Onion, they can certainly count on my return.

--Caroline Richardson

2006-11-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN OKLAHOMA

Burglary and larceny are two major kinds of crime in Oklahoma and the state's second largest city, Tulsa, has a higher crime rate on average than the state's largest city, Oklahoma City.

These are among the crime figures published by the information website areaconnect.com.

Statewide, 35,692 burglaries were reported in 2005, along with 93,814 larcenies. Oklahoma recorded 187 murders in 2005, down from 206 the previous year.

The most recent data comparing the crime rates of Tulsa and Oklahoma City were published in 2004 by disaster.com. The murder rate in Tulsa was 12.3 per 100,000 population, nearly double Oklahoma City's rate of 7.4 per 100,000. Aggravated assault was also significantly higher in Tulsa, 850 per 100,000 population compared to Oklahoma City's 521 per 100,000.

As of October 2006, Oklahoma prisons held almost 25,000 offenders, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The gender breakdown reported by the department this year was 89.7 percent male, 10.3 percent female.

The racial makeup of the prison population was 56.5 percent white, 28.8 percent African American, 8.6 percent Native American and 5.7 percent Hispanic. About 40 percent of those incarcerated were violent offenders, according to the Corrections Department.

Currently, the state has 86 prisoners on death row, including one female. As of mid-November this year, Oklahoma has put four prisoners to death by lethal injection, according to deathpenaltyinfo.org.

--Caroline Richardson

2006-11-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

TOP CAUSES OF DEATH IN OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma has seen a significant rise in the number of heart disease related deaths in the past 10 years, according to statistics complied by the Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention.

The figures show that the mortality rate for heart disease varies significantly across the United States, with the highest rates in the southeastern states. Oklahoma's 1999 age-adjusted death rate was 317.4 deaths per 100,000 people, which was significantly higher than the overall U.S. rate of 268. This means that Oklahoma was ranked seventh among the states in heart disease deaths in 1999.

Other top causes of death in Oklahoma were (2) cancer (in the form of malignant tumors), (3) stoke, (4) respiratory diseases, and (5) accidental deaths. The top ten causes of death in Oklahoma also includes (6) influenza and pneumonia, (7) diabetes, (8) Azheimer's Disease, (9) suicide, and (10) atherosclerious.

Oklahoma spent $357.8 billion, or 31.5 percent of the state budget, on health care in 2003, accoring to the State Health Expenditure Report for 2000-2003.

--Brian Fagan

2006-11-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY: SOME OKLAHOMA INCOME FIGURES

At $45,000, Tulsa has the highest median salary of any city in Oklahoma, according to PayScale, a research website that tracks such numbers.

Oklahoma City ranks second on the PayScale list, with a median salary of $43,000.

Two Oklahoma college towns are third and fourth on the list, with Stillwater's median income at $40,000 and Norman's at $38,500.

Other Oklahoma cities on the list are Edmond and Lawton, both with a median income of $38,000, and Enid, which showed a median income of $32,280.

Missouri's two largest cities, St. Louis and Kansas City, exceeded Tulsa and Oklahoma City in median salary. Both St. Louis and Kansas City have median salaries ar $48,000.

Additional salary information can be found at the PayScale website, www.payscale.com.

--Lindsey Naylor

2006-11-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

MORE STREET STORIES ON THE WAY

The Street Stories experiment is continuing, and new stories will be posted in the coming weeks. Although the fall semester is rapidly winding down, the students have written a new batch of stories for the site.

The first group of new stories will be a bit different because I asked the class to develop stories based on numbers. Using on-line databases and other statistics, I wanted the students to profile Tulsa and Oklahoma numerically. My idea was to get the students more involved in descriptive quantitative data and to process and explain that data in interesting ways.

The students found the assignment harder than they (and I) expected—they were very clear on that point. Nevertheless, they found some curious figures that do tell us more about crime, income, education, industry, agriculture, health and other aspects of the city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma.

Look for these postings soon.

--John Coward, Faculty of Communication

2006-10-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

THE SOUNDS OF BEAU ROBERTSON

He sits propped on a wooden stool with nothing in his hands but a worn guitar. The instrument shows its scars from countless hours of strumming.

Standing 5 feet 6 inches, Beau's eyes look down at his guitar through a mound of dark, shaggy hair as he starts to pick at his six string. The chords begin to pick up speed and his head slowly rises to meet the microphone in front of him. When he sings, you are taken aback by the soulful undertone you might not expect. He cracks a smile and several of the bar patrons receive him with returning grins.

This is Beau Robertson on a typical Tuesday night at McNellie’s Irish Pub in downtown Tulsa. Robertson, 23, is a Tulsa musician who lives to play music.

“I bartend so I can play music,” he says. You can find Beau at Arnie’s bar once a month and at McNellie’s every Tuesday doing what he loves most: playing music.

People might classify him as a struggling musician, poking around the local bar scene trying to find a gig.

But Beau’s not struggling at all. He’s not trying to pull a record deal or waiting for something better to come his way. As long as he has his guitar in his hand and a microphone at his mouth, he has no complaints.

