Show Times January 10 at 7 p.m.   
Venue Liddy Doenges Theatre
Presenter CT Squared Productions and MGAO Productions
Tickets Available Online

Ever since Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis dressed as women for the movie Some Like it Hot in 1959 (and probably before that), Americans have been intrigued by men in drag. The movies Tootsie, The Birdcage and Mrs. Doubtfire continued the theme and were huge hits as well. So are you ready to see some live gender bending?

The Miss Gay Oklahoma USofA Pageant is a fascinating night of entertainment, as 12 men perform the age-old cabaret art of female impersonation. Contestants will compete in personal interview, evening gown and, of course, talent! This is a fun and glamorous event that will take you outside the realm of typical theatrical fare and into the realm of illusion.

Tickets are $20.

In July 2008, the U.S. Congress finally passed legislation banning six types of phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics. Legislators in Washington, Vermont and California have also restricted phthalate use in children’s goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber claim they will phase out phthalate-laden toys voluntarily.

Yet, so many more products contain endocrine disruptors of varying types; trying to avoid them all can seem like an impossible task.

It’s difficult, yes, but there are still a number of practical techniques you can use to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors, and other common toxins. Here are a few recommendations:

• As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range, organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides and fertilizers.
• Rather than eating conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury, supplement with a high-quality purified fish or krill oil, or eat fish that is wild-caught and lab tested for purity.
• Avoid artificial food additives of all kinds, including artificial sweeteners and MSG.
• Avoid processed foods — remember that they’re processed with chemicals!
• Store your food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, and avoid using plastic wrap.
• Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower or bath).
• Only use natural cleaning products in your home.
• Switch over to natural brands of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group has a great safety guide to help you find personal care products that are free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals.
• Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances.
• Throw out your Teflon pots and pans.
• When redoing your home, look for “green,” toxin-free alternatives in lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings.
• Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric.

Baxter’s Interurban Grill
717 S. Houston Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.585.3134

www.baxtersgrill.com

Hours: Mon – Thursday  11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm,  Sat 5pm-11pm

A downtown landmark since 1978.  Patio dining, large banquet facility, free parking, catering available.

Billy’s on the Square
424 S. Main St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.583.8703

www.billysonthesquare.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-2pm

Our location on Bartlett Square in downtown has been a Tulsa tradition since 1984 for great food and great lunch time fun. Whether you just need a quick bite to eat, need a carry out order for everyone at the office or need a place to have a party to get the whole gang together, Billy’s has you covered!

Blue Dome Diner & Only Love Catering
313 E. 2nd St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
918.382.7866

http://www.myspace.com/bluedomediner

Hours: Tues-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-1:30pm, Dinner Thur.-Sat 6pm-11pm

Diner serving breakfast anytime.  Events room for private parties or bands.  Full service catering is available on premise or off premise.

Boston Avenue Grille & Catering
15 E. 5th Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.392.7171

www.bostonavenuegrille.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00am-3:00pm

Daily menu consists of soups, salads and sandwiches, along with “from the border” selections.  Starbucks Coffee products available.  Also offering several specialty items on the catering menu geared toward people who are having business lunches and meetings.

Café Topeca
115 W. 5th Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.592.9090

www.topecacoffee.com

Hours: Mon-Wed 6:30am-6pm  Thur & Fri 6:30am-10pm  Closed Sat & Sun

In 1870, an accomplished physician named Emilio Alvarez left the comfort and stability of his home country in Columbia in search of wealth and happiness in the wild frontier of El Salvador. With his family, he brought precious cargo including a caféto. Not just a coffee tree but a strain of the
original Arabica coffee bean called “Typica” that we now call Bourbon Café. Milo had no idea that within two generations, his family would become one of the most influential families in coffee.

Caz’s Chowhouse
18 E. Brady St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.588.CHOW (2469)

www.cazschowhouse.com

Hours: Mon 11am-2pm, Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm

Eclectic home-style cooking.  Located in a converted brick warehouse with original overhead crane, fireplace, full bar and mezzanine seating.  Dine outside on the patio and enjoy Brady Street.

CFC Chocolatier
15 E. Brady Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.576.6000

www.cfcchocolate.com

Hours: Call for hours

Who doesn’t like chocolate? For chocolatier Patrick Aldred with 18 years of experience and
knowledge of chocolate, the idea of creating a marriage between romantic Italy and luxurious
chocolates would be a natural partnership. In pursuit of flavors with pure satisfaction, the focus was soon to be directed towards champagne and strawberries combined with chocolate.  From
personal indulgence to corporate gifting, let us meet all you chocolate desires.

