JUL - AUG 2020
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Reuse - Pg. 10 Kathryn C. Johnson Photography
Index Letter From The Editor Introduction New To The Scene: Little Venice Reuse Respite Admin In The Spotlight: Sherry Durkee Redo Reboot Reduce Where are They Now? William R. White Restrategize Interview With Kyle Smith: New President of SSCC
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Well, Sand Springs, here we are. We are at that strange period of time in between crisis and finding a “new normal.” We know that COVID-19 and all of the effects of quarantine are definitely not over, but we aren’t in the heat of it all either. Oklahoma as a whole has set its own pace, reopening the state, businesses, and Oklahoma as a whole has set its own pace, reopening the state, businesses, and the lives of its citizens. This has come with a set of struggles and triumphs in and of itself, but here is what we do know, we know we are ready for a “re.” What on earth is a “re,” you ask? Simply put, it means again. We want our people, again. We want our freedom from fear, again. We want our lives back, AGAIN! It’s that itch we feel in the back of our heads, the want to move forward but the longing for the things that make life worth living again. Everyone knows we can’t move backwards, we can’t move back to a world without COVID-19, we can’t get that time back that was spent in quarantine, but we can respectfully request a redo, a reboot, a respite. As we move forward together in community with one another, we can search for our own “re” to get us out of the inbetween. There are larger forces at work that are inevitably out of our control, but we take the things that we can control, and we work them to good things, only good things. So here’s to you, Sand Springs, let’s join hands, take our “re” and press forward, eyes wide open and full of hope, joy, and gratefulness. Send us a letter or email: 118 N Main St Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810 4 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
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Reb o ot
Since our last issue, businesses have reopened, some people have surrendered mask-wearing, and most of us have stopped hoarding toilet paper. Many Americans are ready to move forward into a new normal: one with hand sanitizer stashed in the glove box, grocery store partitions separating the customer and the clerk, curbside service for dinner, and a contingency plan for public schooling. In this issue, we hear from Sandites who are revising their business plans, diligently creating back-to-school plans, and reusing everyday items for arts and crafts, plus we share a list of fun things to do around town to make up for lost time. As retail business owners, pizza parlors, and drugstores figure out how to best provide goods and services to customers from afar, moms and dads are trying to determine how to approach their office workload from a kitchen stool while their home-forthe-summer children are pleading to do something - anything - that doesn’t involve being at home. Whether you and your family are still hanging mostly at home or things are business as usual for your crew, this particular summer, as peculiar as it is, serves as a reboot: an opportunity to leave behind commitments and obligations that clog your calendar and don’t serve you, and the chance to redefine how you live your life (even if it is, for a little while longer, behind a mask).
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You won’t find meatballs on the menu at Little Venice, but with traditional Italian dishes like arrosto di maiale alla Toscana (roasted Tuscan pork with pasta and vegetables) and capesante e gamberi (scallops and large shrimp with linguini and arugula pesto), the menu offers authentic comfort and simple elegance đ‘ ‹ you won’t even miss the meatballs. With a rotating weekly menu, diners can enjoy the thrill of trying something new at every visit, but for those who prefer something more familiar, the lasagna is a favorite. “People love it,â€? says Candi Munaretto, a co-owner of the recently opened hot spot. For every dish served, Candi says it’s rare to pick up an empty plate at the end of the meal. Candi and Walter Munaretto, residents of Sand Springs for over a decade, opened Little Venice this past spring. Alongside chef Enrique Semira, Walter and his kitchen crew create dishes similar to those served in restaurants overlooking the canals of Venice, while Candi and the front-of-house servers greet their guests with hospitable warmth đ‘ ‹ and a glass of wine or cup of espresso, if they’re up for it. “We only serve Italian wines,â€? Candi says, and with a laugh, she adds, “House rules: If you don’t like it, we’ll drink it for you.â€? Guests have thoroughly enjoyed the wine selection, though, and how it pairs with Little Venice staples. The wine list includes a variety of crisp white wines, full-bodied red wines, and bubbly Champagne. Soft drinks and water are available, as well. Located in downtown Sand Springs, Little Venice looks out at the Triangle. Flanked by two golden-winged lions in the windows, diners can’t miss the restaurant’s bright blue door, reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea. Inside, the painted butter-yellow and chestnut wood walls, mismatched dusty-blue reupholstered chairs, framed family photos, panes of stained glass, and fresh flowers adorning the tables, Little Venice is designed to look like home. But the lively chatter (and the fact that there are no dishes to do at the end of the evening) remind you that you’re out on the town, enjoying a taste of Italy without the hassle of an overnight flight and passing through customs. Ideal for business lunches and date nights alike, Candi and Walter say they’ll always go the extra mile for their guests. It’s the Italian way, after all. “We had a desire in our heart that we both wanted to do this,â€? Candi says, “so here we are.â€?