“I’ve played for two people and I’ve played for 200 people. It makes no difference to me,” he says.

Growing up in Broken Arrow, Beau was drawn to playing music at the age of 13, where he would listen to Tulsa’s own J.J. Cale for hours, mesmerized by his steady voice and smooth guitar. Beau has come a long way since those days.

He's become a weekly favorite in the local bar scene. Simply known as Beau on stage, his music can be heard filtering through the pubs of downtown Tulsa, soothing his listeners, adding to the sounds of the bar.

--Brian Fagan

2006-10-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

A NICE GUY WITH A LITTLE SECRET

Mike is a nice guy with a soft, laid-back demeanor. He is one of those people who you can meet and instantly get along with. Nothing about his presence or personality that would give away his secret, a hobby that is illegal most everywhere.

The 23-year-old student knows a lot of people and is liked by almost all of them. But not many people know that he is a drug dealer. He says that he has recently begun selling small amounts of marijuana.

‘Mike’, who for obvious reasons would like to remain anonymous, doesn’t base his life around the illegal substance. He has a rather indifferent attitude about the drug.

“I really just started doing it so I could have money for beer,” he said, explaining how he got into the ‘business. “I’m basically just being a middle man for my friends.”

Mike says that what he does is a necessary thing for his core group of friends. He and his buddies would buy the stuff anyway, and he says that he just makes the process more convenient.

He does admit, however, that he is taking a big risk, although he seemed confident that he was being smart and safe about the illegal operation.

“I just remember seeing [another dealer] and how open and obvious he was about it,” he said. “I never sell to anyone I don’t know personally, and it’s never very much.”

I met Mike, like many others before me, through a friend of a friend. He seemed intelligent and interesting, and until it somehow came up in conversation, no one knew about his secret ‘hobby.’

It made me wonder about the people I meet in every day and what kind of hidden secrets everyone has.

--Tyler Hearn

2006-10-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

DAN CROSSLAND: MAKING MUSIC IN TULSA

It's hard for a solo artist to make a name on the local music scene. It takes talent, a crowd-grabbing personality, and a friendly bar owner who will take the risk of letting an unknown artist play.

Dan Crossland has all of these: a great voice as well as strong guitar and keyboarding skills. He also found a bar owner willing to take a chance.

Crossland used to play every Saturday night at the BruHouse on Brookside, a small, smoke-free, nondescript bar where the stage is really not a stage but just some tables and chairs moved out of the way.

Now Crossland has a busy schedule. With his guitar strapped over his shoulder, microphone in front of his smiling lips, he is ready to take on the music world.

Crossland can play covers from Maroon 5 and John Mayer and make them sound like his own. He plays his guitar like it was attached to him at birth. His voice can lull you to sleep, or it can pump you up and make you want to dance.

“I try and throw in one of my own songs," he said. "I never get much response from it though. People like to sing along, and if they don’t know the words, they usually won’t like the song.”

A few months ago he wrote a song called “Not Going Home."

“It was about a situation in my life where I was telling myself I wasn’t going back, and things were going to be better because of it,” he explained.

It's true that the worst breakups make some of the best songs.

Crossland cracks jokes about the bar and about himself to get people to pay attention to him. “It’s hard to get drunk people to stop talking about themselves and listen to me," Crossland said. "I mean who wouldn’t want to listen to my studly self?”

--Melissa Fulton

2006-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

THE RIDER WITH THE DREADS

Riding is his passion and dreads are his style. He is Russell Waldin, 24, of Tulsa. With flare in his style and attitude in his hair, Russell was walking into the Business Administration Hall on TU’s campus when I stopped him.

Russell looked entirely different than any other person I saw on campus. His bright orange, tightly fitted T-shirt and his Volcom jeans made him stand out. I asked him if I could ask him a couple questions for my news gathering class and, with a slight bit of hesitance, he said, “Sure, why not?”

“First off,” I asked, “how long have you been growing out your dreads?”

“Oh, for a couple years,' he said, while picking out one of his long, messy dreads. "They’re alright I guess.”

When he’s not working or attending classes in the art school, he rides. Riding is a hobby Russell takes great pride in. He has a sponsor, and has the priviledge of riding in competitions and traveling around United States.

“I’ve been riding forever," he said. "It’s just a lot of fun. It’s something I’m good at, and it’s an escape from reality.”

Feeding on my fascination with his hair, I asked more questions about his dreads: “Do you have dread locks to stand out from the rest of the riders, or did you just want them?”

“I’ve always liked the look of dread locks, but it’s nice because I get recognized because of my hair. It’s definitely my signature! It’s crazy. People I don’t even know, know me.”

Despite this recognition, Russell told me that he was thinking about cutting his hair off.

“My hair is getting heavy. I’d like to be able to put a shirt on with out hassle and it’d be pretty sweet to wear hats again.”

--Lindsey Naylor

2006-10-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

AN ART STUDENT'S LIFE

On a recent Tuesday, I stumbled upon an art student drawing in front of Philips Hall. Her artwork was impressive. I stood and gazed as she drew.

The student was Sarah Smith, a TU senior, and a graphic design major from Oklahoma City.

