CLASS OF 2021 - GRADUATION 2021 - brokenarrowmagazine.net | Home

FEATURE PROFILE MAY 2021
GRADUATION 2021 MAYOR DEB WIMPEE

 CLASS OF 2021

Sanders Nursery has everything
 you need to make your Spring
 garden bloom and sing!

 One of Oklahoma’s
 largest garden centers!
 Come see our wide selection of
 the latest ROSES on the market.
 Authorized David Austin® Rose Dealer

 SANDERSNURSERYOK.COM
 SANDERS NURSERY BROKEN ARROW
 20705 East 161st St. South | Broken Arrow, OK 74014

 (918)
486-1500

THE TREE THAT
 ESCAPED THE
 CROWDED FOREST

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECT

WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

 7 9 11 13 14

 21 22 23 24 26

 27 28 31 33 34
 5 Upfront 23 Helping Hands: Talking About Addiction
 7 Did You Know: BA’s First Graduates 24 Out & About: Photos From Around Town
 Broken Arrow’s First Class Graduated in 1908 26 Museum Broken Arrow: Picking Up Steam
 9 Local Champions: BA Cheer Squad Wins 27 Around Town: Chamber Looking for Voices and
 Squad Wins Big at the “Superbowl of HS Cheer” Military History Center Honoring SSG Coon
11 Community: Farm Fresh Favorites 28 Profile: Mayor Deb Wimpee
 Rose District Farmers Market Expects Big 2021 A Chat with Broken Arrow’s New Mayor
13 Local Stars: Athletes of the Month 31 National Treasure: The New Call to Honor
14 Feature: Keeping the Wheels On the Bus Memorial Pays Tribute to Veteran Suicide Victims
 Broken Arrow, Union Set to Honor 2021 Graduates 33 BA Buzz: From the Mayor
18 Events Calendar Full Month of Activities Kicks Off with Busy May 8
21 Past to Present: Through the Years 34 Pastor’s Corner: Diversity, Oklahoma Style
22 Meeting A Need: Ignite Generosity Our Strength is Found in Respecting One Another
 Broken Arrow Neighbors Fundraising Campaign
 MAY 2021

4 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

UPFRONT

upfront
 We’ve also got more good stuff from
Graduation... Father Shelby Scott of St. Patricks Episco-
 pal. He’s such a good guy with a great
and Other Things message. We’ve also got some good com-
 munity information on the Ignite Volume III
 So here we are. Looking at a town Issue V
 Campaign, and the Farmer’s Market. Addi- Broken Arrow City Magazine is published by
that’s opening back up. People starting to
 tionally, there’s more on our veterans and
go out more. Vaccinations are happening
 some graduation reminiscence from the
 ENGEL
and everyone seems to be ready to come PUBLISHING
 always interesting Dr. Oliver. We also have 1216 E. Kenosha St., Ste.129
back out. It seems like every time I’m on Broken Arrow, OK 74012
 news from the Museum BA. In addition to
the road anymore, I notice how many
 other things they have going, work on the Publisher
more people seem to be out. And that’s a Brian Engel
 historic mural on the museum’s south
good thing. I’m ready to go to concerts brian@brokenarrowmagazine.net
 exterior wall is starting.
again and not have to worry about people Art Direction
catching COVID. I’m ready for some fun This is a big deal. Copper Cup Images
 design@coppercupimages.com
and I think that’s just around the corner.
 And that’s not to take away from all the Senior Editor
 So anyway….GRADUATION! That’s Tim Hudson
 other amazing things they do, but this is a 918-815-2653
always good for everyone. Good times pretty big thing. Kids will grow up remem- thudson@brokenarrowmagazine.net
and memories, and we are happy to share bering this as part of their town and it will Account Executives
in some of the memories and dreams of matter. Melissa Lambert
the future. As you’ve already seen by the 918-698-3334
 Anyway, enough of me….turn the page mlambert@brokenarrowmagazine.net
cover, we had a great photoshoot with
 and get with it! Andrea Whitchurch
some of the seniors. With Christian Wel- 405-512-8791
born’s assistance at the High School, we awhitchurch@brokenarrowmagazine.net
got together a bunch of kids and had Peg Wilson
 918-914-2965
them do a little bit of throwing their grad- peg@brokenarrowmagazine.net
uation caps in the air to practice for our Chris LaTorraca
Liz, our photographer. As you can see it 203-687-3075
 CLaTorraca@brokenarrowmagazine.net
went pretty well. The picture on this page
is one I took of Liz capturing the moment. Calendar/Social Media
 calendar@brokenarrowmagazine.net
There was a kid in a “Thrasher” jacket in
the area that was listening to music and Contributing Writers
reading while we were doing the shoot, Maria Gus, Tim Hudson, Jack O'Connor,
 Evan Taylor, Deb Wimpee, Dr. C. Oliver Jr.,
and was apparently completely over what
 Father Shelby Scott, Valley Hope, Jan Collins
the rest of us were doing. I couldn’t help
 Contributing Photographers
thinking that I was that kid when I was in
 Tim Hudson, Father Shelby Scott,
High School. Good times. Rose District Farmer's Market, Valley Hope
 The Museum Broken Arrow, Liz Huckleby,
 And in other BAHS news, the Cheer- Broken Arrow Public Schools,
leaders had a big national win the other Union Public Schools, Broken Arrow Cheer Squad, ,
 City of Broken Arrow, The Demand Project,
day. Now it is important to note that news
 BA Chamber of Commerce,
of the big win came in just as we were fin- Legacy Christian Academy
ishing up the May issue, so we had to act
 MEMBER OF THE
fast to get a short story about it in this
month. Rest assured we will be doing this
up big in the next issue. I’m thinking cover,
and these girls and boys deserve it. All Rights Reserved.
 No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or
 otherwise, without prior permission of Broken Arrow Magazine.
 In other hot spots in this issue, we
have an interview with our new Mayor, ABOUT THE COVER
who you are probably already familiar with. Congratulations to the
 Class of 2021!
She’s been doing our version of “BA Buzz”
 Creative concept by
for the whole run of our magazine. We do Tim Hudson.
love some Deb and you’ll be interested to Design by
check out what she has to say following Copper Cup Images

the historic election that put three women
in the BA City Council.
 Liz capturing the perfect shot.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 5

NOT
 Treat your
 lawn
 your pets
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can be a big effective pest control to get rid of fleas, ticks, and
problem for your furry friend. Avoid topical mosquitos. Once our treatment dries in an hour or so, it
poisons and poisonous pills by treating your lawn, not is completely safe for pets to walk on, and is a healthier
your pets! Our highly-trained experts provide safe and option than pills or topicals.

 Act now before pests are out of control!

TRUST THE COMPANY IN BUSINESS IN BA FOR ALMOST 70 YEARS!