Dishes range from $10 to $42. Little Venice is located at 208 N. Main and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are required and can be made at 918-514-0134.
August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 7
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R e u s e As parents, we want to give our kids the best experiences possible: enrollment in sleepaway summer camp, family vacations full of new cuisine and educational pit stops, and music lessons with the retired schoolteacher down the street. But when schools and daycares closed during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, many parents discovered they were unprepared to provide continuous activities to keep their children engaged and entertained for 40 hours a week. There’s tons of great shows on Netflix, but nobody needs to watch that much television. Crafts are a great way to encourage your children’s creativity while keeping their minds and hands busy, but with stores closed and online retailers announcing delayed shipping, moms and dads had to figure out how to complete art projects with supplies they could find around the house. With extra toilet paper rolls and empty pop bottles in the recycling bin, parents and their kids were bound to make a masterpiece from extra supplies - and, as it turns out, many did! Here’s how some local moms kept their littles busy during quarantine:
Kathryn C. Johnson Photography 10 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
Kathryn J., mom to Norah (4) and Pax (2), says, “Quarantine has been somewhat of a gift to our family. I have really been working to slow down, do less, and live more from a posture of rest.” For her family, spending so much time outside and enjoying a slower pace of life has been beneficial. She adds, “When things do finally get back to ‘normal,’ I don’t want to rush around doing things all the time. I want to be more selective and spend more time doing less.” One of the art projects Kathryn, Norah, and Pax created was egg tempera paint, which Kathryn learned about from Handcrafts by Ainsley Arment. To make this craft, you’ll need non-toxic colored chalk, egg yolks, water, a paintbrush, paper, and a mortar and pestle or hammer to crush the chalk. “[This craft] is an easy way to repurpose small discarded pieces of colored chalk, and it’s also great if you have eggs that are outdated and would go to waste [if they aren’t used],” Kathryn says. “The pandemic has been a good reminder of not wasting things, and instead using what we need.”
Egg tempera paint Kathryn C. Johnson Photography
Brooke P. and her daughter Amelia (2) made a rainstick using an empty paper towel roll, aluminum foil, dry beans, tape, scratch paper, and crayons. “It’s important to teach kids that you don’t always have to go and purchase new materials to enjoy crafting and art,” Brooke says. “You can save and be intentional with items around your home, [which] protects the environment, is resourceful, and [helps to be] mindful in spending habits.” Brooke, who usually works in an office away from home, says it was a huge blessing to have extra time with Amelia at home “with no agenda.” For Heidi M., being in quarantine wasn’t all that bad. “We had been so busy with school and work and activities that it helped us to slow down and refocus on simple things, like cooking meals and connecting with and taking care of our neighbors and friends.” Heidi and her daughter, Elsie (6), did lots of arts and crafts while they were sheltered in place. One of their favorite art projects was to make tie-dyed t-shirts, kitchen towels, and blankets, which they already had at home, and a Tulip tie-dye kit. “We love using recycled materials when we do crafts, including [using] egg containers and cardboard boxes for paint palettes and [using] old shirts to sew into scrunchies.” Heidi says, “We think it’s important to get as much use as possible out of materials when we can. Small changes add up to making a big difference for our environment.”
RainStick - Brooke P.
Quarantine has had its challenges, but many parents and children are discovering (or re-discovering) the simple joys of making lemonade out of lemons - or, you know, butterflies made with stashed-away coffee filters and pipe cleaners. Tie-Dye crafts - Heidi M. August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 11
respite After a turbulent spring of closed playgrounds and shuttered restaurants, distance learning on the sofa, and hosting office meetings at the kitchen table, our feelings of fear and uncertainty turned to fatigue and restlessness as we wondered how long the shutdowns would last. Now that summer has started and the state has reopened, many of us are looking for respite, which is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. And whether you were simply inconvenienced by the closures or had the unfortunate experience of contracting COVID-19, we can all agree that this past spring was certainly, well, unpleasant. So perhaps you need a moment to yourself or maybe you’re looking for something to do to get the family out of the house. These activities are designed to offer the ultimate R&R after a spring spent on-edge indoors.