I asked Smith about herself. I learned that she grew up wanting to work in the arts. Even when she was young, she liked drawing and laying out her room just perfectly.

“I was always involved with art club and events that involved graphics in high school,” Smith said.

Having art as a hobby, she never thought that she could do it as a career. But as a TU freshman, Smith decided to make her hobby into a major and study graphic design.

Besides art classes, Smith is social chair of her sorority, where she gets to design and layout events on a regular basis.

“I am planning semi-formal right now, which is a very big undertaking,” Smith said. “I’m using my graphic design methods and making really awesome designs from T-shirts to even the layout of the dance room itself.”

--Emily Pickens

2006-10-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

A NEWBIE IN T-TOWN
A lot of people in Oklahoma have lived in the same town or city for years. This doesn't mean that here people don’t migrate or move, but many people do "stay where they were planted."

Darlene Conn spent most of her life in a small town in eastern Oklahoma. In August, Darlene moved to Tulsa to become the house mom for the Kappa Delta house. For Darlene, the move to Tulsa seemed like a good change in her life.

“I had just left my job at a hospital and I though ‘why not?’," she said.

Darlene is a well-loved person in the Kappa Delta house. Not only does she look out for the girls but, as the house cook, she also provides sustenance. She is a confidant for many of the girls and uses the kitchen as a social gathering place.

In her first few months as the house mom, Darlene doesn’t doubt her decision to move to T-town.

“I am way more proactive in the girl’s lives that I thought I would be. This has definitely been a great experience in my life,” Darlene said.

Darleen is very enthusiastic about Tulsa. “I’m from a small town, so this big-city feel is fantastic. There is so much to do and see and it seems like I learn something new about Tulsa and the state every day,” she said.

After cooking for the girls during the week and on the weekends, Darlene takes time to see the city. Recently she explored the Philbrook Museum. She also attended the state fair and got a look at the giant Tulsa Driller.

Besides being a house mom and cook, Darlene also considers herself part-time adventurer.

“There is no much to see and do in this town and I plan to do it all,” Darlene said. She also uses her time to bond with the members of the house. With ice cream trips and movie nights at AMC, she is taking advantage of the new activities with her many new friends.

--Brandi Andrews

2006-10-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

BROKEN ARROW'S BELGIAN
CHOCOLATE LADY

Look at any restaurant dessert menu and you will find at least one dessert that is chocolate. Ask most women what kind of candy they like and you’ll hear chocolate.

For some people, any chocolate will do. For Christine Joseph, only her native Belgian chocolate will do. The only problem is that she lives in Oklahoma. Besides, Belgian chocolate is expensive.

What’s a girl to do?

This petite, dark-haired, dynamo decided to open an import shop on Tulsa's 15th Street. Unfortunately, importing chocolate has its own unique perils. Hot Oklahoma weather and damaged shipments and Joseph closed the shop.

Not one to give up easily, she decided to make her own chocolate.

“I had no clue,” Joseph said. She tried melting and molding her own chocolates from 22 lb. blocks and had problems with the chocolate crystallizing or melting in the summer heat. (Chocolate is ideally stored at 60 to 70 degrees.)

Perseverance must be her middle name because she tried again at Christmas after receiving specialized equipment for her birthday. She made gourmet chocolates in her home kitchen and gave it as gifts to friends. Soon other people were asking for her special chocolates.

“It came to the point I had chocolates and molds pouring out of the kitchen. I had no more room,” Joseph said. She went to school in Europe to further her knowledge and expertise.

She and her new husband decided to open a manufacturing and wholesale operation in July of 1999. They located their business at 16th and Memorial in Tulsa.

While the shop on Memorial did well, she decided that it really didn’t have the exposure it needed to expand to a retail operation.

An opportunity arose to buy a building on Main Street in Broken Arrow where her business, Nouveau – Atelier de Chocolat, is currently located.

I found her with her hair pulled back with a few wisps escaping, hard at work packing an order of chocolates. She was playing catch-up after being in Europe for a week.

Wiping her hands on her apron, she approached with a smile and a twinkle in brown eyes asking if she could help me. I proceeded to pick out a delectable-looking chocolate from the display case built by her husband and asked for an interview.

Each of the chocolates has a unique name and shape. Her bestsellers are named Tulsa. They consist of three pecan halves encasing a roll of caramel all dipped in delicious milk or dark chocolate.

You can find Joseph at her shop Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. where she will be happy to serve you coffee, ice cream, chocolate drinks and, of course, gourmet chocolates.

Nouveau–Atelier de Chocolat is located at 205 S. Main Street in Broken Arrow.

--Karen Groff

2006-10-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

KAYCEE: MY POISON CANDY

Some of us went to South Boston Avenue in Tulsa on a recent Friday night for a party at the Rehab Lounge. But something caught my eye and I suddenly changed my plans.

Near the Rehab, I found this dimly lit wine bar. It was a low-key place, in contrast to the hopping dance club down the sidewalk.

I figured there might be a good story or someone interesting there. I lucked out. The first thing I noticed was the blonde sitting at the bar alone. I thought simply, “Perfect.”