El Guapo’s Cantina
332 E. 1st St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
918.382.RITA (7482)

www.elguaposcantina.net

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-11am, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

El Guapo’s rooftop bar is the best place in Tulsa to enjoy cervezas, fresh salsa, margaritas, guacamole, chips and spectacular views of the downtown skyline. The menu offers about a dozen Tex-Mex dishes and up to 26 more traditional Mexican selections. And naturally there will be a selection of house and specialty margaritas.

Eloté Café & Catering
514 S. Boston Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.582.1403

www.elotetulsa.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-2:30pm

We at Eloté strive to serve you amazing food everyday by using the freshest ingredients available. Our bodies need nourishment in order to thrive and nutrition is key. We know how difficult it is to eat healthy, fresh food in our busy lives and we are dedicated to making that easier for you. Fresh ingredients and our love for food enables us to deliver tasty, healthy, filling food straight from our kitchen right to your plate. We do all this while limiting negative environmental impact through green practices. Go green, go fresh and eat Eloté!

Gypsy Coffee House & Cyber Cafe
303 N. Cincinnati Ave., 1st Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.295.2181

www.gypsycoffee.com

Hours: Tues - Sun 4pm-12am, Fri & Sat - 4pm-3am

Tulsa’s only late night coffee house, located in Tulsa’s old town Brady District just north of Spaghetti Warehouse.  We offer deli food, gourmet coffee drinks, Tulsa’s largest selection of loose leaf & bagged teas and a huge selection of mouth watering desserts.  Free WiFi & house computers. We host the longest weekly open mic, over 372 weeks, and have original acoustic music every Friday and Saturday.  No cover anytime.  Smoking patio out back.  Come downtown where the action is!

Impressions
507 S. Main St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.587.0515

www.impressionsrestaurant.com/index.html

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:00pm

Full Salad Bar open from 11 am –2pm. Serving Tulsa since 1978, Impressions serves salads, hot and cold sandwiches, chili, and soups for the hungry lunch crowd. Specializing in gourmet sandwiches too good to miss. Artisanal cheeses and breads, premium meats and fresh vegetables make these creations. The Prime Rib can’t be beat.

James E. McNellie’s Public House
409 E. 1st St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
918.382.PINT (7468)

www.mcnellies.com

Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-close (2am at the latest)

James E. McNellie’s is proud to offer two full service private dining rooms available for parties, reunions, and get-togethers.

Lola’s at the Bowery
5 E. Brady St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.592.7995

www.lolasatthebowery.com

Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm

Tulsa’s best downtown bar and restaurant located in the Old Fox Hotel on the corner of N. Main and Brady.  Tapas inspired menus of many selections is our specialty plus a varied and affordable wine list.  Live music played Wednesday thru Saturday.

New Atlas Grill
415 S. Boston Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.583.3111

www.newatlasgrill.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, Fri 7am-9:30am

Located deep in the lobby of one of Tulsa’s historic Art Deco buildings, the Atlas Grill serves up the best lunch downtown.

Summit Club
15 W. 6th St.
Tulsa, OK 74119
918.582.5243

www.summittulsa.com

Hours: Reservations only

Since the grand oak doors opened in 1967, The Summit has been Tulsa’s paramount private dining and social club.  Through the decades, superior cuisine, attentive warm service and stylish comfort have been the hallmark which has made The Summit one of Tulsa’s most distinctive experiences.

The Chalkboard
1324 S. Main St. (Hotel Ambassador)
Tulsa, OK 74119
918.582.1964 restaurant, 918.382.6022 catering

www.thechalkboard-tulsa.com

Hours: Breakfast: Mon - Sat 6:30am-10am, Sun 7am-10am, Brunch: Sat - Sun 11am-2:30pm, Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2:30pm, Dinner: Mon - Thur 5pm-10pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-10:30pm, Sun 5pm-9pm

Nestled in the lower level of the historic Ambassador Hotel is The Chalkboard restaurant.  A charming “European Style Bistro.”  We have been part of Tulsa’s history since the 1970’s. This upscale restaurant is open 365 days per year offering a continental menu.  Our bar features an extensive wine list as well as fun drink specialties.  Come enjoy half price appetizers in the bar 4:00pm-6:00pm daily.  The Chalkboard offers full banquet and meeting facilities as well as off site catering.  Let us take care of your next party or event.