 918-258-9669 50% off your first service
 Includes lawn treatment, flea/tick treatment,
 801 S. Main Street, Broken Arrow
 and mosquito treatment. Must mention you saw
 www.NoMoreBugs.com our ad in BA Magazine and agree to four or more
 services to receive discount.
 Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM – 5 PM • Sun: Closed

DID YOU KNOW

BA’s First Graduates
Broken Arrow’s First Class Graduated in 1908
by Evan Taylor & Dr. C. Oliver Jr.
 Broken Arrow saw its first graduating
class in 1908, consisting of three students The Opera House was the site of Broken Arrow’s
— Nellie Brumbaugh, Annie May Cren- first graduation ceremony.
shaw, and Charles Edwin Foster. Over 400
children were enrolled in school in Broken
Arrow at the time, but these were the first
graduates. The first school building was
erected in 1904, two years before state-
hood, on the corner of what is now Detroit
and College streets, but these first three
graduates celebrated the first-ever grad-
uation ceremony at the old Opera House
on Main Street. The gathering was held
on the 2nd floor of the building that is still
there at Main and Commercial Streets.
Since that beginning, the building has
served in a variety of capacities. For the
entirety of its over 100-year history, it has
served as First State Bank, a drug store,
and a boutique gift shop. Even after the
cupola was removed, thanks to a restora-
tion project it is now back and hosts a
variety of social events. had been landmarks along the former tion. Listed on the National Register of
 Sampson Chisholm cattle trail that ran Historic Sites, this site is being preserved
 These first three graduates and their
 through the area. A sparsity of wooden as one of Broken Arrow’s most prominent
families, along with most of the settlers to
 stakes in the ground speckled an area of historical sites.
the area, arrived in those early days
 land with no place to buy food, no water
mostly from Kansas, Missouri, and A great deal has changed over the
 supply, no utilities, no bank or drug stores
Arkansas. They had spirit, dreams, and course of the lives of those first three
 — just space. Space that quickly filled
stamina that pioneers of the new land had graduates, and some of them were very
 with families with dreams, and hope, and
to possess in order to survive, and that involved over the decades in the health
 whatever they brought with them to
made Broken Arrow a special place. At and progress in Broken Arrow. That link to
 establish a new life in a new town.
that time, this part of the state only had the past will continue with the young Bro-
two high schools — one in Broken Arrow, It was in 1904 when the first school ken Arrowans who make up the 2021
the other in Tulsa. building was built. It was an impressive, senior class — the 113th class, with over
 two-story, brick structure with an impres- 1,300 seniors. Someday, those new grad-
 The landscape at that time is hard to
 sive “bell tower.” As families moved in, the uates will become the “storytellers” who
imagine. When those first families arrived
 need to enlarge grew very quickly. The pass on to another generation the rea-
in the late 1880s, there was just the empty
 size was doubled the next year and addi- sons Broken Arrow is such a special
prairie and the nearby bare mounds that
 tions made until it was ravaged with storm community.
 and fire damage in 1924. That school was
 demolished and the new school was
 opened in 1926. The building has
 expanded many times, and served all
 ages of children. It evolved over the
 decades and is now Central on Main and
 serves as a professional development
 center and offices of the Broken Arrow
 Chamber of Commerce and the Broken
 Broken Arrow’s first school building. Arrow Economic Development Corpora- Broken Arrow’s current Central on Main.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 7

Graduation is no time to learn you
 haven’t saved enough for college.

 For a free, personalized college cost
 report, contact your Edward Jones
 financial advisor today. We can
 convert your
 logo to stitching
 with custom
 embroidery
 services!

 Brad Buxton, AAMS®
 Financial Advisor
 edwardjones.com
 1145 S Aspen Ave Member SIPC
 Broken Arrow, OK 74012
EDS-1927G-A

 918-258-6932
 Greg & Tinisha Mitchell
 805 W Houston, Broken Arrow, OK
 918-760-5224

 301 N Aspen
 Broken Arrow, OK 74012
 918.251.2300

 At Hometown Hospice, we provide compassionate care.
 • Nursing Services • Respite Care
 • Nurse Aid Service • Chaplain/Spiritual Services
 • Social Services & Counseling • Medical Equipment
 • Pain Management • Bereavement Services

 918-251-6441 Gladly Servicing broken arrow
 804 S. Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 with all their pool & Spa needs!
 Located in the Rose District of downtown Broken Arrow

8 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

LOCAL CHAMPIONS

BA Cheer Squad Wins
BA Cheer Squad Wins Big at the "Superbowl of High
School Cheerleading"
by Tim Hudson
 A short interview with BA head it was a big deal to bring home a national championship. The
 Varsity Cheer Coach Kyrstin entire experience was great! The Tulsa Police and Broken Arrow
 Delehanty on the occasion of Police and Fire escorted us, and the kids just soaked in the
 the squad’s big national win at whole experience. It was very neat for them.
 the 2021 Universal Cheerlead-
 ers Association (UCA). What did you get in addition to the title?
 A: We received a trophy and medals and you get a white jacket,
 So you guys won at which is like a super big deal in the cheer world.
 nationals?
 A: Yes, and it's especially big in So what's next for the team?
 this year because of COVID. It A: That is our last thing with the team (this year), so everyone is
 was super exciting! We were super sad because we had such a great team this year.
 happy that we even got to go, Do you think this win is going to inspire more kids to get
 so the fact that we won is even involved with cheer?
 crazier. A: I think so. I think that it gets people excited to be here, and it
 What categories did you win? sets a standard for Broken Arrow Cheer that everyone is
A: Medium Co-Ed Varsity Game Day and Medium Varsity Co- expected to live up to. It makes them excited that they could
Ed Performance. We won the Medium Co-Ed Game Day and have to opportunity to work hard and, perhaps, win next year.
took second place in the Medium Co-Ed Performance. That was What do you think are the elements that got you guys the
the highest that Broken Arrow had ever placed in a performance victory?
division at UCA. A: Honestly, they are just a hard-working team. They were will-
 ing to do whatever it took to make sure that they went down
Is this team's first national title?
 there and were successful.
A: This is only the second time that varsity has won at UCA.
There are two different national companies: NCA and UCA. Our
younger teams, JV and Junior High, compete at NCA and our
varsity competes at UCA. It’s a little
more prestigious.

 So you not only won, but you
won at the big show?
A: Yeah, it's like the Superbowl of
high school cheerleading.

 The competition was in Florida.
How many kids did you take with
you?
A: We took 33 athletes.

 How big is the entire squad?
A: Our team has 36 athletes this year.
A few of them compete in two differ-
ent sports. Some of them went over
to track, and one went over to soccer,
so a total of 33 went with us.

 How are the kids reacting to the
title?
A: They are so excited! They were
thrilled to even get to go this year, so

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 9

Photography • Videography

 Everyone loves a good story and it
 is a passion of ours to tell yours
 beautifully.

 We would love to meet you!

 20% Off All Services
 www.citiscapeweddings.com
 Follow us

 Home deliveries in
 NE Oklahoma 4th Friday
 of every month!