This place really had walls that made you want to drink a red wine, especially in October.As I walked up to the bar the music was fluid and slow. I sat down near the blonde at the bar.

After a moment of silence, I offered to buy her a glass of wine from the display on the shelf. She ordered two glasses of White Haven Sauvignon Blanc, just like that.

We sat and talked a while. Her name was Kaycee and she worked at a pizza place called Pie Hole on 15th Street. She was a model and had a few acting gigs with the Nightingale Theatre every Friday and Saturday night.

I thought that was an interesting name for a theatre and a fitting name for my story. “This show that I’m in, it’s called 'Old Fashioned Poison Candy',” she said.

I took a drink of the wine and couldn’t help from wondering how in the world Kaycee and this odd title could be true. I drank the whole glass, sat it down on the bar, and asked her what it was about.

“It’s a performance art piece and I play a 13-year-old girl that is very much self indulgent, so indulgent that she manages to poison people,” she said.

Kaycee told me she had been artistic since she was young. I asked her what caught her interest with this particular show.

“It’s like a painting," she said. "People will see what they want to see, but it’s a dark painting I’ll give you that. And there’s a scene where I get to take some clothing off.”

After 5 five glasses between the two of us, she decided to call it a night. A friend had arrived to pick her up.

I asked her if she was interested in being covered in a profile story that I was assigned. She agreed and gave me her number.

When she left the bartender slipped me the bill. My jaw dropped—more than $70! Now I can tell you first-hand about my "Poison Candy."

--Troy Dixon

2006-10-11T15:12:00.001-07:00

DEBRA SWAFFORD: TRAVELING AT HOME

Some people save up for years in order to travel the world. Debra Swafford gets to do it just by going to work each day.

A 15-year employee of The University of Tulsa, Debra is currently the assistant to the Department of Languages, doing “whatever it takes to make the professors happy,” she said. From sending out emails, helping with the budget, and just keeping everything in order, Debra does almost anything that is asked of her.

Prior to her current position, Debra worked in the College of Law, first hired as a temp assistant in August 1990 and becoming full-time in November 1990. She then transferred to the Department of Continuing Education, and eventually applied for the assistant job in the Department of Languages. She has stayed at TU, and maintains that she loves her job.

“This place has really expanded my horizons, and opened my eyes to different cultures, foods, and religions. It’s like a mini UN here,” she said.

Debra does not speak any other languages—“I can barely speak English well!”—but it’s not for lack of trying: Debra is required to wear hearing aids in order to better pick up the consonants in a person’s speech. Because she can typically only hear vowels, her ability to understand foreign language is greatly reduced.

Debra has traveled across America, visiting places such as California and Chicago, but hasn’t yet had the chance to go abroad. Later this year, she will be taking a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise with her 13-year-old grandson.

“I’m hoping it won’t be too touristy," she said. "I’d like for it to open his eyes a little bit.”

If the opportunity ever arises, however, Debra would still like to visit Europe. “I think that traveling is the only way to learn history, and I love history. If I ever have the chance to go, you bet I’ll take it.”

--Caroline Richardson

2006-10-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

STEVE CAYWOOD: ONE OF THE TU GOOD GUYS

I have to admit, when I first decided to interview the man who cleans my residence hall, there was a tiny, unrealistic part of me hoping he would go on some crazy rant about how ungrateful and snobby the students are. It just would have been so dramatic, you know?

Well, Steve Caywood is not plotting against TU students. In fact, he is one of the nicest men I have ever met.

Steve is one of those very earnest-looking people who seems like he could be your best friend’s dad. He smiles easily and chuckles a little when you catch him off guard. And he really enjoys his job.

“It’s actually almost a privilege” to clean the residence halls, he says, because “the students are all great. I love being here.”

After being self-employed for nearly five years and working for the Oklahoma Fixture Company for 16 years before that, working on the TU maintenance staff is a big change for Steve. But he feels like his work is important, because it allows students to focus on schoolwork instead of worrying about whether or not the floor tiles have been cleaned.

“When you’re 45 years old and you’re starting over, it’s hard,” he says. “But it doesn’t really matter what I’m doing. If I can help the kids to succeed, then it’s a good thing.”

--Laura Hermann

2006-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

NEW PROFILES AND PHOTOS COMING SOON

The second set of Street Stories will be coming to this space soon.

For this new assignment, I asked the News Gathering class to write brief profiles on colorful people from the Tulsa area. I asked them to interview a stranger, not a friend or relative. I want stories about fascinating people and I'm challenging the students to find them and capture them in a short profile.

This idea was inspired in part by Jason Collington, a Tulsa World feature writer who recently spoke to the class. Collington is a passionate guy and he impressed me (and the class, I hope) with his creativity and drive. He's developed a keen ability to report the overlooked or unusual angle, the details most of us don't notice.

If the students follow Collington's advice, we'll have some interesting Street Story sketches here in a few days.

Since photos make this a more lively place, I'm also working with the students to get more images on the Street Stories site. I asked all the students to take photos of their interview subjects for the new assignment. I'm also working to get more photos of the earlier stories to that all the posts will have more visual interest. Check back soon to see what stories and photos have been posted.

