Archive for the ‘Tulsa Community’ Category

Weekend Events in Tulsa OK – August 13 – 15, 2010

As always, it’s a busy weekend in the greater Tulsa area – do get out an enjoy the many activities available!

Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party
Date: Friday, August 13, 2010
Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party! It will be a beautiful evening at Centennial Park (6th and Peoria)
Web: http://www.tauw.org/tauw/

Rhythm on the River
Date: Friday, August 13
Rhythm on the River features Camaro Rock, known for their take on 70′s and 80′s rock

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Date: August 13, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: Dave & Buster’s – 6812 S 105 E Ave

Green Country Recreation Show
Date: August 13 – 15, 2010
Location: Expo Square QuikTrip Center

Cinderella (Childrens Theater)
Dates: August 13-15
Location: Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Drive
Time: 2:00pm
Contact: For reservations call 587-5030

2nd Saturday-Free Family Day at Philbrook Museum
Date: Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Location: Phillbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road
Time: 10:30am-4:00pm
Web site: http://www.philbrook.org
Price: Free and Open to the Public
Enjoy art and spend time together on these days designed especially for families. You’ll participate in hands-on art projects; explore artworks in the Museum collection and special exhibition through family friendly tours; go on adventurous scavenger hunts and much more.

Choreography for the Camera Workshop
Date: August 14 – 15, 2010
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Liggett Studio
Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Enjoy your weekend!

Tulsa Drillers Baseball at the new ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa

Last night was my first trip to downtown Tulsa’s ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team. Demetrius and I went with friends, Mike and Laurie, for the Tulsa Driller’s “Fireworks Friday” game.

We first visited the Tycoon Lounge where we enjoyed adult beverages in air-conditioned comfort and am amazing view behind home plate. They offer a buffet dinner there for a reasonable price which Mike had, but Demetri, Laurie and I had the Chicago hot dog – yum!

We stepped outside on the patio to sing our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner with the other 8,000 fans in attendance. 

Tulsa Drillers Baseball at the new ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa

Once the ballgame begun, we went down to the stands and took our place in our seats, also behind home plate.

Although we lost 7 to 3 to the Springfield Cardinals, the enthusiasm among the fans was still spirited. At the 7th Inning Stretch, we sang our state song, “Oklahoma”, and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” The fans in the stands even did “the WAVE.”

The ballgames have themes each evening and this was “Fireworks Friday.” Our ages don’t matter, do they? We all enjoy fireworks!

It was a great Friday night date in downtown Tulsa. The revitalization efforts in downtown Tulsa include the new ONEOK Field, the BOK Center, the restoration of the Mayo hotel, the continuing addition of many wonderful restaurants and more.

We are proud of our historic and beautiful art deco buildings in downtown Tulsa. Do come visit downtown Tulsa, and if there’s a Tulsa Driller’s home game, please do go cheer them on!

Originally Posted at: Downtown Tulsa and Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – Lori Cain

Tulsa Oklahoma August 2010 Calendar of Events

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OK Jazz Summer Concert Date: August 1, 2010 Location: OK Jazz Depot – 111 E. First St. Web: http://www.okjazz.org Date: Aug 1 – Tulsa Music Legend David Teegarden and his Quartet Call the Jazz Hall in advance to make your table reservation, or table seating reservation at 918.281.8600 or 8609. Complimentary parking at the Grand Central Parking Lot directly across from the entrance of the Jazz Depot.

Mercedes Car Show & Raffle Date: August 1, 2010 Time: 1:00p – 4:00p Location: The Center for Individuals w/Physical Challenges Web: http://www.tulsacenter.org

Get Your Sleuth On at Murder Mystery 2010! Date: August 5-7 and 12-14, 2010 Time: 7pm Location: Harwelden Mansion – 2210 S. Main St. Web: http://www.ahct.org Tickets are $45 per person and include dinner, wine, beer and a mystery to solve. Your donation will assist AHCT to continue its mission of providing quality, educational arts and related programs to schools and the community. Reserve your seats TODAY! Call (918) 584-3333 x32 or email acroasdale@ahct.org.

Ramona Quimby Date: August 6 – 15, 2010 Time: Friday 7:30 P.M Saturday & Sunday 2:00 P.M Location: Spotlight Theater Web: http://www.tulsaspotlighttheater.com Performances August 6-8 & 13-15. Showtimes are Friday 7:30 P.M and Saturday & Sunday 2:00 P.M Ticket Prices Children $8.00 Seniors $9.00 Adults $10.00 Call the Spotlight for reservations (918) 587-5030.