 • Family-owned and operated • The finest pasture-raised beef
 • Located in Southeast Kansas • Registed Red Brangus and Angus cattle

 Bringing Quality Beef to our Customers’ Tables and Freezers!
 www.mlccattle.com • 620-238-1598
10 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

COMMUNITY

Farm Fresh Favorites
Rose District Farmers Market Expects 2021 to Be Best Year
by Maria Gus
 The Rose District Farmers Market opened in April, and is look- selection will be incredibly diverse. Live music will continue to
ing forward to its best year yet. be offered each week, along with more events planned through-
 out the season.
 The market was prepared for growth, but the numbers
exceeded their expectations. “We have already accepted around Beginning May 8, the Rose District Farmers Market will also
62 vendors this year,” said Nicole Orcutt, farmers market coordi- have the Traveling Barnyard come out, and then return on the first
nator. “I think this is the most we’ve had in the last two years, a Saturday of every month. Broken Arrow residents are very familiar
record number!” with Ms. Carmen’s barnyard animals. Parents can expect the for-
 mer educator to continue the fun by teaching about her magical
 The Rose District Farmers Market is located at the Rose Dis-
 menagerie and offering storytime, too.
trict Plaza, 418 S. Main Street. Vendors will display their goods,
including home-baked breads, wines, produce, meat, chocolate, Once visitors have made their way around the vendor booths,
honey, and more. “My favorite part of the market is it creates they can sit and listen to music featuring various local artists. Live
community around food,” sad Orcutt. “I don’t think you can get music will be from 9 a.m.-noon, and makes a perfect backdrop for
much better than that.” Orcutt said the vendors are a second fam- the outdoor event.
ily and whether it’s rain or shine, they all embrace it together to
 Orcutt said it’s a ritual for every vendor to
help make the community better.
 arrive, get a cup of coffee, and help each
 The City of Broken Arrow announced the other set up and make sure everyone has
opening of the 2021 season in March. The market what they need. “They love seeing who else is
began in April and will continue every Saturday participating,” said Orcutt. “Even the vendors
through October 30th, weather permitting. are surprised by how many items we have
 available.”
 Many Oklahoma crafters will also be on-
site, selling items like cutting boards, quilts, For more details, visit the Rose District
statuaries, wood-working crafts, pottery, and Farmers Market Facebook page or their web-
body care products. site, Brokenarrowok.gov/farmersmarket.

 With a high level of vendor participation this “We look forward to serving the residents
year, additional booths have been added out- of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas,”
side the main pavilion, and the overall product said Orcutt.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 11

1151 N. 20th St
 Broken Arrow, OK 74012
 918.286.3555

 PROUD SPONSOR OF THE
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

$
 5 OFF 25(Excludes Alcohol)
 $

 Limit one coupon per person, per visit. Must present
 original coupon; no photocopies. Not for resale. Not
valid with any other discounts, offers or coupons. Valid
 at locations listed below. No cash value. Excludes tax.
 Excludes alcohol. Code 61

Broken Arrow: 1151 N. 20th. • Tulsa Hills: 7568 S.
 Olympia • Tulsa Midtown: 6222 E. 41st St.
 Owasso: 9263 N. Owasso Expy
 ©2019 Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. BWW2019-113340

LOCAL STARS

Athletes of the Month

 BA girls golf had a big day recently finishing second at regionals with a 314 score.
 The team shown pictured with coach Charlie Brown.

 Brooke Lakin Shelton
 Carroll Grade: 12th
 Grade: 12th
 Varsity
 Golf Highstepper
 Captain

Q: How many years have you been playing? Q: How many years have you been playing?
A: I’ve been playing for eight years. A: I have been a part of Highsteppers for nine years.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the sport? Q: What’s your favorite part about the sport?
A: The tournaments and getting to compete against other teams and players. A: My favorite part about Highsteppers is all of the traveling and friendships
 It’s also great to get to play different courses around the state. along the way!
Q: What college do you plan to attend, & will you play your sport there? Q: What college do you plan to attend, & will you play your sport there?
A: I don’t plan to play in college and I am planning to attend Oklahoma State A: I plan to attend Kilgore College and I will be trying out for the Kilgore
 University. College Rangerettes for the 82nd line.
Q: Anyone you would like to thank? Q: Anyone you would like to thank?
A: I’d like to thank my coaches, Coach Jones and Coach Young, for all the A: I would like to thank both of my parents for always being there for me and
 help and support during my four years of varsity play. They have helped helping me throughout my Highstepper journey in many ways. I would
 me improve and grow, both as a golfer and as a person. also like to thank Megan Maddux, Sterling Shidler, Lindsey Hohendorf,
 Ashlee Mathis, Megan Neumann, and Kristi Posey for being the best
 coaches and always pushing me to be better!

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 13

FEATURE

Keeping the Wheels On the Bus
Broken Arrow, Union Set to Honor 2021 Graduates
by Evan Taylor

 It will not sound like new news to tell you that graduations distancing. For information on how to view this ceremony virtually,
over the past year have been very different. Just two short years please visit www.unionps.org. Virtually, it will be available on their
ago, families, friends, and loved ones would pack area schools Facebook page and YouTube, as well.
and arenas to support their graduating seniors from Broken
 The pandemic is still showing its ugly head, but those at
Arrow and Union school districts. Two years ago, people huddled
 Union have been prepared and have worked very hard to keep
together on creaky folding chairs, stadium seats, and ice coolers
 their students safe. To continue their safety plan, Union High
to celebrate. Last year, as we all know, that changed.
 School will have three groups for their total of 1,064 seniors grad-
 In Union Public Schools, there was only a virtual graduation uating, divided by last names. The first group will be at 10 a.m. for
for people to watch in 2020. Instead of large indoor spaces, fam- last names starting with A-F, 2 p.m. will be last names between
ilies socially distantly gathered G-N, and following will be the final
around TVs, computers, cell phones, ceremony at 6 p.m. for those lasts
and tablets to cheer on their family names starting with O-Z. Each stu-
victories with masks on that muffled dent is allowed seven tickets for
their cheers. Broken Arrow did hold guests for their ceremony and can
a live graduation event in July, but be found online using Canvas.
that took place for seniors only and Masks and social distancing are of
in the middle of summer on their course encouraged. There will be an
outdoor football stadium that was optional Graduation Celebration at
half torn down. This year, the plans Incredible Pizza on 71st street in
are similar, but with Covid-19 num- Tulsa later that night, from 10 pm – 2
bers dropping across the state, am. This is to offer the graduates a
parents, and families will be able to safe and fun end to their celebration.
gather at the Union Multipurpose
 Chief Communications Officer
Activity Center at 5836 South Mingo
 Christopher Payne says that though
Road on Friday, May 27th. The
 they had about 30% of students
UMAC is spacious with 5,600 seats,
 choose to do virtual school, they
which allows ample room for social
 managed to have 15 weeks of in-

14 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

FEATURE

person learning for the high school students. “We are extremely Prior to Union's graduation on May 27th, Broken Arrow High
pleased with the way our teachers and staff responded to Covid- School graduates will get to walk across the stage at Memorial
19 and managed to keep students safe and we are feeling VERY Stadium at 1901 East Albany Street on May 20th, 2021. Before the
optimistic about summer school and the fall semester.” During the pandemic brought the world to a virtual halt, Broken Arrow had
first semester, close to 35% of students chose a virtual learning been holding their large graduations at the BOK Center, in down-
option. This was a hidden blessing in that it gave time for teachers town Tulsa. With everything happening last year, they moved the
and staff to experiment and create a safe space for when the stu- graduation back to their own “turf” and created a sense of com-
dents returned later in the year.