--John Coward, TU Faculty of Communication

2006-09-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

WINNING FOOTBALL BRINGS TU TAILGATERS

I can hear them before I see them. Something that sounds like a jackhammer is running steadily outside my apartment, piquing my curiosity enough to make me look out there.

Tailgaters. The first of the season.

An older couple has parked a Winnebago in the middle of the field, the wife sitting in a lawn chair watching as her husband makes holes for their tent stakes.

TU football? Fans? I'm baffled.

Before long, the man has completed the setup of the tent, and the wife gets up long enough to move her chair to the newly created shade.

The day moves on, and I have little time to observe the setup of more fans throughout the day. The parking around campus is insane, and I'm almost glad that I don't currently have a car. There are more people here today than there likely will be the rest of the year, and all of them are ready for football.

The game comes and goes—we win! Our score is so high that I almost feel sorry for the opposing team. That feeling is incredibly fleeting, though, and I scream and yell with everyone else as the team goes wild.

I'm walking back to my apartment, which is now surrounded by the tailgaters, some of them chanting "45," our team's score.

As proud as I am for our team, I can't help but feel a sense of amusement toward these fans. Where on earth were they? Have they been here before, and I just missed them?

There's a very large chance that many of them didn't give TU a second thought before last year, but there's no point in getting worked up about that. The stadium was full, the people were having fun, and there's no harm in that.

--Caroline Richardson

Caroline Richardson is the business manager for TU's student newspaper, The Collegian, and a member of the TU band, The Sound of the Golden Hurricane.

2006-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

LIFE AT LAMBRUSCO'Z

Walking into Lambrusco’z in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood, you instantly get a feeling of comfort and warmth.

I see employees laughing with one another, having fun, all the while getting orders done in a speedy fashion. Stress does not seem to enter Lambrusco'z. Customers can relax on their lunch break while eating good food.

Lambrusco’z has been making sandwiches and catering for more than 30 years. They offer tasty sandwiches at a good price. They serve Boars Head meat, said to be the best meat in the nation.

Describing a typical day at Lambrusco’z, an employee says is a really busy but not stressful.

“Everyone gets here around ten and leaves at seven," she says. "The morning duties are basically finishing up catering orders for the day as well as getting everything ready for the lunch rush. At the lunch rush we make sandwiches, make sure everything is stocked up, and talk to customers."

She continues: "Once three o’clock hits the lunch rush is over and everyone begins working on catering orders for the following day. Around four o’clock the dinner rush slowing starts coming which goes on until we close at seven. The dinner rush consists of making dinners for customers, nothing too hard.

"The people are really fun to work with she says, I enjoy work,” she says.

My first impressions have been confirmed: Lambruso’z is a great place to go for a enjoyable meal. Lambrusco'z is on 41st Street, just east of Peoria, across from Wild Oats Market.

--Emily Pickens

Emily Pickens is a TU junior from Oklahoma City. She is a communication major with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in marketing.

2006-09-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

A NEW REPORT FROM THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Not many people know this, but Tulsa is the home to the Center of the Universe.

I know it must be hard to believe, but it's true. The Center of the Universe is across the street from the William’s building on 1st Street, in the center of the bridge next to the old train station. You will know you are in the right place when you see a tall metal statue. Walk a few feet, and you will see a circle—the Center of the Universe.

Once you stand in the Center of the Universe, yell out something, anything you want and experience the phenomenon.

What phenomenon I am referring to? Once you yell out something you can hear your echo many times over. It may not seem like anything spectacular, but think about when you yell in a cave. There is obviously a reason why your voice is echoing. Your voice is bouncing off the walls of the cave.

At the center of the universe, no walls close in around you. You are in the outside air with the sky above you, the bridge at your feet, train tracks below the bridge, and buildings many yards away from you.

While I was sitting on the edge of the bridge I watched as a young man and a young woman walked to the center of the universe. They talked and smiled at each other, then the man got down on one knee and yelled, “Marcy, will you marry me?”

I could see the tears starting to swell up in Marcy’s eyes as she yelled, “Yes!”

The echo of both of their voices became the background music of their loving embrace. I let the couple have a moment, before walking over to ask a few questions. The main thought going through my mind was why here? Why the center of the universe?

Scott told me that he brought Marcy here on their first date.

“I did not believe Scott whatsoever when he told me about the center of the universe. I thought it was his come on line to get me to a secluded place,” Marcy said.

After Scott showed Marcy he was indeed telling the truth, their relationship sky rocketed.

Maybe there is a scientific explanation as to why voices echo at this particular spot in Tulsa. Or maybe Tulsa really is the home to the Center of the Universe. Whichever it is, something magical happens every time someone steps into the center of the universe.

--Melissa Fulton

Melissa Fulton is a TU senior majoring in communication.

2006-09-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

DOWNTOWN TULSA'S "CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE"

I was raised in a small town in eastern Oklahoma. Because there is nothing much to do in Spiro, I like to visit interesting places in T-Town.

My favorite place in Tulsa is the "Center of the Universe," especially late at night. The Center is a large, circular brick area in downtown Tulsa. If you stand in the middle and shout, your voice echoes around you.

