The Oklahoma 100

 

The Real Classroom Lesson

A social justice forum at OU was facilitated by Adjunct Professor Sage Mauldin, left. Panelists included, from left, former State Sen. Kenneth Corn, political activist Sean Braddy, State Rep. Forrest Bennett, President Ronald Reagan aide Brenda Barwick and State Rep. Cyndi Munson.

OU Adjunct Professor of Human Relations Sage Mauldin recently facilitated a panel on “Pursuing Social Justice Through Public Office” that included viewpoints across the political spectrum.

Democrats, a Republican and an Independent displayed mutual respect on many issues confronting Oklahoma, such as education, incarceration rates, DACA, state budget, tax reforms and criminal justice reforms. Varying viewpoints were clearly on display.

My greatest hope is that the 60 students learned Americans can have civil and respectful discussions. When people listen to each other, then real solutions can arise to solve societal issues. Hopefully, this was the real lesson for the students.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

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Tulsa Business Offers Entrepreneurs Professional Work Space

36 Degrees North, named after the latitudinal line that runs through Tulsa, provides entrepreneurs a basecamp.

Working from home isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be. However, a new office space dedicated to providing a professional work environment for Tulsa’s new businesses can help provide a solution.

36 Degrees North offers entrepreneurs and startup programs room to grow their businesses with more than 11,000 square feet of collaborative event space. The building includes a community hall, board rooms, classrooms, conference rooms and desks. The supply closet is well-stocked with typical office supplies.

36 Degrees North offers different levels of membership depending on the needs of each client, but day passes are also available.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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ONIE Serves up Food Education

ONIE launches Choose Homemade program.

The Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project offers nutrition resources and quick, tasty recipes to help Oklahoma families prepare healthy homemade meals.

A SNAP-Ed grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services funds ONIE. ONIE creates nutrition education material, designs community programs and delivers health campaigns designed for Oklahoma families.

Founded in 2000, the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project is part of the Department of Health Promotion Sciences in the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Visit ONIEProject.org to learn more about the initiative.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Families Invited to Rock The Block

Rock The Block will be held on the Dolese campus in OKC and is free and open to the public.

Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dolese will host Rock The Block, a free, family-friendly community event at 14th and Broadway in OKC. Quiet hour is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for children with noise sensitivities.

Open to the public, the event invites children to explore vehicles of all sizes from construction industry partners, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma City Fire Department and more.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to donate to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Lunch proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Free to Live to Auction off Top Prizes

Free to Live relies on the annual fundraiser to support the sanctuary throughout the year.

Free to Live, the largest nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary in Oklahoma, is preparing for its annual benefit auction. The fundraiser will be 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 29, at Montellano Event Center, in Oklahoma City.

A few items on the auction block this year include Thunder tickets, a golf package at Gaillardia, pet-themed items, gorgeous artwork and a tour of the KWTV-9 station, complete with a viewing of the 4 p.m. news and a meet and greet with David Payne.

For tickets, sponsorships and more information, please visit our website or email Free to Live.

– Meghan Jackson, Jones PR

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Metro 50 Award Winners Announced

For the fifth year in a row, Jones PR is selected for the Metro 50.

The Metro 50 awards banquet is one of Oklahoma City’s most prestigious events.

The awards are handed out to the fastest-growing, privately held companies in Oklahoma City based on percentage of annual growth between 2014 and 2016. To qualify, companies are required to have revenues of at least $1 million for the previous year.

On Sept. 25, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett will announce the winners and crown the fastest-growing business in Oklahoma City. This unique award allows startups and established businesses to be recognized for their work.

Visit the website to see a list of 2017 winners.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Support Local Artists at the Plaza District Festival

The 19th annual event combines art, music and food for an evening of fun.

The Plaza District Festival in Oklahoma City is set to host more than 30 Oklahoma-based artists Sept. 30.

The day-long festival will attract visitors from both near and far to appreciate and purchase art. There will be three stages featuring an all-Okie lineup of musicians and performers, as well as a dedicated children’s area. More than a dozen Plaza District restaurants and 10 popular local food trucks will be available to satisfy your cravings with a delicious variety of food and drink.

Come out from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to support your local artists!

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Oklahoma State Fair Returns

Fairgoers can expect a "BIGGER BETTER BEST" Oklahoma State Fair.

The Oklahoma State Fair returns for a “BIGGER BETTER BEST” year than ever before.

Fairgoers can enjoy a variety of additions to the fair, running from Sept. 14 to 24. New additions include a Made in Oklahoma Store in the new Bennett Event Center where visitors can shop a variety of locally sourced items. The Sky Eye Wheel, the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America, is also new.

