The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently announced that 22 INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Clinics earned Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition renewal.
The clinics received the initial recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term, participative relationships.
The facilities receiving the PCMH Certificate of Recognition renewal are listed below:
INTEGRIS Family First Miami, INTEGRIS Family Practice Miami, INTEGRIS Grove Family Practice, INTEGRIS Grove Primary Care, INTEGRIS Internal Medicine Clinic, INTEGRIS Internal Medicine & Pediatric Associates, INTEGRIS Miami Physicians Clinic, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Baptist, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Central, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Coffee Creek, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Council Crossing, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Edmond East, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Edmond Renaissance, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Lake Pointe, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Memorial West, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Moore, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Mustang, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Norman, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group South, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Southwest, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Surrey Hills, INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Yukon
The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of primary care that combines teamwork and information technology to improve care, improve patients’ experience of care and reduce costs. Medical homes foster ongoing partnerships between patients and their personal clinicians, instead of approaching care as the sum of episodic office visits. Each patient’s care is overseen by clinician-led care teams that coordinate treatment across the health care system. Research shows that medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs and can improve patient and provider reported experiences of care.

By Nick Thomas

Chances are, every time velvet-voiced Johnny Mathis takes center stage during his current US tour, the atmosphere could turn Misty.
Sure, some devoted Mathis fans might swoon teary-eyed with waves of emotional nostalgia witnessing the 86-year-old singing icon in person, but many will just dutifully sway to the familiar soothing melodies as the veteran performer delivers his signature ballads such as “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” “Chances Are,” and, of course, his 1959 hit – “Misty.”
Interrupted briefly by the pandemic last year, Mathis continues his 2022 Voice of Romance Tour with stops around the country (see www.johnnymathis.com). Although the viral menace is still lurking, it has not deterred the soulful singer from performing this year.
“Well, it’s what I do,” said Mathis from his home in Los Angeles during a tour break. “Except for earlier in the pandemic, I’ve been touring since I recorded my first album in 1956.”
Currently in his 66th year as a recording artist, the Mathis career statistics are impressive, including 79 original albums, 43 singles on the Billboard Pop Chart, 5 Grammy nominations as well as a 2003 Lifetime Achievement Grammy and songs used in over 60 films and television shows.
Then there’s his historic 1958 Greatest Hits album, released just two years after his debut album, which became the first Greatest Hits album issued by any pop artist.
“Mitch Miller was responsible for that,” said Mathis, referring to the conductor and record producer best remembered for the 60s musical show “Sing Along with Mitch” on NBC. Mathis signed with Columbia Records in 1956 and to cash in on the growing Mathis phenomenon, Miller wanted to release a new album in the late 50s but the singer was in Europe. Mathis had scored big with recent hits, so Miller bundled several together on one record and “Johnny’s Greatest Hits” would spend almost 10 continuous years on the Billboard Top Albums Chart.
Ironically, Mathis’s signature song, “Misty,” didn’t appear on the 1958 compilation since it would be featured the following year on his “Heavenly” album. Written by Errol Garner (music) and Johnny Burke (lyrics), Mathis first heard the tune at the Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco where he grew up.
“I used to go there as a teenager to watch the singers and the owner would let me sit in the back where no one could see me,” recalled Mathis who would eventually be discovered singing at the club. “Garner would perform several times a year and play this wonderful tune (Misty) on the piano with no lyrics. His piano introduction was about a minute and a half with all sorts of chord changes and, oh man, I loved hearing it.”
Later, Mathis learned Burke had added lyrics to the melody. “Columbia usually chose all the songs for me to record but as soon as I got a chance to select something, I recorded Misty.”
While Mathis acknowledges the influence of many professional and personal buddies throughout his career, one always stands apart.
“I began singing because my dad sang,” says Mathis. “He was my best pal and my true blessing is that he lived long enough to see my success as a singer.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See www.getnickt.org.