I find the spot extremely spiritual and mystical. My sorority sisters and I always feel compelled to sing our sorority songs there: the echoes really make the songs come to life. The Center has a certain power over those who speak there.

One colorful aspect of the Center are the people who always seem to be there. On my first trip to the Center I encountered a Goth couple who told me a myth about ringing the sculptural "shackles" at midnight on Halloween. They couldn't agree about what happened when you rang the shackles, but it was supposed to be magical.

On my last visit I met a drunk, homeless guy. He told my sisters and me that we should be careful about the weirdos in Tulsa. He only told us that after he forgot that he had talked to us moments before asking how our day was. The Center seems to draw all the colorful characters that Tulsa has to offer.

Another interesting aspect of the Center is the statue that Native American artist Robert Haozous created for the 1991 Mayfest named “Artificial Cloud." It always seems to depress me a little.

Haozous had a lot to say about technology and how it affects society. The lower base of the statue has shackles that are meant to symbolize the shackles that were placed on the Indians of early America. The long, center section illustrates humans without hands among a mass of airplanes and the center section comes to a point where a large cloud rests on top.

Haozous made this statue out of soft steel. It was made to corrode as technology is making our society corrode. While I marvel at the genius of the artist, I still find the statue too deep for my taste.

The Center of the Universe brings color to downtown Tulsa. It is a spot that is both magical and thought-provoking.

--Brandi Andrews

Brandi Andrews is a junior English education major from Spiro, Oklahoma. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and the TU All-Girl Spirit Squad.

2006-09-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

IN SALPULPA: THE SOUNDS OF MEGATRON

Smoke fills the air as bright flashing lights move to the increasingly loud music. Slightly overweight couples bounce over to the dance floor in an attempt to reenact the magic of 1985. Fog engulfs the guitar player as he unleashes a face-melting solo.

The pool tables are full of action and screams of joy arise from around the numerous TV’s displaying college football. The bartender tries to keep up with the relentless demand for Bud Light and various other alcoholic beverages.

The patrons of this establishment are here for one reason: to have a good time.

As a musician, it is my job to help create a fun atmosphere and help these people have a good time. I hold a certain power that many people never get a chance to experience. It is my job to make these people dance, drink and get lost in fury of rock and roll.

When I play the drums at a gig, my hands and feet can pretty much go on autopilot and my mind and eyes can wander. I often watch the crowd, observing all of the mini-dramas unfolding. An older couple dancing like it’s the 80’s, almost unaware that is isn’t … a suburban gangster who looks more than a little out of place… drunken girls arguing with each other… there is always entertainment.

The people that frequent this bar in rural Oklahoma are different than the people in ‘big city’ pubs. There are characters here that many people will never encounter, and certainly wouldn’t understand. This isn’t your average bar/grill, but the people in Sapulpa Oklahoma are as friendly as you will find.

Establishments such as the Beer Hunter in Sapulpa are full of character and almost always offer a good time. You won’t find Swedish seating or fancy drinks you can’t pronounce, but you will find friendly service, great music (when my band plays), and cheap drink specials.

The Beer Hunter is located at 1205 New Sapulpa Rd in Sapulpa.

--Tyler Hearn

When he's not playing drums in his band, Tyler Hearn is a TU student and sports editor of the student newspaper, The Collegian.

2006-09-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

A SLICE OF NEW YORK PIZZA IN TULSA

Driving west into the sun, I search to my right for the sign. Mario’s New York Style Pizzeria is the place to go for pizza. One family I heard about has a standing Saturday night date here.

They tell me it doesn’t look like much, just a hole-in-the-wall in a little strip mall.

There it is! Parking is at a premium, so it’s nice to see some reserved spots in front. I open the door and the aromas assail my senses, fresh-baked dough, oregano, tomatoes, and sausage. Um-mmm.

Someone behind the counter is hand-tossing dough, three others are prepping in the back and calling out finished orders. Customers are sitting in the booths and at tables in the front and there’s a steady stream coming in and out the door. A television is tuned to a program about motorcycles.

As I wait for my order I notice the mural of Manhattan that includes the George Washington Bridge and a banner-draped depiction of the Twin Towers. On the opposite wall, next to the soda fountain, are framed covers from the Oklahoma Family Magazine and Oklahoma Magazine that name the restaurant Best of the Best for Pizza in 2000, 2002, and 2005.
Computer prints of a mom and her baby are taped to the side of the soda fountain. I recognize the mom behind the counter.

My order is up, a large supreme pizza that is overlapping the pan and three fountain drinks. Hot, spicy cheesiness, it’s delicious! Three of us, two teenage boys and a hungry college student, were too full to eat the last two slices. Grazi!

Mario's is located at 3323 E. 51 Street, at the corner of 51 and Harvard, in Tulsa. The food is worth the trip.

--Karen Groff

Karen Groff is a TU junior, originally from Upstate New York. She is majoring in communication with a minor in psychology.

2006-09-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

A MIGHTY GOOD BURGER IN TULSA

Ever get sick of eating at the proverbial hamburger restaurant chain? If so, I may have just the cure.

