LINC UP by OS4CA

Ready to Grow, Tulsa?
As you dig into your spring gardens and flower beds, don’t forget the City of Tulsa offers FREE mulch to Tulsa residents to help your plants thrive!

Mulch:
-Helps retain soil moisture
-Reduces weeds
-Keeps your garden and flower beds looking great

Grab your free mulch at the City Mulch Site, available to all Tulsa residents. Let’s grow a greener Tulsa together!

Location: 2100 N. 145th E. Ave.
Hours of Operations: Monday - Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday - Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on City Holidays
For more information visit cityoftulsa.org/mulch

🗓️ - TODAY, Saturday, March 21st, 12pm-5pm
📍 - Gathering Place - ONEOK Boathouse

Experience the beauty and traditions of Japan at Global Gatherings: Japan, an immersive cultural celebration TODAY from noon to 5 p.m.

Guests will enjoy a 360-degree view of live Japanese art demonstrations, including work by Gyotaku artist Dwight Hwang, whose art has been featured by Patagonia, Forbes and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Don't miss Shōgun’s own Yoshi Amao! He’ll be showcasing his mastery of Tate swordwork and taking us behind the scenes of the hit show.

The event also features a mini-convention–style experience with anime drawing workshops, interactive panels and a Japanese art market. Timed with cherry blossom season, the park becomes a vibrant cultural setting that blends traditional Japanese art with contemporary pop culture.

Outdoor experiences include self-guided forest bathing stations and a colorful hanging pinwheel display on the King Post Bridge, offering a seasonal backdrop for photos.

Designed for anime enthusiasts, families and cultural explorers alike, Global Gatherings: Japan offers a unique opportunity to connect Oklahoma audiences with the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Japan.

Partners for Global Gatherings: Japan include the Oklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation, Tulsa Global Alliance, the City of Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission, and the Tulsa Japanese Friendship Club.

Global Gatherings: Japan is free to attend thanks to the Explore & Imagine program at Gathering Place, which is funded by the Public Service Company of Oklahoma Foundation.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3225915914256293

🌅 Daylight Saving Time Begins Tonight ⏰

A quick community reminder from LINC UP: Daylight Saving Time begins tonight. At 2:00 AM, clocks will move forward one hour, meaning we’ll all lose an hour of sleep :( but gain longer daylight in the evenings!

While the change can feel small, it’s a good opportunity to take care of a few quick household checks:
• Update clocks and devices that don’t change automatically

Seasonal changes like this are a small reminder of how our routines shift with the year. Longer evenings also mean more opportunities for community events, outdoor gatherings, and spending time with friends, neighbors, and family!

If you’re part of a local organization, club, or community group, it’s also a great time to start thinking about upcoming spring activities and ways to stay connected.

🌱 Here’s to brighter evenings and a new season ahead.

Black History Month begins today, and in Tulsa, this month carries special meaning. Our city’s story is inseparable from our past and made possible from the contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black Tulsans, past and present.

Honoring Black history isn’t just about reflecting on where we’ve been but it’s about understanding how that history shapes who we are today and where we’re headed as a community.

This month, let’s take time to learn, to listen, and to keep doing the work of moving Tulsa forward together.

The Weekend Roundup is here!

This weekend in Tulsa is packed with culture, sports, theater, and community experiences.

From museum screenings and live hockey to Tulsa Asia Fest, flea markets, and family-friendly programming, there’s something happening across the city all weekend.

View the full weekend roundup or submit an Event:
🔗 oklahomaculture.org/localevents

Tulsa Asia Fest is more than a festival: it’s a public space where culture, education, and community meet.

As part of the festival’s Educational Fair, OS4CA will be on site with cultural facts, educational materials, and curated artifacts that help connect tradition, history, and contemporary community life. Experiences like this strengthen Tulsa’s cultural ecosystem by creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and shared understanding.

If you’re attending this weekend, take time to explore the Educational Fair and engage with the stories behind the celebration.

🌏🎉 This weekend: Tulsa Asia Fest is in downtown Tulsa. 🎉🌏

In just a few days, The Asian Affairs Commission will transform the Arvest Convention Center into a celebration of culture, food, performance, art, and community. From live performances and demonstrations to immersive cultural experiences and educational opportunities, the festival is one of Tulsa’s most vibrant new cultural gatherings of the year.

Don’t miss the Educational Fair, where cultural learning goes in depth.

OS4CA will be there as Cultural Hosts, presenting a hands-on table of cultural facts, educational materials, and curated artifacts designed for conversation, discovery, and context. If you have some time, stop by and explore with us.

📅 January 31 3-8PM
📍 Downtown Arvest Convention Center
🔗 Festival info: https://www.tulsaasiafest.com/
🔗 OS4CA: https://www.oklahomaculture.org/

We’ll see you at Tulsa Asia Fest!

See Upcoming Events OS4CA will be taking part in: https://www.oklahomaculture.org/events
See Local Events in Tulsa: https://www.oklahomaculture.org/localevents

The City of Tulsa is preparing for a prolonged period of extreme cold and a winter storm expected to impact the area beginning late Thursday night and continuing through the weekend.

Forecasts indicate temperatures are likely to remain below freezing for more than 80 consecutive hours starting late Thursday night, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed to the elements - particularly individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition, a winter storm system is expected to move into the region beginning Friday and persist through the early morning hours of Sunday, bringing the potential for hazardous travel conditions.

Weather Outlook
• Extreme Cold: Late Thursday night through Monday - Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for an extended period, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Winter Storm: Friday through early Sunday morning - Precipitation may begin as a mix before transitioning to all snow late Friday into Saturday. Multiple inches of snow are possible, and travel conditions may rapidly deteriorate.