Rhythm on the River (outdoor concert) Dates: Friday, August 6, 13, 20 and 27th Location: Arkansas River 41st Street Plaza, 41st & Riverside Drive Time: 5:00pm-8:30pm Web site: http://www.riverparks.org A variety of local entertainers will perform every Friday night (weather permitting) throughout the summer. Food & beverages will be available for purchase. Please bring your blankets, lawn chairs & family out to enjoy the park, the new playground and some great FREE entertainment! Price: Free

Dogs of the Empire / Ghosts of Auschwitz & Birkenau exhibits Date: August 6 – 26, 2010 Time: 5pm – 9pm Location: Living Arts of Tulsa Address: 2nd Street between Elgin and Frankfort Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon Date: August 7, 2010 Time: 7:30 a.m. Location: Blue Dome District Web: http://www.quartermarathon.com The Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon will feature a 1-mile fun run and walk, 5k run and walk, quarter marathon and “the double” – quarter marathon plus 5k, all held in downtown Tulsa.

The Drunkard (and The Oleo) The longest running play in America! Dates: Saturday, August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Location: Spotlight Theater, 1381 Riverside Drive Time: 7:15 pm Curtain time: 7:30pm. Sing-a-long time starts at 7:15pm. Come see the show and be part of the fun of an evening of “Tulsa’s best family entertainment!” Come and be a part of the show! Come and boo and hiss the Villain, cheer and applaud the hero. Sing-a-long with tunes of a bygone era. You may laugh, you may cry, but you will have a great time. Tulsa Spotlighters, Inc. is a non-profit charitable endeavor. We present the old fashioned melodrama “The Drunkard” and “The Olio” every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Web site: http://www.spotlighttheater.org. Contact: For reservations call 587-5030.

American Idols Live Date: August 8, 2010 Location: BOK Center – 2nd and Denver Ave. Web: http://www.bokcenter.com

Tulsa Oklahoma August 2010 Calendar of Events

Beginning Acting & Improvisation Workshop Date: August 9 – 13, 2010 Time: 1-5pm Location: Living Arts of Tulsa Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party Date: Friday, Aug. 13, 2010 Trailblazer 5K Run & Block Party! It will be a beautiful evening at Centennial Park (6th and Peoria) Web: http://www.tauw.org/tauw/Calendar_-_Trailblazer.asp?SnID=1434519507

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Date: August 13, 2010 Time: 7pm Location: Dave & Buster’s – 6812 S 105 E Ave Web: http://www.daveandbusters.com

Green Country Recreation Show Date: August 13 – 15, 2010 Location: Expo Square QuikTrip Center Web: http://www.exposquare.com RV Show

Cinderella (Childrens Theater) Dates: August 13-15; August 20-22; August 27-28 Location: 1381 Riverside Drive Time: 2:00pm Web site: http://www.spotlighttheater.org Contact: For reservations call 587-5030.

2nd Saturday-Free Family Day at Philbrook Museum Date: Saturday, August 14th, 2010 Location: Phillbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road Time: 10:30am-4:00pm Web site: http://www.philbrook.org Price: Free and Open to the Public Enjoy art and spend time together on these days designed especially for families. You’ll participate in hands-on art projects; explore artworks in the Museum collection and special exhibition through family friendly tours; go on adventurous scavenger hunts and much more.

Choreography for the Camera Workshop Date: August 14 – 15, 2010 Time: 1-4pm Location: Liggett Studio Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Sean Hannity Freedom Concert Date: August 20, 2010 Location: BOK Center – 2nd and Denver Ave. Sean Hannity Freedom Concert with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band and Michael W. Smith. http://www.bokcenter.com

Sounds of Summer & Jazz Date: Friday, August 20th Time: 6:30-10:30 Place: The Ivey Rooftop Wine Bar & Lounge (on Brookside) Get your ticket for a $10 donation to CFF (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Food by Wolfgang Puck, In The Raw & Full Moon Cafe! Call Angie at 744-6354 to get your tickets!

Symphony By The Sea. Date: Friday, August 20th, 2010 Location: 300 Aquarium Drive Jenks Time: 6:30pm-10:30pm Web site: www.okaquarium.org Starts at 6:00 pm. Ends at 10:00 pm. Enjoy live music by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra! The cocktail hour and dinner will be followed by a live auction.