 Union has held tight to its Strategic Plan implemented in 2018
with its commitment to excellence, collegiality, honesty, integrity,
transparency, innovation, inclusiveness, empowerment, and
accountability. The school district has put a high mark on
thoughtful planning over the past year. Shifting the school around
to make social distancing possible was a challenge for all schools,
but Union pulled through and the staff and teacher worked very
hard to provide a safe space for them to learn.

 This year, at Union there will be a first. A few years back, they
started the program EDGE (Earn a Degree, Graduate Early) and
28 students will celebrate not only getting their high school diplo-
mas, but also an associate degree from Tulsa Community College.
This program is aimed at first-generation college students to give
them a head start in college. This program has proven to be such
a success that Tulsa Public Schools and others will be adopting
similar programs soon. Also, these programs were highlighted
not just locally, but in stories printed in The New York
Times and The Wall Street Journal.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 15

FEATURE

munity in a world struck by new realities. Moving back to their Like Union, Broken Arrow has alternate “rain dates” posted on
own school proved to be more successful, and brought in better their website.
memories for the families than planned.
 Broken Arrow high school has more than just a large gradu-
 Director of Student Life and Actives Christian Welborn said, ating class, they have young adults with a heart. The student
“Following our ceremony last year, we received an overwhelming council came together to help a fellow student in need who was
 amount of positive feedback because parents and students felt diagnosed with cancer this year. On top of surviving a pandemic,
 that Memorial Stadium held more sentimental value.” Having stu- this group of 25 officers are currently working on a fundraising
 dents be able to celebrate at the actual school they worked so program in her name for St. Jude Hospital, where she was treated.
 hard in obviously made a difference. Superintendent Dr. Janet This will be held at the Cycle Bar, a new cycling studio that
 Vinson added, “The district will continue to follow protocols pro- opened up in Tulsa recently and is located at 9110 South Yale Ave.
 vided by the CDC, the Tulsa Health Department, and local health Some of the student council have started going there for exercise
 officials. The additional floor space on Tiger Field allows for the and fun and they decided to turn it into a fundraiser. For more
 appropriate social distancing of our seniors.” information on this program, please follow them on Twitter and
 Instagram with the tags @bastudentsec and #batstudentsec.
 Broken Arrow High School will have an impressive 1,255 stu-
dents graduating this year. Each of those students will be able to Fundraisers for fellow students are not the only light shining
invite six guests through a link in early May on their bright at Broken Arrow High School. Unlike Union, Broken Arrow
website, www.baschools.org. Seating will be available on the High School does not have the traditional valedictorians that all
home side and visitor’s side on a first-come, first-served basis. speak at graduation. They have a group of 38 students that are in
 Guests are asked to the top 3% of their
 be in their seats by class. A few of them
 6:45 for the 7 p.m. will speak at gradu-
 start time. Keep an ation. We might
 eye on their website possibly get the
 should our ques- chance to hear a

 May 20 | 7 PM
 tionable weather in great young man in
 Oklahoma change. this group named May 27 | 10 AM, 2 PM & 6 PM
 Memorial Stadium Brady Read. He, Union Multipurpose Activity Center
 along with Simon

16 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

FEATURE

Blair, Noah Higgins, William Martin, Kurt Nguyen, and Nicholas so amazing. Imagine going back to high school now. Imagine liv-
York were recently awarded the prestigious National Merit Semi- ing the highs and lows of adolescence and popularity contests in
finalists for their accomplishments in Broken Arrow. the middle of a pandemic. This generation will be stronger than
 most. They have had their young lives completely flipped over
 Brady is also a part of the group called the “Jungle Squad.”
 and have kept going strong. Union Public School and Broken
When Brady is not participating in track and field at the school,
 Arrow Schools are a light in this community, and both schools are
you can find him with face paint and in a group of students who
 confident in their futures.
love to cheer on the football team. “Broken Arrow schools make
it all about community and people,” Brady said. “They have taught As these students enter the next phase of their life, they will
the importance of investing in relationships … That’s what makes face challenges that the older generation has never faced. In 20,
this place so special.” 30, 40-plus years, they will be able to look back at their photos
 and see masks, social distancing, and a pandemic and these stu-
 Brady will attend the University of Alabama in the fall on a
 dents did not live “through” a
scholarship and has plans to
 pandemic, they “survived” a
continue on to law school
 pandemic. The great late Rev.
and then to seminary. “I
 Martin Luther King Jr said,
want to fight for people who
 “Intelligence plus character —
don’t get represented.”
 that is the goal of true educa-
Though Brady’s family has
 tion.” No words fit better for
always been there to sup-
 this class of 2021.
port him, he remembers a
teacher his junior year that Steven Spielberg, said it
really changed his perspec- best during a commence-
tive. “Mrs. Lewis taught me ment speech he gave on
how to control my voice YouTube in 2020. “Dreams
through writing, to use my are a great test,” he said.
voice for what I’m passionate “Because a dream is going to
about.” This led Brady to test your resolve … if we’re in
start his own off-campus service of our dreams versus
Bible study group. Brady our dreams being in service
also brings attention to his to us it becomes something
twin sister, Abby, and the greater.”
rest of the family. “My par-
 Congrats to the Union
ents are always there to give
 and Broken Arrow class of
me Godly wisdom.” Along
 2021! May you always keep
with Abby, Brady makes it a
 testing your dreams and find-
priority to “always leave a
 ing ways of creating them in
smile on someone’s face.”
 service to others.
 It is students like Brady
that make this class of 2021 Brady Read was recently awarded as a National Merit Semifinalist.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 17

MAY EVENTS CALENDAR
 Know of an upcoming event you would like to see on our calendar? Submit the info to calendar@brokenarrowmagazine.net for a free listing!