Tsunami Sushi
309 E. 2nd St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
918.582.4100

www.tsunamitulsa.com

Hours: Mon - Fri 10:30am - 2pm, Mon - Sat 5pm - 10pm, Fri - Sat Midnight Sushi

Sushi restaurant specializes in a variety of freshly prepared Nigri, Sashimi and hand rolls. Also serve soups, salads, entrees.

Show Times Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and during Chapman Music Hall Events   
Venue PAC Gallery
Presenter Darshan Phillips and Friends
Tickets FREE

Photographs by Lance Miller, Darshan Phillips, and Matt Sawyer

Artist’s Statement:
Highway 412 is an exhibition of photographs produced during a short road trip into the panhandle of Oklahoma and Northeastern New Mexico. A route following Highway 412, and as often the quiet dirt roads near it, placed us on windswept plains, in small towns and under dark skies. We used the route as much as a means to be lost as to arrive at a destination. Appropriately, much of the terrain was familiar to us only from childhood road trips, in which this sort of landscape would inevitably have prompted the question “are we there yet?” It was precisely these landscapes and towns, usually bypassed by travelers en route to more popular destinations, that we set out to photograph. We sought landscapes without monuments, tourist attractions, and scenic outlooks. We sought a landscape that challenged us to make something of its blank canvas, to find patterns and rhythms in its vastness, and to look more closely at an area we thought we knew. This exhibition is the result of a trip to nowhere in particular, a rambling photographic journey that highlights our particular interests and approaches in spite of a uniformity in subject.

U.S. Route 412 is an east-west United States highway, first commissioned in 1982. Its route number is a “violation” of the usual AASHTO numbering scheme, as it comes nowhere near its implied “parent”, US 12. U.S. 412 overlaps expressway-grade Cimarron Turnpike from Tulsa west to Interstate 35 and the Cherokee Turnpike from 5 miles west of Chouteau, Oklahoma, to 8 miles west of the Arkansas state line. U.S. 412 has a bannered route in eastern Oklahoma named Scenic US 412, one of only two such routes in the country. Another curiosity of this highway is that it runs the entire length of the Oklahoma Panhandle and traverses the Missouri Bootheel.

As of 2004^[update], the highway’s eastern terminus is in Columbia, Tennessee at an intersection with Interstate 65, where it continues east as State Route 99. Its western terminus is in Springer, New Mexico at an intersection with Interstate 25

Pictured are Principal Chief A.D. Ellis, Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Susan Neal, City of Tulsa; Sandra VanZandt, Sculpture Artist and Don Walker, co-chair of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission Tulsa Committee. (Photo provided by Thompson Gouge, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Relations office)

Tulsa has received another Oklahoma Centennial project – a sculpture in Creek Stickball Park, 1800 S. Cheyenne Ave. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation along with the City of Tulsa, dedicated the gift from the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission. This gift is a sculpture that features three Creek youths playing stickball, which is a traditional game within the ceremonial culture of the Muscogee Creek people. The statue is titled “Not Just A Ball Game” and is the artwork of Sandra Van Zandt.

Susan Neal, City of Tulsa Director of Community Development and Education Initiatives, today joined Don Walker, co-chair of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission Tulsa Committee; and Creek Nation Chief A.D. Ellis, to dedicate the artwork by Sandra Van Zandt.

The statue in Creek Stickball Park was made possible through a $250,000 donation from the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission. Besides the sculpture, this provided park amenities including wrought iron fencing, new sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation and benches.

“This will be a place where our children and their friends can come and see our history” said Cherrah Quiett, Muscogee (Creek) National Council Representative. “It is always good to be recognized by the City of Tulsa for our Creek history,” Principal Chief A.D. Ellis added.

The city has maintained the park for years, because it was once a stickball playing ground for Native American children, now the city of Tulsa hopes this statue helps educate children today.

“It is also important for our children to understand our history, and when children know a city’s history, they can take pride in it,” said Susan Neal, the City of Tulsa Director of Community Development and Education.