The fair will have more shows, demonstrations and exhibits in the 11-day run, including a live-shark encounter, cooking shows, trick riders and more. All shows are free with admission.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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ONIE Makes Healthy Meals Easy

Planning quick and healthy meals is easier than ever with the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project’s online recipe finder.

You can search the ONIE website in English and Spanish for more than 100 recipes based on meal type, estimated cook time and ingredients. Each recipe includes an ingredients list, step-by-step instructions and a nutrition label.

Need a quick dinner for six? Check out the Chicken Ranch Pitas. For breakfast, try the Banana Berry Parfait!

All recipes are approved by a registered dietitian. To learn more about the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project, check out its blog.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Tulsa Hosts 21st Annual Race for the Cure

Thousands race to support breast cancer research in Tulsa.

Tulsans will soon “race for the cure” in support of the Susan G. Komen organization, which funds breast cancer research and supports survivors.

The 21st annual Race for the Cure will occur on Sept. 30 at River Spirit Casino Resort. Available races include a half marathon, 5Ks and a one-mile fun run. Participants can race either as a team or individually. There will also be a Survivor Parade for Tulsans who beat breast cancer, as well as a breakfast and ceremony to honor them.

If you’re looking to have fun while supporting breast cancer research and survivors, register today.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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‘Center of the Universe’ Found in Tulsa

The concrete circle may not look like much, but it still attracts thousands of visitors every year.

To get to the “Center of the Universe,” all you have to do is head to Tulsa. Follow the brick path from Boston Avenue between First and Archer streets to the large brick circle located near 50 S. Boston Ave. to experience the acoustic phenomenon.

When you stand in the center of the circle and speak, you will hear the echo but nobody else will. Make sure you wait until there are no trains passing to get the full effect.

Next time you go to the Brady Arts District, head a little south to experience the “Center of the Universe.”

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Orr Family Farm Hosts Hometown Heroes Day

Orr Family Farm is a family-friendly destination for all ages.

The Orr Family Farm is set to host Hometown Heroes Day on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The event celebrates local police, firefighters, EMTs and members of the military. As a thank you, all first responders are invited to the farm for free, and family members receive a 20 percent admission discount.

Orr Family Farm attractions include an animal barn, barrel train, cannon blasters, chicken shows, a corn maze, super slides, hay rides, pony rides, a zip line and more.

A valid ID is required for free admission. Follow the Facebook event for more details.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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‘The Recipe:’ a Story of Loss, Love & the Ingredients to Greatness

Get ready for some novel life lessons that inspire on many levels.

The soon-to-be-launched book by bestselling author John David Mann (“The Go-Giver”), “The Recipe,” is set to be another masterpiece of charming storytelling and profound wisdom.

Mann partnered with Culinary Olympian Chef Charles Carroll to create “The Recipe,” and just like a particularly delicious meal that inspires on many levels, the book is a delightful mix of novel, life lessons and cookbook.

Following the travails of a young man’s life turned upside down by his father’s death, and his encounter with a gruff chef who delivers learnings well beyond cooking, “The Recipe” is available for pre-order.

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

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Improve Your Instagram Account

Searching emojis on Instagram's Explore page will show each post that features the specific emoji.

As Instagram continues to grow, improving efficiency for brands who utilize its tools, your business could be using these strategies to reach your target audiences:

1. Use Instagram like your audience: Utilize the Explore Page to find relevant hashtags and accounts to follow; also watch and respond to Stories.

2. Add emojis to captions: Emojis can be used as a searchable tool on Instagram and are perfect when your caption needs improvement.

3. Have a visual strategy: Plan an aesthetic for your Instagram page that will attract your audience by using one cohesive theme, one filter or photo editing strategy.

– Haley Haas, The Atlanta 100

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Trust Issues Don’t Keep News Seekers Away

Reuters Institute and University of Oxford gathered information from over 70,000 online news consumers in 36 countries, including the US and UK, to develop the 2017 report.

How we consume the news, our trust in various sources, along with our preferences for obtaining news continues to evolve.

The 2017 Digital News Report published by Reuters suggests that the appetite for news is strong, with 54 percent of respondents saying their consumption will grow. However, there continues to be declining trust in social media, with only 28 percent of those polled trusting the source of the news stories shared by family, friends and colleagues. Only 10 percent say social media will be their primary source of news in the future.

Do your preferences match up with the report?

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

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Companies Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims

OG&E sent 80 crew members early Monday morning to help cities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. (Photo courtesy of OG&E)

One thing Oklahoma companies know how to do well is help Americans in time of need. Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas prompted help from neighboring Oklahoma, with several companies stepping up.