https://www.navigatingmedicare.com/

On Saturday, July 9, 2022, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will host the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the opening of a new exhibit, “Route 66 Transitions, 1981–1991: Jerry McClanahan’s First Decade of Route 66 Photography.” This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.
Beginning at 2 p.m., the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will induct two special Oklahomans into the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. Inductions are held every two years for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion or preservation of Route 66. The winners’ plaques will be unveiled with the others on display in the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum’s Hall of Fame, located in the WOW! exhibit room.
Immediately following the induction, the museum will hold an opening for the “Route 66 Transitions, 1981–1991: Jerry McClanahan’s First Decade of Route 66 Photography” exhibit. McClanahan is a noted Route 66 authority, artist and photographer. He first began photographing and mapping the route in 1981 on a trip from Texas back to visit his boyhood home in southern California. McClanahan captured many lost and forgotten scenes during this decade of decline and revival, some of which are presented in this exhibit for the first time.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is located at 2229 W. Gary Blvd. in Clinton. The museum galleries present the history and legends of Route 66 through the decades. For additional information, please contact Pat Smith at 580-323-7866 or email rt66mus@okhistory.org.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

Story by James Coburn, Staff Writer

It was at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City where she was born that Tammy Williams remembers being hospitalized for three months after a car accident. She was only a 10-year old.
“Nurses were there for everything. They took on the role as a friend, a caretaker and a nurse as far as any dressing changes. They were a parent if I needed them to be,” said Williams, LPN, director of Nursing at Ash Street Place Assisted Living in Guthrie.
Those nurses inspired her to become a nurse.
Today, she and her nurse aides and volunteers strive to give the same quality of care and compassion to the residents of Ash Street Place. Friendly conversation with the residents makes her day.
“I like geriatrics,” she said of the residents. “They’re friendly and very important. I learn lots of things from the residents here.”
Dominoes, Bingo, and Checkers are popular games. They take trips to Walmart or other stores for shopping. Church services are held for residents on Monday evenings. On Sunday mornings some of the residents usually venture out for church services with a friend or family member. Some of the ladies get together for Bible study on Sunday evenings.
Today, she and her nurse aides and volunteers strive to give the same quality of care and compassion to the residents of Ash Street Place. Friendly conversation with the residents makes her day.
“I like geriatrics,” she said of the residents. “They’re friendly and very important. I learn lots of things from the residents here.”
Dominoes, Bingo, and Checkers are popular games. They take trips to Walmart or other stores for shopping. Church services are held for residents on Monday evenings. On Sunday mornings some of the residents usually venture out for church services with a friend or family member. Some of the ladies get together for Bible study on Sunday evenings.
Williams smiles when recalling the day that Ash Street Place administrator Joe Chappell sang at a resident’s birthday party and one of the male residents asked her to dance. A high quality of life includes a family-friendly atmosphere.
The staff is very respectful, punctual and kind, 24 hours a day, Williams said. A certified medication aide works on every shift.
“Everybody’s friendly, willing to help each other and be there for each other,” she continued. “We have several different levels of care.”
Interaction with residents, assisting them when there is a need including medications, and assistance with daily needs is provided. If there is a need for more assistance with daily activities, a resident may transition seamlessly across the street to Golden Age Nursing Facility for long-term care or skilled nursing. Williams’s exposure to nursing began at Golden Age where she was a CNA and CMA before working as an LPN there for 12 years. She graduated from nursing school at Francis Tuttle in 2000.
She sets new residents at ease by asking them about their preferences in life. She helps them blend in by knowing some of their favorite things to do. Williams lets them know that changes can be made to make them more comfortable.
They all share a good outlook on life and are as caring as the staff, she said. Among the residents is a gentleman who worked as a space engineer at NASA, another who served in the Navy during WWII, a woman who worked as a dietician in the prison system, who happens to be a direct descendent of Daniel Boone.
“She was telling us recently about when she had to go through a course of training to learn Karate,” Williams said.
Ash Street Place can accommodate up to 37 residents. It represents a strong commitment to the town as the only assisted living facility in town. The family-owned center takes care its own community of Guthrie and other residents from elsewhere.
Ash Street Place is usually the first place a Guthrie resident chooses when they need more care than is possible at home.
Many of the residents already have a community connection and often recognize other residents as their former neighbors, school chums or fellow churchgoers.
Local owners have grown up in the community. This spirit of care makes Ash Street Place, Willow Creek, Golden Age and Companion Healthcare so special.
“We are here to take care of the health care needs of the community,” said CC Crane, marketing director for Companion Healthcare. “Besides Mercy Logan — it is us. I really do think you experience that family centered approach.”
As a staple in the community, Ash Street Place must be exceptional in its standard of care. The brand of Ash Street Place is written in family and neighborly community ties of knowing that the best of care is only a step away when choosing one of Oklahoma’s finest assisted living centers.
“We’re taking care of a lot of people here that were your old schoolteacher, or your former Bible study or Sunday school teacher. Ash Street Place is the first place you would think about if you needed assisted living care,” Crane said.
Williams agrees.
“Personally, I think it’s the best place. Of course, I think Golden Age is the best place, too,” she said.
For more information on Ash Street Place visit:
www.ashstreetplace.com

https://www.cremation-okc.com/

Story by owner Dennis Helm, a True & Proven Senior Advocate

A lot of companies say they specialize in working with seniors. (Hundreds of verifiable References from 35 Years)

