Hallie Green: A Good Person Helping Tulsa's Homeless

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.