More than 80 OG&E crew members traveled to help restore power, and PSO sent 300 utility workers to assist with repairs. While Oklahoma’s Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters have sent volunteers, Oklahoma is headquarters to Feed the Children — FTC Donate — which is providing disaster relief supplies to families.

There are many national companies helping hurricane victims that have already pledged to help those affected by the storm.

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

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Tulsa’s Great Raft Race

Tulsa's Great Raft Race has something for everyone, whether on land or water. (Photo courtesy of Tulsa's Great Raft Race)

Row, row, row your boat, gently down the — Arkansas River?

Tulsa’s Great Raft Race is back, and what better way to close out summer than with a trip down the Arkansas River alongside hundreds of other people aboard homemade rafts?

The race takes place Sept. 4 in Tulsa. Activities include the aforementioned float, a sand castle design challenge, live music, food trucks, yard games and more. Participants of all ages are welcome, but children need parental supervision for the float.

Additional information and registration can be found at the Great Raft Race website. And remember, don’t forget your life jacket!

– David Dishman, Jones PR

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Oklahoma City Ballet Debuts at Armstrong Auditorium

The Oklahoma City Ballet is putting the Cowgirl and The Champion Roper back in the saddle again for one night at the Armstrong Auditorium.

The Oklahoma City Ballet has delighted its audience for years and will take the stage at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond for the first time this September.

During its two-part performance, the dance company will perform its revival of Rodeo, a ballet written by Agnes de Mille and scored by Aaron Copeland. Following is Firebird, the historically significant ballet by Igor Stravinsky and re-choreographed by Robert Mills.

This one-night-only event is Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $31 and can be purchased online. For more information, call Armstrong Auditorium at 405-285-1010.

– Kelly Hughes, Jones PR

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Online Education Takes off With OSOCP

The Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program makes online education attainable at any age.

Most college graduates today did not experience “online education” until their higher education years.

But in Oklahoma, there is now a program available to all Oklahoma districts that is providing students the opportunity to embrace online education as early as pre-K.

The Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program establishes a framework for districts to offer supplementary online courses to all students in their district. Participation in the OSOCP provides opportunities for students to blend academic responsibilities with other endeavors. Credit recovery and credit advancement options are readily available to districts and the students they serve across the K-12 continuum.

– Taylor Ketchum, Jones PR

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Free to Live Announces New Executive Director

Reagan Hamlin became Free to Live Animal Sanctuary's new executive director Aug. 2.

Oklahoma’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary has a new executive director.

Reagan Hamlin took over the role at Free to Live Animal Sanctuary on Aug. 2.

Hamlin comes to the organization with more than 10 years experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, according to Free to Live. She most recently was the assistant vice president for development at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Located in Edmond, Free to Live serves the Oklahoma community through its work. The sanctuary staff care for stray, neglected and abused animals. Those animals that are not adopted live out their lives peacefully at the sanctuary.

– Meghan Jackson, Jones PR

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SK Plymouth Partners With Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs in Oklahoma grew 24 percent between 2009 and 2015.

After SK Innovation’s donation to the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance in June, SK Plymouth will sponsor a youth engineering camp in Tulsa next summer.

The camp will challenge students to hone their skills in engineering and will involve hands-on shadowing of Tulsa engineers.

According to TRSA, the organization builds broad, deep and innovative pathways for students to access impactful careers in science, technology, engineering and math. STEM drives advancement in Oklahoma’s key industries such as aerospace, energy, manufacturing, IT and agriculture.

TRSA includes 31,805 students with a goal to reach 40,000 by the end of the year.

– Meghan Jackson, Jones PR

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UCO Downtown to Make Learning Magical

John Granger is set to teach a course on the "Harry Potter" series at UCO. (Photo courtesy of the University of Central Oklahoma)

UCO Downtown will soon be home to Hogwarts.

John Granger, an internationally recognized expert on J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” saga, will teach a course on the series. The class, “The Artistry of J.K. Rowling,” will cover the literary alchemy, cratylic names, Christian content and cross-referencing in Rowling’s books.

Granger has authored six books and teaches online courses. He’s a regular contributor to “Harry Potter” fan sites and blogs.

“I’m looking forward, though, to live exchanges face-to-face with students again,” Granger said. “There’s nothing like that kind of give-and-take for the exploration of ideas.”

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Kicking off College Football

The Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are both ranked in national polls heading into the 2017 college football season.

Bust out the face paint and fire up the grill, the 2017 college football season is almost here — finally.