• Travel Impacts: Even with proactive and continuous treatment efforts, travel will be hazardous during periods of snowfall, especially when snowfall rates are heavy. Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

Street Preparations
City of Tulsa Public Works crews are closely monitoring forecast updates and preparing for winter operations.

• Crews may begin treating roadways with brine as early as Thursday night, depending on the timing and type of precipitation.
o If rain precedes winter precipitation, brine may not be used.
• Once the response starts, crews will be on 24-hour operations, working 12-hour shifts throughout the duration of event.
• As conditions warrant, crews will transition from pretreatment operations to plowing and continuous snow response efforts.

Residents should remember that during winter storms, road conditions can remain hazardous regardless of treatment efforts. If you see City plows or treatment vehicles, keep your distance and never attempt to pass them while they are working.

The City of Tulsa is responsible for all clearing snow and ice from:
• All arterial (main) streets, including bridges, hills and overpasses
• Gilcrease Expressway (excluding the Turnpike section)
• L.L. Tisdale Expressway

Other highways (i.e. 169, BA Expwy, I-244, Creek Turnpike) are maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Additionally, Tulsa's neighborhood streets are generally left untreated (excluding hospital access streets) due to the focus on main roads and emergency routes.

For a complete list of the City's assets to combat winter precipitation, in addition to a map of the City's snow and ice routes, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/winterpreparedness

Homeless Outreach & Shelter Operations
The City of Tulsa, in coordination with the A Way Home for Tulsa Continuum of Care (AWH4T), Housing Solutions, and local shelter partners, is ramping up efforts to protect vulnerable residents during this dangerous cold period.

Outreach teams will deploy throughout the city to move individuals experiencing homelessness into shelters and out of life-threatening conditions. Metro Link Tulsa is partnering with Housing Solutions Tulsa to offer shuttle service to emergency shelter locations.

Winter Weather Shelters (Open 24/7)
The following shelters will be open 24/7 during this weather event. Pets are accepted where noted.

• John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave.
• Salvation Army Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver Ave.
• Tulsa Day Center, 415 W. Archer St.
Pets accepted (limited capacity)
• CREOKS Winter Shelter (new winter weather shelter), 7216 E. Admiral Blvd.
Pets accepted
Capacity 250 (from Friday – Sunday night)
• Tulsa Dream Center West (emergency shelter), 4122 W. 55th Pl.
Pets accepted
Capacity 150 (from 2 p.m. Friday - Sunday night)

AWH4T and Housing Solutions will work with each shelter to assess needs and capacity. City/County emergency management operations will work in close coordination with shelter providers and partners throughout the duration of the event.

Metro Link Tulsa will offer free fare service on Saturday and Sunday pending ability to operate service.

Animal Safety
City ordinances require that when temperatures fall below 25 degrees, animals must be provided with shelter capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees. Tulsa Animal Services strongly recommends bringing pets indoors during periods of extreme cold.

If indoor space is limited, animals may be sheltered in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garages to protect them from exposure.

Cold Weather Safety & Preparedness Reminders

Residents are encouraged to:
• Limit time outdoors and dress in layers when exposure is unavoidable
• Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
• Operate generators outdoors only
• Never use ovens or grills as heating sources
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with limited mobility

To protect property and improve safety, residents should:
• Pre-locate their City water meter can in case of frozen or busted pipes, as the snow can make meter cans hard to find
• Turn off all lawn water sprinkler systems

Extended cold weather can also lead to waterline breaks. Residents can:
• Check the City’s Waterline Break Board at www.cityoftulsa.org/breakboard
• Report unlisted breaks by calling (918) 596-9488

For more safety tips, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/weather

Service Impacts
• Trash & Recycling
While there are no service impacts, yet, the timing of winter weather and the effect it has on neighborhood streets late Friday (and lingering snow into the next week) could affect our haulers' ability to safely make collections. Keep an eye on the City's social media channels and website for updates as the winter storm progresses.

• Bulky Waste Service
Friday, January 23 - Service is rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 30
Monday, January 26 - Service is rescheduled to Saturday, Jan. 31

Facility Hours & Closings
No closings or hours adjustments have been determined, yet, for Tulsa City Hall, the Tulsa Animal Services Shelter, Tulsa Parks' Community Centers, or Tulsa Municipal Court. Keep an eye on the City's social media channels and website for updates as the winter storm progresses.

• Tulsa Mulch Site
The Tulsa Mulch Site will be closed for drop-offs on Saturday and Sunday.

• Household Pollutant Collection Facility
Closed on Saturday. The facility will reopen on the next operating day (Wednesday, Jan. 28).

Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Tulsa website, www.cityoftulsa.org, and official City social media channels for:
• Weather and travel updates
• Service impacts (i.e. trash/recycling, closings)
• Shelter and warming stations information
• Situational updates

💬 Want to get involved with OS4CA?

We’ve re-launched our OS4CA Staffing page, outlining the different ways to support the organization both through event volunteering and year-round roles that help keep our programs, events, and community initiatives running.

We’re currently sharing Support Staff, Department Specialist, and Department Head roles for review as we continue building teams across communications, community engagement, logistics, programming and more.

If you’re interested in contributing your skills, learning more about how we operate, or exploring deeper involvement beyond a single event, this is a great place to start.

🔗 Visit the Staffing page to learn more: www.oklahomaculture.org/staffing
📧 Interested in a role? Reach out to [email protected]

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Event volunteering remains event-specific and is listed on individual event pages.