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TAKE A WALK AROUND DOWNTOWN Stop at Boulder Coffee for a to-go iced latte, then wander around taking downtown. Put your headphones in to tune into a new podcast, or leave the technology at home and enjoy the sounds of birds tweeting, restaurants opening for the day, and children playing at the Triangle. READ A BOOK ON THE SHORES OF SHELL LAKE Some of us had intentions to start (or finish) a new book during quarantine, but even when time seemed to stretch on forever, most of our nights were spent catching up on housework after days fielding 6th grade science questions between work calls. But now that you’re back in the office and the kids are out of school for the summer, you might have a little time to crack open the novel on your nightstand - and what better place than at Shell Lake? The soothing crash of waves, the distant calls of birds… maybe the book can wait, afterall… because a long nap sounds nice, too. PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF AT THE CANYONS AT BLACKJACK RIDGE It worked out well that the renovations at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge overlapped with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that caused statewide shutdowns, but now that some of the restrictions are lifted and the 18-hole course is set to open in August, many of us are dusting off our clubs in anticipation of playing the new and improved greens.
GO ON A HIKE AT KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST Because the 1,360 acre nature preserve just outside of Sand Springs is operated by volunteer trail guides, the forest was closed to visitors this past spring. Now that open hikes are back on the calendar, grab a canteen of water and set out for an adventure amongst the 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old oak trees.
HAVE LUNCH AT WINN’S ON THE WATER Ever had a cajun club on a floating marina? It’s a slight upgrade from your run-of-themill turkey sandwich eaten hastily over your laptop. Drive out to Pier 51 for everything from bacon cheese fries to ribeyes. Enjoy the salty breeze and lakeside views while you dine.
PITCH A TENT AT KEYSTONE STATE PARK Typically, our regular routines take us everywhere from the coffee shop to the dry cleaner to the baseball field. But while we sheltered in place during the outbreak of COVID-19, most of us just saw the same four walls: our homes. And while we are fortunate to have a place to shelter safely and comfortably, sometimes a chance of scenery can be nice. Pack your tent and set up at Keystone State Park, which features picturesque views, a fishing pond, park playgrounds, picnic areas, and outdoor grills. Even Fido can come, too, since pets are welcome. While our homes are where we usually find respite, this summer most of us are eager to get out of the house for a bit. And once we feel restored and have finished our adventures, we can retreat once more to our home sweet homes. August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 13
If you ask Sherry Durkee about being the recipient of the 2020 OASA District 5 Superintendent of the Year award, she will immediately give credit to the teachers and staff in her school district. “Our teachers and staff are innovative and collaborative team players,” Sherry said. “I’m honored to be nominated by my colleagues, but my team makes it happen.” Sherry Durkee just completed her fourth year as the superintendent of Sand Springs Public Schools. In four short years, Sherry has navigated floods, gas leaks, construction, and a global pandemic, and in June, she was recognized by her colleagues for her commitment and diligence. “I love a good challenge,” Sherry said. With the continued spread of the novel coronavirus, Sherry has her work cut out for her - and she’s got a plan. The 2020-2021 school year is expected to begin August 18th. “We will start as normal as we can, to the best of our abilities with parameters in place that follow the current recommendations.” Sherry said she a nticipates there will be intermittent disruptions as the school year progresses, like children who are unable to attend in-person because of exposure. “We’re prepared for that,” Sherry said, “and we will continue to offer instruction and engagement for everyone.” “Whether the students are here in the traditional setting or have segments of distant learning, we’re going to continue serving our students and meeting the needs of the public,” Sherry said.