But as owner of Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction we’ve proven it since 1987!
I have been a Senior Advocate for as long as I’ve been in the business. I learned this from caring for those who were and are vulnerable to scammers.
My heart was developed to protect the vulnerable and was cultivated as a child of a single mother who faced many challenges and difficulties raising three boys alone.
Free Inspections: Most Oklahoma homes have hail damage not visible from the ground, unseen until Inspection.
How Smooth Finish has helped Seniors: (free consultations, decisions for scope, priority lists, free inspections and estimates)
For seniors who are staying in their home, Smooth Finish can upgrade most all desired home improvements starting with “A good roof over their head” with a GAF Lifetime warranty and we have worked successfully with all insurance companies.
In homes of seniors who want or need to age in place, Smooth Finish can also help with other repairs, restorations and aging in place modifications. Besides roofing, Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction provides:
* Exterior: roofing, siding, carpentry, windows/doors, guttering, Garage Doors, Fence, Painting and more.
* Interior: Ceiling repairs, (Leak Repairs) mitigation, texturing, painting, flooring, carpentry and more.
As a Licensed* General Contractor…we manage the process of bringing in Licensed Trades for Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc.
If a senior is moving into a senior living center and needing to sell their home, they may likely need a new roof and/or other repairs. This is where our free advisory scope consultation, inspections and estimate(s) help create priority list(s).
Smooth Finish does excellent work at a fair price, so your home can pass all the inspections required for a sale.
Smooth Finish is not only certified & licensed* for roofing of residential homes, but also senior living facilities.
As a true and proven Senior Advocate, I have a sincere desire to help seniors and I always work to encourage people to use only local, licensed, and insured roofing contractors with hundreds of verifiable references. There are just too many terrible stories of things going wrong when people don’t.
Warning: Roofers may not be who they seem!
I’ve heard many, many times, “most people don’t trust roofers”. That’s understandable.…In our industry there are a lot of… fly-by-night roofers. They come in town, start a ‘company,’ get magnets on their car, (405) phone numbers and in 24-hours they look like a legitimate business. But they’re not.
Undesirable scammers always rush into town after a storm has hit to solicit people who need roofing services.
These unscrupulous “companies” will claim to be local, even though they’re not. They may go to great lengths to look like hometown guys. We have had to replace many roofs installed incorrectly over 35 Years.
I want people with roofing needs in OKC to rest at ease. I want them to know that when they use Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction, they’re getting an honest, proven and reputable company. I’m a lifelong resident and have over 35 years expertise in this business.
License Numbers:
Ask for license numbers and references. Then check them out! reputable roofers live and work in the same city where their business is located.
We don’t go out of town, except for previous and existing customers. There is always more than enough work for us here in the 620 square miles of Oklahoma City and the metro area.
Your family, friends or clients will thank you for a Smooth Finish recommendation.
You can feel confident in recommending Smooth Finish Roofing & Construction to Family Friends or clients you’re helping. For the homeowner, we can work on the rooftop, the floor and everything in between. I’m a licensed General Contractor through-out Oklahoma City and the metro area and, again, I’ve been in business for 35 years.
Since 1987, we have been helping customers with decisions concerning their homes. Many times, we’ve found simple solutions for complex problems. We work to keep costs fair and reasonable and we live by the Smooth Finish motto: “Where quality craftsmanship meets fair pricing.”
Give me a call on my personal cell phone at (405-923-5127)
We are proud of, and enjoy our solid reputation. We enjoy serving Seniors, Military, first responders and single mothers and we only move forward with a job… when you’re comfortable.
*State of Oklahoma Construction Industries Board # CIB 80000242
*City of Oklahoma City General Contractor license # OKC 13705
For 35 years Smooth Finish has helped customers determine priority list(s) for what needs to be done to sell/improve their home. What do homebuyers see? “Curb appeal”. What do they see when they first open the front door?