Sat, May 1 12 PM Sun, May 2 5:30 PM
 57th Annual Darryl Starbird Rod & GriefShare Grief Recovery
8 AM 3 PM
 Custom Car Show Support Group
Rose District Farmers Market Expo Square, Tulsa Garden Party Fundraiser First Baptist Church Broken Arrow
Rose District Plaza The Succulent Shop
 Over 1,000 automobiles and crazy cre- Experiencing sadness from the loss of a
The Rose District Farmers Market is held ations on display! The show runs through Come ready to relax and plant your own loved one? Join us as we present the
every Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon. Sunday, May 2. succulent with friends, all while support- GriefShare program. We are wearing
 ing a great cause! Each ticket includes a masks and practicing social distances.
11 AM succulent, pot, and everything you need The group meets every Wednesday.
Mom & Me Hike to plant it on-site. T-Shirts are also avail-
Ray Harral Nature Park & Center able for an additional cost. Proceeds from Thu, May 6
 this event benefit Kindness for Kaysen
Take the mother figures in your life out for foundation. 5 PM
a hike! Join us at the Ray Harral Nature
Park for a fun afternoon outdoors! This Battle Creek Thursday League
year’s hike is self-guided. Check in at the
 Wed, May 5 Battle Creek Golf Club
Nature Center to get a special mother’s 7:45 AM A fun, social, and recreational 9-hole golf
day scavenger hunt and visit our selfie league.
 Faith in Business Series
station! A food truck will also be in atten-
 Cedar Ridge Country Club
dance. This event is free and for all ages. Fri, May 7
 1 PM
 Enjoy fellowship, a free breakfast, and
12 PM Monarch Moments come hear Ray Sanders! 12 PM
Kentucky Derby Polo Benefit Event Central Park Pollinator/Monarch Garden
 11:30 AM Warren Theater Grand Reopening
Broken Arrow Events Park Warren Regal Theater
 Learn about helping our pollinators by
 planting wildflowers and milkweed for the Leads Luncheon
Fundraiser for War at Home Memorial,
 Monarchs. Learn how to create your own Location TBD
which signifies fallen American soldiers Times Vary
that were effected by suicide. Opening Monarch/Pollinator Garden. Free Wild- The Chamber Leads Luncheon is held the Mother’s Day Classic Soccer
ceremonies at 1:30, polo match at 2 p.m. A flower Seeds, Monarch Bookmarks, and first and third Wednesday of the month, Tournament
champagne divot stomp & contest at half- Monarchwatch.org information. Bring a and the second and fourth Tuesday of the Indian Springs Soccer Complex
time is followed by awards and watch lawn chair or blanket and a mask. month, at 11:30 a.m.
party. Open to all recreational, academy, & com-
 6 PM petitive teams ages U6-U10. The
12 PM Murder Mystery Dinner Show tournament runs through May 9.
BA Baseball vs. Harbor, Ark Hilton Garden Inn
Tiger Baseball Field

 Spraying • Fertilizing
 Lawn Maintenance

 CALL NOW TO
 SCHEDULE FOR 2021

18 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sat, May 8 Thu, May 13 Thu, May 20 10 AM
 2nd Annual Modern Moms Market
10 AM 4:30 PM 12 PM
 Restore House
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show Union High School Color Guard Fall Successful Women’s Luncheon:
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 2021 Auditions Women in Politics Our passion is supporting local small
 North Lot of Union High School Central on Main Ballroom businesses and growing together in com-
The Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show is munity. You will be able to find around 40
one of the largest reptile and exotic pet Auditions will also be held at the same Navigating the political world successfully small businesses, food trucks, and more
shows in the region. time and place on Friday, May 14., requires a specialized skill set. Come lis-
Tulsa Pop Kids - Live Literacy ten to this panel including County 6 PM
Drive-Thru Sat, May 15 Commissioner Karen Keith and City Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Persimmon Hollow Home of Tulsa Pop Councilwoman Debra Wimpee as they Hilton Garden Inn
 9 AM recount their stories of being women in
Kids
 T-Town Wheelers Hot Wheels politics.
Bring your family and drive-thru an awe- Sun, May 23
 Show & Sale
some world where literacy comes to life.
 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 1 PM
Every child will receive a book!
 Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Redlines, Conven- Classic Car Show
3 PM tion Cars. Downhill Racing. Car Shows. Scooters South 40
Salt & Soul Birthday Bash Plus many other events!
 Food and drink specials all afternoon.
Broken Arrow Brewing Company Plaques will be awarded to the top 3 cars
 10 AM
Salt & Soul is turning 1 and wants to cele- 7 PM as voted by the people.
 Camp Bandage
brate with you! Please join us for this
 Events Park BA Class of 2021 Graduation
FREE event with over 30 Oklahoma ven-
 Memorial Stadium
 Tue, May 25
dors, a flower truck, live cigar rolling, food Camp Bandage is free to attend, free hot
trucks, live music, giveaways, and so dogs, and a free kids fun-zone! Emergen- 4 PM
much more! The birthday bash runs until cies happen. No one wants to think about Fri, May 21 Chamber After Hours
8 p.m. accidents or disasters. It is a way to edu- GolfSuites
 cate the community about being 10 AM
Sun, May 9 prepared for emergencies. Happy Hands Fun Run
 Thu, May 27
 Happy Hands Education Center
 Sun, May 16 Infants & children will run, walk, crawl, or 9 AM
 11 AM stroll to raise funds for specialized educa- International Championship Indian
 tion at Happy Hands Education Center. Relay Horse Racing
 Food Fore Kids Golf Charity Event
 Osage County Fairgrounds, Pawhuska
 Battle Creek Golf Club 1 PM
 The event runs through Monday, May 31.
 PWP and Care Partners Support
 Mon, May 17 Group Times Vary
Tue, May 11 Prairie House Assisted Living & Memory
 3:30 PM Union High School Graduation
 Care
7:30 AM Union Multi-Purpose Activity Center
 Meet Your Chamber
Leads Breakfast Chamber Office, AVB Bank Room 4 PM Three ceremonies will be held to maxi-
Location TBD mize the number of in-person attendees.
 Join us to talk about maximizing your BA Baseball vs. Tulsa Union
The Leads Breakfast is held the second & Tiger Baseball Field Grades will attend by their last name: A-F
 exposure within the Chamber, leadership
fourth Tuesday of the month, at 7:30 a.m. at 10 a.m., G-N at 2 p.m., and o-Z at 6 p.m.
 opportunities and taking advantage of
 great training for you and your staff. This 6:30 PM
Wed, May 12 event is free to attend, so please bring A New Leaf Garden Party Fri, May 28
 everyone in your office who is interested Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center
9 AM in learning more about the BA Chamber. 7 PM
7th Annual Backpacks for Kids Join A New Leaf for Garden Party 2021! Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo
Benefit Golf Tournament Tue, May 18 They will be celebrating the accomplish- Will Rogers Stampede Arena, Claremore
Battle Creek Golf Club ments of clients, donors, and volunteers!
 5:30 PM The rodeo runs through Sunday, May 30.
Over the years, Backpacks for Kids has Sat, May 22
 Empty Bowls
raised over $275,000 to purchase and fill
 Cox Business Convention Center, Tulsa
 Sat, May 29
backpacks for children in need with 6 AM
essentials such as: pants, shirts, socks, Empty Bowls at the Cox Business Center 6 PM
 Kid’s Spring Fishing Derby
and shoes for the first day of school! serves as a gathering of Food Bank Murder Mystery Dinner Show
 Hunter Park, Tulsa
 friends and supporters for a dinner, live Hilton Garden Inn
12 PM and silent auction, raffle and live enter- The fishing derby is free for children ages
Monthly Chamber Luncheon: tainment. 6-15. It will run until 9:30 a.m.
Entrepreneurship
 Mon, May 31
 9 AM
Central on Main Ballroom Wed, May 19
 Tulsa Gun Show
Erika Lucas, co-founder of StitchCrew, an 9 AM Expo Square, Tulsa
organization focused on building a more
equitable economy through entrepreneur-
 Work in BA Career Fair The Gun Show runs through Sunday, May
ship, will speak at this luncheon. Central on Main Ballroom 23.
 The event is free to attend for job seekers.