“Whether the students are here in the traditional setting or have segments of distant learning, we’re going to continue serving our students and meeting the needs of the public” 14 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
Sand Springs Public Schools began operating a virtual academy in 2011, which served some K-12 students in a virtual format. “So, we set the stage for [distance learning] several years ago,” Sherry said. There may be opportunities, too, for students who are participating in the virtual format but require inperson tutoring. “We have space to create a sociallydistant learning environment, [so kids can] come in and receive an individualized approach to learning.” “We have unbreakable standards,” Sherry said, “and I’m proud of where we are and where we’re going.” “I’m grateful to my regional colleagues for this honor,” Sherry said about the 2020 OASA District 5 Superintendent of the Year award. “And I couldn’t be more proud of our team.” The community of Sand Springs is blessed to have an award-winning superintendent dedicated to its students and their success. Whatever Sherry’s fifth year as superintendent holds, she and her team are prepared.
August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 15
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1
Sit in the window at Napoli’s sharing eggplant rollatini with a friend.
6
Sip a cold brew latte at Boulder Coffee while reading a new book.
2
Hike the Keystone Ancient Forest (while trying to spot deer,eagles, or butterflies).
3
Lament how much we missed the Herbal Affair & Festival, then message some of the vendors on Facebook to see if there are other ways to support them this summer.
4
Have a romantic candle-lit dinner with your spouse at the newlyopened Little Venice. One large bowl of pappardelle ai funghi with two forks, please. And pomodoro e mozzarella to start, of course!
5
Toast your Charles Page High School graduate with strawberry shakes at Boomerang.
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Explore the new exhibits at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.
Take our time browsing the shelves at OkieSpice & Trade Co. and grabbing some El Rancho Mexican Relish and some Black Peppercorn Cheddar.
9
A round of golf at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge with some buddies.
10
Play the slots and have a beer under the blinking lights at Osage Casino.
11
Enjoy a slow Saturday morning breakfast with a grandparent at Crescent Cafe.
12 Check out a few garage sales for bargains, like a $2 croquet set or $0.50 novel.
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Play on the splash pad at Case Community Park. Don’t forget the sunscreen! August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 17
I
reboot
t is rare to have the opportunity to truly revel in quiet moments in a culture where productivity and efficiency are revered. For most Sandites, being in quarantine was hardly a break - particularly those who are essential workers or who suddenly found themselves working from home having video calls with colleagues alongside their children’s math class Zoom meetings (all without having the option of an easy drive-thru dinner, of course, because all the restaurants were closed, too). Even through the fear, confusion, and how-many-more-days-can-we-do-this glances at your spouse, though, many of us found some parts of quarantine re-energizing.
its hardships, but between the difficulties, many Sandites found pockets of time to explore things that gave them renewed energy, whether an old pastime or a new hobby. “Quarantine let me catch up on some much-needed sleep,” said Ethan Sartin, a 2020 graduate of Charles Page High School. “It also made me realize how lazy I had been, so to reboot, I’ve been working out more and hanging out with friends.”
For Ryan Bogle, a senior investment analyst who graduated from Charles Page High School in 2007, quarantine has been an opportunity to reevaluate relationships and Sheltering in place at home wasn’t without become reacquainted with former pastimes.
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“The lockdown magnified the fact that I was not spending enough time connecting regularly with family and friends. The inability to get together with others in person has made my desire to build existing and new relationships stronger than ever before,” Ryan said. “Whether reconnecting with an old friend or getting to know my co-workers on a more personal level, there are so many ways we can enrich our relationships and our lives.” Whether it's time spent with friends or getting out and about town, Sandites across town have been participating in activities of all kinds to reboot their systems. While some people need to connect, some prefer looking inwards for their boost of energy. Some have even taken up different hobbies, like Youtube Yoga or guided mindfulness. Others created a new morning routine or discovered a love of cooking, while some started or continued craft projects and even started new businesses from their creations. “Quarantine gave me the opportunity to start a small business [featuring] keychains, vinyl stickers, and front door hangers,” said Mackenzie Bechtold, another 2020 graduate of Charles Page High School. “Crafting has always been something I've enjoyed, but I never had the chance to fully pursue it.” For many of us, it took a quarantine to let go of commitments that dominated our calendars. When we need a break, life finds a way. Life’s funny like that.