Other notable works by Talala artist Van Zandt include:

• Ernest Childers Monument in front of the Veterans Administration Building in Tulsa,
• Sculpture of Kate Barnard in the Oklahoma State Capitol,
• Pistol Pete statue in Heritage Hall of the Oklahoma State University Gallagher-Iba Arena,
• Sculptures of Will Rogers in both Claremore and Oologah, and
• “The Spirit of Naval Aviation,” America’s first monument to naval aviators, at the entrance of the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.

Moving in a healthy direction is a resolution that Mayor Kathy Taylor has set for herself and all Tulsans. By joining together and making health a top priority, Tulsans can become fit and healthy for life. As an added bonus, we can achieve our goal of walking, running, biking, and swimming one million miles, or more as a city!

Tulsa Million Miles, a new Mayor’s Fitness Challenge initiative, is kicking off the new year with an exciting event featuring music, games, and fun for all ages! So load up the family and join us Friday, January 2, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hicks Recreation Center, 3443 S. Mingo Rd. for the following fun-filled activities:

Make a resolution now to get fit and healthy in 2009 and come out to Fitfest for a family friendly event!

The Gilcrease North Expressway, a 2.2-mile section between Lewis Avenue and the Tisdale Parkway, was opened to traffic on Monday, Dec. 22, after the bitter cold forced a planned ribbon-cutting ceremony to be canceled.. The expressway intersects with the Tisdale Parkway around the 3200 Block North.

“This transportation improvement creates strategic opportunities for development in north Tulsa,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor. Councilor David Patrick, whose district includes part of the new segment, said he hopes it will stimulate investment. “There’s a lot of vacant tracts of land along the expressway’s corridor that would be ideal for industrial and commercial uses,” he said.
Councilor Jack Henderson, whose district also includes a portion of the expressway segment, said that it will be a “vital connection” between north Tulsa and the rest of the city.

The following two construction contracts have reached completion in recent weeks for this segment of the expressway:

1. $14.8 million contract with Sherwood Construction Co. for grading, bridge construction and a trail from Dirty Butter Creek to the Tisdale Parkway – began in 2006, and
2. $9 million contract with Duit Construction Co. for paving, which began in March of this year.

The next portion of the expressway – from the Tisdale Parkway to Edison Street – will be advertised for construction in summer 2009. The first phase will consist of a two-lane parkway between the Tisdale Parkway and 41st West Avenue. Right-of-way will be purchased, however, to allow for future widening of the parkway to four lanes according to increased traffic demand.

Something to look forward to: the $451 million streets package that voters passed in November contains $3 million for Tulsa to use as matching funds to continue expansion of the Gilcrease Expressway. Eventually the expressway will extend south from Edison Street, cross the Arkansas River and connect with Interstate 44 in southwest Tulsa.

The Gilcrease North Expressway was proposed about 50 years ago as part of Tulsa’s original highway system, but due to development toward the south, the project was on the back burner for decades.

Last Friday, a ceremonial ground breaking was held for the new Downtown Tulsa Stadium. Representatives from the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Stadium Trust, Tulsa Drillers, Colorado Rockies, Texas League, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Community Foundation and Downtown Property Owners were all on hand to participate.

The Tulsa Downtown Stadium will be a multi-purpose facility with the prime tenant being the Tulsa Drillers, Double A Minor League team. The stadium will be approximately located on an eight-acre property positioned between Highway I-244 on the North, Archer on the South, Elgin on the West and Greenwood Chamber facility on the East. The stadium will have the capacity to seat approximately 6,500 attendees, including 30 suite boxes and berm seating in the outfield.

Earlier this month, the Tulsa Stadium Trust accepted a construction bid from the Tulsa Stadium Construction Company LLC, consisting of the Tulsa Community Foundation and Manhattan Construction. With financing complete and a construction firm identified, the 6,200-seat stadium is set to open for the 2010 Tulsa Drillers season.

The stadium is being designed to Triple-A specifications, even though the Tulsa Drillers are a Double-A baseball team. “It is being designed in such a way that if at some time a Triple-A team comes, it would be easy to upgrade the stadium,” he said.

The trust has signed a 30-year lease with the Drillers.

Lybarger also said that because of the way the project unfolded, a lot of preliminary work has been done with the HOK Sport architect firm in Kansas, which incorporates energy-efficient construction methods in its projects. He said the hard design is not yet complete.

The stadium will be a multipurpose venue with baseball as the primary use, but during the offseason it will be host to a variety of venues, Lybarger said. SMG, which manages the BOK Center, will help book events for the stadium such as open-air concerts, he said.