 15, 2021
 12 4

 Events Park
 21101 E. 101st Street

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 19

Saturdays & Sundays
 st th
 May 1 - June 6
 & Memorial Day, May 31st

6 weekends of World Class Entertainment
 • Over 100 artisans with unique handcrafted wares
 • 12 Stages of continuous entertainment
 • The Children’s Realm will fill the hearts of all ages with joy.
 • Hundreds of costumed performers in the streets
 • Maypole dancing, games of skill and living history displays
 • A bounty of delicious food and drink upon which to feast
 • Special Daytime and Evening Events

 Tickets On Sale Now!

OKCASTLE.COM 918.687.3625

PAST TO PRESENT

 Through the Years
 BA’s Graduating Classes Have Certainly Grown
 by Jan Collins
 Graduation day is a wonderful time to celebrate a student’s
 achievements. Everyone is proud of their child, grandchild, niece,
 nephew…. and the list continues. Families travel far and wide to
 attend commencement exercises. Family is everything! The older
 generation is eager to connect with the younger ones at these
 reunions and events. Today, Broken Arrow’s graduating classes
 are easily over 1,000 students.

 Broken Arrow’s first graduating class was in 1908, with only
 three seniors. By the time 1920 arrived, the class had grown to 15
 students. A lot has changed in the last 100 years. People could
 not travel as easily at that time. Broken Arrow was a young and
 growing town. As families relocated to this area, some came
 ahead to check out this vast prairie to report back. Once news Broken Arrow High School’s graduating class of 1920 included, front
 reached their relatives back home of the “newest state in the row from left: Marian Walker, Pearl Wyatt, Vida Curnutt, Patsy Bur-
 union” and a “land of opportunity,” it drew more folks. When the dette, and Anna Williams. Back row, from left: Ola Carpenter, Laurine
 rest of the families came, it often included grandparents. Barron, Charles Sutton, Bonnie Neas, Gladys Watkins, Mabel Ash, For-
 rest Watson, George Severson, Mable Peterson, and Rosanna Young.

t Several families from the class of 1920 were found in the 1910
 Federal Census. Let’s connect the dots of their relationships. A
 name most recognizable is Anna Williams, daughter of Newt Charlie Peterson, who owned Broken Arrow’s first Warehouse
 Market. Bill and son, Elmer Curnutt, owned a grist mill and ground
 Williams, one of Broken Arrow’s founders. The student who lived
 the longest was Marian Walker, who lived to be 100 years old. She wheat into flour. The mill was located at Ash Street and the rail-
 attended the annual Pioneer Dinner in about 2002, an event that road tracks.
 included residents who had been in Broken Arrow for 50 years or During World War II, when FDR put an embargo on wheat, Bill
 more. Marian’s family came from Illinois. She had two brothers, Curnutt took his keys to the mill and laid them on F.S. Hurd’s desk
 Jesse (former BA Postmaster) and Harry, who married Bonnie at First National Bank. He told Mr. Hurd they were basically out
 Neas, a fellow classmate. Bonnie was a sister to Maynard Neas, of business due to the lack of wheat. Mr. Hurd said if the mill went
 (former BA principal), and Rotha Neas, who married Shorty Couch. out of business, the bank would go under because of the money
 Another interesting fact is the relationship of classmates he had already lent him, and if the bank went under the town
 Charles Sutton, Vida Curnutt, and Mable Peterson. As cousins, would too. Mr. Hurd asked what it would take to keep the mill in
 many of their families traveled from Kansas. Phillip Sutton came business. Curnutt suggested retrofitting the grist mill into a feed
 from Kansas and researched his family a few years ago. He told mill. They struck a deal and Mr. Hurd lent him the money. Curnutt
 of an area in Kansas known as Sutton Valley. His grandmother sold all his equipment for pennies on the dollar. He bought new
 was Hattie (Curnutt) Sutton, Vida’s older sister. Mable Peterson’s equipment and converted it into the feed mill, Broken Arrow
 grandmother was Mercy Elizabeth Sutton. Milling Company. Mr. Hurd was a man of compassion and literally
 saved Curnutt’s family business. It was sold to the Co-op in the
 As early pioneers, the Peterson and Curnutt families became late 1950s. Broken Arrow has some great banks like First National
 successful in business in Broken Arrow. Mable’s brother was Bank that continue to help families succeed.

 Gifts and Made in Okaha Products
 • Mother's Day Gifts • Locally-Made Merchandise
 • Graduation Gifts • Unique Products

 Essential Oil , Holistic, and Fun, Creative Classes
 for dates, friends and families coming soon! 115 E Fort Worth St, Broken Arrow,
 (918) 806-8579 • www.1907BA.com
 Young Living Essential Oils • 918-694-7232 • okieoiler.com @1907OK @1907BA

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 21

MEETING A NEED

Ignite Generosity
Broken Arrow Neighbors Fundraising Campaign
by Maria Gus
 In 2020, Broken Arrow Neighbors served over 8,300 individu- Broken Arrow Neigh-
als and nearly a third of those were under the age of 18. For 2021, bors Team reach even
Broken Arrow Neighbors is looking ahead to continue bringing more people who may
the community together, lifting people up, and promoting self- need temporary aid.
sufficiency. Their mission, “to provide basic needs assistance with Ignite Generosity
dignity and compassion to neighbors in need through a cooper- hopes to encourage
ative community effort” is one of hope. For the more than 11,000 the community to join
financially disadvantaged people in the Broken Arrow and the mission to serve
Coweta areas, their basic needs and emergency assistance is with dignity and com-
often a lifeline. passion throughout
 the entire year.
 In January, Broken Arrow Neighbors began the #IgniteGen-
erosity campaign with the goal of raising $300,000. Thanks to an Anyone looking to
anonymous donor, for every one dollar raised in 2021, Broken become a consistent
Arrow Neighbors will receive up to a $100,000 match. As of the end monthly donor can
of April, the Ignite Generosity campaign is less than $75,000 from sign up at https://donate.onecause.com/brokenarrowneighbors
their goal which will result in $400,000 at work in the community. and donate $20 a month or even $1 a month. Any amount will
 help the organization ignite generosity through the community.
 Every day, Broken Arrow Neighbors is serving the community
 With the community of Broken Arrow’s continued support, the
with food and financial assistance for those in need. The Ignite
 staff and board are excited to help even more in need in 2021.
Generosity campaign invites the public to also serve their com-
munity with a one-time or recurring donation. Campaign Other statistics of 2020 include over $78,000 in rental and util-
organizers hope to encourage the community to give more and ity assistance in Broken Arrow and Coweta and helping nearly
give often, setting off a ripple effect of giving and supporting Bro- 250 families. While serving those in need, Broken Arrow Neigh-
ken Arrow friends and neighbors. bors gave over 211,000 items in their food pantry and over 101,000
 pounds of fresh produce.
 After end-of-year campaigns, many non-profit organizations
see a decline in giving. With many donors giving once a year, As an emergency basic needs service agency, Broken Arrow
organizations like Broken Arrow Neighbors must budget carefully Neighbors strives to provide programs designed to meet the
in the year ahead. The Ignite Generosity Campaign allows sup- needs of those in crisis while encouraging personal accountabil-
porters to give on a monthly basis and help the ity. Their daily operations are supported by a small but strong
 staff of four along with a group of dedicated and diversified vol-
 unteers. Broken Arrow Neighbors manages each request on a
 case-by-case basis with the hope of serving the total person.