August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 19
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Welcome to the dog days of summer - the hottest time of the year in Sand Springs. And while we humans can keep cool with a quick dip in the pool or a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade, our furry friends need a little help from us making sure they don’t overheat. Here are five ways to keep your pet safe this summer: 1. Know the signs of overheating in pets Drooling, vomiting, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, and mild weakness are common symptoms of heatstroke. Other signs may include seizures, bloody diarrhea, or an elevated temperature. The condition may cause permanent organ damage, so it’s important to call us if your dog or cat is exhibiting symptoms of overheating. Keep in mind that animals with flat faces, such as bulldogs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to overheating because they can’t pant as effectively as other breeds. 2. Take walks during the morning or evening Because midday tends to be the warmest part of the day and the pavement heats up quickly, it’s best to get your dog’s exercise in early or late. To make your daily stroll with your pup even more enjoyable, try going during sunrise or sunset. (Oklahoma is known for its gorgeous skies, after all!) 3. Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle Even with the windows cracked, the temperature can soar to 120° in a matter of minutes. Your pet can easily experience heatstroke, and even leaving the air conditioner running isn’t a failsafe. Instead, always bring your pet indoors when you’re out and about or arriving home. 4. Haircuts are okay, but don’t shave your pet The layers of fur on your dog or cat’s coats protects them from sunburn and overheating, so shaving their fur is counterproductive. Your pet only needs a trim, and regularly grooming and brushing your pets is the best way to help them stay cool. 5. Provide extra water that your pet can easily access Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, so offering plenty of fresh water is key. (Don’t be surprised if you have to refill their bowl a couple times each day!) You can even toss a few ice cubes in your dog’s water dish for some refreshing entertainment. Remember that if you feel hot, your pet probably does, too! If you have questions about your pet and their health this summer, call us anytime at 918-245-VETS.
August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 21
reduce
Life is full of variables, and it can be impossible to determine which path you choose will prompt the results you’re after. If you frequently stay at the office past five, you could earn a promotion. Or if you enroll your son in soccer as soon as he can walk, he could become a D1 recruit. Or you could spend every evening at the office and never receive a promotion, or your son may eventually say he doesn’t want to play anymore. During quarantine, many of us experienced a shift in priorities, especially when the offices closed and little league was indefinitely cancelled. While we were holed up at home, many of us were able to redefine our priorities and decide what we wanted to leave behind when we re-emerged from quarantine.
“Having a chance to slow down for a bit, I had the opportunity to really reflect on what is most important to me,” said Ryan Bogle, a senior investment analyst who graduated from Charles Page High School in 2007. 22 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
“My attention has shifted from working grueling hours in hopes of future financial comfort to focusing on having gratitude for the many wonderful things I already have in my life.” Among them, Ryan said, “[I am thankful for] my amazing wife, the baby girl we are expecting in October, and my family, friends, and health.” Mackenzie Bechtold, a recent graduate of Charles Page High School, said, without as many commitments, she’s had “more time to do the things that need to be done, [like] spending more quality time with my sister and loved ones.”
“I didn't drop anything necessarily, instead the [pause] has given me a chance to reinvent how we do education." -Sherry Durkee
"I've had more time to do the things that need to be done, [like] spending more quality time with my sister and loved ones.” - Mackenzie Bechtold For Sherry Durkee, the superintendent of Sand Springs Public Schools, life isn’t much different than it was before the outbreak of COVID-19. “I didn’t drop anything necessarily,” Sherry said. “Instead, the [pause] has given me a chance to reinvent how we do education.” “One thing that is blatantly clear,” Sherry said, “is the need to be able to facilitate change and still deliver quality. Preparedness is key, and we have to be ready for what the future brings.” Sherry continued, “Life is full of obstacles, so it’s critical to teach our kids to problem-solve and think critically. It’s become very urgent to prepare