Song of the Swimming Sun Date: August 21, 2010 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Tulsa PAC Web: http://tinyurl.com/2fqe676 Megan McKown-Miller performs in a special dance event. The Song of the Swimming Sun is presented by the Soluna Performing Arts Group, a collective of regional artists, dancers and performers interested in experimental approaches to performance art.

Robbie Fulks with Robbie Gjersoe and the Trishas Date: August 21, 2010 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Tulsa PAC Web: http://tinyurl.com/28dl77z The National Fiddler Hall of Fame presents Robbie Fulks with Robbie Gjersoe and The Trishas.

Dance/Yoga/Drumming Workshop Date: August 21, 2010 Time: 7-8:30 pm Location: Liggett Studio Web: http://www.livingarts.org

Cimtel Classic 8th Annual 5k Run Date: August 28, 2010 Time: 8:00 am Location: Cleveland High School Web: http://www.cimtel.net/5k2010/home.html Come race, run or walk to support area schools. Registration begins at 6:30 am, 5k Run begins at 8:00 am, and 1 mile Fun Run begins at 8:05 am. Fee $25.00

6th Annual Tulsa Poker Run, benefiting Tulsa Area United Way Date: Saturday, August 28th Price: Registration- $20. Extra hands- $10. Wrap-up Party- Free! Location: Multiple locations Time: 9:00am-4:00pm Address: Launch from Myers-Duren Harley Davidson, 4848 S. Peoria American Airlines and the Transport Workers Union are coordinating the 6th Annual Tulsa Poker Run on August 28, 2010, with all proceeds going to the Tulsa Area United Way. First bike out at 10am, and wrap-up party at Port City Raceway. Raffle prizes include a new Chevy truck from Jim Glover Chevrolet, or a new truck from Jim Norton Toyota, or a new Harley Fat Boy Lo from Meyers-Duren. Web site: www.TulsaPokerRun.com Phone: 918-292-5400 Email: info@tulsapokerrun.com

UTSAV- India Fest 2010 Date: Saturday, August 28th, 2010 Location: The Pavilion at Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st Street Time: 11:00am-5:00 pm Experience Exotic, Exuberant, Vibrant India Visit the architectural marvels of India Witness the mystical intricacies of an Indian wedding, Join us in Bollywood and Folk dances of India Savor the spicy, culinary delights of India and Enjoy the spectacle of a colorful bridal fashion show. Price: $5.00* for Adults 15 and over (*$5.00 off a purchase of $35.00 or more in clothing sales) Organization: India Association of Greater Tulsa Web site: www.iagtok.org; Contact: Manju Kaul; Phone: 918-615-2383

Oklahoma Pinto Horse Show Date: August 28 – 29, 2010 Location: Expo Square – Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex Web: http://www.oklahomapinto.org

The West of Olaf Seltzer Date: through August 29, 2010 Location: Gilcrease Museum – 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd. Web: http://www.gilcrease.org Opening concurrently with the The Masterworks of Charles M. Russell is The West of Olaf Seltzer. Befriended and mentored by Charles Russell, Olaf Seltzer created a large body of work that resulted in a valuable record of life in the old West.

Tulsa Drillers Baseball Date: through September 3, 2010 Location: ONEOK Field – 201 N. Elgin Ave. Web: http://www.tulsadrillers.com August Home Games: 6-9 Springfield Cardinals 18-20 Midland Rockhounds 21-23 Frisco Roughriders 28-30 NW Arkansas Naturals 31 Springfield Cardinals

Summer’s 5th Night Date: through August 22, 2010 Time: 7-9pm Location: Utica Square Shopping Center – 21st & Utica Ave. Web: http://www.uticasquare.com Free live concerts every Thursday evening

Cherry Street Farmers Market. Dates: every Saturday through October 2nd Time: 7:00am-11:00am Location: Cherry Street (On 15th street between Quaker and Rockford) On any given Saturday you may find live music, demonstrations, or contests. Check website for information. Web site: http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures Date: through September 12, 2010 Location: Philbrook Museum of Art – 2727 S. Rockford Rd. Web: http://www.philbrook.org

Realism Recovered: The Art of Burton Silverman Date: through September 1, 2010 Location: The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Web: http://www.jewishmuseum.net Address: 2021 E. 71st St. Phone: 918-492-1818

Home and Garden Expo of Oklahoma Date: July 30 – August 1, 2010 Location: Expo Square QuikTrip Center Web: http://www.exposquare.com This FREE three-day extravaganza will feature nearly 400 booths with exhibitors from throughout Green Country and the Midwest, displaying and demonstrating the newest and hottest services for home improvement/repairs, remodeling, gardening, landscaping, lawn care, home insulation & energy conservation, home security, home furnishings and so much more. Admission and Parking are Free.