 This interfaith organization recognizes that each individual or
 family represents a unique set of circumstances. Their services
 are structured to help each client regain or maintain self-suffi-
 ciency. The Ignite Generosity campaign helps Broken Arrow
 Neighbors serve even more people looking for temporary aid dur-
 ing difficult times.

 Broken Arrow Neighbors believes that serving individuals
 and families is a community responsibility. Their staff and vol-
 unteers, along with many community partners and donors,
 look forward to #ignitegenerosity for many years to come
 through their mission of “assistance with dignity”.

 For more information on Broken Arrow Neighbors go to
 baneighbors.org or call 918-251-7781.

22 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

HELPING HANDS

Talking About Addiction
Don’t Be Afaid to Talk to Your Employer About Addiction
 Each year, addiction costs American businesses an estimated
$276 billion. Beyond the financial impact, accidents and fatalities
produce tragic consequences. In fact, one out of 10 employees
has a substance use disorder (SUD) in their lifetime.

 As the SUD epidemic spreads, businesses experience low
productivity, low employee morale, increase in health care costs,
absenteeism, injuries, and fatalities. The U.S. Department of
Labor reports more than 500 million workdays are lost to addic-
tion, annually. However, there are practical steps and solutions
available to help employers confront and reduce the significant
impact of addiction in the workplace.

 First, it is essential for employers and employees to under-
stand that addiction to drugs and alcohol is a treatable brain
disease, characterized by a progressive and problematic pattern
of substance use leading to significant impairment. • Review your employer’s benefits program, sick leave rules,
 and alcohol and drug policy. Be educated about your options
 More than 70% of people living with and your rights as an employee.
 an SUD also have jobs. Some have • Research treatment options that would work best for you.
 access through their employer to an Valley Hope offers a continuum of care and works closely
 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with employers to ensure successful outcomes for their
 that provides support to those needing employees.
 treatment for addiction. To provide the • Gather as much information as you can about addiction,
 best quality care available for employees specifically about the clinical classification of SUD as a
and all patients, Valley Hope works with countless EAPs across chronic brain disease that requires treatment and supportive
the country. From local businesses and community organizations care.
to large corporations, EAPs have become efficient, effective tools • Take accountability for how addiction has affected your pro-
for helping employees receiving effective treatment for addiction, ductivity and emphasize your desire to receive treatment that
managing the processes and communications, working with will help you fully maximize your professional work.
insurance providers, and relieving management from oversight of
an employee’s treatment process. More than 25 million Americans are living in recovery from
 addiction. When the employee completes initial treatment, it is
 For those without an EAP or similar program, consider other critical that they return to a supportive work environment.
options for communicating with your employer about your need
to seek help for an SUD. Recovery is an ongoing process where the employee contin-
 ues to work a program outside of treatment, such as attending
 Take these steps to ensure successful communications about Twelve Step meetings, outpatient therapy, or other continuing
your SUD and need for treatment with your employer: care programs. At Valley Hope, our team works with each patient
• Do not wait for fear of losing your job. Deciding to seek treat- to build a successful long-term recovery plan that serves as a
 ment for addiction could save your life — and your job. Speak road map after leaving treatment.
 to your supervisor sooner rather than later.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 23

OUT & ABOUT

RAISING HOPE GALA

24 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

OUT & ABOUT

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PLAYGROUND GROUNDBREAKING

 BA DAY AT THE CAPITOL

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 25

MUSEUM BROKEN ARROW

Picking Up Steam!
Museum Broken Arrow Making May Even More Beautiful
by Maria Gus
 Spring is definitely in the air, and The Museum Broken Arrow
is celebrating with events, art, and history. First up is mural artist
Carlos Barboza, as he begins work on The Museum Broken Arrow
Historic Mural on the museum’s south exterior wall. Painting will
begin the first week of May, and residents will be able to watch
as the artist brings his mural to life. Be sure to drive by to check
on progress and stop at the museum to learn even more about
upcoming events. Discover more about Carlos and view his work
at CarlosBarboza.com

 Also in May, the museum will present Peace by Piece, glass
mosaics by artist Katie Wheat Pernu. On May 13, The Museum
Broken Arrow will host the opening reception for Pernu and her
beautiful work. The event is sponsored by BlockHouse Grill and
Pub and takes place from 6 - 8 p.m. “Having an exhibition at the
museum is great for me because it kind of feels like home, in a
way,” said Pernu. “Julie is great to work with, and the owner of
BlockHouse is a friend of mine. When I get to do a show in Broken
Arrow it feels like I’m surrounded by friends. I haven’t been able Brown is excited about the two summer art camps planned at the
to do a show for over a year. I’m excited to have it be in such a museum this year. They have partnered with local artist Talitha
friendly space!” Jacobs, and the two camps take place June 8 - 11 and July 6 - 9.
 “It’s never too early to sign up for these classes,” said Antoshkiw-
 Pernu’s work is bright and bold and much of her art is based Brown. “We are fortunate to have such talented artists in the area
on flight, nature, and spirituality. “I see my work as a conduit for who are willing to share their time and talent.” Look for more
light,” said Pernu, who holds a degree in Art Education and information on registration at The Museum Broken Arrow website.
achieved National Board Certification as an art teacher. Since
2015, she has worked as a full-time professional artist and also Museum enthusiasts should also save the date for A Night for
teaches on occasion. the Museum! A
Pernu said that life is Grand Event! on
hard, but it is also Upcoming Events September 17.
beautiful and joyous. May 8 - June 26, Special Exhibit: Katie Wheat Pernu Stain Glass Mosaics Details will be avail-
This contrast in able soon and, as
 1st week of May, Carlos Barboza begins work on The Museum Broken always, more infor-
humanity has
 Arrow Historic Mural mation can be found
served as her cur-
rent inspiration. The May 11, 5:00—6:30 p.m. Board of Directors meeting by visiting the
exhibition opens on May 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Katie Wheat Pernu Opening Reception, Food & Bev- museum website or,
May 8 and will run erages Sponsored by BlockHouse even better, stopping
through June 26. by the museum to
 May 13, 6:30—8:30 p.m. LTAIO Book Club, Kurt Lively Ph.D., The Under- say hello!
 Museum director ground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Julie Antoshkiw-

 Congratulations
 Graduates 2021!