our generation for what life will bring. We have to do this in real time, so we have been busy making these accommodations for our kids, [who are] the next generation.” Every Sandite has had a different experience during quarantine, which comes with differing challenges and realizations. Maybe it’s still important to pull long hours at the office. Perhaps it’s worthwhile to find a private soccer coach for a little one. The most important thing, then, is to realize what works for you and what doesn’t. Leave behind the things that don’t serve you. Forget the things you can that continuously make you feel stressed or weary. It’s said that how we spend our days is how we spend our lives. It’s apparent that Ryan, Mackenzie, and Sherry, are all living well: committed to improving and enriching their lives and the lives of those they care about most - even if that means an entire school district of students, teachers, and staff. August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 23
Where Are They Now? William R. White “I look back on life in Sand Springs, in terms of people who didn’t give up on me and valued me,â€? said Dr. William “Billâ€? White, a 1965 graduate of Charles Page High School, “and I see the tremendous impact my teachers had on me. They really made a huge difference in my life.â€? Dr. White’s career took him all over the state and his volunteer work took him all over the country đ‘ ‹ but it all started in 7th grade when he qualified for honors-level Algebra I. “That event really shaped my high school years,â€? Dr. White said. “I was a B student in math, but they placed me in the honors program and I had to really work.â€? “Being in that program connected me with some wonderful contacts,â€? Dr. White said, “like classmates who influenced me to really value my education.â€? When Dr. White was in 9th grade, Coach Buck Weaver brought him on as the team manager and later the sports trainer at Charles Page High School. Toward the end of his senior year, Coach Bobby Lyons and Coach Thurman Garrett intervened on Dr. White’s behalf to help him become a student trainer at Oklahoma State University. “That was a big step in my life,â€? Dr. White said, “to get to go to Oklahoma State University on a full scholarship.â€? Dr. White majored in education and said, “Being an athletic trainer gave me so many opportunities to travel and meet phenomenal athletes and coaches.â€? While he was at Oklahoma State University, he was called to duty for the United States Army. When he returned home, he went back to Oklahoma State University and married Pat Griffin. “She was a dynamic school teacher and a wonderful mother to our two daughters,â€? Dr. White said. (Today, Dr. White and the late Mrs. White’s children are college-level educators in Oklahoma and Mississippi.) After graduation, Dr. White became an elementary school principal, which he said was “the best job anyone 24 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
could ever have.� He had a yearning in his heart, though, to become a superintendent, and with the help of Dr. Don Graves, Dr. White started his doctorate at Oklahoma State University. His first superintendent position was at Deer Creek Schools, a small country district, in 1984. “I had a great opportunity to be a school leader there,� Dr. White said, and after nine years, he was hired by Ponca City Schools to be superintendent there. He was superintendent there for a decade and said he had some delightful experiences.
“I look back on life in Sand Springs, in terms of people who didn’t give up on me and valued me, and I see the tremendous impact my teachers had on me. They really made a huge difference in my life.�
In 2004, Dr. White retired but was immediately called to serve as interim superintendent three times. “Being able to go in and help struggling districts was immensely rewarding,” Dr. White said. He became a lobbyist for the School Superintendent Association, too, and began volunteering with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. Today, Dr. White lives in Edmond, Oklahoma and is a full-time volunteer with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. His primary responsibility is feeding people who have been impacted by tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires. With Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, Dr. White has travelled to New Orleans, Texas, Colorado, New York, Haiti, and his hometown of Sand Springs. “It is a real blessing to be able to help people,” Dr. White said. With his Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Team, he shares the gospel and prays over the people whose lives have been impacted, praying for their strength to endure the traumatic weather event and offering hope through a hot meal. Though Dr. White no longer lives in Sand Springs, he continues to follow the Sand Springs School District and said he is impressed with Ms. Sherry Durkee’s leadership. (Editor’s note: Read an article about an award Ms. Durkee recently received on page 14.) “It’s a pretty exciting place,” Dr. White said, “and I am so thankful for so many outstanding teachers who invested in me and gave me the opportunity to be successful.” Dr. White encourages the class of 2020 to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. “Go make some things happen,” Dr. White said. “You’ve got a wonderful foundation having attended Charles Page High School, so build on that and see where it will take you.” “My whole life has been shaped by educators, and I’m so thankful for what they’ve done,” Dr. White said. For the students who are about to start their high school career at Charles Page High School, Dr. White said: “Be bold. Don’t think in terms of minimums. Get out there and take advantage of all the opportunities that lie ahead of you.”
“Be bold. Don’t think in terms of minimums. Get out there and take advantage of all the opportunities that lie ahead of you.”