Smooth Finish Roofing purchases from a LOCAL roofing supplier to ensure profit proceeds “Stay in Oklahoma”  CALL (405-923-5127) OR visit: https://smoothfinishroofing.com/

By Tonya Cater, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Arkansas

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was June 15. On that day, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector united to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people.
Social Security scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – especially the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve.
Here are five easy-to-use resources to prevent Social Security fraud:
* Check out our Fraud Prevention and Reporting page to learn about Social Security fraud – and how we fight scammers at www.ssa.gov/fraud. * Read our Scam Alert fact sheet to learn what tactics scammers use and how to protect yourself at www.ssa.gov/fraud/assets/materials/EN-05-10597.pdf.
* Create your own personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to stay one step ahead of scammers. Please read our blog post at blog.ssa.gov/my-social-security-what-to-know-about-signing-up-or-signing-in for more information about creating or signing in to your personal my Social Security account. * Learn about other types of fraud on our Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Scam Awareness page at oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/scam-alert. You’ll also see how to report these scams to our OIG and other government agencies.
* Read our blog post to learn how to guard your Social Security card – and protect your personal information at blog.ssa.gov/guard-your-card-protect-whats-important-to-you/.
Please share this information with your friends and family to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has announced a historic first for the campus and the state: A new cancer drug, called OK-1, which was conceived and created by an OU College of Medicine researcher and developed entirely in Oklahoma, without the support of a pharmaceutical company, is being tested in humans for the first time in a Phase 1 clinical trial.
The drug was created by researcher Doris Benbrook, Ph.D., whose work on the compound began more than 25 years ago. New drugs developed within an academic institution, without the aid of a pharmaceutical company, are exceedingly rare. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug to be given to humans in the clinical trial, which is underway at Stephenson Cancer Center. The drug is initially being given to women with advanced-stage ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer.
“It is very exciting to reach the point where we can test OK-1 in a clinical trial,” said Benbrook, who is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the OU College of Medicine. “This drug is not available anywhere else in the world right now. We believe it has tremendous potential for treating cancer without causing toxic side effects.”
OK-1 is derived from the natural compound vitamin A. The human body uses vitamin A to make retinoic acid, a nutrient that supports healthy functioning. Some forms of retinoic acid, as well as synthetic versions called retinoids, have been used to treat cancers such as leukemia. However, both are highly toxic, Benbrook said, and patients often become resistant to their effectiveness. Her aim was to create a better version of the drug that is able to kill cancer cells but is less toxic to normal cells.
That effort has taken over two decades of experimentation. Benbrook worked with a collaborator to modify the drug’s chemical structure and test the biological activity of new versions. The new drug they ultimately developed has been modified to such an extent that it works in a completely different way than vitamin A. Collaborators in the OU College of Pharmacy performed research that was necessary to test OK-1 in clinical trials. The work has been supported by millions of dollars in grants from the National Cancer Institute.
OK-1 works by taking away one of the “tricks” that cancer cells use to survive. When cancer cells develop, the body naturally tries to stop their invasion and growth. In response, cancer cells increase their production of “chaperone proteins,” which act like “bodyguards” to keep the cancer cells from dying. The drug OK-1 is able to attach to the chaperone proteins, disabling them in the process. The body’s immune system, or another drug like chemotherapy, is then better able to kill cancer cells because they are no longer protected by “bodyguards.” The drug does not harm healthy cells because they do not need the chaperone protection.
Phase 1 clinical trials are conducted to determine the highest dose of a new drug that can be given safely without causing severe side effects. While OK-1 has been tested extensively in the laboratory and in animal research models, the true effect can’t be known until it is given to humans. However, preclinical studies of the drug have proved that it is effective without causing severe side effects or birth defects, Benbrook said. The drug is being given to humans in capsule form. Kathleen Moore, M.D., Associate Director of Clinical Research and Director of the Oklahoma TSET Phase 1 Program at Stephenson Cancer Center, is leading the clinical trial. “The Phase 1 investigators are so excited to finally have this novel drug available to our patients,” Moore said. “It is a completely new class of drug, which, in addition to having efficacy in and of itself, may help other current cancer therapies work better without adding toxicity. This is kind of the holy grail. We have many combinations that work better than the single drug, but the combinations are far too toxic for general population use. OK-1 gives us the opportunity to bring combinations into trials that may work better without compromising safety. The potential is so exciting.”
At the conclusion of the Phase 1 trial, Moore and her team will have learned the optimal dose of OK-1. In subsequent trials, they plan to test the drug in combination with other cancer drugs already on the market. Benbrook has made patent applications on several drug combinations; OK-1 appears to be most effective when given with other existing drugs.
“We found in our experimental models that when we add OK-1 to other cancer therapies like paclitaxel, which is the standard chemotherapy for endometrial cancer, we get a synergistic effect that is much better than either drug alone,” Benbrook said.
Benbrook’s preclinical research also has shown that OK-1 may be effective for preventing cancer. She plans to test OK-1 in an ovarian cancer prevention trial in the Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network, a program of the National Cancer Institute. The drug will be given to women who are going to have their fallopian tubes surgically removed. Because most ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, researchers will examine the effect of the drug on fallopian tube tissues. Ultimately, the drug could be given to women who are genetically predisposed to cancer, such as those with a BRCA gene mutation.
The Oklahoma TSET Phase 1 Program at Stephenson Cancer Center is the only such program in the state and is considered among the top 10 programs in the nation. As a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, Stephenson can offer patients first access to early-stage drugs like Benbrook’s OK-1.
“This is a very exciting time to be conducting the first Phase 1 trial for a drug developed on our campus,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., director of Stephenson Cancer Center. “It is only possible because of Dr. Benbrook’s passion and determination and the ability of Stephenson Cancer Center to offer Phase 1 clinical trials. We have a very special team of doctors, nurses, researchers and staff who work together to safely give these new drugs to humans.”
In addition to funding from the National Cancer Institute, Benbrook’s research has been supported by grants from Oklahoma City-based Presbyterian Health Foundation, as well as the OU College of Medicine Alumni Association.