 Business Auto Home Life Health
 Call us for a quote for all
 your insurance needs. harmonins.com • 918-251-2511
26 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021

AROUND TOWN

Chamber
Looking for Voices
Our Voice Needs You!
 Beginning in May, The Broken Arrow Chamber will kick off Chamber officials say this process will not be successful with-
sub-committee work on what is being initially called “Our Voice.” out citizens’ help, and members who are willing to listen,
The Chamber has respectfully participated and contributed to the contribute thoughtful perspectives, and seek to find the best
Tulsa Regional Chamber’s One Voice Legislative agenda for years, solutions for our city and state.
and says they will continue to do so.
 Please consider participating in one or more of the “Our Voice”
 This year, the Chamber will facilitate conversations that allow sub-committee task forces!
their members to voice emerging issues, along with correspon-
 The three sub-committees will be: Education & Workforce
ding solutions, that will be elevated as Broken Arrow priorities
 May 4, May 18, and June 1 at 10:00 A.M.; Energy and Transporta-
with the elected delegation – “Our Voice.”
 tion May 5, May 19, and June 2 at 9:00 A.M.; Community &
 These policy positions and statements will be shared with Economic Development (Including Healthcare, Economy &
inquiring regional stakeholders as Broken Arrow priorities, as well Taxes) May 6, May 20, and June 3 at 4:00 P.M.
as being proposed as part of other regional efforts to formulate
 If you are interested in participating in any of these above ini-
legislative agendas on state and federal levels. How amazing
 tiatives, please reach out to Lori Lewis at
would it be to see “Our Voice” priorities become regionally rec-
 lori.lewis@bachamber.com
ognized, and perhaps state-adopted?

Honoring SSG
Michael K. Coon
Military History Center to posthumously honor SSG Michael
K. Coon with ceremony and Mission 22 Silhouette
 The City of Broken Arrow, the Muskogee (Creek) Nation, and SSG Michael K Coon, who lost the War at Home to Post Trau-
the Mission 22 organization are working together to bring Mission matic Stress Disorder, will be honored with a ceremony and a
22, The War at Home National Memorial permanently home to minesweeping silhouette statue from his service in Afghanistan.
Broken Arrow. The memorial honors those who have fallen in the Coon served 10 years in the U.S. Army deployed to Iraq and the
war against veteran suicide. Each steel plate is created in the like- Persian Gulf and was considered a Muscogee Creek and Chero-
ness of a real American Veteran who lost their battle with Post kee Tribal Warrior.
Traumatic Stress Disorder. These 20 silhouettes are representative
 A number of military service personnel, the Muscogee (Creek)
of those men and women who are suffering in the fight here at
 Nation Honor Guard, the Seminole Nation Honor Guard, the
home every single day. The Mission 22, War at Home Memorial will
 Kiowa Black Leggings Society, and the presentation of the Gold
be installed at Veteran’s Park at 1111 S. Main Street, near the Bro-
 Star Mother’s Flag will be a part of the ceremony.
ken Arrow Veteran’s Center which currently under construction.
 The silhouette will be on permanent display at the Military
 A Mission 22 silhouette unveiling ceremony will be held in
 History Center.
honor of SSG Michael K. Coon on Saturday, May 8 at 1 p.m., at the
Military History Center, 112 N. Main Street in Broken Arrow.

 MAY 2021 | Broken Arrow City Magazine 27

PROFILE

Mayor Deb Wimpee
A Chat With Broken Arrow’s New Mayor
by Tim Hudson
 How do you feel about being the new mayor? widening. And, I’ve always been busy creating community. It’s
 A: I’m mayor; how exciting is that?! We kind of my favorite thing to do.
 haven't had a female mayor since 1930, and
 then she served until 1933, which is unbe- That is true, you do have a track record with creating
 lievable. It has been basically 90 years community. Do you feel like it's opening back up? For exam-
 since we’ve had a female mayor. It’s pretty ple, going down Main Street, are there more people out and
 exciting. And then, of course, being from about?
 Broken Arrow and growing up there, it’s A: Absolutely. The entire year of 2020 we had record sales tax
 very humbling to now be the mayor of our every single month, which kind of blew my mind, because we
 great city. I'm still taking it all in. When we were in a global pandemic and breaking sale tax records. And
got here in Florida for the cheer competition, the new athletic we can see, as of April, that the city is still continuing to break
director walked up and was like “you’re the mayor.” And I was the records. Last month wasn't as high as we have been, but we
like “I’m the mayor.” So it’s kind of cool. were still over and above 2020. We’re still getting there, but it
 seems like people are enjoying the weather and getting out a lit-
 So are you in Florida for a cheerleading thing? tle more and feeling a little bit more comfortable. We’ve got
A: Yeah, it's nationals for our varsity cheer squad. some events coming up this weekend. One upcoming event,
 which we've never had, is a polo match and Kentucky Derby
 How’s that going?
 watch party in Broken Arrow. It is a fundraiser for Mission 22.
A: So far, so good. We came in second in the nation in perform-
 Next week on the 8th, we have a Cinco de Mayo event, so there
ance. We think we might get first in Game Day, which would be
 are all kinds of things on the horizon as far as public events out-
awesome. It would be great to come home with that.
 side that people can get excited about.
 Like you said, this is historic. So what have you got on the
 Anything else you want to add?
agenda?
 A: Yeah, I'm really looking forward to our council through the
A: Unifying our city. It was very divisive over face masks in 2020. next four years. We not only made history with me being the
I believe people kept saying we were against masks, and it was- first female mayor in 90 years, but Broken Arrow has never had
n't that we were against masks, but that we were voting against a female mayor and a female vice mayor. We also have never
mandates and forcing people to had three females on the council,
wear masks. We were always so that was historic, and on top of
encouraging people to help slow the that, the city broke a voting record.
spread. We've been voted as the We had over 8,000 votes in that
safest city, the happiest city, and we election. All the way around, that
need to get back to that. I am also entire election was historic. I'm
focused on the many great projects super excited to get this council
that are in the works right now in going. The community is moving
South Broken Arrow. We have pack- forward. Like I said, we are busy
ages that are coming up from our creating community and unifying
general obligation bond that we our city. Everyone just wants to
approved in 2018, such as street From left: Councilor Lisa Ford, Mayor Deb Wimpee,
 and Vice Mayor Christi Gillespi. start living again.

 Congratulations Hunter Stanley and all 2021 Graduates!
 New Roofs
 Re-Roofs • Repairs
 Commercial & Residential
 FREE ESTIMATES! www.abbcoroofing.com
 45 Years Experience • Bonded • Insured OK Reg #0040 • ARK Reg #0519
 A Full-Service Company Commercial Endorsement

 1101 E Memphis, Broken Arrow 918-455-8044
28 Broken Arrow City Magazine | MAY 2021