Claud's Hamburgers, located at 38th and Peoria in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood, offers a diner-style burger that is well worth giving up the drive-through lifestyle.

Claud's is a small establishment, with a small parking lot occupied by a few cars. The window says simply "Claud's Hamburgers" in green and white paint. The lettering looks like was done in freehand.

As I walk in, I am greeted with a smile and take a seat on the last stool at the end of the counter. The place is simple in every since of the word. A counter with about 12 old stools faces the open kitchen, which is all original stainless steel from its beginning in 1965.

It's quiet this afternoon at Claud's, making it easy enough to hear the relaxing hum of the air conditioning as I read the menu on the wall.

"We'll see you later. It was a mighty good burger," a man says as he meanders out of the door.

Another man in business attire slowly shuffles a newspaper behind me as he quietly sits and enjoys a burger and soda.

"What can I get for you?" a portly, middle-aged man behind the counter asks me. Without hesitation I order the Big Claud, a nine-ounce burger with three patties smashed together, topped with grilled onions on a large bun.

Glancing over to the end of the kitchen I see two of the late Claud Hobson's sons hovering over the grill, handling spatulas as if they were extensions of their arms. They silently flip the burgers as a tiny fan cools their foreheads from the sizzling grill.

After I finish my burger, I take a quick look at six other customers eating by themselves, most of who are regulars. I realize I am not the only content person around.

For 41 years, Claud's has been creating a cozy atmosphere, a friendly smile, and, best of all, a mighty good burger.

--Brian Fagan

Brian Fagan grew up in Kansas City. He is a communication major with a minor in marketing. He enjoys going to concerts, playing drums, camping, and being around good people.

2006-09-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

MY MORNING AT THE UTICA SQUARE STARBUCKS

Today, after my 8 a.m. class, I went to one of my favorite places in Tulsa. I went to Utica Square for my Starbuck experience. For this story, I wanted to go to Utica Square because I often have interesting encounters with appealing people.

The look of Utica Square is glamorous. The delicate, nurtured flowers, the artistic sculptures, and the gorgeous buildings add so much to the allure of this upscale shopping center, the oldest shopping center in Tulsa.

Starbucks seems to have its own style. I always feel that the people that work there let their personalities shine through their wardrobes and their attitudes. This is common in some people, but I feel and see it the most when I am at Starbucks in Utica Square.

This morning was a good example of an enjoyable encounter I had with a Starbucks employee. I specifically remember being vocal about how every one was in such a chipper mood.

The mood of Starbucks was set off by the attitudes of the employees and customers. Because it was so early (for me), the customers and employees were very positive.The mood is what I like most about Starbucks. It’s never the same when I go. For example, if I were to go during the evenings the atmosphere would be more laid back, the music would be different, and the employees would adjust their attitudes due to the customers.

The mood is unique at Starbucks—it can’t be compared to any other coffee shop that I have ever been to. I believe that every time I go to Starbucks I get the entire coffee shop experience. Maybe it’s just by watching the people that work there, or maybe it's watching the customers enjoy their time, or maybe it’s just the time I spend talking to the people that I with. No matter what the reason is, I always leave Starbucks satisfied and anticipating my next visit.

--Lindsey Naylor

Lindsey Naylor is a junior from Kansas City. She is majoring in communication, with a minor in marketing.

2006-09-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

A COLORFUL OASIS: THE TULSA ROSE GARDEN

The air is thick with a floral scent, and it is hotter than September has any business being. I walk down the gravel path, avoiding the puddles that appear every few feet. Rows and rows of flowers surround me, an explosion of reds, yellows, whites and purples.

I walk through the Tulsa Rose Garden. I wasn’t the only one who had the idea to visit the garden today. I see five people having a picnic under a tree. A man and woman kiss at the base of the stone stairway. A woman walks her very small dog.

The planters are full of different varieties of roses, usually named after vacation destinations or famous people. The Caribbean, Granada, Elizabeth Taylor, and Julia Child all have floral namesakes.

It is not the ideal time for roses, and a few of the plants look like autumn. The Oklahoma rose, in particular, looks wilted and frail. Most of the roses though, are still dense with boldly colored flowers. As I walk down the path, a flock of birds explodes out of a yellow Eureka bush.

The Tulsa Garden Club says the garden was built in 1935. History is visible all around in the garden. Prize winners are marked in all the planters. Bright Lights from 1991, Ivory Fashion from 1959, and Charlotte Armstrong from 1941, are just a few of the former world champion roses on display.

As I head back to my car, the scent of the garden fades from the air. The regular city air takes over, and the sound of cars driving down the road becomes audible once again.

--Ben Pernu

Ben Pernu is a TU sophomore from Broken Arrow, Okla. He is pursuing a major in biology and a certificate in journalism studies.

2006-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

DANCING AT THE CLUB MAJESTIC

I am not someone who usually to ventures outside her comfort zone very often. So when my friends suggested I go to Club Majestic on Sunday for their drag queen show, I was a little nervous.