Call Autumn House at 405-732-1644 Today!

Dear Savvy Senior,

What can you tell me about electric trikes for semi-seniors? I used to cycle a lot in my younger years but have some balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-wheeler anymore. I’ve read that electric powered trikes are a good option for older riders but could use some help choosing one. Unsteady Eddie

Dear Unsteady Eddie,
Electric powered adult tricycles – also known as e-trikes – are a great cycling option for older adults with balance or stamina issues because they’re safe and super fun to ride, and easy on an aging body. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one.
Safer Cycling
If you’re interested in cycling, but worry about falling or injuring yourself, e-trikes are a great choice because of the three-wheeled stability they provide. With a trike you can ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, which is very reassuring for most older riders.
E-trikes also come with a small electric powered motor to enhance the riding experience, so when you saddle up and apply the throttle the motor will give you a boost when pedaling, or it will do all the work for you. This makes it much easier to whiz up hills and ride into headwinds without gassing yourself or taxing your knee joints.
In addition, most adult e-trikes are also made with a low “step through” design making mounting and dismounting easier; they typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip; and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support.
There are many different types of adult e-trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from around $2,000 up to $7,000. To shop for one, contact some bike shops in your area to see what they offer, or you may need to order one online.
When shopping for an e-trike, pay special attention to the motor, which determines how fast it will go, and the battery, which determines how far it will go between charges.
Most e-trikes can reach speeds of anywhere between 15 and 28 miles per hour, and typically go somewhere between 20 and 55 miles on a single charge, depending on how much pedaling you do. Battery charge times will vary too, ranging anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.
How to Choose
To help you figure out the right kind of e-trike for you, ask yourself how and where you plan to ride it. If you’re primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness or running errands, an upright cruiser e-trike that has a rear cargo basket would be a nice choice.
Some popular options in this category include: Addmotor’s M-340 Electric Fat Trike and M-360 Semi-Recumbent Trike (both $3,000, addmotor.com); Emojo Caddy Pro ($2,900, emojobike.com); Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 250W Tricycle ($2,200, sixthreezero.com); EWheels EW-29 ($2,000, ewheelsdealers.com); and Buzz Cerana T ($1,700, buzzbicycles.com).
Or, if you’re looking to take longer road rides a recumbent e-trike may be a better option. These are aerodynamic, low-to-the-ground stretched-out frame trikes that allow you to recline with your legs positioned in front of you. Catrike (catrike.com) and TerraTrikes (terratrike.com) are two of the biggest U.S. companies that make recumbent tadpole-style trikes (the two wheels are in front) and they both offer electric assist options at prices ranging from $5,000 to $7,000.
There are also folding e-trikes, which are practical if you have limited home storage space or would like to take your trike with you when traveling. Some good options here include the Liberty Trike ($1,600, libertytrike.com) and Eunorau New-Trike ($2,500, eunorau-ebike.com)
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Editors note: Be sure to checkout Mobility City at https://oklahomacityok.mobilitycity.com or call (405)725-1755. View Mobility City’s ad on page 20.