Tulsa and Oklahoma State will meet in a state showdown for their 6:30 p.m. season-opener Thursday, Aug. 31 in Stillwater.

The reigning Big 12 champion Oklahoma Sooners, now under head coach Lincoln Riley, will take on UTEP at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 at home.

According to the AP Poll, the road to the Big 12 championship will run through Oklahoma with the Cowboys ranked No. 10 and the Sooners ranked No. 7 in the nation.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Tulsa Studio Offers Stained Glass Class

Tulsa Stained Glass teaches participants how to make their own stained glass masterpieces from scratch.

Learn the age-old craft of stained glass at Tulsa Stained Glass.

Over the course of eight consecutive Thursday evenings, participants of the beginner stained glass class will learn basic art, technique and skills while building a 10-by-16-inch leaded panel. Not only will participants walk away with their very own stained glass piece, they will also know enough to create basic stained glass windows on their own.

The class runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and costs $175.

Go to the event website to book your spot today.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Oklahoma Sees Value in STEM

As STEM jobs are growing rapidly, Oklahoma educators try to set students up for success.

It’s no secret STEM-related careers are among the fastest-growing jobs in America.

Referring to disciplines related to science, technology, engineering and math, STEM jobs play important roles in industries such as energy, aerospace and healthcare in Oklahoma.

The state made a concerted effort over the past decade to increase the number STEM degrees awarded from Oklahoma colleges and universities.

According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the number of STEM degrees and certificates conferred increased 32 percent over the past six years, and a 2016 report states that STEM graduates will earn the highest starting salaries.

– Adam Maxey, Jones PR

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Having Local Fun on Labor Day

The Paseo Arts District is just one of many local spots hosting end-of-summer activities. (Photo courtesy of the Paseo Arts District)

Celebrate the end of summer at one of these lively community activities!

• First Friday Art Walk: Support more than 80 local artists at open galleries, all within walking distance in the Paseo Arts District on Sept. 1.

• Dancing in the Gardens: Dance the night away in the Myriad Gardens with 1970s music and a free disco lesson Sept. 1.

• Half-Price Game Day: Come for the games, stay for the amazing food and drinks at Dave & Buster’s on Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Check out these local events and enjoy the long weekend with friends and family!

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Avoiding Germs for Back to School

Handwashing is one of many tips the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests on staying healthy this school year.

With kids back in school this month, it’s harder to avoid germs and illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a few tips for parents, teachers and students to stop the spread of germs this school year.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading illness to others

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

• Wash your hands often and use these tips to make sure you’re handwashing properly

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Visit cdc.gov for more tips on staying healthy this year.

– Ashley Ross, Jones PR

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New OKC Charter Schools Serve More Students

Class is officially in session at these new local charter schools.

This school year, Oklahoma City is welcoming the addition of three charter schools to the area.

KIPP OKC South Community Prep opened at Western Hills Baptist Church. The school has 105 fourth-grade students enrolled but plans to increase to 500 students from fourth through eighth grade over five years.

Sante Fe South introduced an 81,000-square-foot high school located on the grounds of the old Crossroads Mall, which houses the 950 students enrolled, and their fourth elementary school.

The most inspiring feature at the new high school? A wire mesh wall to display students’ college acceptance letters.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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Tulsa Builds Plans for LEGO Convention

LEGO fans at BrickUniverse admire one of the many large displays at the convention. (Photo courtesy of BrickUniverse)

LEGO fans of all ages, rejoice! The BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Convention is coming to Tulsa.

BrickUniverse is a huge LEGO Fan Convention bringing the universe of LEGO bricks together under one roof for fans of all ages. The convention is set to occur Sept. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cox Business Center.

Attractions include various building areas, book signings, a 27-foot-long USS Missouri replica and other massive LEGO displays. Oklahoma-based artist Raymond Griffith will be available to draw custom “minifigure” caricatures of attendees.

Find more information and tickets here.

– Tori Garrett, Jones PR

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Groups Aim to Improve Literacy Among Oklahoma Adults

Several important social issues are impacted by low adult literacy rates, and these Oklahoma nonprofits are doing their part to make a difference.

It’s never too late to go back to school. Some local adult literacy nonprofit organizations are providing free classes in time for the new school year.

According to Community Literacy Centers, nearly 140,000 Oklahoma City adults are functionally illiterate. Simple tasks like reading road signs or filling out forms are challenging. Adult literacy issues contribute to more than $230 billion a year in health care costs.

Community Literacy Centers and the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition provide resources for adults looking to learn to read or take classes dedicated to English as a second language. Both groups are looking for volunteers.

– Holly Hoehner, Jones PR

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