For anyone who does not know, Club Majestic is a club and bar for Tulsa's gay community, though heterosexuals are welcome also. Never having been to a gay club before before, I wasn't sure what to expect. As I observed the other club guests, it was easy to pick out the regulars from the people who did not go to the club often or had never been at all. Some people walked around like they owned the place, while others were nervously sitting back, observing everyone and trying to take it all in.

After the drag show started, people started to pile in. The show was actually much better than I had expected. I was impressed at how the performers were able to dance around so intensely in high heels while belting out those high tunes.

Mid-show, the lead drag queen told everyone who had never been to the club before to get on stage. She then proceeded to approach each one of us individually, asking a variety of questions about what had brought us to the club. There really were a variety of people there for different reasons. There was one man who was new to Tulsa and just trying to meet people, a guy taking out his brother for his birthday, and another girl who was kind of like me—just going out of curiosity and new experiences.

I left before the show was over, because the sweating people and the cigarette smoke-filled atmosphere got a little old. But I had a good time. And while I probably won'’t be going back to Club Majestic anytime soon, it was definitely an interesting experience.

--Hillary Lewis

2006-09-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

TULSA'S BLACK WALL STREET: 85 YEARS LATER

It is Sunday afternoon in this historic district, Black Wall Street, on Greenwood Avenue. Every store is closed and the street is peaceful and quiet.

I remember learning about this place a couple of years ago in one of my history classes. I was taught that it used to be a thriving place with hundreds of businesses, but that's not true now. I could see that plainly, since I can use my ten fingers to count the businesses in the district. I see a fish market, a print shop, barbershop, and few others.

However, that is not the point about this place. This place means much more than business. It is one of the places in Tulsa that represents a minority group. The race riot of 1921 took many lives, but it failed to take the spirit away. The place may not be as prosperous as it was in early 1900s, but just by being there, means a lot to many of us.

Although "Jim Crow" is gone, stereotypes, prejudice, and hatred are still around. There is a thin line that separates each of us, like Interstate 244, a freeway that separates the north and south side of Tulsa's neighborhoods.

As I am sitting in my car on this quiet afternoon, this place is telling me what we need is a peace, as peaceful as a Sunday afternoon, calm with silent resistance.

--Jintae Hwang

2006-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

TIE-DYED TULSA

You may have seen it driving around Tulsa: a boxy VW van covered with bumper stickers, multi-colored flowers, and reminders to “have a groovy day.”

The van belongs to Kelly Killion, who painted it with her mother a few years ago. It is the primary source of publicity for Killion’s small business, Tie Dyes of Tulsa, located on 11th Street, just east of the TU campus.

Killion herself is an unassuming woman. When I met her, she was wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, paint-splattered denim shorts, and a pair of round John Lennon glasses with purple lenses. A floppy tie-dyed hat covered her head as she spray painted bright orange guitars onto blue and white sheets. She is not exactly your typical business owner.

She's obviously doing something right, though, because Tie Dyes of Tulsa has been going strong since 1995, when Killion got her start dying shirts for Hideaway Pizza employees in Stillwater. It is still a small business, perhaps, but it is a definite presence in the Tulsa community.

Tie Dyes of Tulsa is the kind of place that my friends would call "“hippie," which means there are beaded curtains in the windows and doorway, and the smell of incense in the air.

Killion’s two cats, named Yin and Yang, sleep curled up under the American flag hung from the ceiling. Appropriately for such a place as this, the stars on the flag have been replaced with a bold white peace sign.

Tie Dyes of Tulsa is not the kind of store that I expected to find when I shipped myself off to Oklahoma for college. In fact, had I gone my whole life without ever seeing a store for tie-dying, I probably would not have noticed the absence.

It is obvious, though, that Kelly Killion loves her business and believes that she is filling some sort of void in the Tulsa area. And after visiting for even a brief period, I cannot help but feel the same way.

--Laura Hermann

Laura Hermann is a TU sophomore from Fenton, Missouri. She is minoring in Musical Theatre and has yet to declare a major.

2006-08-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

WRITING FROM THE STREET

Tulsa Street Stories was inspired by the famous road that passes by the Tulsa University campus, Route 66. This road, known in Tulsa as 11th Street, stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. It may be the most celebrated road in America, a road that the Dust Bowl refugees traveled in the 1930s as they traveled west in search of a better life. Near the TU campus, Route 66 is a colorful jumble of used car dealers, auto parts places, diners and fast food restaurants, mom-and-pop motels, a school or two, a bakery, even a tatoo place.

In short, Tulsa's Route 66 is a fairly typical American streetscape, encompassing a full range of urban life, commerical activity and growth, as well as decay and clutter. Route 66 is also filled with stories, the experiences, dreams, and aspirations of all kinds of people. That's what this site is about: Street Stories from people in and around Tulsa and its most storied patch of pavement, Route 66.

In the coming weeks, the site will publish reporting and personal journalism by members of the Fall 2006 News Gathering class at TU. These stories will provide glimspes into the lives of interesting people in and around Route 66 and give TU journalism students an opportunity to share their writing and reporting with others interested in this "grassroots" journalism project.

--John Coward, Faculty of Communication

John Coward teaches communication at Tulsa University. He is the author of "The Newspaper Indian," a study of Native American news coverage in the nineteenth-century press.