Mayor Kathy Taylor hosted the official dedication of Tulsa’s new 911 Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The dedication included a tour led by Division Manager John Hampton. The new facility is located at 801 E. Oklahoma St. in the Lansing Business Park II.

“Thank you all for what you do every day to make our city and county safe. Our first responders are the best in the state,” Mayor Taylor said to those gathered for the dedication.

The Tulsa 911 Center serves the citizens and emergency responders from the City of Tulsa, City of Catoosa, and City of Sperry police departments, as well as the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, Tulsa 911 Center services extend to the City of Tulsa, City of Catoosa, City of Sperry, Berryhill and Oak Grove fire departments. EMSA dispatches ambulances through the Tulsa 911 Center.

“Lives are saved because of what happens in this place,” said John Hampton, Division Manager.

In six to eight months, the new E-911 phone system will be able to locate cell phone callers. The 911 Center also has improved security features: two security checks are required for entrance into the building, and grassy mounds have been placed strategically around the building to prevent a vehicle from ramming into it. The operations center that houses the call takers, computers, telephones and radio equipment is fortified to withstand an EF4 tornado.

Construction of the building was completed in October, and 911 Public Safety Communications personnel have worked in their new facility for just over a month. The $9.3 million construction cost was funded through a 911 fee on phone bills – $8,848,000 – and a Homeland Security grant – $457,000. Aesthetic features include a courtyard with a colorful fountain and framed photographs by the Rev. Sidney Flack.

CHANUKA SERVICES

B’Nai Emunah Congregation

1719 S Owasso Ave,

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

918-583-7121

Sunday, December 28th at 6:00 p.m. Candlelighting ceremony with a 1000 candles. Followed by a traditional feast of potato latkes(pancakes), roast chicken, and pleasing seasonal accompaniments.  Dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 13. Please call the Synagogue for dinner (reservations required).  Following dinner at 7:00 p.m., participants will screen a participatory version of the great 1971 classic “Fiddler on the Roof.” With song lyrics at hand and the dialogue at the bottom of the screen, the audience will be invited to sing along with the score, punctuate the dialogue with witty asides, and customize the script.

Temple Israel

2004 E 22nd Pl,

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114

918-747-1309

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Diversity Christian Fellowship International

Seeing lives changed through the power of Christ

211 South Garnett

Tulsa, Oklahoma

918-437-3434

Sunday, December 28th, Holiday services 11:00 a.m & 5:00 p.m.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 29, 2008 at BOK Center [ get tickets ]

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 29th, 2008

Tickets On Sale Now
Ticket Prices: $56.50, $46.50, $36.50

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock orchestra founded in 1996. The band’s musical style is often described as incorporating progressive rock, symphonic metal, and heavy metal, with influences from classical music. The group frequently tours worldwide, bringing their music to sometimes obscure areas.

TSO is well known for its renditions of traditional Christmas songs. Their most well-known works include such songs as Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 (a rendition of Carol of the Bells), and Wizards in Winter, both of which are popular selections during the Christmas season.

With Trans-Siberian Orchestra, first the music is created with no artificial limitations, and then we seek out within the classical, rock, Broadway and R & B worlds, the very best singers and musicians to bring each song to life. This also in many ways forces us to operate on a higher level. This environment has the additional benefit of causing a cross pollenization of musical ideas, creating hybrid forms of music that normally never would have occurred, such as an R&B singer doing a classical style melody and bringing gospel touches to it that causes it to glitter in ways that even the creators could not have predicted. Another very important aspect in the creation of the band, is that there could be no limits on the members; we mix all races and ages. The young get to mine the experience of the old musicians, while they can’t help to be inspired by the enthusiasm of people just entering the business.