New exhibition will feature more than a dozen works from five Oklahoma-based artists

Destination Oklahoma, opening at Oklahoma Contemporary on July 14, offers artist perspectives on the patterns of migration that have long shaped life in our state. Through more than a dozen works (ceramics, mixed media, paintings, photographs, prints and video) Oklahoma-based artists illuminate the distinct cultural backgrounds that have long existed at the country’s crossroads.
“Destination Oklahoma features artworks by five artists that touch upon the layered contexts and experiences of this place, and the ways in which we define — or misunderstand — what it means to be an Oklahoman,” said Oklahoma Contemporary Associate Curator Pablo Barrera. “As Oklahoma City welcomes refugees from Afghanistan, approaches the one-year anniversary of the First Americans Museum, revitalizes the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, and sees a record increase of newcomers from other states, this exhibition is a timely opportunity to reflect on how the region’s long-standing patterns of human migration continue to shape our artistic landscape.”
Photographs by September Dawn Bottoms suggest the complicated nature of intergenerational resilience, while drawings by Ghazal Ghazi co-mingle the Persian miniature format with contemporary portraiture. Paintings by Skip Hill reimagine symbolic imagery related to the Dust Bowl era, and paintings by America Meredith playfully mix pop culture references with historical illustrations of Indigenous subjects. Prints by Ðan Lynh Pham blend graphic language with Vietnamese folk art traditions to evoke the sense of connection — or disconnection — felt by some immigrants to the state.
Destination Oklahoma is a collaboration between Oklahoma Contemporary and guest co-curator Liz Blood, a Tulsa-based writer who is contributing to the exhibition a poetry zine featuring responses to artworks by Oklahoma-based writers.
“My family migrated to Oklahoma just over 100 years ago,” Blood said. “Those of us who are not original inhabitants of this land share that history of migration that has made Oklahoma a beautiful and complex place. Destination Oklahoma celebrates and explores that complexity.”
The exhibition will be on view in the Mary LeFlore Clements Oklahoma Gallery through Oct. 17.
Admission to Oklahoma Contemporary’s exhibitions and most programs is free.

HarborChase of South Oklahoma City

Nearly 40 Oklahoma middle school math teachers became students again this week, receiving a glimpse into the medical research that results from the passion they instill in students.
OMRF on Tuesday hosted teachers from the Sarkeys Foundation Summer Math Institute at the Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics. The weeklong program includes teachers from Inola to Mangum and Madill to Sayre.
Scientists at the nonprofit foundation showed them, among other things, research samples from arthritic knee joints of mice and explained how the regenerative qualities of flatworms might someday apply to humans.
OMRF President Andrew S. Weyrich, Ph.D., welcomed the teachers, calling them “the unsung heroes” behind the minds that shape OMRF’s research.
Throughout the year, OMRF hosts students from elementary school through college for various education and outreach programs, Weyrich noted. “We do that in part because we know Oklahoma students are paramount to the future of research.”
OMRF Vice President of Government Affairs Lisa Day, an OSSM board member, helped organize the event.
“It’s gratifying to connect these teachers with a real-world application of the skills they develop in students,” Day said. “Much medical research requires a mastery of math. Their skill and passion for teaching make what scientists do at OMRF possible.”
During their afternoon at OMRF, the teachers split into small groups to visit lab stations staffed by scientists.
Using a microscope and oversized monitor, David Forsthoefel, Ph.D., demonstrated how quickly the flatworms he studies can completely regenerate their organs. He hopes the clues he learns from the tiny worms might lead to new help in treating conditions ranging from bowel disorders to paralysis.
“We study the flatworms because we hope to learn their secrets,” Forsthoefel told the teachers.
Beggs Middle School teacher Carol Creason called her trip to OMRF “tremendously helpful. It shows how important mathematics is to all sorts of jobs outside of the traditional math field of study.”
Creason was so impressed with Forsthoefel’s presentation that she plans to include flatworms in future lessons.
“I normally use bean plants so they can chart growth, but now I’m going to have them chart regenerative growth in flatworms,” she said. “They’d have a blast.”