Discoveryland’s OKLAHOMA Date: through August 15, 2009 Location: 19501 W 41st St Web: http://www.discoverylandusa.com For more info please call (918) 245-6552.

Too many things going on at the PAC to list … visit their web site: http://www.tulsapac.com

Tulsa Zoo web site: www.tulsazoo.com/

Many runs going on in August – please check out http://www.runnersworldtulsa.com/

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Originally Posted at: Midtown Tulsa Real Estate – Lori Cain

Wild Brew is a phenomenal fundraiser to raise money for THE GEORGE MIKSCH SUTTON AVIAN RESEARCH CENTER. 

The Sutton Center was founded in 1983 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world through science and education. Their biologists and governing board strive to protect natural resources and environments where birds live and breed. Through their efforts, the Center has become an internationally recognized leader in avian conservation.

At Wild Brew, you can sample the best beers to be found. Steve and I are partial to the dark beers. Area restaurants donate foods to sample also.

Wild Brew: Beer. Buffet. Birds.

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Porter Peach Festival for the best peaches in Oklahoma!!

Summer is just not complete in Oklahoma without visiting the Porter Peach Festiva

l. It started Thursday, but there’s still time to get there for fresh peaches, cobbler and family activities!

It’s the 44th annual peach festival!! There is live music, activities for the kids, runs for the young at heart, and more!

For more information, please visit the Porter Peach Festival web site!

Porter Peach Festival for the best peaches in Oklahoma!!

My husband and I use to drive down for the 5K run and have the homemade vanilla ice cream and fresh peaches afterwards. It was ALWAYS worth the drive and the calories!

Make plans to take your family to Porter. You won’t be disappointed in the food OR the activities! Have a grand time!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Tulsa BBQ Challenge benefiting the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis – July 9th & 10th, 2010

Okies tend to be more philanthropic than most, and nothing gets us to pull out our wallets faster than good barbecue!

This weekend is Tulsa’s BBQ Challenge benefitting the Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, this BBQ challenge will bring out great contenders!

Kid-friendly activities and live music go along with the barbecue, so bring your blanket or lawn chair and plan to stay a while.

The event is held at the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center at 41st & Yale; hours are 6pm to 11pm on Friday July 9th and 11am to 4pm on Saturday July 10th. Admission is free and refreshments are available for purchase at the event. No coolers or pets allowed. For more information, visit the event web site!

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

ONEOK Freedomfest 2010 fireworks

Join fellow Tulsans Sunday, July 4 near the 21st Street bridge on the Arkansas River. The Tulsa River Parks Authority and principle sponsor ONEOK will present ONEOK Freedomfest 2010, which includes the fireworks display this Sunday at dark. Related activities and entertainment venues are listed online at http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/.

Friday, July 2nd – Rhythm on the River Live Music Location: 41st Street Plaza at 41st & Riverside Drive Rhythm on the River presented by Samson – live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 3rd – Ride the River (Bike Ride) Start/Finish Location: River West Festival Park – 2100 S. Jackson View River Ride; Register for less online ($15) at www.tomsbicycles.com 6:30p.m. Register On Site ($20) Children 12 & Under Free 7:00p.m. River Ride Begins 8:30p.m. Tour de France on the big screen.

Sunday, July 4th – ONEOK FreedomFest 2010 – Three activity locations:

1) River West Festival Park – 2100 S. Jackson 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Beverage Booths, Food Vendors open 5:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Face Painting, Free Inflatables, and Rock Climbing Wall brought to you by Lafarge North American 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Remarks from elected officials, event sponsors and River Parks Authority Executive Director 6:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Live Music – Red Dirt Rangers – www.reddirtrangers.com 9:30 p.m. – 10:05 p.m. Fireworks over the Arkansas River produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. Paid parking at two locations on the west bank of the Arkansas River – $5.00 per vehicle 2100 S. Jackson across from the River West Festival Park The West Bank Arbor Park located at 464 E. 23rd Street, just west of the 21st Street Bridge. Access west bank parking from the west via Southwest Boulevard due to closing of the bridge to stage the fireworks.