August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 25
restrategize When someone is in the process of building and opening a small business, they may mentally draft responses to certain commerce woes like a slow business day or even a petty thief, but most couldn’t imagine how they would tackle closing indefinitely during a global pandemic - it’s not exactly a textbook small business issue. On March 20th, an emergency meeting was called that prompted the cancellation of church services, the shuttering of dine-in restaurants, and the closures of gyms, salons, and clubs. Overnight, businesses in Sand Springs and across the country had to figure out how to adapt - and they did. As business owners in Sand Springs have proved over the years through tornadoes and city-wide flooding, they’re a resilient bunch. Here’s how some Sandite small businesses pivoted during COVID-19, and how they’ve continued serving their customers 26 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
despite the challenges they’ve faced. OkieSpice and Trade Co. opened in their new location at the end of December 2019, but by midMarch, they were mandated to close. While closed, Kim and Steve Zieg, the owners of OkieSpice and Trade Co., began offering curbside service for some items and redesigned their website to accommodate online inventory. At the end of April, they reopened for instore shopping and curbside service. Known for their rubs, dips, sauces, and salsas, OkieSpice and Trade Co. reopened at the end of April with new options: essential items, speciality boxes, and produce kits filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. The first day, the produce selection sold out. Now, the mom-and-pop shop has added more offerings, like family meat packs, inventive cheese flavors, and even locally-made hand sanitizer.
While some businesses closed, others remained opened and immediately implemented new procedures and offerings, especially because of product shortages across the country. Due to limited supply, Coble’s Flowers was unable to procure many of the flowers they usually stock, including roses. But Sandites still wanted floral arrangements, and Shawnda Gaghins and her team came up with a solution: designer’s choice arrangements. “Our customers trusted us with giving a price range they were comfortable spending, and we designed and did our thing from there,” Shawnda said. The company also introduced “touchless delivery” and curbside pick-up, as well as a couple fun offerings like Easter baskets and build-your-own-terrarium packages. Birthday arrangements were and continue to be a big hit, too. Now that restrictions have lifted, the team at Coble’s Flowers intends to offer its touchless delivery by request and continue its curbside pick-up service, plus the team will maintain its adherence to guidelines set in place by the Centers for Disease Control.
“We want to thank our customers for pushing us through the most difficult times,” Shawnda said. “We also want to thank you for trusting us with your tributes to loved ones while you were [unable] to attend funeral services.” “We take pride in what we do,” Shawnda continued, “and it’s the highest compliment when you choose us to show your love.” At Spoon Drug, lines in the drive-thru remained long throughout the quarantine period, but it allowed the team to offer no-contact pharmaceutical care, especially for those who needed continued care for health issues like elevated blood pressure or who needed treatment for arthritic pain. In mid-April, an anonymous citizen placed a yard sign in the Spoon Drug parking lot that read: THANK YOU ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES! WE APPRECIATE YOU! Because of the pandemic, many business owners were forced to shift their plans and offerings, and luckily, Sandites showed up with full support for local businesses throughout Sand Springs.
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Meet Kyle Smith 28 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
W
ith a laundry list of impressive professional experiences and achievements, Kyle Smith’s work has taken him from Chicago, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan, and now: Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Kyle is the new president of the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and a great fit for the role. “I was looking for opportunities to utilize my skill set,” Kyle said, “and looking for an organization that could encapsulate what I bring to the table - and this is a match made in heaven.” “The reception I’ve received with people welcoming me and congratulating me,” Kyle said, “has been amazing.” Kyle said he’s still getting to know the area and that he has been floored by the town’s history and the influence of Charles Page. “It’s been incredible,” he said.
pull, there has to be a push, so eventually we’ll swing back to the positive.” Danielle Myers, an executive board member for the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, said, “The community of Sand Springs should be excited to have Kyle Smith representing them, and I would encourage everyone to come alongside the Chamber as we focus on the future” “I’m open to receiving everything Sand Springs has to offer,” Kyle said. “And in return, I want to be the best president for the people.”
“We’re all in this together. If you need resources, we’re here for you. We may not always have the answers, but we have the next step and we’re prepared to provide value.”
Given current events both in our community and nationwide, Kyle certainly has his work cut out for him as he navigates the role in the midst of one of the largest pandemics in history. Kyle had a running start, and the work continues. “We’re taking a look at the Chamber’s infrastructure,” Kyle said, “and finding ways to make it more innovative and more efficient for our business partners in the area.” One goal Kyle has with recommendation from Mayor Jim Spoon is more retail opportunities within the Chamber. “We are working to make the Chamber more robust so we can be a leading force in the community.” “We’re all in this together,” Kyle said. “If you need resources, we’re here for you. We may not always have the answers, but we have the next step and we’re prepared to provide value.” With veracious optimism, Kyle said, “Better days are ahead. Balance is everything, right? With every August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 29
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August 2020| WeAreSandSprings.com 31
32 WeAreSandSprings.com | July 2020