Christmas may be the best known December holiday, but it is not alone. Here are just a few more celebrations of the season:

• Saint Nicholas Day (Christian) — December 6 - Where St. Nicholas is prominent, his day, not Christmas, is the primary gift giving day. Parties may be held on the eve, December 5th, and shoes or stockings left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies. St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself.
• Eid’ul-Adha (Muslim) — December 8 - Commemoration of Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Marks the end of the Pilgrimage or Hajj for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca each year. Eid-Ul-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking ALLAH, Subhanahu wa ta’ala, for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days.
• Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican) — December 12 - On this date, thousands of the faithful from around the country make the most important pilgrimage of all those undertaken during the year to the Basílica of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, where the miraculous image of la Virgen Morena is kept.
• St. Lucia Day (Swedish) — December 13 - This Swedish festival of lights helps to brighten up the long winter nights in December. It celebrates the life of a real saint, Lucia, who was known for her kindness and love.
• Hanukkah (Jewish) — Begins at sundown on December 21 (ends December 29) - With blessings, games, and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs–both religious and military–of ancient Jewish heroes. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year. In the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving tradition. Amid the ever-growing flood of Christmas advertising, it may seem especially fitting that the Hanukkah story tells of Jewish culture surviving in a non-Jewish world.
• Christmas Day(Christian) — December 25 - is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The birth of Jesus, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of dating, is thought to have occurred between 7 and 2 B.C.. December 25 is not thought to be Jesus’ actual date of birth, and the date may have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman festival, or with the winter solstice.
• Boxing Day (Australian, Canadian, English, Irish) — December 26 - a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth of Nations and Greece. It is based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate members of society.
• Kwanzaa (African American) — December 26 to January 1 - Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. It is celebrated for seven days: December 26 - January 1. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.  The kinara is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents the original stalk from which we came: our ancestry.
• Omisoka (Japanese) — December 31 - The Japanese spend days of preparation for Omisoka. The spring cleaning, Osouji, begins in the beginning of December. Keeping with tradition, the Japanese clean their houses, schools and businesses from top to bottom. They settle all debts, obligations and problems in relationships.

Not only are there other holidays to celebrate besides Christmas, there are other ways to celebrate Christmas. In Australia, it’s summertime, so forget the snow and sledding, Aussies are more likely to be grilling and sunbathing for the holidays. Here are just a few of the many places and ways to celebrate the season:

• Australia - where the holidays really heat up!
• Brazil - where the New Year is white…
• Denmark - Santa’s helpers abound!
• France - a crèche explained.
• Hungary - two Christmases in one!
• India - another festival of lights.
• Italy - a mouth-watering memory!
• Japan - make your New Year’s resolutions now…
• Mexico - pull on a blindfold and swing!
• New Zealand - down on the farmlet…
• Scotland - there’s a coin in my cootie!

So, wherever you are and however you celebrate this month…

There’s no need to spend your hard-earned money on gift wrap and bows, especially in challenging economic times. Everything you need – for gift wrap, package decorations and even gift tags, may be found right inside your home!

For boxes use:

Boxes from your check order company
Shoe boxes
Any container or carton, from cereal boxes to oatmeal cylinders and food keepers

For gift wrap, try any number of paper products you may find in your house, including:

Newspapers-This is the easiest, and least creative, way to go green. Use newspaper that is printed on recycled paper. Of course, you may not get any bonus points here for your wrapping sense of style, and if Stacy London of the new TLC show “Fashionably Late” ever got hold of your wrapping paper, you would definitely have to face the wrath! Perhaps you could try to add some flair and use some environmentally friendly crayons to color in the newspaper.
Sales inserts (shiny paper!)
Comic section (colorful)
Magazine pages-Pick out magazine articles that have hints about the gift on the pictures, and play a game with the person receiving the gift. Let them know that they can guess the gift if they use the clues from the wrapping paper! This can be kind of fun!
The “blank” side of unwanted faxes or printed pages-You can actually create your own gift wrap with paper you already have and paint you have left over from painting your house, etc. Just come up with a creative design and go with it!
Paper bags

You probably also have many products made with plastic or wax which may be suitable for wrapping. How about:

Plastic bags
Foil
Cellophane wrap (like Saran)
Shelf paper
Waxed paper
Parchment paper

Decorate plain paper packages with colorful markers or craft paints.
Make bows by cutting papers and bags into strips and tying into bows.
Cut small clusters of berries and tips of fir tree branches to use for package decorations.
Use small toys or items from your junk drawer as eye-catching fun decorations.
Cut designs and figures from shiny silver duct tape and place on packages.
Finally, use the front cover of old holiday cards for gift tags.

Final cost: your time and ingenuity! You’ll create conversations and make memories your family will cherish for years to come!

BOK Center Celebrates Winterfest 2008

Visit Downtown Tulsa this winter season for the inaugural BOK Center Winterfest celebration! Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating beneath the sparkling skyline, enjoy a hot beverage and live entertainment on the plaza, or take a magical carriage ride with your family through the streets of the city.