2) Veterans Park – 1875 S. Boulder Ave. Noon to 9:30p.m. Tulsa Parks will host their annual American Salute, an old-fashioned family picnic and music. Free inflatables for kids! 6:00p.m. Kid’s can decorate their bicycles to prepare for the Bicycle Parade that starts at 7:00p.m. from Veterans Park. Bike decorations provided by Tom’s Bicycles, or bring your own. 7:00p.m. Bicycle Parade for Kids

3) Elwood’s Café – 1924 S. Riverside Drive (19th & Riverside Drive) Elwood’s Café will open at 10:00 a.m., with live music from noon to 11:00 p.m. The cover charge to enter the area is $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 6 to 12yrs. 12:00p.m., noon Junaloosca 1:30p.m. Eric & The Adams 4:14p.m. Sam & the Stylees 7:00p.m. Midlife Crisis Band For more information, visit ‘elwoods” on Facebook.

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

ONEOK Freedomfest 2010 fireworks

Join fellow Tulsans Sunday, July 4 near the 21st Street bridge on the Arkansas River. The Tulsa River Parks Authority and principle sponsor ONEOK will present ONEOK Freedomfest 2010, which includes the fireworks display this Sunday at dark. Related activities and entertainment venues are listed online at http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/.

Friday, July 2nd – Rhythm on the River Live Music Location: 41st Street Plaza at 41st & Riverside Drive Rhythm on the River presented by Samson – live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 3rd – Ride the River (Bike Ride) Start/Finish Location: River West Festival Park – 2100 S. Jackson View River Ride; Register for less online ($15) at www.tomsbicycles.com 6:30p.m. Register On Site ($20) Children 12 & Under Free 7:00p.m. River Ride Begins 8:30p.m. Tour de France on the big screen.

Sunday, July 4th – ONEOK FreedomFest 2010 – Three activity locations:

1) River West Festival Park – 2100 S. Jackson 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Beverage Booths, Food Vendors open 5:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Face Painting, Free Inflatables, and Rock Climbing Wall brought to you by Lafarge North American 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Remarks from elected officials, event sponsors and River Parks Authority Executive Director 6:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Live Music – Red Dirt Rangers – www.reddirtrangers.com 9:30 p.m. – 10:05 p.m. Fireworks over the Arkansas River produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. Paid parking at two locations on the west bank of the Arkansas River – $5.00 per vehicle 2100 S. Jackson across from the River West Festival Park The West Bank Arbor Park located at 464 E. 23rd Street, just west of the 21st Street Bridge. Access west bank parking from the west via Southwest Boulevard due to closing of the bridge to stage the fireworks.

2) Veterans Park – 1875 S. Boulder Ave. Noon to 9:30p.m. Tulsa Parks will host their annual American Salute, an old-fashioned family picnic and music. Free inflatables for kids! 6:00p.m. Kid’s can decorate their bicycles to prepare for the Bicycle Parade that starts at 7:00p.m. from Veterans Park. Bike decorations provided by Tom’s Bicycles, or bring your own. 7:00p.m. Bicycle Parade for Kids

3) Elwood’s Café – 1924 S. Riverside Drive (19th & Riverside Drive) Elwood’s Café will open at 10:00 a.m., with live music from noon to 11:00 p.m. The cover charge to enter the area is $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 6 to 12yrs. 12:00p.m., noon Junaloosca 1:30p.m. Eric & The Adams 4:14p.m. Sam & the Stylees 7:00p.m. Midlife Crisis Band For more information, visit ‘elwoods” on Facebook.

Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Crosbie Heights Block Party/Potluck/Fundraiser, June 13, 2010 – upcoming urban living west of downtown Tulsa

There is an awesome neighborhood slightly west of downtown Tulsa called Crosbie Heights – filled with neighborhood and community spirit. This is the second block party my husband and I have attended there, and it’s hard to describe the atmosphere and relationship among the neighbors.

What had become a somewhat dilapidated neighborhood is in a full rejuvenation mode with homeowners rehabilitating homes one by one. The neighborhood association is very active and has a web site and regular meetings.

In May 2008, Scott Smith opened a neighborhood grocery and coffee shop called the Blue Jackalope where folks can walk to purchase eggs and milk or enjoy a cup of coffee.

In 2009, the neighbors began a community garden.

In Crosbie Heights, there is a magical feel of people coming together to discover the spirit of community and creativity. It’s people and pet friendly.