Now through Dec. 31 there’s plenty of holiday cheer for the entire family on the corner of Third & Frisco in downtown Tulsa. Be a part of Tulsa’s newest winter tradition and enjoy the month-long community celebration filled with the following:

• Outdoor skating at the ARVEST Ice Rink – $8/person (includes skate rentals), $5/person (with your own skates), $5/children under age 3. Group rates and private parties are available. Call 894-4254.
• Magically lit 35-foot holiday tree – Oklahoma’s tallest!
• Delicious concessions
• Horse and carriage rides
• Live outdoor entertainment
• “Skate with Oilers” Night

Visit www.bokcenter.com to view the full Winterfest calendar and daily hours of operation.

BOK Center Wins National Award

Tulsans have one more reason to be proud of its $180 million, state-of-the-art arena that opened in September of 2008. The BOK Center is the winner of the 2008 Prime Site award from Facilities Magazine, the No. 1 source for professional planners of conventions, meetings, entertainment and special events. The BOK Center will be listed as a winner in the 2009 Facilities SuperBook.

For fifteen years, FacilitiesMagazine has bestowed these awards to facilities. 2008 Prime Site Awards are based on the opinions of those in the industry directly involved with site selection, booking agents, promoters, talent buyers and special event planners. An awards ballot ran in a recent issue and online at www.facilitiesonline.com. Any facility that received more than a set number of votes qualified as a Prime Site winner. The criteria included:

• Location
• Functionality
• Technical Capabilities
• Quality of Staff
• Food & Beverage
• Lighting, Sound and Staging
• Other Amenities
• Access/Egress

BOK Center Information
The BOK Center is owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by SMG.  It is best known for the “icon wall” stretching 600 feet in length and reaching 103 feet from the ground to its peak. With 1,200 glass panes, all a unique size, the wall weighs 912,000 pounds and features 66 metal halide lamps that can display 1,000 different colors.

More notable features of the BOK Center are its exterior walls and flooring. The exterior skin of the BOK Center is made up of 31,000 stainless steel panels. The flooring on the main concourse grand staircase features terrazzo flooring, consisting of 70 percent mother of pearl.

Last week Mayor Kathy Taylor joined local justice officials and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to launch Veterans Treatment Court in Tulsa County.

Veterans Treatment Court will be a specialized docket within the Tulsa County Drug Court, targeting veterans charged with non-violent felony offenses. The initial docket launched December 8.

The mayor’s office, the courts and the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration are collaborating in this effort to address the needs of military veterans who are struggling with alcohol or drugs to deal with the aftermath of combat.

According to the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Modern Warfare, nearly 20 percent of military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, or other combat-related issues and turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. All too often they wind up in the criminal justice system.

“With 158 veterans arrested in Tulsa County during the month of October, there is clearly a need for this new therapeutic court,” said Tulsa County Special Judge Sarah Smith. “The Veterans Treatment Court offers a unique partnership between the Veterans Administration, the court system and other veterans’ organizations to provide treatment, compassion and hope to the men and women who served our country and are struggling in the criminal justice system.”

“Veterans Court came together because of a great partnership,” said Mayor Taylor. “VA Medical Center Director Adam Walmus, Judge Sarah Smith, the Tulsa County Drug Court Team, and our office represented by the Mayor’s Liaison for Veterans Affairs Matt Stiner all united to make it a reality. Also, the Veterans Advisory Council worked over the past few months with service officers and veterans’ organizations to bring all of these groups together. Everyone involved deserves our thanks in developing a court that will serve those who served our country,” the mayor added.

The Veterans Court partnership is the latest of many veterans’ initiatives created by the mayor’s office under Taylor, including:

• A Veterans Advisory Council to help improve services to Tulsa-area veterans and active-duty military personnel.
• A Military and Veterans Resource Lounge at Tulsa International Airport.
• Help on the Home Front program.
• Collaboration with Tulsa Community College (TCC) to create the TCC Military and Veterans Resource Center and Lounge at the Metro Campus.
• Veterans Work Force Investment Program to provide classes and workshops, on the job training, and assistance with job placement.
• Launching Operation Patriot Watch in which the Tulsa Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatch keep watch on the homes of active military personnel who request it.

Information on these programs can be found online.