At the block party today, we took a pasta salad and enjoyed side dishes from the other neighbors. Five bucks bought you smoked ribs, chicken, sausage and bologna cooked by a neighborhood expert.

Crosbie Heights Block Party/Potluck/Fundraiser, June 13, 2010 – upcoming urban living west of downtown Tulsa

Throughout the day, neighbors visited and snacked. Someone made a make-shift water fountain out of a hose and trash can under which the hot children could cool off.

People arrived by car, bicycle and by foot. In between the scheduled bands, individual musicians walked around playing their acoustical guitars.

My favorite spot is the community garden and I took a photo of the mission statement prominently displayed on cardboard on the picket fence surrounding the garden.

It says, “To educate through demonstration sustainable practices. Agriculture in service of humanity and the earth. And to grow food for the community!”

There were activities for the kids and it all works on the honor system. Crosbie Heights is an exemplary example of grassroots neighborhood organizing at its finest – although they may take exception to being described as organized.

Crosbie Heights is home to the Blue Jackalope, a neighborhood grocery and coffee shop, Newblock Sculpture Park, Joe Station Bark Park and the Cave House. They also welcome local community gardeners to sell their fresh produce!

If you haven’t visited Crosbie Heights, try to attend their next block party or drop by the Blue Jackalope and meet some neighbors!

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

An integral part of Tulsa’s history in midtown Tulsa is the Council Oaks Tree at 18th and Cheyenne in the Buena Vista subdivision.

The Creek Council tree, a mature post oak, marks the traditional “ceremonial ground” chosen in 1836 by the Creek Indians. In 1834, they had begun their involuntary migration from the southeast under the control of the U.S. government. In this spot, the Creek Indians kindled a ceremonial fire using live coals they had carried from their homeland over a “trail of tears. ” Of the 630 that began the trip, 161 died.

This great Burr Oak tree became the site for Tulsa’s first town hall, first conference room, first church and first court of law. This revered tree still lives and remains a symbol of our early settlers’ strong spirit.

Recently, the Tulsa Parks Department erected this metal flame to honor the cerimonial fire on this ceremonial ground. Below is the story inscribed in brass plaques surrounding the flame:

By 1834, our forefathers were forced to walk to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma) on what is known today as the Trail of Tears from our ancestral tribal lands in the southeastern United States. However, our Mvskoke leaders ensured that our traditional legacy was continued and protected here.

The sacred fires are built with logs pointing to the east, west, north and south; the four cardinal directions. This is the basis of many traditional Mvskoke concepts. The earliest Mvskoke teachings instruct that our sacred fires are to burn eternally. If extinguished, the Mvskoke will perish.

During the rituals, dances and prayers, the smoke rises from the sacred fires and it fades into the skies. The smoke carries the messages of the Mvskoke people to the Creator. These ceremonies are not primarily for personal benefit, but rather the benefit of the entire community or nation.

Fire is a revered element of many sacred rituals of the Mvskoke (Muscogee Creek People). The sacred fire represents the divine masculine of the “Epofvnkv” (the Creator) to which all things are connected.

Assimilation into the dominant societ, U.S. Government policies, and the loss of elders knowing the old ways contributed to the extinction of many tribal towns. Of the 44 original tribal towns removed, only a few Mvskoke and Euchee tribal grounds actively continue with ancient ceremonies. These remaining ceremonial grounds keep our sacred fires “alive” to this day.

Each year at Council Oak we celebrate the historic meeting held here after the United States Goverment removal, to re-establish our tribal government.

We remember the struggles and celebrate the successes of our Nation. We honor those tribal towns and all Mvskoke men and women who perpetuate the traditional ways and keep the ceremonial fires burning.

The traditions of the ceremonial grounds by Mvskoke men and women will insure that the next generations will know our ancient customs and lifestyles. Our language, traditions and culture have survived many destructive events. However, the Mvskoke have many reasons to celebrate.

The sacred fires were integral to the religious, political and social systems long before the first European contact. The ashes of our ceremonial fires from each of the tribal towns were carried over the long march to be rekindled here.

Creek Nation Council Oak Park, 1750 South Cheyenne Avenue, Tulsa Oklahoma, midtown Tulsa

Today, commemorative tribal ceremonies are held each year. This park is protected by Historic Preservation zoning and is listed in the National Register of Historic Place.

This park is less than two blocks from Demetrius’ and my home, and I am always very humbled when I drive by this beautiful monument to the heritage of the Creek Nation.

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.